Showing 28 results for Quality of Life
Nasrin Alipour Hamze Kandi , Dr Ali Zeinali,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (11-2017)
Abstract
Background: Psychological characteristics affect the quality of life. This study aimed at determining the relationship between personal characteristics, internal locus of control , psychological hardiness and nurses’ quality of life.
Methods: In this correlation study, 297 nurses were selected based on Curgesy and Morgan table via multistage cluster sampling among 1023 nurses of the public hospitals of the Urmia city in the year 2015. All of them filled out the questionnaires of personality characteristics (including neuroticism, extroversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness), internal locus of control, psychological hardiness and quality of life. The data was analyzed by correlation and multiple regression methods with step-by-step model.
Results: The findings showed a significant negative relationship between neuroticism and the nurses’ quality of life. Furthermore , there was a positive correlation between extroversion, openness, agreeableness , conscientiousness , internal locus of control, psychological hardiness and their quality of life. Among the predictor variables, psychological hardiness, neuroticism, internal locus of control and openness could meaningfully predict 64.7% of the changes of nurses’ quality of life. (P<0.01).
Conclusion: According to the results, by increasing the psychological hardiness, internal locus of control and openness and by decreasing the neuroticism, the nurses’ quality of life could be increased.
Dr Khadijeh Hatamipour, Fatemeh Hoveida, Dr Flora Rahimaghaee, Dr Nahid Babaeiamiri, Dr Jamal Ashoori,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (11-2017)
Abstract
Background: Nurses are responsible for maintaining and improving the health and quality of life of patients. Therefore, it is important to assess the quality of life of nurses in order to improve it. Quality of life is affected by many variables and among them burnout, perceived social support and psychological hardiness are the leading ones. This study aimed at predicting the quality of life of nurses based on job burnout, perceived social support and psychological hardiness.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on nurses working in governmental hospitals in Tehran , 2015. Four-hundred nurses were selected by multistage cluster sampling. The instruments were burnout, perceived social support, psychological hardiness and quality of life questionnaires. The data was analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression model simultaneously.
Results: The results showed that the burnout and quality of life of the nurses had a significant and negative relationship (r=-0.39) and the perceived social support (r =0.61) and psychological hardiness (r =0.45) had a positive and significant correlation with quality of life of nurses (P<0.01). In a predictive model of burnout, perceived social support and psychological hardiness could predict 59.3 percent of the changes in quality of life (R2=0.593).
Conclusion: According to the results, it is suggested that nursing executives, counselors, therapists and policy makers pay attention to the signs and the effects of these variables , and conduct some appropriate programs for improving the quality of life of nurses.
Phd Sajad Basharpoor , Msc Hadis Heidarirad , Phd Esmael Soleimani, Msc Behroz Degdar,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (11-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: High quality of life during the pregnancy is of great importance for both mother and the fetus. In order to identify factors affecting the quality of life of pregnant women, this study was conducted to show the role of health promoting behaviors in predicting the quality of life of pregnant women.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study. Statistical population consisted of all pregnant women who had referred to the Health Centers of Gilan-e Gharb City for receiving the prenatal care from March 2013 to September 2013, of whom, 90 people were selected by purposive non-random sampling method and data were collected by questionnaires of Health Promoting and Short Form 36 Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36). The data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.
Results: The mean and standard deviation age (SD) of the pregnant women was 26.72 ± 4.45. There was a positive relationship between quality of life of pregnant women and an overall score of health promoting behaviors and variables of heath responsibility, good nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships and stress management (P<0.005). Regression analysis also showed that 37% of the total variance in the quality of life of pregnant women is explained by interpersonal behaviors.
Conclusion: Results of this study show that health responsibility, good nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships and stress management improve quality of life of pregnant women. Of these styles, interpersonal relationships play an important role in predicting quality of life. These results highlight the importance of training the health promoting behaviors notably effective interpersonal relationships during pregnancy.
Zahra Nikmanesh, Elham Khagebafgi, Behjat Kalantari,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (7-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: Quality of life is an important issue in chronic diseases, especially in cancer. Considering the religion in quality of life is important. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the role of religious coping in predicting the quality of life dimensions in patients with breast cancer.
Methods: The study was a descriptive- correlation. The study population was the patients with breast cancer referred to the referral medical center of Kerman city in 2015. The sample included 121 patients who were selected by available sampling method. The variables were measured using the religious coping questionnaire and the quality of life questionnaire for breast cancer patients. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and Step-Wise Regression Test.
Results: The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between functional dimension with religious activities, benevolent assessment, and active religious activities. The symptoms dimension had an inverse and significant relationship with religious activities. There was also a positive and significant relationship between the general health dimension with religious activities, benevolent assessments and active religious activities. The regression analysis indicated that benevolent assessment was a predictor for functional dimension (Beta=0.26). ReIigious activities were an inverse predictor for symptoms dimension (Beta= - 0. 1 8), and active religious activities were a predictor for general health quality of life (Beta=0.31).
Conclusion: The dimensions of positive religious coping including religious activities, benevolent assessment, active religious activities can improve the quality of life of patients with breast cancer in functional, symptoms and general health dimension.
Keywords: religion, quality of life, breast cancer
Zahra Royani, Mahboubeh Vatanparast, Farideh Yaghmaei,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (4-2020)
Abstract
Introduction: Infertility is a growing problem in all cultures and societies, and almost all over the world. Therefore, the present study examines the quality of life of infertile couples and their relationship with the practical flexibility of infertile couples referring to Yazd's centers of infertility.
Methods: This research is a descriptive-correlational study. The research population consisted of all infertile couples who referred to Infertility Centers in Yazd in the winter of 2016. Sampling was conducted in a non-random and accessible manner. The instrument used in the research included: a) demographic information questionnaire, and "quality of life infertile couples" questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 17 at a significant level of p> 0.05.To describe the data, descriptive statistics methods were used and the inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, paired t-test and variance analysis) were used to test the research hypotheses.
Result: People (202 couples) participated in this research. The mean of total quality of life (184.26 ± 36.4), physical dimension (26.43 ± 6.6), psychological dimension (70.8 ± 13.1), religious dimension (18.85 ± 3.7), economic dimension (31 Sexual satisfaction (15/15 ± 4/1), emotional dimension (15/68 ± 4/9), social dimension (23/3 ± 6/6). There was a significant difference in the relationship between demographic variables with quality of life, mean of gender variables (p <0.01) and education (p <0.001). The average quality of life in men and people with university education was higher. In this study, 65.64% of the subjects had a neutral quality of life, 63.3% had a positive quality of life and 3% had a completely positive quality of life.
Conclusion: Considering the lower quality of life in women, it is essential to pay attention to the necessity of designing and implementing appropriate educational programs to improve the quality of life of this stratum from society.
Seyede Mahshid Seyed Hoshiyar, Elham Khoori , Mahin Tatari , Tayebe Ziaei,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (4-2020)
Abstract
Background: Menopause is a physiologic and natural period in women’s lives. Available solutions to improve quality of life include counseling interventions. Thus, present study has been performed with the purpose of evaluating the effects of self -awareness-based counseling on quality of life of postmenopausal women in Gorgan during 2018.
Methods: The present study is a clinical trial including two groups of pretest and posttest. Stratified sampling was performed by appropriate allocation of the selection and straw poll and 52 postmenopausal women placed in two groups of control and intervention. In order to prevent probable exchange of information between the two groups, at first the control group filled in the demographic specification form and menopausal quality of life questionnaire at the beginning of the study, and after 6 and 10 weeks. The intervention group, also, filled in the demographic specification form and menopausal quality of life questionnaire at the beginning of the study, after 6 sessions of self-awareness counseling and one month after termination of the sessions. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS16 software and Anova analysis testing method with repeated measures.
Results: There was a significant statistical difference in mean score of quality of life in menopause and its various dimensions in the intervention group during three times studied. However, there was no statistical difference in the control group. In the intergroup comparisons of the two groups, a significant statistical difference was observed in mean score of quality of life and its various dimensions except for psychosocial dimension.
Conclusions: Self-awareness-based counseling will cause in improvement of life quality. Therefore, self-awareness-counseling should be used in healthcare centers to promote postmenopausal women’s quality of life.
Tayebe Ziaei , Somayeh Gholipour, Ahmad Danesh,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background: Women experience psychological problems during pregnancy affecting their quality of life. Since weakness in life skills, including communication skills (CS), is a factor of reducing the quality of life, we conducted a study to determine the effect of group counseling based on communication skills on the quality of life in pregnant women in Gorgan.
Methods: The parallel randomized field study trial carried out in 2016 on 72 pregnant women who referred to the health centers in Gorgan, Iran. The pregnant women at the gestational age of 14-18 weeks were recruited in convenience sampling method, and then randomly assigned in to the intervention and control groups using the block randomization method. The data collection tool included the quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) that was completed by both groups before the intervention. The samples of the intervention group received 6 sessions of group counseling based on communication skills for a one-hour session per week. A week after the sessions, the questionnaires were completed again by both groups. We analyzed the data in SPSS-16 using the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon test, Paired t-test, and Chi-square test.
Results: The mean of women's age was 28.4±4.3 years in the intervention group, and was 26.8±4.5 years in the control group, and the mean age of their husbands were 33.14±5.3 and 31.22± 4.8 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the intervention (60±15.2) and control (49±13.4) groups after the intervention in total quality of life (P=0.002). The results indicated that the mean scores of quality of life of women in the intervention group versus the control group after the intervention had statistically significant differences in all areas except for the "physical function" (65.3±17.4 vs. 61.5±20.1, P=0.4) and "role limitation due to physical problems" (50±36.8 vs. 45.1±27.3, P=0.56).
Conclusion: The health centers need to be taught about the communication skills in line with physical training during pregnancy by midwives and midwifery counselors.
Hamideh Mancheri, Zahra Sabzi , Mousa Alavi, Mohammad Ali Vakili , Jahangir Maghsoudi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background: Substance abuse can cause problems for family members, especially spouses, and impair the addicts' quality of life; hence, it seems necessary to identify issues that can endanger their quality of life and health. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the quality of life of women with addicted husbands, and its related factors.
Methods: We conducted the present cross-sectional study on 300 women with addicted husbands who were in the list of clients of private and public addiction treatment centers in Gorgan in 2018. The convenient sampling was used for recruited participants. We gathered data using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), the higher scores indicated a better quality of life. We also analyzed the data in SPSS 16 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests at a 95% confidence interval.
Results: The results indicated that women with addicted husbands had lower mean scores of physical health (33.3±19.1), mental health (28±3.19), environmental health (31.5±18.1), social relationship (30.2±21.4), and total scores of quality of life (31±18). There were significant correlation between scores of quality of life and its dimensions with women's job, family income, duration of substance abuse, and type of substance (P<0.001). Also, the quality of life was directly associated with women's jobs and family income, but inversely related to the husband's duration of substance abuse and type of substance.
Conclusion: Women with addicted husbands needed more support due to their low quality of life. These findings help the healthcare provider pay more attention to the problems of women with addicted husbands.
Zhila Khaniabad , Hasan Amiri, Keyvan Kakabraee ,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background: The Iran-Iraq War has left many consequences on veterans and their families over the years and it has potentially affected the veterans' quality of life. The present study aimed to determine the mediating role of marital satisfaction and perceived social support in the relationship between spiritual attitudes and quality of life in psychiatric veterans in Kermanshah province, Iran.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study had a structural equation modeling performed on all psychiatric veterans under the protection of Martyr and Veterans Affairs of Kermanshah province in 2018. We used the simple random sampling method, and selected 10 to 15 samples for each parameter according to the rule of thumb; hence, the sample size was 280. We collected data using The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), the Spiritual Attitude Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Furthermore, we utilized the bootstrap method to evaluate the significance of indirect relationships (paths) and mediation effects. We performed all analyses of the structural equations using AMOS 22.
Results: The results indicated that the direct effects, and factor loadings of indicators on the latent variables of the model were significant at an alpha level of 0.05. Direct coefficients of spiritual attitude on marital satisfaction (β =0.45, P= 0.001) and spiritual attitude on perceived social support (β =0.14,P= 0.05) were positive and significant. Spiritual attitude had a positive and significant effect on the quality of life through marital satisfaction and perceived social support (β =0.22, P= 0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that spiritual attitudes increased the veterans' quality of life through mediating variables, namely marital satisfaction and perceived social support.
Mahshid Seyed Hoshiyar, Tayebe Ziaei, Mahin Tatari, Elham Khoori ,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (7-2021)
Abstract
Background: Counseling interventions are among the available strategies to improve the menopausal quality of life and self-awareness counseling is effective in improving adaptation, self-confidence and quality of life. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine effects of self-awareness counseling on quality of life of menopausal women in Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: In this clinical trial, we examined 52 menopause women referred to health centers of Gorgan, Iran in 2018. Data collection tools included a demographic characteristics form and the menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire. First, the control group completed the data collection tools at the beginning of the study and 6 and 10 weeks after the first session. Then the intervention group completed the tools at base line and participated in six 45-60-minute self-awareness-based group counseling sessions, once a week. After that, they were completed questionnaire, immediately and a month after the end of the intervention. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation.
Results: In the intervention group, the baseline mean scores of menopausal quality of life and its vasomotor, physical, psychosocial and sexual domains were 55.69±19.47, 5.30±4.57, 30.26±12.24, 12.15±6.64 and 7.96±5.34, respectively. A month after the intervention, the mean scores of menopausal quality of life (30.42±19.64) and its vasomotor (2.65±2.33), physical (16.38±8.64), psychosocial (7.19±4.63) and sexual (4.19±3.42) domains increased significantly in the intervention group (p=0.001). In between group comparison, except for the psychosocial domain, the mean scores of quality of life and its various domains showed a statistically significant difference in one month after the intervention (P=0.001).
Conclusion: The menopausal quality of life and its various domains improved one month after the end of self-awareness counseling. Therefore, we recommend offering self-awareness counseling in health centers for improving the quality of life of menopausal women.
Elyas Hosseinzadeh Younesi, Zahra Sabzi, Mahmoud Khandashpour, Wolfram Windisch, Leila Teymouri Yeganeh, Shohreh Kolagari,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) refers to perceived physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. The purpose of this study is to evaluate HRQOL in patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF).
Methods: The present mixed methods study is conducted since 2020 by simultaneous implementation of quantitative and qualitative phases. The quantitative phase is cross-sectional research to determine HRQOL in patients with CRF. In this phase, 171 patients will be selected based on the inclusion criteria from the internal medicine, respiratory, and neurology wards of hospitals affiliated with the Golestan University of Medical Sciences (Gorgan, Iran). The stratified sampling method is applied by calculating the bed occupancy rate. To collect data in this phase, the Persian version of the HRQOL questionnaire will be used for patients with CRF. In addition, the questionnaire will be translated and evaluated in terms of psychometric properties. Data obtained from the quantitative phase are analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS 16 software. Simultaneously with the quantitative phase, the researcher will achieve an understanding of HRQOL in the patients by using the contractual content analysis method in the qualitative phase. In this phase, the subjects will be selected via Purposeful sampling. Data are collected through semi-structured interviews and sampling will continue until reaching data saturation. Data analysis is done by the Graneheim and Lundman method. In this regard, after extracting and categorizing the codes, subclasses and classes will be formed. Finally, the findings of the quantitative and qualitative phases will be compared and integrated for discussion and interpretation of the data.
Conclusion: Evaluation of HRQOL by implementing combined qualitative and quantitative approaches can provide a complete picture of this concept in patients with CRF. Moreover, the results of such studies can help predict outcomes and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
Boonyada Wongpiomoln, Chanidawadee Sayuen, Ladda Pholputta, Nitchapanrawee Phengphol,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Health care provided by youth can support homebound and bedridden older adults. The purpose of this study was to develop a program for homebound and bedridden older adults in rural areas of northeastern Thailand.
Methods: The methodology was a mixed method, including 1) exploration of the current situation through qualitative method, 2) development of a training program, and 3) implementation and evaluation of the program developed through a quasi-experimental method from February to June 2020 in Ta-Muang Subdistrict, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province, Thailand. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, Thai version of the brief form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI), and Srithanya Stress Test (ST-5) questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentages, means, SDs, and paired t tests, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.
Results: The qualitative method showed 4 major themes, including 1) lack of caregivers, 2) lack of knowledge, 3) loneliness and stress, and 4) under the poverty line. The training program involved 6 activities: 1) providing knowledge in caring for older adults to educate and support youth, 2) demonstrating and practicing in caring for older adults to educate and support youth, 3) caring for older adults with love and care, 4) providing hygiene care to older adults, 5) promoting self-worth and self-confidence in youth, and 6) enhancing community participation. The quantitative method showed after the implementation of this training program. Findings showed that quality of life had higher mean scores, and stress had lower mean scores compared to the prior implementation.
Conclusion: This training program could promote bonding among youth and homebound and bedridden older adults through peer support from health volunteers.
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Reza Ghaderi, Gholam Reza Mahmoodi-Shan, Mohammad Hosein Taziki, Naser Behnampour,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Hearing loss is a common condition during the aging process. Improving hearing loss through hearing aids may impact satisfaction and the quality of life of elderly individuals. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the association between Hearing Aid Use Satisfaction (HAUS) and the quality of life among the elderly with hearing loss in Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: This study is a cross-sectional investigation conducted in 2019 at the health insurance office in Gorgan, Iran. The study included elderly individuals aged over 60 who were fitted with hearing aids. Sixty subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were conveniently selected. The assessment tools included a demographics checklist, the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) scale, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Data analysis was performed using SPSS-18 and involved the Chi-squared test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman correlation coefficient. A significance level of P < 0.05 was considered.
Results: The participants' mean age was 76.85±8.16, falling within the age range of 75-89. The average satisfaction score for the use of the HAUS was 63.90±11.07. A significant statistical association was observed between HAUS and economic status (P=0.03), the type of hearing aid used (P=0.024), and the level of daily hearing aid usage (P=0.0001). With an increase in the number of hours of hearing aid use, the mean satisfaction score also showed an increase. The mean score for the quality of life among the elderly individuals was 32.77±2.02, and no correlation was observed between satisfaction with HA use and quality of life (r=0.068, P=0.511).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that hearing aid devices can enhance the satisfaction and quality of life of elderly individuals, thereby increasing their engagement in daily activities.
Hemmat Mostafa Hassan, Sahar Mansour Ibrahim, Shahira Mohamed Metwaly, Ahlam Elahmady Sarhan, Amel Dawod Kamel Gouda,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are a common gynecological problem among reproductive-age women and lead to poor quality of life (QOL). This research aimed to evaluate the effect of a supportive educational intervention on knowledge and QOL among women with UFs.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study (1 group/pre- and posttest), including supportive education intervention, was performed at the outpatient clinic, Gynecological Department, Benha University Hospital. The samples consisted of 100 women diagnosed with UFs. Three tools were used for data collection: a structured interviewing questionnaire, women's knowledge regarding UFs, and health-related QOL (HRQOL) questionnaire.
Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference in women’s knowledge of UFs before and after the intervention (P = 0.0001). In addition, women had a high level of QOL score after the intervention. Moreover, there was a highly positive association between total women's knowledge and QOL score (P = 0.0001). Based on the pre- and post-intervention results, the mean difference for the variables of “total score of severity symptoms” and “total HRQL score” was -6.25 and +12.38.
Conclusion: Educational intervention has a positive effect on improving women's knowledge and enhancing QOL regarding UFs. It is suggested that an educational program should be incorporated as a nursing intervention to improve women's knowledge and QOL for those with UFs.
Reza Jahanshahi, Fatemeh Mirzaei, Mohammad Hossein Askari, Nafiseh Asgari, Shohreh Ghasemi, Akram Sanagoo, Leila Jouybari,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Because of the numerous problems created by neurofibromatosis type 1, particular quality-of-life evaluation measures are quite significant. In Iran, general instruments are used to assess the quality of life of the target group. This study aimed to translate and examine the psychometrics of the Persian version of the Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Adult Health-related Quality of Life (NF1-AdQOL) questionnaire.
Methods: This was a methodological and cross-sectional study. A total of 414 adult patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 in the Iranian Association of Neurofibromatosis were selected via convenience sampling. With the permission of the questionnaire's developer, the English version was translated into Persian using the standard back-translation procedure. Validity was assessed using face validity, content validity, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire were assessed by Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's correlation, respectively.
Results: The participants' mean age was 34.48±8.3 years. The 31-item questionnaire was translated into Persian, and based on content validity analysis, 2 items were removed. The adequacy of the sample size was acceptable (KMO = 0.940). Exploratory factor analysis revealed 4 factors. The scale had good reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.95), and the intraclass coefficient was 0.91. The total mean quality of life score was 93±25.18.
Conclusions: The finding showed that the Persian version of the questionnaire has good structural characteristics and is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the quality of life of patients with neurofibromatosis 1.
Azize Aydemir, Derya Esenkaya,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent health issue that has a psychological impact on those affected. Urinary incontinence, which affects approximately 1 in every 3 women, is a distressing condition that significantly impairs their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the frequency of UI in women, identify risk factors, and assess its impact on the QOL.
Methods: This analytical, cross-sectional study involved 300 women aged 20 and above who were admitted to the Obstetrics Clinic of a university hospital between June 21, 2022, and August 15, 2022. Data were collected through a questionnaire that included the Descriptive Characteristics Form, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and Wagner QOL Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, and results were evaluated with a 95% CI. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The frequency of UI among the participants was 48% according to the ICIQ-SF and 62% according to the Wagner QOL Scale. Participants reported experiencing mild UI and psychological distress. The psychosocial well-being of women with UI was found to be moderately and negatively affected (48%). It was determined that 52.2% of the variation in the UI variable could be explained by factors such as body mass index (BMI), history of miscarriage, education level, and age. Miscarriage (Odds ratio [OR], 3.102; 95% CI, 1.502-6.408), lower education level (OR, 3.211; 95% CI, 1.282-8.408), and age (OR, 1.061; 95% CI, 1.024-1.100) were identified as risk factors for UI (P < 0.05). A significant correlation (r = 0.89; P < 0.001) was observed between the QOL and ICIQ-SF measurement tools.
Conclusion: Nearly half of the women experience UI, which has a detrimental impact on their QOL. Higher education levels, healthy lifestyle, and post-miscarriage risk assessment can help protect women from UI.
Isaí Arturo Medina-Fernández , Sandra Cecilia Esparza-González , Nissa Yaing Torres Soto, Ana Laura Carrillo-Cervantes , Pedro Enrique Trujillo-Hernández, Josué Arturo Medina-Fernández,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, significantly impacts functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) in older adults. Among Mexican seniors, this condition exacerbates physical limitations, compromising daily activities and independence. The objective was to model the effect of sarcopenia on functional capacity and physical components of health-related QoL in older adults.
Methods: The study has a predictive correlational design with a sample population of 144 older adults from Coahuila, Mexico in 2024. A demographic and clinical form was applied, containing measurements of calf circumference, body mass index (BMI), grip strength with a dynamometer, gait speed and appendicular skeletal muscle mass, simple questionnaire to rapidly diagnose sarcopenia, a subscale of physical components of the SF-36, Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living (BADL), and Lawton-Brody scale. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 20 using central tendency and dispersion, Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Mann Whitney U test, Spearman test, and simple linear regressions. Moreover, structural equation was assessed using EQS software version 6.1.
Results: The results showed that the prevalence of sarcopenia was 44.8%, and sarcopenia significantly and negatively affected the basic activities of daily living (r=-0.46, p=0.001). In the same way, it negatively and significantly affected the instrumental activities of daily living (r=-0.41, p=0.001), meanwhile, it positively and significantly affected the physical components of quality of life (r=0.43, p=0.001).
Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that sarcopenia negatively influences the physical components of QoL and functional capacity.
Shima Sadat Aghahosseini , Maryam Karami , Maryam Rassouli, Mohammad Esmaeil Akbari , Hamideh Ebrahimi , Kazem Najafi ,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background: Palliative care is a holistic approach aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients with cancer. Given the rising number of cancer patients in Iran, its significance has become increasingly apparent. This study investigates the effect of palliative care on the quality of life and satisfaction of patients with cancer.
Methods: This before-and-after quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2024 on 320 patients with breast, tongue, stomach, thyroid, osteosarcoma, and colon cancer at a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling based on eligibility criteria, including being over 18 years of age, having literacy, being able to speak Persian, and being psychologically stable. The quality of life and life satisfaction of patients were assessed before and after participation in a structured palliative care program. The intervention consisted of six two-hour palliative care sessions, delivered over two months. Data were collected using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the EORTC QLQ-C30 Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, version 26, and a paired t-test was employed for statistical evaluation.
Results: The results indicated that the participants had a mean age of 50.67 years, with a standard deviation of 13.23 years. After receiving palliative care, the overall quality of life score, along with its dimensions (except for emotional functioning, sore throat, and diarrhea), showed a significant improvement (P < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.36). Moreover, the intervention led to a significant improvement in patients' life satisfaction, with a p-value of less than 0.001 and a Cohen’s d of 1.01.
Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that palliative care services, typically provided to individuals nearing the end of life, enhanced the quality of life for cancer patients. Policymakers should prioritize support for patients, and healthcare managers must collaborate to improve and provide palliative care services with qualified personnel, especially nurses.
Zahra Arabi , Arvin Mirshahi , Hosein Kazemi Zadeh , Shima Haghani , Anand Iyer , Rachel Wells , Marie Bakitas , Mehraban Shahmari , Arpi Manookian ,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, irreversible respiratory condition that imposes a significant physical and psychological burden, often leading to a poor quality of life. Although palliative care can help address these challenges, in Iran it is typically limited to cancer patients and is not commonly provided to those with COPD. Globally, the early integration of palliative care for chronic illnesses is expanding. The present study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of an early tele-palliative care intervention for patients with COPD in Iran and to explore its potential effects on quality of life, anxiety, depression, and emergency department readmissions.
Methods: This randomized controlled feasibility trial protocol involves a 3-month early tele-palliative care program delivered by two nurse coaches, targeting patients with COPD. Participantswere randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 26) or the control group (n = 26) using permuted block randomization. Both groups received traditional COPD care; however, the intervention group also received six weekly telephone sessions and six weeks of follow-up support via phone call and WhatsApp Messenger. The primary objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of early tele-palliative care, measured through recruitment and attrition rates, questionnaire completion rates, patient satisfaction, attitudes toward the intervention, and adherence to the intervention. The secondary outcome included changes in quality of life, anxiety, depression, and hospital readmissions. These were measured using validated instruments at two time points: Baseline (pre-intervention) and three months post-intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22, including the independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test, chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the mean outcomes between the two groups while statistically controlling for the effect of baseline values. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Conclusion: This study protocol aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of an early tele-palliative care intervention for patients with COPD in Iran. The findings provided essential data to inform the design of a future large-scale clinical trial and support the potential integration of early telehealth palliative care into standard COPD management in the country.
Elaheh Sadeghloo, Asieh Sadat Baniaghil , Gholamreza Roshandel , Maryam Ghelichli , Fatemeh Mehravar , Alireza Firozbakhsh ,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background: Patients with oral and/or laryngeal carcinoma face challenges that can persistently impair their quality of life (QoL) even after treatment. This study aimed to investigate QoL impairment in patients with oral and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma receiving treatment.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 individuals with oral and laryngeal cancer through census sampling in 2022. Patients over 18 years old who had received treatment were included. Individuals experiencing recurrences or relapses and those receiving neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. The list of names and phone numbers of participants was obtained from the database of the Liver and Digestive Research Centre in Golestan Province, Iran. The study utilized the Persian version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–Head and Neck 35, which the participants completed during phone interviews. Point prevalence (per 100,000) was reported with 95% confidence intervals, and QoL data were summarized as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and median (interquartile range, IQR).
Results: The point prevalence of oral and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Golestan Province was 15.15 per 100,000, with significant variation across counties, ranging from 5.80 to 26.01. The mean QoL score for the participants was 68.20 ± 29.58. Overall, 38.9% of the participants reported normal QoL, while 22.2% and 38.9% reported mild and moderate impairment, respectively. Subdomains related to weight loss and feeling ill showed a severe decline in QoL. Meanwhile, issues such as dry mouth, sticky saliva, social contacts, swallowing, pain, taste/smell, social eating, teeth problems, and speech were associated with moderate QoL impairment.
Conclusion: The findings show that the QoL among individuals with a history of oral and laryngeal cancer was below the threshold. Most participants experienced mild to moderate QoL impairments. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions focused on improving QoL for affected individuals based on their symptoms and signs.
