ABSTRACT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was established to increase oxygenation and antimicrobial effect that potentially improve the healing of chronic ulcer. Present study aim to assess the effects of HBOT in chronic diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). A total of sixty patients classified according to Wagner 1, 2 or 3 chronic diabetic foot ulcers, were recruited and subsequently divided randomly into two groups; HBOT and control group. All patients underwent the standard treatment for DFU, but for the HBOT group, underwent 20 HBOT sessions, each lasted 80 – 90 mins at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA). White cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were taken during inclusion, at second and fourth week of treatment. Wound sizes were documented at each follow up until six months follow up. SF-36 at one-month post hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used to measure the health-related quality of life. Reduction of WCC and CRP in HBOT group were significant throughout the treatment (p=0.046 and p=0.039, respectively). A total of 26 patients (86.7%) from the HBOT group achieved complete ulcer healing at six months’ follow-up, while 18 patients (60%) in the control group’s ulcer healed completely. Patients treated with HBOT had significantly better mental and physical health constituent of quality of life. It must be emphasised that HBOT is an adjunctive therapy to the standard management of chronic DFU in accelerating wound healing for a better quality of life.
ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2009 till May 2010 to determine the quality of life and factors influencing it among physically disabled teenagers. Data were collected from 59 physically disabled teenagers using guided questionnaire Short Form 36 (SF-36) and General Health Questionnaires 12 (GHQ 12). Quality of life among physically disabled teenagers is low for most domains of SF-36 as compared to the general Malaysian population. There was significant difference in quality of life among different races (mental health domain) and among different educational level and type of disability (physical functioning domain). There was no significant association between general health domain and other variables. Higher satisfaction in house, school and recreational environment showed a better quality of life. Higher stress level had a lower quality of life. Lack of disabled friendly environment at home, school and recreational places probably contribute to their quality of life. Schools and public places should have more disabled friendly facilities to improve independency and accessibility. Better education and training will increase their independence and enhance self-confidence. More attention and support at this age is important for them to develop interpersonal skills and character for their future.
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among post menopausal women was high. The most affected domains were satisfaction, desire and arousal. The associated factors were older age, lower education level, and type of menopause.