RESUMEN
The complicated concept of quality of life [QOL] has been considered as an important criterion for health outcomes in chronic diseases, such as heart disease, in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the QOL of patients with angina pectoris after treatment with enhanced external counterpulsation [EECP]. This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 64 patients with angina pectoris undergoing EECP who came to Shahid Chamran and Sina Hospitals in Isfahan. Sampling was performed by the convenient method. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing socio-demographic and clinical data. A standard questionnaire called 36-item Short-Form Health Survey was also used. Questionnaires were completed through interviews and phone calls in three stages [before, immediately and three months after the treatment]. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics [frequency, mean, and standard deviation] and analytical statistics [paired t-test and repeated measures test] in SPSS11.5. The obtained results demonstrated that the majority of patients were men [59.4%] and aged 56-71 years. In addition, 57.8% had hypertension and 56.3% had hyperlipidemia. A history of myocardial infarction was found in 70.3% of the subjects and the familial history of coronary artery disease was detected in73.4%. Although QOL evaluations showed improvements in all subscales immediately and three months after the treatment, the changes were not statistically significant in case of general health, role limitations due to physical problems and role limitations due to mental problems. Similar to previous research, this study showed QOL to improve in patients who undergo EECP. This improvement will remain stable three months after the treatment in all subscales. Therefore, EECP is an efficient noninvasive method in treating patients with angina pectoris and in developing their QOL.
RESUMEN
Adolescents admitted to hospital are either surrounded by children or adults. However, age appropriate facilities are often not provided to meet the needs of adolescents, which should be incorporated in the wards. This study compares the satisfaction level about physical environment of the wards among adolescents who have been admitted to pediatric and adult wards. In a cross sectional study, 200 adolescents aged 10-19 were selected from adult and pediatric wards and studied for their level of satisfaction about physical environments of selected wards in Isfahan city. Among the adolescents surveyed in adult and pediatric wards, 44% and 54% reported high satisfaction levels with physical aspects of the ward environment and its facilities, respectively. The average satisfaction level among adolescents in pediatric wards was higher than among adolescents in adult wards [P = 0.04]. However, no significant difference was found between age, number, and length of hospital admissions, insurance, and satisfaction levels with physical aspects of the ward environment and facilities. Adolescents reported better satisfaction with the pediatric wards' environment compared to adults' ward. They require specialized wards to meet their needs according to their developmental period. If not available, facilities should be provided in pediatric wards where adolescents have reported better satisfaction with the wards' environment.