The impact of therapy on the quality of life in asymptomatic patients with freshly detected hypertension

Background: Hypertension is an commonly encountered disease which adversely affect all aspects of quality of life (QoL). The existing studies are confounded by the presence of multiple comorbidities and inclusion of elderly, which by themselves impairs the QoL. There is thus a need to study the impact of hypertension on QoL, in isolation.Method: This is a single center, prospective, intention to treat, observation study. The aim of the study is to evaluate the change in the QoL over six months, in newly diagnosed asymptomatic patients of hypertension. The tools used to assess the QoL included World Health Organisation’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL- BREF) and Short Form-36 (SF-36).Result: A total of 232 patients (172 males and 60 females) were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 44.66 years. A total of 102 patients (43.97%) had stage-1 and 130 patients (56.03%) had stage-2 hypertension. The female gender is associated with a higher likelihood of presentation with stage-2 hypertension. The male cohort had a better baseline QoL. The desired blood pressures was achieved in 40.52%. With therapy, the QoL improved significantly; sub-hoc analysis showed, the improvement was higher in males and those with stage-1 hypertension. There is an inverse relationship between the QoL and requirement for higher number of antihypertensive mediations.Conclusions: In patients with asymptomatic primary hypertension, treatment improves all aspects of QoL. The factors adversely affecting the QoL include female gender, higher stage of hypertension, poor blood pressure control and requirement of higher numbers of antihypertensive medicine.

Changes in Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C during the Clinical Course of Daclatasvir/ Velpatasvir Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study

Interferon-free direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) therapy is preferred for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients as it exhibits a higher rate of sustained virologic response (SVR), along with reduction in treatment related adverse drug reactions (ADR), which elevates the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The study aims to evaluate the healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with CHC, receiving Daclatasvir or velpatasvir (DCV/VEL) therapy, using Short Form-36 (SF-36) as a tool. Methods: The study involves 50 CHC patients receiving DCV/VEL, who’s HRQOL was measured using SF-36. Laboratory investigational data and SVR was recorded, and SF-36 was filled by the patient at baseline (prior to therapy), week 12 (post initiation of therapy), end of treatment (EOT), and week 24 (post initiation of therapy. HRQOL were analyzed at week 24. The association between laboratory data and HRQOL was also evaluated. Results: In regard to HRQOL, statistically significant changes were observed in physical functioning, general health, and emotional role functioning in the period between baseline to week 12 and week 24, respectively. A considerable change was observed in laboratory parameters such as aminotranferases, platelet count, and Fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) index at each time point of study as compared to baseline. Conclusion: It was found that HRQOL of patients with CHC improved significantly along with hepatic functions during the clinical course of interferon-free DAA therapy (DCV/VEL).

Predictive value of ODI, SBI and SF-36 in patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation undergoing reoperation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the predictive value of ODI, SBI and SF-36 in patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation undergoing reoperation.@*METHODS@#The patients of recurrent lumbar disc herniation underwent surgical treatment from June 2013 to December 2015 were enrolled in the study. Patients were assigned to A, B, C groups according to the excellent, good, poor of clinical efficacy, and divided into training set and test set by 70:30 ratio according to random number table. we use ordered Logistic regression to construct prediction model, and test set to verify the effect of the model and calculate the accuracy of the model.@*RESULTS@#Both ODI and SBI were lower in group A and group B than group C, and the SF-36 scale was significantly higher than group C (<0.05). The predictive efficacy model by ordered Logistic regression construction showed that the ODI coefficient was 0.67, the SF-36 coefficient was -0.43, and the SBI coefficient was 0.52. In the group A with excellent clinical efficacy, the prediction accuracy rate of the model was 80%; in the group B with good clinical efficacy, the prediction accuracy rate was 76.92% and in the group C with poor clinical efficacy, the prediction accuracy rate was 44.44%.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Comprehensive consideration of ODI, SBI and SF-36 to construct a clinical prediction model for patients with recurrent intervertebral disc herniation after surgery can better predict patients' prognosis. It has a value for clinical application.

Establishing validity of EQ-5D-3L (Tagalog) to measure health-related quality of life states among adult Filipinos (20-50 years old)

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>OBJECTIVE: </b>To establish the validity of EQ-5D-3L in Tagalog language in assessing health-related quality of life states among adult Filipinos 20-50 years old.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>METHODS:</b> A face-to-face cross-sectional community survey of apparently healthy adult Filipinos (20-50 years old) in Metro Manila and in 4 nearby provinces (Bulacan, Batangas, Quezon, Rizal) was conducted. Trained interviewers administered the Tagalog language versions of EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L), Short-Form 2 (SF-26V2®), and a socio-economic questionnaire. All questionnaires were pre-tested for cultural appropriateness. Concurrent validity (against the SF-36v2R®) and known group validity of the EQ-5D-3L were evaluated.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>RESULTS:</b> Complete data from 3,056 participants were analyzed. Almost half of the participants reported perfect health on EQ-5D-3L and had higher scores on all SF-36v2® domains compared to those who reported some problems on EQ-5D-3L. Compared to participants who reported some problems on EQ-5D-3L mobility (or anxiety/depression), participants who reported no problem on EQ-5D-3L mobility (or anxiety/depression) reported lower SF-36v2® Physical Functioning (or Mental Health) scores (differences of 7.1 and 10 points, respectively) that were minimally important (i.e. exceeds 5 points). Participants with poorer self-reported health had considerably lower EQ-5D index scores (p < 0.05) irrespective of their socio-demographic characteristics.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>CONCLUSION:</b> EQ-5D-3L (Tagalog) demonstrated construct and known groups validity among adult Filipinos (20-50 years old).</p>

Risk Factors Associated with Pain Severity in Patients with Non-specific Low Back Pain in Southern China

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk factors associated with the severity of pain intensity in patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in Southern China. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence throughout the world, so a firm understanding of the risk factor associated with NSLBP can provide early and prompt interventions that are aimed at attaining long-term results. METHODS: Participants were recruited from January 2014 to January 2016 and were surveyed using a self-designed questionnaire. Anonymous assessments included Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The association between the severity of NSLBP and these potential risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1,046 NSLBP patients were enrolled. The patients with primary school education, high body mass index (BMI), those exposed to sustained durations of driving and sitting, smoking, recurrent LBP had increased VAS and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores with lower SF-36 scores (p10 kg objects in a quarter of their work time for >10 years had higher VAS and ODI scores with lower SF-36 scores (p<0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed lower levels of education, LBP for 1–7 days, long-lasting LBP in last year, smoking, long duration driving, and higher BMI were associated with more severe VAS score. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of NSLBP is associated with lower levels of education, poor standards of living, heavy physical labor, long duration driving, and sedentary lifestyle. Patients with recurrent NSLBP have more severe pain. Reducing rates of obesity, the duration of heavy physical work, driving or riding, and attenuating the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and smoking may reduce the prevalence of NSLBP.

Quality of life and survival after II stage nonsmall cell carcinoma surgery: Video‑assisted thoracic surgery versus thoracotomy lobectomy.

PURPOSE: Due to the improvement of thoracoscopic thchnology and surgeon’s ability, plenty of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was treated by video‑assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This study was designed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) and survival in II stage NSCLC patients following lobectomy, comparing VATS with thoracotomy. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2012, 217 II stage NSCLC patients (VATS: 114 patients, OPEN: 103 patients) were enrolled in a long‑standing, prospective observational lung cancer surgery outcomes study. Short‑form 36 health survey (SF‑36) and time to progression (TTP) were measured to evaluate the QOL and postoperative survival. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in the preoperative radiation therapy and differentiation, and the VATS group had less postoperative complication, blood loss, intraoperative fluid administration, and shorter length of stay. Statistical analysis of SF‑36 questionnaire revealed that VATS group score was higher on seven health dimensions: Bodily pain (BP), energy (EG), general health, physical functioning, mental health, SF, and role‑physical (RP), but only BP, EG, and RP have statistical significance. Using survival analysis, there was no significant difference between VATS and OPEN group, in which the mean TTP of VATS group is 18.5 months, while OPEN group is 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: VATS lobectomy tends to score higher on the QOL and functioning scales and has equivalent postsurgical survival compared with OPEN lobectomy for II stage nonsmall cell carcinoma patients.

Quality of life among Ardabil patients with beta-thalassemia major.

Background: Thalassemia as the most common genetic disorder worldwide is regarded as a serious problem in public health issues in the Mediterranean region. Patients with beta-thalassemia major experience physical, psychological and social problems that lead to decreased quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life and its determinants among patients with major beta-thalassemia. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional survey of quality of life. Population with thalassemia major (aged ≥ 2 years) of both genders who had records in Thalassemia Clinic of Bu-Ali Hospital, and those who regularly refer for blood transfusion or follow-up visits. Data were collected from December 2013 to May 2014.The self-administered short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used to measure quality of life in patients with thalassemia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tests (mean, SD, and frequency), and inferential statistical test (t-test) in SPSS.17 software. Results: Our samples were 20 men and 23 women. The median age was 20 years (2-42). After reviewing the patients' quality of life, it was observed that the mean score for physical function was 79.8, role limitations due to physical reasons 78.8, bodily pain 74.4, general health 59.1, fatigue or vitality 63.3, social function 70.21, role limitations due to psychological reasons (emotional) 77.3 and mental health 65.4. On two scales, role physical (P = 0.33) and role emotional (P = 0.13), the men showed significantly lower scores than the women. Conclusions: After reviewing the patients' quality of life, the highest quality in physical function and lowest quality in general health of patients were observed. In the quality of care data all scales were in very good level except general health.

Effectiveness of physical activity promotion programme on quality of life for old people.

Background: The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Physical Activity Promotion Programme (PAPP) on quality of life for old people. Methods: A total of 43 subjects of both genders participated in the experimental study with convenient sampling; all were aged 55-70 years from Dhanori road, Pune. Participants received the PAPP for 50 minutes daily. The effectiveness of PAPP was measured by short-form 36 questionnaire. Results: This experimental study had a significant impact on quality of life (P = 0.001), in both gender, which was increased. The overall changes improved to 82.3% from 47.8% and mainly in physical functioning & general health by 12.5% and 12% respectively after PAPP and pain was reduced to 26%.Thus, quality of life improved significantly for old people who carried out the PAPP. Conclusion: Quality of life measured with SF- 36 in the group of old people were improved after PAPP.

Development of the Korean Version of the Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized by repetitive partial or complete occlusion of the upper airway during sleep that affects quality of life. The aim of this study was to develop the Korean version of the sleep apnea quality of life index (K-SAQLI) and apply it in Korean patients with OSA. METHODS: Ninety-three patients with OSA completed the K-SAQLI. Its construct validity and responsiveness were tested by comparing the baseline and change scores obtained in each domain (i.e., daily functioning, social interactions, emotional functioning, and symptoms) using the medical outcome survey-short form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: The Cronbach alpha coefficients of internal reliability exceeded 0.60 in all the domains (daily functioning, 0.89; social interactions, 0.88; emotional functioning, 0.92; symptoms, 0.67; and total, 0.94). The K-SAQLI had a high test-retest correlation coefficient of 0.73 in the 20 randomized selected patients. The construct validity was confirmed by significant correlations with SF-36 subscale scores. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that the K-SAQLI may be applicable for clinical purposes.

The Correlation of the Evaluation of Quality of Life Depends on Knee Strength after 1-Year an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / 대한스포츠의학회지

The life situation has been changed in patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and subsequent reconstruction. The main purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with ACL reconstruction through Short-Form 36 (SF-36) survey. And secondary aim was to investigate a relationship between health-related QOL survey and the correlation of results with other clinical test. 70 patients (age, 32.0+/-11.7 years) with an after 1 year ACL reconstruction participated in this study. As clinical evaluations, the SF-36 Questionnaire was used for the QOL and isokinetic strength test was performed for the knee extensors and flexors. And the anterio tibial translation was measured by KT-2000. Spearman's correlation coefficient showed significant correlations between knee strength (extensor and flexor) deficit and SF-36 score including physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, social function score (p0.05). In conclusion, the Knee strength is significantly associated with QOL. Therefore after ACL reconstruction, a speedy recovery of muscular strength will help to improve the QOL.

The reliability and validity of the SF-36 health survey for patients with chronic soft tissue pain / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To explore the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) for evaluating the health-related quality of life of patients with chronic soft tissue pain, (CSTP). Methods Two hundred and ten CSTP patients were rated with the SF-36 and the Medical Outcomes Study Pain Measurement (MOSPM) instrument and retested 2 weeks later. The internal consistency, test-retest relia-bility and parallel validity of the SF-36 were analyzed. Results The SF-36 showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Most repeated reliability internal correlation coefficients were between 0.44 and O. 66 (P≤0.01) except that of the SF sub-scale of the SF-36, which was O. 336 (P≤0.05). All the internal consistency Cronbach's a coefficients were >0.70. In the assessment of validity, there was significant correlation among all eight sub-scales of the SF-36, and between items 4-11 and total MOSPM scores. The correlation coefficients were between -0.145 and 0. 635 (P≤0.05 or P≤0.01), except between GH of the SF-36 and item 4 of the M OSPM (pain in-fluence on walking) and between MH and item 10 (pain influence days). Conclusion The Chinese version of the SF-36 has good reliability and validity in assessing the health related quality of life of CSTP patients.

Life Quality of Elderly People Enjoying Five Guarantees in Welfare House of Hubei Rural Area:A Cross-sectional Study / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To study the quality of life of elders enjoying five guarantees in rural welfare institute.Methods:By a multi-stage cluster sampling stratification method,549 rural elders enjoying five guarantees(A group)and 131 rural common elders(B group),aged 60 years and older,were randomly selected from 6 counties and cities in Hubei province.The Short-Form 36 Health Survey Scale(SF-36)was employed in the investigation by face-to-face interviews.Results:Group A had higher score than Group B in terms of role limitations due to physical health(RP),general health perceptions(GH),vitality(VT),role limitations due to emotional problems(RE),and mental health(MH )[e.g.,GH:(55.7±23.8)vs.(52.3±24.4),P<0.05].People in mountain areas had lower score than those in both plain and hill areas in terms of all factors of SF-36 scale[e.g.,PF(77.7±22.0),(72.4±25.5)vs.(65.5±26.7),P<0.05].Conclusion:The elders in rural welfare institute have a good quality of life,which is influenced by different geographical situation significantly.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: Review of the Short Form 36-Health Questionnaire Survey

Advances in medical and rehabilitative care have increased interest in studying how different factors may affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). There has been a large increase in the number of studies assessing HRQOL among persons with SCI. However, despite these advances, numerous issues remain unanswered because these studies have used a variety of methodologic approaches and assessment tools to examine how different factors have a role in predicting HRQOL in SCI populations. Therefore, standardized instruments should be used as part of this process. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36) was developed in order to survey health status of the general population. However, the available data on the HRQOL of individuals with SCI are currently limited. In addition, there is little information currently available on the factors that are associated with HRQOL in the SCI population and this issue remains controversial. The findings from several individual studies that used the SF-36 to assess the HRQOL of patients suffering from SCI were reviewed, and the results were interpreted with disability in mind. This review article aims to summarize the data regarding the HRQOL of individuals with SCI by using the SF-36.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: Review of the Short Form 36-Health Questionnaire Survey

Advances in medical and rehabilitative care have increased interest in studying how different factors may affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). There has been a large increase in the number of studies assessing HRQOL among persons with SCI. However, despite these advances, numerous issues remain unanswered because these studies have used a variety of methodologic approaches and assessment tools to examine how different factors have a role in predicting HRQOL in SCI populations. Therefore, standardized instruments should be used as part of this process. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36) was developed in order to survey health status of the general population. However, the available data on the HRQOL of individuals with SCI are currently limited. In addition, there is little information currently available on the factors that are associated with HRQOL in the SCI population and this issue remains controversial. The findings from several individual studies that used the SF-36 to assess the HRQOL of patients suffering from SCI were reviewed, and the results were interpreted with disability in mind. This review article aims to summarize the data regarding the HRQOL of individuals with SCI by using the SF-36.

Quality of life of 151 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To determine health related quality of life (QOL) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify the factors affecting QOL. Methods One hundred and fifty-one consecutive patients with SLE were separated into different groups according to the type or stage of disease. Health status were measured by 1 health transition (HT) and 8 composite scales of the medical outcomes study short form-36 (SF-36). The mean scores for each subscale of the SF-36 for patients with SLE in China were compared to those of a health population in China and of foreign SLE patients.The effect of patients′age,sex,education level,disease duration,disease activity (assessed by SLEDAI score),and organ damage(assessed by SLICC/ACR DI) and treatment were analyzed. ANOVA, rank sum test and correlation analysis were applied for statistical analysis. Results Patients with SLE had significantly lower HT and mean scores in each subscale of the SF-36 compared to those of a health population in China,while the scores in such subscales as physical functioning (PF), bodily pain (BP), vitality (VT), role-emotional (RE) and mental health (MH) were higher than those of foreign SLE patients. The mean scores of those patients with lupus nephritis and center neural lupus or in active state were lower than those not or those in steady-going. The SLEDAI score and SLICC/ACR DI were the most important elements that affected the QOL in SLE patients and showed obviously negative correlated with one′s scores in SF-36. The glucocorticoid dose of patients was closely negatively correlated with one′s scores. The latter were also associated with age, education level and disease duration. Conclusion The health status of patients with SLE is mainly associated with disease activity,damage and therapy. The SF-36 is a valid instrument for measuring the health related QOL in SLE.

Quality of Life in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma after Treatment: Short Form-36 Based Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life(QOL) of patients with vestibular schwannoma(VS) and to compare QOL among subtotal resection(STR) group, radical resection(RR) group, and gamma knife surgery only (GKS) group, we report a retrospective analysis of consecutive 104 patients with VS who were treated between 1997 and 2000. METHODS: The STR group included 31 patients, RR group did 26, and GKS only did 47. Various approaches such as retrosigmoid transmeatal approach(45), translabyrinthine approach(4), transotic approach(2), middle fossa approach(3), and combined approach(3) were used. A questionnaire concerning postoperative symptoms and the Short Form 36(SF-36) QOL instrument were mailed to 104 patients with VS. Follow-up imaging studies, Karnofsky performance scale(KPS) scores, and SF-36 scores at the last follow-up were assessed. The mean duration of follow-up was 33.4 months. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 51%(53 patients). The postoperative QOL in VS patients, as quantified by the eight SF-36 health scales was less than the appropriate matched healthy standard. Furthermore there were differences between the doctor's assessment(KPS) and the patient's assessment(SF-36). Facial nerve outcome had little influence on QOL in VS patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with VS have a significant impairment of their QOL. In the selection of treatment options for VS, the QOL of patient should be considered seriously.

The quality of life and its influential factors in patients with 3 major rheumatic diseases / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To explore the quality of life (QOL) and its influential factors among patients with 3 major rheumatic diseases. Methods A total of 216 patients with rheumatic diseases (84 patients with systemic lu- pus erythematosus, SLE, 83 with rheumatoid arthritis, RA, and 49 with ankylosing spondylitis, AS) were recruited. The information with regard to their quality of life, sociopsychological factors and the evaluation of disease activity were obtained by using the medical outcomes study short form-36 (SF-36) and clinic documents. Results Patients with rheumatic diseases scored significantly lower with each subscale of SF-36 as compared to those of a healthy popu- lation in China (P

Health-Related Quality of Life in Korean Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL), to examine the correlation among each measurement, and to identify the predictor for HRQOL in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: The HRQOL and clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed by Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), EuroQol5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), time trade off (TTO) and standard gamble (SG) using computer software, Centers for Epidemiologic StudiesDepression (CES-D), social support, self-efficacy scale, Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire (KHAQ), functional class, radiologic classification, morning stiffness, Ritchie index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and c-reactive protein (CRP) respectively from 100 outpatients with RA. And the data of the SF-36 and EQ-5D in RA patients were compared with those in 228 healthy controls. RESULTS: Of the 100 subjects with RA, 93 (93 %) were women with mean age of 51.7+/-9.8 years. The mean years of disease onset were 11.16+/-9.23. The mean scores of SF-36 global health (GH), mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) were 51.5+/-20.6, 61.6+/-26.6, and 47.1+/-24.1, respectively. The mean EQ-5D utility and visual analog scale (VAS) score were 0.58+/-0.3 and 61.7+/-20.5, respectively. The mean scores of the TTO and SG were 0.56+/-0.58 and 0.51+/-0.39. The SF-36 and EQ-5D scores in RA patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls. The mean scores of 8 KHAQ disability index and visual analog pain scale were 0.83+/-0.65 and 50.0+/-23.7, respectively. The mean scores of CES-D, self-efficacy scale, social support, and social network were 9.67+/-6.76, 68.2+/-15.2, 2.37+/-0.19, and 2.19+/-0.55, respectively. The KHAQ mean score was negatively correlated with the scores of SF-36 GH, MCS, PCS, EQ-5D utility, EQ-5D VAS score, social support, social network (r=-0.62, r=-0.47, r=-0.64, r=-0.60, r=-0.39, r=-0.26, r=-0.36, respectively, all p's<0.001), and self-efficacy scale (r=-0.24, p=0.02), and positively correlated with the CES-D (r=0.61, p<0.001). In multivariate models, the predicting variables of SF-36 GH were KHAQ and self-efficacy scale. The predicting variables of SF-36 MCS were age, KHAQ, and self-efficacy scale and the predicting variables of SF-36 PCS were age, income, KHAQ, and self-efficacy scale. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HRQOL in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis is significantly lower than healthy control. The age, HAQ, CES-D, self-efficacy scale were meaningful variables that was significantly correlated with HRQOL. Therefore, the efforts to improve HRQOL may be designed to improve the self-efficacy and the depression in addition to conventional treatment.

Health-related Quality of Life in Korean Patients with Osteoarthritis / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL), to evaluate the relationship between HRQOL, and various factors in Korean patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: The HRQOL and clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed by Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), EuroQol5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), time trade off (TTO) and standard gamble (SG) using computer software, Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), social support, self-efficacy scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), functional class, and radiological grading, respectively, in 103 outpatients with OA. And the data of the SF-36 and EQ-5D in OA patients were compared with those in 228 healthy controls. RESULTS: Of the 103 subjects, 99 (96.1%) were women with a mean age of 61.1?6.7 years. The mean year of disease duration was 9.44+/-7.44. The mean scores of SF-36 global, mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) were 51.5?20.6, 61.6?26.6 and 47.1?24.1, respectively. The mean EQ-5D utility and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were 0.56+/-0.26 and 60.0+/-17.3, respectively. The mean scores of the TTO and SG were 0.74+/-0.22 and 0.60+/-0.31, respectively. The mean scores of CES-D, self-efficacy scale, social support and social network were 9.52+/-5.67, 60.6+/-16.0, 2.32+/-0.22, and 2.01+/-0.66, respectively. The mean scores of WOMAC pain, stiffness and function were 28.8+/-15.4, 6.08+/-3.79, and 2.17+/-1.92, respectively. In the correlations analysis among health-related quality of life and other variables, the cores of KWOMAC, CES-D, and self-efficacy showed the good correlation with the scores of SF-36 and EQ-5D. In multivariate models, the statistically significant variables of SF-36 global and PCS were KWOMAC, and the statistically significant variables of SF-36 MCS were marital status and KWOMAC. CONCLUSION: This study shows that HRQOL in Korean patients with osteoarthritis is significantly lower than healthy control. Among the variables, only the WOMAC was significantly correlated with HRQOL. Therefore, the efforts to improve HRQOL should be focused on controlling the disease activity and on improving the functional state.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Korean Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient, to compare the HRQOL of SLE patients with that of healthy controls, and to identify the predicting variables on physical and mental health in Korean patients with SLE. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, the HRQOL and clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed by Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), EuroQol5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), time trade off (TTO), standard gamble (SG), Centers for Epidemiologic StudiesDepression (CES-D), self-efficacy scale, social support, social network, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index (SDI), respectively, from 111 outpatients with SLE. And the data of the SF-36 and EQ-5D in SLE patients were compared with those in 228 healthy controls. RESULTS: 106 (95.5%) were women and 5 (4.5%) were men, with a mean (+/-SD) age of 33.2 years (+/-9.9) and mean disease duration of 7.19 years (+/-4.59). The mean scores of SF-36 global, mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) were 62.2 (+/-20.4), 67.5 (+/-24.6), and 65.7 (+/-24.8), respectively. The mean EQ-5D utility and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were 0.73 (+/-0.20) and 67.5 (+/-17.9). The mean scores of the TTO and SG were 0.60 (+/-0.55) and 0.59 (+/-0.45). The scores on the SF-36 global, EQ-5D utility and EQ-5D VAS in healthy controls were 77.5 (+/-13.1), 0.73 (+/-0.20) and 67.5 (+/-17.9), respectively. The mean scores of CES-D, self-efficacy scale, social support, and social network were 9.09 (+/-6.82), 66.5 (+/-17.4), 2.53 (+/-0.17) and 2.29 (+/-0.46), respectively. The mean SLEDAI and the mean SDI were 5.87 (+/-4.32) and 0.73 (+/-1.02). The SDI was negatively correlated with the scores of SF-36 global, PCS, and EQ-5D VAS (r=-0.30, p<0.001; r=-0.34, p<0.001; r=-0.28, p<0.003), and positively correlated with the CES-D (r=0.19, p<0.04). In multivariate models, the predicting variables on SF-36 global and 6 MCS was self-efficacy, and the predicting variables on SF-36 PCS were SLEDAI and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: In this study, we observed that HRQOL in Korean patients with SLE was lower than those in healthy control. The SF-36 and the EQ-5D were valid measurements to assess HRQOL in patients with SLE. In multivariate model, self-efficacy and SLEDAI were only meaningful variables correlated with HRQOL among variables. Therefore, to improve the HRQOL in Korean patients with SLE, we should focus on a program to improve self-efficacy.