Predictors of health-related quality of life in patients with non-communicable diseases: A national cross-section study.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 74% of global deaths and contributed to significant disabilities, worsening health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In NCDs, poor medication adherence, social support, patient-physician relationship, and health literacy decrease HRQoL. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of literature examining the predictors of HRQoL among patients with different types of NCDs. AIMS: This study aimed to examine the predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), including health literacy, social support, patient-physician relationship, and medication adherence, among patients with NCDs. METHODS: This national cross-sectional study used a correlational design and included 800 Omani participants with six NCDs. Self-reported questionnaires were used to measure HRQoL, health literacy, patient-physician relationship, social support, and medication adherence. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine predictors of HRQoL. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 56 years (SD = 15.60). The results revealed that more medication adherence was linked to better physical and role functioning (ß = 0.08, p = .017, ß = 0.07, p = .021, respectively) and mental health (ß = 0.19, p = .000). Social support was independent predictor of physical (ß = 0.19, p = .000), social (ß = 0.09, p = .009), role (ß = 0.07, p = .029) and mental (ß = 0.30, p = .000) functioning. Patients with good health literacy had better social (ß = 0.51, p = .001) and role (ß = 0.10, p = .011) functioning. CONCLUSION: This study holds implications for future efforts to implement interventions improving HRQoL. The study suggested that health literacy, social support and medication adherence are significant predictors, positively influencing physical functioning, social functioning, role functioning, and mental health dimensions of HRQoL among patients with NCDs.

Medication Adherence and Patients' Characteristics in Chronic Diseases: A National Multi-Center Study.

Chronic diseases constitute a significant threat to health. Worldwide, medication adherence in chronic diseases remains unsatisfactory. Understanding factors affecting adherence is essential. This study examined medication adherence by characteristics of patients with chronic diseases. This cross-sectional study included 800 patients. The Adherence to Chronic Diseases Scale was used to measure adherence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression was used to examine factors influencing medication adherence. Low adherence was found in 19.5% of the patients, 45% had medium adherence, and 35.5% had high adherence. Logistic regression showed that retired (OR 0.496, 95% CI [0.33-0.75]), having COPD (OR 0.460, 95% CI [0.32-0.67]) and duration of disease ≤5 years (OR 1.554, 95% CI [1.11-2.17]) remain independent predictors for high adherence. Mixed findings regarding the relationship between medication adherence and patients' characteristics were noticed. Patients' characteristics should be examined with the individual population when examining and attempting to improve medication adherence in clinical practice.

Quality of Oncology Nursing Care as Perceived by Patients With Cancer: Results From Three Arab Countries.

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction was defined as expectation and perception of the patients about real nursing care they receive. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of oncology nursing care as perceived by patients with cancer in 3 Arabic countries (Jordan, Oman, and Egypt). METHODS: A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling approach was used. A total of 517 patients with cancer (Jordan, 200, 38.7%; Sultanate of Oman, 137, 26.5%; and Egypt, 180, 34.8%) participated and completed the study's questionnaires including sociodemographic data and the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS). RESULTS: Moderate quality of oncology nursing care was reported by the participants. The overall mean for the quality of oncology care as measured by the QONCS-Ar (QONCS Arabic version) was highest in Oman (153.40; SD, 4.10), followed by Jordan (150.93; SD, 2.10) and then Egypt (148.0; SD, 3.80). The results were significantly different in the total score of the QONCS-Ar (F = 45.20, P < .001) among the 3 countries. The results also differed in all domains of oncology nursing care according to days of treatment and marital status. CONCLUSION: Findings are considered a baseline for future research and highlight the importance of evaluating quality of oncology nursing care as perceived by the patients with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results from the current study can be used to develop an interventional program focusing on the needs of patients and their perceptions of care.