Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Barriers To Gluten-Free Diet Adherence And How They Relate To Quality Of Life And Self-Efficacy In College Students With Celiac Disease, Caitlin Elizabeth Wall

Master's Theses

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder with an increasing global prevalence. As the only current treatment is a strict gluten-free diet (GFD), adherence is imperative to maintain optimal health in individuals with the disease. There are many potential barriers to GFD adherence, including social, mental, and financial difficulties. College also presents a unique set of challenges for students with CD that may not be experienced by those without the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential barriers to GFD adherence experienced by college students with celiac disease in the United States. This study also …

Improving Quality Of Life In Menopausal Women Through A Best Practice Protocol: The Use Of Hormone Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Module And Exercise, Claire Czerwonka

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Menopause is a normal process of aging, but many of the symptoms negatively impact women’s day-to-day quality of life (QOL), as well as activities of daily living, physical and mental health (ACOG, 2014). Generally, systemic estrogen hormone therapy is indicated for menopause-related vasomotor symptoms, but there is no research further addressing QOL issues or lifestyle management in addition to hormone therapy. The purpose of this evidence-base practice (EBP) project was to implement a menopause protocol to address QOL issues in menopausal women with the use of hormone replacement therapy, education through an online mindfulness module, and the use of exercise. …

Physical And Mental Health Benefits Of An Intergenerational Yoga Intervention On Individuals And Communities, Crystal Rose Mckinney

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Intergenerational health programming has been shown to elicit positive physical, mental, psychological and social health benefits of all participants due to the educational impact and social engagement of synchronized movement and understanding of other generations. Research continues to show the efficacy of yoga in mind - body - spirit - connection health benefits and is accessible to bodies across the lifespan. People of all ages can benefit from an intergenerational yoga program, particularly in a rural location where there are less opportunities for physical activity participation. The purpose of this project is to apply for Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild …

The Influence Of Psychosocial Factors On Opioid Decision-Making For Cancer-Related Pain Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Mixed Method Study, Melody Nichole Chavez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequently reported malignancy among women in the United States. Cancer-related pain is highly prevalent occurrence and is often the most fearful side effect following curative intent treatment. Opioid pain management is considered a standard of care and can be of great benefit to treat moderate to severe pain. However, undertreatment of pain remains a significant issue affecting the patient’s physical function, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. Barriers to adequate pain management are multifactorial and often attributed to patients’ beliefs and attitudes revolving around opioid pain management. In addition, the opioid epidemic has …

Black American Men's Resiliency And Persistence To Grow Old: A Midwest Qualitative Study, Kimberly Ann Walker

Theses and Dissertations

AbstractAs Black American men continue to experience the highest premature morbidity and mortality, few studies have centered on the intersection of class (low-income) and race (middle-aged and older Black men) with multiple morbidity from a critical race approach in the Midwest region of the U.S. Middle-aged Black men have 31% higher death rate than their White counterparts. A qualitative study was conducted by a community health nurse in the spring of 2021 in a metropolitan city. Thirty-one, low-income Black American men were interviewed focusing on their understanding and perceptions of their complex comorbidities, symptom management for quality of life, short …

The Quality Of Life Of Patients With Eye Diseases, Brian Edward Yu

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) values determined using direct elicitation methods and generic preference-based measures are important for economic evaluations of healthcare interventions. The ophthalmology clientele is vulnerable to psychological stressors in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Objectives: To systematically identify and summarize the quality of life (QoL) of eye disease patients in general in North America and seniors with eye diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A systematic review identified North American studies that quantified HRQoL of eye disease patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted among seniors with eye diseases and backwards stepwise regression …

Health-Related Quality Of Life For Veterans Transitioned Into Civilian Life, Vicki Ann Guerra

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Texas veterans transitioning to civilian life have experienced health issues after discharge. There are processes to follow before seeking treatment or diagnosis for any health issue prior to military discharge. Given the gaps in the literature on veteran health, quality of life and transition to civilian life, scholars lack understanding of the transitional events that take place. Veteran health issues are impacted by medical appointment wait-times, day to day life events, and this can lead to decreased quality of life. The purpose of this mixed-methods study (N=36) was to evaluate veterans’ health related quality of life who had transitioned from …

The Impact Of Endometriosis-Associated Pelvic Pain On The Social And Academic Wellbeing Of Women Enrolled In University, Ava E. Bettencourt

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Endometriosis, a medical condition in which endometrial tissue lining grows outside of the uterus, affects approximately 10-15 percent of women of reproductive age. While research has shown that symptoms of endometriosis negatively affect quality of life in women, few studies have examined the impact of this condition specifically in college students who may be overwhelmed with the stress of school, living independently, and managing the symptoms of their endometriosis. Purpose: To examine the impact of endometriosis on academic and psychosocial factors in university students. Methods: Four college females completed the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), a 10-item survey used to …

Translation And Validation Of The Spanish Version Of The Quality Of Life Inventory For Adolescents (Qolie-Ad-48), Perla Michelle Martinez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: In 1999, an instrument was developed to assess quality of life (QoL) among adolescences with epilepsy. To our knowledge there is not a validated Spanish version of this questionnaire. There is a gap in the literature about QoL and epilepsy among speaking Spanish populations. Objectives: 1) To conduct an English-Spanish translation of the QOLIE-AD-48; 2) to evaluate the reliability of the Spanish version of the QoLIE-AD-48; and 3) to assess the validity of the Spanish version of the QoLIE-AD-48. Method: Phase 1 translation: Methods followed the published work of Sousa and Rojjanasrirat (2010). Phase 2 Pilot study: the sample …

Effectiveness Of Cancer Survivorship Plans On The Emotional, Psychosocial, And Physical Well-Being Of Breast Cancer Survivors, Amber Renee Purdie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractCancer survivorship is essential for the longevity of all cancer survivors, and breast cancer survivorship has become the focus of public health organizations to help address the unmet needs of breast cancer survivors. This quantitative cross-sectional study explored the impact on the Quality of Life (QoL) and health outcomes of female breast cancer survivors in cancer survivorship programs or tertiary care. The ages of the survivors in the study sample ranged from 18 to 80, and all participants were at least 6 months into their cancer survivorship journey. Surveys used were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer’s …

The Effect Of Quality Of Life On Cardiometabolic Risk Factors In Postmenopausal Women, Chavela Lynn Riotutar

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Background: The emergence of cardiometabolic (CMD) indicators for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) coincides with the decline in estrogen production during menopause and substantially increases development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. Quality of life (QOL) encompasses physical, material, and social well-being. Research reveals a correlation between low QOL scores and CMD disease. Menopause significantly increases CMD risk, and may also lower QOL scores. Objective: To investigate the relationship between QOL and CMD risk in postmenopausal women. Method: Cisgender, postmenopausal women (age > 45 years) were recruited through emails to complete the online survey. Data collection included demographics, physical characteristics and activity level, …

Differential Effects Of Buprenorphine/Naloxone Vs. Methadone On Quality Of Life Over Time: A Subset Of The Bravo Study (Buprenorphine To Improve Hiv Care Engagement And Outcomes: A Randomized Trial), Ali Mirzazadeh Javaheri

University Honors Theses

Health-related Quality of Life (QoL) is generally poorer in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) in comparison with those suffering from other chronic diseases. Little is known about the difference each buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NX) or methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) may make in the QoL for the HIV-infected people with OUD who are new to HIV care. The objective of this study is to evaluate the difference in the impact that BUP/NX and MMT treatment delivery models make on the QoL of the HIV-infected participants with OUD in Vietnam.

This study was a subset of the BRAVO study, buprenorphine to improve HIV …

The Effectiveness Of Implementing A Collaborative Mental Health Approach On Quality Of Life For Individuals Of Low Socioeconomic Status, Tyler Z. Tooley

MSU Graduate Theses

The ultimate purpose of this study is to provide insight and education to mental health clinicians, politicians and the general public of the numerous effects poverty has on mental health, in addition to the most beneficial ways to combat those insidious effects. The specific barriers met by individuals of low socioeconomic status severely affect psychological and physical health, as well as social and environmental relationships, which therefore diminish overall quality of life. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of implementing a collaborative mental health approach for low income individuals on length of engagement in services and …

Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life In Us Adults With Type 2 Diabetes., Giang Truong Vu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focused on the relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the factors associated with this relationship in the US. The objectives of the dissertation research were a three-part process: (1) to understand the relationships of T2DM with poor OHRQoL, clarify risk and preventive factors that affect this association, and identify research gaps in the literature, (2) to analyze risk factors associated with poor OHRQoL in US adults with T2DM using a nationally representative random probability cluster sample, and (3) to apply structural equation modeling (SEM) to a simplified Andersen’s Behavioral Model …

Life Satisfaction In Division Iaa And Division Iii Football Players, Krista Haunani Francisco

Dissertations and Theses

Level of life satisfaction is not something of which many sit down and take appraisal. However, levels of life satisfaction, especially low levels of life satisfaction, can have a direct effect on health. Low levels of life satisfaction cause an increase in self-reported stress. Inversely, high levels of stress cause a decrease in life satisfaction. This decrease in life satisfaction is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes. A majority of student-athlete healthcare is centered around the physical aspects of health, with mental health just recently becoming a concern. It was apparent through the research for this study that …

Quality Of Life, Physical Activity, And Weight Status For A Sample Of Online Students, Walaa Awad

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity has been identified as a global health problem and a risk factor for many chronic diseases. While previous studies discussed the weight status and factors associated with overweight and obesity among adults enrolled in traditional universities, few studies have yet estimated the obesity rate among adults who choose online education. Guided by the social cognitive theory, this descriptive exploratory quantitative study used a survey to collect primary data from adult online students of three higher educational institutions. The survey examined the effect of quality of life and physical activity level on the weight status of the participants; taking into …

Measuring Quality Of Life In Patients With Rotator Cuff Disorders, Rochelle Furtado

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Rotator cuff disorders (RCDs) are a common musculoskeletal problem with a higher prevalence in women and after the age of 60. Due to the increasing need for patient-centered care, researchers have been directed towards the use of patient reported outcomes (PROs) to evaluate the progress of patient recovery, as the experience varies across individuals.

Recently, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index was reduced in items to create the shortened version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (Short-WORC). However, the Short-WORC’s psychometrics have yet to be evaluated. Therefore, this mixed-methods thesis aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Short-WORC …

The Association Between Neurocognitive Impairment And Health-Related Quality Of Life Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)., Philip S. Amara

Capstone Experience

Background: Despite the use of combination antiretroviral therapy, HIV associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI) persists in HIV seropositive persons, albeit in milder forms than before therapy was available. Nevertheless, the relationship between NCI and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not well known.

Method: Baseline data from the CHARTER study was used to investigate the association between NCI and HRQoL. Factor analysis was employed to summarize the 35-item Medical Outcome Survey questionnaire into physical and mental HRQoL scores. General linear models were employed to investigate the association between NCI, as measured by global deficit scores (GDS), and HRQoL, and to control …

Wait Times, Resource Use And Patient-Reported Outcomes For Patients Referred For Total Knee Replacement Surgery, Kate Lebedeva

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This prospective cohort study evaluated the usual care pathway for patients referred to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We measured healthcare resource use, costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over the continuum of care. We also determined the proportion of inappropriate referrals and estimated wait times for initial surgical consultation and TKA. We found that two in five patients referred to specialty care were deemed inappropriate surgical candidates. Prior to referral, few conservative treatment options were tried, and many imaging tests ordered by referring providers were unjustified. Overall, the greatest proportion of costs were borne by the patient or private …

Post-Diagnosis Quality Of Life And Mortality In Non-Hispanic White And Hispanic Women Diagnosed With Invasive Breast Cancer., Delvon T. Mattingly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of breast cancer is increasing, and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of breast cancer survivors may help to further understand survivorship. This study evaluated HRQOL as a potential prognostic factor for mortality among Non-Hispanic White (NHW) and Hispanic women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Data were used from the Health, Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle (HEAL) Study. Data for 351 participants were analyzed for associations between HRQOL scores (subscale, component) and mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression was conducted to assess the relationship between HRQOL and mortality outcomes (all-cause, breast cancer-specific, non-cancer). Median follow-up time from HRQOL assessment (approximately …

Symptom Clusters And Quality Of Life Trajectories In Breast Cancer Patients Before And After Chemotherapy, Gaurav Kumar

Capstone Experience

Context. Breast cancer patients experience multiple concurrent symptoms before and after chemotherapy (CTX). Physical and psychological symptoms may persist after treatment and reduce the quality of life (QOL) of survivors.

Objectives. Identify differences in prevalence and severity of symptoms at three times within 1- year of starting CTX; and identify symptom cluster and QOL trajectories over these times in breast cancer patients.

Methods. Symptoms were identified in breast cancer patients (N=219) before the start of CTX (baseline), 30 days after the last CTX, and 1-year after the first CTX. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Symptom Experience Scale …

Assessing Asthma-Specific Health-Related Quality Of Life In Children With An Ecological Systems Approach, Jamyia Clark

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite initiatives and management efforts to minimize exacerbation and adverse outcomes, asthma remains a leading cause of childhood chronic disease in the United States. Environmental, personal, and social factors have been associated with an increase of asthma morbidity. However, little is known about how they cumulatively affect children's quality of life. This study applied a multifactorial conceptual model grounded by the ecological systems theory framework to ascertain which environmental, personal, and social factors were cumulatively associated with adverse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with asthma ages 5-17 years. A national, cross-sectional survey, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System …

Relationship Between Caregivers' Quality Of Life And Childhood Tuberculosis In Nigeria, Haruna Ismaila Adamu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In Nigeria, childhood tuberculosis (TB), a debilitating and deadly disease, is highly prevalent and case reporting is poor due to weak health systems. Globally, children account for at least 10 percent of the TB burden, yet they remain neglected in TB prevention and control efforts. Research studies integrating family and community-centered strategies have been recommended by stakeholders to address the paucity of current local prevention and management strategies for childhood TB. This observational cross-sectional study explored the relationship between caregivers' quality of life (QOL), gender, and socioeconomic status (SES) and the incidence of TB in children aged 0-14 years. Using …

Factors Influencing Quality Of Life Of Persons Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection In Almaty, Kazakhstan, Bakhytkul Zhakipbayeva Zhakipbayeva

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Introduction: Health-related Quality of life (HRQoL) is recognized as a significant medical outcome measure for persons living with HIV (PLWH). Identification of potentially modifiable determinants of HRQoL could help target people in need of additional health care and social services in order to improve their HRQoL. The main objective of this study was to determine the factors with the strongest impact on HRQoL in PLWH.

Lived Experiences Of Individuals Quality Of Life On Prolonged Home Mechanical Ventilation, Munyaradzi Ephie Rwakonda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Improvements in technology have allowed people with tracheostomies to live at home on mechanical ventilation (HMV). Quality of life (QOL) for HMV users has been studied quantitatively, but few qualitative studies have been published. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore QOL for individuals with tracheostomies on prolonged HMV focusing on activities of daily living (ADLs) and the role of decision- making. The Roper, Logan, and Tierney activities of living theory were used to categorize activities. Ten participants, 18 years and older, with a tracheostomy and on HMV for at least 6 months were enrolled using purposive sampling. …

Is Conflict A Factor In A Population's Quality Of Life? A Comparative Study Of University Students In The Palestinian Territories And Jordan, Yara Asi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As nearly one third of the world's population lives in an area that is in some way touched by war, researchers have long been interested in the varied impacts of conflict on civilians. Many indicators, measuring both physical and mental constructs, have been assessed in war-torn populations from around the world, one of which is health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt) are one region in which copious research on health indicators has been undertaken in an effort to understand how long-term conflict manifests itself in noncombatant populations. However, existing studies focus primarily on indicators within the …

Assessment Of Quality Of Life (Qol) In People Living With Hiv In Georgia, Ekaterine Karkashadze

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background: Identification of factors that influence quality of life (QoL) is important in order to improve health and social care services. No prior research is available on QoL in people living with HIV in the country of Georgia. The purpose of our study was to assess QoL among Georgian HIV-infected individuals and to examine associations of socio-demographic and disease-related factors with general and domain-specific QoL.

Environmental Health Effects Of Multiple Exposures: Systemic Risks And The Detroit River International Crossing Study, Tor H. Oiamo

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This thesis examines cumulative exposures to traffic noise and outdoor air pollution on environmental and health related quality of life in Windsor, Ontario, and provides a critical analysis of the environmental assessment process for the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) Study. The research utilizes a systemic risk framework to understand environmental health and stress effects of cumulative exposures. The significance of this research is based on a relative absence of literature on the systemic health risks of cumulative exposures and the need to elucidate environmental annoyance as a health outcome for risk assessment. The objectives of the research were to …

Factors Associated With Quality Of Life Among Mothers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Marian Marconyak

Health Services Research Dissertations

The increasing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has levied associated effects upon the quality of life (QOL) of mothers of children with ASD. These mothers are subjected to various influences upon their lives as a result of their role as caregivers to children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to assess the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Body Functions and Structures, Activities, Participation, Environmental, and Personal Factors associated with QOL among mothers of children with ASD.

English literate, inhabitants of the United States, mothers over the age of 18, of children with ASD were …

Quality Of Life, Health Status, And Academic Success In Undergraduates, Amanda Kuhlman

Honors Projects

Background: Undergraduates are making their first autonomous health decisions. This is an opportune stage for examining the precursors to the chronic diseases of adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine correlations between health status, quality of life, and academic success in college students.

Methods: A quality of life survey (Goodman, 1997) was utilized to determine the behavioral difficulties of 86 first and second year college students. Each of these behavioral categories were then examined for possible correlations with blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, body fat percentage, and any changes in these categories from the …