Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Efficacy Of High Intensity Interval Training On Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Reviewarticle, Yuping Huang, Weihwa Liaw, Kueiyu Chien, Chienming Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Recent studies have begun to replace low-intensity exercise with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to improve physical fitness and health-related quality of life of cancer survivors. To the best of our knowledge, there is no systematic reviewarticle to investigate the effect of HIIT on cancer survivors. Therefore, the aim of this systematic reviewarticle study is to summarize relevant randomized controlled trials on the physiologic efficacy of HIIT on cancer survivors, and to establish the clinical intervention principles of HIIT for cancer survivors. The literature reviewarticle covered online electronic databases (Pubmed, Medline, PEDro, and CEPS) from 2000 to 2016, and searched for …

Using Community Health Workers In Collaboration With Nurse Case Managers In Effecting Change In Quality Of Life For Heart Failure Patients, Patra Hull Reed

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Clinical Projects, 2016-2019

This project was designed to evaluate the effectiveness in improving the quality of life among heart failure patients with the addition of the role of Community Health Worker (CHW) to a current continuum case management model. The study also addressed the increased need for more appropriate and cost-effective chronic care management for heart failure patients. Hospitals and healthcare systems are being challenged to find innovative ways to decrease readmissions, decrease unnecessary emergency room visits, increase patient adherence, and manage chronic disease, all improving the patient’s overall quality of life. Studies show that approximately 76% of heart failure patients have a …

Probiotic Yoghourt For Health, Nutrition And Women's Empowerment In Kenya: A Community-Based Approach, Ellena Andoniou

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The dissertation aims to examine the impacts of probiotic yoghourt on health, nutrition and women’s empowerment within the context of HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Mixed methods that combine quantiative and qualitative approaches are used to understand the effects of probiotic yoghourt on the health, nutrition and quality of life for men and women. Results of the quantiative analysis (n=227) demonstrated that the probiotic yoghourt confers a variety of health benefits – physiological (fewer urogenital conditions and digestive problems; reduced dependence on medical treatment), and psychological (perceived improvements with bodily appearance, felt an increased meaningfulness with life). Results of the qualitative analysis …

Diminished Quality Of Life Among Women Affected By Ebola, Jessi Hanson, Alexis Decosimo, Megan Quinn

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

This article analyzes data collected from Liberian women afflicted by the Ebola virus disease, survivors of the virus and noninfected persons living in Ebola-affected homes. This research is one of the first statistical analyses examining factors diminishing quality of life: negative experiences, stigma, and psychosocial symptoms among females affected by the virus after the outbreak. The research presents a thorough literature review, including research related to other infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, to inform the gap in studies on Ebola’s effects on quality of life. Women who are Ebola virus disease survivors demonstrate significant differences in stigma and psychosocial stress when …

Household Living Arrangement And Quality Of Life In Adults With Mental Illness, Meaghan Mckillop

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: Household living arrangement, whether an individual lives alone, with family, or with unrelated persons, may predict quality of life in adults with mental illness, as it influences social interactions and availability of immediate resources. Objective: To assess the relationship between living arrangement and quality of life in adults with mental illness. Design: Secondary analysis of 294 community-dwelling adults with mental illness. Linear regression was used to estimate the association between living arrangement and quality of life. Results: Initially, linear regression analysis did not suggest a strong association between quality of life and living arrangement; however, further analysis suggested that …

Characteristics And Predictors Of Fatigue Among Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Prostate Cancer: A Controlled Comparison, Ashley M. Nelson, Brian D. Gonzalez, Heather S.L. Jim, Julie M. Cessna, Steven K. Sutton, Brent J. Small, Mayer N. Fishman, Babu Zachariah, Paul B. Jacobsen

Aging Studies Faculty Publications

Purpose: Although fatigue is a common problem for men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), there has been little systematic research on this issue. The present study examined changes in fatigue among prostate cancer patients receiving ADT compared to controls and predictors of heightened fatigue in ADT patients.

Methods: Prostate cancer patients treated with ADT (ADT+ group, n = 60) completed assessments of fatigue prior to or just after ADT initiation (baseline) and 6 and 12 months later. Prostate cancer patients treated with prostatectomy only (ADT- group, n = 85) and men without cancer (CA- group, n = …

Improvement In Quality Of Lifesix Months After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty In A Pakistani Population., Akbar Jaleel Zubair, Syed Usman Bin Mahmood,, Moiz Ali, Shahryar Noordin

Department of Surgery

Abstract

This prospective, cohort study was carried out to assess the improvement in quality of life of patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). It was conducted at the orthopaedic department of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from June 2014 to May 2015, and comprised patients who had undergone THA. A total of 89 patients having a mean age of 41.5±12.0 years with a baseline core outcomes measure index (COMI)-hip score of > 3.5 were included. A decrease in COMI-hip score by >3 points six months post-operatively was considered improvement in quality of life. Patient satisfaction with restriction to …

Body Image And Quality Of Life Among Postsurgical Bariatric Patients, Amy Leigh White

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

In recent decades, bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular intervention for the treatment of morbid obesity. Bariatric surgery leads to substantial improvements in physical health (e.g., weight loss, increased life expectancy) and psychological health (e.g., body image, quality of life). After bariatric surgery, many patients undergo subsequent surgical procedures to remove excess skin (“body contouring”), which are also associated with positive medical and psychological outcomes.

The present study sought to expand upon existing research into the psychosocial outcomes of bariatric surgery, investigate correlates of patients’ desire for body contouring, and determine whether presurgical motivations were associated with postsurgical outcomes. …

Longitudinal Evaluation Of Patient Concerns After Surgery For Head And Neck Cancer, Isabel Wozniczka

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the longitudinal effects of shoulder and neck mobility, strength, and quality of life (QOL) following neck dissection (ND) surgery and identify the concerns of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. ND is one of the standard procedures for treating HNC, which results in many complications and dysfunctions that can have an effect on a patient’s QOL.

The study had 27 eligible HNC participants who underwent ND, of which eight participated in the shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength and 12 participated in the QOL patient-reported outcomes analysis. The …

The Nutrition And Food-Related Roles, Experiences And Support Needs Of Female Family Carers Of Malnourished Older Rehabilitation Patients, Skye Marshall, Dianne P. Reidlinger, Adrienne Young, Elizabeth Isenring

Liz Isenring

BACKGROUND: To improve perceived value of nutrition support and patient outcomes, the present study aimed to determine the nutrition and food-related roles, experiences and support needs of female family carers of community-dwelling malnourished older adults admitted to rehabilitation units in rural New South Wales, Australia, both during admission and following discharge. METHODS: Four female family carers of malnourished rehabilitation patients aged ≥65 years were interviewed during their care-recipients' rehabilitation admission and again at 2 weeks post-discharge. The semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed reflecting an interpretative phenomenological approach by three researchers. A series of 'drivers' relevant to the research …

The Nutrition And Food-Related Roles, Experiences And Support Needs Of Female Family Carers Of Malnourished Older Rehabilitation Patients, Skye Marshall, Dianne P. Reidlinger, Adrienne Young, Elizabeth Isenring

Skye Marshall

BACKGROUND: To improve perceived value of nutrition support and patient outcomes, the present study aimed to determine the nutrition and food-related roles, experiences and support needs of female family carers of community-dwelling malnourished older adults admitted to rehabilitation units in rural New South Wales, Australia, both during admission and following discharge. METHODS: Four female family carers of malnourished rehabilitation patients aged ≥65 years were interviewed during their care-recipients' rehabilitation admission and again at 2 weeks post-discharge. The semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed reflecting an interpretative phenomenological approach by three researchers. A series of 'drivers' relevant to the research …

Angina Characteristics As Predictors Of Trajectories Of Quality Of Life Following Acute Coronary Syndrome In The Transitions, Risks And Actions In Coronary Events-Center For Outcomes Research And Education Cohort (Trace-Core), Lisa Nobel, Jennifer Tjia, Jane S. Saczynski, Molly E. Waring, Milena D. Anatchkova, Arlene Ash, Catarina I. Kiefe, Jeroan Allison

Jennifer Tjia

BACKGROUND: To describe longitudinal trajectories of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after hospitalization with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), their associations with baseline angina characteristics, and associations with anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment.

METHODS: TRACE-CORE participants (N=1,613) completed the SF-36 during hospitalization for ACS and 1, 3, & 6 months post-discharge. Latent growth curves identified trajectories of physical and mental components of HRQOL (MCS and PCS) and sequential multiple logistic regression estimated associations between trajectories and angina characteristics.

RESULTS: Participants (N=1613) had mean age 63.3 (SD 11.4) years, 33.0% female, and 78.2% non-Hispanic white. We identified 2 MCS trajectories: AVERAGE …

Promoting Self-Transcendence And Well-Being In Community-Dwelling Older Adults : A Pilot Study Of A Psychoeducational Intervention., Valerie Lander Mccarthy, Jiying Ling, Sharon Bowland, Lynne A. Hall, Jennifer Connelly

Valerie L. McCarthy

Self-transcendence changes how older adults perceive themselves, their relationships with others, the material world, and the metaphysical or spiritual dimension. It is associated with multiple indicators of well-being. The purpose of this pilot study (N = 20) was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention to increase self-transcendence and well-being of older adults. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. All variables trended in the directions hypothesized. Self-transcendence increased in the intervention group and decreased in the control group but not significantly. The group × time interaction for life satisfaction was significant (z = 2.89, p = …

Three-Year Trajectories Of Global Perceived Quality Of Life For Youth With Chronic Health Conditions, Janette Mcdougall, David J. Dewit, Megan Nichols, Linda Miller, F. Virginia Wright

Occupational Therapy Publications

Purpose Objectives of this longitudinal study were to examine 3-year trajectories of global perceived quality of life (QOL) for youth with chronic health conditions, as obtained from youth and parent reports, and to identify personal and environmental factors associated with the trajectory groups for each perspective.

Methods Youth with various chronic conditions aged 11–17 years and one of their parents were recruited from eight children’s treatment centers. Latent class growth analysis was used to investigate perceived QOL trajectories (separately for youth and parent perspectives) over a 3-year period (four data collection time points spaced 12 months apart). Multinomial logistic regression …

Madina, Madina, Tsos

TSOS Interview Gallery

Madina is from Afghanistan where she had a good life as a hairdresser. She loved her business and was very well off. She faced a great deal of opposition and persecution since she was a woman who owned a business. She faced violence and threats often. Eventually they were forced to sell their possessions and flee with the help of traffickers and had a dangerous and painful journey. Multiple times they were turned away at borders in Greece, Turkey, and Iran. Madina now lives in Oinofyta refugee camp with her husband and 6 children. Her husband has a disability due …

Shared Care Contributions To Self-Care And Quality Of Life In Chronic Cardiac Patients, Margaret Sebern, Roger Brown, Patricia Flatley Brennan

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Shared care is an interpersonal interaction system composed of communication, decision making, and reciprocity; it is used by patients and family caregivers (care dyads) to exchange social support. This study’s purpose was to describe the contributions of shared care to outcomes for individuals with cardiac disease. A secondary data analysis was used to answer the following questions. What is the association between elements of shared care and patient outcomes? Do dyad perceptions of shared care differentially contribute to patient outcomes? Participants in this study were 93 individuals with a cardiac disease and 93 family caregivers. Composite index structured equation modeling …

Assessment Of Distress, Unmet Needs, And Receipt Of Care Plans Among Cancer Survivors In Georgia, Cam Escoffery, Angie Patterson, Nancy M. Paris, Logan Kirsch, Cassiopeia Frank, Jean O'Connor

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Cancer survivors have distinctive healthcare needs. The Survivorship Working Group of the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium conducted an assessment to understand the physical, psychological, practical, and spiritual needs of adult cancer survivors; patient perceptions regarding patient-provider communications; and their perceived need for services.

Methods: In 2014, a convenience sample of Georgia cancer survivors completed a paper or online survey about the presence of and distress associated with unmet physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs, and receipt of assistance in those areas. They were also asked about receipt of cancer treatment and survivorship care plans.

Results: Survivors were primarily female, …

How Animals Communicate Quality Of Life: The Qualitative Assessment Of Behaviour, F. Wemelsfelder

Françoise Wemelsfelder, PhD

The notion ‘quality of life’ (QoL) suggests that welfare in animals encompasses more than just an absence of suffering; it concerns the quality of an animal’s entire relationship with its environment, of how it lives its life. Judgements of such quality are based on the integration of perceived details of how animals behave over time in different contexts. The scientific status of such judgements has long been ambiguous, but in recent decades has begun to be addressed by animal scientists. This paper starts with a brief review of qualitative approaches to the study of animal behaviour, which tend to address …

Partner Interfering Behaviors Affecting Cancer Quality Of Life, Ann L. Coker, Diane R. Follingstad, Lisandra S. Garcia, Heather M. Bush

Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Publications

Objective: Because partners are an important and unpaid resource in cancer care, understanding how destructive, controlling or interfering partner behaviors influence women's cancer care may be particularly relevant for health care providers seeking to provide cancer care and enhance recovery. Using a new measure of partner interfering behaviors in cancer care (PIB-C), we investigated whether women with a recent cancer diagnosis who additionally endorsed any PIB-C would report (a) more symptoms of depression and stress, and (b) lower Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G) and lower Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-SP) scale scores indicating poorer quality of …

Point In Time The Fitsteps For Life Exercise Program Improves Quality Of Life Of Persons With Cancer, Barbara Haas, Gary Kimmel, Melinda Hermanns

Barbara Haas

This poster was presented at the National Collegiate Honors College Conference in Fall of 2014 at Denver, Colorado.

Point In Time The Fitsteps For Life Exercise Program Improves Quality Of Life Of Persons With Cancer, Barbara Haas, Gary Kimmel, Melinda Hermanns

Melinda Hermanns

This poster was presented at the National Collegiate Honors College Conference in Fall of 2014 at Denver, Colorado.

Determining A Protocol: Rate Versus Rhythm Control In Atrial Fibrillation - A Quality Of Life Study., Samuel Dogbey, Marlea Lee

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2016 to 2019

In the United States alone, approximately 6 million people are estimated to have atrial fibrillation (AF)1. Those with AF are at a dangerously high risk for the development of stroke and/or death from emboli that form secondary to the deadly arrhythmia. Much controversy exists in the medical field surrounding the best way to treat AF to reduce both the associated morbidity and mortality. This study sought to bring clarity to the controversy by analyzing clinical trials comparing rhythm control vs. rate control of atrial fibrillation. Three studies were used to evaluate which method better increased quality of life for those …

Changes In Physical Functioning And Muscle Strength In Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Prostate Cancer: A Controlled Comparison, Brian D. Gonzalex, Heather S. L. Jim, Brent J. Small, Mayer N. Fishman, Babu Zachariah, Randy V. Heysek, Paul B. Jacobsen

Aging Studies Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine changes in muscle strength and self-reported physical functioning in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer compared to matched controls.

Methods: Prostate cancer patients scheduled to begin ADT (n = 62) were assessed within 20 days of starting ADT and 6 and 12 months later. Age and geographically matched prostate cancer controls treated with prostatectomy only (n = 86) were assessed at similar time intervals. Grip strength measured upper body strength, the Chair Rise Test measured lower body strength, and the SF-12 Physical Functioning scale measured self-reported physical functioning. …

Psychometric Performance Of The Arabic Versions Of The Cancer Behavior Inventory‐Brief And The Functional Assessment Of Cancer Therapy‐Breast In Saudi Arabia, Maaidah M. Algamdi Msn

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Background: Arabic is the mother tongue of 26 countries, including Saudi Arabia where cancer is the fourth leading cause of death. Cancer is a sensitive issue in the Arabic population and a clear understanding of patients’ perceptions of self-efficacy for coping with cancer and quality of life helps assess interventions designed to facilitate optimal patient outcomes. In preliminary studies, the Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief (CBI-B) was translated and back translated between English and Arabic, and reviewed for translational validity by an expert panel. The Arabic version of the CBI-B (CBI-BA) had acceptable evidence of translational validity with an overall translational validity …

Information Processing Speed Impairment After Stroke, A Descriptive Study, Susan Alderman

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Background Information processing speed (IPS) is an elemental cognitive function impacting multiple other functions including memory, attention, and executive function, and academic skills like arithmetic, reading and writing. However, little research has been done on IPS impairment in acute stroke. This article compares the frequency and severity of IPS impairment in mild and moderate stroke and its impact on quality of life.

Methods The longitudinal study of patients with mild stroke (NIHSS

Results Using linear mixed model regression, similar frequency and severity of IPS and memory impairments were noted, regardless of stroke severity, in the sample of 30 patients (60% …

Effect Of Photographs Of Visible Genetic Conditions On Quality Of Life Perceptions, Christina Falugi

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Historically, medical photographs are used to demonstrate dysmorphic features and characteristic presentations of genetic conditions. Traditional, pictorial depictions of genetic conditions typically involve nude subjects against walls to emphasize their features. These stark, black and white photographs may negatively influence students’ perceptions of the depicted individual. Natural photographs which include individuals in non-clinical environments may impact perceptions. To assess the influence of photographs on a viewer’s perception, 649 students from medical, nursing, genetic counseling and dental programs were surveyed in a cross-over study. Students were randomized to view a traditional or a natural photograph of three distinct genetic conditions followed …

Predictors Of Quality Of Life For African American Women Who Assist Persons Who Receive Dialysis, Shaquita A. Starks

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The purpose of this predictive correlational study was to describe predictors of quality of life (QoL) for African American women who were caregivers of persons with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Five purposes, derived from a review of literature and conceptual model, guided this study. First, the study described the association between demographic factors (i.e., education, employment, age, marital status), and QoL. Second, the study explored the relationship between stress and QoL. Third, the study described the association between depressive symptoms and QoL. Fourth, the study described the association between family health/happiness and QoL. Fifth, the study described the extent …

Comparison Of Interactive Voice Response (Ivr) With Paper Administration Of Instruments To Assess Functional Status, Sexual Function, And Quality Of Life In Elderly Men., Rc Rosen, Aj Stephens-Shields, Gr Cunningham, D Cifelli, D Cella, Jt Farrar, E Barrett-Connor, Ce Lewis, M Pahor, X Hou, Pj Snyder

Faculty Publications

PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are essential for assessing subjective patient experiences. Interactive voice response (IVR) data collection provides advantages for clinical trial design by standardizing and centralizing the assessment. Prior to adoption of IVR as a mode of PRO administration in the Testosterone Trials (TTrials), we compared IVR to paper versions of the instruments to be used. METHODS: IVR versions of the FACIT-Fatigue scale and Psychosexual Daily Questionnaire, Question 4, were developed. In one pilot study, IVR versions of these scales were compared to paper versions in 25 men = 65 years at each of two clinical sites. In …

Is Preoperative Functional Status A Predictor Of Postoperative Mortality, Morbidity And Quality Of Life In Open Heart Patients?, A. Kate Macphedran

Dissertations

The very nature of mortality and morbidity surrounding cardiac surgery is complex with numerous risk factors involved and researchers have found functional status to be a stronger predictor of outcomes than the admitting diagnosis. Preoperative functional status, however, is not measured by any of the cardiac risk scores. Functional status can be objectively measured using validated outcome tools such as the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). In 3 studies, the impact and association of functional status changes over time was explored in patients who have undergone elective open heart surgery. Analyses in Study 1 demonstrated significantly improved functional status …

Conservative Surgery Of Breast Cancer In Women; Psychological Benefits, Razvan V. Scaunasu Md, Traean Burcoș, Ștefan Voiculescu, Bogdan A. Popescu, Șerban V. Bertesteanu, Oana-Denisa Bălălău, Nicolae Bacalbasa, Cristian Bălălău

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Breast surgery was one of the most dynamic fields of medicine which benefited from significant progress during the last decades. The transition from aggressive and mutilating amputations to conservative, oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques has been constant, offering improved and rewarding results, viewed from both, oncological and aesthetical perspectives.

Conservative techniques, especially those which preserve the nipple areola complex, are followed by improved patient’s perception of their body image, confidence and sexuality, with the only drawback of increased anxiety linked to recurrence risk.