Is EQ-5D a valid quality of life instrument in patients with acute coronary syndrome?

Systemic Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (SScQoL): translation into Turkish and assessing its psychometric properties

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the connective tissues and leads to physical, emotional, and social challenges for patients. Evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with a disease-specific tool may be preferable for improving patient care and treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to translate the Systemic Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (SScQoL) into Turkish and to investigate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

Eighty-six patients with SSc (mean age 51.8 ± 11.7 years, 80 females) participated in the study. Convergent validity was explored by correlation analyses between Turkish SScQoL and Short-Form 36 (SF-36), European Quality of Life Survey-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), EQ-5D Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS), and Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ). Cronbach's alpha was calculated to test internal consistency. Turkish SScQoL was readministered after 7-14 days to fifty-eight patients for determining test re-test reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficients in 95% confidence interval (ICCs [95%CI]) were calculated to examine the agreement between two assessments. Values greater than 15% and an absolute skewness value < 1 were recognized as the presence of a floor or ceiling effect.

RESULTS

SScQoL correlated significantly with SF-36 subdomains (r = -0.347 to -0.618, p < 0.01), EQ-5D (r = -0.535, p < 0.01), EQ-VAS (r = -0.636, p < 0.01), and SHAQ global score (r = 0.521, p < 0.01). SScQoL demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.917), and good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC [95%CI] = 0.85 [0.76-0.91]). No floor/ceiling effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

The Turkish version of SScQoL seems to have adequate psychometric properties and can be used to evaluate HRQoL in clinical and research settings. Key points • Turkish version of SScQoL is a valid and reliable tool for measuring health-related quality of life of patients with systemic sclerosis. • SScQoL is the only diseases-specific quality of life measurement for systemic sclerosis available in Turkish. • Patients with limited and diffuse SSc seem to be similar in terms of self-reported health-related quality of life.

Determination of the Fear of COVID-19 and the Quality of Life of Patients With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implants During the Pandemic

This study aimed to determine the fear of COVID-19 and the quality of life of patients with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) during the pandemic. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 132 TAVI patients. Data were collected using a patient information form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D). The mean FCV-19S score of the patients was 17.37 ± 6.12. The mean EQ-5D index score was 0.56 ± 0.37 and the mean VAS score was 65.5 ± 11.5. As per the dimensions of the EQ-5D index, 75% of the patients had mobility problems. According to the logistic regression analysis results, mobility was the most affected parameter, as demonstrated by the worsening in symptoms during the pandemic (odds ratio: 7.370, 95% CI [2.183, 24.881]). The patients with TAVI had a moderate level of fear associated with COVID-19, and the pandemic negatively affected their quality of life.

Factors related to health-related quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome in West Java, Indonesia: A correlational study

Background

Although acute coronary syndrome impacts patients' health-related quality of life, a dearth of studies explore this issue in Indonesia. Thus, understanding factors associated with health-related quality of life among patients with acute coronary syndrome is a necessity.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationships between age, pain, dyspnea, functional status, self-efficacy, social support, and health-related quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome in West Java, Indonesia.

Methods

This study employed a descriptive correlational study involving 186 patients with acute coronary syndrome purposively selected in the outpatient clinics of the top referral public hospital. Data were collected in 2020 using validated instruments: Rose Questionnaire for Angina (RQA), Rose Dyspnea Scale (RDS), Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), General Self-efficacy Scale (GSE), ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI), and MacNew Health-Related Quality of Life. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman-rank correlation.

Results

Overall, the health-related quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome was high (Mean = 4.97, SD = 0.92), including in its subscales: emotional (Mean = 4.94, SD = 0.88), physical (Mean = 5.07, SD = 1.12), and social (Mean = 5.05, SD = 1.55) subscales. Significant factors related to health-related quality of life were pain (r = 0.296, p <0.001), functional status (r = 0.601, p <0.001), dyspnea (r = -0.438, p <0.001), and self-efficacy (r = 0.299, p <0.001). Meanwhile, age and social support had no significant relationships with health-related quality of life (p = 0.270, p = 0.059). Interestingly, social support was significantly correlated with the emotional subscale of health-related quality of life (r = 0.156, p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Functional status, pain, and self-efficacy were positively correlated with health-related quality of life, while dyspnea had a negative association. This finding serves as basic information for nurses and other healthcare professionals to consider the related factors identified in this study to improve nursing interventions in order to increase health-related quality of life among patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Worse pre-admission quality of life is a strong predictor of mortality in critically ill patients

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether quality of life (QoL) before intensive care unit (ICU) admission could predict ICU mortality in critically ill patients.

Patients and methods

Between January 2019 and April 2019, a total of 105 ICU patients (54 males, 51 females; mean age: 58 years; range, 18 to 91 years) from two ICUs of a tertiary care hospital were included in this cross-sectional, prospective study. Pre-admission QoL was measured by the Short Form (SF)-12- Physical Component Scores (PCS) and Mental Component Scores (MCS) and EuroQoL five-dimension, five-level scale (EQ-5D-5L) within 24 h of ICU admission and mortality rates were estimated.

Results

The overall mortality rate was 28.5%. Pre-admission QoL was worse in the non-survivors independent from age, sex, socioeconomic and education status, and comorbidities. During the hospitalization, the rate of sepsis and ventilator/hospital-acquired pneumonia were similar among the two groups (p>0.05). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, education status, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores showed that pre-admission functional status as assessed by the SF-12 MCS (odds ratio [OR]: 14,2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-79.0), SF-12 PCS (OR: 10.6; 95% CI: 1.8-62.7), and EQ-5D-5L (OR: 8.0; 95% CI: 1.5-44.5) were found to be independently associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Worse pre-admission QoL is a strong predictor of mortality in critically ill patients. The SF-12 and EQ-5D-5L scores are both valuable tools for this assessment. Not only the physical status, but also the mental status before ICU admission should be evaluated in terms of QoL to better utilize ICU resources.

Evaluation of Dipper and Non-dipper Blood Pressure Patterns and Quality of Life Among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Fundamento

O padrão pressórico não-dipper é definido por uma redução inferior a 10% na pressão arterial noturna e está associado a doenças cardiovasculares. Acredita-se que a inflamação desempenhe um papel na patogênese da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e no padrão pressórico não-dipper e ambas as doenças estão associadas a uma qualidade de vida mais baixa.

Objetivo

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de investigar os efeitos do padrão pressórico não-dipper em pacientes com DPOC.

Métodos

Foi realizado um estudo transversal incluindo 142 pacientes com DPOC. O Questionário Respiratório de Saint George e a Escala de Qualidade de Vida Euro foram utilizados para a coleta de dados. Para entender a rigidez arterial, o índice de aumento e a velocidade da onda de pulso foram medidos; subsequentemente, foi realizada a monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial de 24 horas. Foi aplicado um modelo de regressão logística multivariável para entender a relação entre as diferentes variáveis independentes e o padrão pressórico. Foram considerados estatisticamente significativos valores de p inferiores a 0,05.

Resultados

Como resultado, 76,1% (n = 108) dos pacientes apresentaram o padrão pressórico não-dipper. Os pacientes com padrão não-dipper apresentaram valores mais altos de proteína C reativa (OR: 1,123; IC 95%: 1,016;1,242), índice de aumento (OR: 1,057; IC 95%: 1,011;1,105) e pontuação total no Questionário Respiratório de Saint George (OR: 1,021; IC 95%: 1,001;1,042), em comparação com os pacientes com padrão dipper. Adicionalmente, com o aumento do número de pessoas que habitavam o domicílio, verificou-se que o padrão pressórico não-dipper era mais frequente (OR: 1,339; IC 95%:1,009;1,777).

Conclusão

O padrão pressórico não-dipper pode aumentar o risco cardiovascular ao desencadear a inflamação e pode afetar adversamente o prognóstico da DPOC diminuindo a qualidade de vida relacionada à doença. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Cervical proprioceptive impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involving the cervical spine can lead to various neurologic defects and impairment of proprioception is just one of them. The aim of this study was the assessment of cervical proprioception and its relation with radiographic, clinical, and functional characteristics of patients with RA. One hundred and six rheumatoid arthritis patients who diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria and age, gender, educational status matched one hundred and six healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Cervical joint position error test (CJPET) was applied to healthy volunteers and RA patients for cervical proprioception assessment. Fatigue, depression, balance, quality of life and balance scales were administered to all patients. Cervical radiography was used to assess cervical subluxations. Regression analysis was used for grading the factors which had relations with cervical proprioception. Mean age of patients and healthy volunteers was 51 ± 11.1 and 48.9 ± 9.2, respectively. Scores of CJPET were statistically significantly higher in RA group than healthy volunteers (p = 0.001). CJPET scores were negatively correlated with Berg balance scale findings in right rotation, left rotation, flexion and extension (rho = - 0.421,- 0.473,- 0.448,- 0.515). There was weak or not significant correlation between the scores of CJPET and fatigue, depression, and quality of life scales. Scores of CJPET in patients with atlantoaxial subluxations (AAS) were statistically significantly higher than those without AAS (p < 0.05). Regression analysis results showed that the AAS was related to impaired cervical proprioception on right and left rotations. There was no correlation between CJPET scores and functional parameters. Cervical proprioception impaired in RA patients. This impairment was related to the existence of AAS and balance problems.

Effectiveness of a Web- and Mobile-Guided Psychological Intervention for Depressive Symptoms in Turkey: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

In Turkey, there are serious deficiencies in mental health care. Although depression is highly prevalent, only a small number of people seek professional help. Innovative solutions are needed to overcome this treatment gap. Web-based problem-solving therapy (PST) is an intervention proven to be effective in the treatment of depression, although little is known about its clinical effects in Turkey.

Objective

This study aims to test the clinical effects of a Web and mobile app of an adapted PST for depressive symptoms among the general population in Turkey.

Methods

Participants will be recruited through announcements in social media and the Middle East Technical University. Adults (18-55 years) with mild to moderate depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II] score between 10-29) will be included in the study. Participants with a medium-to-high suicidal risk (according to the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview) will be excluded. A 3-armed randomized controlled trial with a waiting control group will be utilized. A sample size of 444 participants will be randomized across 3 groups. The first experimental group will receive direct access to the Web version of the intervention; the second experimental group will receive direct access to the mobile app of the intervention as well as automated supportive short message service text messages based on PST. The control group consists of a wait-list and will gain access to the intervention 4 months after the baseline. The intervention is based on an existing PST for the Turkish population, Her Şey Kontrol Altında (HŞKA), consisting of 5 modules each with a duration of 1 week and is guided by a clinical psychologist. The primary outcome is change in depressive symptoms measured by the BDI-II. Secondary outcomes include symptoms of anxiety, stress, worry, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Furthermore, satisfaction with, usability and acceptability of the intervention are important features that will be evaluated. All outcomes will take place online through self-assessment at posttest (6-8 weeks after baseline) and at follow-up (4 months after baseline).

Results

We will recruit a total of 444 participants with mild to moderate depressive symptoms from March 2018 to February 2019 or until the recruitment is complete. We expect the final trial results to be available by the end of May 2019. This trial is funded by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (National Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Programme 2016/1).

Conclusions

Results from this study will reveal more information about the clinical effects of HŞKA as well as its applicability in a Turkish setting through the Web and mobile platforms. On the basis of the results, a guided Web- and mobile-based PST intervention might become an appropriate alternative for treating mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03754829; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03754829 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74HugwLo7).

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/13239

The effects of inpatient versus outpatient spa therapy on pain, anxiety, and quality of life in elderly patients with generalized osteoarthritis: a pilot study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of inpatient vs outpatient spa therapy on pain, quality of life, and anxiety in elderly patients with generalized osteoarthritis. A total of 150 patients were randomized into three groups. Group I was given medical treatment, group II was treated as outpatients, and group III was treated as inpatient spa therapy. Assessments were made using the Pain (VAS), EQ-5D-3L Scale, and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at the beginning of treatment (W0), at the end of treatment (W2), and at the fourth week after treatment (W6). The comparison of outpatient spa group and etodolac treatment group showed that outpatient spa group was superior to etodolac treatment group in all evaluated parameters at W2 vs W0 and W6 vs W0. The comparison of inpatient spa group and etodolac treatment group showed that inpatient spa group was superior to etodolac treatment group in all evaluated parameters at W2 vs W0 and W6 vs W0. The comparison of inpatient spa group and outpatient spa group showed that inpatient spa group was superior to outpatient spa group in all evaluated parameters except STAI-TXII at W2 vs W0 and in all evaluated parameters W6 vs W0. Spa therapy, either as an outpatient or inpatient basis, may have a positive effect on pain, anxiety, and quality of life in geriatric patients with generalized osteoarthritis. The inpatient spa therapy may be more beneficial than outpatient spa therapy. When the side effects of drug treatments are emphasized, spa therapy may be considered as an interesting option for elderly with osteoarthritis.

Effects of progressive muscle relaxation training on sleep and quality of life in patients with pulmonary resection

BACKGROUND

The inadequate quality and nature of sleep is a commonly reported problem among hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation training program on sleep quality, sleep state, pain, and quality of life in patients who underwent pulmonary resection.

METHODS

Our study was planned as a single-blind prospective randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted on 26 patients who underwent surgery by using posterolateral thoracotomy method. Progressive muscle relaxation training were given to the training group with a therapist two times a day. Sleep quality, daytime sleeping, pain, and quality of life were respectively evaluated in the morning before the surgery and 1 week after the surgery by using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, visual analogue scale, and Euro Quality of Life-5D (EQ-5D).

RESULTS

There is no significant difference between preoperative groups in the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Euro Quality of Life-5D, and visual analogue scale scores (p > 0.05). The intra-group change in the study group showed a significant deterioration in the Euro Quality of Life-5D and visual analogue scale scores (p < 0.05). There was a significant deterioration in the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, EQ-5D, and visual analogue scale scores in the control group (p < 0.05). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Euro Quality of Life-5D scores showed significant improvements in the relaxation training group after treatment at 1 week (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Progressive muscle relaxation prevents a decline in patient-reported sleep quality following pulmonary resection.

Reliability and validity of the cross-culturally adapted Turkish version of the Core Outcome Measures Index for low back pain

PURPOSE

To produce a cross-culturally adapted and validated Turkish version of The Core Outcome Measure Index (COMI) Back questionnaire.

METHODS

Ninety-six Turkish-speaking patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP) were recruited from orthopedic and physical therapy outpatient clinics in a public hospital. They completed a booklet of questionnaires containing Turkish version of COMI, adjectival pain scale, Roland Morris disability questionnaire, European 5 Dimension Questionnaire and brief version of World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. Within following 7-14 days, 67 patients, reported no or minimal changes in their back pain status, completed the Turkish COMI again to assess reproducibility.

RESULTS

Data quality was good with very few missing answers. COMI summary index score displayed 3% floor effects and no ceiling effects. The correlations between the COMI summary index score and each of the full instrument whole scores were found to be excellent to very good (ρ = - 0.81 to 0.74). Reliability expressed as intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.95 (95% CI 0.91-0.97). Standard error of measurement (SEM_agreement) was acceptable at 0.41 and the minimum detectable change (MDC_95%) was 1.14.

CONCLUSION

Turkish version of the COMI has acceptable psychometric properties. It is a valid and reliable instrument and cross-culturally adapted, in accordance with established guidelines, for the use by Turkish-speaking patients. It can be recommended for use in evaluation of patients with chronic LBP in daily practice, in international multicenter studies and in spine registry systems.

Home medicines reviews following acute coronary syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Despite continual improvements in the management of acute coronary syndromes, adherence to guideline-based medications remains suboptimal. We aim to improve adherence with guideline-based therapy following acute coronary syndrome using an existing service that is provided by specifically trained pharmacists, called a Home Medicines Review. We have made two minor adjustments to target the focus of the existing service including an acute coronary syndrome specific referral letter and a training package for the pharmacists providing the service.

METHODS/DESIGN

We will be conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare the directed home medicines review service to usual care following acute coronary syndromes. All patients aged 18 to 80 years and with a working diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, who are admitted to two public, acute care hospitals, will be screened for enrolment into the trial. Exclusion criteria will include: not being discharged home, documented cognitive decline, non-Medicare eligibility, and presence of a terminal malignancy. Randomization concealment and sequence generation will occur through a centrally-monitored computer program. Patients randomized to the control group will receive usual post-discharge care. Patients randomized to receive the intervention will be offered usual post-discharge care and a directed home medicines review at two months post-discharge. The study endpoints will be six and twelve months post-discharge. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients who are adherent to a complete, guideline-based medication regimen. Secondary outcomes will include hospital readmission rates, length of hospital stays, changes in quality of life, smoking cessation rates, cardiac rehabilitation completion rates, and mortality.

DISCUSSION

As the trial is closely based on an existing service, any improvements observed should be highly translatable into regular practice. Possible limitations to the success of the trial intervention include general practitioner approval of the intervention, general practitioner acceptance of pharmacists' recommendations, and pharmacists' ability to make appropriate recommendations. A detailed monitoring process will detect any barriers to the success of the trial. Given that poor medication persistence following acute coronary syndrome is a worldwide problem, the findings of our study may have international implications for the care of this patient group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000452998.