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Healthcare
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Clinical Healthcare and Quality of Life of Chronically Ill Patients
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Clinical Healthcare and Quality of Life of Chronically Ill Patients

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Chronic Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2025) | Viewed by 6276

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Natalia Świątoniowska-Lonc

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Cardiology, 4th Military Teaching Hospital, 50-981 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: heart failure; diabetes; outcome; adherence; quality of life

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Quality of life reflects both the impact of the associated disease and the treatment used on daily functioning. Research on the quality of life of chronically ill patients contributes to identifying the physical, psychological and social effects of the disease and its treatment, and developing interventions to improve the patients' overall well-being. Identifying factors that affect the perception of QOL is essential for physicians and medical staff to provide effective care. Understanding these potential factors can help tailor care plans to meet individual patients' needs, as well as to improve support for their families. These actions can, in turn, lead to improved therapeutic outcomes and increased patient satisfaction with medical care.

This Special Issue aims to systematize and expand the knowledge of quality of life in chronic diseases, as well as factors that increase quality of life and barriers to achieving treatment benefits.

This Special Issue is open for submission from any interested individuals. It is expected that contributions will include original research papers, authoritative and up-to-date reviews, and commentaries on the following topics and areas: health, quality of life and factors affecting quality of life and the patient’s outcome.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Natalia Świątoniowska-Lonc
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • quality of life
  • multimorbidity
  • outcome
  • health-related quality of life
  • chronic condition
  • functioning in daily life
  • health-related problems

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 323 KiB  
Article
Quality of Life and Coping Strategies of Palestinian Women with Breast Cancer in the West Bank: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Ibtisam Titi and Nuha El Sharif
Healthcare 2025, 13(10), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101124 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among Palestinian women and significantly affects their quality of life (QoL). Coping strategies are pivotal in shaping QoL outcomes; however, research examining coping strategies and QoL in the Palestinian context remains scarce. This study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among Palestinian women and significantly affects their quality of life (QoL). Coping strategies are pivotal in shaping QoL outcomes; however, research examining coping strategies and QoL in the Palestinian context remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate coping strategies among newly diagnosed BC patients and their impact on QoL in the southern West Bank. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 147 newly diagnosed BC patients undergoing treatment in governmental hospitals in the Hebron and Bethlehem governorates. Data were collected via face-to-face questionnaires, which included the EORTC QLQ-C30, the Cancer Coping Questionnaire (CCQ), sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and social support. Results: Participants exhibited moderate QoL scores, with physical functioning scoring highest (67) and emotional functioning lowest (49). Fatigue, insomnia, and pain were the most common symptoms. Coping strategies were moderately utilized, and global QoL was significantly associated with these strategies. Hierarchical regression showed education had a small positive effect on global QoL (R2 = 0.052, p = 0.005), while family support was a moderate predictor (R2 = 0.080, p = 0.041). The CCQ coping score negatively impacted global QoL (R2 = 0.186, p < 0.001), whereas CCQ positive focus (R2 = 0.342, p < 0.001) and diversion techniques (R2 = 0.406, p < 0.001) had substantial positive effects. Conclusions: Positive coping strategies, education, and family support play a vital role in enhancing QoL for newly diagnosed BC patients. Coping-focused interventions should be integrated into oncology care in Palestine to improve patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Healthcare and Quality of Life of Chronically Ill Patients)
18 pages, 271 KiB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Multivariable Analysis of the Quality of Hemodialysis Patients’ Life in Lahore City, Pakistan
by Ghosia Islam, Gulzar H. Shah, Nadia Saeed, Jeffery A. Jones and Indira Karibayeva
Healthcare 2025, 13(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020186 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 931
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe health problem with dire consequences for the quality of life of millions of individuals and their families around the globe. This quantitative study analyzes the factors associated with hemodialysis patients’ quality of life (QoL) in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe health problem with dire consequences for the quality of life of millions of individuals and their families around the globe. This quantitative study analyzes the factors associated with hemodialysis patients’ quality of life (QoL) in Lahore City, Pakistan. Methods: Primary data from a sample of 384 patients were collected through regular visits to the hospital. We employed proportional odds models (POMs) and structural equation models to identify factors associated with the QoL. Results: The results revealed significant associations between various factors and patients’ quality of life. While gender showed no association with quality of life, younger age, single marital status, higher education, higher family income, and employment status were associated with a better QoL. Clinical variables such as the absence of diabetes and hypertension and specific laboratory parameters were protective against deteriorating QoL. Physical symptoms like muscle soreness, cramps, and shortness of breath significantly impacted QoL. Social and environmental factors adversely affected patient well-being, including family distress and financial issues. Psychological variables such as anxiety, depression, and fear of death also influenced QoL. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of holistic, patient-centered care approaches in renal failure management, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to address the diverse needs of dialysis patients and enhance their QoL. Further longitudinal research is recommended to validate these findings and guide the development of targeted interventions for improving patient well-being in hemodialysis settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Healthcare and Quality of Life of Chronically Ill Patients)
15 pages, 704 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Skills of Caregivers Providing Care for Stroke Patients in East Kazakhstan Region
by Gulnaz K. Kairatova, Zaituna A. Khismetova, Dariga S. Smailova, Dinara S. Serikova-Esengeldina, Duman Berikuly, Kamila M. Akhmetova and Gulnar M. Shalgumbayeva
Healthcare 2025, 13(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13010027 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 970
Abstract
Objectives: This study investigated stroke survivors and the characteristics of care management after discharge from hospital to home. The study aimed to identify caregiving difficulties and to assess mastery of skills in implementing recovery activities at home. This was a cross-sectional study. Methods: [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study investigated stroke survivors and the characteristics of care management after discharge from hospital to home. The study aimed to identify caregiving difficulties and to assess mastery of skills in implementing recovery activities at home. This was a cross-sectional study. Methods: As part of the study, we interviewed 205 informal caregivers caring for stroke survivors. For descriptive statistics, frequencies, mean, medians, and standard deviations were calculated. Results: Caregivers determined that the main aim was to restore motor activity in 58% (p ≤ 0.021), and the difficulties they most often encounter during caregiving are difficulties related to obtaining information from medical personnel, or not understanding the information received in people under 50 years of age, which were indicated in 47.9% of cases, while in people over 50 years of age, this indicator was 49.5%. The emotional state of the informal caregivers is closely interrelated with the state of stroke survivors. The informal caregivers with a higher education are more resistant to these changes related to the patient’s health. Conclusions: The informal caregivers in East Kazakhstan face challenges such as inadequate preparation, limited resources, and emotional strain, hindering effective care. High rates of stroke-related impairments highlight the need for better rehabilitation programs and informal caregiver support. Future research should assess intervention programs and support systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Healthcare and Quality of Life of Chronically Ill Patients)
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Review

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18 pages, 2455 KiB  
Review
Differentiating the Structural and Functional Instability of the Craniocervical Junction
by Piotr Godek and Wojciech Ruciński
Healthcare 2024, 12(19), 2003; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12192003 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2216
Abstract
This paper presents the anatomical and biomechanical aspects of chronic instability of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) with a discussion on clinical diagnostics based on mobility tests and provocative tests related to ligamentous system injuries, as well as radiological criteria for CCJ instability. In [...] Read more.
This paper presents the anatomical and biomechanical aspects of chronic instability of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) with a discussion on clinical diagnostics based on mobility tests and provocative tests related to ligamentous system injuries, as well as radiological criteria for CCJ instability. In addition to the structural instability of the CCJ, the hypothesis of its functional form resulting from cervical proprioceptive system (CPS) damage is discussed. Clinical and neurophysiological studies have shown that functional disorders or organic changes in the CPS cause symptoms similar to those of vestibular system diseases: dizziness, nystagmus, and balance disorders. The underlying cause of the functional form of CCJ instability may be the increased activity of mechanoreceptors, leading to “informational noise” which causes vestibular system disorientation. Due to the disharmony of mutual stimulation and the inhibition of impulses between the centers controlling eye movements, the cerebellum, spinal motoneurons, and the vestibular system, inadequate vestibulospinal and vestibulo-ocular reactions occur, manifesting as postural instability, dizziness, and nystagmus. The hyperactivity of craniocervical mechanoreceptors also leads to disturbances in the reflex regulation of postural muscle tone, manifesting as “general instability”. Understanding this form of CCJ instability as a distinct clinical entity is important both diagnostically and therapeutically as it requires different management strategies compared to true instability. Chronic CCJ instability significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) of affected patients, contributing to chronic pain, psychological distress, and functional impairments. Addressing both structural and functional instability is essential for improving patient outcomes and enhancing their overall QOL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Healthcare and Quality of Life of Chronically Ill Patients)
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Other

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12 pages, 665 KiB  
Systematic Review
Various Forms of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Their Effect on Frailty Syndrome in Cardiac Patients—A Systematic Review
by Magdalena Wójciak, Natalia Świątoniowska-Lonc and Kinga Węgrzynowska-Teodorczyk
Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2401; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232401 - 29 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1047
Abstract
Background: The growing population of the elderly is accompanied by an increase in the number of people with frailty syndrome. Apart from advanced age, the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases is also one of the agents favorable to frailty that is a factor aggravating [...] Read more.
Background: The growing population of the elderly is accompanied by an increase in the number of people with frailty syndrome. Apart from advanced age, the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases is also one of the agents favorable to frailty that is a factor aggravating the disease prognosis. However, it is worth noting that this is an agent changeable by, i.a., movement rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) based on comprehensiveness, early implementation, and multiplicity is standard intervention in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In cardiac patients with accompanying frailty or pre-frailty syndrome, it is worth making efforts to upgrade the CR program. Methods: Studies on the effect of cardiac rehabilitation or its modifications on the level of frailty of patients with cardiovascular disease were analyzed. Results: Training programs based on endurance training should be supplemented by resistance, balance, mobility, and respiratory exercises. Furthermore, it is important to educate patients about the need to increase daily physical activity. This review presents different approaches to CR (traditional CR, multicomponent training, training with a HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb), and prehabilitation) and their impact on frailty score. Summary: Early implemented and comprehensive rehabilitation allows for the improvement of the clinical state and for a decrease in overall frailty. It also guarantees safety during everyday activities. It is crucial for the fitness of the elderly to encourage them to increase daily physical activity and to exercises at home. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Healthcare and Quality of Life of Chronically Ill Patients)
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