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Quality of Life and Its Relationship with Mental and Physical Condition

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 23199

Special Issue Editors

Department of Psychiatry in Tarnowskie Gory, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 42-612 Tarnowskie Gory, Poland
Interests: psychosomatic medicine; psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 42-612 Katowice, Poland
Interests: clinical psychology; health psychology; personality; dark triad (psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism); psychological resilience
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Quality of life is a very broad concept, and it may be assessed through personal analysis of spheres of functioning such as: living conditions, family and social relations, work and study, financial situation, health, safety, religion, and ways of spending free time. These components are often combined into four groups: social (family and social relations), activity (work, everyday activities, spending free time), physical (health and ailments), and psychological (sense of illness and limitations). Improving quality of life is considered, along with the reduction of mortality and the prevention of disease incidence, as one of the three basic treatment goals. The improvement of patients' well-being and achievement of satisfactory functioning in both social and professional roles should thus be considered an indicator of successful therapy.

For those struggling with mental illness or somatic disease, quality of life is one of most crucial factors to take into account during the therapy process.

Dr. Karina Badura-Brzoza
Dr. Paweł Dębski
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • quality of life
  • satisfaction of life
  • mental illness
  • somatic diseases

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 313 KiB  
Article
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Italian Children and Adolescents Living with Bone Dysplasia: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Patrizia Defabianis, Rossella Ninivaggi, Daniele Tessaris, Norma Bocca and Federica Romano
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(3), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21030306 - 06 Mar 2024
Viewed by 954
Abstract
Bone dysplasia (BD) refers to a group of rare disorders characterized by skeletal and dental anomalies which may negatively influence oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of BD on OHRQoL in Italian [...] Read more.
Bone dysplasia (BD) refers to a group of rare disorders characterized by skeletal and dental anomalies which may negatively influence oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of BD on OHRQoL in Italian children and adolescents and to assess whether gender and age influence their OHRQoL. A total of 40 patients with BD and 40 age- and gender-matched controls (aged 8–14 years) were asked to complete the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP), and the short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (SF-CPQ). Children with BD showed statistically significant lower overall scores of all the questionnaires than the controls (all p < 0.001), with the largest differences being detected in overall symptoms, functional well-being, and social well-being domains. While no statistically significant gender-related differences were observed, adolescents aged 11–14 years experienced worse perception in the emotional and social well-being SSF-CPQ domains (p = 0.042 and p = 0.045, respectively) and in the peer interaction COHIP domain (p = 0.011) compared to the younger age group. Based on these findings, children suffering from BD experience poorer OHRQoL than their healthy peers, suggesting that oral and dental issues may be of special importance for the socio-psychological well-being of these growing individuals. Full article
9 pages, 347 KiB  
Article
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Adolescents in the First 6 Months of Fixed Orthodontic Therapy
by Cláudia Gonçalves Fahd, Gustavo Garcia Castro, Ana Carla Souza Costa, Cyrene Piazera Silva Costa, Ceci Nunes Carvalho, Célia Regina Maio Pinzan-Vercelino and Meire Coelho Ferreira
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(23), 7110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20237110 - 25 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1411
Abstract
Clarification on disabilities that may arise during orthodontic treatment allows patients to have more realistic expectations. This prospective study assessed the impact of fixed orthodontic therapy on adolescents’ quality of life over 6 months. A total of 78 adolescents aged 11–17 years were [...] Read more.
Clarification on disabilities that may arise during orthodontic treatment allows patients to have more realistic expectations. This prospective study assessed the impact of fixed orthodontic therapy on adolescents’ quality of life over 6 months. A total of 78 adolescents aged 11–17 years were included. Quality of life was measured using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11–14, short form) at five moments: before treatment (T0), one week (T1), one month (T2), three months (T3), and six months (T4) after treatment initiation. Multiple and pairwise comparisons were conducted for CPQ11–14 scores (Friedman and Wilcoxon test; effect size). Changes in the quality of life were assessed as mean differences (T0–T1 and T0–T4) in total and domain scores (Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney test) (α = 5%). Significant differences were observed between T0 and T4 in the oral symptoms’ domain (p < 0.001), and between T0 and T1, T2, T3, and T4 for emotional well-being (p < 0.001 for all). Significant differences in impact were also found between T0 and T2, T3, and T4 with regard to social well-being (p = 0.004, =0.049, and <0.001, respectively). Orthodontic therapy positively impacted the emotional and social aspects of adolescents’ quality of life. Negative effects were primarily related to pain, mouth sores, and difficulty biting or chewing. Understanding the symptoms and feelings of orthodontic patients aids professionals in decision-making. Full article
12 pages, 475 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Assessment of Healthcare and Anxiety Disorders in Patients with Chronic Diseases
by Edyta Cichocka, Anna Maj-Podsiadło and Janusz Gumprecht
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(20), 6956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20206956 - 21 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1340
Abstract
(1) Background: We compared the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the functioning and mental health of chronically ill patients, namely those with hemodialysis (HD) and diabetes (DM). (2) Methods: We used a questionnaire to collect the medical data and the Generalized Anxiety [...] Read more.
(1) Background: We compared the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the functioning and mental health of chronically ill patients, namely those with hemodialysis (HD) and diabetes (DM). (2) Methods: We used a questionnaire to collect the medical data and the Generalized Anxiety Questionnaire (GAD-7) to measure the mood status. (3) Results: In both groups, a similar percentage of patients had a past COVID-19 infection and similar opinions about pandemic-related inconveniences. The most significant limitations of the study included mask wearing and the restriction of social contact. Mental disorders were significantly more frequently reported in the DM group. Sleep problems were found in approximately 30% of patients. Approximately 20% of patients in both groups declared that the pandemic had negatively affected the quality of their sleep. The mean score of the GAD-7 scale in the HD group did not differ according to gender. In the group of DM patients, a significant difference was observed between men and women, with women scoring higher compared to men. In both groups, the percentage of patients with GAD-7 scores > 5, > 10 and > 15 did not differ significantly. (4) Conclusions: In both groups, chronically ill patients reported anxiety disorders with similar frequency. In the DM group, more severe anxiety disorders were found in women. Mental disorders were significantly more prevalent in DM patients. It seems that HD patients coped better with the psychological aspects of pandemic-related stress and limitations. Full article
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14 pages, 681 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Life Satisfaction of the Physicians of the Silesian Province, Poland
by Ewa Niewiadomska, Beata Łabuz-Roszak, Piotr Pawłowski, Klaudia Plinta and Agata Wypych-Ślusarska
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065002 - 12 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1237
Abstract
Background: The medical profession is associated with a heavy psychological and physical burden. Specific working conditions can negatively affect the assessment of physicians’ quality of life. The lack of current studies prompted us to evaluate the life satisfaction of the physicians in the [...] Read more.
Background: The medical profession is associated with a heavy psychological and physical burden. Specific working conditions can negatively affect the assessment of physicians’ quality of life. The lack of current studies prompted us to evaluate the life satisfaction of the physicians in the Silesian Province in relation to the selected factors (health status, professional preferences, family and material status). Material and methods: The study included 701 physicians and dentists from the Silesian Province aged between 25 and 80 years. It was conducted in 2018 using the Paper and Pencil Interview technique by obtaining non-personalized demographic, anthropometric, socioeconomic, occupational, health and lifestyle data. The following measures were used: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Occupational Satisfaction and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Considering the environmental conditions, the total SWLS scores were analysed in terms of the significance of differences in the groups. Moreover, the SWLS scores underwent multivariate analysis of variance and the correlation analysis of job satisfaction and the presence of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Results: Life satisfaction among the physicians and dentists from the Silesian Province was at an average level. Significant predictors included age and economic status. Additionally, significant predictors in the younger subjects (25–50 years) included the Body Mass Index and practising sports. In turn, in the older subjects (50–80 years), these predictors were related to hospital work and being on sick leave. The study found a significant moderate association between life satisfaction and professional satisfaction. Additionally, a significantly lower level of life satisfaction was reported in the subjects who presented with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Due to its association with the profession, the mean level of life satisfaction among physicians and dentists prompts verification of crucial spheres related to the physical, emotional, social and material well-being and the activity of the professional group. Full article
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9 pages, 333 KiB  
Article
Correlates of Health-Related Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Guadeloupe (French West Indies): Results from the KASADS Study
by Nadine Simo, Denis Boucaud-Maitre, Pierre Gebhard, Roxane Villeneuve, Leila Rinaldo, Jean-François Dartigues, Moustapha Drame and Maturin Tabue-Teguo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043004 - 09 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1022
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the correlates of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults in Guadeloupe. Methods: We used the Karukera Study of Aging-Drugs Storage (KASADS), an observational, cross-sectional study on community-dwelling older people living in [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the correlates of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults in Guadeloupe. Methods: We used the Karukera Study of Aging-Drugs Storage (KASADS), an observational, cross-sectional study on community-dwelling older people living in Guadeloupe. A visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100 was used to assess HRQoL. Results: The study sample consisted of 115 patients aged 65 years or older; 67.8% were women. Participants were 76 (±7.8) years old with a mean HRQoL of 66.2 (±20.3). The correlates of HRQoL were complaints of pain (p < 0.001) and IADL dependency (p = 0.030) after adjustment. We found no significant interactions between HRQoL and other variables such as marital status, socio-educational level and cognitive decline. Conclusions: Pain and IADL dependency were independently associated with lower HRQoL in community-dwelling older people in Guadeloupe. Full article
10 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Predominant Polarity, Lifetime Comorbid Anxiety Disorders and Subjective Quality of Life among Individuals with Bipolar Disorder in Singapore
by Savita Gunasekaran, Wen Lin Teh, Jianlin Liu, Laxman Cetty, Yee Ming Mok and Mythily Subramaniam
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021155 - 09 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1198
Abstract
Background: Depressive features and comorbid anxiety disorders are two discrete but interconnected clinical features that have been reported to be associated with a poorer quality of life (QoL) among individuals with bipolar disorders. However, the relationship between manic features and quality of life [...] Read more.
Background: Depressive features and comorbid anxiety disorders are two discrete but interconnected clinical features that have been reported to be associated with a poorer quality of life (QoL) among individuals with bipolar disorders. However, the relationship between manic features and quality of life is less conclusive. The present study aimed to assess differences in QoL among bipolar outpatients who present with either depressive predominant polarity (DPP), manic predominant polarity (MPP) and/or a lifetime diagnosis of comorbid anxiety disorders in Singapore. Methods: Data from 74 outpatients in Singapore diagnosed with bipolar disorder were collected. Sociodemographic information, the polarity of most episodes (2 out of 3), the diagnosis of anxiety disorders and QoL were obtained from a self-reported interview and/or through clinical records. QoL was measured using the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization questionnaire. We used multivariate regression models to determine the relationships between predominant polarity, lifetime comorbid anxiety disorders and QoL in physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environment domains. Results: After adjusting for covariates, individuals with DPP scored poorer for WHOQOL-BREF for all four domains as compared with individuals with indeterminate polarity. As compared to individuals with indeterminate polarity, individuals with MPP scored poorer for WHOQOL-BREF social relationships. Lastly, individuals with lifetime comorbid anxiety disorders scored poorer for WHOQOL-BREF physical health, social relationships and environment. Discussion and Conclusions: The present study provides preliminary support for the relationship between DPP, lifetime comorbid anxiety disorders and poorer QoL, paving the pathway for future research with larger samples to utilise our study design to verify our results. Full article
14 pages, 580 KiB  
Article
Quality of Life and Stress Levels in Patients under Home Mechanical Ventilation: What Can We Do to Improve Functioning Patients at Home? A Survey Study
by Magdalena Kwiatosz-Muc, Bożena Kopacz and Anna Fijałkowska-Nestorowicz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010874 - 03 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1338
Abstract
Background: Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is becoming more widely available in many countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the health-related quality of life and stress levels of patients ventilated mechanically at home. The relation between quality of life and [...] Read more.
Background: Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is becoming more widely available in many countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the health-related quality of life and stress levels of patients ventilated mechanically at home. The relation between quality of life and stress levels was investigated including multiple regression analysis. Methods: 100 patients treated with HMV in Poland were surveyed with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Results: 26% of patients assessed their quality of life as bad or very bad and 34% as good or very good. Stress levels measured with PSS-10 Scale were high level. For the group of patients with neurological disorders, stress levels were significantly higher than for the group of patients with pulmonological disorders. Conclusions: The higher the stress levels of patients, the lower the quality of life in particular domains. Improving the living conditions of HMV patients can influence improving their quality of life. Full article
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15 pages, 1007 KiB  
Article
The Association between Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Diabetic Kidney Disease among Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Yan Shen, Yi Chen, Shichun Huang, Xuejie Yao, Yashpal S. Kanwar and Ming Zhan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010475 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1719
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are common comorbid symptoms among patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Little is known about the influence of poor psychological conditions on the disease progression and quality of life (QOL) in DKD patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence [...] Read more.
Depression and anxiety are common comorbid symptoms among patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Little is known about the influence of poor psychological conditions on the disease progression and quality of life (QOL) in DKD patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and risk factors for, depression and anxiety in Chinese DKD patients, and to analyze their impact on the renal function, proteinuria, and QOL. A total of 620 adult patients with Type 2 diabetes and DKD being treated at a tertiary hospital in East China were recruited. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale and Anxiety Scale. Among the DKD participants, 41.3% had symptoms of depression and 45.0% had anxiety symptoms. A poor education, physical inactivity, stroke, low serum albumin, CKD stage 3–4, macroalbuminuria, and a poor QOL were independent risk factors for depression in the DKD patients. Whereas a higher education, physical inactivity, diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, low hemoglobin, CKD stage 3–4, and a poor QOL were risk factors for anxiety. Depression and anxiety scores among the DKD patients were negatively correlated with the eGFR and QOL scores. Moreover, depression and anxiety symptoms were independent risk factors for DKD patients with CKD stage 3–4 and a poor QOL. Our findings suggest a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among Chinese DKD patients, and the severity of psychological symptoms is closely linked to the deterioration of renal function and the QOL. The early screening and intervention of psychopathological disorders is thus strongly recommended for improving the QOL and clinical outcomes among DKD patients. Full article
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13 pages, 1078 KiB  
Article
Longitudinal Dyadic Associations between Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction among Chinese Married Couples and the Moderating Effect of Within-Dyad Age Discrepancy
by Xiamei Guo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13277; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013277 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1363
Abstract
Family systems theory defines the family unit as a complex social system in which individual members influence and are influenced by each other. The current study aimed to investigate the longitudinal dyadic associations between life satisfaction and depressive symptoms among a sample of [...] Read more.
Family systems theory defines the family unit as a complex social system in which individual members influence and are influenced by each other. The current study aimed to investigate the longitudinal dyadic associations between life satisfaction and depressive symptoms among a sample of Chinese married couples and the moderating effect of within-dyad age discrepancy. The current sample included 5773 married couples who completed three waves of assessments of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2012, 2016, and 2018. The sample was categorized into two groups based on the within-dyad age discrepancy: the younger-wife–older-husband dyads (n = 4280, 74.13%) and the older-wife–younger-husband dyads (n = 1493, 25.86%). The longitudinal actor–partner interdependence models with multiple-group analysis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that a majority of actor effects were significant across time, and the two groups exhibited the same pattern among the actor effects. The older-wife–younger-husband dyads showed fewer significant partner effects than the younger-wife–older-husband dyads, and most partner effects indicated mutual rather than unidirectional influence. These findings yielded support for the statement of family systems theory that family members interconnect and that the development of one’s well-being needs to be understood in the context of the spouse’s well-being. Full article
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10 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
Perceptions of Quality of Life during the Pandemic: A Case Study on B40 Single Mothers
by Siti Marziah Zakaria, Norehan Abdullah, Noremy Md. Akhir, Aizan Sofia Amin, Asila Nur Adlynd Mohd Shukry, Mohd Radzniwan Abdul Rashid and Wan Nurdiyana Wan Yusof
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12219; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912219 - 27 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
During the pandemic, the lives of B40 single mothers were severely affected, especially in terms of social, economic, and psychological factors. The reduction of income caused by the crisis has forced single mothers and their children to live frugally and without luxury. They [...] Read more.
During the pandemic, the lives of B40 single mothers were severely affected, especially in terms of social, economic, and psychological factors. The reduction of income caused by the crisis has forced single mothers and their children to live frugally and without luxury. They also had to perform more than one job at a time during the pandemic to meet their children’s needs. A qualitative study has been conducted to explore the perceptions of quality of life during the pandemic among B40 single mothers. Respondents were selected based on demographic characteristics established before the study. A focus group discussion has been conducted on ten (10) B40 single mothers in Balik Pulau, Penang. Single mothers were selected based on purposive sampling. They had to meet the inclusive criteria required to participate in the study, specifically: aged between 20 and 60 years old, belonged to the B40 income category, had children under 18 years old living together, and became single mothers due to divorce or death of husbands. The focused group discussion explored issues related to qualities of life during the pandemic. B40 single mothers expressed their concern about access to health facilities, security in residence, children’s education, and economic stability. These areas of life quality have been significantly affected especially during Movement Control Order (MCO). In short, the quality of life of these single mothers has been significantly affected by the pandemic. Their vulnerability towards stress, anxiety, and depression have worsened due to financial issues. Besides the need for emotional and social support, this study found that these single mothers entail financial support. Full article
9 pages, 315 KiB  
Article
Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors among Patients with Psoriasis in a Semi-Urban Northeast Malaysia
by Mohd Shahriman Ahmad Fuat, Zainab Mat Yudin, Juliawati Muhammad and Faridah Mohd Zin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11578; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811578 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1203
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing dermatological disorder that significantly affects the patients’ psychosocial well-being and quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to determine the proportion of severely impaired QOL, the factors associated with severely impaired QOL, and its correlation with depression among [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing dermatological disorder that significantly affects the patients’ psychosocial well-being and quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to determine the proportion of severely impaired QOL, the factors associated with severely impaired QOL, and its correlation with depression among semi-urban populations on the Northeast Coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 patients with psoriasis at the Dermatology Clinic of Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah via a self-administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic profiles, the validated Malay version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the Malay version of the Beck depression scale. The data were analysed using logistic and linear regression models. About 20.5% of the patients had severely impaired QOL quality of life, while 79.5% of the patients had non-impaired QOL. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the psoriatic severity [Adjusted OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.76, 9.93; p < 0.001] and exposed area [Adjusted OR 2.93, 95% CI: 0.38, 2.29; p = 0.050] had a significant association with severely impaired QOL. Among the patients, 18.7% had a positive result in the screening for depression, which revealed a significant association between QOL and depression scores [r = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.56, p < 0.001]. Psoriasis can impair QOL and have a relation with mental health. Regular screening for depression among patients with psoriasis is a beneficial strategy for the early detection of depression, especially in semi-urban areas. Full article
15 pages, 2806 KiB  
Article
Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Japanese Adults
by Shuhei Iimura and Satoshi Takasugi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169893 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1928
Abstract
Background: Sensory processing sensitivity is a personality or temperamental trait defined as individual differences in the tendency to perceive and process both positive and negative stimuli and experiences. Studies have shown that high sensitivity is correlated with psychosocial health, including depression and anxiety. [...] Read more.
Background: Sensory processing sensitivity is a personality or temperamental trait defined as individual differences in the tendency to perceive and process both positive and negative stimuli and experiences. Studies have shown that high sensitivity is correlated with psychosocial health, including depression and anxiety. However, its relationship with physical health has not been clarified. To fill this gap, using a large sample size with sufficient statistical power, an adult sample not including university students, and a range of covariates, this study examined the association between gastrointestinal symptoms as an indicator of physical health and sensory processing sensitivity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 863 Japanese adults (female = 450; male = 413; Mage = 30.4 years; SD = 4.9) who completed a web-based questionnaire. We statistically controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and examined whether sensory processing sensitivity is correlated with gastrointestinal symptoms. Results: The results showed that highly sensitive individuals were more likely to experience a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms in the past week, including reflux symptoms, abdominal pain, indigestion symptoms, diarrhea symptoms, and constipation symptoms, even when statistically controlling for the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that high sensory processing sensitivity is associated with physical health. Some of the potential causes of this are also discussed. Full article
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11 pages, 348 KiB  
Article
Impact of Hospitalization on the Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in Saudi Arabia
by Sahbanathul Missiriya Jalal, Mini Rani Mary Beth and Zahra Mohammed Bo Khamseen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159718 - 07 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1940
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem. CKD causes patients to be hospitalized for a longer time to treat the disease. The impact of the hospitalization brings major changes and affects the quality of life (QoL) of the patients. In this [...] Read more.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem. CKD causes patients to be hospitalized for a longer time to treat the disease. The impact of the hospitalization brings major changes and affects the quality of life (QoL) of the patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of hospitalization on the QoL of patients with CKD. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the inpatient departments (IPDs) and outpatient departments (OPDs) of selected hospitals, in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The kidney disease quality of life (KDQOL) scale was used for the data collection and the findings were analyzed. The hospitalized patients had a poorer QoL than the OPD patients. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) mean scores were 52.82 ± 2.32 and 52.57 ± 2.93 in IPD patients, respectively, and 63.46 ± 3.65 and 66.39 ± 0.91 in OPD patients, respectively, which was significant (p < 0.0001). The QoL of patients decreased in the end stages of CKD. A significant association was observed between gender, occupation, smoking, and the stages of CKD with the QoL of the hospitalized patients. Measures must be taken to improve the QoL of these patients at all levels. Full article
11 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Signing Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders on the Use of Non-Beneficial Life-Sustaining Treatments for Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Retrospective Study
by Shang-Sin Shiu, Ting-Ting Lee, Ming-Chen Yeh, Yu-Chi Chen and Shu-He Huang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159521 - 03 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1740
Abstract
Background: Intensive care medical technology increases the survival rate of critically ill patients. However, life-sustaining treatments also increase the probability of non-beneficial medical treatments given to patients at the end of life. Objective: This study aimed to analyse whether patients with a do-not-resuscitate [...] Read more.
Background: Intensive care medical technology increases the survival rate of critically ill patients. However, life-sustaining treatments also increase the probability of non-beneficial medical treatments given to patients at the end of life. Objective: This study aimed to analyse whether patients with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order were more likely to be subject to the withholding of cardiac resuscitation and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the ICU. Methods: This retrospective study collected data regarding the demographics, illness conditions, and life-sustaining treatments of ICU patients who were last admitted to the ICU between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2017, as determined by the hospital’s electronic medical dataset. Results: We identified and collected data on 386 patients over the two years; 319 (82.6%) signed a DNR before the end. The study found that DNR patients were less likely to receive cardiac resuscitation before death than non-DNR patients. The cardiac resuscitation treatments included chest compressions, electric shock, and cardiotonic drug injections (p < 0.001). However, the life-sustaining treatments were withdrawn for only a few patients before death. The study highlights that an early-documented DNR order is essential. However, it needs to be considered that promoting discussions of time-limited trials might be the solution to helping ICU terminal patients withdraw from non-beneficial life-sustaining treatments. Full article
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12 pages, 388 KiB  
Article
Life Satisfaction and Perceived Stress versus Health Promoting Behavior among Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Karina Badura-Brzoza, Paweł Dębski, Patryk Główczyński, Małgorzata Dębska-Janus and Piotr Gorczyca
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116706 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1776
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate health-promoting behaviors as a factor supporting life satisfaction and a protective factor against stress in a group of Polish medical students during the third wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Material: The study was conducted [...] Read more.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate health-promoting behaviors as a factor supporting life satisfaction and a protective factor against stress in a group of Polish medical students during the third wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Material: The study was conducted in October–December 2021. There were 306 people, including 203 students in the 1st year of medicine, aged 20.42 ± 1.92 years, and 103 students in the 5th year of medicine, aged 24.88 ± 1.7 years. Methods: The following were used: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The survey was conducted online. Results: In the study group, the average result of 23.66 ± 5.97 was obtained in the life satisfaction questionnaire. In the overall assessment of health behaviors (IZZ), an average score of 80.06 ± 13.81 points was obtained. In the PSS-10 questionnaire, the respondents obtained an average of 21.10 ± 5.89 points. There were significant, negative correlations between the results obtained in the health behavior inventory with the results obtained in the stress scale and positive correlations with the results obtained in the life satisfaction scale. Moreover, in the assessment of the influence of prohealth behavior parameters on perceived stress and life satisfaction, a positive effect of PMA on life satisfaction was demonstrated, as well as a protective effect of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) and Prohealth Activities (PhA) in relation to stress. Conclusions: Life in the period of the third wave of the pandemic was assessed by medical students as moderately satisfactory. Significant intensity of stress negatively correlated with life satisfaction. Health-promoting behaviors, and especially positive mental attitudes, seem to play a protective role in stressful situations and improve life satisfaction. Full article
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