Search Results (73)

Background/Objectives: Formal level of education and length of professional experience are widely thought to shape both how often nurses report adverse events and how safe they perceive their workplace to be for patients. Large multicentre data from Central and Eastern European secondary-care systems are scarce. This study examined whether educational level and length of work experience are associated with (a) the self-reported frequency of adverse-event reporting and (b) the perceived level of patient safety in a national sample of nurses working in Croatian general and county hospitals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, multicentre survey in 2023 across all 22 general and county hospitals in the Republic of Croatia. A 99-item paper questionnaire—81 items distributed across six previously validated scales (Cronbach’s α 0.730–0.951)—was distributed proportionally to the eligible nursing workforce (N = 6661). Of the 1657 questionnaires distributed, 1518 were returned fully completed (response rate 91.6%). Two outcomes were examined in parallel: self-reported frequency of adverse-event reporting in the past 12 months and global perceived level of patient safety on the respondent’s ward. Group comparisons used Pearson’s chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis H tests; effect sizes were estimated using the phi coefficient and Cramér’s V. A multivariable logistic regression was additionally fitted to test whether the associations held after mutual adjustment. The study followed the STROBE reporting guidelines. Results: Educational level was associated with the frequency of adverse-event reporting (χ² = 32.54, df = 8, p < 0.001; Cramér’s V = 0.10) and with safety perception (χ² = 16.07, df = 8, p = 0.041; V = 0.07). Length of total work experience was associated with reporting (χ² = 23.01, df = 12, p = 0.028; V = 0.07) and safety perception (χ² = 34.84, df = 12, p < 0.001; V = 0.09). After mutual adjustment, bachelor’s (adjusted OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.10–1.81; p = 0.006) and master’s or doctoral education (adjusted OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.27–2.62; p = 0.001) remained associated with active reporting relative to secondary-level qualification. A notable finding was that 930 nurses (61.3%) had not filed any adverse-event report in the past 12 months. Conclusions: Educational level and length of work experience are associated with both the reporting of adverse events and the perception of patient safety among Croatian hospital nurses, but the two characteristics relate to the outcomes in different ways. Higher education is associated with more frequent reporting and a more favourable view of patient safety. Length of experience shows a mid-career peak in reporting but a less favourable perception of safety in late-career nurses. Continued investment in formal nursing education, together with mid- and late-career retention strategies, may strengthen both reporting behaviour and the lived safety culture in Central and Eastern European secondary-care systems. The findings inform nursing leadership, continued education planning, and national patient-safety policy in Central and Eastern European secondary-care systems. Full article

Objective: Contrary to the traditional notion of risk–return trade-off, prior studies document that financially distressed stocks tend to earn lower future returns than their healthier peers. Extending this strand of literature, this study revisits the distress risk anomaly in UK stocks and further examines whether proximity to the 52-week high and lottery-like characteristics of stocks help explain the financial distress anomaly, if any. Data and methods: In this paper, we analyse the distress risk anomaly using a sample of 4514 UK stocks over the period 2000–2021. The analysis is conducted using both the portfolio-sorting method and Fama–MacBeth cross-sectional regressions. Key findings: The empirical findings confirm the persistence of the financial distress anomaly, showing that high-distress stocks earn lower returns than their low-distress counterparts. Consistent with a mispricing explanation, this inverse distress–return relationship is more pronounced for stocks that are difficult to arbitrage and is stronger following periods of market optimism. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that both the 52-week high effect and lottery-like trading, independently and jointly, contribute to the poor performance of financially distressed stocks. This suggests that underreaction and overreaction interact to shape the observed overvaluation of distressed stocks. These findings remain robust to a battery of robustness checks. The results have several important implications for investors, researchers, and regulators. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children’s mental health and positive development are shaped by family, environmental, and individual factors. Although neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) are well-established correlates of poorer mental health outcomes, few national-scale studies have simultaneously modeled positive (flourishing) and negative (anxiety, depression) outcomes within a unified ecological framework. This study examined how parent mental health, peer victimization, neighborhood and school context, and four NDD diagnoses (autism spectrum disorder [ASD], attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], developmental delay, and learning disability) are associated with flourishing, current anxiety, and current depression in a national sample of U.S. children aged 6–17 years. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the 2023–2024 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH; N = 71,172) restricted to ages 6–17 with complete data (unweighted n = 64,263; weighted population estimate ≈ 44.6 million children) were analyzed using Complex Sample logistic regression (SPSS 30), accounting for stratified design (state × stratum), household clustering, and sampling weights. Three hierarchical models were estimated for each outcome. NDD-stratified subgroup analyses (n = 13,971; weighted ≈ 8.6 million) triangulated moderation findings. Multiple imputation (m = 5) sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness. Results: Weighted prevalence was 60.7% for flourishing, 13.2% for current anxiety, and 5.1% for current depression. In Block 2 models, poorer parent mental health and more frequent bullying victimization were robustly associated with all outcomes (flourishing OR = 0.62 and 0.65; anxiety OR = 1.64 and 1.63; depression OR = 1.95 and 1.75; all p < 0.001). Supportive neighborhood (flourishing OR = 1.40, depression OR = 0.80) and safe school (flourishing OR = 1.20, anxiety OR = 0.87) were protective. ADHD was the strongest disability-specific correlate (flourishing OR = 0.29; anxiety OR = 4.69; depression OR = 4.27). Three of the twelve interaction terms were significant, all involving ADHD. Relative to children without any NDD, subgroup analyses suggested attenuated associations of parent mental health and bullying with anxiety and depression among children with any NDD (e.g., bullying on anxiety: no-NDD aOR = 1.73 vs. Any-NDD 1.52); however, formal interaction tests identified ADHD as the only significant moderator of these associations. On the absolute-risk scale, however, the increase in internalizing problems with more frequent bullying was larger in children with ADHD. Conclusions: Family mental health support and bullying prevention are universally relevant levers for improving children’s mental health and flourishing. Although attenuation of the odds-ratio associations was observed primarily in ADHD-related analyses, specifically for the internalizing outcomes (anxiety and depression), universal anti-bullying and parent mental health interventions remain relevant for children with NDDs, supporting integration into pediatric clinical and public-health programs alongside disability-specific support pathways. Full article

Customer loyalty is a critical asset for the restaurant industry, yet the mechanisms linking the physical environment, price perception, and satisfaction remain underexplored in emerging Latin American gastronomy markets. This study examines the relationships among three servicescape dimensions—décor and artifacts, spatial layout, and ambient conditions—price perception, customer satisfaction, and loyalty in full-service restaurants in northern Peru (Chiclayo, Trujillo, and Piura). A cross-sectional survey was administered to 310 diners, and the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with 10,000 bootstrap resamples. Results supported seven of nine direct hypotheses and three of four mediation hypotheses. Décor and artifacts and ambient conditions significantly predicted both price perception and satisfaction, while spatial layout showed no significant effect on any path. Price perception partially mediated the effect of décor and ambient conditions on satisfaction, and satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between price perception and loyalty. The satisfaction–loyalty path yielded the largest effect size (β = 0.708, f² = 0.798). Serial chain analyses revealed that the physical environment shapes diner loyalty through sequential cognitive and evaluative mechanisms. These findings offer actionable insights for hospitality managers seeking to enhance gastronomy destination competitiveness through strategic servicescape investment. Full article

Parental identity, the extent to which individuals integrate parenting roles into their self-concept, is associated with subjective well-being (SWB). However, research has largely focused on current parents, with limited attention to those with alternative caregiving roles. Companion dogs often act as caregiving figures, but their role in shaping identity and well-being processes has not been fully explored. This cross-sectional, survey-based study examined whether parental identity is associated with SWB, regardless of parental status, and whether the human–dog bond moderates any association in older women. Women dog owners aged 40 years and over (N = 296, M age = 51.6) completed an online survey including the Parental Identity and Enjoyment Scale, the Dog Owner Relationship Scale, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the Flourishing Scale. Parental identity was positively associated with life satisfaction, r = 0.38, p < 0.001, and flourishing, r = 0.23, p < 0.001, and moderated regression models were significant for both (p < 0.001). However, interaction effects between parental identity and the human–dog bond were not significant. These findings extend identity theory, demonstrating that parental identity predicts SWB across diverse pathways and independently of parental status. The results contribute to emerging research on caregiving identities and highlight the importance of considering identity processes, rather than parental status alone, when examining well-being in older women. Full article

Access to quality seed is a critical driver of smallholder productivity and household food security in South Africa, yet rural communities in the Eastern Cape continue to rely heavily on informal seed systems. Limited seed literacy among farmers and vendors is widely recognized as a constraint to the effective selection and use of high-quality seed. The purpose of this study is to assess seed literacy levels among smallholder farmers in KwaMkhiva village and evaluate how knowledge gaps shape farmers’ seed sourcing patterns and access to quality seed. The study hypothesizes that low seed literacy significantly increases reliance on informal seed systems and reduces adoption of certified or improved varieties. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 50 smallholder farmers and 12 informal seedling vendors, complemented by semi-structured interviews with three extension officers. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and a composite Seed Literacy Index (SLI) were employed to assess literacy dimensions and their association with seed choices. Findings show that 49% of farmers rely on local markets and 40% use farm-saved seed, with 75% assessing quality visually rather than through germination or varietal indicators. Only 10% had received any seed-related training, and awareness of seed adaptability and crop rotation was below 20%. Higher SLI scores were positively associated with adoption of certified seed (r = 0.42, p < 0.01) and crop diversification. The study concludes that seed literacy is a critical yet underserved capability that shapes smallholder seed access within dual seed economies. Strengthening farmer-centred seed literacy programmes, revitalising extension services, and supporting community seed banks could enhance access to quality seed and improve smallholder resilience. Full article

Background: Street food vending plays a central role in urban nutrition and informal employment across South Africa; however, its sustainability largely depends on consumer trust, which is strongly influenced by perceptions of hygiene. Objectives: This paper investigates customer expectations, observed hygiene behaviours, and purchasing decisions within Johannesburg’s informal food economy. Drawing on the Health Belief Model and behavioural economics, this study examines how visible hygiene practices shape customer trust, repurchase behaviour, and gendered risk perceptions. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 110 consumers of street-vended food in Johannesburg’s inner city. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess associations between observed hygiene practices, trust, and purchasing behaviour, while qualitative open-ended responses were analysed thematically. Results: Seventy-four per cent of customers reported preferring vendors with visible hygiene practices, defined as the use of gloves or aprons, clean food displays, and observable handwashing. However, only 41% consistently observed handwashing between transactions, and just 45% had seen any form of hygiene certification displayed. An association was observed between customer trust and repeat purchases (p < 0.001) and between PPE use and customer trust (p = 0.011). Women were significantly more hygiene-sensitive (p = 0.029), expressing greater concern about exposed food, hand contact, and environmental conditions. Thematic analysis revealed that over half of the respondents indicated that trust, once compromised by unhygienic conditions, frequently resulted in permanent customer loss. Conclusions: Customer trust in street food vendors is contingent on hygiene. Hygiene visibility is a core driver of loyalty, especially among female consumers. Interventions to improve food safety should incorporate behavioural insights, vendor-customer feedback loops, and public-facing certification strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Feeding difficulties in childhood can persist over time, affecting health and family dynamics. Timely identification is crucial to prevent atypical eating behaviors and nutrition-related consequences. However, data on childhood feeding difficulties remain limited. This study provides the first pilot characterization of eating behaviors among Italian children aged 5–11 years in order to characterize feeding difficulties, identify protective or detrimental factors, and assess relationships with anthropometric indices or blood pressure. Methods: In 2023, a 1-year cross-sectional pilot study was launched by the Società Italiana delle Cure Primarie Pediatriche involving child–parent dyads. Family pediatricians collected anthropometric data and blood pressure, after which parents completed an online questionnaire purposely developed for this study. The questionnaire generated a feeding difficulty score (0–10) where higher values reflected greater risk of atypical eating behaviors. Scores were categorized as follows: low risk (0–1), intermediate risk (2–6), and high risk (7–10). Results: A total of 742 questionnaires were collected. Overall, 19.8% of the children were categorized as high risk (7–10) for atypical behavior, 43.8% as intermediate risk (2–6), and 36.4% as low risk (0–1). Children with two omnivorous parents showed significantly lower odds of feeding difficulty scores at or above any threshold (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.30–0.71; p < 0.0001). Borderline associations were observed for a breastfeeding duration of at least 9 months (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.61–1.02; p = 0.075) and baby-led weaning (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52–1.00; p = 0.053). High-risk children had a significantly lower BMI percentile with respect to the other groups. Conclusions: A significant proportion of Italian children aged 5–11 years exhibited moderate to severe risk of atypical behaviors. Parental eating appears to play a key role in shaping children’s eating behaviors in middle childhood, underscoring the pivotal role of pediatricians in guiding families. Further research and targeted strategies are needed to prevent childhood feeding difficulties. Full article

We establish a general, device-oriented procedure to extract absolute pump-band metrics from room-temperature UV–Vis (ultraviolet–visible) absorbance—including the absorption coefficient α(λ), per-active-ion cross-section ${\sigma }_{\mathrm{e}\mathrm{f}\mathrm{f}}\left(\lambda \right)$, the effective per-active-ion absorption cross section ${\sigma }_{\mathrm{e}\mathrm{f}\mathrm{f}}\left(\lambda \right)$ and derivative-based line-shape descriptors. As a representative case study, the procedure is applied to nanocrystalline Er³⁺/Ho³⁺:Y₃Ga₅O₁₂ over the 350–700 nm spectral range. After baseline correction and line-shape inspection assisted by the numerical second derivative of the absorbance, we extract conservative peak positions and the full width at half maximum across the visible 4f–4f manifolds. At the technologically relevant pump wavelengths near 406 nm (Er-addressing) and 473 nm (Ho-addressing) bands, resulting absorption coefficients are α = 0.313 ± 0.047 cm⁻¹ and α = 0.472 ± 0.071 cm⁻¹, respectively. The corresponding per-active-ion ${\sigma }_{\mathrm{e}\mathrm{f}\mathrm{f}}$ of (3.62 ± 0.54) × 10⁻²² cm² and (5.46 ± 0.82) × 10⁻²² cm², referenced to the measured optical path length L = 0.22 ± 0.03 mm (approximately 15% propagated relative uncertainty; explicit 1/L rescaling). Cross sections are reported per total active-ion density (Er³⁺ + Ho³⁺). The spectra exhibit Stark-type substructure only partially resolved at room temperature; the second derivative highlights hidden components, and we report quantitative descriptors (component count, mean spacing, curvature-weighted prominence, and pump detuning) that link line-shape structure to absolute pump response. These device-grade metrics enable rate-equation modelling (pump thresholds, detuning tolerance), optical design choices (path length, single/multi-pass or cavity coupling), and host-to-host benchmarking at 295 K. The procedure is general and applies to any rare-earth-doped material given an absorbance spectrum and path length. Full article

Background/Objectives: Self-perceptions in childhood shape motivation, behavior, and well-being; however, their relationship to motor competence and physical fitness remains unclear. We tested whether physical fitness mediates the association between motor competence and domain-specific self-perceptions in middle childhood. Methods: In a school-based sample of 100 ten-year-olds (59 girls, 41 boys; 3 exclusions ≤ 5th MABC-2 percentile), children completed MABC-2 (motor competence), EUROFIT (physical fitness), and SPPC (self-perceptions). Principal component analysis of the nine EUROFIT tests yielded two factors: Motor Fitness (agility/endurance/flexibility/muscular endurance) and Strength/Size (handgrip and BMI). Parallel mediation models (MABC-2 → [Motor Fitness, Strength/Size] → SPPC) were estimated with maximum likelihood and 5000 bias-corrected bootstrap resamples. Benjamini–Hochberg FDR (q = 0.05) was applied within each path family across the six SPPC domains. Results: In baseline models (no covariates), Motor Fitness → Athletic Competence was significant after FDR (β = 0.263, p = 0.003, FDR p = 0.018). Associations with Scholastic (β = 0.217, p = 0.039, FDR p = 0.090) and Social (β = 0.212, p = 0.046, FDR p = 0.090) were positive but did not meet the FDR threshold. Strength/Size showed no associations with any SPPC domain. Direct effects from MABC-2 to SPPC were non-significant. Indirect effects via Motor Fitness were minor and not supported after FDR (e.g., Athletic: β = 0.067, p = 0.106, 95% CI [0.007, 0.174], FDR p = 0.251). In BMIz-adjusted sensitivity models, Motor Fitness remained significantly related to Athletic (β = 0.285, p = 0.008, FDR p = 0.035), Scholastic (β = 0.252, p = 0.018, FDR p = 0.035), and Social (β = 0.257, p = 0.015, FDR p = 0.035); MABC-2 → Motor Fitness was β = 0.235, p = 0.020. Some paths reached unadjusted significance but were not significant after FDR correction (all FDR p-values = 0.120 for indirect effects). Conclusions: Functional Motor Fitness, but not Strength/Size, showed small-to-moderate, domain-specific links with children’s Athletic (and, when adjusting for adiposity, Scholastic/Social) self-perceptions; mediated effects were small and not FDR-supported. Findings highlight the salience of visible, functional performances (e.g., agility/endurance tasks) for children’s self-views and support PE approaches that foster diverse motor skills and motor fitness. Because the study is cross-sectional and BMI-adjusted analyses are presented as robustness checks, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results causally. Full article

Background: Being breastfed, following a healthy diet and staying active during childhood shape health trajectories across the life course, promoting long-term well-being. Despite the growing immigrant child population in Portugal, evidence on these behaviours, particularly among preschool-aged children, remains limited. In this context, this study examines the associations between migrant status and breastfeeding patterns, fruit and vegetable consumption, and participation in sports among children living in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Methods: A cross-sectional study nested within a cross-sequential cohort was carried out in the Lisbon region between May 2022 and April 2024. Approximately 760 children (49.4% immigrants) born in 2018 and 2020 were enrolled in the study. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview with parents, using a structured questionnaire with information on socioeconomic variables, migration history, breastfeeding habits, and children’s diet (fruit and vegetable consumption) and physical activity. We used parametric and non-parametric tests to compare migrant and non-migrant children. To quantify factors associated with the main outcomes, we estimated a logistic regression model and calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios and their respective 95%CI. Results: Immigrant children were disproportionately represented in socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Breastfeeding initiation rates were higher among immigrant mothers (96.3% vs. 87.6%, p < 0.001). Additionally, immigrant mothers had a longer median duration of any breastfeeding (14 vs. 8 months, p < 0.001) and of exclusive breastfeeding (6 vs. 4 months, p < 0.001). Immigrant children had significantly lower odds of consuming three or more portions of fruit (aOR = 0.700; 95%CI: 0.511–0.959; p = 0.027) and two or more portions of vegetables per day (aOR = 0.489; 95%CI: 0.350–0.684; p < 0.001) compared with non-immigrant children. They were also twice as likely to not engage in sports (aOR = 2.185; 95%CI: 1.512–3.158; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Breastfeeding was better implemented in immigrant children. The findings highlight the need to address social determinants of health and the challenges faced by immigrant families in promoting a balanced diet and sports participation for their children. Multisectoral, culturally appropriate interventions that sustain and promote good breastfeeding practices, improve access to healthy food, and encourage sports are crucial to reducing health inequalities. Full article

This paper focuses on three artificial reefs with different functionalities that are to be placed in the marine pasture in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, investigating the effects of different incoming current velocities and headward current angles on their flow field effects and aiming to explore the flow field effects of the three reefs and analyze the functionality of their flow fields and flow regimes on the sea area. A combination of PIV experiments and numerical simulation is used to analyze the velocity at the measurement point of the flume, the characteristics of the cross-section flow pattern, and the flow field effects under different incoming velocities and head-on angles, and the accuracy of numerical simulation is verified by flume tests. The results show that the changes in the incoming velocity and the angle of flow on the three reefs have different effects on the volume of upwelling and back eddy; the shape of the reef and the internal structure of the reef do not have any impact on the flow pattern, and the changes in the flow field are different under different conditions. The scale of the flow field reaches optimization under specific conditions. Full article

In this study, we present a novel ultra-wideband passive polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) that integrates double V-shaped patterns with circular split-ring resonators. Operating without any external power supply or active components, this design effectively manipulates the polarization state of incident electromagnetic waves. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed PCM can convert incident linear polarization into orthogonal states across a wide frequency range of 7.1–22.3 GHz, encompassing the C-, X-, Ku-, and K-bands. A fabricated prototype confirms that the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) exceeds 90% throughout the specified band. Furthermore, we explore an additional application of this passive metasurface for electromagnetic stealth, wherein it achieves over 10 dB of monostatic radar cross-section (RCS) reduction from 7.6 to 21.5 GHz. This broad effectiveness is attributed to strong electromagnetic resonances between the top and bottom layers, as well as the Fabry–Pérot cavity effect, as evidenced by detailed analyses of the underlying physical mechanisms and induced surface currents. These findings confirm the effectiveness of the proposed design and highlight its potential for future technological applications, including 6G communications, radar imaging, anti-interference measures, and electromagnetic stealth. Full article

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between nuclear charge (Z), atomic mass (A), LET (linear energy transfer for maximal relative biological effectiveness (RBE)) for accelerated ions based on the hypothesis that for each ion, LET_U is related to their nuclear radius. Methods: Published LET_U data for proton, helium, carbon, neon, silicon, argon, and iron ions and their Z and A numbers are fitted by a power law function (PLF) and compared with PLF based on atomic cross-sections and nuclear dimensions for spherical or spheroidal atomic nuclei. The PLF allows for isoeffective RBE estimations for different ions at any value of LET based on the LET_U estimations. For any two ions, A and B, and a specified bioeffect obtained at LET_A, the equivalent isoeffective LET_B, is estimated using ${LET}_B={LET}_A.\left({\displaystyle \frac{{LET}_{U\left[B\right]}}{{LET}_{U\left[A\right]}}}\right)$. Results: The data-fitting program provided the following results: ${LET}_U=78.1.A^{0.26}$, and ${LET}_U=86.6.Z^{0.29}$, where 78.1 and 86.6 keV.μm⁻¹ are the proton LET_U values (i.e., without proton cellular range limit considerations). Goodness-of-fit tests are similar for each model, but the proton estimations differ. These exponents are lower than 0.66 and 0.33 (those for nuclear cross-sections and spherical nuclear radii, respectively), but suggest prolate nuclear shapes in most of the ions studied. Worked examples of estimating isoeffective LET values for two different ions are provided. Conclusions: The fitted power law relationships between LET_U and Z or A are broadly equivalent and compatible with prolate nuclear shapes. These models may offer a more rational basis for future ion-beam radiobiology research. Full article

Background: Limb deformity describes a condition where a limb has an abnormal shape or length, resulting from an acquired or a congenital case. This condition can impair the normal function of patients’ lives, leading to adverse psychological impacts. The limb deformity-modified Scoliosis Research Society (LD-SRS) score is a frequently used tool to assess quality of life. This observational study aimed to investigate the quality of life of patients with debilitating limb deformities in Saudi Arabia using the LD-SRS score. Methods: This is an observational analytical cross-sectional study conducted at the orthopedic clinic at King Saud University Medical City between March and May 2024. Patients diagnosed with any type of limb deformity (of different ages) were included in this study. Patients completed the LD-SRS score in the clinic and were divided into two groups based on whether they had undergone surgery for limb deformity. Results: This study included 152 participants, with the majority of participants in the 13–18-year age group and predominantly male (59.87%). Most participants were assessed before treatment, with significant differences observed in total scores based on the examination time (p < 0.001). Post-surgery scores showed marked improvement, with the overall total mean score for the surgery group being significantly higher than that of the non-surgery group (p < 0.001). Domain-specific scores revealed higher satisfaction in self-image/appearance for the surgery group, while the non-surgery group had lower scores in function/activity and mental health domains. No significant differences were found across age, gender, side of the body affected, or affected site. Conclusions: Preoperative patients had lower QoL scores as a whole group compared to those who had undergone surgery. The longer the duration postoperatively, the better the QoL score; those measured at three months had better QoL than preoperative patients, and those assessed at one and two years scored even higher. Self-image/appearance was a key factor, with the surgery group scoring higher in this domain than the non-surgery group. Future research should explore broader patient perspectives, including those related to mental and social well-being. Full article