Measuring Financial Distress and Quality of Life Over Time in Patients With Gynecologic Cancer—Making the Case to Screen Early in the Treatment Course

2021 ◽  
pp. OP.20.00907
Author(s):  
Margaret I. Liang ◽  
Sarah S. Summerlin ◽  
Christina T. Blanchard ◽  
Teresa K. L. Boitano ◽  
Warner K. Huh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Financial Distress ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Repeated Analysis ◽  
Over Time

PURPOSE: Our objective was to measure the trajectory of financial distress and to determine its relationship with quality of life (QOL) among patients with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal survey of patients with gynecologic cancer starting a new line of systemic therapy at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Financial distress was measured using a Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) < 26, and QOL was measured using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) with lower scores indicating worse responses. One-way repeated analysis of variances, generalized estimating equation models, and correlation coefficients were used to evaluate financial distress and QOL over time. RESULTS: There were 90 of 121 (74%) baseline participants with a 6-month follow-up. The average age was 60 years, 29% were African-American, 57% had an annual income < $40,000 in US dollars, and 6% were uninsured. At baseline, 54% of patients screened positive for financial distress, which was unchanged at 3 months (50%, P = .27) but decreased at 6 months (46%, P = .04) compared with baseline. There was no change in average COST (23.6, 25.1, 25.6; P = .33) or FACT-G (70.8, 71.0, 72.8; P = .68) over time. Less financial distress was moderately correlated with better QOL (r = 0.63, 0.61, 0.60) at each time point. The presence of financial distress was associated with a 16-point decrease in FACT-G QOL score over time. CONCLUSION: Upfront screening with COST identified 90% of patients who experienced financial distress, and COST did not change significantly over time. More severe financial distress was moderately correlated with worse QOL, and its presence was associated with a clinically meaningful 16-point decrease in QOL.

scholarly journals THU0460 PHYSICAL FITNESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN WITH FIBROMYALGIA: LONGITUDINAL ANALYSES FROM THE AL-ÁNDALUS PROJECT

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 466.1-467
Author(s):  
B. Gavilán Carrera ◽  
I. C. Alvarez-Gallardo ◽  
M. Borges Cosic ◽  
A. Soriano Maldonado ◽  
M. Delgado-Fernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Physical Component Summary ◽  
General Health ◽  
Bodily Pain ◽  
Physical Role ◽  
Over Time

Background:Optimizing the highly deteriorated quality of life (QoL) of patients with fibromyalgia is one of the main goals in the management of the disease1. Physical fitness has been identified as a powerful marker of health that is positively related to QoL in this population2, although previous evidence is mainly based on cross-sectional data.Objectives:This study aimed to examine the longitudinal associations (2- and 5-year follow-up) between physical fitness and QoL in women with fibromyalgia.Methods:In this prospective cohort study, women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (age: 51.3±7.6 years) with completed data were included at baseline (n=441), at 2-year follow-up (n=220) and at 5-year follow-up (n=227). The Senior Fitness Tests battery was used to assess physical fitness components and a standardized global fitness index was calculated. The eight dimensions plus the two physical and mental component summaries of the Short-Form health survey-36 questionnaire were used to assess QoL. To examine whether changes in fitness predicted QoL at follow-up, multiple linear regression models were built. The bidirectionallity of the associations (whether changes in QoL predicted fitness at follow-up) was also tested. Outcome values at baseline and age, fat percentage, analgesic consumption, educational level, and occupational status at follow-up were entered as potential confounders in all analyses.Results:Changes in fitness were associated with physical function (β=0.160), physical role (β=0.275), bodily pain (β=0.271), general health (β=0.144), and physical component summary (β=0.276) at 2-year follow-up (all,P<0.05) and with changes in physical role (β=0.215) and physical component summary (β=0.135) at 5-year follow-up (all,P<0.05). Changes in physical function (β=0.165), physical role (β=0.230), bodily pain (β=0.230), general health (β=0.130) and physical summary component (β=0.251) were associated with fitness at 2-year follow-up (all,P<0.05). Changes in all dimensions of QoL (β rating from 0.113 to 0.198), as well as the physical (β=0.174) and mental (β=0.164) summary components were associated with fitness at 5-year follow-up (all,P<0.05).Conclusion:Increasing levels of physical fitness over time predicts future QoL in women with fibromyalgia, especially for physical domains at 2-year follow-up. In addition, increasing QoL across all domains over time predicts future global fitness at 2- and, specially, 5-year follow-up. Future research is warranted to determine the clinical relevance of the bidirectional association between physical fitness and QoL in fibromyalgia.References:[1]Macfarlane GJ, et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2018; 76(2), 318-328.[2]Álvarez-Gallardo IC, et al. 2019;99:1481–1494.Acknowledgments:This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (I+D+i DEP2010-15639; I+D+I DEP2013-40908-R; BES-2014-067612) and the Spanish Ministry of Education (FPU14/FPU 15/00002)Disclosure of Interests: :None declared

scholarly journals Better health-related quality of life in kidney transplant patients compared to chronic kidney disease patients with similar renal function

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257981
Author(s):  
Jung-Hwa Ryu ◽  
Tai Yeon Koo ◽  
Han Ro ◽  
Jang-Hee Cho ◽  
Myung-Gyu Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Over Time

Renal functional deterioration is associated with physical and mental burdens for kidney transplant (KT) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, the change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over time in KT patients compared to that of native CKD patients has not been evaluated. We addressed this issue using KT patients registered in the KNOW-KT cohort study and patients at CKD stage 1–3 registered in the KNOW-CKD cohort study. HRQOL scores were assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form at baseline, 2-, and 4-years follow-up in 842 KT patients and at baseline and 5-year follow-up in 1,355 CKD patients. SF-36 scores declined at the 4-year follow-up, whereas CKD-targeted scores showed no change in the KT group. In contrast, CKD-targeted scores as well as SF-36 scores were decreased at the 5-year follow-up in CKD patients. When prognostic factors were analyzed for longitudinal HRQOL data over time, renal functions, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hemoglobin level, marital status, income, employment, and health care were significant prognostic factors. Furthermore, KT was an independent prognostic factor for better HRQOL. These results highlight that KT can offer a better HRQOL than that of CKD patients, even when renal function is similar.

scholarly journals Managing Pain in Patients With Cancer: The Chinese Good Pain Management Experience

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 583-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi-Ying Yu ◽  
Jie-Jun Wang ◽  
Yu-guang Huang ◽  
Bing Hu ◽  
Kun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Drug Dose ◽  
Dose Titration ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Opioid Drugs

Purpose The number of cancer cases in China has increased rapidly from 2.1 million in 2000 to 4.3 million in 2015. As a consequence, pain management as an integral part of cancer treatment became an important health care issue. In March 2011, the Good Pain Management (GPM) program was launched to standardize the treatment of cancer pain and improve the quality of life for patients with cancer. With this work, we will describe the GPM program, its implementation experience, and highlight key lessons that can improve pain management for patients with cancer. Methods We describe procedures for the selection, implementation, and assessment procedures for model cancer wards. We analyzed published results in areas of staff training and patient education, pain management in practice, analgesic drugs administration, and patient follow-up and satisfaction. Results Pain management training enabled medical staff to accurately assess the level of pain and to provide effective pain relief through timely dispensation of medication. Patients with good knowledge of treatment of pain were able to overcome their aversion to opioid drugs and cooperate with nursing staff on pain assessment to achieve effective drug dose titration. Consumption of strong opioid drugs increased significantly; however, there was no change for weaker opioids. Higher pain remission rates were achieved for patients with moderate-to-severe pain levels. Proper patient follow-up after discharge enabled improved outcomes to be maintained. Conclusion The GPM program has instituted a consistent and high standard of care for pain management at cancer wards and improved the quality of life for patients with cancer.

scholarly journals Time evolution of restless legs syndrome in haemodialysis patients

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Capelli ◽  
Fabio Pizza ◽  
Marco Ruggeri ◽  
Lorenzo Gasperoni ◽  
Elisa Carretta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Kidney Transplantation ◽  
Restless Legs Syndrome ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
Restless Legs ◽  
Continuous Form ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by an urge to move the extremities, accompanied by paraesthesiae, in the evening and at night. Uraemic RLS, a type of secondary RLS, occurs commonly in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Progression of uraemic RLS over time is unclear. Therefore we investigated the prevalence, progression over time, risk factors and impact on survival of uraemic RLS in a cohort of dialysis patients. Methods We reviewed at the 7-year follow-up a cohort of haemodialysis (HD) patients we had previously investigated for RLS, through interviews, validated questionnaires and analysis of demographic and clinical data. Results At the 7-year follow-up, RLS was present in 16% of patients, with a persistence rate of 33%. A correlation was obtained between RLS and older age, diabetes, low albumin and low body mass index. RLS was associated with reduced overall survival (median survival of 3.3 versus 3.7 years), particularly with the continuous form of RLS (1.61 years). There was a higher incidence of myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular disease, although not reaching statistical significance. RLS patients had absolute higher scores in all quality of life domains. A large majority of study patients (96%) reported being symptom-free within a few days or weeks following kidney transplantation. Conclusions The development of RLS, especially the continuous form, in patients undergoing HD has important consequences associated with decreased survival. Our results indicated an association between uraemic RLS and ageing, diabetes and malnutrition. Considerable efforts should be focused on the treatment of RLS, since it significantly and persistently impacts the quality of life of HD patients. Kidney transplantation could represent an effective treatment option for that RLS impacts on dialysis patients' quality of life, thus confirming the secondary nature of RLS in most HD patients.

scholarly journals Efficacy of naloxegol on symptoms and quality of life related to opioid-induced constipation in patients with cancer: a 3-month follow-up analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002249
Author(s):  
Manuel Cobo Dols ◽  
Carmen Beato Zambrano ◽  
Luis Cabezón Gutiérrez ◽  
Rodolfo Chicas Sett ◽  
María Isabel Blancas López-Barajas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Status ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Inadequate Response ◽  
Patient Assessment ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Bowel Movements

ObjectivesOpioid-induced constipation (OIC) can affect up to 63% of all patients with cancer. The objectives of this study were to assess quality of life as well as efficacy and safety of naloxegol, in patients with cancer with OIC.MethodsAn observational study was made of a cohort of patients with cancer and with OIC exhibiting an inadequate response to laxatives and treated with naloxegol. The sample consisted of adult outpatients with a Karnofsky performance status score ≥50. The Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL) and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) were applied for 3 months.ResultsA total of 126 patients (58.2% males) with a mean age of 61.3 years (range 34–89) were included. Clinically relevant improvements (>0.5 points) were recorded in the PAC-QOL and PAC-SYM questionnaires (p<0.0001) from 15 days of treatment. The number of days a week with complete spontaneous bowel movements increased significantly (p<0.0001) from 2.4 to 4.6 on day 15, 4.7 after 1 month and 5 after 3 months. Pain control significantly improved (p<0.0001) during follow-up. A total of 13.5% of the patients (17/126) presented some gastrointestinal adverse reaction, mostly of mild (62.5%) or moderate intensity (25%).ConclusionsClinically relevant improvements in OIC-related quality of life, number of bowel movements and constipation-related symptoms were recorded as early as after 15 days of treatment with naloxegol in patients with cancer and OIC, with a good safety profile.

scholarly journals Changes in self-rated health and quality of life among Syrian refugees migrating to Norway: a prospective longitudinal study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin Haj-Younes ◽  
Elisabeth Marie Strømme ◽  
Jannicke Igland ◽  
Bernadette Kumar ◽  
Eirik Abildsnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Forced migrants can be exposed to various stressors that can impact their health and wellbeing. How the different stages in the migration process impacts health is however poorly explored. The aim of this study was to examine changes in self-rated health (SRH) and quality of life (QoL) among a cohort of adult Syrian refugees before and after resettlement in Norway. Method We used a prospective longitudinal study design with two assessment points to examine changes in health among adult Syrian resettlement refugees in Lebanon accepted for resettlement in Norway. We gathered baseline data in 2017/2018 in Lebanon and subsequently at follow-up one year after arrival. The main outcomes were good SRH measured by a single validated item and QoL measured by WHOQOL-BREF. We used generalized estimating equations to investigate changes in outcomes over time and incorporated interaction terms in the models to evaluate effect modifications. Results In total, 353 subjects participated in the study. The percentage of participants reporting good SRH showed a non-significant increase from 58 to 63% RR, 95%CI: 1.1 (1.0, 1.2) from baseline to follow-up while mean values of all four QoL domains increased significantly from baseline to follow-up; the physical domain from 13.7 to 15.7 B, 95%CI: 1.9 (1.6, 2.3), the psychological domain from 12.8 to 14.5 B, 95%CI: 1.7 (1.3, 2.0), social relationships from 13.7 to 15.3 B, 95%CI: 1.6 (1.2, 2.0) and the environmental domain from 9.0 to 14.0 5.1 B, 95%CI: (4.7, 5.4). Positive effect modifiers for improvement in SRH and QoL over time include male gender, younger age, low level of social support and illegal status in transit country. Conclusion Our results show that good SRH remain stable while all four QoL domains improve, most pronounced in the environment domain. Understanding the dynamics of migration and health is a fundamental step in reaching health equity.

scholarly journals Quality of life in thyroid cancer patients: a literature review

2017 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Bãrbuş ◽  
Claudiu Peştean ◽  
Maria Iulia Larg ◽  
Doina Piciu
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Solid Base ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Patients With Cancer

Introduction. Quality of life (QoL) has received increasing interest in the last years, especially in patients with cancer. This article aims to analyze a selection of medical research papers regarding the quality of life in patients with thyroid carcinoma. We overviewed the main QoL aspects derived from several studies and highlighted those less researched issues, which could represent a solid base for future clinical studies.Method. We used an integrative selection method of medical literature, choosing mostly "free access" studies, as it was considered that they could be easily viewed, searched and researched including by patients.Results. After an integrative literature review, we selected 16 relevant studies. Patients with thyroid cancer have several factors influencing their QoL, with both physical and psychological impact. The decisive factors are the quality of the surgical act, radioiodine therapy, follow-up using rh-TSH vs. hormonal withdrawal, access to behavioral help and the relationship with their physician.Conclusion. We must understand the emotional impact of the cancer diagnosis on the patient and we must collaborate in order to help the patient restore the psychosomatic balance and to recover the quality of life.

Pulmonary lymphangitis and cancer: Prospective series of 37 patients in palliative care

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 18600-18600 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Dettino ◽  
E. M. Negri ◽  
T. Pagano
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
The Moment ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
Minor Criteria

18600 Background: Lymphangitis of the lungs is an uncommon type of metastasis, mainly in breast, lung and gastric cancers, and has major impact in quality of life and an unfavorable prognosis. Survival is very poor: 50% in 3 and 15% in 6 months. Our objective was to evaluate prospectively quality of life in cancer patients with pulmonary lymphangitis, under palliative care. Methods: Patients with pulmonary lymphangitis, diagnosed either by lung biopsy (major criteria) or 3 minor criteria (cyto or histotologically proven cancer, clinical picture and image exam) were followed in 3 tertiary services, in a cohort series study. Primary end point was quality of life (QoL), measured with questionnaires in the beginning of the study and monthly afterwards (Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire -SGRQ- and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey -SF36). Clinical and complementary aspects were also followed, in addition to treatment and outcome. Results: Thirty-seven patients were included from Aug/2004 to Jan/2006 - 23 female and 14 male; age from 41 to 84 (mean: 62) years. Primary tumors were: lung (20), breast (11), esophagus (2), pancreas, rectum and bone. Of those patients, 33 were able to respond QoL questionnaires in the beginning of follow-up and monthly thereafter. Median follow-up was of one month (range: 0–13); at the moment, 9 patients are still alive. Median survival was 2.5 months (range: 0,1–33), with 38% with a survival of at least 6 months. In general, QoL was poor, but improved after palliative care. Notice that values get higher as QoL improves in SF-36; however, they get lower as QoL improves in SGRQ - values were 61.5, 50.5, 61.7, and 47.5% for SGRQ and 38.1, 32.1, 32.8, 61.6 for SF36 in 0, 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. Palliative care included: corticosteroids (65%), oxygen (51%), opioids (51%), diuretics (47%), inhalations with beta2-agonists and/or ipatropium (57%), chemo and/or hormonotherapy (51%), physical therapy (43%), antidepressants and benzodiazepines (37% each), thoracocentesis (35%), and blood transfusions. Conclusions: Even though QoL is poor and survival is short for patients with cancer lymphangitis in lungs, some improvement is possible with active palliative care. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Quality of life following treatment for PTSD: Comparison of videoconferencing and in-person modalities

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa H Glassman ◽  
Margaret-Anne Mackintosh ◽  
Alexander Talkovsky ◽  
Stephanie Y Wells ◽  
Kristen H Walter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Treatment Modality ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Cognitive Processing Therapy ◽  
Modality Effect ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Over Time

Introduction Quality of life (QOL) is significantly impaired among individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, few treatment outcome studies examine QOL following treatment. Furthermore, the use of videoconferencing to deliver evidence-based treatments for PTSD is increasing dramatically. Although videoconferencing has demonstrated non-inferiority to in-person treatment modalities for improving PTSD symptom severity, no studies to date have directly compared QOL outcomes of an evidence-based intervention delivered via videoconferencing to one delivered in-person. Methods This study presents a secondary data analysis of two randomized controlled trials comparing cognitive processing therapy (CPT) delivered via videoconferencing or a traditional in-person modality. The Men’s study delivered group CPT to 125 male veterans with PTSD, whereas the Women’s study delivered individuals CPT to 126 female civilians and veterans. Multigroup latent growth curve models were used to model changes in QOL Inventory (QOLI) scores over time. Results There was no effect of treatment modality on changes in QOLI scores over time (modality effect on slope estimate = 0.004 (–0.60, 0.61) and on quadratic estimate = 0.001 (–0.18, 0.20); all ps > 0.33). Model fit was the same for both genders (Δ χ2 (2) = 2.28, p = 0.32) and for the gender × treatment modality interaction (Δ χ2 (2) = 2.87, p = 0.24). QOLI scores improved at post-treatment and three-month follow-up assessments, but declined at the six-month follow-up assessment. Discussion This secondary analysis extends the findings of the parent studies by establishing the efficacy of the videoconferencing platform in improving QOL. Clinical implications of findings are discussed.

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