The coronavirus pandemic has caused concern in the community, especially in patients. Spirituality, hopelessness, and quality of life have an impact on the management of the process in cancer patients during these crisis periods. To investigate COVID-19 anxiety’s mediating role in hopelessness’ relationships with the quality of life and spiritual well-being among cancer patients.

This study used a cross-sectional design to collect data from cancer patients using self-administered questionnaires. The study recruited 176 cancer patients receiving treatment at a university hospital. The participants completed measures of spiritual well-being, COVID-19 anxiety, hopelessness, and quality of life. Following preliminary analyses, a mediation model was analyzed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS, with the bootstrap method applied (model 4).

The results showed that spiritual well-being was negatively associated with COVID-19 anxiety and hopelessness, and positively associated with the quality of life. COVID-19 anxiety was associated positively with hopelessness, and negatively with the quality of life. Moreover, COVID-19 anxiety mediated the relationship between hopelessness, spiritual well-being, and quality of life.

This study provides evidence for COVID-19 anxiety’s mediating role in the relationship between spiritual well-being and quality of life and hopelessness among cancer patients. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing COVID-19 anxiety may be effective in reducing hopelessness among cancer patients, by promoting higher levels of spiritual well-being and improving quality of life.

Following the declaration of the pandemic, students’ education has to be done at a distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study evaluated the association of university students’ COVID-19 phobia, pain severity, sleep quality, physical activity, fatigue levels, and quality of life on students’ achievement.

This cross-sectional survey was conducted by including 353 students from the university faculty of health sciences. The Pain Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess pain, the Fatigue Severity Scale to evaluate fatigue, the COVID-19 Phobia Scale to assess fear of disease, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form to evaluate physical activity level, and the Jenkins Sleep Scale to assess sleep quality, The Short Form-36 to determine the quality of life, and Online Learning Systems Acceptance Scale to evaluate satisfaction with distance education. Multiple linear regression and path analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with academic achievement.

It was found that age (B = 0.045; P = 0.040), BMI (B = −0.200; P = 0.004), and physical (B = 0.128; P = 0.008), psychological (B = 0.057; P = 0.012) and social (B = 0.189; P = 0.018) domains of quality of life were associated with the level of achievement.

Precautions must be taken to improve students’ academic achievement and quality of life in preparing for the future against infectious and epidemic diseases.

People with bipolar disorder (BD) often show inaccurate subjective ratings of their objective cognitive function. However, it is unclear what information individuals use to formulate their subjective ratings. This study evaluated whether people with BD are likely using information about their crystallized cognitive abilities (which involve an accumulated store of verbal knowledge and skills and are typically preserved in BD) or their fluid cognitive abilities (which involve the capacity for new learning and information processing in novel situations and are typically impaired in BD) to formulate their subjective cognitive ratings.

Eighty participants diagnosed with BD and 55 control volunteers were administered cognitive tests assessing crystallized and fluid cognitive abilities. Subjective cognitive functioning was assessed with the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), daily functioning was rated using the Multidimensional Scale of Independent Functioning (MSIF) and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), and quality of life was assessed with the Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder scale (QoL.BD).

The BD group exhibited considerably elevated subjective cognitive complaints relative to controls. Among participants with BD, CFQ scores were associated with fluid cognitive abilities including measures of memory and executive function, but not to crystallized abilities. After controlling for objective cognition and depression, higher cognitive complaints predicted poorer psychosocial outcomes.

Cognitive self-reports in BD may represent a metacognitive difficulty whereby cognitive self-appraisals are distorted by a person’s focus on their cognitive weaknesses rather than strengths. Moreover, negative cognitive self-assessments are associated with poorer daily functioning and diminished quality of life.

We describe a development and feasibility study of a Sitting Simple Baduanjin program for advanced cancer patients suffering from the fatigue–sleep disturbance symptom cluster. This study was to evaluate the practicality and safety of the Sitting Simple Baduanjin intervention and determine its preliminary efficacy.

This work employed a single-arm mixed-methods approach. The primary outcome measures were feasibility (i.e., recruitment, adherence, and satisfaction) and safety. Validated self-report questionnaires were used to evaluate the preliminary effects of the program, including fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks of the intervention. Qualitative interviews were also conducted after the program.

A total of 30 participants were enrolled, of which 23 (77%) completed the 12-week Sitting Simple Baduanjin program. The mean adherence rate was 88% and no adverse events were reported. Statistically significant improvements were observed in terms of fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life after program completion. Four themes emerged from the qualitative interview data: (a) acceptability of the Sitting Simple Baduanjin technique, (b) perceived benefits of exercise, (c) barriers, and (d) facilitators.

The findings support the feasibility of the Sitting Simple Baduanjin program for advanced cancer patients and show promise in improving patients’ levels of the fatigue–sleep disturbance symptom cluster and quality of life.

An aberrant right subclavian artery represents the most common aortic arch vascular anomaly. Conventional wisdom states that these anomalies do not result in dysphagia, but rather serve as “red herrings”. Clearly, in the vast majority of cases, this holds true. Nonetheless, one should never say never.

Herein, we present a cohort of four children with debilitating dysphagia resulting from an aberrant right subclavian artery. Subclavian reimplantation via a right posterolateral thoracotomy was performed successfully in all cases.

Dysphagia resolved postoperatively, and all patients were able to advance to a normal diet. They were able to gain appropriate weight postoperatively and continue to do well at most recent clinical follow-up.

This case series suggests that aberrant right subclavian artery anatomy should be considered a potential aetiology of dysphagia, albeit rarely. Surgical intervention for select patients can provide dramatic resolution of symptoms.

Patients with univentricular hearts can only be palliated by a staged surgical procedure that carries a high morbidity and mortality risk. The aim of this study was to examine the emotional demands, psychosocial burden, and quality of life of parents with children with univentricular hearts compared to parents of children with a simple heart defect, those with no heart defect and children with chronic diseases.

An anonymous questionnaire was created to interview parents about their quality of life, stressors, needs, strategies for coping with illness, and partnership satisfaction.

73 families participated in the study. Parents of children with univentricular hearts experience a significantly higher psychosocial burden, limitations in daily life, and distress in family interactions, as well as greater emotional distress compared to the other study groups. When comparing the families of children with other chronic diseases (e.g. cystic fibrosis, chronic arthritis and diabetes), these differences remained significant.

The study confirms a higher psychosocial burden, restrictions in daily life and a lower quality of life of parents with children with univentricular hearts, compared to parents of children with simple heart defects and parents of heart-healthy children or those with other chronic diseases. Since this condition persists until adolescence and adulthood, the families are exposed to special challenges and stresses throughout their lives. This has yet to be adequately addressed in the management of these families.

This study investigates neuropsychological and psychosocial outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) compared to a healthy control group.

Utilizing a quasi-experimental cross-sectional design, the research involved patients with TBI and PTE referred from a Taiwanese medical center. An age- and education-matched control group of healthy adults without traumatic injuries was also recruited. The study involved analyzing retrospective medical records and applying a comprehensive suite of neuropsychological tests and psychosocial questionnaires.

Executive function measures revealed significantly reduced performance in both the TBI and PTE groups compared to controls. Specifically, the MoCA scores were lowest in the PTE group, followed by the TBI group, and highest in the controls. Measures of subjective symptomatology showed comparably elevated levels in both the TBI and PTE groups relative to controls.

The research suggests that PTE may intensify the difficulties faced by individuals with TBI, but its impact on overall recovery might not be significant, considering the trajectory of the brain injury itself. Notably, the MoCA results indicate that cognitive deficits are more pronounced in PTE patients compared to those with TBI, underscoring the necessity for targeted neuropsychological assessments. Further investigation is essential to explore PTE’s broader neuropsychological and psychosocial impacts. These findings advocate for tailored care strategies that address both neuropsychological and psychosocial needs, ensuring comprehensive management of TBI and PTE.

Meningiomas are common brain neoplasms that can significantly influence health-related quality of life (HRQOL), yet the factors influencing HRQOL in adult patients remain unclear. We aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by determining these key factors.

We conducted a systematic review, searching EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO up to February 2024. We included original, peer-reviewed studies focusing on adult patients (>18 years) with current or past meningioma at any stage of treatment that measured HRQOL or its proxies in relation to patient-, tumour- and treatment-related factors. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full-texts, selecting studies with an acceptable risk of bias for data extraction and narrative synthesis. The protocol of this review was registered on PROSPERO (# CRD42023431097).

Of N = 3002 studies identified, N = 31 studies were included. Key factors found to influence HRQOL in adult meningioma patients include surgery, radiotherapy, neurological function, functional status, comorbidities, sleep quality, psychological impairment, age and employment. Factors related to tumour characteristics yielded inconsistent findings. Heterogeneity and inconsistencies in HRQOL measurement across studies hindered definitive conclusions about the impact of factors on HRQOL.

Our review elucidates the multifaceted influences on HRQOL in meningioma patients, with significant variability due to patient-, tumour- and treatment-related factors. We emphasize the need for standardized, disease-specific HRQOL assessments in meningioma patients. Collaborative efforts towards consistent, large-scale, prospective research are essential to comprehensively understand and improve HRQOL, thereby enhancing tailored care for this population.

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of half canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy in the treatment of chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma.

In this retrospective study, the half canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy technique was used at our hospital for chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma removal in 265 adult patients, representing 271 operated ears, with an average follow-up time of 8.4 years.

The post-operative cavities were slightly wider and straighter in 91.9 per cent of the ears. Fifteen per cent of the patients needed cavity cleaning every six months, 25 per cent of them needed cavity cleaning every year and 60 per cent of the patients had a self-cleaning cavity. Only one patient with a cleft palate experienced cholesteatoma recurrence in the mesotympanum.

The half canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy technique showed a low-recurrence rate and satisfying operative cavities. The half canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy technique is a good choice for middle ear surgery.

The evaluation of the quality of life (QoL) of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is an essential measure to measure the impact of the disease and treatments on the lives of patients. However, in Latin America there is no validated and reliable instrument to assess this construct.

This study aims to validate the EORTC QLQ-CR29 instrument in the Mexican population with CRC.

This study aims to validate the EORTC QLQ-CR29 instrument in the Mexican population with CRC. The study used an instrumental design and a nonprobabilistic sample due to availability, made up of 251 patients with CRC, with an average age of 54.7 ± 12.28 years. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed, as well as concurrent validity tests.

The exploratory factorial analysis yielded 4 factors that explained 51.64% of the variance, with a Cronbach reliability coefficient of .766 and an Omega index of .725. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the proposed theoretical model fits the data almost perfectly, with an error close to 0, which shows that it is a balanced and parsimonious instrument to measure the QoL of the patients with CRC.

The EORTC QLQ-CR29 instrument proved to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in clinical care and research directed at patients with CRC in Mexico. Its use is recommended by multidisciplinary health teams in oncology in Mexico, since it allows knowing the patient’s perspective on the impact of CRC on their life, guiding therapeutic decision-making and being a primary outcome measure.

Despite the burden of CHD, a high cost and utilization condition, an implementation of long-term outcome measures is lacking. The objective of this study is to pilot the implementation of the International Consortium of Health Outcomes Measurement CHD standard set in patients undergoing pulmonary valve replacement, a procedure performed in mostly well patients with diverse CHD.

Patients ≥ 8 years old undergoing catheterization-based pulmonary valve replacement were approached via various approaches for patient-reported outcomes, with a follow-up assessment at 3 months post-procedure. Implementation strategy analysis was performed via a hybrid type 2 design.

Of the 74 patients undergoing pulmonary valve replacement, 32 completed initial patient-reported outcomes with variable response rates by strategy (email and in-person explanation 100%, email only 54%, and email followed by text/call 64%). Ages ranged 8–67 years (mean 30). Pre-procedurally, 34% had symptomatic arrhythmias, which improved post-procedure. For those in school, 43% missed ≥ 6 days per year, and over half had work absenteeism. Financial concerns were reported in 34%. Patients reported high satisfaction with life (50% [n = 16]) and health-related quality of life (90% [n = 26]). Depression symptoms were reported in 84% (n = 27) and anxiety in 62.5% (n = 18), with tendency towards improvement post-procedurally.

Pilot implementation of the International Consortium of Health Outcomes Measurement CHD standard set in pulmonary valve replacement patients reveals a significant burden of disease not previously reported. Barriers to the implementation include a sustainable, automated system for patient-reported outcome collection and infrastructure to assess in real time. This provides an example of implementing cardiac outcomes set in clinical practice.

The larynx is the second most prevalent subsite for head and neck cancer. Over half of head and neck cancer patients present with advanced disease. We report our regional practices for palliative intent laryngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC).

Retrospective analysis of patients with laryngeal SCC treated with palliative intent, discussed at the regional head and neck multidisciplinary team meeting from July 2010 to June 2016.

A total of 65 patients were included, of whom 45 per cent had potentially curable disease but were not fit for curative treatment. Nine patients (14 per cent) underwent tracheostomy, with mean survival and hospital stay of 278 and 48 days, respectively. Four patients (6 per cent) underwent debulking surgery with mean survival and hospital stay of 214 and 1 days, respectively.

All palliative treatment measures offered to patients can have an impact on survival and quality of life. Patients should be at the centre of the decision-making process and counselled on the potential impact of interventions.

In decision making regarding the management of vestibular schwannomas, alongside clinical outcomes, an understanding of patient reported health-related quality of life measures is key. Therefore, the aim of this research is to compare health-related quality of life in vestibular schwannoma patients treated with active observation, stereotactic radiotherapy and microsurgical excision.

A cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with unilateral sporadic vestibular schwannomas between 1995 and 2015 at a specialist tertiary centre was conducted. Patients completed the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life questionnaire and handicap inventories for dizziness, hearing and tinnitus.

Of 234 patients, 136 responded (58.1 per cent). Management modality was: 86 observation, 23 stereotactic radiotherapy and 25 microsurgery. Females reported significantly worse dizziness; males reported significantly worse physical disability. Patients less than 65 years old reported significantly worse tinnitus and pain scores. Overall, quality of life was higher in the observation group.

Conservative management, where appropriate, is favourable with higher quality-of-life outcomes in this cohort. This must be weighed against the risks of a growing tumour.

Wellbeing is relatively stable over the life span. However, individuals differ in this stability and change. One explanation for these differences could be the influence of different genetic or environmental factors on wellbeing over time.

To investigate causes of stability and change of wellbeing across the lifespan, we used cohort-sequential data on wellbeing from twins and their siblings of the Netherlands Twin Register (NTR) (total N = 46.885, 56% females). We organized wellbeing data in multiple age groups, from childhood (age 5), to adolescence, up to old age (age 61+). Applying a longitudinal genetic simplex model, we investigated the phenotypic stability of wellbeing and continuity and change in genetic and environmental influences.

Wellbeing peaked in childhood, decreased during adolescence, and stabilized during adulthood. In childhood and adolescence, around 40% of the individual differences was explained by genetic effects. The heritability decreased toward old adulthood (35–24%) and the contribution of unique environmental effects increased to 76%. Environmental innovation was found at every age, whereas genetic innovation was only observed during adolescence (10–18 years). In childhood and adulthood, the absence of genetic innovation indicates a stable underlying set of genes influencing wellbeing during these life phases.

These findings provide insights into the stability and change of wellbeing and the genetic and environmental influences across the lifespan. Genetic effects were mostly stable, except in adolescence, whereas the environmental innovation at every age suggests that changing environmental factors are a source of changes in individual differences in wellbeing over time.

Advanced cancer patients’ understanding of their illness is key for making informed treatment decisions. Despite the known importance of patients’ awareness of their disease prognosis, it is debatable whether this awareness is positively, negatively, or not associated with clinical and psychological outcomes among patients with advanced cancer. This paper aims to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with prognostic awareness and its association with quality of life (QoL), spiritual well-being, pain control, and psychological distress in patients with advanced cancer in Indonesia.

This cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was part of a multicountry study titled “Asian Patient Perspectives Regarding Oncology Awareness, Care and Health (APPROACH).” Patients were asked what they knew about their cancer and treatment. QoL and spiritual well-being were measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACT-G) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-Sp) questionnaire. Psychological distress experienced by patients was recorded via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Pain severity was also assessed. Data from 160 patients were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models.

Of the 160 patients who participated, 55 (34.4%) were unaware of their cancer stage. Those who were aware of their stage of cancer were younger than those who were not aware (45.7 years vs 50.4 years, p = .015). There was no significant difference in spiritual well-being and other domains of QoL between those who were aware and those who were not aware of their advanced cancer stage. There was also no significant difference in anxiety depression or pain severity, even after adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Given the high prevalence of patients who wrongly thought their cancer was curable, more could be done to improve disease and prognostic understanding among patients with advanced cancer in Indonesia. Those who were aware of their advanced cancer stage did not have a poorer QoL, nor did they have more anxiety or depression than those who were unaware. This finding suggests that concerns about the negative impact of prognostic disclosure may be unfounded.