BACKGROUND

Visible pigmentation abnormalities on the face or body are often perceived as unusual by many, leading to psychological distress for those affected. Cosmetic camouflage may be offered to give immediate satisfaction to patients.

To investigate the effect of cosmetic camouflage in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with facial dyspigmentation using the Dermatologic Quality of Life Index (DLQI).

A quasi-experimental study was conducted among adult patients with facial dyspigmentation. Participants applied a cosmetic camouflage product once daily for four weeks. DLQI scores were recorded before and after the intervention. A non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was then used to compare the paired DLQI scores.

Thirty subjects were included in the study. The most common diagnosis of facial dyspigmentation was solar lentigo (46.67%). An improvement in the overall mean DLQI score was noted (p valueCONCLUSION

Cosmetic camouflage positively impacts the HRQoL, as evidenced by a significant reduction in DLQI scores. Cosmetic camouflage appears to be an effective adjunctive option for managing the psychological effects of facial dyspigmentation. Further research with larger samples and extended follow-up is recommended to confirm these findings and assess the long-term benefits.

Obese children had impaired psychosocial status as they generally tend to be socially isolated, have poor self-esteem, anxiety, mood disorder (depression and bipolar disorder) and eating disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the child-report and parent-report of HRQoL among 9-11 years old obese school children in Malaysia and to determine the associated factors of HRQoL among obese children in Malaysia. This study was a cross-sectional study involving 101 obese Malay primary school children aged 9-11 years old from eleven primary schools in Kuala Terengganu which were selected via convenience sampling. Height and weight of the respondents were measured and their BMI was calculated. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured using PedsQL version 4.0. The mean age of the respondents was 10.02 ± 0.82 years old with mean BMI z-score was 3.01 ± 0.60. There were significance differences between boys and girls in; 1) emotional domain score for child-report QoL (p=0.019) using paired t-test and 2) psychosocial domain score for parent-report QoL (p=0.025). Regression analysis found that age and gender were the associated factors for Psychological Health for obese children (p<0.005). Being obese had negative effects on children’s quality of life. Various strategies interventions should be done to improve the HRQoL of these obese children. A multidisciplinary approach in schools must be organized to encourage a healthy lifestyle as part of routine among the school children.
Health-related quality of life ; obese ; children ; pedsQL

Background and Objective: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a locoregional therapy used in patients with unresectable intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has proven benefit on overall survival, but considerable side effects and potential complications may occur. Preservation of quality of life is a concern in many cancer-related therapies, and the same goal should apply in TACE. This study aimed to determine the effect of TACE on the immediate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Filipino patients with unresectable HCC. Methods: A prospective observational survey study of 18 HCC patients who underwent TACE was conducted. HRQoL scores were measured using the validated EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18 questionnaires, 1-2 days before and two weeks after TACE. Baseline clinical data, which included tumor characteristics, Child-Pugh score, and performance status score, were also obtained. Changes in HRQoL scores before and after TACE, and any association of demographic and clinical variables with HRQoL outcomes were assessed. Results: Patients experienced overall decline in their global health status and functional scores with increase in their symptom scores after undergoing TACE. Statistically significant deterioration was observed in global health status (-13.9%), physical functioning (-23.0%), and role functioning (-31.4%). Alcohol users had lower global health status scores at baseline and follow-up, although there was no significant difference in the degree of decline in their post-TACE scores compared with non-alcohol users. Patients with BCLC stage C disease also had lower global health status scores at baseline, although scores were no longer significantly different from patients of other stages on post-TACE follow-up. Patients with BCLC stage B tumor experienced significant decline in their global health status scores. The presence of minimal ascites at baseline was associated with less deterioration in physical function scores after TACE. Largest and significant increases in symptomatology were seen for appetite loss (+41.1%), fever (+30.3%), fatigue (+28.5%), and general pain (+25.1%). Conclusion TACE can negatively affect the HRQoL of Filipino patients in the early phase after treatment, with significant deteriorations in global health status, physical, and role functioning, and increased severity in symptoms, especially appetite loss, fever, fatigue and pain. Knowledge of these changes should be used to improve patient care, compliance, and expectations.
Human ; carcinoma, hepatocellular ; health-related quality of life ; quality of life

BACKGROUND: Causal hypotheses suggest that alcohol-related disorders may also cause psychiatric disorders and problems, or vice versa. The association between alcohol consumption and mental health is important from both research and therapeutic viewpoints. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the association between alcohol consumption and mental health (perceived stress, depressive mood, suicidal ideation, quality of life) in Korean adults over 19 years old.METHODS: We finally included 5,399 adults who had participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2015, and analyzed the association between alcohol consumption and mental health, using logistic regression.RESULTS: Perceived stress was associated with alcohol consumption in problem drinkers (odds ratio [OR]=1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.13–1.61). Depressive mood was associated with alcohol consumption in moderate and problem drinkers (OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.71–1.11 and OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.06–1.70, respectively). Suicidal ideation was not associated with alcohol consumption in moderate and problem drinkers (P=0.063 and P=0.068, respectively). Quality of life was associated with alcohol consumption in moderate and problem drinkers (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.41–0.57 and OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.66–0.92, respectively).CONCLUSION: We found that moderate drinkers have a lower risk of depressive mood and a higher quality of life as compared to low drinkers. However, problem drinkers have a higher quality of life but a higher risk of perceived stress and depressive mood as compared to low drinkers.
Adult ; Alcohol Drinking ; Alcohol-Related Disorders ; Alcohols ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Mental Health ; Nutrition Surveys ; Quality of Life ; Suicidal Ideation

Treatment of schizophrenia has as its ultimate goals, the functional recovery of the patients and improvement of their quality of life. While antipsychotic medication is the fundamental method for treating schizophrenia, it has certain limitations in terms of treating the illness beyond its positive symptoms. Therefore, psychosocial intervention should be used in tandem with pharmacological methods in treating schizophrenia. The efficacy of several modes of psychosocial intervention for improving outcomes in schizophrenia is well attested. Approximately 10 modes of psychosocial intervention have been recommended based on existing evidence, including family intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, supported employment, early intervention services, lifestyle intervention for physical health enhancement, treatment of comorbid substance abuse, assertive community treatment, cognitive remediation, social skills training, and peer support. Ideally, these interventions are offered to patients in combination with one another. Over the last decade, increased emphasis has been placed on early detection and intervention, with particular focus on long-term recovery. Early intervention with comprehensive psychosocial interventions should be enacted promptly from the initial detection of schizophrenia.
Cognitive Therapy ; Community Mental Health Services ; Early Intervention (Education) ; Employment, Supported ; Humans ; Life Style ; Methods ; Quality of Life ; Rehabilitation ; Schizophrenia* ; Social Skills ; Substance-Related Disorders

PURPOSE: This study was done to understand elderly women within a community who have used lots of drugs. METHOD: Data was collected through in-depth interviews with four elderly women from April 2001 to February 2002. Data was analyzed by Giorgi's phenomenological method(2000). RESULTS: The components in common with drug usage of elderly women were as follows: 'Awareness of the limitation of physical strength and uncertainty of life', 'Dread of a crisis situation occurring', 'Attachment and dependency on drugs', 'Expectation of a comfortable life and death', 'Prevention of family burden', and 'Pursuit of psychological comfort'. The general structure of experiences was as follows: causal factors were 'Awareness of uncertainty and limitation', 'dread of a crisis situation occurring' the results factor was 'Attachment and dependency on drugs' and the facilitating factors were 'Expectation of a comfortable life and death', 'Prevention of family burden', and 'Pursuit of psychological comfort'. The causal relation was cyclic. This structure showed a realistic adaptation pattern. CONCLUSION: This study contributed to provide fundamental data for nursing interventions for health promotion and promoting quality of life in elderly women by increasing understanding of the experiences of drugs use.
Adaptation, Psychological ; Aged ; Attitude to Death ; *Attitude to Health ; Female ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Quality of Life ; Residence Characteristics ; Substance-Related Disorders/*psychology

Adult ; Drug Users ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Methadone ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Opioid-Related Disorders ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; psychology ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care ; Quality of Life

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Psychosocial stressors likely play an important role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The association between IBS and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in non-minorities has been described. Our aim was to investigate the potential association between IBS and PTSD in an urban African American population. METHODS: Our institution maintains a longitudinal population-based survey of African Americans (AA). The survey utilizes a complex, stratified sampling design. The study group consisted of adult AA meeting Rome III criteria for IBS of any subtype. The 4-item Primary Care PTSD screener was administered; score of > or = 3 (range, 0-4) was considered positive for PTSD. Depression (Public Health Questionnaire-9 depression) and anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder-7) levels were measured using standardized scales. To assess quality of life, norm-based physical and mental component summary scores from the short-form 36 health survey version 2 were obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using Complex Sample Module of SPSS after weighting of the study sample. RESULTS: Four hundred nineteen subjects included corresponded to a weighted 21,264 (95% CI, 19,777-22,751) individuals. The prevalence of IBS in our sample of urban AA was 8.2%. In multivariate regression analysis, female gender, age > 40, higher educational attainment and divorce were independently associated with IBS. Those with IBS were considerably more likely to suffer from PTSD (OR, 4.54; 95% CI, 4.07-5.06). PTSD was independently associated with depression, anxiety, harmful drinking and substance abuse. CONCLUSIONS: In AA, PTSD is independently associated with IBS. PTSD has a significantly negative impact on physical and mental self-assessment of quality of life. Evaluation of minorities presenting with functional gastrointestinal disorders should include screening for PTSD.
Adult ; African Americans* ; Anxiety ; Depression ; Divorce ; Drinking ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome* ; Mass Screening ; Prevalence ; Primary Health Care ; Quality of Life ; Self-Assessment ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* ; Substance-Related Disorders ; Weights and Measures