Motor ability and adaptive function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder. Previous studies have reported that children with ADHD exhibit deficits of adaptive function and insufficient motor ability. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between adaptive function and motor ability in children with ADHD compared with a group of normal children. The study group included 25 children with ADHD (19 boys and 6 girls), aged from 4.6 years to 8.6 years (mean ± standard deviation, 6.5 ± 1.2). A group of 24 children without ADHD (normal children) were selected to match the children with ADHD on age and gender. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children, which includes three subtests, was used to assess the motor ability of the children of both groups. The Chinese version of Adaptive Behavior Scales, which consists of 12 life domains, was used to assess adaptive function of the children with ADHD. Compared with the normal children, children with ADHD exhibited poorer motor ability on all the three subtests of motor assessment. In the ADHD group, nine (36%) children had significant motor impairments and seven (28%) were borderline cases. A total of 10 (40%) children with ADHD had definite adaptive problems in one or more adaptive domains. With statistically controlling of IQ for the ADHD group, those children with impaired motor ability had significantly poorer behaviors in the adaptive domain of home living (p = 0.035). Moreover, children with ADHD who had severely impaired manual dexterity performed worse than the control group in the adaptive domains of home living (r = −0.47, p = 0.018), socialization (r = −0.49, p = 0.013), and self-direction (r = −0.41, p = 0.040). In addition, children with poorer ball skills had worse home living behavior (r = −0.56, p = 0.003). Children who had more impaired balance exhibited poorer performance in social behavior (r = −0.41, p = 0.040). This study found significant correlation between motor ability and adaptive function in children with ADHD, especially in their adaptive domains of home living, socialization, and self-direction. In clinical settings, identification of motor difficulties may have important implications for the understanding of relative factors in effective management of the adaptive dysfunction in children with ADHD.     

哮喘对儿童生活质量的影响

支气管哮喘为儿童常见的慢性炎症性疾病，近年来其发病率在各国明显上升，影响了患儿及其家庭的生活质量。本文主要讨论哮喘给患儿家庭带来沉重的经济负担以及对家庭成员的身心健康的影响，疾病导致的缺课以及夜间的睡眠打断对患儿白天的学习表现的不良影响，患儿与同龄儿童相处的影响，以及疾病带来的不同程度体育运动受限和各种心理行为障碍。     

Gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in screen-detected celiac disease

Background

Active serological screening has proved an effective means of increasing the diagnostic rate in celiac disease. The effects of a long-term gluten-free diet on possible gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological well-being in screen-detected patients have nevertheless remained obscure.

Methods

Abdominal symptoms and quality of life were measured in a large cohort of treated screen-detected celiac adults. Comparisons were made with corresponding symptom-detected patients and with non-celiac controls. Dietary adherence was assessed both by structured interview and by serological testing.

Results

In both screen- and symptom-detected celiac groups, 88% of the patients were adherent. On a diet, both screen- and symptom-detected patients reported significantly more gastrointestinal symptoms than non-celiac controls. Those screen-detected patients who reported having no symptoms at the time of diagnosis, also remained asymptomatic during the diet. Despite persistent symptoms, psychological well-being in screen-detected patients was comparable with that in non-celiac controls, whereas the symptom-detected patients showed lower quality of life.

Conclusion

Long-term treated screen-detected celiac patients, especially women, suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms on a gluten free diet similarly to symptom-detected patients. However, despite a similar frequency of persistent symptoms, the quality of life was unimpaired in the screen found, but remained low in the symptom-detected group.     

Heart failure symptom clusters and quality of life

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is a progressive symptomatic illness with reports suggesting that patients experience multiple symptoms. Symptom clusters constitute symptoms that co-occur, are related, and influence outcomes.ObjectivesThe specific aims of this study were to (1) examine prevalent symptoms experienced by persons with HF, (2) identify symptoms forming clusters, and (3) evaluate the impact of HF symptom clusters on quality of life (QOL).Methods117 participants (62% male; 50% black; age = 56) were recruited. Prevalent symptoms were evaluated; principle components analysis (PCA) was used to extract symptom clusters; regression analysis was used to evaluate factors influencing QOL, defined as life satisfaction.ResultsThree symptom clusters–sickness behavior, discomforts of illness, and GI distress–were extracted. Sickness behavior significantly influenced QOL (β = ?0.603 p = 0.0001), explaining 40% of the variance (F = 75.12; R² = 0.404; p = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe Sickness Behavior cluster had a negative impact on QOL and suggests that incorporating an evaluation of these symptoms may facilitate identification and treatment of symptoms having an additive and detrimental influence on QOL. Studies to examine the stability of the clusters are warranted.     

功能性消化不良伴体质量减轻患者的临床特征、生活质量及其精神心理因素分析

目的 探讨功能性消化不良(FD)伴体质量减轻患者的临床特征、生活质量及其精神心理因素.方法 采用多中心、前瞻性调查设计,选取2012年6月至9月广东地区3家医院消化内科门诊就诊的1341例FD患者,将资料齐全的1057例患者按体质量下降百分比分成A组(≥5％)和B组(＜5％),比较2组消化不良指数症状评分(NDI-症状评分)、食欲情况、汉密尔顿焦虑/抑郁量表(HAMA/HAMD)、匹兹堡睡眠质量指数(PSQI)、生活质量(NDI-QOL)、就诊行为等指标.结果 1057例FD患者中,伴体质量减轻者207例(占19.58％).A、B两组除NDI-症状发生频率和食欲评分为“差”、“很差”的差异有统计学意义外(t=-2.122,P=0.035x2=35.448,P=0.000x2=35.274,P=0.000),NDI-症状评分总分、症状严重程度、对生活的影响程度指标的差异均无统计学意义(t=-1.301、-0.918、0.138,P=0.193、0.359、0.890);A、B两组抑郁、焦虑发病率和PSQI总分的差异均有统计学意义(x2=73.939,P=0.000;x2 =47.046,P=0.000;t=-4.904,P=0.000);A、B两组NDI-QOL评分中4个维度的差异均有统计学意义(t=5.348、2.569、5.809、4.704,P=0.000、0.010、0.000、0.000);A、B两组在就诊次数、医疗直接费用方面的差异有统计学意义(t=-4.860、-3.011,P=0.000、0.003),但A组胃镜检查次数略高于B组(t=-1.505,P=0.133).结论 FD伴体质量减轻临床并非少见,多伴有抑郁和焦虑情绪、食欲下降和睡眠障碍,严重影响生活质量,且就诊次数多和医疗耗费高,应引起临床医生的高度重视.     

抑郁对老年高血压患者心率变异性及生活质量的影响

目的：观察抑郁对老年高血压患者心率变异性及生活质量的影响。方法：150例老年高血压患者依据汉密尔顿抑郁量表测定结果进行分组,高血压合并抑郁者为高血压抑郁组（40例）,高血压不合并抑郁者为单纯高血压组（110例）,比较两组心率变异性及36项简易健康调查表（SF-36）评分的变化。结果：与单纯高血压组比较,高血压抑郁组在心率变异性方面：24h正常RR间期标准差ESDNN,（118．90±32．63）ms比（93．95±25．98）ms]、24h每5min正常RR间期平均值的标准差[SDANN,（107．60±28．50）ms比（83．29±25．18）ms]、总频域值[TP,（2283．62±965．31）ms^2比（1492．91±1004．69）ms^2]、极低频功率[VLF,（1845．62±747．26）ms^2比（1132．41±680．34）ms^2]、低频功率ELF,（383．38±253．82）ms^2比（232．82±160．54）ms^2]明显降低（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）;在生活质量的生理机能、生理职能、躯体疼痛、总体健康、活力、社会功能、情感职能和心理健康8个维度评分亦显著降低（P〈0．05或d0．01）。结论：抑郁降低了老年高血压患者的心率变异性,严重影响老年高血压患者的生活质量,应加强患者的心理疏导和社会支持。     

Physical activity, quality of life and symptoms of depression in community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults

This study was aimed to investigate in a sample of Spanish elderly whether measures of physical activity are related to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms of depression in community dwelling and institutionalized elderly. The sample was a cohort of 436 elderly (234 women and 202 men, aged 60-98 years) from the North of Spain. 58% were community-dwellers and 42% were institutionalized in senior residences. Participants completed measures of physical activity (Yale Physical Activity Survey, YPAS), HRQoL (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey, SF-36) and symptoms of depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS). All SF-36 domains, except role-emotional, were significantly correlated with the YPAS activity dimension summary index. Physical function, role-physical, general health and vitality correlated with total time activity, and correlations were observed between weekly energy expenditure and physical function, role physical, vitality and mental health. Depressive symptom scores correlated significantly with the YPAS activity dimension summary index and the weekly energy expenditure. Scores for various domains of the SF-36 and for depressive symptoms significantly differed among less and more active individuals of the same sex and institutionalization category. Differences generally reached a higher extent in institutionalized subjects in comparison to community dwellers. In conclusion, physical activity was related to different domains of both the physical and mental components of HRQoL and to decreased depressive symptoms. Results emphasize the positive effects of physical activity in both community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults.     

The mental health and quality of life of adult patients with congenital heart disease

Background

The quality of life (QoL) of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) has gained significant interest. In addition to medical problems, many patients with CHD face psychosocial, educational, and behavioral challenges. However, few studies have examined the relationship between disease severity and QoL in adults with CHD.

Methods

Eighty-five patients (50 men, 35 women) aged 20–52 years (median, 26.5 years) were enrolled. Patients underwent a QoL, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) survey. The scores were compared with those of age- and gender-matched population data according to the degree of underlying CHD. Disease severity was classified in relation to initial diagnosis, illness course, and current functional status (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class, ability index, CHD functional index, ventricular ejection fraction, and peak VO₂).

Results

There was no significant correlation between disease severity and current functional status assessed by BDI and BAI. Patients who stated that they were religious had better scores for resilience (p = 0.031), physical QoL (p = 0.008), and environmental QoL (p = 0.025). Environmental QoL scores were higher in patients who fully understood their disease (p = 0.004). Current NYHA functional class was associated with scores for psychological resilience.

Conclusions

CHD severity had a detrimental impact on resilience only when measured in terms of poor functional status. The initial diagnosis and course of the illness influence QoL and perceived health. Good psychosocial adaptation could be the result of close family relationships and involvement, making mental adjustment easier.     

Construction and validation of a patient-reported outcome dedicated to chronic venous disorders: SQOR-V (specific quality of life and outcome response - venous)

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous disorders (CVD) have an impact on quality of life (QoL), both physically and psychologically. As of now, several vein specific QoL scales exist, but no patient-reported outcome (PRO) is available which takes into account altogether symptoms, impairment of activities, appearance of the legs and concerns regarding health risk. Since clinical severity and disability are mostly evaluated in severe patients, where the main outcome - namely skin changes - is obvious but rare, the authors considered that a reproducible and clinically relevant survey that could account for specific patients' complaints was needed, particularly for CEAP C0s-C3 patients. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to build a specific autoquestionnaire and to establish its statistical validity and clinical relevance. METHODS: A review of existing questionnaires and an analysis of relevant literature were carried out by a committee of experts. The committee then developed a questionnaire of 46 items, with special attention to relevance for venous disorders and patients' main complaints. After construction, the French version was field-tested and results statistically analyzed. In the specific QoL & Outcome Response - Venous (SQOR-V), each item is given a value by the patient and items are grouped in five dimensions. Each dimension is weighed to a maximum value of 20, yielding an overall maximum score of 100. RESULTS: Two hundred and two questionnaires were analyzed for the initial evaluation and 152 at a second (test-retest). Determination of the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.96) and structural analysis demonstrated an excellent internal and structural coherence. Test-retest comparisons confirmed good reproducibility. Comparison with SF-12 and CED-D questionnaires and with CEAP classification groups verified both structural and clinical validity. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates QoL impairment in patients suffering from chronic venous disorders (CVD). It also verifies the statistical validity of the SQOR-V questionnaire. More studies are needed to demonstrate the improvement in specificity and accuracy this questionnaire provides compared to existing vein-specific QoL scales, and to determine its ability to assess efficacy of any kind of treatment at any stage of the disease. Provided adequate acknowledgment of its authors, the use of SQOR-V is free. An English version is available, currently pending validation.     

上海市女性性工作者的生存质量与抑郁现状

目的分析上海市女性性工作者（FSW）的生存质量和抑郁现状,为干预艾滋病等性传播疾病提供新的切入点。方法采用问卷调查、世界卫生组织（WHO）生存质量评估简表和ZUNG抑郁自评量表,评估调查对象的生存质量及抑郁情况。结果在150例FSW和150名对照中,与对照组相比FSW组的生存质量在生理领域及心理领域无显著差别,而在社会关系领域、环境领域得分较低（P〈0．05）,分别为（54．6±8．9）和（49．8±10．6）。两组中表现抑郁症状者分别为32．1％和46．0％,但FSW组中有更高比例的对象处于中度及重度抑郁状态（42．2%、25．0％）。结论FSW的生存质量欠佳,抑郁情况较严重,应开展相应的社会心理干预工作。     

Symptoms, myocardial ischaemia and quality of life in women: results from the NHLBI-sponsored WISE Study.

AIMS: Our goal was to evaluate health-related quality of life (QOL) in women undergoing angiography for suspected ischaemia. METHODS AND RESULTS: QOL measurements were obtained in 406 women with chest pain symptoms in the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE). QOL measures included a general rating (GR), Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Higher scores on the GR and DASI are indicative of better QOL and functioning. Higher scores on the BDI indicate more symptoms of depression. Women were stratified by the presence and absence of obstructive angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) and by the presence and absence of myocardial ischaemia. Women with angiographic obstructive CAD had lower DASI and higher BDI scores compared to women without obstructive CAD (both P<0.05). Stratification by the presence and absence of ischaemia demonstrated that women with ischaemia had better QOL, evidenced by higher GR QOL scores and lower BDI scores (both P<0.05) than women without ischaemia. Symptoms of angina were significant independent predictors of QOL scores (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Chest pain symptoms have a significant impact on health-related QOL in women undergoing coronary angiography for suspected myocardial ischaemia andare more important determinants of QOL than the underlying conditions of CAD or ischaemia.     

Predictors of quality of life in heart-transplant recipients in Taiwan

Objective

This correlational study sought to identify the predictors of quality of life in heart-transplant recipients in Taiwan.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-three patients were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using 6 questionnaires: (1) a demographic questionnaire, (2) the Transplant Symptom Frequency and Symptom Distress Scale, (3) the Self-Efficacy of Exercise Scale, (4) a compliance questionnaire, (5) the Beck Depression Inventory, Short Form 13, and (6) the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36-Health Survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 17.0 software (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). Data analysis included percentages, means, standard deviations, correlation coefficients, and forward regressions.

Results

Depression was an independent, and the strongest, predictor of quality of life. Self-perceived health status and self-perceived family support also predicted quality of life. Symptom distress level predicted the physical aspect of quality of life.

Conclusions

Based on this understanding, an interdisciplinary team can initiate a needs assessment for these heart-transplant recipients, and develop an intervention to meet their needs.     

Health related quality of life among patients with chronic hepatitis C: a cross-sectional study of sociodemographic,psychopathological and psychiatric determinants

IntroductionChronic hepatitis C virus infection patients have higher rates of psychiatric disorders than the general population. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is known to be associated with impaired health related quality of life. To our knowledge, there is no previous research of health related quality of life in chronic hepatitis C patients that combined structured psychiatric interview and careful psychopathological evaluation, including depression, anxiety and fatigue instruments. The aim of this study was to evaluate health related quality of life of chronic hepatitis C patients and to investigate the association with sociodemographic, psychopathological and psychiatric factors.Materials and methodsEighty-one individuals with chronic hepatitis C virus infection receiving care at a Brazilian public university-based outpatient service for infectious diseases were enrolled in the study. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version was used to assess health related quality of life. Standard psychiatric interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus) was conducted to establish Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Axis I psychiatric diagnosis. Further instruments completed psychopathological investigation: Beck Depression Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Hamilton Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Pearson Chi-Square and Kruskal–Wallis were performed for categorical and continuous univariate analysis, respectively. Correlation between psychopathological and health related quality of life scores was performed according to Spearman's correlation. Multivariate analysis was performed according to stepwise forward ordinal logistic regression. The significance threshold was fixed at α = 0.05.ResultsDepressive disorders were associated with worse scores in overall health related quality of life and in all domains. Fatigue was associated with lower scores in physical and psychological domains, and married status with higher scores in psychological health related quality of life. We found strong correlation among scores of depression, fatigue and health related quality of life.ConclusionDepression and fatigue must be properly investigated and managed in HCV patients in order to improve HRQL. WHOQOL-BREF proved to be a useful instrument to assess HRQL in HCV patients.     

Effects of a home-based exercise program on quality of life, fatigue, and depression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program (HEP) on quality of life (QOL) and fatigue in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Forty-three patients with AS were included in this study. Group 1 was given a HEP; Group 2 served as the control group. The functional capacity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Assessment Index), fatigue (Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory scores), and QOL (Short Form 36) of all participants were evaluated. There were significant improvements for all the parameters in two groups after the treatment. The improvements for all the parameters were better in the exercise group than in the control group. Home-based exercise programs are very effective in improving QOL and reducing fatigue. Because of these advantages, HEP should be advised for the management program in AS in addition to medical treatments. This study was presented at the 21st National Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Congress, Antalya, Turkey, 24–29 September 2007.     

Malaria infection in children in tropical rainforest: assessments by women of Ugbowo Community in Benin City,Nigeria

ObjectiveTo examine how mothers recognize malaria infection in children aged less than five and five years, frequency and duration of the infection in these children as well as measures used to reduce exposure of children to mosquito bites, and to discuss the possibilities of designing a strategy that involves mothers in management and control of malaria infection.MethodsThe data were originated from personal interviews which involved mothers in the Ugbowo Community in Benin City, Nigeria who were selected using multi-stage systemic random sampling technique. The data were analyzed qualitatively and by use of percentages, arithmetic mean and bar chart.ResultsThe results showed that all the interviewees believed that children got malaria infection along with fever or fever and other symptoms. Approximately 30% of interviewee recognized malaria infection through fever and cough while 1% by fever and vomiting. Approximately 72% of the interviewees claimed that their children had malaria infection every three months and 16% claimed that their children had the infection every month. Most of the interviewees reported that the length of time from recognition of malaria symptoms on their children to treatment was between one and three days. Most of the interviewees used insecticide treated bed nets to reduce their children's exposure to mosquito bites and few used mosquito repellent ointment.ConclusionsFor malaria management strategy to be effective and sustainable, it is important to empower women with more knowledge on detection of malaria symptoms and they should be involved in planning and designing the strategy.     

福州城市社区老年人抑郁状况及与生活质量的关系

目的 了解福州城市社区老年人的抑郁状况及其与生活质量的关系.方法 采用分层随机抽样方法,应用老年抑郁量表(GDS)和SF-36健康调查简表对福州市12个社区共3285例≥60岁的老年人进行问卷调查.结果 福州城市社区老年人抑郁症状者1981例,发生率为60.3％,老年女性抑郁症状发生率高于男性(x2=7.561,P＜0...     

Evaluation of sleep quality and anxiety-depression parameters in asthmatic children and their mothers

BACKGROUND: Having a child with a chronic disease may cause anxiety and depression and impair the sleep quality in the mothers. The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep quality in asthmatic children and their mothers as well as the status of anxiety-depression in the mothers. METHODS: Study group consisted of 75 asthmatic children aged between 7 and 16 years (mean+/-SD 8.4+/-2.9) and the control group consisted of 46 healthy children aged between 7 and 15 years (mean+/-SD 9.1+/-3.6). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered to both the children and their mothers while Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered only to the mothers. RESULTS: Total PSQI score of the mothers in the asthmatic group was significantly correlated with asthma severity of the children (r=0.49, p=0.00). There was a significant correlation between asthma symptom score and sleep disturbing factors subscore in children with asthma (r=0.34, p=0.01). Moreover, anxiety and depression subscores of the mothers in the asthma group were significantly higher (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Asthma may be associated with altered sleep quality in children and their mothers. Similarly, mothers of children with asthma may have disorder of anxiety and depression. Therefore, children with and their mothers need to be assessed for the requirement of support regarding sleep quality and anxiety-depression status.     

The impact of concomitant depression on quality of life and health service utilisation in patients with osteoarthritis

To assess the impact of concomitant depression on quality of life (QoL) and health service utilisation of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Data were collected from 75 primary care practices in Germany. Totally, 1,250 patients were consecutively approached; 1,021 (81.7%) questionnaires were returned and analysed. Measures included sociodemographic data, the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS2-SF) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depression. A PHQ-9 score ≥ 15 was defined as reflecting depression. Patients with a depressive disorder achieved significantly (all P < 0.001) higher scores in all AIMS2-SF dimensions. They had more contacts to general practitioners (P < 0.01), orthopaedics (P < 0.01) and to providers of Complementary Alternative Medicine offered e.g. by healers. Concomitant depression aggravates the burden of OA significantly. This results in increased health service utilisation. Appropriate treatment of depression would appear not only to increase QoL but also to lower costs by decreasing health service utilisation.     

Headache deteriorates the quality of life in children with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Background

Quality of life, which is impaired in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), is influenced by comorbid mental disorders. Headaches could be another comorbid mental disorder that affects quality of life in children with CSU.