Showing papers on "Quality of life published in 1985"

The Quality of Life of Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Abstract: We assessed the quality of life of 859 patients undergoing dialysis or transplantation, with the goal of ascertaining whether objective and subjective measures of the quality of life were influenced by case mix or treatment. We found that 79.1 per cent of the transplant recipients were able to function at nearly normal levels, as compared with between 47.5 and 59.1 per cent of the patients treated with dialysis (depending on the type). Nearly 75 per cent of the transplant recipients were able to work, as compared with between 24.7 and 59.3 per cent of the patients undergoing dialysis. On three subjective measures (life satisfaction, well-being, and psychological affect) transplant recipients had a higher quality of life than patients on dialysis. Among the patients treated with dialysis, those undergoing treatment at home had the highest quality of life. All quality-of-life differences were found to persist even after the patient case mix had been controlled statistically. Finally, the quality of life of transplant recipients compared well with that of the general population, but despite favorable subjective assessments, patients undergoing dialysis did not work or function at the same level as people in the general population.

Quality of life research and sociology

Abstract: This review examines research literature on the Quality of Life (QOL) pub­ lished in Canada and the United States since 1975. Of particular interest are the definition and measurement of QOL, theoretical perspectives of QOL, the findings of QOL research, and the impact of this research on public policy. A brief critical assessment accompanies the discussion of each topic, and a forecast is ventured of the future of QOL research in sociology.

The impact of arthritis on quality of life.

Abstract: This study explored the impact of pain and functional impairment on the quality of life experienced by persons with arthritis. Using a cognitive framework, a causal model was developed in which the disease-related variables interacting with demographic and social factors were hypothesized to indirectly affect quality of life through psychological mediators. Ninety-four adults--74 women and 20 men--with various forms of arthritis were interviewed in their homes. Overall, the model explained 46% of the variance in quality of life. Path analysis showed that the psychological mediators--positive self-esteem, internal control over health, perceived support, and low negative attitude toward the illness--contributed directly to a higher quality of life. Severity of arthritis-related impairment indirectly affected quality of life through the mediating variables.

Severely mobility-disabled people assess the quality of their lives.

Abstract: Thirty-six severely mobility-disabled subjects aged 24-52 years using a wheelchair and in need of daily assistance and 36 non-handicapped, matched control-subjects were interviewed. They were asked to rank 30 different abilities involving physical and mental functions, interpersonal and social relationships, and to rate their overall quality of life (QOL) on a 0-10 point scale. Among the severely mobility-disabled subjects the mean value of self-reported QOL was 8.0, which differs only slightly from 8.3 among the controls. The mean QOL among the disabled showed no significant difference regarding congenital/acquired and progressive/permanent disability. The 'abilities' ranked 1-9 were not directly related to mobility and corresponded among the disabled and non-handicapped. The functions lacked by the severely mobility-disabled persons were rated as less important by the disabled. The undiminished QOL is probably a result of personal adjustment, compensation by medical rehabilitation and society, as well as positive features of the disability.

Drugs and the quality of life: the patient's point of view.

Abstract: Although research has established the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs in treating schizophrenic patients, the issue of the quality of life of patients on longterm medication has not been as clearly determined. The patient's and clinician's understanding of this criterion, both objective and subjective, is discussed. Social functioning, acceptance of dose, compliance or lack of compliance, and the relative benefits of medication are factors that contribute to treatment goals. Case examples are presented to demonstrate these variables and their impact on the outcome of treatment with antipsychotic medication and on the patient's quality of life.

Adverse reactions and quality of life during combination chemotherapy compared with selective palliative treatment for Small-cell lung cancer

Abstract: Two policies of treatment for small-cell lung cancer, both of which have their advocates in the United Kingdom, have been compared in a randomised multicentre study. Of a total of 151 patients, 76 were allocated to immediate combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and 75 to selective treatment in which treatment was not necessarily started immediately, but chemotherapy and, or, radiotherapy was given as and when required to control symptoms. With the policy of immediate compared with selective treatment, survival was longer (P < 0.001, log-rank test), metastases were better controlled, and the quality of life as assessed intermittently by the clinicians was better, but there were more treatment-related deaths, adverse reactions were more common, reactions other than alopecia being reported in 80% compared with 33% (P < 0-001) and the quality of life as reported daily by the patients using a diary card was worse.