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Aim: This study examined the preliminary effects of a nurse‐led self‐management education and support programme on the self‐management behaviours and quality of life among people with type 2 diabetes in Western Ethiopia. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted between January and August 2021. Participants were recruited in the hospital and randomly assigned to the control arm to continue usual care (n = 38) or the intervention arm to receive usual care and the diabetes self‐management education and support programme (n = 38) in the community. Self‐management behaviours and quality of life were assessed using a 10‐item summary of diabetes self‐care activity (expanded) scale and a 34‐item diabetes quality of life measure, respectively, at baseline and 2 months after follow‐up. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine the preliminary effects of the programme on the outcomes. Results: Preliminary results indicated that the programme outperformed usual care in self‐management practise, with large effect sizes immediately postintervention and at 2 months after the intervention, and quality of life at 2 months after the intervention. Conclusion: A nurse‐led diabetes self‐management education and support intervention, including the families of people with diabetes, may be an option to boost the self‐management practise and quality of life of patients with diabetes. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Family‐supported diabetes self‐management education intervention produced inconclusive effects on self‐management behaviour and quality of life. What this paper adds? A social‐cognitive theory‐guided, culture‐tailored, and community‐based diabetes self‐management education and support programme resulted in a preliminary effect on improving self‐management behaviour and quality of life.A nurse‐led diabetes self‐management education and support programme intervention, including the families of patients, may be an option to boost the self‐management practise and quality of life of people with diabetes. The implications of this paper: Culturally tailored diabetes self‐management education and support programme could be an option to improve self‐management behaviour and enhance quality of life.Community‐based nurse‐delivered diabetes self‐management education and support can improve self‐management behaviours and enhance quality of life in 2 months duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with an acquired brain injury (ABI) find it challenging to use social media due to changes in their cognition and communication skills. Using social media can provide opportunities for positive connection, but there is a lack of interventions specifically designed to support safe and successful social media use after ABI. Aims: To investigate the outcomes of completing a social media skills intervention and identify barriers and facilitators for future implementation. Methods & Procedures: The study used a mixed‐methods, pre‐post‐intervention design. A total of 17 adults with an ABI were recruited. Participants completed an intervention that included a short self‐guided course about social media skills (social‐ABI‐lity course), and then participated in a private, moderated Facebook group over a 12‐week period (social‐ABI‐lity Facebook group). Data were collected over this period through observation of group activity and weekly surveys. They were also collected on social media use and quality of life at pre‐intervention, post‐intervention and after 3 months. Participants provided feedback on the experience of participating in the programme via a post‐intervention interview. Outcomes & Results: At post‐intervention, there were significant improvements in confidence in using Facebook (p = 0.002) and enjoyment of using Facebook to connect with others (p = 0.013). There was no significant change in reported quality of life, although participants described the multiple benefits of connection they perceived from involvement in the group. Observational data and feedback interviews were informative about the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Conclusions & Implications: This pilot study provided preliminary evidence that an intervention comprising a short, self‐guided training course and a private, moderated Facebook group improved outcomes for people with ABI. Key recommendations for future implementation include embedding active peer moderators within groups and taking an individualized approach to delivery of the intervention. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Research has documented the challenges that people with ABI experience in using social media, and the difficulty for rehabilitation clinicians in providing appropriate support in this field. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This pilot study reports the outcomes of people with ABI completing a short, self‐guided social media skills course and participating in a private, moderated Facebook group. After the intervention, participants reported significantly increased confidence and enjoyment in using Facebook, described the benefits of connection found in the groups, and suggested potential improvements for future implementation. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: With the growing use of social media for connection and participation, there is a professional obligation to address social media communication skills in cognitive–communication rehabilitation for people with ABI. The findings of this study will inform interventions and future research to assist people with ABI to build their social media skills for communication, social support and a sense of connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB) is a patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to measure the extent of interference, or difficulty, experienced by adults with communication disorders participating in their day‐to‐day communication activities. To date, there is limited evidence regarding sensitivity of the CPIB for capturing change with intervention in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the following measurement properties of the CPIB in PwPD who received community‐based, standard care, speech‐language therapy focusing on motor speech concerns: Change over time between treatment and observation groups, comparison to patient‐defined ideal and satisfactory targets, comparison of static short form to computerised adaptive testing (CAT), comparison of self to proxy‐rated scores, and comparison to other common PROMs. Methods and Procedures: Forty‐six PwPD (20 treatment/26 observation) completed data collection upon enrolment (pre‐treatment) and 6 months later. In addition to the CPIB, PROMs included the Voice Handicap Index 10‐item short form (VHI‐10), PROMIS Global Health‐Related Quality of Life, Levels of Speech Usage, self‐rated speech severity, and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). Participants also engaged in qualitative interviews. Forty‐four family members completed proxy CPIB ratings. Outcomes and Results: There were no significant differences between treatment and observation groups on the CPIB pre‐treatment, but there were significant differences post‐treatment. The differences appeared to be largely due to significant gains in the treatment group. No participants reached their ideal CPIB target, and few reached their satisfactory target. Static CPIB short form and CAT scores were not significantly different, with an average of five CAT items administered per participant. Overall group similarities between patient and proxy scores may have obscured wide variability across individual patient‐proxy pairs. Associations between CPIB and VHI‐10, health‐related quality of life, self‐reported speech severity, and depression ranged from weak to moderate. Conclusions and Implications: The CPIB appears to be sensitive to capturing change with intervention, and similar results are obtained with the static short form and CAT formats. One clinical caution is that even with gains observed in the treatment group, no participants obtained their ideal communicative participation goals, and few obtained a satisfactory level of communicative participation. Thus, while current interventions are beneficial, they may not meet the full range of clients' communication needs. While responding to the CPIB through a proxy rater may be feasible, caution is warranted due to concerns about maintaining the autonomy of PwPD. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject: The communication disorders associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) can have a negative impact on quality of life and life participation as measured by patient (or person)‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). The Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB) is one PROM available to use with adults with communication disorders. However, little is known about whether the CPIB captures changes in communicative participation as a result of standard care treatment for people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Use of computerised adaptive testing (CAT), proxy report and comparison to targeted participation outcomes have not been explored. What this study adds to existing knowledge: As a result of this study, we know that the CPIB captured differences between treatment and observation groups after community‐based, standard care speech therapy intervention focusing on motor speech production in PwPD. Static short form and CAT scores did not differ significantly, so the CAT option provides better efficiency requiring, on average, five items to administer compared to the 10‐item short form. Proxy and PwPD scores did not differ as a group, but wide variability was noted. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The CPIB may be a clinically sensitive instrument for capturing changes in communicative participation after treatment. No participants met their ideal CPIB target, and few reached their satisfactory target, suggesting that while current interventions contribute to gains in communicative participation, there are still unmet needs that may call for support and interventions addressing the more complex array of factors affecting communicative participation outcomes for PwPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communication difficulties are common in people with dementia, and often present from an early stage. However, direct treatment options for people with dementia that positively influence their daily communication are scarce. Aims: To evaluate the potential impact and feasibility of a personalized logopaedic intervention. Methods & Procedures: A total of 40 community‐dwelling persons with dementia and their caregivers were recruited. Five experienced speech and language therapists (SLTs) delivered the six‐session Com‐mens intervention at home. Com‐mens aims to improve positive communication between people with dementia and their primary caregivers and comprises five elements: interactive history‐taking, dynamic observational assessment, education about the consequences of dementia on communication, development and use of personalized communication tools, use motivational, and person‐centred strategies by the SLT. We conducted a single‐group mixed‐methods pilot study with five measurements: baseline, directly after intervention, and at 3, 6 and 9 months follow‐up. Semi‐structured interviews and questionnaires for Experienced Communication in Dementia, quality of life, psychological well‐being and caregiver burden were conducted. Process evaluation was performed by interviewing participants, drop‐outs, SLTs and other stakeholders. Outcomes & Results: A total of 32 dyads completed the intervention. Repeated measures analyses revealed no significant changes over time. In the interviews, participants reported a positive impact on their feelings, increased communication skills and better coping with the diagnosis. Participants would recommend the intervention to others. Facilitators were timely delivery, personalized content and adequate reimbursement. Barriers were unfamiliarity with Com‐mens among referrers, an overburdened caregiver or disrupted family relationships. Conclusions & Implications: This newly developed logopaedic intervention is feasible and has a perceived positive impact on both people with dementia and their caregivers, which is confirmed by a stable pattern over a period of 1 year. Future comparative studies are needed to test the effectiveness of personalized interventions in this patient population. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject?: SLTs are experts in the field of communication, but even though communication problems are common between people with dementia and their caregivers, there is a lack of logopaedic guidelines and materials for the direct treatment for this population. Interventions that are available either focus on (professional) caregivers only or aim to enhance cognitive functioning and do not target on joined communication. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge?: A newly developed intervention called Com‐mens can be provided by trained SLTs and takes an average of six 1‐h sessions. The intervention is perceived to be valuable and feasible for people with dementia and their caregivers, by the participants themselves, as well as by healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Dissemination of this intervention will give SLTs skills, tools and materials to provide meaningful care to home‐dwelling persons with dementia and their caregivers. Also, persons with dementia and their caregivers will receive education and materials that can help them increase their understanding of communication problems, enhance their communication skills and better cope with the communication problems that result from dementia. We consider the Com‐mens intervention to be a valuable addition to the field of speech language therapy and dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improvements in treatment of head‐and‐neck cancer (HNC) have resulted in improved long‐term survival rates so there is a growing interest in long‐term consequences. Objective: The aim was to perform a smartphone‐based assessment to analyse the upper airway dysfunction‐related symptoms in HNC 1 year after radiotherapy (RT) during social distancing due to COVID‐19. Methods & Procedures: Smartphone‐based assessment on upper airway function 1 year after RT was performed. Upper airway functions include perceived impact of voice on quality of life (Voice Handicap Index, VHI‐30), swallowing (Functional Oral Intake, FOIS; and Swallowing Quality of Life questionnaire, SWAL‐QOL) and sleep‐disordered breathing (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) assessments. Additionally, quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Outcomes & Results: The HNC group presented worse results in the VHI‐30 scale, in the three subscales (p < 0.001). Swallowing function also presented worse results in the HNC group, with a lower score in the FOIS questionnaire (p < 0.001) and a poorer score in the SWAL‐QOL (p < 0.001). Regarding to the sleep‐disordered breathing, the HNC group presented poorer scores in all subscales (p < 0.05). The HNC group also presented worse scores in quality of life. Conclusion: Our findings showed that HNC survivors presented a poorer upper airway function and a worse quality of life. This population needs to be systematically screened for those function impairments. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Head‐and‐neck cancer radiotherapy treatment is anatomically related to the upper airway, involved in several functions such as breathing, swallowing and speech that could be affected by the treatment. Public health restrictions caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic have made it difficult, and in many cases impossible, to see patients in person and complete assessments that are often crucial to improve their approach. Telephone interviews appear to be largely equivalent to face‐to‐face interviews, which could solve these problems. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: The aim of this study was to perform a smartphone‐based assessment to analyse the upper airway dysfunction‐related symptoms in head‐and‐neck cancer survivors 1 year after radiotherapy treatment. Our findings showed that head‐and‐neck cancer survivors who have been treated with radiotherapy presented a poorer upper airway function, with subjective speech and voice problems, swallowing and sleep‐disordered breathing compared to a control group matched for age and sex 1 year after the treatment. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The results of this study will allow a better approach to treatment of head‐and‐neck cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life-Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) is a widely used generic self-report measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for cancer patients. However, no validated voice script for interviewer-led telephone administration was previously available. The aim of this study was to develop a voice script for interviewer administration via telephone. Methods: Following guidelines from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) PRO Mixed Modes Good Research Practices Task Force, a randomised cross-over equivalence study, including cognitive debriefing, was conducted to assess equivalence between paper and telephone administration modes. Assuming an expected intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.70 and a minimally acceptable level of 0.50, a sample size of 63 was required. Results: Cognitive interviews with five cancer patients found the voice script to be clear and understandable. Due to a protocol deviation in the first wave of testing, only 26 patients were available for analyses. A second wave of recruitment was conducted, adding 37 patients (n = 63; mean age 55.48; 65.1% female). Total ICCs for mode comparison ranged from 0.72 (nausea and vomiting, 95% CI 0.48–0.86) to 0.90 (global health status/QoL, 95% CI 0.80–0.95; pain, 95% CI 0.79–0.95; constipation, 95% CI 0.80–0.95). For paper first administration, all ICCs were above 0.70, except nausea and vomiting (ICC 0.55; 95% CI 0.24–0.76) and financial difficulties (ICC 0.60; 95% CI 0.31–0.79). For phone first administration, all ICCs were above 0.70. Conclusions: The equivalence testing results support the voice script's validity for administration of the QLQ-C30 via telephone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing focus in aged care policy is supporting older people to age at home. However, there is little recognition of the health and independence of older private renters living in a space they do not own or control. This paper draws on in-depth interviews and assessments undertaken in the homes of 27 older tenants in the Brisbane environs aiming to understand how renting privately influenced their ability to meet their basic needs. An analysis of the findings highlights the disadvantage experienced by many older private renters. Most older private renters were unable to meet their basic needs given unaffordable rent whilst reliant on the aged pension. Further, with limited access to community aged care including home modifications, the health and independence of older private renters was found to be at risk. IMPLICATIONS Community aged care is difficult for older private renters to utilise in Australia, with unaffordable services and tenancy law limiting access to community aged care services including home modifications. It is vital social workers advocate for the community aged care needs of older private renters in practice and policy settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To translate the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Long‐Term Catheter Quality of Life (LTCqol) questionnaire (ICIQ‐LTCqol) from English to Arabic and evaluate its psychometric properties. Background: Currently, no tool for Arabic‐speaking patients is available to measure the quality of life in patients using long‐term urinary catheters. Design Translation and psychometric assessment of questionnaire. Methods: The internal consistency and construct validity of the translated Arabic version of the ICIQ‐LTCqol were evaluated in a convenience sample of 141 participants recruited from a hospital in Egypt from April to September 2017. Test‐retest reliability was assessed for a sample of 15 participants who completed this version at two time points. Construct validity was assessed by factor analysis. Results: The translated Arabic version of the ICIQ‐LTCqol showed satisfactory test‐retest reliability and internal consistency, with the Cronbach α =.75. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the same two factors ("catheter function" and "lifestyle") structure as found in the English version of the tool supporting the construct validity of the translated questionnaire. Conclusion: This original and significant study allows, for the first time, researchers and clinicians working with Arabic‐speaking patients, the opportunity to evaluate the quality of life in long‐term urinary catheter users. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is known about this topic: The potential negative impact of using a long‐term indwelling urinary catheter on patients' everyday lives has been well documented.There is no available psychometrically robust self‐report questionnaire that can be used to assess the impact of living with a long‐term catheter among Arabic speakers.To date, the Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Long‐Term Catheter Quality of Life (LTCqol) questionnaire (ICIQ‐LTCqol) has not been translated into Arabic, and therefore, it has not been used with Arabic‐speaking catheter patients.In Arabic countries, no research has been conducted focusing on the experience of patients with urinary catheters. What this paper adds? The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Long‐Term Catheter Quality of Life questionnaire (ICIQ‐LTCqol) Arabic version is a clear, understandable, and short questionnaire.The Arabic version of the ICIQ‐LTCqol has the same factor structure as the English version using confirmatory factor analysis.The Arabic version of the ICIQ‐LTCqol has good internal consistency. Implications of this paper: Clinicians and researchers working with Arabic‐speaking patients, who use long‐term urinary catheters, can utilize this version of the ICIQ‐LTCqol to evaluate their QOL.The Arabic version of the ICIQ‐LTCqol is a robust tool for assessing the impact of living with a long‐term catheter in Arabic countries.Further research is needed on the retest reliability of the ICIQ‐LTCqol in the Arabic‐speaking population.The impact of living with a long‐term catheter has not been investigated in Arabic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit four response‐level interview schedule (ASCOT INT4) for service users was translated into Finnish. The aim of this paper was to investigate the construct validity and structural characteristics of the Finnish ASCOT. We used data from a face‐to‐face interview survey of older people receiving publicly funded home care services, which was conducted in 2016–2017 (n = 493), excluding missing values and proxy respondents (n = 334). Chi‐square tests, adjusted residuals and analyses of variance were used to examine hypothesised associations between each attribute and a number of relevant variables regarding health and well‐being, disabilities, living arrangements, social contact and support, experience of service use, and the nature of the locality and environment. Structural characteristics were explored using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha test. The EQ‐5D‐3L and ASCOT were moderately correlated (r = 0.429; p < 0.001). The ASCOT attributes were statistically positively related to the overall quality of life. For other tested variables, we found a high number of significant associations with the control over daily life, occupation, social participation, and personal cleanliness attributes, but fewer significant associations with the other attributes. Cronbach's alpha was 0.697 and a single factor was extracted. This assessment provides evidence to support the construct validity of the Finnish ASCOT. The results support the introduction of the Finnish ASCOT into Finland for use in practical applications. Future research on its reliability would be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: What is known on the subject?: Readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) has been an important topic for nurses.RHD can be measured by the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS), including 4 subscales: personal status, knowledge, coping ability and expected support.There are few studies that focus on RHD in patients diagnosed with mental disorders. What does the paper add to existing knowledge?: Improving patient‐reported RHD can decrease the risks of unscheduled post‐discharge clinic visits, readmission and poor quality of life (QOL) in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.Improving patient‐reported personal status can decrease the risk of poor QOL in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.Improving patient‐reported knowledge can decrease the risks of unscheduled post‐discharge clinic visits and readmission in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.Improving patient‐reported expected support can decrease the risk of unscheduled post‐discharge clinic visits in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.Improving the methods of discharge teaching and anxiety severity can enhance RHD in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. What are the implications for practice?: Nurses could enhance patient‐reported RHD to reduce unscheduled post‐discharge medical resource utilization or improve QOL by facilitating knowledge acquisition and skill development and improving social support systems.Nurse managers could add RHD assessment to patients' discharge process and train nurses in the methods of discharge education.Nurses could advance their methods of discharge education, such as listening to and answering patients' questions, choosing a convenient time and engaging in online education. Introduction: The association between readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) and post‐discharge outcomes remains unclear in individuals with anxiety disorders. Aim: To explore the factors of RHD and the effect of patient‐reported RHD on post‐discharge outcomes. Method: In the observational study, 373 patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders completed the self‐administered Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) on discharge. After 30 days, phone interviews were conducted to collect data on post‐discharge outcomes, including self‐reported unscheduled medical service utilization, symptom severity and quality of life (QOL). Multiple logistic regression models were built to explore the relationships among sociodemographic characteristics, the RHDS and its subscales, and post‐discharge outcomes. Results: The unscheduled clinic visits were significantly associated with low RHD, knowledge and expected support. Readmission was significantly associated with low RHD and knowledge. Poor QOL was significantly associated with low RHD and personal status. Delivery, received content and anxiety severity were the predictors of RHD. Discussion: Improved RHD is associated with fewer unscheduled clinic visits and readmissions and better QOL. Enhancing discharge education can improve RHD. Implications for practice: Nurses should enhance patient‐reported RHD to improve post‐discharge outcomes by advancing the quality of discharge education in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls are common among older people and a leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation. The immediate post-hospitalisation period is a risky time for further falls. This paper explores discharge strategies from the perspectives of older people hospitalised for a fall and liaison nurses assisting people to return home. Exploratory mixed methods were used. Semi-structured interviews with older people were conducted regarding their experience of the fall and discharge strategies. Quality of life, falls risk and functional capacity were measured by questionnaire. Liaison nurses were also interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Mixed-method synthesis occurred using role-orderedmatrix analysis. Older people (n = 13) and liaison nurses (n = 6) participated. Older persons' quality of lifewas average and falls risk high. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: 'falls are not a priority', 'information not given, or given and not retained' and 'reduction in confidence and independence'. Role-orderedmatrix analysis identified differences between acute and rehabilitative hospital stays. Older people hospitalised for a fall present a unique opportunity for implementation of falls prevention strategies. However, hospitalisation is often a time of crisis with competing priorities. Timing and relevance are crucial for optimal uptake of falls prevention strategies, with the primary care setting well-placed for their implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Caregivers of adolescents with ADHD experience major difficulties as care providers and are in need of guidance and support., Adolescents with ADHD may develop oppositional and criminal behaviour. More than 50 % have the symptoms in adulthood, and up to one-fourth with severe emotional or antisocial difficulties., There is a lack of evidence of caregivers′ supporting intervention although caregiver groups have been found to contribute to better coping, decreased stress and improvements in ADHD symptoms., What does this paper add to existing knowledge? Primary caregivers of adolescents with ADHD experienced better quality of life after the Therapeutic Conversation Intervention., The intervention contributed to better social functioning among secondary caregivers., What are the implications for practice? The content of the Therapeutic Conversation Intervention is significant and highlights the utility of a combination of group and private sessions for caregivers of people with ADHD., The intervention can influence how services for families are organized, such that a Therapeutic Conversation Intervention could be offered on a regular basis., Abstract Introduction Caregivers of adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are burdened with tasks and many suffer from distress. Adolescents with ADHD may develop antisocial behaviour and caregiver′s group can empower caregiver's supporting role. Aim/Question To evaluate the effectiveness of a Therapeutic Conversation Intervention on caregivers of adolescents with ADHD regarding strengthening the supportive role. Method The study utilized a quasi-experimental design. The participants ( n = 60) were caregivers of adolescents (13-17 years old) with ADHD. The intervention consisted in-group and parent sessions. The Calgary Family Model and the Family Illness Beliefs Model were used as theoretical frameworks. Results The study revealed significant differences in the improvement of quality of life; regarding primary caregiver ( PC) worry, daily activities, family relationships and collaboration post-intervention, as well emotional functioning at both post-intervention and follow-up. Secondary caregiver ( SC) social functioning was significantly improved at follow-up. Discussion The intervention proved to be beneficial to the caregivers and is filling a gap in much needed intervention. Implication for practice The results will expand health care professionals' knowledge of how to increase PC quality of life when supporting their adolescent with ADHD. This treatment information should improve service at health care centres/hospitals where adolescents with ADHD receive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This paper aims to assess the subjective quality of life (SQOL) and its correlates among older adults in rural communities of Vietnam and Indonesia. Methods: The paper uses the data from the INDEPTH/WHO Study on global aging and adult health (SAGE). The study was carried out in the FilaBavi Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) site in Vietnam and in Purworejo HDSS in Indonesia. All people aged 50 years and over who lived in these two HDSS areas were surveyed. Face-to-face household interviews were carried out by trained surveyors using the standardized summary version of the INDEPTH/WHO SAGE questionnaire. The SQOL was assessed by asking the respondents 'How would you rate your overall quality of life?' The response set was a five-point scale where 1 = Very good, 2 = Good, 3 = Moderate, 4 = Bad, 5 = Very bad. Results: In both countries, the SQOL was reported to be higher among (i) men; (ii) people with higher education; (iii) people who were in a marital partnership; (iv) people who lived with other family members; and (v) those with higher economic status, compared with that in those of other category(ies) of the same characteristic. In Vietnam, people who belonged to the second to fifth economic quintiles and had more than 6 years of education were sevenfold more likely to report very good/good quality of life compared with those who belonged to the first economic quintile (poorest) and had no formal education. The corresponding figure was 2.7 for Indonesia. Conclusions: The patterns of sociodemographic determinants of SQOL show that inequality in quality of life exists among older adults in the two study settings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 397-404. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for the poor, the marginalised and socially excluded to live healthier and longer lives has in recent times become paramount in the development literature and policy discussions seeking to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In response to this, attempts are being made to redirect the research focus to examine socio-economic factors underpinning disease occurrence and ill health for health planning policies and practices to benefit the poor and vulnerable in society. Tliis paper explores the relationship between socio-economic conditions and health outcomes. It identifies and examines through participatory rural assessment techniques, basic socio- economic factors acting as significant pathways through which poverty increases the susceptibility of rural households to diseases. It seeks to address the reasons why the poor are poorer in health in rural communities of the Amansie West district of Ghana. This paper thus emphasises how social stratification and inequalities could affect quality of life of people in any given society, hence supporting the theory of social suffering and its implications on societal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of disparities in socio-economic status on the health of older people is an important issue for policy makers in the context of population ageing. As older people live in different types of economic circumstances and because, as people age, their desires and needs are different to those of younger generations, measures of living standards need to be appropriate for older people. This paper reports on the validation of a measure of living standards for older people based on Sen's Capability Approach. Using this approach, living standards are conceptualised as varying from constraint to freedom rather than from hardship to comfort. Using the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing omnibus survey of 3,923 adults aged 50–87 years, the validity of the measure was assessed. The results indicate that this measure assesses what older people are able to achieve. In addition, this measure discriminates better at the higher end of the living standards spectrum than an existing measure that assesses living standards from hardship to comfort in terms of what people possess. From this, a short form of the measure has been developed which offers a conceptually based and valid measure useful for survey research with older people. This measure of living standards provides future avenues for improved understandings of socio-economic position in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is robust evidence that childhood circumstances are related to quality of life in older ages, but the role of possible intermediate factors is less explored. In this paper, we examine to what extent associations between deprived childhood circumstances and quality of life at older ages are due to experienced labour market disadvantage during adulthood. Analyses are based on the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), with detailed retrospective information on individual life courses collected among 10,272 retired men and women in 13 European countries (2008–2009). Our assumption is that those who have spent their childhood in deprived circumstances may also have had more labour market disadvantage with negative consequences for quality of life beyond working life. Results demonstrate that advantaged circumstances during childhood are associated with lower levels of labour market disadvantage and higher quality of life in older ages. Furthermore, results of multivariate analyses support the idea that part of the association between childhood circumstances and later quality of life is explained by labour market disadvantage during adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To describe the burden of bone and joint problems (BJP) in a defined regional population, and to identify characteristics and service-usage patterns. Methods In 2010, a health census of adults aged ≥15 years was conducted in Port Lincoln, South Australia. A follow-up computer-assisted telephone interview provided more specific information about those with BJP. Results Overall, 3350 people (42%) reported current BJP. General practitioners (GP) were the most commonly used provider (85%). People with BJP were also 85% more likely to visit chiropractors, twice as likely to visit physiotherapists and 34% more likely to visit Accident and Emergency or GP out of hours (compared with the rest of the population). Among the phenotypes, those with BJP with co-morbidities were more likely to visit GP, had a significantly higher mean pain score and higher levels of depression or anxiety compared with those with BJP only. Those with BJP only were more likely to visit physiotherapists. Conclusions GP were significant providers for those with co-morbidities, the group who also reported higher levels of pain and mental distress. GP have a central role in effectively managing this phenotype within the BJP population including linking allied health professionals with general practice to manage BJP more efficiently. What is known about the topic? As a highly prevalent group of conditions that are likely to impact on health-related quality of life and are a common cause of severe long-term disability, musculoskeletal conditions place a significant burden on individuals and the health system. However, far less is known about access and usage of musculoskeletal-related health services and programs in Australia. What does this paper add? As a result of analysing the characteristics of the overall BJP population, as well as phenotypes within it, a greater understanding of patterns of health service interactions, care pathways and opportunities for targeted improvements in delivery of care may be identified. The results emphasise that participants with BJP utilised the services of a narrow range of providers, which may have workforce implications for these sectors. The funding models for physiotherapists and chiropractors in Australia involve a mix of private and fees for service, which limits access to those who have private health insurance or can pay directly for these services. What are the implications for practitioners? These analyses indicate the importance of linking allied health professionals with general practice to manage BJP more efficiently. Alternative and appropriate care pathways need to be more strongly developed and identified for effective management of these conditions rather than relying on a traditional range of practitioners. Alternatively, greater ease of access to allied health practitioners may enable more effective treatment and improved quality of life for those with BJP. There is an urgent need to develop an effective population-based model of integrated care for BJP within regional Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver transplantation is a life-saving intervention for many patients with end-stage liver disease. In the past, evaluation of successful liver transplantation was based on patients' survival rate. However, in recent years this evaluation has been based on patients' quality of life. Various instruments have been developed to evaluate patients' quality of life. Nonetheless, scholars still believe that it is crucial to develop a standardized and disease specific instrument for evaluating the quality of life in liver transplant recipients. Objectives: The aim of this paper was to describe the development and psychometric testing process of a quality of life instrument specific to liver transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: Initial items of this instrument were extracted from a conventional content analysis study, and then were completed with findings of related international literature. The face validity was assessed by interviewing with four liver transplant recipients, and the content validity was evaluated by eleven experts in the field of transplantation. The construct validity was achieved by involving 250 liver transplant recipients through exploratory factor analysis method, and reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha. Results: Three main factors with 40 items were extracted from the exploratory factor analysis: Health Satisfaction, Concerns, and Complications. Reliability of the instrument was confirmed (alpha = 0.922). Conclusions: Given the special considerations regarding liver transplant recipients, this questionnaire is more accurate in evaluating the success of liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the effects of case management of Korea Medical Aid on recipients' satisfaction, ability to handle health problems, health behaviour, quality of life ( QoL), hospital visiting days and medical expenditure. Data from structured interviews and claim data from medical institutions to the Korea National Health Insurance Corporation were used. Survey data were collected by questionnaire during September 2008. There were 647 responses out of 1069 (response rate 60.5%), but 260 were excluded from the analyses in this paper because they had received case management for <18 months. This left 269 individuals who had received case management services for 18 months continuously and 118 who had received no case management services in the same time period. Among the former group, 86.9% were satisfied or strongly satisfied with the initiative. Results indicate that the satisfaction for the case management was very high. Although there was no difference in terms of health behaviour and QoL between the two groups, the overall ability to handle health problems was higher in the case management group ( P < 0.001). As for healthcare use, the programme produced a significant reduction in hospital visiting days ( P = 0.034), and while the mean increase in cost from 2007 to 2008 was 29.1% lower for individuals in the programme, the difference between the groups was not significant ( P = 0.851). Case management in Korea is in its early stages, and efforts should be made to extend this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian government's commitment to health service reform has placed general practice at the centre of its agenda to manage chronic disease. Concerns about the capacity of GPs to meet the growing chronic disease burden has stimulated the implementation and testing of new models of care that better utilise practice nurses (PN). This paper reports on a mixed-methods study nested within a larger study that trialled the feasibility and acceptability of a new model of nurse-led chronic disease management in three general practices. Patients over 18 years of age with type 2 diabetes, hypertension or stable ischaemic heart disease were randomised into PN-led or usual GP-led care. Primary outcomes were self-reported quality of life and perceptions of the model's feasibility and acceptability from the perspective of patients and GPs. Over the 12-month study quality of life decreased but the trend between groups was not statistically different. Qualitative data indicate that the PN-led model was acceptable and feasible to GPs and patients. It is possible to extend the scope of PN care to lead the routine clinical management of patients' stable chronic diseases. All GPs identified significant advantages to the model and elected to continue with the PN-led care after our study concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Whether the quality of life (QOL) impacts longevity is an interesting research question that has been investigated only in the context of disease and health-related QOL. This paper aims to examine prospectively whether Control, Autonomy, Selfrealisation, and Pleasure (CASP) scores, a measure of generic QOL, can predict mortality in the British Household Panel Survey sample during 2001-2006. Methods The authors used data from the British Household Panel Survey wave 11 (2001-2002) when CASP was first presented to the participants in the survey. The authors selected all those who were interviewed directly and face to face and who were 40 years or older (N=10 291). The authors followed them for the next five waves (waves 12-16) and in this study primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Other covariates used were age, sex, socioeconomic position, household income, self-rated health, limiting longstanding illness and medical conditions. Results Compared with a mortality of 12/1000 personyears in those having average QOL (CASP score 29.4-45.8), those with below-average QOL had more than twice (27/1000 person-years) and those above average had a third less (8/1000 person-years) mortality. This gradient was retained for the most part when age and sex strata were examined separately. Regression models adjusted for covariates confirmed the protective effect of QOL on mortality. Domain-specific analysis showed that only control and self-realisation had this effect. Conclusion CASP predicted 5-year all-cause mortality significantly. Improvement in the QOL reduced the probability of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper's design is descriptive and correlational based on retrospective self-report survey data collected in Kunming city, China. The study investigated the difference between a group of Chinese HIV positive (N=36) and negative (N=131) opioid dependent adults maintained on methadone treatment. Comparisons were based on their quality of life (QOL), methadone treatment adherence, adverse symptom occurrence related to methadone treatment, and HIV-related behavior changes. No significant differences were found between the two groups in age, methadone maintenance dose, methadone adherence, sex desire, and drug craving level. Participants who were HIV positive reported significantly lower scores on physical health and total health-related qualify of life. They also reported greater engagement in injection related risk behavior before methadone treatment than those who tested HIV negative. For both groups, sexual and injection risk behavior significantly decreased following initiation of methadone treatment. A regression model revealed that those infected with HIV, associated significantly with higher likelihood of reporting constipation and lack of appetite, and higher frequency of reporting abdominal pain and nausea than HIV negative patients. The primary implication of these findings is that HIV positive persons in methadone treatment may require more focused services to meet their special HIV care and substance treatment needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is a rare immune-mediated disease that presents with predominantly distal motor weakness in one or more limbs without sensory loss. Symptoms may give rise to functional impairment and consequently may affect quality of life. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin's therapy (IVIg) is the current mainstay treatment, however, subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) is emerging as a viable alternative. The purpose of this study was to explore the patients' experience of SCIg and ascertain if those receiving it had an improved quality of life and treatment satisfaction compared to those receiving IVIg. Using a mixed method approach this paper will present its findings and key implications for clinical and research practice are considered. The results from this study suggest that home SCIg therapy may prove a more desirable treatment option than IVIg for a proportion of MMN patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]