• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2023

Background: Several previous studies have reported that quality of life (QoL) in hemodialysis patients affects mortality. However, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, which has been used mainly in previous studies, is complicated in terms of questionnaire composition and interpretation. This study aimed to identify the impact of QoL on mortality in hemodialysis patients using an easier and simpler diagnostic tool. Methods: This retrospective study included 160 hemodialysis patients. QoL was evaluated using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF). Psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We also evaluated medical factors, such as dialysis adequacy and laboratory results. Results: The mean hemodialysis vintage was 70.7±38.0 months. The proportion of patients who were elderly was higher in the mortality group than in the surviving group, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index score was also higher in the former group. Of the four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF, the physical health and psychological scores of the mortality group were significantly lower than those of the survival group. When the score in the physical health domain or psychological domain was ≤10, the 10-year mortality rate after hemodialysis initiation increased by approximately 2.3- and 2-fold, respectively. Conclusion: QoL may have a significant effect on mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The WHOQOL-BREF is an instrument that can measure QoL relatively easily and can be used to improve the long-term prognosis of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.67-77
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an occupational therapy intervention program of arts and crafts on the activities of daily living and quality of life of outpatients after a stroke. Methods: Using an experimental pretest-posttest control group design, we conducted the following with ten participants diagnosed with stroke: one retest session, 10 intervention sessions, and one posttest session. MMSE-K (Korean version of the Mini-mental State Examination), COPM (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure), and WHOQOL-BREF (The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF) scores were obtained before and after the intervention. The results were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Results: As a result of comparing the pretest-posttest scores of the experimental and control groups, there was no significant difference in K-MBI score improvement in terms of activities of daily living. There was a significant difference in COPM scores between the experimental and control groups. There was a significant difference between the WHOQUP-BREF scores of the experimental group before and after the experiment, as well as between the groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that an arts and craft group occupational therapy intervention program for stroke patients may have a positive impact on activities of daily living and quality of life. Although an arts and craft group occupational therapy intervention program appears to be a promising approach, further studies are required to confirm these findings.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.129-154
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• 2000

This study aims at providing the basic data necessary for developing a model of and the policies for the improved quality of life of the adult population by measuring and analyzing factors affecting the quality of life based on a WHOQOL-Bref survey of 1,200 persons above the age of 20 residing in Taegu Metropolitan City area. 1. The factors affecting their quality of life were measured as follows: The physical conditions got the highest point of 3.31 while the psychological conditions got 3.20 and the environmental conditions got the lowest point of 3.09. The overall quality of life was rated to be at 3.11 2. General conditions affecting the quality of life, such as the economic conditions, health conditions and stress all turned out to be variables having significant differences(p〈0.01) in all the factors affecting the quality of life. 3. Through the analysis, we also found out the positive correlation exists among all the factors determining the quality of life(p〈0.01), while the psychological factor turning out to have the highest correlation value(r=0.640) with the overall quality of life. 4. To find out the factors affecting all the aspects of quality of life, we also conducted a multiple regression analysis employing the general characteristics as an independent variable. The health, economic and stress conditions all turned out to be significant in all aspects(p〈0.01). Summarizing the above analysis, the quality of life has a high correlation with the psychological, physical and environmental conditions. It has also turned out that the health, economic and stress conditions have the greatest influence on the quality of life. Therefore, it is believed to be necessary that a comprehensive program be developed to promote the public health and to formulate a model for improvement of the people's quality of life that can enhance their physical, psychological and social health conditions.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.231-239
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between Yangsaeng and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) of Korean adults and older people practicing Dan Jeon Breathing. Methods: The participants were 133 adults and elderly people practicing Dan Jeon Breathing. Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires, which were constructed to include Yangsaeng and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). Frequency, percentage, mean standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Cronbach ${\alpha}$ value were used with the SPSS 14.0 win program to analyze the data using for finding. Results: Significant differences in Yangsaeng were evident on the basis of age, gender, duration of DJB, regular practice of DJB, and other exercises. There were significant differences in quality of life in terms of existence of spouse and duration of DJB. Also, all subcategories in Yangsaeng were positively related to all domain of quality of life. Conclusion: The results indicate that the quality of life of adult and elderly Koreans who practice DJB is more closely associated with Yangsaeng. Therefore, Dan Jeon Breathing can be utilized as a nursing intervention for Yangsaeng and quality of life of Koreans.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.114-121
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• 2021

Purpose: This study examined the effects of therapeutic massage (TMP) and home exercise program (HEP) on pain, range of motion (ROM), depression, and quality of life (QOL) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in middle-aged women. Methods: Nineteen middle-aged women who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were enrolled in the study. All subjects were assigned randomly to the experimental group (n=9) or the control group (n=10). The subjects in both groups performed HEP for 30 minutes, three times per day, for eight weeks. The subjects in the experimental group also performed HEP, with TMP being performed for 30 minutes, 16 sessions for eight weeks. All subjects were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS), shoulder ROM, self-rating depression scale (SDS), and Korean brief version of WHO quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BREF). A paired t-test was performed to test the significant differences between before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was conducted to test the significant differences between the groups. Results: Following the intervention, both groups showed significant differences than before the intervention in the VAS, shoulder ROM, SDS, and WHOQOL-BREF (p<0.05). There were significant differences in the ROM of shoulder flexion, SDS, and WHOQOL-BREF between the groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that intensive TMP is an effective method for improving shoulder flexion mobility, depressive symptom, and QOL in middle-aged women after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.286-291
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the effects of home exercise programs and manual therapy on shoulder function and quality of life in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Methods: A total of 31 patients were enrolled in the study. All subjects were randomly assigned to a home exercise group (n=15) or a manual therapy group (n=16). Both groups performed each intervention program three times a week for four weeks. After four weeks, both groups performed a home exercise program continuously until week 12. Shoulder function was evaluated using the Korean Shoulder Scoring (KSS) system, while quality of life was evaluated using the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) before and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There were significant differences in KSS before intervention and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after intervention for both the home exercise group and manual therapy group (p<0.001). There was also a significant difference in KSS at 4, 8, and 12 weeks when compared to the home exercise group and manual therapy group (p<0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in WHOQOL-BREF before and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after intervention in the home exercise group and manual therapy group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Home exercise and manual therapy improved shoulder function, but manual therapy led to a greater improvement in shoulder function better than home exercise. Home exercise and manual therapy improved quality of life, but there was no significant difference between groups.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2020

Background: Stretch-oriented home exercise programs are often used as treatments for patients with adhesive capsulitis; however, there is lack of research on home exercise programs to strengthen rotator cuffs. Objects: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of home exercise programs for rotator cuff strengthening on pain, range of motion (ROM), disability level, and quality of life in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Methods: Twenty-two patients with adhesive capsulitis volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 11) and control group (n = 11). For the experimental group, manual therapy and home exercise programs for rotator cuff strengthening were applied for 6 weeks; for the control group, only manual therapy was applied for 6 weeks. Shoulder pain (quadruple visual analogue scale, QVAS), ROM, disability (shoulder pain and disability index-Korean version, SPADI), and quality of life (world health organization quality of life scale-Korean version, WHOQOL-BREF) were evaluated at baseline, after 3 weeks, and after 6 weeks of intervention. The changes in the measurement variables were analyzed by using repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: Significant differences were observed between the experimental group and control group in the QVAS; SPADI-pain scores; SPADI-disability scores; SPADI-total scores; flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation ROM of the glenohumeral joint; and WHOQOL-BREF total, overall, physical health, and psychological scores. All groups displayed statistically significant improvements as observed in the QVAS, SPADI, flexion, abduction, external and internal rotation ROM of the glenohumeral joint, and WHOQOL-BREF. Conclusion: Home exercise programs for rotator cuff strengthening had a positive impact on shoulder pain, shoulder ROM, disability level, and quality of life in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Therefore, we propose the use of home exercise programs for rotator cuff strengthening in the exercise rehabilitation of patients with adhesive capsulitis.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.351-359
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• 2021

Objectives: Despite treatment, the pre-traumatic facial appearance of patients with maxillofacial fractures might not be able to be restored, and this difference can affect the person's quality of life (QoL). This study was designed to evaluate changes in QoL of people with maxillofacial fractures. Materials and Methods: The study population was comprised of participants with maxillofacial fracture and age- and sex-matched healthy controls without history of such fracture. QoL was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, which was administered to the patients before treatment (Time 1), at 6 weeks post-treatment (Time 2), and at 12 weeks postoperatively (Time 3). The values were compared with those of healthy controls. The QoL was compared between closed reduction group and open reduction and internal fixation group. Results: The QoL scores of people with maxillofacial fracture before treatment were significantly lower (P=0.001) than those of healthy controls in all domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. The QoL scores in the psychological and social domains of patients with maxillofacial fracture at Time 3 were still lower than those of healthy controls (P=0.001). Conclusion: The QoL of patients with maxillofacial fracture was significantly reduced before treatment in all domains and remained reduced in both psychological and social domains weeks after treatment. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of and manage the residual psychosocial issues that can accompany the post-treatment period of maxillofacial injury.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.84 no.2
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• pp.140-147
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• 2021

Background: For generations, cigarette smoking has presented an important public health concern. This study aimed to compare the health-promoting behavior, exercise capacity, physical activity level, health literacy, and knowledge level of smoking-related diseases between smokers and non-smokers. Methods: The study included 71 smokers (mean age, 32.69±8.55 years) and 72 non-smokers (mean age, 31.88±9.94 years) between the ages of 20 and 60 years. Assessments included a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), Cardiovascular Risk Factors Knowledge Level Scale (CARRF-KL), Asthma/COPD Awareness Questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref [TR]), and Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Results: The results from the study show that the number of coronary artery disease risk factors measured significantly higher among the smoker group members when compared to that of the non-smoker group members (p=0.001). Smokers had significantly lower %6MWT distance than non-smokers (84.83±4.72 and 93.45±7.16, respectively; p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the smokers and non-smokers in terms of physical activity, CARRF-KL, HLQ, WHOQoL-Bref, and HPLP-II subscales or total scores (p>0.05). Additionally, while only forty-one smokers (57.7%) were active, 48 of the non-smoker group was active (66.7%). Conclusion: Smokers suffer greater negative effects to their exercise capacity in comparison to non-smokers. Although smokers and non-smokers have similar levels of health literacy and similar levels of knowledge about cardiovascular disease risk factors and obstructive lung diseases, health professionals could continue to further increase individuals' awareness of smoking-related risk factors and continue to emphasize the importance of physical activity and exercise for protecting cardiopulmonary health.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.138-145
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• 2021

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the audiologic results after cochlear implantation (CI) in older patients and the degree of improvement in their quality of life (QoL). Subjects and Methods: Patients over 65 years old who underwent CI at implant center in Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital were included in this study (n=54; 34 males and 20 females). The control group was patient over 65 years old with normal hearing (n=54; 34 males and 20 females). We administered three questionnaires [World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), World Health Organization Quality of Life-OLD (WHOQOL-OLD)], and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to evaluate the QoL, CIrelated effects on activities of daily life, and social activities in all the subjects. Moreover, correlations between speech recognition and the QoL scores were evaluated. The duration of implant use and comorbidities were also examined as potential factors affecting QoL. Results: The patients had remarkable improvements (the mean score of postoperative speech perception 75.7%) in speech perception after CI. The scores for the WHOQOL-OLD and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire responses were similar in both the study and control groups, except those for a two subdomains (social relations and social participation). The patients with longer-term CI had higher scores than those with short-term CI use. In general, the changes in GDS scores were not significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: The treatment of hearing loss with CI conferred significant improvement in patient's QoL (p<0.01). The evaluation of QoL can provide multidimensional insights into a geriatric patient's progress and, therefore, should be considered by audiologists.