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Health, Social Problems and Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Diseases,...
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Health, Social Problems and Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Diseases, Quality of Life, and the Need for Emotional and Social Support

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 4368

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Grażyna Bączyk

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Guest Editor
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
Interests: care and functioning of patients with chronic diseases and those requiring surgical treatment; assessment of the quality of nursing care in the field of postoperative pain; the assessment of the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases; surgically treated diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Dorota Formanowicz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 8, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
Interests: chronic disorder; chronic kidney disease; obesity; cardiovascular disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The definition of a chronic disease, adopted by the American National Commission on Chronic Illness describes, is as follows: "A chronic disease is defined as a disorder or deviation from the norm with one or more of the following characteristics: a long-term course; their etiology, the course, and treatment are not clearly defined, leave dysfunction or disability after that, require specialist rehabilitation, supervision, observation or care." The most important chronic diseases include cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, mental diseases, autoimmune diseases, epilepsy, osteoporosis, obesity, multiple sclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and HIV/AIDS.

The consequences of chronic diseases are complex and concern various spheres of functioning. First, they cause increasing discomfort to the patient's physical and mental state, resulting from experienced pain, suffering, progressive limitation, or loss of function. An important measure of treatment effects and patients' expectations is the "quality of life." According to the WHO (World Health Organization) definition, quality of life is an individual estimation of an individual's perception of their life position about the circle of culture and value system, taking into account its aspirations, desires, interests, and standards.

This Special Issue aims to learn about health, social and emotional problems, assess quality of life, and evaluate the need for social and emotional support for people with chronic diseases.

The presence of a chronic disease not only disturbs the functional, physical, and social aspects of life but also evokes negative emotions. This situation causes a decrease in well-being and disturbs the quality of life in all areas.

Research on these aspects allows us to obtain valuable information from patients. This concerns not only the symptoms of the disease and side effects of the treatment but also the assessment of the psychological (well-being), social and spiritual dimensions. The results of research into these specific issues occurring in people with chronic diseases will help to direct treatment and patient care through evidence-based medicine EBM (evidence-based medicine) and EBNP (evidence-based nursing practice).

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Dr. Grażyna Bączyk
Dr. Dorota Formanowicz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • chronic diseases
  • health problems
  • health-related quality of life
  • well-being
  • social support
  • emotional support
  • general and specific scales

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1036 KiB  
Article
Perceived Well-Being among Adults with Diabetes and Hypertension: A National Study
by Leona Yuen-Ling Leung, Hon-Lon Tam, Isaac Sze-Him Leung, Alex Siu-Wing Chan, Yueheng Yin, Xiubin Zhang, Aimei Mao and Pak-Leng Cheong
Healthcare 2024, 12(8), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12080844 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 296
Abstract
Perceived health and distresses are associated with the practice of lifestyle modifications, which increases the risk of diabetes and hypertension-related complications. This study aimed to define the characteristics and distribution of perceived health and distresses across the states between people with diabetes and [...] Read more.
Perceived health and distresses are associated with the practice of lifestyle modifications, which increases the risk of diabetes and hypertension-related complications. This study aimed to define the characteristics and distribution of perceived health and distresses across the states between people with diabetes and hypertension. Data were derived from a national survey of US adults aged ≥18 years who were interviewed via phone call. Perceived health and distresses were assessed through corresponding questions. An amount of 333,316 respondents (43,911 with diabetes and 130,960 with hypertension) were included in the analysis; 61.8% of people with diabetes and 74.5% of people with hypertension reported having good or better health, while residents in the Southwest region perceived poor health statuses and more distresses. Education level (diabetes: odds ratio [OR] = 0.47–0.79, hypertension: OR = 0.42–0.76), employment status level (diabetes: OR = 1.40–2.22, hypertension: OR = 1.56–2.49), and household income (diabetes: OR = 0.22–0.65, hypertension: OR = 0.15–0.78) were significant factors associated with poorly perceived health among people with diabetes and hypertension, and the use of technology and strategies for policymakers are suggested to improve the perceived health status in this regard. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Social Problems and Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Diseases, Quality of Life, and the Need for Emotional and Social Support)
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11 pages, 1725 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Quality of Life and Sexual Functioning in Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapeutic Potential of Hair Follicle-Derived Stem Cells
by Katarzyna Krefft-Trzciniecka, Hanna Cisoń, Alicja Pakiet, Danuta Nowicka and Jacek C. Szepietowski
Healthcare 2024, 12(6), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12060608 - 07 Mar 2024
Viewed by 736
Abstract
Background: The study aimed to examine the impact of stem cell treatment on quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning in women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methods: Twenty-three women underwent a single session of autologous cellular micrografts (ACMs). The World Health Organization Quality [...] Read more.
Background: The study aimed to examine the impact of stem cell treatment on quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning in women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methods: Twenty-three women underwent a single session of autologous cellular micrografts (ACMs). The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used before and after 6 months. Results: The AGA severity decreased by an average of 1 point on the Ludwig scale (p = 0.004) after treatment. FSFI scores indicated sexual dysfunction in over half of the women at baseline, but they improved significantly post-treatment for arousal [median (IQR): 4.8 (1.5) vs. 5.10 (0.9); p = 0.035] and satisfaction [4.4 (1.4) vs. 4.8 (1.8); p = 0.025]. QoL scores improved after treatment in psychological health (57.96 ± 19.0 vs. 69.35 ± 14.0; p = 0.031) and environment (72.96 ± 13.4 vs. 81.09 ± 12.6; p = 0.007), but not in physical health and social relationships. No associations were found between the WHOQOL-BREF or FSFI domains versus age and AGA severity. Conclusions: AGA reduces QoL and impacts sexual functioning in women with AGA. The high treatment burden arises from the chronic and progressive nature of AGA, coupled with limited treatment effectiveness. Effective treatments for AGA, like ACM, are urgently needed to enhance patient-reported outcomes along with clinical results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Social Problems and Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Diseases, Quality of Life, and the Need for Emotional and Social Support)
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18 pages, 335 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Link between Social Support and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Primary Care
by Izolde Bouloukaki, Antonios Christodoulakis, Katerina Margetaki, Antonia Aravantinou Karlatou and Ioanna Tsiligianni
Healthcare 2024, 12(5), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12050544 - 25 Feb 2024
Viewed by 727
Abstract
We aimed to explore the link between social support and various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in primary care patients with COPD. This was a cross-sectional study with 168 patients with COPD from six primary care centers in Crete, Greece. We collected data on [...] Read more.
We aimed to explore the link between social support and various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in primary care patients with COPD. This was a cross-sectional study with 168 patients with COPD from six primary care centers in Crete, Greece. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, disease-specific quality of life, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), fatigue, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), phycological parameters, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, sleep complaints, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, the Athens Insomnia scale (AIS), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Out of 168 patients with COPD, 114 (68.9%) exhibited low levels of social support. Low social support (MSPSS total ≤ 5) was positively associated with COPD symptoms (CAT score ≥ 10) (OR = 3.97, 95%CI:1.86–8.44; p < 0.01), fatigue (FSS ≥ 36) (OR = 2.74, 95%CI:1.31–5.74; p = 0.01), and insomnia symptoms (AIS ≥ 6) (OR = 5.17 95%CI:2.23–12.01; p < 0.01), while the association with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) was marginally significant (OR = 3.1, 95%CI:0.93–10.36; p = 0.07). Our results suggest that lower levels of social support are positively associated with PROMs in patients with COPD. Therefore, our findings show an additional way to improve the overall health of patients with COPD in primary care by putting social support at the epicenter of actions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Social Problems and Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Diseases, Quality of Life, and the Need for Emotional and Social Support)
15 pages, 1367 KiB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional, Multicentric, Disease-Specific, Health-Related Quality of Life Study in Greek Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Patients
by Philippos Klonizakis, Noémi Roy, Ioanna Papatsouma, Maria Mainou, Ioanna Christodoulou, Despina Pantelidou, Smaro Kokkota, Michael Diamantidis, Alexandra Kourakli, Vasileios Lazaris, Dimitrios Andriopoulos, Apostolos Tsapas, Robert J. Klaassen and Efthymia Vlachaki
Healthcare 2024, 12(5), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12050524 - 22 Feb 2024
Viewed by 763
Abstract
The assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in thalassemia offers a holistic approach to the disease and facilitates better communication between physicians and patients. This study aimed to evaluate the HRQoL of transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients in Greece. This was a multicentric, [...] Read more.
The assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in thalassemia offers a holistic approach to the disease and facilitates better communication between physicians and patients. This study aimed to evaluate the HRQoL of transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients in Greece. This was a multicentric, cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 involving 283 adult TDT patients. All participants completed a set of two QoL questionnaires, the generic SF-36v2 and the disease-specific TranQol. Demographic and clinical characteristics were used to predefine patient subgroups. Significant factors identified in the univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate analysis to assess their effect on HRQoL. The SF-36 scores of TDT patients were consistently lower compared to the general population in Greece. The mean summary score of TranQol was relatively high (71 ± 14%), exceeding levels observed in national surveys in other countries. Employment emerged as the most significant independent factor associated with better HRQoL, whereas age had the most significant negative effect. This study represents the first comprehensive QoL assessment of a representative sample of the TDT population in Greece. The implementation of TranQol allowed for the quantification of HRQoL in Greece, establishing a baseline for future follow-up, and identifying more vulnerable patient subgroups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Social Problems and Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Diseases, Quality of Life, and the Need for Emotional and Social Support)
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11 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Ageing with Parkinson’s: Identification of Personal Needs in the Northern Spanish Context
by Patricia Solís García, María Souto Serrano, Mª Ángeles Alcedo Rodríguez, Elsa Peña Suárez, Ignacio Pedrosa and Antonio León Aguado Diaz
Healthcare 2024, 12(4), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12040498 - 19 Feb 2024
Viewed by 560
Abstract
As individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease enter older age, the myriad challenges and complications associated with this condition tend to escalate. Hence, there is a critical necessity to comprehensively discern the perceived needs of these individuals, along with their proposed remedies and essential [...] Read more.
As individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease enter older age, the myriad challenges and complications associated with this condition tend to escalate. Hence, there is a critical necessity to comprehensively discern the perceived needs of these individuals, along with their proposed remedies and essential support requisites. Additionally, understanding the perspectives of their families becomes imperative to formulate tailored interventions aimed at enhancing their overall development, progression, and quality of life. The study’s main objective is to assess the perceived needs of individuals with PD and their family members, propose necessary solutions, and suggest future perspectives. The study encompassed a cohort of 268 participants, comprising 179 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and 89 of their relatives. A meticulously designed structured interview instrument consisting of 93 items was employed to assess various domains encompassing perceived needs, institutional support mechanisms, essential solutions, and future anticipations. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in health resources, social services resources, obstacles, solutions, and future outlook, with higher mean values from the relatives. Conclusions: The results highlight the most concerning needs in this context. Specifically, those needs related to health resources, social services resources, and future outlook present the greatest differences between the two subsamples, with the family members perceiving more needs. This alignment extended to both the categorization of unmet needs and the requisite solutions envisioned to address them. Suggested improvements include a sociosanitary strategy, stakeholder involvement, and prioritizing flexible home assistance to support older individuals with PD and their families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Social Problems and Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Diseases, Quality of Life, and the Need for Emotional and Social Support)
18 pages, 521 KiB  
Article
Quality of Life for Polish Women with Ovarian Cancer during First-Line Chemotherapy
by Grażyna Bączyk, Anna Pleszewa, Dorota Formanowicz and Katarzyna A. Kozłowska
Healthcare 2023, 11(18), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11182596 - 21 Sep 2023
Viewed by 787
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the worst prognostic gynaecological cancer and represents a grave clinical and social problem. Therefore, the study aimed to assess female patients’ emotional, cognitive, physical, and social quality of life. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and treated [...] Read more.
Ovarian cancer is the worst prognostic gynaecological cancer and represents a grave clinical and social problem. Therefore, the study aimed to assess female patients’ emotional, cognitive, physical, and social quality of life. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and treated with chemotherapy in a day hospital setting at the Department of Radiotherapy and Gynaecological Oncology at the Wielkopolska Oncology Centre in Poznań. The patients were given a standard treatment regimen: paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 in a 3 h infusion and carboplatin at an AUC of 6 (5–7) following Calvert as a 1 h infusion for six cycles administered every 21 days. In addition, standardised questionnaires of the Polish version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQOV28 were used. The analysis of the collected material shows that the patients reported the highest level of general health and quality of life at the study’s first stage, i.e., before chemotherapy (mean value of 59.67 points). In contrast, the patients’ lowest level of general health and quality of life was observed in the fourth stage of the study (mean value of 45.04 points). The problem of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, affected the entire study group and was more troublesome in the final stage of treatment for all patients. In the study’s first stage, the mean score on the nausea and vomiting symptom scale was 16 points; in the fourth stage, the mean score was 40.07. Of the clinical factors, the symptom of fatigue was the most severe health problem for the subjects. The mean score of the fatigue scale in the study’s first stage was 37.11 points, while a score of 70.33 was obtained in the fourth stage of the research. The multivariate linear regression model showed that the lack of professional activity lowers quality of life, especially combined with other side effects of chemotherapy, including hair loss in Stage IV of the study. This study shows that women with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy need exceptional support from psychologists, nurses, dieticians, and physiotherapists. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Social Problems and Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Diseases, Quality of Life, and the Need for Emotional and Social Support)
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