Browsing by Subject "Quality of life"
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Item An analysis of technology use and quality of life in a rural west Texas community(Texas Tech University, 2004-08) Bullock, Susie JRAs the populations in rural West Texas communities continue to decline, the resources the community can use to rebuild its population also decline. As the resources decline, so does the population. The downward spiral feeds on itself until the community has very little to offer its residents in quality of life. As computer and Internet technology become more available, the world becomes smaller and smaller. We now live in a global economy where access to products, services, and information can be had as quickly as the click of a mouse. This study was undertaken to measure how much and for what purposes the citizens of Littlefield, Texas, used computers and the Internet. Furthermore, it was sought to determine the quality of life using pre-tested instruments designed to measure adults' and adolescents' views of then quality of life. The author used a tool that defined quality of life as, "How good is your life for you?" By determining whether technology use is positively correlated to a person's view of his or her quality of life, then one could also determine whether greater diffusion of computer technology and adoption of broadband Internet access might provide answers to the youth and leadership migration from rural areas to metropolitan areas. The results of this study indicated that an overwhelming majority of the residents of Littlefield, Texas, consider their quality of life to be adequate, very adequate, or excellent. Only three reported their quality of life as problematic and none as very problematic. As age increased, the resident's quality of life seemed to increase. Researchers conducting this study found little correlation between the use of computers and the Internet and quality of life. Technology, defined for this study as computer plus Internet use, was negatively correlated with quality of life as age increased. However, broadband Internet access at home was slightly positively correlated for high school students' parents who fell in the middle age bracket. For Littlefield High School students, a negative correlation existed between grade level and quality of life. Males indicated a higher number of hours using technology than females.Item Art making practices for groups of individuals with Alzheimer's disease(2016-05) Coonrod, Ellen Claire-Murray; Adejumo, Christopher O., 1959-; Bolin, Paul EThrough the method of action research, this study reflects upon the individual practice of an art educator in facilitating visual art making experiences for a group of adults with dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The study’s qualitative data consists of interviews with class facilitators, photos of the class environment and resulting artwork, and written observations, which were analyzed for emergent themes supporting the participants’ cognitive and social engagement. In adopting Kitwood and Bredin’s (1992) approach of person-centered care, the study connected their twelve indicators of relative well-being to observations of engagement in the class. The discovered themes include personal objects and stories, collaboration, mood, repetition, stimulating materials, multiple steps, individualized assistance, minimized distractions, and limited options. These described attributes could provide a resource for those designing and facilitating similar experiences for adults with Alzheimer’s disease.Item Efficacy of an exercise intervention for sexual side effects of antidepressant medications in women(2013-08) Lorenz, Tierney Kyle Ahrold; Meston, Cindy M.Antidepressants are associated with sexual side effects (Clayton, Keller, & McGarvey, 2006). Sexual side effects are associated with non-compliance or discontinuance of antidepressants (Werneke, Northey, & Bhugra, 2006). Despite this, there are few empirically supported treatments for antidepressant side effects. However, in laboratory studies, exercise immediately before sexual stimuli improved sexual arousal of women taking antidepressants (Lorenz & Meston, 2012). I evaluated if exercise improves sexual functioning in women experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual side effects. Fifty-two women reporting antidepressant sexual side effects were followed for 3 weeks of sexual activity only. They were randomized to complete either three weeks of exercise immediately before sexual activity (3x/week) or 3 weeks of exercise separate from sexual activity (3x/week). At the end of the first exercise arm, participants crossed to the other. I measured sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, depression and physical health. Completers showed modest improvements in sexual functioning and satisfaction. For women taking selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, exercising immediately before sexual activity was superior to exercise in general. As well as known effects in improved physical and psychological health, exercise may help improve sexual health and pleasure in women taking antidepressants. These findings have important implications for public health, as exercise is accessible, cheap, and does not add to burden of care.Item Enhancing life with Alzheimer's : how the arts and art-making benefit persons with Alzheimer's Disease(2012-05) Osborn, Rachel Suniga; Adejumo, Christopher O., 1959-; Bolin, Paul E.The purpose of this research was to determine if incorporating individualized arts and art-making activities into the caregiving of persons with Alzheimer's Disease would help to improve their overall quality of life. To answer this question, I conducted an eight-week qualitative case study of two persons with Alzheimer's Disease. I visited the patients and their caregivers in their homes, and facilitated the incorporation of arts and art-making activities into their caregiving. These activities included painting with watercolors and acrylic paints, sewing, dancing, listening to music, collage, craftwork, storytelling, and sharing past art experiences. As a result of participating in this case study, the two persons with Alzheimer's Disease experienced increased confidence and self-esteem, a positive means of communication and social engagement, an opportunity to be validated and valued as persons with a rich life history and valuable remaining talents, and they developed new physical and mental abilities.Item Fatigue, self-efficacy for physical activity, physical activity, and quality of life in women with breast cancer(2001-12) Haas, Barbara Kay; Stuifbergen, Alexa K.This descriptive correlational study was conducted to examine the direct and indirect influences of fatigue, self-efficacy for physical activity, and physical activity on quality of life (QOL) in women with breast cancer. Relationships among these variables were compared between women with breast cancer and a comparison group of women. A theoretical model, philosophically congruent with a health within illness perspective and generated by integrating selected concepts from Pender’s Health Promotion Model and Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, was used to guide the study. Instruments used to measure study concepts included the Piper Fatigue Scale to evaluate fatigue; a researcher developed Physical Activity Assessment Inventory to measure self-efficacy for physical activity; the Human Activity Profile to calculate physical activity; and the McGill QOL Questionnaire to assess QOL. Participants (n =128) included 73 women receiving either chemotherapy or hormonal therapy for any stage breast cancer and 55 women in a comparison group with no history of cancer. The participants were primarily Caucasian, educated, and married. Correlational analyses suggested moderately strong relationships among the research model variables (fatigue, self-efficacy for physical activity, physical activity, and QOL) for both groups of women. There was an inverse relationship between fatigue scores and the scores for self-efficacy for physical activity, physical activity, and QOL. There was a direct relationship among the scores for self-efficacy for physical activity, physical activity, and QOL. Women receiving treatment for breast cancer reported higher levels of fatigue and lower levels of self-efficacy for physical activity and physical activity than women in the comparison group did. There was no difference in QOL scores between the groups. Results from path analysis supported the research model, explaining 53% of the variance in QOL scores. Fatigue has direct and indirect influences on QOL that are partially mediated by self-efficacy for physical activity and physical activity. Self-efficacy for physical activity directly influences physical activity, which then directly influences QOL. This research provides knowledge to help guide nursing care of women receiving treatment for breast cancer. Continued research and refinement of the model is required to determine additional influences of QOL in women receiving treatment for breast cancer.Item Health-related quality of life and sleep disorders in Taiwanese people with heart failure(2007-05) Chen, Hsing-Mei, 1968-; Clark, Angela P.Item Health-related quality of life and sleep disorders in Taiwanese people with heart failure(2007) Chen, Hsing-Mei; Clark, Angela P.The purposes of this cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study were to describe the characteristics of sleep disorders and HRQOL; to explore the relationships between individual characteristics (age, gender, education, living arrangement, marital status, financial status, employment status, and type of language), HF characteristics (body mass index, comorbidity, and perceived health), sleep disorders (nocturnal sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and daytime napping), and HRQOL; and to identify predictors of HRQOL. A nonprobability sample of 125 participants with HF was recruited from the outpatient departments of a large medical center and an affiliated hospital located in southern Taiwan. All participants were individually interviewed by the principal investigator in either a private area within a clinic or in their homes, except for two participants who completed the questionnaires by themselves at locations of their choice. Overall, the study findings indicated that insomnia (difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or both) may be common among the participants. Approximately 72.8% of the participants reported poor nocturnal sleep quality, however, only 30 (24%) of them had excessive daytime sleepiness. Additionally, the majority (81.6%) of the participants reported they were prone to habitual daytime napping after lunch. Except for the significant relationship between daytime sleepiness and the component of daytime dysfunction, daytime sleepiness and daytime napping were not significantly correlated with the global and componential variables of nocturnal sleep quality. By using a hierarchical multiple regression model analysis, six predictors were identified from 14 predictor variables, and those six accounted for 58.5% (p<.001) of the variance in HRQOL. After controlling for age, education, financial status, comorbidity, perceived health, and NYHA Class, the analyses showed that sleep variables (subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbances, and sleep latency) accounted for 7% of the variance in HRQOL. The study found that the Taiwanese persons with HF who experienced better HRQOL were those who had higher level of education, lower NYHA Classes, and small numbers of comorbid conditions, and reported better subjective sleep quality, fewer sleep disturbances, and shorter sleep latency.Item Making place(2013-12) Yun, Jihye; Atkinson, Simon, Ph. D.; Almy, DeanAs cities across the world have grown and continue to grow in many ways and for many reasons, it is anticipated that the growth of population will come from all over the world. In turn, it will influence on our urban environment economically, socially, culturally, and ecologically. Like other cities, London is making a plan -creating 326,000 new homes and 776,000 jobs - to tackle issues of the city. A series of new emerging developments across London will contribute to the changing face of the city. A lot of interventions spreading through the city are focused on the economic forces and to take advantages of real estate of London by projecting offices, apartment which is mostly market-housing, and hotels. They swept away existing contexts and replaced with higher density buildings obtaining large profits, building high rise, filling gaps between buildings with gated car parks on the ground floors, and building over open spaces. Ground floors remain blind, and tall office blocks make the overshadowed open square inhospitable and wind turbulence. Most initiatives do not seem to contribute to urban life, but may possibly become the slums of tomorrow. Now, it is time to think about how to make sense of an environment which is safe, pleasant and healthy with a sense of identity, and how to contribute to neighborhoods, visitors and new comers. In dense inner city area, since place is an invitation where neighborhood meets city, urban design must meet needs of commuters, visitors, travelers, and residents equally by combining place, amenity, and movement. Therefore, this study is to investigate ‘How city’s agenda combine with, and support local neighborhood needs’, and to redefine the quality of city life through qualities of comfort, accessibility, amenity, education, experience, and nature.Item Obesity-specific health related quality of life assessment : examining caregiver-child agreement(2013-12) Lotz, Elijah John Strong; Keith, Timothy, 1952-The proposed study seeks to add to the literature surrounding the assessment of obesity-specific health related quality of life (HRQOL) among youth. Assessing this construct provides valuable information regarding the impacts of obesity on quality of life in childhood and adolescence. However, discrepant reports between caregivers and children can lead to difficulty in interpreting assessment data. Using multiple regression, this study will explore whether observed differences in caregiver and child reports of obesity-specific HRQOL can be predicted by caregiver and child variables in a treatment-seeking sample. Variables of interest include parenting stress, body mass index (BMI), age, and gender. Significant results may help clinicians develop hypotheses about the causes of discrepancies when conceptualizing cases.Item Parental stress and perceived quality of life in adolescents with asthma(2009-05) Howard, Elise; Colwell, Malinda J.; Hart, Sybil L.; McCarty, MichaelThis study examined the relationship between parental stress and quality of life in adolescents with asthma. It was expected that more parental stress would be related to lower quality of life scores and that mothers and fathers would experience different amounts of stress and stress in different areas. The sample included 39 adolescents with asthma and one of their parents. Data were collected from parents assessing parental stress, their child’s severity of asthma, and demographic information. Adolescents reported on their perceived quality of life. A relationship was found between parental stress and quality of life, with significant relationships for parents of daughters. Severity and parental stress also were found to be related.Item Quality of life, self-transcendence, illness distress, and fatigue in liver transplant recipients(2003) Wright, Kathy Baker; Stuifbergen, Alexa K.This cross sectional study described the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and self-transcendence (ST) in liver transplant recipients. Self-transcendence is a dynamic process reflecting spiritual growth and maturity and a broadening of personal perspective during challenging life experiences. Illness distress, fatigue, age, gender, marital status, education, and time-since-transplant were also investigated relative to QOL. Participants (n = 471) were primarily Caucasian (86.5%), male (53.5%), married (73.5%), religiously affiliated (93.4%), and perceived their health status as "good" (48%) or "excellent" (19%). Participants with the highest ST scores (M = 3.36, S.D. = .37, possible range 1-4) were female, older (65-79 years), or recently transplanted (< 2 years). Females reported significantly higher ST scores than males. Participants with the highest QOL scores (M = 23.73, S.D. = 4.88, possible range = 0-30) were female, older (65-79 years), and transplanted 3-5 years ago. Strong relationships existed between QOL and ST scores (r = .51, p < .01), illness distress and fatigue scores (r = .51, p < .01), and QOL and illness distress scores (r = -.71, p < .01). Moderate relationships existed between QOL and fatigue scores (r = -.45, p < .01) and ST and illness distress scores (r = -.36, p < .01). Self-transcendence and fatigue scale scores had a weak relationship (r = -.20, p < .01). Illness distress scores were low (M = 15.30; SD = 13.47, possible range 0-88) as were fatigue scores (M = 4.23; SD = 2.04, possible range 1-10). Regression analysis revealed illness distress, ST, fatigue, and age accounted for 60% of the variance in QOL scores. Most respondents reported post-transplant QOL as better than expected. Comorbidities had a major impact on post-transplant QOL. Financial resources were adequate. Multiple factors were cited as important to QOL including family, friends, health, spirituality, productivity, happiness, and job security. This study suggests self-rated QOL and ST are high for liver transplant recipients while illness distress and fatigue are low. Females have significantly higher ST scores than males. Self-transcendence, illness distress, fatigue, and age are important factors related to QOL and should be further investigated.Item The relationship between urban design, water quality, and quality of life(2006-08) Stewart, Justin Thomas; McMillan, Tracy E.This report uncovers relationships between water quality and quality of life (QOL) through urban design. It shows that Smart Growth (a type of urban design) is a reasonable management practice for stormwater that can also positively affect our quality of life. This study is meant to support and inspire further research on how to link quantitative measurements of QOL with quantitative measurements of water quality through urban design characteristics. The report will introduce an ongoing study by PhD candidate, Suzanne Pierce, as her and her team currently combine water quantity/quality science with decision making. They are using the stakeholder process I served on, The Barton Springs Regional Water Quality Plan 2005, as a test bed for their creation. My hope is that this study will serve as a collection of data that Pierce’s group can draw from as they get closer to illustrating design choices for stakeholders as well as linking those choices to water quality and QOL.Item The relationship of illness representation and self-care behaviors to health-related quality of life in older individuals with heart failure(2005) Voelmeck, Wayne Francis; Stuifbergen, Alexa M.This descriptive correlational study used a convenience sample of 98 individuals with Heart Failure (HF) ages 55 to 97 years (M = 74.4, SD= 10.5) to explore the relationships between the illness representations, HF self-care behaviors, and healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL). The majority of the sample was male (59%). While most of the participants were Anglo, 12% were African-American and 9% identified themselves as Latino/Hispanic. Participants had been living with their diagnosis for a median time of 3.5 years (M = 6.1 years, SD = 8.12). Each experienced, on average, at least one hospitalization due to HF in the past 12 months (M = 1.1 visits, SD = 2.02) with the median time since admission for the entire group at 1.1 years (M = 2.1 years, SD = 3.13). Approximately 65% of the group were functionally impaired (Class III/IV) according to the Specific Activity Scale (SAS). The average-item Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) scores indicated participants viewed their HF as having serious consequences (M = 3.57, SD = .88) and a chronic course (M = 3.89, SD = 1.03), being under their personal (M = 4.11, SD = .55) and medical (M = 3.65, SD = .63) control but still exhibiting cyclical disruptions in their lives (M = 2.84, SD = .90). Respondents were neutral on the internal (M = 2.55, SD = .78) and external (M = 2.44, SD = .59) causal attribution subscales. Scores on the Self-Care of HF Index (SCHFI) did not correlate significantly with the IPQ-R subscales or scores on the Living with HF Questionnaire (LHFQ). Using hierarchical regression, SAS functional classification (Β =9.96, p <.01), identity (Β =2.01, p <.01), and consequences (Β =1.20, p <.01) explained 64% of the total variance in LHFQ scores. SCHFI total scores did not account for a significant increase in the variance of the LHFQ scores. Implications and recommendations for future studies are discussed.Item Relationships among quality of life, self-care, and affiliated individuation in persons on chronic warfarin therapy(2013-05) Goldstein, Leigh Ann; Acton, Gayle Jane, 1951-This descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study explored the relationships among the variables self-care action, self-care knowledge, and affiliated individuation and quality of life for persons on chronic warfarin therapy. This study also explored the moderating effects of self-care knowledge and affiliated individuation on quality of life. This research was guided by a theoretical framework based on modeling and role-modeling theory (Erickson, Tomlin, & Swain, 1983). The sample consisted of 83 adults between the ages of 30 to 91 years. The majority of participants were Caucasian, educated, retired and almost evenly distributed between male and female. Each subject completed the following instruments: the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge (OAK) test, the Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale (DASS), the Basic Needs Satisfaction Inventory (BNSI), and the generic quality of life survey (SF36v2). Data was analyzed using correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results indicated significant correlations among most of the study variables. Self-care action significantly explained variances in all but two quality of life variables. Self-care knowledge and affiliated individuation had statistically significant moderating effects on the DASS negative impact and hassles/burdens subscales. Self-care knowledge also demonstrated a significant moderating effect on the SF36v2 physical function subscale. These findings support the concepts proposed by the study's theoretical framework. This research serves as validation of Acton's (1997) study findings for the concept of affiliated individuation and its value as a self-care resource in a specific clinical population.Item Shared decision-making about breast reconstruction : a decision analysis approach(2013-12) Sun, Clement Sung-Jay; Markey, Mia Kathleen; Reece, GregoryAn ongoing objective in healthcare is the development of tools to improve patient decision-making and surgical outcomes for patients with breast cancer that have undergone or plan to undergo breast reconstruction. In keeping with the bioethical concept of autonomy, these decision models are patient-oriented and expansive, covering a range of different patient decision-makers. In pursuit of these goals, this dissertation contributes to the development of a prototype shared decision support system that will guide patients with breast cancer and their physicians in making decisions about breast reconstruction. This dissertation applies principles in decision analysis to breast reconstruction decision-making. In this dissertation, we examine three important areas of decision-making: (1) the options available to decision-makers, (2) the validity of probabilistic information assessed from reconstructive surgeons, and (3) the feasibility of applying multiattribute utility theory. In addition, it discusses the influences of breast aesthetics and proposes a measure for quantifying such influences. The dissertation concludes with a fictional case study that demonstrates the integration of the findings and application of decision analysis in patient-oriented shared breast reconstruction decision-making. Through the implementation of decision analysis principles, cognitive biases and emotion may be attenuated, clearing the decision-maker’s judgment, and ostensibly leading to good decisions. While good decisions cannot guarantee good outcomes at the individual level, they can be expected to improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer as a whole. And regardless of the outcome, good decisions yield clarity of action and grant the decision-maker a measure of peace in an otherwise uncertain world.Item The conceptual and operational definition of quality of life: a systematic review of the literature(Texas A&M University, 2005-11-01) Church, Marvel ClarkQuality of life (QOL) has been chosen as an outcome measure by various agencies of the United States federal government and has been employed to an increasing extent by healthcare researchers when evaluating various courses of treatment or health promotion interventions. In light of the increasing ubiquitousness of QOL, one can conclude there exists a commonly employed and accepted conceptual understanding of its meaning. A systematic review of the literature focusing on quality of life published between January 1990 and January 2004 was conducted in an effort to discover this definition. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined in the study, a population of 503 articles was identified for potential inclusion. From this population a random sample of 50 articles was selected for further review, with an emphasis placed on the conceptual and operational definitions of quality of life employed in the various studies. Twenty of the articles contained some conceptual discussion of quality of life and 38 contained some operational discussion. Although many articles contained some discussion of the term, little agreement with regard to its meaning and measurement was found. The only acknowledged fact in the majority of the articles concerns the subjective, multi-faceted nature of quality of life and its inherent measurement difficulties. As a result of this work, and because of this lack of cohesion in the understanding of the conceptual issues involved, the following conceptual definition has been proposed. Quality of life is a measure of an individual??s ability to function physically, emotionally and socially within his/her environment at a level consistent with his/her own expectations.Item What’s happiness got to do with it? Wellbeing and sustainable development policy in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, Canada(2013-08) Teschauer, Mark Daniel; Oden, MichaelPlanners often invoke wellbeing, sustainability, and related concepts when discussing planning initiatives, all of which are contested within their own separate literatures. Some of these planners, however, have begun drawing connections between the disciplines, a connection that very few in the planning academic literature are recognizing and studying. Using the Greater Victoria Happiness Index Partnership (HIP) in British Columbia as its primary case study, this thesis draws upon HIP’s experience in creating regional wellbeing indicators to better understand this relationship. It will investigate the efficacy of their efforts in affecting regional policy, explore their as well as the academic understandings of the wellbeing/sustainable development relationship, and draw recommendations that ultimately suggest a new means of applying this relationship in planning and other realms of public policy.