As the care of patients gets more focused and directed by predetermined standards of care, physicians must not lose sight of the primary focus of their treatment goal-maximizing the quality of life of each patient. Physicians must recognize the uniqueness of each individual's experience and make every effort to understand the domains that are of concern to each patient. In addition, physicians ...

This study compared the effectiveness of a family psychoeducational intervention (FPEI) and a therapeutic alliance focused intervention (TAFI) for parents of daughters and sons with severe mental illness (SMI). A process-outcome model was used to compare the effectiveness of the two interventions and to evaluate how they achieved their outcomes. Extent of effectiveness was assessed in terms of ...

AIMS To identify currently available generic and disease specific measures of quality of life (QoL) for work with children; and make recommendations about the future development and application of QoL measures. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted to identify measures of QoL. Primary research papers were coded by the authors on the basis of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. ...

Progress in the assessment of quality of life (QoL) measures for children and their value in clinical practice are considered. The most parsimonious approach to assessment includes modular assessment of generic and disease-specific QoL. Differences occur between child and parent proxy ratings, so it is recommended that ratings from multiple observers are made where possible. QoL measures may be...

BACKGROUND Despite the importance of coping in caregiving, there are few studies on the relationship between coping and quality of life in caregivers of the frail dependent elderly. Thus, this study aims to analyze the relationship between coping strategies and quality of life dimensions in primary caregivers of dependent elderly relatives. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from 8...

Measuring oral health-related quality of life (QOL) reflects that dentistry interventions aim to improve life rather than merely prolong life.

OBJECTIVE Despite even occasional smoking being more risky for adolescents with asthma, the smoking rate in this vulnerable population remains high. This is the first longitudinal study investigating asthma-specific predictors of smoking initiation. METHODS A three-wave longitudinal survey study (22 months) among 257 adolescents with asthma was conducted. The effects of asthma-specific factor...

BACKGROUND Disability can be broken down into difficulties in different components of functioning such as impairments and limitations in activities and participation (A&P). Previous studies have produced the seemingly surprising result that persons with severe impairments tend to report high quality of life (QoL) including perceived health regardless of their condition; the so-called "disabilit...

We extended Wilson and Cleary's (1995) health-related quality of life model to examine the relationships among symptoms status (Symptoms), functional health (Disability), and quality of life (QOL). Using a community sample (N = 956) of male HIV positive patients, we tested a mediation model in which the relationship between Symptoms and QOL is partially mediated by Disability. Common and unique...