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| 2. |
- Apers, Silke, et al.
(författare)
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Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease - International Study (APPROACH-IS) : Rationale, design, and methods
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 179, s. 334-342
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Data on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are inconsistent and vary across the world. Better understanding of PROs and their differences across cultural and geographic barriers can best be accomplished via international studies using uniform research methods. The APPROACH-IS consortium (Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease - International Study) was created for this purpose and investigates PROs in adults with CHD worldwide. This paper outlines the project rationale, design, and methods. Methods/design: APPROACH-IS is a cross-sectional study. The goal is to recruit 3500-4000 adults with CHD from 15 countries in five major regions of the world (Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America). Self-report questionnaires are administered to capture information on PRO domains: (i) perceived health status (12-item Short-form Health Survey & EuroQOL-5D); (ii) psychological functioning (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); (iii) health behaviors (Health-Behavior Scale-Congenital Heart Disease); and (iv) quality of life (Linear Analog Scale & Satisfaction With Life Scale). Additionally, potential explanatory variables are assessed: (i) socio-demographic variables; (ii) medical history (chart review); (iii) sense of coherence (Orientation to Life Questionnaire); and (iv) illness perceptions (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire). Descriptive analyses and multilevel models will examine differences in PROs and investigate potential explanatory variables. Discussion: APPROACH-IS represents a global effort to increase research understanding and capacity in the field of CHD, and will have major implications for patient care. Results will generate valuable information for developing interventions to optimize patients' health and well-being.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Caruana, Maryanne, et al.
(författare)
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Quality of life in Maltese adults with congenital heart disease: a second look – An APPROACH-IS substudy
- 2017
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Ingår i: International Cardiovascular Forum Journal. - : International Cardiovascular Forum Journal. - 2410-2636 .- 2409-3424. ; 12, s. 18-23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: A first quality of life (QOL) study among Maltese adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) in 2016 found no significant differences when compared to the general population. The aims of the present study were to (1) compare QOL between Maltese and other European ACHD patients and (2) investigate medical predictors (i.e. number of surgical/non-surgical interventions, heart failure, arrhythmias, pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac hospitalisation during preceding year, follow-up frequency, other medical conditions, mood/anxiety/psychiatric disorders) of QOL in Maltese patients.Methods: Data collected during “Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease–International Study” (APPROACH-IS) was used. QOL was measured using linear analog scale (LAS) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). QOL in 109 Maltese and 1510 European participants was compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the predictive value of medical factors on QOL in Maltese patients.Results: There were no significant differences in QOL between the two cohorts [mean LAS Malta 80.51 (95% CI 77.96,83.07) vs. European 79.43 (95% CI 78.65,80.21) (p=0.776); mean SWLS Malta 26.00 (95% CI 24.94,27.06) vs. European 26.26 (95% CI 25.95,26.57) (p=0.288)] and no significant differences when cohorts were divided by gender and age. Only a mood/anxiety/other psychiatric disorder significantly predicted poorer QOL on both scales in Maltese patients (LAS (ß=-.389, p<0.001), SWLS (ß=-.352, p=0.001)). Conclusions: Maltese ACHD patients have a good QOL comparable to that of European counterparts. Mood, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders can negatively impact Maltese patients’ QOL. Better access to clinical psychology services should be ensured.
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| 5. |
- Caruana, Maryanne, et al.
(författare)
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Red Flags for Maltese Adults with Congenital Heart Disease : Poorer Dental Care and Less Sports Participation Compared to Other European Patients-An APPROACH-IS Substudy.
- 2017
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Ingår i: Pediatric Cardiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0172-0643 .- 1432-1971. ; 38:5, s. 965-973
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Studies in recent years have explored lifestyle habits and health-risk behaviours in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients when compared to controls. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in lifestyle habits between Maltese and other European ACHD patients. Data on alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, substance misuse, dental care and physical activity collected in 2013-2015 during "Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease-International Study" (APPROACH-IS) were analysed. Responses from 119 Maltese participants were compared to those of 1616 participants from Belgium, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Significantly fewer Maltese patients with simple (Maltese 84.1% vs. European 97.5%, p < 0.001) and moderately complex CHD (Maltese 83.6% vs. European 97.4%, p < 0.001) brushed their teeth daily. Only 67.2% of Maltese with moderately complex disease had dental reviews in the previous year compared to 80.3% of Europeans (p = 0.02). Maltese patients with simple (Maltese 31.8% vs. European 56.1%, p = 0.002) and moderately complex lesions (Maltese 30.0% vs. European 59.2%, p < 0.001) performed less regular sport activities. Comparison by country showed Maltese patients to have significantly poorer tooth brushing and sports participation than patients from any other participating country. Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and substance misuse were not significantly different. This study highlights lifestyle aspects that Maltese ACHD patients need to improve on, which might not be evident upon comparing patients to non-CHD controls. These findings should also caution researchers against considering behaviours among patients in one country as necessarily representative of patients on the larger scale.
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| 6. |
- Fogleman, Nicholas D., et al.
(författare)
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Regional variation in quality of life in patients with a Fontan circulation: A multinational perspective
- 2017
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Ingår i: American Heart Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-8703 .- 1097-6744. ; 193, s. 55-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- © 2017 Elsevier Inc. Background Impaired quality of life (QOL) is associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) and country of residence; however, few studies have compared QOL in patients with differing complexities of CHD across regional populations. The current study examined regional variation in QOL outcomes in a large multinational sample of patients with a Fontan relative to patients with atrial septal defects (ASDs) and ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Methods From the Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease—International Study (APPROACH-IS), 405 patients (163 Fontan and 242 ASD/VSD) across Asia, Europe, and North America provided consent for access to their medical records and completed a survey evaluating QOL (0 to 100 linear analog scale). Primary CHD diagnosis, disease complexity, surgical history, and documented history of mood and anxiety disorders were recorded. Differences in QOL, medical complications, and mood and anxiety disorders between Fontan and ASD/VSD patients, and across geographic regions, were examined using analysis of covariance. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to identify variables associated with the QOL ratings. Results Patients with a Fontan reported significantly lower QOL, and greater medical complications and mood and anxiety disorders relative to patients with ASD/VSD. Inpatient cardiac admissions, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders were associated with lower QOL among patients with a Fontan, and mood disorders were associated with lower QOL among patients with ASD/VSD. Regional differences for QOL were not observed in patients with a Fontan; however, significant differences were identified in patients with ASD/VSD. Conclusions Regional variation of QOL is commonplace in adults with CHD; however, it appears affected by greater disease burden. Among patients with a Fontan, regional variation of QOL is lost. Specific attempts to screen for QOL and mood and anxiety disorders among CHD patients may improve the care of patients with the greatest disease burden.
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| 7. |
- Holbein, Christina E., et al.
(författare)
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A multinational observational investigation of illness perceptions and quality of life among patients with a Fontan circulation
- 2018
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Ingår i: Congenital Heart Disease. - : Computers, Materials and Continua (Tech Science Press). - 1747-079X .- 1747-0803. ; 13:3, s. 392-400
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective First, to compare QOL and illness perceptions between patients with a Fontan circulation and patients with anatomically simple defects (ie, atrial septal defects [ASD] or ventricular septal defects [VSD]). Second, to explore illness perceptions as a mediator of the association between congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis and QOL. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Setting Twenty-four cardiology centers from 15 countries across five continents. Patients Four hundred thirty-five adult patients with congenital heart disease (177 Fontan and 258 ASD/VSD) ages 18-83 years. Outcome Measures QOL and illness perceptions were assessed by the Satisfaction With Life Scale and the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire, respectively. Results Patients with a Fontan circulation reported lower QOL (Wald Z = −3.59, p = <.001) and more negative perceptions of their CHD (Wald Z = −7.66, p < .001) compared with patients with ASD/VSD. After controlling for demographics, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and New York Heart Association functional class, path analyses revealed a significant mediation model, αβ = 0.15, p = .002, 95% CI = 0.06-0.25, such that CHD diagnosis was indirectly related to QOL through illness perceptions. Conclusions The Fontan sample’s more negative perceptions of CHD were likely a reflection of life with a more complex defect. Illness perceptions appear to account for unique differences in QOL between groups of varying CHD complexity. Psychosocial screening and interventions may be important treatment components for patients with CHD, particularly those with Fontan circulations.
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| 8. |
- Holbein, Christina E, et al.
(författare)
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Perceived Health Mediates Effects of Physical Activity on Quality of Life in Patients With a Fontan Circulation
- 2019
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Ingår i: American Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-9149 .- 1879-1913. ; 124:1, s. 144-150
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Patients with a Fontan circulation are at risk of a sedentary lifestyle. Given the direct relationship between physical activity and health, promotion of physical activity has the potential to improve outcomes, including quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to describe self-reported physical activity levels in adult Fontan patients and examine associations between physical activity, perceived health status and QOL. The sample consisted of 177 Fontan patients (Mage = 27.5 ± 7.6 years, 52% male) who reported their physical activity, perceived health status, and QOL as part of the cross-sectional Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease - International Study. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses of variance with planned contrasts were computed to describe physical activity characteristics. Mediation analyses tested whether perceived health status variables mediated the association between physical activity and QOL. Forty-six percent of patients were sedentary while only 40% met international physical activity guidelines. Higher physical activity was associated with younger age, lower NYHA class, higher perceived general health, and greater QOL. Patients who commuted by walking and engaged in sports reported better perceived health and QOL. Mediation analyses revealed that perceived general health but not NYHA functional class mediated the association between physical activity and QOL (αβ = 0.22, 95% confidence interval = 0.04 to 0.49). In conclusion, Fontan patients likely benefit from regular physical activity, having both higher perceived general health and functional capacity; greater perceived health status may contribute to enhanced QOL. In conclusion, these data support the pivotal role of regular physical activity for Fontan patients.
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| 9. |
- Ko, Jong Mi, et al.
(författare)
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Differential impact of physical activity type on depression in adults with congenital heart disease : A multi-center international study
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of Psychosomatic Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-3999 .- 1879-1360. ; 124
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and depression in a large international cohort of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) as data about the differential impact of PA type on depression in this population are lacking.METHODS: In 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional assessment of 3908 ACHD recruited from 24 ACHD-specialized centers in 15 countries between April 2013 to March 2015. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess self-reported depressive symptoms and the Health-Behavior Scale-Congenital Heart Disease was used to collect PA information. Cochran-Armitage tests were performed to assess trends between depressive symptom levels and PA participation. Chi-Square and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were utilized to examine relations between depressive symptom levels and patient characteristics. Stepwise multivariable models were then constructed to understand the independent impact of PA on depressive symptoms.RESULTS: The overall prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in this sample was 12% with significant differences in rates between countries (p < .001). Physically active individuals were less likely to be depressed than those who were sedentary. Of the 2 PA domains examined, sport participation rather than active commute was significantly associated with reduced symptoms of depression. After adjustment in multivariable analysis, sport participation was still significantly associated with 38% decreased probability of depressive symptoms (p < .001).CONCLUSIONS: Sport participation is independently associated with reduced depressive symptoms. The development and promotion of sport-related exercise prescriptions uniquely designed for ACHD may improve depression status in this unique population.
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| 10. |
- Ko, Jong Mi, et al.
(författare)
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Physical Activity-Related Drivers of Perceived Health Status in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
- 2018
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Ingår i: American Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-9149 .- 1879-1913. ; 122:8, s. 1437-1442
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Data on the differential impact of physical activity on perceived health status (PHS) in a large adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patient population are lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional assessment of 4,028 ACHD patients recruited from 24 ACHD-specialized centers in 15 countries across 5 continents to examine the association between physical activity and PHS in a large international cohort of ACHD patients. A linear analog scale of the EuroQol-5D 3 level version and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey-version 2 were used to assess self-reported health status and the Health-Behavior Scale-Congenital Heart Disease was used as a subjective measurement of physical activity type, participation, and level. Correlation analyses and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests examined bivariate relations between sample characteristics and PHS scores. Then, multivariable models were constructed to understand the impact of physical activity on PHS. Only 30% of our sample achieved recommended physical activity levels. Physically active patients reported better PHS than sedentary patients; however, the amount of physical activity was not associated with PHS. Further statistical analyses demonstrated that specifically sport participation regardless of physical activity level was a predictor of PHS. In conclusion, the majority of ACHD patients across the world are physically inactive. Sport participation appears to be the primary physical activity-related driver of PHS. By promoting sport-related exercise ACHD specialists thus may improve PHS in ACHD patients.
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| 11. |
- Larsson, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Geographical variation and predictors of physical activity level in adults with congenital heart disease
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology : Heart & Vasculature. - : Elsevier. - 2352-9067. ; 22, s. 20-25
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Physical activity is important to maintain and promote health. This is of particular interest in patients with congenital heart disease(CHD) where acquired heart disease should be prevented. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of 2.5 h/week of physical activity exceeding 3 metabolic equivalents (METS) to achieve positive health effects. It is unknown whether physical activity levels (PAL) in adult CHD patients differ by country of origin.Methods3896 adults with CHD recruited from 15 countries over 5 continents completed self-reported instruments, including the Health Behaviour Scale (HBS-CHD), within the APPROACH-IS project. For each patient, we calculated whether WHO recommendations were achieved or not. Associated factors were investigated using Generalized Linear Mixed Models.ResultsOn average, 31% reached the WHO recommendations but with a great variation between geographical areas (India: 10%–Norway: 53%). Predictors for physical activity level in line with the WHO recommendations, with country of residence as random effect, were male sex (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.52–2.08), NYHA-class I (OR 3.10, 95%CI 1.71–5.62) and less complex disease (OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.16–1.83). In contrast, older age (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.96–0.98), lower educational level (OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.26–0.64) and being unemployed (OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.42–0.77) were negatively associated with reaching WHO recommendations.ConclusionsA significant proportion of patients with CHD did not reach the WHO physical activity recommendations. There was a large variation in physical activity level by country of origin. Based on identified predictors, vulnerable patients may be identified and offered specific behavioral interventions.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Moons, Philip, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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Patient-reported outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease : Inter-country variation, standard of living and healthcare system factors
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 251, s. 34-41
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AimsGeographical differences in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of adults with congenital heart disease (ConHD) have been observed, but are poorly understood. We aimed to: (1) investigate inter-country variation in PROs in adults with ConHD; (2) identify patient-related predictors of PROs; and (3) explore standard of living and healthcare system characteristics as predictors of PROs.Methods and resultsAssessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease – International Study (APPROACH-IS) was a cross-sectional, observational study, in which 4028 patients from 15 countries in 5 continents were enrolled. Self-report questionnaires were administered: patient-reported health (12-item Short Form Health Survey; EuroQOL-5D Visual Analog Scale); psychological functioning (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); health behaviors (Health Behavior Scale–Congenital Heart Disease) and quality of life (Linear Analog Scale for quality of life; Satisfaction With Life Scale). A composite PRO score was calculated. Standard of living was expressed as Gross Domestic Product per capita and Human Development Index. Healthcare systems were operationalized as the total health expenditure per capita and the overall health system performance. Substantial inter-country variation in PROs was observed, with Switzerland having the highest composite PRO score (81.0) and India the lowest (71.3). Functional class, age, and unemployment status were patient-related factors that independently and consistently predicted PROs. Standard of living and healthcare system characteristics predicted PROs above and beyond patient characteristics.ConclusionsThis international collaboration allowed us to determine that PROs in ConHD vary as a function of patient-related factors as well as the countries in which patients live.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Moons, Philip, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence and Effects of Cigarette Smoking, Cannabis Consumption, and Co-use in Adults From 15 Countries With Congenital Heart Disease
- 2019
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Ingår i: Canadian Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0828-282X .- 1916-7075. ; 35:12, s. 1842-1850
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The prevalence and effects of cigarette smoking and cannabis use in persons with congenital heart disease (CHD) are poorly understood. We (1) described the prevalence of cigarette smoking, cannabis consumption, and co-use in adults with CHD; (2) investigated intercountry differences; (3) tested the relative effects on physical functioning, mental health, and quality of life (QOL); and (4) quantified the differential effect of cigarette smoking, cannabis use, or co-use on those outcomes.METHODS: APPROACH-IS was a cross-sectional study, including 4028 adults with CHD from 15 countries. Patients completed questionnaires to measure physical functioning, mental health, and QOL. Smoking status and cannabis use were assessed by means of the Health Behaviour Scale-Congenital Heart Disease. Linear models with doubly robust estimations were computed after groups were balanced with the use of propensity weighting.RESULTS: Overall, 14% of men and 11% of women smoked cigarettes only; 8% of men and 4% of women consumed cannabis only; and 4% of men and 1% of women used both substances. Large intercountry variations were observed, with Switzerland having the highest prevalence for smoking cigarettes (24% of men, 19% of women) and Canada the highest for cannabis use (19% of men, 4% of women). Cigarette smoking had a small negative effect on patient-reported outcomes, and the effect of cannabis was negligible. The effect of co-use was more prominent, with a moderate negative effect on mental health.CONCLUSIONS: We found significant intercountry variability in cigarette and cannabis use in adults with CHD. Co-use has the most detrimental effects on patient-reported outcomes.
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| 17. |
- Moons, Philip, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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Religion and spirituality as predictors of patient-reported outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease around the globe.
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - Ireland : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 274, s. 93-99
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS: Religion and spirituality can be resources for internal strength and resilience, and may assist with managing life's challenges. Prior studies have been undertaken primarily in countries with high proportions of religious/spiritual people. We investigated (i) whether being religious/spiritual is an independent predictor of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in a large international sample of adults with congenital heart disease, (ii) whether the individual level of importance of religion/spirituality is an independent predictor for PROs, and (iii) if these relationships are moderated by the degree to which the respective countries are religious or secular.METHODS AND RESULTS: APPROACH-IS was a cross-sectional study, in which 4028 patients from 15 countries were enrolled. Patients completed questionnaires to measure perceived health status; psychological functioning; health behaviors; and quality of life. Religion/spirituality was measured using three questions: Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?; How important is religion, spirituality, or faith in your life?; and If religious, to what religion do you belong?. The country level of religiosity/secularity was appraised using data from the Gallup Poll 2005-2009. General linear mixed models, adjusting for patient characteristics and country differences were applied. Overall, 49.2% of patients considered themselves to be religious/spiritual. Being religious/spiritual and considering religion/spirituality as important in one's life was positively associated with quality of life, satisfaction with life and health behaviors. However, among patients living in more secular countries, religion/spirituality was negatively associated with physical and mental health.CONCLUSION: Religiosity/spirituality is an independent predictor for some PROs, but has differential impact across countries.
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| 18. |
- Rassart, Jessica, et al.
(författare)
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Illness perceptions in adult congenital heart disease : A multi-center international study.
- 2017
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 244, s. 130-138
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Illness perceptions are cognitive frameworks that patients construct to make sense of their illness. Although the importance of these perceptions has been demonstrated in other chronic illness populations, few studies have focused on the illness perceptions of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). This study examined (1) inter-country variation in illness perceptions, (2) associations between patient characteristics and illness perceptions, and (3) associations between illness perceptions and patient-reported outcomes.METHODS: Our sample, taken from APPROACH-IS, consisted of 3258 adults with CHD from 15 different countries. Patients completed questionnaires on illness perceptions and patient-reported outcomes (i.e., quality of life, perceived health status, and symptoms of depression and anxiety). Patient characteristics included sex, age, marital status, educational level, employment status, CHD complexity, functional class, and ethnicity. Linear mixed models were applied.RESULTS: The inter-country variation in illness perceptions was generally small, yet patients from different countries differed in the extent to which they perceived their illness as chronic and worried about their illness. Patient characteristics that were linked to illness perceptions were sex, age, employment status, CHD complexity, functional class, and ethnicity. Higher scores on consequences, identity, and emotional representation, as well as lower scores on illness coherence and personal and treatment control, were associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes.CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes that, in order to gain a deeper understanding of patients' functioning, health-care providers should focus not only on objective indicators of illness severity such as the complexity of the heart defect, but also on subjective illness experiences.
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| 19. |
- Sluman, Maayke A., et al.
(författare)
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Education as important predictor for successful employment in adults with congenital heart disease worldwide
- 2019
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Ingår i: Congenital Heart Disease. - : Computers, Materials and Continua (Tech Science Press). - 1747-079X .- 1747-0803. ; 14:3, s. 362-371
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundConflicting results have been reported regarding employment status and work ability in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Since this is an important determinant for quality of life, we assessed this in a large international adult CHD cohort.MethodsData from 4028 adults with CHD (53% women) from 15 different countries were collected by a uniform survey in the cross-sectional APPROACH International Study. Predictors for employment and work limitations were studied using general linear mixed models.ResultsMedian age was 32 years (IQR 25-42) and 94% of patients had at least a high school degree. Overall employment rate was 69%, but varied substantially among countries. Higher education (OR 1.99-3.69) and having a partner (OR 1.72) were associated with more employment; female sex (OR 0.66, worse NYHA functional class (OR 0.67-0.13), and a history of congestive heart failure (OR 0.74) were associated with less employment. Limitations at work were reported in 34% and were associated with female sex (OR 1.36), increasing age (OR 1.03 per year), more severe CHD (OR 1.31-2.10), and a history of congestive heart failure (OR 1.57) or mental disorders (OR 2.26). Only a university degree was associated with fewer limitations at work (OR 0.62).ConclusionsThere are genuine differences in the impact of CHD on employment status in different countries. Although the majority of adult CHD patients are employed, limitations at work are common. Education appears to be the main predictor for successful employment and should therefore be encouraged in patients with CHD.
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| 20. |
- Stepien, Magdalena, et al.
(författare)
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Alteration of amino acid and biogenic amine metabolism in hepatobiliary cancers : findings from a prospective cohort study
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cancer. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 138:2, s. 348-360
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Perturbations in levels of amino acids (AA) and their derivatives are observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Yet, it is unclear whether these alterations precede or are a consequence of the disease, nor whether they pertain to anatomically related cancers of the intrahepatic bile duct (IHBC), and gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract (GBTC). Circulating standard AA, biogenic amines and hexoses were measured (Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ-p180Kit) in a case-control study nested within a large prospective cohort (147 HCC, 43 IHBC and 134 GBTC cases). Liver function and hepatitis status biomarkers were determined separately. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR; 95%CI) for log-transformed standardised (mean = 0, SD = 1) serum metabolite levels and relevant ratios in relation to HCC, IHBC or GBTC risk. Fourteen metabolites were significantly associated with HCC risk, of which seven metabolites and four ratios were the strongest predictors in continuous models. Leucine, lysine, glutamine and the ratio of branched chain to aromatic AA (Fischer's ratio) were inversely, while phenylalanine, tyrosine and their ratio, glutamate, glutamate/glutamine ratio, kynurenine and its ratio to tryptophan were positively associated with HCC risk. Confounding by hepatitis status and liver enzyme levels was observed. For the other cancers no significant associations were observed. In conclusion, imbalances of specific AA and biogenic amines may be involved in HCC development.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Van Bulck, Liesbet, et al.
(författare)
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Patient-reported outcomes of adults with congenital heart disease from eight European countries : scrutinising the association with healthcare system performance
- 2019
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : Sage Publications. - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 18:6, s. 465-473
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Inter-country variation in patient-reported outcomes of adults with congenital heart disease has been observed. Country-specific characteristics may play a role. A previous study found an association between healthcare system performance and patient-reported outcomes. However, it remains unknown which specific components of the countries’ healthcare system performance are of importance for patient-reported outcomes.Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between components of healthcare system performance and patient-reported outcomes in a large sample of adults with congenital heart disease.Methods: A total of 1591 adults with congenital heart disease (median age 34 years; 51% men; 32% simple, 48% moderate and 20% complex defects) from eight European countries were included in this cross-sectional study. The following patient-reported outcomes were measured: perceived physical and mental health, psychological distress, health behaviours and quality of life. The Euro Health Consumer Index 2015 and the Euro Heart Index 2016 were used as measures of healthcare system performance. General linear mixed models were conducted, adjusting for patient-specific variables and unmeasured country differences.Results: Health risk behaviours were associated with the Euro Health Consumer Index subdomains about patient rights and information, health outcomes and financing and access to pharmaceuticals. Perceived physical health was associated with the Euro Health Consumer Index subdomain about prevention of chronic diseases. Subscales of the Euro Heart Index were not associated with patient-reported outcomes.Conclusion: Several features of healthcare system performance are associated with perceived physical health and health risk behaviour in adults with congenital heart disease. Before recommendations for policy-makers and clinicians can be conducted, future research ought to investigate the impact of the healthcare system performance on outcomes further.
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