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To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), symptoms, psychological and cognitive state and pulmonary and physical function of nonhospitalised COVID-19 patients at long-term, and to identify factors to predict a poor HRQoL in this follow-up.
Studies have focused on persistent symptoms of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in the medium term. Thus, long-term studies of nonhospitalised patients are urgently required.
A longitudinal cohort study.
In 102 nonhospitalised COVID-19 patients, we collected symptoms at 3 months (baseline) and at 6–7 months (follow-up) from diagnosis (dyspnoea, fatigue/muscle weakness and chest/joint pain), HRQoL, psychological state, cognitive function, pulmonary and physical function. This study adhered to the STROBE statement.
HRQoL was impaired in almost 60% of the sample and remained impaired 6–7 months. At 3 months, more than 60% had impaired physical function (fatigue/muscle weakness and reduced leg and inspiratory muscle strength). About 40%–56% of the sample showed an altered psychological state (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety/depression), cognitive function impairment and dyspnoea. At 6–7-months, only a slight improvement in dyspnoea and physical and cognitive function was observed, with a very high proportion of the sample (29%–55%) remained impaired. Impaired HRQoL at 6–7 months was predicted with 82.4% accuracy (86.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity) by the presence at 3 months of muscle fatigue/muscle weakness (OR = 5.7 (1.8–18.1)), PTSD (OR = 6.0 (1.7–20.7)) and impaired HRQoL (OR = 11.7 (3.7–36.8)).
A high proportion of nonhospitalised patients with COVID-19 experience an impaired HRQoL, cognitive and psychological function at long-term. HRQoL, PTSD and dyspnoea at 3 months can identify the majority of patients with COVID-19 who will have impaired quality of life at long-term.
Treatments aimed at improving psychological state and reducing the fatigue/muscle weakness of post-COVID-19 patients could be necessary to prevent the patients’ HRQoL from being impaired at 6–7 months after their reported recovery.
SARS-CoV-2 has impacted globally the care of chronic diseases. However, direct evidence from certain vulnerable communities, such as Indigenous communities in Latin America, is missing. We use observational data from a health district that primarily serves people of Maya K’iche’ ethnicity to examine the care of type 2 diabetes in Guatemala during the pandemic.
We used a parallel convergent mixed methods design. Quantitative data (n=142 individuals with diabetes) included glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, body mass index and questionnaires on diabetes knowledge, self-care and diabetes distress. Quantitative data was collected at two points, at baseline and after COVID restrictions were lifted. For quantitative outcomes, we constructed multilevel mixed effects models with multiple imputation for missing data. Qualitative data included interviews with providers, supervisors and individuals living with diabetes (n=20). We conducted thematic framework analysis using an inductive approach.
Quantitative data was collected between June 2019 and February 2021, with a median of 487 days between data collection points. HbA1c worsened +0.54% (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.94) and knowledge about diabetes decreased –3.54 points (95% CI, –4.56 to –2.51). Qualitatively, the most important impact of the pandemic was interruption of the regular timing of home visits and peer group meetings which were the standard of care.
The deterioration of diabetes care was primarily attributed to the loss of regular contact with healthcare workers. The results emphasize the vulnerability of rural and Indigenous populations in Latin America to the suspension of chronic disease care.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and costs of FreeStyle Libre (FSL) glucose monitoring system for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Spain.
Prospective, multicentre pre-post study.
Thirteen Spanish public hospitals recruited patients from January 2019 to March 2020, with a 12-month follow-up.
156 patients were included.
Primary: glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change. Secondary: severe hypoglycaemic events (self-reported and clinical records), quality of life, diabetes treatment knowledge, treatment satisfaction, adverse events, adherence, sensor usage time and scans. Healthcare resource utilisation was assessed for cost analysis from the National Health System perspective, incorporating direct healthcare costs. Data analysis used mixed regression models with repeated measures. The intervention’s total cost was estimated by multiplying health resource usage with unit costs.
In the whole sample, HbA1c increased significantly (0.32%; 95% CI 0.10% to 0.55%). In the subgroup with baseline HbA1c≥7.5% (n=88), there was a significant reduction at 3 months (–0.46%; 95% CI –0.69% to –0.23%), 6 months (–0.49%; 95% CI –0.73% to –0.25%) and 12 months (–0.43%; 95% CI –0.68% to –0.19%). Well-controlled patients had a significant 12-month worsening (0.32%; 95% CI 0.18% to 0.47%). Self-reported severe hypoglycaemia significantly decreased compared with the previous year for the whole sample (–0.37; 95% CI –0.62 to –0.11). Quality of life and diabetes treatment knowledge showed no significant differences, but satisfaction increased. Adolescents had lower sensor usage time and scans than children. Reduction in HbA1c was significantly associated with device adherence. No serious adverse effects were observed. Data suggest that use of FSL could reduce healthcare resource use (strips and lancets) and costs related to productivity loss.
The use of FSL in young patients with T1DM was associated with a significant reduction in severe hypoglycaemia, and improved HbA1c levels were seen in patients with poor baseline control. Findings suggest cost savings and productivity gains for caregivers. Causal evidence is limited due to the study design. Further research is needed to confirm results and assess risks, especially for patients with lower baseline HbA1c.
Objetivo. Determinar la validez de contenido de la Escala de Autoeficacia para el Amamantamiento en mujeres puérperas. Metodología. Diseño metodológico de validación, con cinco etapas: 1. Adaptación sociocultural de la escala; 2. Validación de contenido; 3. Prueba piloto; 4. Factibilidad pragmática mediante Ensayo Clínico Aleatorio; 5. Análisis factorial exploratorio. Resultados. Etapa 1-2: Los jueces modificaron en los 14 ítems, la palabra “poder”, por la palabra "Tengo la confianza". Índice de Validez por Ítem (1.7); Criterio de Validez (12%) y el Índice de Validez de Contenido (8.78). Etapa 3-4: Prueba piloto, α=.85. Se encontraron diferencias entre el grupo control y experimental en el re-test (p< .05). Etapa 5: Las subescalas explican el 39.91% de la varianza. Conclusión principal. Instrumento válido y confiable para medir la autoeficacia para el amamantamiento en mujeres puérperas. La intervención educativa y persuasión verbal mejora significativamente el nivel de autoeficacia mediante el componente educativo.
Esta narrativa describe la situación que vivió una familia durante el último día y la muerte de un familiar durante la pandemia Covid-19. Previo consentimiento por escrito, se relatan las vivencias del último día y los recuerdos más importantes del pilar más grande e importante de la familia “el abuelo”. Se logró que los familiares expresaran los sentimientos y experiencias ante la despedida de un ser tan querido para ellos donde comprendieron que no todas las despedidas son tristes también hay despedidas que generan paz y tranquilidad, el día entendamos que todos venimos a este mundo a cumplir una misión podremos despedirnos con total tranquilidad de este mundo.
Objetivo: identificar los elementos teóricos y metodológicos del cuidado que aplican los profesionales de enfermería en dos instituciones de salud del Departamento del Atlántico. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, transversal, la muestra estuvo conformada por 60 enfermeras de dos instituciones de salud. La obtención de datos se realizó a través de un cuestionario, consignándose las variables significativas, el análisis de los datos se calcularon en frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes. Resultados: predominó el grupo etario de 23 a 27 años: 43%, el género femenino: 100%, el 76% señalaron dificultades en la aplicación; Modelos de Enfermería orientadores de la práctica: Dorotea Orem: 78%; en la Aplicación de teorías Florence Nightingale: 73%, entre otros. Conclusión: Las enfermeras señalan que sí recibieron en el pregrado conocimientos sobre el tema, pero en la práctica algunas no los aplican; situación preocupante, debida a que no se reconoce la importancia de los principios científicos y filosóficos que orientan la profesión.
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