학술논문
Are there differences in quality of life and depression among patients with sickle cell anemia with and without wounds resulting from the disease? [corrected] [published erratum appears in REV ESTIMA 2011 Jan-Mar;9(1):12-3].
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Source
Subject
Language
Portuguese
ISSN
1806-3144
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate depression and quality of life (QoL) in sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients with and without ulcers. It was based on the hypothesis that the SCA patients with ulcers resulting from the disease have worse QoL and more depressive symptoms than those without ulcers. This was a cross-sectional comparative study. Thirty-one patients of both sexes, aged 18 years and older were selected at the Hospital Brigadeiro (São Paulo, Brazil) to participate in the study. Six of these patients had ulcers. The following instruments were used: the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index (QLI) - Wound Version, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). There were no differences in overall QoL and depression between groups. Men, high-income patients, patients with some college education, and those with partners reported higher QoL scores in different WHOQOL-BREF domains. The overall QoL score for the ulcer group fell into the 'good' category. However, patients with ulcers reported to be 'very dissatisfied' with the fact that they have an ulcer, especially because of its appearance. Depression scores (BDI) were normal in both groups. With regard to the study hypothesis, no differences in QoL and severity of depressive symptoms were found between patients with and without ulcers. The small sample size is the major limitation of this study, and may prevent the generalization of the results.