Quality of life
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Understanding Quality of Life: Definitions, Assessments, and Influencing Factors
Defining Quality of Life (QOL)
Quality of life (QOL) is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various dimensions of an individual's well-being. It is generally defined as perceived global satisfaction and satisfaction within key life domains, with a special emphasis on well-being1. QOL is subjective and multidimensional, requiring assessments that consider physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors7. This broad definition highlights the complexity and variability in how QOL is understood and measured across different studies and contexts2.
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL)
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a subset of QOL that focuses specifically on the impact of health status on an individual's overall quality of life. HRQOL is often assessed using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as PROMIS, SF, EQ-5D, and EORTC instruments2. Despite the frequent use of these tools, there is considerable heterogeneity in how HRQOL is defined and operationalized, which complicates the interpretation of HRQOL scores and literature searches2.
Spirituality and Quality of Life
Spirituality has been identified as an important dimension of QOL. Studies have shown a consistent association between quality of life and religiosity/spirituality (R/S), with various variables such as religious affiliation, religious coping, and prayer/spirituality being used to assess this relationship3. The integration of spirituality into QOL assessments can provide a more holistic understanding of an individual's well-being, especially in the context of health interventions3.
Measuring Quality of Life
The measurement of QOL is challenging due to its subjective nature and the need to consider multiple domains. Various rating techniques and instruments have been developed to capture this complexity, including the Self-Anchoring Striving Scale (SASS) and other indicators derived from the literature4. However, the variability in these measures and the lack of consensus on definitions can hinder the aggregation and comparison of QOL data across studies6.
Quality of Life in Clinical Settings
In clinical settings, QOL assessments are often used to evaluate the impact of disease and treatment on patients' lives. These assessments typically focus on physical function, symptom control, and overall well-being8. However, the dynamic nature of QOL, influenced by changes in health status and treatment effects, makes it a moving target that requires specific and timely measurements8.
Elderly People's Perspectives on Quality of Life
For elderly individuals, quality of life extends beyond health status to include social contacts and other valued components of life. Studies have shown that older people can articulate their views on QOL, which vary across different age groups and geographical areas10. This highlights the importance of considering individual perspectives and contextual factors in QOL research and policy-making for older populations10.
Conclusion
Quality of life is a complex and multifaceted concept that requires careful consideration of various dimensions and individual perspectives. While there is no single definition or measurement approach that fits all contexts, understanding the different aspects of QOL and the tools available for its assessment can help improve the evaluation of well-being in both research and clinical settings. Further studies are needed to refine these assessments and ensure they are aligned with the specific needs and experiences of different populations.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Quality of Life
Quality of life is defined as perceived global satisfaction and satisfaction within key domains, with well-being being a key focus, and a flexible rating technique package is recommended for valid and sensitive assessments.
Highly CitedHow is quality of life defined and assessed in published research?
Quality of life research shows considerable heterogeneity in definitions and assessments, limiting meaningful interpretation and complicating literature searches.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalQuality-of-life and spirituality
Quality-of-life is consistently associated with religiosity/spirituality, and valid and reliable assessment tools exist for evaluating these dimensions.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedMeasuring Quality of Life
Quality of life (QOL) is a global, unidimensional subjective assessment of one's satisfaction with life, with the Life 3 indicator showing superior performance in CABG patients.
Observational StudyThe Concept of Quality of Life
This paper presents a model of quality of life, which is applied to alcoholics receiving disability pensions, and explores its impact on their overall well-being.
Highly CitedThe problem of quality of life
Quality of life research has been criticized for poor quality, misleading claims, and lack of conceptual clarity, leading to concerns about its usefulness in clinical settings and health economics.
Highly CitedQuality of life: concepts and definition.
Quality of life research emphasizes the importance of patient functioning and well-being, emphasizing the importance of focusing on patient-centered care and evaluating symptom control strategies.
Highly CitedIs quality of life determined by expectations or experience?
Quality of life is influenced by both expectations and experiences, and measuring it can be challenging due to the dynamic nature of health perceptions.
Highly CitedElderly people's definitions of quality of life.
Elderly people value social contacts as much as health status in defining quality of life, highlighting the need for broader measures in health and social service policy.
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