| dc.description.abstract | Aims/objectives: The objectives of this research were to investigate and compare aspects
of Quality of Life (QoL) in adult patients who require HPN, in adult patients who have
pseudo-obstruction, and in carers of, and children on, HPN.
Methods: Demographic data, clinical parameters and current symptoms were collected
and analysed. Generic QoL questionnaires were applied to the above groups.
Results: HPN patients have significantly lower QoL than the rest of the UK population,
report increased levels of bodily pain, anxiety and depression, a reduction in physical
functioning, social functioning, general health, vitality and satisfactory levels of mental
health and emotional functioning. Aspects of QoL improve over the first 6 months on
HPN. Pseudo-obstruction has a negative impact on all aspects of QoL when compared to
a normal population. A previous intestinal resection and opiate use had a negative impact
on aspects of QoL. Carers of a child on HPN seek more social support and use more
positive reappraisal coping strategies, more planful problem solving and less distancing
than the controls and a higher level of psychiatric disorder is also seen. Children on HPN
have a poorer functional status than those not on HPN, and there is a correlation between
level of child dysfunction and parental general health. Families caring for a child on HPN
function within normal and healthy parameters.
Conclusions: Our studies indicate that the loss of intestinal function does have a negative
impact on aspects of QoL but patients make adjustments to meet everyday requirements,
even if it produces limitations with which these persons have to live by. | en_US |
