ObjectivesThis systematic review focuses on the role of the intensity of fear in patient’s delay in cancer and in myocardial infarction.MethodsIn a search of literature published between 1990 and June 2009, 161 articles were found. After the use of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles in cancer and 4 articles in myocardial infarction remained.ResultsHigh levels of fear are associated with earlier help-seeking in both diseases; for low levels of fear, the picture is unclear.ConclusionThe level of fear is an important factor, which should be taken into account when facilitating help-seeking by patients.
Fatigue combined with worse functional status appears to be a significant contributor to poor quality of life. Its multidimensional construct can be used to develop strategies for improving specific aspects of fatigue to improve QoL for PD patients.
Fatigue is an important contributor to poor quality of life. The aim of our research was to identify factors associated with fatigue among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The sample consisted of 150 patients. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Charlson co-morbidity index were used for analysis. Demographic data were obtained in a structured interview. T-test, chi(2)-test and general linear regression were used. Fatigue was reported in 81% of the patients, with the worst scores in physical fatigue. Mood disorders and worse UPDRS scores were associated with fatigue.
The actual mood of PD and MS patients--the level of anxiety or depression--might have a greater impact on patients' QoL than their personality. Further longitudinal research should focus on how the pathway consisting of personality traits, anxiety and depression, and QoL might be constructed.
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