Efficacy of cling film dressing on palmoplantar psoriatic lesions among patients with psoriasis: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Caring for patients with skin disorders is “more than skin deep”. Psoriasis is a systematic immune-mediated disease that generally does not affect survival, but certainly has major negative effects on patients. The previous research has reported that artificial restoration of a permeable barrier by occlusion results in regression of lesions in psoriasis.The aim of this research is to assess the efficacy of cling film dressing versus conventional treatment on palmoplantar psoriatic lesions among patients with psoriasis. Methods: The research design used in the study was a true experimental time series design. Block randomization was used to assign the study participants into either study or control group in a Psoriatic Out-Patient Department of tertiary care center at Southern part of India. As usual, the intervention group participants received the application of topical corticosteroid Eczivate MF with cling film wrap while the control group participants followed the conventional treatment (topical corticosteroid Eczivate MF without occlusive dressing). The modified psoriasis severity index (MPSI) score was used to measure the outcomes. Results: There was a high statistical significance difference on the severity of psoriatic disease level between the control and study groups (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Steroidal cream application with occlusive dressing yielded better results than non-occlusive open treatment

Predictors of Quality of Life among Omani Family Caregivers for Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Objective: After acute care, the burden of caring for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is mainly shouldered by the family caregivers (FCs). We aimed to explore the quality of life (QoL) of Omani FCs for patients with TBI. Methods: A total of 36 FCs and patients with TBI were recruited from one hospital. Data was collected at discharge time and eight weeks post-discharge in the period from April 2019 to December 2021. The SF-12 general health survey and preparedness for caregiving scale were used to measure the caregivers’ QoL and preparedness, respectively. The disability rating scale and the TBI symptom scale were used to measure the patient’s disability and symptoms, respectively. Paired t-test and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results: Most caregivers were the parent (41.7%) or child (27.8%) of the patient with TBI. Overall the caregivers had good physical QoL (PQoL) and mental health QoL (MHQoL) but low caregiving preparedness at the time of discharge. At eight weeks post-discharge, there were significant improvements in caregiving preparedness (p< 0.01), patient disability (p< 0.05), and depreciation in caregivers’ MHQoL (p< 0.05), but no change in the PQoL. The modifiable predictors of PQoL were the caregiver’s employment status and the severity of the patient’s sleep and mood problems. The predictors of MHQoL were caregiving preparedness, the patient’s inability to live independently, and the severity of mood and behavioral problems. Conclusion: Omani FCs for patients with TBI experience a negative impact on QoL, and this is correlated with the physical, emotional, and mental health symptoms of the patient. Keywords: Caregiving, Family, Quality of Life, Caregiving Burden, Traumatic Brain Injury, Caregivers’ preparedness, Oman

Caregiving Preparedness and Caregiver Burden in Omani Family Caregivers for Patients with Acquired Brain Injury

Objective: To explore the caregiving preparedness and burden among Omani family caregivers (FCs) of patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). Methods: A prospective observational design was used to collect data from 119 FCs and their patients at the time of discharge from the hospital and 16 weeks post-discharge during follow up-care in the neurology clinic. The questionnaire comprised the Zarit Burden Index, the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, the SF-12 General Health Survey, and a patient symptom scale. Results: FCs were predominantly female (55.5%), and their mean age was 38.27 ± 9.11 years. Most patients had moderate to severe ABI (95.8%) due to stroke (56.3%) and trauma (30.3%). The most common patient symptoms were loss of muscle strength, speech problems, mood problems, memory loss, and change in behavior. Most FCs had a low caregiving preparedness (58%) at discharge, and 19.1% had a high level of caregiving burden at 16 weeks post-discharge. The length of time post-injury (p < 0.01), symptom severity (p < 0.01), and the FCs’ physical and mental health status (p < 0.01) were significant predictors of caregiving preparedness.  The predictors of caregiver burden were caregiver preparedness (p < 0.01), symptom severity (p < 0.01), and caregivers’ mental health (p = 0.028). Conclusion: Omani FCs of patients with ABI commence the caregiver role with inadequate preparation, and shortly a significant number suffer a high caregiving burden. Interventions focusing on the caregiver’s health and training in symptom management may enhance the outcomes of FCs and patients. Keywords: Acquired brain injury; Caregiving; Caregiving preparedness; Caregiver burden; Family caregivers; Rehabilitation; Traumatic brain injury; Oman