2 research outputs found
Indicators of Health-Related Quality of Life in Cats With Degenerative Joint Disease: Systematic Review and Proposal of a Conceptual Framework
Objectives: The assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is becoming increasingly important in companion animals. This study describes a systematic review and development of a proposed conceptual framework to assess HRQoL in cats with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: The conceptual framework was developed according to published guidelines. A comprehensive search of the CAB Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases was carried out for publications in English from inception to November 12, 2019. Search words used were âcatâ, âfelineâ, âchronic painâ, âpainâ, and âquality of lifeâ. Publications were selected if they were full-text and peer-reviewed, based on primary data, and identified or measured behavioral symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal pain in cats. A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A data extraction form was developed from categories identified in the literature review and piloted on a small number of studies to ascertain the appropriateness for relevant data extraction. Categories were then finalized, and key domains were identified. The domains were then synthesized to develop a conceptual framework. Results: A total of 454 studies were identified, of which 14 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-synthesis. All 14 were assessed to be of good quality. Seven domains related to HRQoL in cats with OA were thematically identified from the data: mobility, physical appearance, energy and vitality, mood, pain expression, sociability, and physical and mental wellbeing. The three main HRQoL domains were pain expression, mobility, and physical and mental wellbeing, which impacted all the others. Pain and mobility impacted all six other domains, with increased pain and decreased mobility negatively impacting physical appearance, energy and vitality, mood, sociability, and physical and mental wellbeing. Conclusions and Relevance: This is the first study to develop an evidence-based conceptual framework for the assessment of HRQoL in cats with OA. The proposed conceptual framework suggests that effective management of chronic pain in cats may improve their overall HRQoL
The contribution of veterinary medicine to public health and poverty reduction in developing countries
Few studies have explicitly examined the linkages between human health, animal disease
control and poverty alleviation. This paper reviews the contribution that veterinary medicine
can make to poverty alleviation in sub-Saharan Africa. Our analysis attempts to explore
aspects of this contribution under five themes: food production; food safety; impact and
control of zoonotic infections; promotion of ecotourism; and environmental protection. While
these areas of human activity have, more or less, fallen under the influence of the veterinary
profession to varying degrees, we attempt to unify this mandate using a âOne Healthâ narrative,
for the purpose of providing clarity on the linkages between the veterinary and other
professions, livestock production and poverty alleviation. Future opportunities for improving
health and reducing poverty in the context of developing African countries are also discussed.
We conclude that veterinary science is uniquely positioned to play a key role in both poverty
reduction and the promotion of health, a role that can be enhanced through the reorientation
of the professionâs goals and the creation of synergies with allied and related professions.Le relazioni tra salute umana, controllo delle patologie animali e programmi di riduzione
della povertĂ raramente sono state oggetto di analisi. Questo articolo analizza il contributo
che la medicina veterinaria può fornire ai processi di riduzione della povertĂ nellâAfrica
subâsahariana. In particolare, vengono analizzate le implicazioni della medicina veterinaria
su: produzione di alimenti, igiene alimentare, impatto e controllo delle zoonosi, promozione
di ecoturismo e protezione dellâambiente. Lo studio ha lâobiettivo di riconsiderare questi
aspetti sulla base dellâapproccio âOne Healthâ e di chiarire le relazioni che la professione
veterinaria ha con le altre professioni, gli allevamenti animali e i programmi di riduzione
della povertĂ . Lâarticolo esamina le opportunitĂ future per migliorare le condizioni di salute
e ridurre il sottosviluppo nei paesi africani, evidenziando il ruolo determinante delle scienze
veterinarie. Ruolo che può essere ancor piÚ potenziato attraverso la ridefinizione degli
obiettivi professionali e la creazione di sinergie con le altre professioni.http://www.izs.it/vet_italiana/issues_vet_it.htmhb201