PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Health-related quality of life in Brazilian patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis using EQ-5D

by Janaína de Pina Carvalho, Sarah Nascimento Silva, Tália Santana Machado de Assis, Endi Lanza Galvão, Mayra Soares Moreira, Mônica Viegas Andrade, Kenya Valéria Micaela de Souza Noronha, Gláucia Cota

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected infectious disease with a global distribution and a known health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impact. However, no utility-based HRQoL assessments for CL patients are available. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the health-related quality of life among patients with CL attending a Brazilian reference center. A retrospective interview-based longitudinal study was conducted using the EQ-5D-3L/VAS to assess the current health status during active disease, and retrospectively before the onset of disease symptoms. In addition, socioeconomic data were collected via a standardized questionnaire, and sociodemographic and clinical data were collected directly from medical records. A total of 143 patients with a mean age of 52 (±17) years were included, 73% of whom were men. The mean utility score before the onset of CL symptoms was 0.858. Comparison of responses related to health status before and after disease onset revealed significant losses (p 

PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Navigating the risks: Stakeholder views on risk-based cervical cancer screening

by Maali-Liina Remmel, Kadri Suija, Anna Markina, Anna Tisler, Anda Ķīvīte-Urtāne, Mindaugas Stankūnas, Mari Nygård, Gunvor Aasbø, Laura Maļina, Anneli Uusküla

Background

The development of risk-based cancer screening programs requires a paradigm shift in existing practices and healthcare policies. Therefore, it is crucial to not only assess the effectiveness of new technologies and risk prediction models but also to analyze the acceptability of such programs among healthcare stakeholders. This study aims to assess the acceptability of risk-based cervical cancer screening (RB CCS) in Estonia from the perspectives of relevant stakeholders.

Methods and materials

This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with healthcare policy and service level stakeholders in Estonia. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability guided the interview design, and the findings were charted using framework analysis based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results

17 interviews were conducted with stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, cancer registry representatives, technology specialists, policymakers, and health insurance providers. While stakeholders generally supported the concept and potential benefits of RB CCS, recognizing its capacity to improve screening outcomes and resource allocation, they raised significant concerns about feasibility, complexity, and ethical challenges. Doubts were expressed about the readiness of the healthcare system and population, particularly the current health information system’s capacity to support risk-based approaches. The need for evidence-based and internationally validated screening models, comprehensive public communication, provider training, and collaborative discussions involving all relevant parties, including the public, was emphasized.

Conclusion

The favorable attitude towards RB CCS among stakeholders provides a strong foundation for advancing its development. However, a comprehensive strategy emphasizing the generation of robust evidence, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, prioritizing patient empowerment, and cultivating a collaborative environment built on trust is crucial.