The Relationship of Physical Function and Psychosocial Health on Quality of Life in Individuals with 48,XXYY Open Access

Blumling, Amy (Summer 2020)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/f4752h93k?locale=en
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Abstract

Background:

Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies (SCAs) are genetic disorders characterized by variations in the number of X and/or Y chromosomes. 48,XXYY is a rare SCA. Individuals with 48,XXYY experience physical, psychosocial, and neurocognitive symptoms affecting their health. Few studies have utilized self-report surveys to explore symptoms and quality of life. No studies have yet used mixed methodologies to obtain first-hand accounts of self-described health status and needs.

Methods:

This dissertation study utilized a cross-sectional, descriptive mixed methods design to explore health and quality of life of men with 48,XXYY. Participants first completed demographic information and symptom surveys, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). A subset of participants was purposively chosen to then complete interviews that explored health, quality of life, and healthcare needs.

Results:

Twenty-two participants completed surveys. Results of BDI-II and BAI demonstrated that 50% of participants reported mild to severe depressive symptoms and 54.5% reported mild to severe anxiety symptoms. Participants scored high on SF-36 subscales: Physical functioning (mdn = 85), Emotional wellbeing (mdn = 72), and Social functioning (mdn = 75). Independent living was associated with higher BDI-II total (p = 0.049). Current employment was associated with higher physical functioning (p = 0.025) and higher emotional wellbeing (p = 0.030). Common themes from 10 qualitative interview analyses included: impact of reproductive health issues on psychosocial health; how others perceive tremors; and the relationship among emotions, socialization, and fatigue attributed to perceived testosterone levels.

Discussion:

While participants reported high levels of depression and anxiety, they generally reported good quality of life. Psychosocial health concerns were most impactful on quality of life. Triangulation of data explained how depressive or anxious symptoms were often related to social contexts, such as difficulty with intimate relationships, negative social interactions, and lack of independence.

Conclusions:

This study was the first to utilize mixed methodology to report anxiety, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in a sample of men with 48,XXYY. These results provide a foundation for future research that will inform intervention development to address physical and psychosocial healthcare needs in this population.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction...................................................................................................... 1

           Introduction.............................................................................................................. 2

           Significance and Background................................................................................. 5

                       Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies..................................................................... 5

                       48,XXYY Syndrome........................................................................................ 6

                       Current Evidence on 48,XXYY....................................................................... 8

           Conceptual Framework........................................................................................... 9

                       Biopsychosocial Model.................................................................................. 9

           Innovation................................................................................................................. 10

           Methods..................................................................................................................... 11

                       Design............................................................................................................ 11

Quantitative Strand........................................................................................ 12

Qualitative Strand.......................................................................................... 12

Setting............................................................................................................ 13

                       Sample and Sample Recruitment................................................................... 14

                       Sample Size.................................................................................................... 16

                       Variables and Measures................................................................................ 17

                       Human Subjects Protection............................................................................           19

                       Procedures..................................................................................................... 19

                       Data Privacy and Confidentiality.................................................................. 22

           Analysis..................................................................................................................... 23

Quantitative Data Analysis............................................................................ 23

Qualitative Data Analysis.............................................................................. 24       

                       Triangulation and Integration of Data.......................................................... 26

           Study Implications................................................................................................... 27

           Structure of the Dissertation................................................................................... 28

           Manuscripts Deriving from this Research.............................................................           29

           Summary and Scientific Premise............................................................................           30

References................................................................................................................. 32

Chapter 2. Rare Sex Chromosome Variation 48,XXYY: An Integrative Review......... 42

           Abstract..................................................................................................................... 43

           Background.............................................................................................................. 44

           Clinical Description................................................................................................. 44

                       Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies...................................................................... 44

                       Genetic Derivation of Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies.................................. 45

                       Incidence........................................................................................................ 46

                       Phenotype and Health Risks of Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies................... 46

           Methods......................................................................................................... ........... 49

           Results....................................................................................................................... 50

                       Physical Phenotype........................................................................................ 52

                       Psychosocial and Behavioral Aspects........................................................... 56

                       Neurocognitive and Brain Function.............................................................. 61

           Discussion................................................................................................................. 65

                       Limitations..................................................................................................... 68

           Conclusions............................................................................................................... 69

           References................................................................................................................. 82

Chapter 3. Navigating Methodological Research Challenges with Men Diagnosed with 48,XXYY.......................................................................................................................... 89

Abstract..................................................................................................................... 90           

Background.............................................................................................................. 91

Research with Individuals with Intellectual Disability or Varying Neurocognitive Abilities.......................................................................................................... 92

Research with Individuals with Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies................... 95

           Methods..................................................................................................................... 97

           Results....................................................................................................................... 103

                       Consent Capacity and the MacCAT-CR........................................................ 103

                       Survey and Interview Administration.............................................................           106

                       Unanticipated Parental Involvement............................................................. 109

           Discussion................................................................................................................. 112

           Conclusions............................................................................................................... 118

           References................................................................................................................. 120

Chapter 4. A Mixed Methods Analysis of Physical Health, Psychosocial Health, and Quality of Life in Individuals with 48,XXYY.............................................................................         129

Abstract..................................................................................................................... 130

           Background.............................................................................................................. 131

Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies...................................................................... 132

48,XXYY......................................................................................................... 133

Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life....................................................... 135

Theoretical Framework................................................................................. 137

           Methods..................................................................................................................... 138

Study Design.................................................................................................. 141

Quantitative Data Collection......................................................................... 143

Qualitative Data Collection........................................................................... 148

Triangulation and Integration of Data.......................................................... 154

           Results....................................................................................................................... 155

Quantitative Data Analysis............................................................................ 155

Qualitative Data Analysis.............................................................................. 166

           Discussion................................................................................................................. 193

Quantitative Self-Report Surveys................................................................... 194

Qualitative Interviews.................................................................................... 203

Triangulation of Quantitative and Qualitative Inferences.............................           216

Study Implications.......................................................................................... 224

Recommendations for Future Research......................................................... 226

Limitations..................................................................................................... 227

           Conclusions............................................................................................................... 231

           References................................................................................................................. 253

Chapter 5. Summary and Conclusions.............................................................................. 274

Summary and Conclusions..................................................................................... 275

Integrative Review................................................................................................... 278

Methodological Challenges..................................................................................... 282

Mixed Methods Study of Quality of Life in Individuals with 48,XXYY............ 291

Limitations................................................................................................................ 304

Strengths................................................................................................................... 306

Study Implications................................................................................................... 308

Recommendations for Future Research................................................................ 311

Summary................................................................................................................... 313

References................................................................................................................. 314

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