A conceptual model approach to clarify the elements of health-related quality of life (HRQL), their determinants and causal pathways is needed to aid researchers, health practitioners and policy makers in their bid to improve HRQL outcomes in patients. The aim of this systematic review was to appraise empirical evidence on the performance of the Wilson and Cleary Model of HRQL. We conducted a search of MEDLINE, Science Direct, PsyARTICLES and CINAHL databases to identify articles that used Wilson and Cleary model to examine HRQL in chronic diseases. A narrative synthesis was employed in the review of the articles. Evidence supports linkages between adjacent concepts and between non-adjacent concepts of the Wilson and Cleary model indicating that in practice there is a need to examine relationships among constructs - or to consider interventions in terms of - both with and without mediators. Symptoms status has the highest magnitude of relative impact on health-related quality of life. The Wilson and Cleary model demonstrated good features suitable for evaluating health-related quality of life in chronic diseases.
Introduction: Obesity is a known risk factor for the development of cancers, and a significant proportion of the population may be at risk of developing cancer owing to their weight status. There is acknowledged societal stigma towards people living with obesity, which can influence health behaviors and deter help seeking, such as cancer screening. Healthcare professionals’ attitudes and views toward people living with obesity may adversely affect the patient–professional interface and treatment.Methods: A systematic review was carried out which aimed to explore the impact of living with obesity on the uptake of three main cancer‐screening services: breast, cervical, and colorectal.Results: Ten studies were included in the review. Three main areas were identified from both a patient and healthcare professional perspective: barriers and challenges to screening, gender issues, and disparities in the population living with obesity.Conclusion: Further research is needed to improve uptake of cancer screening services, and for education on weight bias, which is often unconscious, to be considered for healthcare professionals working in cancer screening services. This may help to increase the incidence of early differential diagnosis of potential cancers and improve health outcomes for people living with obesity.