AimPatients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a low quality of life (QOL) and illness uncertainty. This study examined the structure of QOL and associated factors, including illness uncertainty, among individuals with NAFLD.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a self‐administered questionnaire for outpatients with NAFLD. QOL was measured using the Short Form‐8. Dietary habits, physical activity level, illness uncertainty, health locus of control, and knowledge of NAFLD were assessed. Path analysis was used to study the associated factors of QOL and their structure, including uncertainty of disease.ResultsPath analysis of 168 NAFLD patients indicated that a high Physical Component Summary score on the Short Form‐8—representing physical QOL—was predicted by a body mass index <25 kg/m2 and high educational level. A high Mental Component Summary score—representing mental QOL—was predicted by being male, good dietary habits, low illness uncertainty, and presence of consultants. The model showed satisfactory goodness‐of‐fit without being rejected by the chi‐square test (goodness‐of‐fit index = .947, adjusted goodness‐of‐fit index = .917, comparative fit index = .967, root mean square error of approximation = 0.023).ConclusionsNurses need to work closely with NAFLD patients as consultants, providing adequate information about the causes, treatments, and dietary habits, and focusing on the individual's perception of health. This could reduce illness uncertainty and contribute to the improvement of QOL.

To investigate the association between the type of support provided by nurses for dyspnoea and palliative care practice in Japan, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 2015. Of the 535 questionnaires sent to nurses working at 22 designated cancer hospitals, 344 were returned. The questionnaire assessed the demographic characteristics of the nurses, nursing support for dyspnoea, and palliative care practice measured by the 'Palliative care self-reported practices scale'. Multivariate analysis showed that the domains of palliative care practice influenced the provision of nursing support for patients with dyspnoea. In conclusion, palliative care practice is important for supporting patients with dyspnoea, and nurses should possess the requisite knowledge and skills to deliver this care appropriately.

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