Existing published studies about health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in caregivers of dementia patients living in Latin American countries are very limited. However, cultural aspects, personal values, and social structure may affect the way caregivers experience their role in different societies. The current study investigated the relationship between HRQOL and psychological factors using a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 102 informal caregivers of patients with dementia from Bogotá, Colombia, South America. Measures included the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Short Health Questionnaire (SF36) for HRQOL. Canonical correlations revealed that there was a significant relationship between caregivers' mental health and HRQOL, such that caregivers with better satisfaction with life and less symptoms of depression had more vitality and better general health. There is a strong relationship between mental health and health-related quality of life in Colombian caregivers of dementia patients living in their country of origin. Specific aspects of mental health, including satisfaction with life and depression, need to be addressed in order to improve caregivers' quality of life. Given that mental health care resources may be scarce in Latin American countries, culturally appropriate interventions should focus on preventing/treating depression and promote life satisfaction, as a way to improve their quality of life.

Brain injury can directly and indirectly affect important aspects related to sexuality and sexual function. In this critical review of the literature, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and sexuality are examined. A general review of the concept of sexuality and the neurological correlates of sexual function are proposed as a framework to understand the cognitive, behavioral and physical effects of TBI on sexuality and sexual function. Studies are then classified according to the participants enrolled and findings are presented from the professional's, the survivor's, the patient/partner's, and the non-injured spouse's perspectives. Results are discussed taking into account methodological limitations and knowledge gaps. Next, implications for sexual rehabilitation for individuals with TBI are discussed. Finally, suggestions for future research and their pertinence for improving rehabilitation outcomes are considered.

Objectives: The EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L instruments have been used in studies of patient and demographic groups in Colombia, but to date there are no 5L population norms. This study aimed to produce a set of EQ-5D-5L population norms for Colombia and to see what insights into health inequality in Colombia can be discerned from these norms. Methods:The EQ-5D-5L self-reported health questionnaire was included in a survey of a representative sample of 3400 adults aged 18 to 64 in Colombia. EQ-5D-5L states, mean EQ VAS, and index values were obtained by sex, age, education, income group, ethnicity, residence, employment status, health insurance status, and household size. EQ-5D-5L index values from Uruguay were used. Regression models were used to investigate inequality. Results:The mean EQ VAS value was 85.3, the mean index value was 0.953, and 52.2% of the sample reported being in state 11111. Self-reported health was higher for men, declined in higher age groups, and was lower for lower-income and education groups. The EQ-5D-5L instrument was observed to be more sensitive than the EQ-5D-3L instrument in Colombia. The dimensions with the highest prevalence of reported problems were anxiety/depression and pain/discomfort. The main drivers of inequality were age, sex, income, and education. Conclusions:The population norms developed in this study can be used as baseline values for future studies of patient or treatment groups, and for investigations into the health of specific demographic groups.

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