Early identification of the palliative phase in patients with COPD and heart failure remains difficult, often delaying needed care. Since most patients are cared for at home, timely recognition in primary care is crucial. However, screening tools are rarely used, and identification relies on professional …

Objective To determine the association between physical activity (PA; duration and intensity) and patient and clinical outcomes at various measurement occasions post dysvascular major lower limb amputation (LLA). Methods In this multicenter longitudinal observational study, the PA levels of adults who …

This study aimed to develop a measurement instrument of frailty experiences, the Frailty Experiences Scale, in community-dwelling older adults and test its psychometric properties. The process involved three steps: expert sessions (n = 10) to assess face and content validity; think-aloud interviews (n = 5) …

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a critical phase for young people living with perinatal HIV, who must navigate typical developmental milestones while managing a chronic illness and facing (fear of) societal stigma. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of Dutch young adults …

Purpose Treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), and especially brachytherapy, can be physically and psychologically demanding for patients. The IMPRaCC study (Impact of primary Radiotherapy on the psychosocial well-being of patients with LACC) aimed to investigate risk factors, peak moments …

Academisch Proefschrift, ter verkrijging van de graad Doctor aan de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, op gezag van de rector magnificus prof. dr. J.J.G. Geurts, volgens besluit van de decaan van de Faculteit der Bètawetenschappen in het openbaar te verdedigen op donderdag 19 februari 2026 om 11.45 uur in …

Although first-time parents have a great need for effective support in the first challenging years of child upbringing, there is little research on volunteer-led parenting support programs in the context of the transition to parenthood. Therefore, this qualitative study examined the perceived value and …

As the global population continues to age, maintaining the physical performance and independence of older adults has become a critical public health concern. Population ageing describes a simultaneous increase in the number of older adults and the growth of the oldest- old demographic, which poses substantial …

BACKGROUND: Following a severe burn injury, individuals embark on a lifelong process of managing and integrating the physical, psychological, and social consequences, including functional limitations, fatigue, altered body image, and psychological trauma. To aid in this process, healthcare professionals …