Relating to or connected with an illness, disease, or medical condition. This term encompasses any characteristic, symptom, outcome, or factor that is observed in conjunction with or caused by a state of ill health. It is used across various medical fields, from epidemiology to clinical practice, to describe a wide range of phenomena that are linked to disease processes. The association can be causal (where the sickness directly leads to the other factor) or correlational (where both the sickness and the other factor are observed together, potentially sharing a common underlying cause).
Sickness-associated meaning with examples
- The study investigated the prevalence of sickness-associated fatigue in patients undergoing cancer treatment, finding a significant correlation between chemotherapy and reported tiredness levels. Researchers are also looking into specific biomarkers that are sickness-associated, which could allow for early detection and more accurate prognoses. Improved understanding will lead to improved management.
- Researchers identified a sickness-associated protein expressed at high levels in patients with a particular autoimmune disease. This discovery suggests the protein might be a potential therapeutic target. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that blocking its action reduced disease severity. This will hopefully lead to the development of new and more effective therapies for this condition.
- The hospital implemented protocols to manage sickness-associated complications in post-surgical patients, focusing on preventing infections and promoting wound healing. Staff were trained in specific practices. This had the effect of improving patient outcomes, reducing recovery times, and improving the hospital's efficiency. Patients were more likely to be discharged.
- The research explored the genetic factors that are sickness-associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The goal of the research was to help patients improve their overall health. The findings will lead to recommendations on lifestyle modifications to mitigate this risk. Researchers hope to develop more targeted, personalized prevention strategies.
- The study evaluated the impact of sickness-associated malnutrition on mortality rates in elderly patients admitted to the hospital. This information will influence how geriatric care is delivered. It was found that patients experiencing malnutrition had considerably increased mortality rates, underscoring the need for early nutritional intervention to improve patient outcomes.