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Introduction: Rising mental health issues is a global problem among PhD students. This study aimed to identify stressors and energizers in PhD work., Methods: PhD students at a university medical center were asked to describe the top three stressors and energizers in their PhD work through a survey. The narrative answers were subjected to content analysis., Results: Three hundred and eighty-six PhD students participated. We identified five overarching themes: Research is challenging, Resources can be limited, Recognizing the value of work, Experience of autonomy, and Relationships are key to success. We found positive (energizers) as well as negative (stressors) comments for each theme., Discussion: Supportive supervision with open communication has been identified in the literature as the most important contributor to PhD student well-being, while work-life imbalance has been identified as the most important reason for psychological distress. With our study, we add energizers and stressors that fit into a theoretical framework (Self-determination theory). This helps to understand the problem better and provide specific recommendations., Conclusions: Optimal challenges, resources and supervision, autonomy and good relationships at work are perceived as energizers. Challenges in research beyond capability, limitations in resources, not being valued, autonomy restriction and poor relationships at work are perceived as stressors in PhD work.

We examined whether physicians' personality traits moderate the association between medical specialty and well-being at work. Nationally representative sample of Finnish physicians ( n = 2,815; 65% women; aged 25-72 years in 2015) was used. Personality was assessed with the shortened Big Five Inventory. Indicators of well-being at work were measured with scales from Work Ability Index, General Health Questionnaire, Jenkins' Sleep Problems Scale and Suicidal Ideation. Higher extraversion, openness to experience and agreeableness showed as personality traits beneficial for higher well-being at work among person-oriented specialties whereas higher conscientiousness but lower openness and agreeableness showed as personality traits beneficial for higher well-being at work among technique-oriented specialties. The role of neuroticism remains minor in general. Physicians' personality traits may moderate the association between medical specialty and well-being at work.

Abstract Work-related quality of life has emerged as a central focus in the field of occupational health due to its impact on individual well-being and overall quality of life. So, it is crucial to enhance the current theory by conducting a study on the concept across different sectors. Also, the specific mechanisms through which perceived social support influences work-related quality of life remain underexplored. The role of psychological distress as a potential mediator in this relationship has not been investigated. Thus, the study aimed to explore the mediating role of psychological distress in this relationship, while also examining potential gender differences. The study, conducted with 401 teachers through a questionnaire, utilized the AMOS program for data analysis. The findings supported the direct effects among the variables and the mediating role of psychological distress. Additionally, the impact of psychological distress on work-related quality of life was found to be higher for females, but no differences for other paths. The study contributes to the literature by addressing the gap in understanding the mechanisms regarding work-related quality of life. The results highlight the importance of considering psychological distress and gender differences in interventions aimed at improving work-related quality of life.

Abstract This study evaluates the clinical impact of comprehensive nursing care on senior patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic neuropathic pain condition resulting from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. A total of 102 elderly patients diagnosed with PHN and treated at our hospital were divided into two groups: the control group, which received conventional nursing care, and the intervention group, which received comprehensive nursing care. Comparative analyses were conducted on pain levels, sleep quality, symptoms of depression and anxiety before and after the intervention. After a two-month period of nursing care, both groups exhibited a significant reduction in pain levels (p

Abstract Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding paternal addiction to cigarettes, alcohol, and opium with psychological distress in youths. This study examined the association between paternal addiction to cigarettes, alcohol, and opium and the psychological distress of youths in southeast Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 895 youths (aged 15–35) from the baseline phase of the Rafsanjan Youth Cohort Study (RYCS) whose fathers also participated in the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS). The RYCS is a part of the RCS, a branch of prospective epidemiological research studies in Iran (PERSIAN). Smoking, alcohol consumption, and opium usage in youths and their fathers were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6 and K10). Fathers who used opium were more likely to have youth with psychological distress based on the K6 score (OR:1.37, CI:1.01–1.86) and K10 score (OR:1.34, CI: 1.01–1.80). The duration of opium consumption lower than or equal to the median was associated with increased odds of having a youth with psychological distress based on the K6 or K10 scores (OR:1.62, CI:1.14–2.31, OR:1.44, CI:1.01–2.03 respectively), but there was no significant association with duration above the median. In addition, consuming opium more than the median dosage increased the chance of having a psychologically distressed youth up to 1.47 times based on the K6 score (OR 1.47, CI 1.01–2.14) and 1.55 times based on the K10 score (OR 1.55, CI:1.08–2.22). Smoking cigarette duration lower than or equal to the median increased the chance of having a psychologically distressed youth to 1.52 times more based on the K6 score (OR 1.52, CI 1.07–2.15). There was no significant association between paternal alcohol consumption and the odds of having a psychologically distressed youth. Parental addiction to opium can lead to an increase in psychological distress in youths in the absence however of a consistent dose and duration relationship.

Abstract Childhood disadvantage is associated with increased adult psychological distress, but the role of behavioral risk factors in the pathway remains unclear. We examined whether behavioral risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress. We used the Helsinki Health Study data of employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland, aged 19–39 (mean age 32.0) years at baseline (2017). We included women (n = 2397) and men (n = 586) who responded to both baseline and follow-up (2022) surveys. At baseline, eight types of childhood disadvantage were asked retrospectively, and six adult behavioral risk factors were included. Psychological distress was measured by the DASS-21 at follow-up. We conducted mediation analyses using generalized structural equation modeling. Among women, we found indirect path effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress through behavioral risk factors (symptoms of depression: β = 0.68, 95% CI 0.20–1.17; anxiety: β = 0.54, 95% CI 0.13–0.95; and stress: β = 0.69, 95% CI 0.20–1.09). Among men, childhood disadvantage contributed only directly to adult depressive (β = 0.71, 95% CI 0.16–1.26) and stress (β = 0.61, 95% CI 0.10–1.13) symptoms. Our findings suggest that behavioral risk factors can mediate some of the adverse effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress among women.

Abstract The mental health of medical students is a crucial concern in contemporary medical education. This manuscript reports the availability and shape of psychological support for medical students in Poland in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian crisis. A survey comprising 10 questions was distributed to 22 medical schools in Poland, with a 59% response rate. The findings reveal that psychological support programs are predominantly managed by internal university units. Funding sources vary, with some universities utilizing internal budgets and others leveraging European funds or external projects. The support modalities are primarily hybrid, catering to student preferences. Limitations exist in the number of consultations, although some universities provide extended support based on student needs. Assistance is offered in multiple languages, with additional programs like stress-reduction workshops and mindfulness training being available in several universities. A notable increase in demand for psychological support post-COVID-19 was reported, with some universities establishing their programs during or after the pandemic. The commentary highlights the rising need for mental health services among medical students and underscores the importance of flexible, inclusive, and well-funded support. The effective functioning of these programs aligns with the broader objective of fostering a resilient and emotionally balanced healthcare workforce.

Abstract Introduction Clinical dishonesty is one of the components of academic dishonesty that deals with the unprofessional behavior of students in hospital and clinic environments (medical students, nursing students, etc.). Psychological distress and low moral intelligence among students can be known as predisposing factors in performing dishonest clinical behaviors. The present research addresses a gap in the scientific literature by investigating dishonest behavior among medical students. Methods This cross-sectional study examined medical students’ clinical dishonesty, psychological distress, and moral intelligence. Rafati et al.‘s questionnaire was used to investigate clinical dishonesty, Kessler’s Psychological Distress Questionnaire (K6) was used for psychological distress, and Lenik and Keil’s (2005) questionnaire was used to determine moral intelligence. Cochran’s formula was used to calculate the sample size and the simple random sample (SRS) method was used for sampling. Data were statistically analyzed in SPSS version 27 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States). a P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results 317 medical students were included in this study, of which 176 (55.5%) were male and 141 (44.5%) were female. We found a direct and significant statistical correlation between clinical dishonesty and students’ distress (Correlation Coefficient: 0.162, P-value

Abstract Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with PWS face a range of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional challenges that require comprehensive and lifelong care, posing significant demands on their caregivers. The study is not only aimed to assess the psychological conditions of caregivers of adult subjects with PWS focusing on psychological distress and coping, but also to shed light on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare. This study aims to compare the psychological well-being of individuals with PWS and their caregivers, providing valuable insights that can potentially improve the quality of care for these individuals. The sample recruited at the Division of Auxology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, was composed of 30 adult subjects with PWS (11 men and 19 women; mean age ± SD: 36.4 ± 10.31 years; mean Body Mass Index (BMI): 35.7 ± 8.92: kg/m2) and their caregivers (10 men and 20 women). To assess the psychological condition of caregivers, the Italian-validated versions of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Coping Orientation to the Problems Experiences (COPE) were used, while to assess the psychological well-being of individuals with PWS and their caregivers, the Italian validated version of the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) was used. Results Depression (p

Background Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) refers to physical, cognitive and psychological symptoms that occur after a patient is discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU). Aims The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of PICS among ICU survivors of a tertiary care setup in Eastern India. Methods A single-centre prospective cohort study was conducted amongst patients admitted to the ICU. A predefined, structured interview in 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month after ICU admission was done. Baseline characteristics were noted. Physical and cognitive impairment, psychological distress and general health were assessed using the Barthel Index (BI), mini-mental state examination (MMSE) tool, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and EuroQoL Visual Analogue Scale. Results Of the 150 patients included in the study, the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 20.87. The leading cause of ICU admission was sepsis (40.7%), followed by acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia (14%). The median stay in the ICU was 8 days. Mean BI significantly decreased from 79.20 at baseline to 60.17 and 64.33 in the 3rd and 6th months, respectively. The mean HADS-Depression score increased from 3.79 at baseline to 7.08 at 3rd and 5.92 at 6th month. Similarly, the mean HADS-Anxiety score increased from 4.37 at baseline to 7.44 at 3rd and 6.31 at 6th month. The mean MMSE score decreased from 24.61 at baseline to 22.26 at the 3rd and 6th months, respectively. Thus, PICS was recorded in 90% of cases in the 3rd month and 89.3% in the 6th month. Conclusion The management of PICS involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation and psychological support.

Abstract Background Given that social media use (SMU) is an increasingly widespread activity among university students, more information is needed to evaluate its relationship with students’ mental health, particularly medical students. Objective The present study assessed the relationships between SMU and coping style with psychological distress and academic performance of medical students. Methods An offline cross-sectional survey conducted with 398 undergraduate medical students. The survey collected data on demographics, psychological distress (DASS-21), coping strategies (Brief COPE Scale), academic performance (grade point average) and estimated average time spent on social media per day. Structural equation modeling was used to clarify relationships between the main study variables. The study also examined the mediating effect of maladaptive coping between SMU and psychological distress. Results Students with higher levels of psychological distress were more likely to be engaged in frequent social media use. Spending more than two hours a day on social media use had a positive association with maladaptive coping (p

Integrative models of mental illness and health in psycho-oncology are aimed at all types of cancer, although the patients’ experiences and issues may vary. This review summarizes the different theories and models of mental illness and health pertaining to the breast cancer experience and proposes an integrative phasic model applicable to the breast cancer trajectory. Five databases were searched for studies related to breast cancer mental health and illness theories and models. The PRISMA checklist form was used to extract the essential information from the included studies. Eleven theories and models on the experience of breast cancer were found. The integrative model based on these theories and models illustrates that the breast cancer experience is conceptualized as a trajectory with seven landmark ‘events’, each associated with a pathogenic ‘challenge’ leading to six possible ‘symptoms’, 1) psychological distress with anxious features, 2) psychological distress with depressive features, 3) non-specific distress 4) psychological distress with trauma-related features 5) low health-related quality of life, and 6) fear of recurrence. The Breast Cancer Psychological Integrative Phasic Model is supported by a simple clinical tool (BreastCancerPsych – Integrative Clinical Tool) that serves as a valuable resource throughout the care trajectory. These integrative phasic model and clinical tool are designed to help mental health clinicians formulate treatments that are tailored to the needs of their patients, especially for trajectories that are not marked by resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: While the relationship between higher housing cost burden and poorer mental health has been established in lower-income groups, research examining high-income populations is scarce. We aimed to examine this relationship among high-income homeowners in Japan. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 6753 Japanese homeowners in detached houses. Data were collected as part of an ongoing panel survey, from new survey respondents during Wave 2 (Jul-Sept 2023) and Wave 3 (Jan-Mar 2024). Psychological distress, measured using the Kessler 6 scale, was the dependent variable. The explanatory variable was the mortgage-to-income ratio, categorized into two and six levels. We performed modified log Poisson regression analyses, incorporating income stratification, with missing data handled by multiple imputation. Results: For both overall respondents (PR = 1.22, 95 % CI 1.11–1.35) and the high-income group (PR = 1.23, 95 % CI 1.09–1.39), individuals with mortgage payment ratios ≥30 % were more likely to report psychological distress compared with those

Personality traits and coping strategies significantly predict predisposition to psychopathology. This study aimed to examine the predictive role of coping strategies in psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of Portuguese individuals, considering personality and sociodemographic variables. Data were collected using Google Forms from 2402 individuals (86.8% women; mean age ± SD = 36.80 ± 11.80) between March and June 2020, found primarily through Facebook. The evaluation instruments included the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), NEO Five-Factor Inventory, and Brief-COPE. Younger adults, females, single individuals, and those with lower education experienced higher distress. Neuroticism was strongly associated with all dimensions of psychological distress and the overall BSI. Maladaptive coping strategies (self-distraction, denial, self-blame, behavioral disengagement) were positively correlated with distress, whereas agreeableness and positive reframing were negatively correlated. Regression analysis showed that gender, age, education, and psychiatric diagnosis predicted 12% of distress; adding neuroticism increased prediction to 34% and coping strategies to 37%, with self-blame among coping strategies being the strongest predictor. Personality traits and coping strategies were significant predictors of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings emphasize the need for interventions that target neuroticism and maladaptive coping strategies to improve mental health outcomes during public crises.

AbstractBackground Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent condition among adults and is correlated to high levels of pain, high disability, and lower quality of life. Pain neuroscience education (PNE) helps to explain the pain experience and can affect psychosocial factors, such as fear of movement, anxiety, socioeconomic status, work life satisfaction, etc. More recently, virtual reality (VR) programs have emerged allowing for immersive PNE experiences.Objective The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to determine the feasibility of using a VR application for the delivery of immersive PNE (VR-PNE) and other activity training for patients with CLBP presenting to outpatient physical therapy (PT) clinics.Methods A two-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled feasibility trial of patients was conducted at 12 outpatient PT clinics from March 9, 2022, through September 9, 2022. The intervention group received PT as usual and VR-PNE while the control group received PT as usual. Between group feasibility, acceptability outcomes and other patient-reported outcomes were assessed at six weeks.Results: A total of 595 individuals were evaluated for low back pain during the recruitment period. Seventy individuals were eligible and met definition for CLBP, 52 enrolled and 32 completed the trial. Participant adherence was 63.6% for VR-PNE and 63.2% for PT as usual. Participants found VR-PNE acceptable and reported satisfaction scores (0–100) of 87.37 ± 11.05 compared to 81.17 ± 23.72 in the PT as usual group. There were no significant differences between groups for the BBQ, BRS, FABQ-PA, FABQ-W, GROC, NPRS, NPQ, PCS, and PSEQ at 6 weeks.Conclusion The results of the trial suggest that VR-PNE may be acceptable and feasible for patients with CLBP. Study procedures and PT delivery modifications should be considered for the next iteration of this study to improve follow-up assessment rates.

Objective: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder associated with reduced quality of life and psychological distress (PD) including anxiety and depression. The mechanisms linking IBS to PD are unclear. Previous studies showed that body image and self-criticism may be contributory factors. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the potential mediating roles of these factors in the relationship between IBS and PD.Method: 507 adults participated, including 142 with IBS (Mean age = 31.9, SD = 11.7), and 365 healthy peers (Mean age = 26.2, SD = 6.4), ranging in age from 18 to 75. The majority of participants were women (78%). Self-report measures assessed IBS status, body appreciation, body dissatisfaction, self-criticism, sociodemographic status, depression, and anxiety. Path analysis tested the hypothesized mediation model.Results: IBS participants reported greater PD, lower body appreciation, higher body dissatisfaction, and higher self-criticism than controls. Body appreciation and self-criticism sequentially mediated the link between IBS status and both depression and anxiety. IBS was associated with reduced body appreciation, which in turn was linked to heightened self-criticism, thereby leading to elevated psychological distress.Conclusion: Results suggest IBS negatively impacts body image appreciation, fostering self-critical judgments that exacerbate psychological symptoms. This study is the first to demonstrate a significant association between body appreciation and IBS, specifically highlighting this relationship. Findings clarify the psychosocial pathways at play in the comorbidity of mental health issues in IBS. Physicians and other health professionals are advised to detect women with IBS who are distressed, and to offer them appropriate intervention to prevent downstream consequences.

Abstract The study aims to explore the relationship among metacognition (MC), fear of disease of progression (FoP), psychological distress (PD), and quality of life (QoL), and verify whether FoP and PD have a chain mediating effect between MC and QoL. 231 hematologic tumor patients in a large tertiary hospital were investigated by using Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire-30, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scale. Data analyses were performed using IBM SPSS (version 25.0) and the PROCESS macro (version 4.1). The results showed that the direct impact of MC on QoL was not statistically significant. However, the indirect influence of MC on QoL manifest through the independent influences of PD and FoP, as well as the chain mediating effect of “PD → FoP.” In addition, all four dimensions of QoL (physical, social and family, emotional, and functional) satisfy the chain mediation model, except for the social and family domain. These insights advance our comprehension of the intricate interplay between MC and QoL, underscoring the importance of improving MC to alleviate patients' PD, mitigate FoP, and ultimately improve the QoL of hematologic tumor patients.

Abstract Improper use of social media during the COVID-19 outbreak, leading to fear and misunderstanding, can contribute to psychological disorders in vulnerable populations. This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on 511 medical students of Babol University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using demographic, psychological distress, fear and misunderstanding questionnaires related to COVID-19 and social media dependency. A total of 511 medical students, with an average age of Mean and S.D; 23.57 ± 3.03 participated in the study. The average psychological distress score was 23.82 ± 7.73 (out of 54), the average score of social media dependency was 17.53 ± 3.09 (out of 30), for the fear of COVID-19 was12.63 ± 2.56 (out of 35), and for the misperception of COVID-19 was 0.53 ± 0.09 (out of 18). Path analysis results) showed that direct path from improper use of social media to psychological distress is significant (P

Background: Despite the enactment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and National Food Security Act, food insecurity in India has been growing. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the current magnitude of food insecurity in a rural setting of West Bengal; to find out the association of food insecurity with the health and socio-demographic profile of the study population, if any; to explore their food situation and its various impacts on the study population; and to integrate the findings from the qualitative and quantitative strands. Methods: An observational study with a cross-sectional design using a mixed-methods approach was conducted in Muchisa. Two hundred and twelve households were selected through cluster random sampling for the quantitative strand. The participants were interviewed using a predesigned, pretested, and structured schedule from February 6–March 26, 2021. Qualitative data were collected from 10% of food-insecure households employing an in-depth interview guide. Statistical evaluation was done using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square test, Cochran–Armitage trend test, ordinal logistic regression, and thematic analysis. A P value of

Abstract This study aimed to examine whether psychological distress was cross-sectionally associated with meeting World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recommendations in people living with and beyond cancer. Participants were adults living with and beyond breast, prostate and colorectal cancer, participating in the baseline wave of the Advancing Survivorship after Cancer Outcomes Trial (ASCOT). Anxiety/depression was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L and dichotomised into any/no problems. WCRF recommendations were assessed via pedometers, 24-h dietary recalls, self-reported alcohol intake (AUDIT-C), and self-reported smoking status. Participants were categorised as meeting WCRF recommendations using the following cut-offs: average daily steps (≥ 10,000/day), average weekly aerobic steps (≥ 15,000/day), fruit and vegetables (≥ 400 g/day), fibre (≥ 30 g/day), red meat (

Abstract This study aimed to investigate distress levels, using the distress thermometer (DT), and the factors associated with distress in postoperative patients with pancreatobiliary cancer. This study retrospectively investigated 155 patients who underwent surgery for pancreatobiliary cancer between December 1, 2019 and September 30, 2021. The DT and problem list were used to measure distress. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Of the 155 patients, 16.8% (n = 26) and 83.2% (n = 129) were in the mild-distress and moderate-to-severe distress groups, respectively. The average DT score was 6.21; that for the mild-distress and moderate-to-severe distress groups was 2.46 and 6.97, respectively. More patients in the moderate-to-severe distress group reported having problems of “sadness” (χ2 = 4.538, P

Abstract Psychiatric inpatients often endure anxiety. This randomized trial assessed the impact of horticultural therapy on anxiety in adult psychiatric inpatients over four weeks, compared to standard care. Recruiting 211 inpatients from six units were randomized into control (n = 105) and experimental (n = 106) groups. Control received usual care; the experimental group had horticultural therapy alongside usual care. Anxiety, measured using HADS-A scale at four weeks, aimed to establish horticultural therapy's superiority. After four weeks, horticultural therapy significantly reduced anxiety compared to standard care (P

Abstract Background The extreme vulnerability experienced by patients in palliative care may result in significant distress. These patients require appropriate care while not pathologizing their natural distress. Given the challenges of caring for people experiencing significant distress, it is important to understand what professionals in training may feel when caring for patients in palliative care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how professionals in training feel when confronted with the distress of patients undergoing palliative care. Methods A qualitative study employing interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted. In 2022, 11 physicians in training were interviewed about their experiences with distressed patients due to palliative care. The interviews were conducted via video conference. The students participated in the national palliative care cross-training and were in their final year of residency training. Results The interviews revealed the following five themes: feelings of powerlessness, duty to act, difficulty in building a relationship, feeling insecure about oneself, and creating a space for listening and relating. All participants felt powerless in front of their patient’s distress. Numerous defense mechanisms were identified that made the relationship with the patient difficult. Four participants described being able to create a space for listening and relating to their patients. Conclusions A minority of students could establish a quality relationship with their distressed patients. Two concepts, interprofessional education and the patient-centered approach, were identified and could be developed in training.

Objective: This study investigated the effects of psychological distress on the work ability of intensive care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The sample size of this descriptive and cross-sectional study was determined to be at least 220 nurses, with a level of significance of 0.05, a confidence interval of 99%, and the ability to represent the population of 80%. The research was completed with 233 nurses. A Participant Information Form, the COVID-19-related Psychological Distress Scale, and the Work Ability Index were used to collect data online using Google Forms and email or social media accounts. In the analysis of data, Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis was used along with descriptive statistics. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the nurses’ length of time working in the profession and their WAI scores (r=0.132, p=0.043), and a negative correlation was found with their COVID-19 PDS scores (r=-0.162, p=0.013). A statistically significant difference was found about WAI total scores in the effect on work ability of the working conditions of the COVID- 19 pandemic (p

Tuberculosis (TB) is associated with psychological distress, poor coping, deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQL), and stigma. However, these issues have never received sufficient attention as a part of routine care. The healthcare workers and physicians of primary contact are not sensitized to use discrete screening questionnaires to identify and address these issues. A longitudinal study was hence conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry. 75 microbiologically confirmed ‘new’ pulmonary TB patients were enrolled. Socio-demographic and clinical details were noted. The patients were then evaluated for psychological distress using the General Health Questionnaire-12-Hindi version (GHQ-12) and Patient Distress Thermometer (PDT); coping strategies using the Coping Strategy Check List-Hindi Version (CSCL); HRQL using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief-Hindi version (WHOQOL-Bref), and stigma using the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue-affected persons Stigma Scale (EMIC-SS), at the start of treatment. Those having a GHQ-12 score ≥3 were labeled as ‘screen positive’ for psychological distress and referred to a consultant psychiatrist for detailed psychological assessment. Treatment was given by the psychiatrist if diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. All those without the diagnosis of a psychiatric illness were counseled by a pulmonologist. All patients were called for a follow-up visit and repeat assessments on the 15th day at the end of the intensive phase, using the same instruments employed at baseline. The patients already on treatment by the psychiatrist were again evaluated for their psychiatric illness. 32 (42.7%) patients had psychological distress (GHQ-12≥3) at baseline. 20 of them (26.7%) were diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. However, only 2 (2.7%) patients had psychological distress and psychiatric illness at follow-up (p

Introduction: Psychological distress in heart failure has been relatively neglected by researchers and practitioners, and early detection and treatment may improve the prognosis and patient's quality of life. This study sought to assess psychological distress exemplified by depression and anxiety among acute heart failure (AHF) patients seen at a large teaching hospital in South West Nigeria. Method: The study was a cross-sectional study of 153 consecutively admitted AHF patients who completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaires. The report of this article adhere to the STROBE reporting guideline. Data was analysed using standard statistical methods. Results: A total of 153 participants with AHF completed the study. The mean age±SD of participants was 57.7±15.0years. The prevalence of depression of any severity was 26.8% while that of anxiety was 9.2%. History of alcohol intake, male gender, and higher score of anxiety were independently associated with depression while the presence of higher depressive scores was the sole independent factor associated with anxiety. Conclusion: Psychological distress is present in AHF patients, so clinicians must evaluate these problems early in all such patients, address their specific needs, and intervene through a team approach when necessary.

Background A favorable clinical environment and nurse motivation are both essential for achieving high-quality patient outcomes and organizational performance in healthcare systems, which can be highly distressing for nurses. The purpose of this study was thus to determine the associations among and influences of psychological distress, work environment quality, and motivation on one another. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study conducted with a total sample of 204 nurses in two public tertiary hospitals. We used an online survey to collect nurses’ responses, which comprised the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-6, Brief Nurses’ Practice Environment Scale, and Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale. We ran the necessary statistical analyses in SPSS version 28. Results We found that nurses’ psychological distress, work environment quality, and motivation were moderate. A significant, positive, and moderate relationship existed between psychological distress and work environment quality, while nurses’ educational level was statistically different with their motivation level. In the regression, only the nationality, current position, and work environment variables significantly influenced psychological distress. The hospital type also significantly influenced work environment quality. No variable was found to influence nurses’ motivation level, though. Conclusions We concluded that nurses’ work environment quality and motivation are interconnected with the psychological stress they experience at work. Monitoring nurses’ work environment quality, motivation levels, and psychological distress is thus vital to ensure better patient care.

Abstract Caregivers of advanced cancer patients face challenges impacting their quality of life (QoL). While evidence suggests that family sense of coherence (FSOC) can enhance individual psychological well-being and reduce distress symptoms, the precise mechanism through which FSOC improves caregivers' QoL remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationships among FSOC, psychological resilience, psychological distress, and QoL in primary caregivers of advanced cancer patients. A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken from June 2020 to March 2021 across five tertiary hospitals in China. Instruments included a general characteristic questionnaire, the Family Sense of Coherence Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the 8-item SF-8 health survey. Pearson’s correlation and chain mediation analyses were performed using IBM SPSS (version 21) and PROCESS macro (version 3.4). Out of 290 valid questionnaires, results demonstrated that FSOC directly and positively influences caregivers' QoL. Psychological distress partially mediated the FSOC-QoL association, with paths "FSOC-psychological distress-QoL" and "FSOC-psychological resilience-psychological distress-QoL" contributing 43.08% and 6.72% of the total effect, respectively. Furthermore, this study distinguished physical and mental aspects of QoL, confirming both conform to the chain mediation model. FSOC impacts caregivers' QoL directly and indirectly through the mediation of psychological distress and the chain mediation effect of "psychological resilience-psychological distress". These insights enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between FSOC and QoL, underscoring the potential benefits of bolstering FSOC to strengthen caregiver resilience, alleviate distress, and ultimately elevate their QoL.

Abstract Health care workers have been exposed to COVID-19 more than people in other professions, which may have led to stigmatization, discrimination, and violence toward them, possibly impacting their mental health. We investigated (1) factors associated with stigma, discrimination, and violence, (2) the association of stigma, discrimination, and violence with mental health, (3) everyday experiences of stigmatization, discrimination, and violence. We chose a combination of a quantitative approach and qualitative content analysis to analyze data collected at three time points: in 2020, 2021 and 2022. A higher age was associated with lower odds of experiencing stigma, discrimination, and violence, whereas female gender was related to more negative experiences. The intensity of exposure to COVID-19 was associated with greater experience with stigmatization, discrimination, and violence across all three years (for example in 2022: odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.74, 1.18–2.55 for mild exposure; 2.82, 1.95–4.09 for moderate exposure; and 5.74, 3.55–9.26 for severe exposure, when compared to no exposure). Stigma, discrimination, and violence were most strongly associated with psychological distress in 2020 (odds ratio = 2.97, 95% confidence interval 2.27–3.88) and with depressive symptoms in 2021 (odds ratio = 2.78, 95% confidence interval 2.12–3.64). Attention should be given to the destigmatization of contagious diseases and the prevention of discrimination, violence, and mental health problems, both within workplaces and among the public.

Abstract More attention has gone to researching the cancer-related fatigue (CRF)–sleep disturbance (SD)–psychological distress (PD) symptom cluster in breast cancer patients during the chemotherapy period, but the change trend and heterogeneous development track in the whole treatment stage remain unclear, and it is also unclear whether the appearance of and changes in one symptom cause changes in other symptoms and quality of life (QoL). This study, using breast cancer patients’ data collected through a validated questionnaire, examined the relationships between SD, CRF, PD, and QoL using latent growth modeling analyses. CRF developmental trajectories showed an upward trend over five surveys (slope = 0.649, P

Abstract Reports from different parts of the world suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown and social distancing measures have heralded unprecedented mental health challenges among children and adolescents. To date, there is a dearth of studies emerging from the Arabian Gulf, where the majority of its population are children and adolescents. The study aims to examine the prevalence of anxiety-related symptoms and their covariates among children and adolescents in an Arabian Gulf country, Oman. This is a cross-sectional analytic study carried out over two weeks (1st to 15th of August 2020) during the COVID-19 pandemic across Oman. Parents were asked to complete the online survey, which consisted of the parent version of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) instrument and questions regarding basic socio-demographic information. Logistic regression was used to identify the contributing variables associated with anxiety-related symptoms. A total of 790 valid responses were received. Among the 790 children, 33.3% (n = 263) were diagnosed with anxiety-related symptoms by the SCARED instrument. Logistic regression analysis suggested that anxiety-related symptoms in children and adolescents were significantly associated with three demographic variables. The model shows that children with divorced or separated parents were 1.9 times more likely to have anxiety-related symptoms than children of married couples (OR = 1.93, p = 0.035). Children living in families with an income below USD 1000/month, were 1.8 times more likely to have anxiety-related symptoms than a family with an income of USD 4000/month (OR = 1.833, p = 0.018). Children in grades 3–6 were 1.8 times more likely to have anxiety-related symptoms than those in grades 1–2 (OR = 1.79, p = 0.024). Anxiety-related symptoms are common among Omani children and adolescents. They are more likely to be reported in middle scholastic grade levels and children from families with marital discord and low socioeconomic status. It is not clear whether the presently observed rates of anxiety exceed the prevalence that would have been observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. More studies are therefore warranted using children and adolescents' self-reported scales.

Background and Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, often leading to emotional challenges. This study aimed at investigating the mediating roles of resilience and self-efficacy in the relationship between perceived social support and psychological distress among breast cancer patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on women with breast cancer admitted to Imam Khomeini and Imam Hossein Hospitals in Tehran, Iran, in 2023. A total of 250 patients were included using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS) by Lovibond (1995), Resilience Scale (RISC) by Connor and Davidson (2003), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) by Scherer et al. (1982), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) by Zimet et al. (1988). Results: Perceived social support had a direct and significant effect on resilience (β=0.34, P=0.001) and self-efficacy (β=0.19, P=0.019) in women with breast cancer. However, no significant direct relationship was found between perceived social support and psychological distress. Resilience (β=-0.46, P=0.001) and self-efficacy (β=0.33, P=0.001) directly influenced psychological distress, with both factors mediating the relationship between social support and distress. The final model demonstrated good fit indices (CFI=0.93, CMIN/DF=1.82, RMSEA=0.064, P

Background Psychological distress has been a growing challenge to healthy living worldwide. Special attention has been concentrated on examining the cost of psychological distress on the life satisfaction of college students who are vulnerable groups coping with the challenge. The purpose of this study is to explore the roles of physical literacy (PL) and mindfulness in mediating the impact of psychological distress on life satisfaction among college students in China. Methods A sample of 653 students from six universities across three cities in China participated in an online survey, which included measures of PL, mindfulness, life satisfaction, as well as stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was implemented to analyze the survey data. Results The findings of the SEM analysis demonstrated an acceptable model fit (X2/df = 3.63, CFI = 0.951, TLI = 0.940, RMSEA = 0.068, 90% CI = [0.060, 0.075], SRMR = 0.051) with a large effect size (R2 = 0.36) for life satisfaction, indicating that 36% of the variation in life satisfaction could be explained by the model. In addition, significant partial-mediation effects of PL and mindfulness were observed in the relationship between psychological distress and life satisfaction. These findings provide empirical support for the notion that interventions targeting PL and mindfulness practices may effectively enhance well-being and alleviate psychological distress among college students. Furthermore, this study suggests that integrating PL and mindfulness components into physical education and activity programs could be beneficial in meeting individuals’ holistic health needs.

Background: Psychological distress may worsen during cancer treatment and affect well-being. Information on the prevalence of distress and its associated variables in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in rural Bangladesh has not been thoroughly explored. To address this, we aimed to assess psychological distress and its associated factors in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in rural Bangladesh. Only adult patients with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. The validated Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was used to assess psychological distress. Frequency and percentages were used in descriptive analysis, and logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate potential associated factors for depression, anxiety, and stress. Results: Participants comprised 415 patients with a mean age of 46.3 years. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 61.5%, 55.4%, and 22.0%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients with more than five family members and smokeless tobacco users had a significant association with depression, anxiety, and stress. In contrast, participants aged >60 years had a protective association with depression. Conclusions: Our findings show that patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy experience a high prevalence of depression and anxiety and that the use of smokeless tobacco and having six or more family members are associated with psychological distress. These findings will aid health professionals and policymakers in establishing and implementing improved care programs to ensure the greater mental health of cancer survivors, particularly in resource-limited settings.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of mental disorders continues to rise, increasing in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). This study investigated factors associated with psychological distress (PD) in the community. METHODOLOGY: The cross-sectional study with 220 samples was taken from the total adult population of a village in Banda Aceh by convenience sampling. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) instrument was used in this study. RESULT: Respondents aged 20-44 years (45.8%), female (79.7%), low education (78.0%), married (74.6%), and experiencing high somatic symptom disorder (33.9%) tend to experience PD. There was a significant relationship between age (p=0.036), gender (p=0.018), educational status (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.006), and somatic symptom disease (p=0.022) on PD. CONCLUSION: Education is a triggering factor for PD. The influence of marriage on psychological distress in the community needs to be re-evaluated regarding family support and coping strategies in resolving family conflicts.

Background: Psychological distress such as anxiety and depression can negatively affect medical students' academic performance and future careers. Aim: This study examined the prevalence and impact of psychological distress on medical students' academic achievement, their associated learner characteristics, and how students handle stress in western Saudi Arabia. Setting and Design: This cross-sectional study incorporated a mixed-methods design, including quantitative and qualitative components for Phase 2 medical students. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used for quantitative components to examine the prevalence of psychological distress among medical students. In addition, a qualitative study component was conducted with students with severe psychological distress using structured interviews with a predetermined list of responses to which to select and assess factors that lead to severe psychological distress and how students handle stress. This study began on January 15, 2018, at the medical college Taif University and lasted 3 months. Statistical Analysis Used: The quantitative and qualitative data were coded, verified, and analyzed by a statistician using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS version 22.0). Chi-squared tests were used to examine differences between proportions. Results: This study (n = 289) revealed that more than 69% of medical students experienced some form of psychological distress, 52% suffered from mild and moderate psychological distress, and 17% with severe psychological distress. There were no statistically significant differences between genders and years of study regarding psychological distress. Overall, there was no statistically significant association between grade point average and psychological distress scores. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress among medical students. This study recommends establishing a psychological counseling unit at medical schools in western Saudi Arabia to detect psychological distress in medical students and timely referrals of those who need medical advice.

Background/Aim: Adolescence is a developmental period that is rife with emotional problems as adolescents lack psychological maturity. Ju-venile offenders who are incarcerated may be more vulnerable to psy-chological distress. Aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence and risks of psychological distress among male juveniles (MJs) incarcerated in Indonesia. Method: The participants of this study were 206 male juvenile offenders (MJOs) aged 12-17 from 28 Special Child Development Institutions (Lem-baga Pemasyarakatan Khusus Anak; LPKA) in Indonesia. The participants' socio-demographic data was gathered while the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess the extent of their psychological distress. Results: Of the 47.6 % of participants that reported psychological dis-tress, peer relationship problems (64.6 %) was the most severe, followed by conduct problems (51.5 %). The binary logistic regression results re-vealed that education level (p = 0.005) and psychological trauma (p < 0.001) correlated with psychological distress and that they were respon-sible for 37.5 % of psychological distress. Therefore, education level and psycho-trauma significantly affect the extent of the psychological distress that MJOs in Indonesia experience. Conclusion: Juveniles require support to further their formal or informal education. Furthermore, healthcare providers could develop appropriate interventions to manage specific traumatic events as well as prevent or improve the mental health of MJOs.

Objectives: Withholding workers’ salaries for months as a punishment for engaging in a strike may natively affect and influence their psychological distress. This study assessed the correlation between physical activity, psychological distress, and socioeconomic status, and explored the factors influencing psychological distress among the striking workers in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional face-to-face and online study conveniently sampled a total of 234 lecturers aged 27-69 years. The sociodemographic, physical, socio-economic, and psychological distress was assessed by the university strike physical and psychological distress questionnaire (USPAPDQ). Data analysis includes descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, Spearman’s correlation, and Man whiney U-test, using a p

Abstract Introduction Medical Education studies suggest that medical students experience depression, anxiety and psychopathological symptomatology in a proportion higher than in the rest of the population. In the present study, we aimed to conduct a nationwide analysis to describe student’s perceptions of Educational Climate in Spanish medical schools, and its relationship with psychopathological symptomatology. Methods The study was carried out in 2022 in all 44 medical schools in Spain, and analyses the academic climate, and psychopathological symptomatology among medical students (n = 4374). To measure these variables, we used the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) for academic climate, and the SA-45 (Symptom Assessment-45 Questionnaire was used to assess psychopathological symptomatology. Results The mean DREEM global score was low, 95.8 (SD 22.6). Worse perception of the academic climate has been found in females (t -2.21, p 0.027), in students of the clinical academic years (t 16.9, p

Abstract Background We test a novel ‘weight scarring’ hypothesis which suggests that past obesity is associated with impairments in current psychological well-being and this increases risk of negative physical health outcomes associated with obesity. Across two nationally representative studies, we tested whether past obesity is associated with current psychological outcomes and whether these psychological outcomes explain the association between past obesity and subsequent early mortality. Methods Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (n = 29,047) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (n = 11,998). Past obesity was defined based on maximum lifetime weight in NHANES and the highest weight from past study waves in the HRS. Across both studies, current depressive symptoms were analysed. A set of 10 additional well-being measures were combined to produce an ‘index of impaired well-being’ in HRS. Subsequent all-cause mortality was examined using National Deaths Index records in NHANES and household interviews in HRS. Linear or logistic regression, Cox proportional hazard regression, and causal mediation models were used. Results We found that past obesity was associated with greater current depressive symptoms after controlling for current weight status and in analyses limited to those who were no longer classified as having obesity in NHANES (β = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.22) and HRS (β = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.31). In HRS, past obesity was also associated with a range of current negative psychological outcomes, including an index of impaired psychological well-being (β = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.27). Past obesity was associated with a higher risk of early mortality in both NHANES and HRS (HR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.48 and HR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.50, respectively). Depressive symptoms explained 6% (95% CI: 0.01, 0.10) and 5% (95% CI: 0.01, 0.09) of the association between past obesity and premature mortality in NHANES and HRS, respectively. Impaired psychological well-being partly mediated the association between past obesity and premature mortality by 10% (95% CI: 0.04, 0.16) in HRS. Conclusions Our findings suggest that there may be a psychological legacy of past obesity that is associated with raised mortality risk. Ensuring people with obesity receive psychological support even after experiencing weight loss may be important.

Background As an objective index to evaluate chronic stress, allostatic load (AL) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. At present, there are few longitudinal studies to analyze the influencing factors of AL among pregnant women. Objective To investigate the status of AL and its influencing factors in pregnant women at different trimesters. Methods This study was designed as a prospective study. Questionnaire survey, physical examination and laboratory examination were administered to 152 women in the first (≤14 weeks), second (23-27 weeks) and third (30-34 weeks) trimesters of pregnancy collected in the obstetrics outpatient clinics of the 901 Hospital, Joint Logistic Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Jin'an Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from November 2021 to November 2022 by using convenience sampling method. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess the depression during pregnancy. Referring to previous studies, the relevant assessment indexes of metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and immune system were used to calculate the total score of AL, and AL≥3 score was used as a criterion for determining high AL level at different trimesters of pregnancy. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of AL in the first, second and third trimesters. Results Among 152 pregnant women, the mean total AL score was (2.06±1.68), (2.07±1.84) and (2.07±1.68) in the first, second and third trimesters; 52 (34.2%), 54 (35.5%) and 50 (32.9%) women were in high level of AL (total score of AL≥3) in the first, second and third trimesters. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that occupations {business service employees〔OR=0.229, 95%CI (0.062, 0.845), P=0.027〕, office staff〔OR=0.164, 95%CI (0.051, 0.528), P=0.002〕, professional and technical personnel〔OR=0.278, 95%CI (0.099, 0.784), P=0.015〕}, unemployment〔OR=5.516, 95%CI (1.044, 29.144), P=0.044〕and depression〔OR=6.241, 95%CI (1.403, 27.757), P=0.016〕were the influencing factors of AL in the first trimester. Age〔OR=1.098, 95%CI (1.002, 1.202), P=0.045〕and AL in the first trimester〔OR=9.965, 95%CI (4.402, 22.561), P

Background: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience symptoms of cognitive impairment. These patients perceive a lot of stress and are required to comply with quarantine conditions. Remote stress management training, in accordance with the principles of quarantine of these patients, can be effective in their recovery process. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of remote stress management training on the cognitive status of patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, the research population was all the patients with COVID-19 referred to Gharazi Hospital in Isfahan City, Iran, in the winter of 2021. Seventy patients were selected by available sampling method and divided into two intervention and control groups (35 people) by limited randomization method. For the intervention group, the remote stress management online training program was implemented in five 60-minute sessions over two weeks. The control group did not receive training. The cognitive status index was measured using Folstein et al.'s brief cognitive status examination questionnaire [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)] before and after the training sessions. The data were analyzed with SPSS software at two levels of descriptive and inferential statistics and by performing chi-square test, independent t-test, paired t-test as well as the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Findings: The comparison of the average scores of the cognitive status in the pre-test and post-test phases of the two groups showed that the remote stress management training had a significant effect on the cognitive status of the patients with COVID-19 and improved this index in the intervention group (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results, remote stress management training can improve the cognitive status of patients with COVID-19. Therefore, this method of training is recommended due to the convenience and possibility of using it in the quarantine conditions of these patients.

Social jetlag is associated with physical and mental health problems. With the increased popularity of telework, we investigated a specific form of social jetlag that we termed “telework jetlag”. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between telework jetlag—the difference in sleep and wake-up times between in-office and telework days—and mental health problems among Japanese hybrid workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1789 participants from October to December 2021 using an online-based questionnaire. Telework jetlag, defined as the difference in the midsleep point between in-office and telework days, was investigated using two groups according to telework jetlag—those lagging

Objective:The sleep/wake cycle plays a vital role in mental health and daily life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of circadian rhythm sleep disorders in the young population and their effect on psychological health and mental disability.Materials and Methods:The present study is part of the first phase of the Ravansar cohort (a branch of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran cohort) and included 2991 participants from Ravansar, Iran. Data were collected using standard questionnaires, including the Kessler Psychological Distress (PD) Scale (K10), Sheehan Disability Scale, and sleep timing.Results:The prevalence of advanced sleep phase disorder (ASPD) was 0.4% in the sample, the prevalence of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) was 4.1%, and the prevalence of the desire to change sleep patterns was 61.3%. The results also showed that the level of PD in people with and without ASPD was not significant, but the level of PD was significantly higher in people with DSPD compared to those without (p

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how the COVID-19 lockdown influenced patients receiving orthodontic therapy. METHODOLOGY: An Ambispective study was done by collecting the data from July to August 2022. An investigative questionnaire containing 17 questions was circulated to 325 respondents/patients. The data was collected using a convenience sampling technique. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances aged 18 to 40 years were included in the study. Both male and female respondents who participated in the survey varied in terms of their ages, i.e., between 18 to 40 years. Version 24 of a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) has been used for data analysis. RESULTS: According to the study's findings, the lockdown's impact on patients undergoing orthodontic treatments was significant. For instance, anxiety & psychological distress were created during the lockdown because of concerns regarding the closure of hospitals and delayed visits to orthodontists or problems in getting appointments. Because of this, patients feared prolonged treatment durations and orthodontic emergencies, including discomfort, wires pinching them, ruptured skin, damaged brackets, ligature ties and bondable buccal tubes, etc. CONCLUSION: Due to covid-19 lockdown, patients found difficulty in their regular appointments or monthly checkups as the hospitals were closed. Patients also experienced mental distress, making it imperative to comprehend the psychology of individuals experiencing orthodontic care.

Background and aims: During the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing was known as a stressful occupation. This high work pressure and stress can make nurses susceptible to psychological consequences. The state of mental health of nurses can be effectively related to their job performance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety, psychological distress, and general decisionmaking styles in nurses. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a selected hospital in Yazd province in 2022. An available sampling method was used in this research, and 100 nurses were included in the study. Corona Disease Anxiety Scale, Kessler’s Questionnaire (K10), and Scott, and Bruce’s decision-making styles questionnaire were employed to collect data. The obtained data were analyzed using Mann- Whitney and correlation test in SPSS-24. Results: Based on the results, a positive relationship was found between COVID-19 anxiety and psychological distress (P = 0.05, r = 0.19). In this study, a positive correlation was observed between COVID-19 anxiety in nurses and spontaneous (P = 0.008) and dependent (P < 0.001) decision-making styles. Eventually, psychological distress was significantly correlated with avoidant (P = 0.005) and dependent (P = 0.005) decision-making styles. Conclusion: Considering the importance of mental health and nurses’ job performance, it is recommended that measures should be taken to reduce anxiety and improve their mental health. Holding mental health training workshops and increasing social and organizational support can also be effective in this regard.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a multifactorial disease that has many psychological consequences. In this regard, the present study investigated the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on sexual function, coping strategies, and distress tolerance of employees with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: The present research has a quasi-experimental design, with pre-test-post-test and a control group. The statistical population of the research included the employees of Tehran province in 2019. Thirty patients were randomly divided into intervention (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The data collection tools included sexual function, coping strategies, and distress tolerance questionnaires. The intervention group received eight 90-minute sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy, but the control group did not. Data were analyzed using multivariate covariance analysis by SPSS-24 software.Results: Acceptance and commitment therapy significantly reduced emotional and avoidant coping styles. On the contrary, it has increased sexual function, problem-oriented coping style, and distress tolerance (tolerance, absorption, evaluation, adjustment) in employees with rheumatoid arthritis (P

Abstract This study aimed to examine gender differences in distress and well-being two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing risk and protective factors for psychological distress and subjective well-being. It is a repeated cross-sectional study with a sample of 1,588 women (50%) and men (50%) from the general Spanish population aged 18-74 years who were assessed online by seven questionnaires and scales. Descriptive, variance, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed. From February to April 2022, 57.4% of women and 38.7% of men had psychological distress, percentages that totaled 50.5% and 41.5%, respectively, from October 2022 to February 2023. Women also had greater perceived vulnerability to diseases, more negative feelings, and lower affect balance, resilience, and self-esteem than men. The most important predictors of greater psychological distress refer to lower self-esteem, resilience, and social support and higher perceived vulnerability to diseases. Other statistically significant predictors included lower educational level in women and neither being married nor living with a partner in men. Lower self-esteem also best predicted lower subjective well-being, with lower social support and lower resilience also constituting significant predictors. Moreover, lower educational level and higher perceived vulnerability to diseases statistically and significantly predicted lower subjective well-being in women, as did not being a student in men. We conclude that psychological distress remains greatly prevalent in Spain two years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in women.