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Abstract Background Ethiopian migrants to the Middle East and South Africa are exposed to dangerous traveling and working conditions and their experiences are mostly tragic. They are unwelcomed not only by the situation in the destination but also by the community at home which is an important indicator of stigma and discrimination. However, there is lack of evidence on how psychological distress is associated with migration experiences, stigma and coping strategies. Therefore, it was aimed to determine the mediating effect of psychological distress in the association between migration experiences and stigma and discrimination and coping strategies. Methods A total of 739 Ethiopian migrant returnees from the Middle East and South Africa were included in the study. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five migration hotspot areas in Ethiopia, namely Addis Ababa, Dessie, Shashemene, Hossana, and Gondar. Data related to socio-demographic, economic, migration experiences, psychological distress, coping strategies, and stigma and discrimination were collected. Psychological distress was measured using the 21- item version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and coping strategies were measured with the Brief-COPE. Structural equation modeling was employed to estimate the relationship among variables. Results About 395 (57.33%) of the participants reported symptoms of depression, 428 (59.86%) anxiety symptoms, and 313 (45.21%) stress symptoms. The mediated association between physical violence and coping strategy through psychological distress was 0.29 (adjusted β = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.44). Denial of salary had positive direct (adjusted β = 1.00, 95%CI: 0.50, 1.50) and mediated (adjusted β = 1.20, 95%CI: 0.71, 1.68) associations with stigma and discrimination through psychological distress. Restricted freedom had positive mediated (adjusted β = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.65) and total (adjusted β = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.59, 1.29) associations with stigma and discrimination through psychological distress. Conclusion Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms are common among migrant returnees. Religious practice is the most commonly used coping mechanism. Psychological distress has positive mediating association with the relationships between denial of salary by employers and stigma and discrimination, physical violence and coping strategy, and restricted freedom and stigma and discrimination. Psychological interventions to deal with the psychological distress and stigma and discrimination of migrant returnees and to encourage the practice of positive coping strategies are warranted.

Abstract Aim There is limited knowledge on the prevalence, risk factors, and coping strategies of food insecurity among women refugees. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of food insecurity among Syrian women refugees living in Türkiye (Turkey) and to evaluate the various coping strategies they use to manage food insecurity. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 Syrian women refugees aged 18–64 years living in Türkiye. Data were collected by native Arabic-speaking researchers through online and face-to-face surveys. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, food insecurity status, and coping strategies were analyzed. ‘Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)’ was used to determine the food insecurity status. Results It was found that 28% of the women who participated in the study had food security, 35% had mild, 24% had moderate, and 13% had severe food insecurity. In the group with food insecurity, age, number of children in the family, and average body mass index (BMI) were higher, while education and income level were lower (p

Abstract The study explored rural livelihood sustainability in South Asia and Africa through a bibliometric analysis and systematic review approach. The purpose of the study was to identify the trend of scholarly discourse, the dominant themes that have attracted scholarly interest over the past decade, and to shed light on the emerging opportunities for enhancing rural livelihood sustainability. The study carefully selected 139 articles sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other institutional websites. Our findings revealed noticeable growth in scholarly output over the past decade and identified some scholars with noteworthy contributions. Notably, it was found that the impact of climate change, drought, poverty, and food security on rural livelihoods has largely dominated the scholarly investigations over the period. However, the potentials of pyrolis, biochar, and dryland forestry for rural livelihood sustainability were found to be underexplored. In light of these insights, we recommend the scholarly community develop much interest in less explored areas that equally hold great potential for enhancing rural livelihoods. We also recommend that rural livelihood programming by policymakers must seek the integration of indigenous knowledge and be tailored to strengthen the resilience of rural households against the perils of climate change and weather variability.

Abstract Background Policing is a stressful occupation. Police officers are exposed to stressors that are inherent in the organization and operations of law enforcement. Similar to their counterparts around the world, many Nigeria police officers are exposed to high levels of stress, making them vulnerable to stress-related mental health conditions and other noncommunicable diseases. Despite these risks and their consequences to the health and safety of police officers and the larger society, interventions are currently not available to address this challenge in Nigeria. This pilot study aims to assess the burden of stress from a national sample of police officers and test the feasibility of an intervention for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanisms among police officers in Nigeria. Methods This is a three-phase study: (1) a needs assessment and situational analysis using a convergent parallel, mixed-methods approach to determine the prevalence of stress and mental health burden among 1200 police officers in four randomly selected states in four geopolitical zones of the country, (2) the development of a peer-led intervention for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanism which will be tested using a cluster randomized trial among 200 police officers, and (3) the preliminary evaluation of the intervention based on knowledge about stress management and mental disorders and psychological distress and reduction in stress levels. These measures will be obtained at baseline (T0), immediate (T1), and 6-month post-intervention (T2). Feasibility will be determined based on enrollment rate, attendance, and completion of the group sessions. Multivariable linear regression models taking into account clustering effects will be used to estimate between-group differences in outcome measures. Discussion Findings from the study will inform policy review and the development of a pragmatic intervention on stress prevention and management among police officers. This will enhance the policing role of officers, thus contributing to the safety of the communities they serve. Trial registration PACTR Registry: PACTR202310474721238. Registered on 6 October, 2023. https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=25663 . Protocol version number 1.0 (date: 6 October, 2023).

Abstract Background Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure in which a stoma is created in trachea by direct incision over the anterior aspect of the neck, which can cause disfigurement of the anterior neck and many other associated physical and psychosocial issues. Patients with long-term/permanent tracheostomy have to live with tracheostomy even after getting discharged from the hospital, which can further complicate the condition of the patients as they are unable to cope up with the problems associated with long-term tracheostomy. There is dearth of literature related to intensity of problems among patients having long term/ permanent tracheostomy in India. Therefore, the aim of the study is to assess psychosocial, physical problems and coping mechanism in patients with long-term/permanent tracheostomy. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at ENT outpatient department and ENT Minor operation theatre, tertiary care hospital India. Total of 100 patients having long term/permanent tracheostomy were enrolled by convenient sampling. Data regarding demographics and clinical characteristics, Physical and Psychosocial problems, and Coping strategies were collected by structured questionnaires. Result The majority of individuals who had long-term or permanent tracheostomies had only minor health issues. Patients experienced more psychosocial issues than people in the general healthy population. The majority of patients employed active coping, acceptance, and religion as coping mechanisms, whereas the coping mechanisms which were minimally used includes: humor and substance abuse. Patients' coping strategies vary significantly according on their age, employment status, marital status, and the duration of their tracheostomy. Conclusion Long-term/Permanent tracheostomy can cause multiple physical and psychosocial issues in patients, but eventually, patients get adapted to it. Support from family members and significant others plays a vital role in better coping with tracheostomy in situ, also it is critical for health care providers to be aware of their problems and coping mechanisms so that they can provide required care and assistance.

Abstract Background Rural communities in low- and middle-income countries, such as The Gambia, often experience water insecurity periodically due to climate drivers such as heavy rainfall and reduced rainfall, as well as non-climate drivers such as infrastructural issues and seasonal workloads. When facing these challenges households use a variety of coping mechanisms that could pose a risk to health. We aimed to understand the drivers of water insecurity (climate and non-climate), the behavioural responses to water insecurity and the risks these responses pose to the health of communities in rural Gambia and map these findings onto a conceptual framework. Methods We interviewed 46 participants using multiple qualitative methods. This included in-depth interviews and transect walks. A subset of 27 participants took part in three participatory pile-sorting activities. In these activities participants were asked to rank water-related activities, intrahousehold prioritisation of water, and the coping strategies utilised when facing water insecurity. Results Multiple strategies were identified that people used to cope with water shortages, including: reductions in hygiene, changes to food consumption, and storing water for long periods. Many of these could inadvertently introduce risks for health. For example, limiting handwashing increases the risk of water-washed diseases. Deprioritising cooking foods such as millet, which is a nutrient-dense staple food, due to the high water requirements during preparation, could impact nutritional status. Additionally, storing water for long periods could erode water quality. Social factors appeared to play an important role in the prioritisation of domestic water-use when faced with water shortages. For example, face-washing was often maintained for social reasons. Health and religion were also key influencing factors. People often tried to protect children from the effects of water insecurity, particularly school-aged children, but given the communal nature of many activities this was not always possible. Many people associated water insecurity with poor health. Conclusions To reduce the risks to health, interventions need to address the drivers of water insecurity to reduce the need for these risky coping behaviours. In the short term, the promotion of behavioural adaptations that can help buffer health risks, such as water treatment, may be beneficial.

Research question: What coping strategies have people with long-term pain brought with them after an eight-week low threshold pain management course, consisting of ACT and supervised physical activity, to manage their pain? Design: The study utilized a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews. Method: Individual interviews were conducted with five women aged 47-59 who had participated in a pain management course in a Norwegian municipality in spring 2021. The data were analysed using phenomenology. Findings: The participants learned coping strategies that could be used during exacerbations of pain. The pain course did not change the participants' pain levels. The key coping strategies the participants took away were related to valuing work, relaxation, and physical activity. Although the participants felt they learned useful strategies from the coping course, the findings of this study show that it was challenging to implement the strategies in daily life after the course. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that working to identify one's values, exploring various forms of physical activity, and relaxation techniques can be effective coping strategies for managing pain. However, the findings also suggest that implementing these strategies in everyday life outside the course's framework may be challenging.

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) has emerged as a global phenomenon, with pregnant women being particularly vulnerable, especially in developing countries. Despite its diverse manifestations and severe impacts, IPV is sometimes perceived as culturally acceptable or as a means of controlling women. Aims This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns and determinants of IPV amongst pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at a tertiary hospital in Anambra State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional survey enrolled 400 pregnant women receiving ANC at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State. Data collection utilised semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results In this study we found a 21.8% prevalence of IPV. Psychological violence was the most common form, followed by sexual and physical violence at rates of 72.4%, 35.6%, and 32.2% respectively. Risk factors associated with IPV included low educational attainment, maternal unemployment, average monthly income of

Abstract Test anxiety is a widespread problem among university students, with negative consequences for their social, physical, and academic well-being. Therefore, students may engage in activities that might alleviate anxiety symptoms, including taking medication. The study aimed to identify factors affecting test anxiety among medical and non-medical students during examination period and their coping approaches. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey to collect data. The westside test anxiety scale was used to measure the students’ anxiety levels. Univariate and post hoc analyses were used. The number of participants was 925 from 14 colleges, and 82.9% of them were female. The results indicated that the test anxiety was moderately high. Young students, females, junior students, and students with low cumulative grade point averages (cGPAs) has statistically significant high test levels with p-values 0.042, 0.01,

In recent years, research has noted the increasing prevalence of mental health problems among university students. The current mental health needs of the university population, along with the multitude of stressors they face, have increased the importance of examining their psychological well-being and determining the personal resources that effectively promote it. In this context, the present research aims to analyze the roles of psychological capital (PsyCap) and coping strategies as personal resources that are significantly related to the psychological well-being (PWB) of university students. Specifically, the mediating roles of various coping strategies (both adaptive and maladaptive) in the relationship between PsyCap and PWB are explored. The study involves 391 university students from Spain. The results show partial mediation effects of adaptive coping strategies (cognitive restructuring and social support) on the relationship between PsyCap and PWB. Likewise, PsyCap is shown to be a direct positive predictor of adaptive coping strategies and PWB, as well as a direct negative predictor of maladaptive coping strategies (self-criticism). Therefore, it is concluded that PsyCap and some adaptive coping strategies serve as valuable personal resources that predict PWB in university students. PsyCap is also associated with a lower tendency to engage in maladaptive coping strategies, such as self-criticism. Similarly, the use of cognitive restructuring and/or social support is related to high levels of PWB among university students.

Abstract Breast cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with Iran experiencing particularly high incidence and mortality rates. Understanding the adaptation process of Iranian breast cancer survivors’ post-treatment is crucial. This study explores the health perceptions, barriers, and coping mechanisms of Iranian survivors by integrating Stress-Coping Theory (SCT) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 survivors, and a grounded theory approach guided the deductive content analysis of the data. The findings reveal key themes, including perceived susceptibility, benefits, barriers to care, cues to action, self-efficacy, and appraisal of action. Perceived susceptibility highlights diagnostic challenges stemming from practitioner errors and symptom misconceptions. Perceived benefits underscore the importance of early detection and support from healthcare providers and families. Barriers include cultural and financial obstacles, while cues to action reflect the influence of media, family, and personal experiences on healthcare-seeking behavior. The study also examines coping strategies, such as problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches, along with family support and external stressors. To address these barriers and enhance support systems, the study suggests specific strategies for healthcare providers, including targeted training to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient communication. Culturally sensitive awareness campaigns can correct symptom misconceptions, while financial counseling can mitigate economic barriers. Establishing community-based support groups and involving family members in care plans can enhance emotional and psychological support. These strategies aim to overcome the identified barriers and improve support systems for Iranian breast cancer survivors, ultimately fostering better recovery outcomes.

Abstract Background The number of children diagnosed with cancer is expected to increase by 2050. The caring aspect of these children is usually left to members of the family, more so the mothers. Caregivers are usually faced with various challenges, such as financial issues, social stigma, and emotional and psychological issues. Caregivers use various coping strategies to manage the challenges they experience in the caring process, which can be positive or negative coping strategies. Objective To explore the challenges and coping strategies of caregivers of children with cancer receiving care at a national referral hospital in Kenya. Methods This study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the challenges and coping strategies of caregivers of children with cancer receiving treatment at a national referral hospital in Kenya. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 44 participants for five focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted between October and December 2023. The data were analysed via inductive thematic analysis. Results Four themes arose from the challenges experienced, which included psychological, financial, treatment-related, and social/family-related issues. These eleven subthemes included stress, depression, lack of transport, lack of food, loss of employment, treatment delays, and marital issues, among others. Two themes related to coping strategies were positive adaptation and denial, which were highlighted as negative coping strategies. Positive coping included praying, crying, talking to people, and seeking help. Conclusion Caregivers of children with cancer undergo various challenges and apply various coping strategies to try and adapt to their new normal. Reinforcing positive coping strategies and helping caregivers utilize other coping strategies, such as the use of support groups, could help them better care for their children.

Abstract Background Intensive care units are critical environments where various alarm systems play a pivotal role in patient monitoring and safety. Alarm fatigue can lead to slower response times and missed alarms, compromising patient safety and increasing stress and burnout among intensive care unit nurses. Understanding how intensive care unit nurses respond to and manage these alarms is crucial in evaluating their impact on patient care and nursing well-being. Methods This descriptive qualitative study explored the experiences of intensive care unit nurses in alarm management. Conducted in the medical and surgical intensive care units of a Northern Taiwan medical center, the study involved 15 nurses. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to investigate the working experiences of ICU nurses in alarm management and to identify their coping strategies for dealing with the constant inundation of medical device alarms. The interviews were transcribed, and content analysis was applied to identify key themes in the responses. Results The study revealed five main themes in intensive care unit nurses’ strategies for managing alarms: (1) Mastering alarm signals and acting; (2) Team monitoring for life preservation; (3) Enhancing senses and distinguishing carefully; (4) Learning from the lessons of incidents for vigilant reflection; and (5) Detach alarms’ influence on daily life. These coping strategies are effective in alarm management, safeguarding patients’ lives, enhancing the serenity of the clinical environment, and mitigating the physical and mental exhaustion caused by alarm fatigue. Conclusions Intensive Care Unit nurses develop various coping strategies to manage medical device alarms, based on their experience. These strategies are crucial in maintaining patient safety and reducing nurse alarm fatigue. They can also be used for nursing education and clinical training.

Based on in-depth interviews with female cadets, this article explores what it is like to be a young military woman in the 2020s. Focusing on the Swedish Armed Forces this study takes its point of departure in minority group processes examined from a gender perspective. How do young military women navigate challenges specific to their gendered positionalities, and to what extent are coping strategies needed in this male-dominated environment? The article concludes that despite an increased focus on gender equality and a more welcoming attitude to military women, persistent norms of masculinity remain challenging for women in military settings. At the same time, young military women may have found new ways of navigating the burden of visibility that women in minority often struggle with. For example, while gendered performance pressure remains a reality, strategies of disassociating oneself from other women, in line with previous theorising, do not appear to be a dominant coping strategy. This generation of women entered the military under different circumstances than those who paved the way. The reassurance of being strategically prioritised may have inspired new ways of navigating a fear of visibility, in contrast with previous generations who often rejected the idea of female networks within the organisation. Young military women of today might therefore be more inclined to fight structural challenges. Given the gendered challenges military women still face, it remains to be seen whether these forms of gendered empowerment will be enough to retain them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to assess the mediating role of adjustment processes in known risk factors associated with prolonged grief disorder. Data were collected in March–April 2021 through an online survey of 542 Canadian adults bereaved since March 2020. The mediating role of satisfaction with funeral rituals, bereavement support, and coping strategies on grief outcomes was tested using structural equation modeling. Results showed that such adjustment processes played a significant role in the grief process and that they were better predictors than risk factors alone. Since they are more amenable determinants of grief reactions, they should be further studied using a longitudinal design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Despite an improved understanding of its pathogenesis, dry eye disease (DED) remains relatively underestimated and its treatment challenging. A better alignment between the clinical evaluation and the patient self-assessment also requires capturing the whole patient experience of DED. This project aimed to unveil this experience through narrative medicine (NM). Methods The project involved 38 expert centres in Italy and one in San Marino, targeting adult patients with DED, their informal caregivers and their treating ophthalmologists. Written narratives and sociodemographic and quality of life (QoL)-related data were anonymously collected through the project’s webpage. Narratives were analysed through MAXQDA (VERBI Software, Berlin, Germany), NM classifications and content analysis. Results A total of 171 patients with DED, 37 informal caregivers and 81 ophthalmologists participated in the research. DED was defined as a disabling condition by 19% of patients and 35% of caregivers; 70% of patients reported that a therapeutic alliance is an integral part of DED treatment and 32% hope for more effective therapies. Forty-four per cent of patients assessed their own QoL as good; however, DED emerged as importantly impacting work performance and social events. DED physical, emotional and economic burden and the cruciality of a trusting care relationship represent the main themes that emerged across all narratives, while empathy and effective treatment are among the factors favouring coping with DED. Conclusion This project marked a pioneering initiative investigating the lived experience of patients with DED through NM, simultaneously involving all viewpoints involved in the care pathway. NM enabled the unveiling of factors favouring the ability to cope with DED and its associated QoL implications and provided valuable insights to improve the therapeutic alliance.

Effective management of hearing loss through the use of modern hearing aids significantly improves communication and the quality of life for individuals experiencing auditory impairment. Complementary counselling of patients with hearing loss who will be fitted with hearing aids for the first time should be evidence-based and adapted to their individual needs. To date, several counselling protocols and tools have been developed. The aim of this randomised controlled trial study was to investigate the efficacy of the application of the IDA’s “Living Well” counselling tool in first-time hearing aid users in terms of the degree of their hearing related handicap (using the Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI)), their communication coping strategies (using the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI)) and their overall satisfaction of the hearing aids (using a Likert scale). Both groups (the IDA and the control group) were fitted with hearing aids and received counselling for their hearing aids by the same audiologist. The IDA group attended an additional counselling session about communication coping strategies with the use of the “Living Well” tool. Both groups’ participants were seen for their hearing aid fittings 4–6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after their fitting when the HHI and the CPHI were measured. Although there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups for the primary and secondary outcomes, the IDA group did show a more consistent improvement of their HHI score and less frequent use of maladaptive strategies. The “Living Well” counselling tool proved to be a favourably received and helpful counselling tool in first-time hearing aid users.

Background: Food insecurity prevails in people at all phases of their life course and causes remarkable health, social, and financial repercussions. In Sarawak state, Malaysia, information regarding household food insecurity is limited. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of household food insecurity, together with its predictors and coping strategies among the Sarawak indigenous communities. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 953 Indigenous households (women) located in six districts throughout Sarawak using multistage sampling. Interviewer-administrated questionnaires were used. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were employed to draw inferences. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was 42.2%. Large household size (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =1.57 [1.04–2.45]), hardcore poor (AOR = 12.26 [5.07–29.65]), and absolute poor families (AOR = 3.01 [1.76–5.15]), recipient of financial assistance (AOR = 1.94 [1.27, 2.96]), no savings (AOR = 1.63 [1.08–2.46]), increased resource loss (AOR = 1.004 [1.001–1.008]), and employment of coping strategies (AOR = 3.78 [2.50–5.72]) were significantly related to a higher risk of household food insecurity. High level of perceived social support (AOR = 0.73 [0.58–0.93]), optimism (AOR = 0.91 [0.86–0.96]), and general perceived self-efficacy (AOR = 0.88 [0.85–0.91]) among respondents were protective against household food insecurity. Conclusion: Nearly half of the Indigenous households faced food insecurity in the current study. The findings suggest that incessant effort by pertinent stakeholders is warranted via diverse strategies to enhance the socioeconomic status and nutrition intervention programs that incorporate components of perceived social support, optimism, and perceived general self-efficacy to mitigate the level of food insecurity among the Sarawak Indigenous communities.

Abstract Background This study investigated the mediating effects of coping strategies and psychological status on the relationship between illness perception and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 178 patients with AF who were admitted to a tertiary hospital in Beijing City in mainland from March 2020 and June 2022. Assessments were made for HRQoL using the Short Form Health Survey depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), illness perception using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), AF symptoms using the Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale (AFSS), and coping strategies using the Brief-COPE Scale. Results Significant correlations were observed between illness perception, emotional variables, coping strategies, and HRQoL scores. The regression analysis found that BIPQ, GAD, Maladaptive coping and Problem-focused coping are significant predictors of PCS (F = 20.906, R2 = 0.326, p

Abstract Background Rapid urbanisation without concomitant infrastructure development has led to the creation of urban slums throughout sub-Saharan Africa. People living in urban slums are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to the lack of physical and economic accessibility to food. Hence, it is important to explore how vulnerable groups living in slums interact with the food environment. This study assessed the relationships between food insecurity, including restrictive coping strategies, food purchasing patterns and perceptions about the food environment among dwellers of selected urban slums in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with people responsible for food procurement from 590 randomly selected households in two urban slums in Ibadan. Food insecurity and restrictive coping strategies were assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Coping Strategy Index, respectively. We examined purchasing patterns of participants by assessing the procurement of household foodstuffs in different categories, as well as by vendor type. Participants’ perceptions of the food environment were derived through a five-item composite score measuring food availability, affordability and quality. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models analysed associations between food insecurity, purchasing patterns and perceptions of the food environment. Results The prevalence of food insecurity in the sample was 88%, with 40.2% of the households experiencing severe food insecurity. Nearly a third (32.5%) of the households used restrictive coping strategies such as limiting the size of food portions at mealtimes, while 28.8% reduced the frequency of their daily meals. Participants purchased food multiple times a week, primarily from formal and informal food markets rather than from wholesalers and supermarkets. Only a few households grew food or had livestock (3.2%). Food insecure households had a lower perceived access to the food environment, with an approximate 10% increase in access score per one-unit decrease in food insecurity (AOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.96). The most procured foods among all households were fish (72.5%), bread (60.3%), rice (56.3%), yam and cassava flours (50.2%). Food-secure households procured fruit, dairy and vegetable proteins more frequently. Conclusion Food insecurity remains a serious public health challenge in the urban slums of Ibadan. Perceptions of greater access to the food environment was associated with increasing food security. Interventions should focus on creating more robust social and financial protections, with efforts to improve livelihoods to ensure food security among urban slum-dwellers.

Abstract Food security is unquestionably crucial to society's well-being. The world is experiencing unprecedented global shocks; therefore, it is critical to protect the agri-food systems. This concept is broad and complex, with various interpretations around the globe. The problems of social equity, environmental sustainability, and food security are interconnected and are rarely best addressed separately. The failure to address the farming sector, particularly that of women farmers, is the basis of the current discussion. Creating sustainable food systems requires moving from an agriculture-centred to a food system policy and research framework. This will be fundamental to fostering the complex and holistic transformation necessary to achieve sustainable food systems, which is, in turn, a prerequisite to achieving sustainable food and nutrition security. Therefore, the current study aims to establish the link between women's empowerment and food security. The study used a systematic literature review approach based on secondary data available in relevant and contemporary literature. The findings showed the scarcity of research in areas of gender response to climate change and coping strategies and cultural biases against women. Moreover, most policies designed to improve and expand local communities’ capacity for adaptation are gender-neutral. Interdisciplinary research and innovation are likely to be the most effective methods for tackling food insecurity while considering its complex social, economic, and environmental components. The objective is to advance sustainable solutions. Therefore, in addition to academic thought, a focused approach to the issue is required; one must act following reality.

Abstract Background Thalassemia is one of the most common genetic disorders. Patients with beta-thalassemia major confront serious clinical and psychosocial challenges in their all lives, which require coping strategies. It appears that psychological interventions are necessary to improve their coping skills. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of applying emotional intelligence components on coping strategies in adolescents with beta- thalassemia major. Methods This randomized clinical trial study involved 60 teenagers with beta- thalassemia major who were divided equally into intervention and control groups. The experimental group participated in 9 sessions of an emotional intelligence program consisting of 90 min, held both virtually and in person, two sessions per week. We investigated problem-focused and emotion-focused (including positive emotion-focused and negative emotion-focused) coping strategies of both groups of adolescents using the Billings and Moos questionnaire before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Then, according to the research objectives, independent t-tests, Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni test were used. Results In experimental group, the mean score of problem-focused (problem-solving, cognitive evaluation) and positive emotion-focused (social support) coping increased from (14.2 ± 2.6) and (5.0 ± 0.5) before the intervention to (29.6 ± 3.1) and (10.9 ± 1.3) one month after the intervention, respectively (P

Background. The article reviews the problem of testing the in-person version of the burnout reduction program "OsNOVA" for health workers.The aim of the work. To present the results of the program immediately after its completion and to study the sustainability of the effect.Materials and methods. As part of the program testing, 49 doctors and nurses were interviewed. The following methods were used: Maslach Burnout Inventory; Lazarus and Folkman Inventory of Coping Strategies; Beck Depression Inventory; Perceived Stress Scale 10; Short Form 12 questionnaire; mindfulness questionnaires.Results. It was found that when implementing a program to reduce the level of professional burnout in medical workers, held in-person, there is a statistically significant decrease in those subjects whose burnout was initially high. This is accompanied by an increase in mindfulness (primarily such components as Non-judgmentalism, Observation and Awareness of Actions), productive coping strategies. Health workers with a relatively low level of burnout had an improvement in a number of indicators reflecting the burnout level, as well as an increase in the quality of life. The effect achieved by the program persisted for at least three months after the end of its active part.Conclusion. The "OsNOVA" program in an in-person format can be used to prevent professional burnout of health workers. Additional work is planned for its further improvement.

Depression is one of the most common disorders worldwide, including in Mexico. Engagement coping and optimism promote mental health, so understanding the mediation of optimism between coping strategies with depression helps to identify the psychological resources that young people can use to mitigate depression. This study aims to test the direct and indirect effects of four coping strategies through three optimism factors on affective depression in a mediator path model in young people. In a cross-sectional study, 848 young Mexican people completed the evaluation instruments of the Trait Depression Inventory, Mexican Optimism Scale (MOS), and Coping Strategies (CSI-SF). Moderate mediation analysis was performed. Optimism and coping strategies significantly predict depression. Furthermore, optimism mediated the association between problem-focused engagement coping and depressive symptoms. Problem- and emotion-focused coping and optimism protect young people from depression. Likewise, young people with greater optimism use problem-focused engagement coping, which reduces depressive symptoms. Psychosocial interventions that promote positive outlook, affective resources, and hope combined with engagement coping strategies are suggested for the management of depression.

Miao Xiaoyu Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Miao Xiaoyu, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia, Tel +86-15883537271, Email gs60813@student.upm.edu.myPurpose: While pianists enjoy the happiness of creating music, they also face many health problems, with playing-related musculoskeletal disorder (PRMD) being one of the most common occupational diseases. Compared with professional pianists, tertiary student pianists are easy to neglect, but they also suffer from playing-related injuries and face many difficulties and challenges. This study aims to investigate the risk factors of student pianists suffering from PRMD and the strategies to cope with PRMD from their lived experience using the method of descriptive phenomenology and the social cognitive theory (SCT) as the theoretical basis.Patients and Methods: This study’s data are derived from semi-structured one-on-one interviews with twelve student pianists at seven higher education institutions in China and are analyzed using Moustakas’ improved Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen (SCK) phenomenological analysis method.Results: This study developed nine themes related to PRMD risk factors and copy strategies within the SCT framework, they are: self-efficacy, personal psychological factor, self-regulation, piano-playing factors, receive medical treatment, outcome expectation, negative effects from social relations, help from social relations and physical environment.Conclusion: The findings identify the profound influences of personal, social, behavioral, and environmental factors on the PRMD-related experiences of tertiary student pianists and highlight the importance of improving the self-efficacy and self-regulation ability of tertiary student pianists, as well as promoting social and healthcare attention and support for them.Keywords: playing-related musculoskeletal disorder, PRMD, tertiary student pianist, risk factors, coping strategies, social cognitive theory, SCT

Abstract Background More than half of older persons admitted to an emergency department after a fall have a hip fracture and require surgery for a total hip replacement. This procedure has a high risk of postoperative complications and consequences for older persons, their informal caregivers, and the healthcare system. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of older persons, their informal caregivers and health professionals about intra-personal, inter-personal and extra-personal stressors arising from hip surgery following the fall of an older person hospitalised in orthopaedics, as well as the coping strategies used and the results obtained. Methods A qualitative multiple case study. The sample consisted of eight cases. Each case consisted of one older person, their informal caregiver and the professionals involved in their care: a nurse, an orthopaedic surgeon and a physiotherapist. A total of 32 participants were recruited. Data were collected between August 2018 and February 2019 in a public hospital in French-speaking Switzerland. Intra- and inter-case analyses were performed. Results Five topics emerged: two concerning stressors for older persons (the physical and psychological consequences of the fall and hospitalisation; the loss of relational and environmental markers and habits); two relating to the coping strategies used to face the stressors (being resilient and involved in their own care; partially meeting the older person’s needs); and one regarding the results of the strategies used (reassurance through consideration of some of their needs). Conclusions Older persons hospitalised for hip surgery after a fall are confronted with various intra-, inter- and extra-personal stressors and have to explore, together with their informal caregivers, strategies to cope with the consequences of these stressors. Healthcare professionals should possess efficient intervention strategies to help identify and support older persons who experience various types of stressors during hospitalisation for hip surgery following a fall.

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

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to identify stress level, bio-psycho-social response and coping behavior of nursing students during the practical training. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th-year nursing students (n = 1181) between September 2018-may 2019. Data was collected using by Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, The Student Nurse Stress Index, The Bio-Psycho-Social Response Scale and Coping Behavior Inventory. Results The fourth-grade nursing students’ stress level was found to be statistically significantly higher than of other graders. Nursing students have shown emotional symptoms and social-behavioral symptoms the most. To cope with stress, nursing students used the strategies transference, staying optimistic, problem-solving and avoidance, respectively. Conclusions These findings highlight the need to routinely evaluate nursing students for stress, bio-psycho-social response, and coping strategies during practical training. Thus, counseling units can be constituted by the nursing schools, and nursing students who have higher stress levels and inadequate coping strategies benefit from these units.

Abstract Existing research on sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) focuses majorly on populations involving children, those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and those belonging to the Western countries. This study aims to contribute in bridging this gap by exploring the mediating role of Depression, Anxiety, Stress on the relationship between SPS and coping strategies in the general population, while also assessing the prevalence of these variables. Data was collected from a convenience sample of 107 participants (mean age = 20.6 years, 57.9% females). Participants’ responses were recorded for the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Coping Strategies Inventory-Short Form (CSI-SF). Correlational and mediation analyses of SPS, coping strategies and Depression, Anxiety and Stress were done. In the sample, 31.78% of individuals were found to be Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs). The findings revealed significant relationships between SPS, Depression, Anxiety, Stress and coping strategies. Depression and Anxiety were observed to be significant mediators. While SPS as a trait may not be inherently modifiable, our results on its association with emotion-focused disengagement coping provide insight into target dysfunctional patterns for effective management of depression, stress, and anxiety. Further research is warranted to enhance the applicability of this study.

Background. The article examines the results of studying coping strategies of students taking into account their subjective locus of control. The introduction includes a detailed description of the concepts of coping behavior and coping strategies, as well as an analysis of the factors influencing the variety of coping strategies. The authors conclude that locus of control, being one of personalized resources of coping behavior, is a promising research area. The scientific novelty of the article is the establishment of connection between the area of locus of control and the level of constructiveness of coping strategies among students. Purpose. The authors advert to this issue in order to determine the influence of locus of control on the level of adaptability of behavioral strategies. Materials and methods. For solving the research tasks, the authors used a complex of theoretical and empirical methods, including the analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature, comparison, systematization, concretizing, summarizing pedagogical experience, questioning, testing, and pedagogical experiment. The instruments of diagnostics included the method of diagnosing locus of control (by E.F. Zeer, G.A. Karpova), method of diagnosing coping mechanisms by E. Heim, adapted by L.I. Vasserman, and the method of diagnosing the level of subjective control (by J. Rotter). Results. The main part of the article describes the results of diagnostics of students’ locus of control. Moreover, the authors reveal the correlation of internal and external locus of control with coping strategies, taking into account their adaptability and areas of mental activity (cognitive, emotional and behavioral). The research consisted of 3 stages: differentiation, correlation and specification, while each stage included different instruments of diagnostics. In conclusion, the authors prove the necessity of developing and introducing a program for increasing the level of general internality of students in the process of formal and informal educational activity.

Objective: The study assessed the quality of life (QoL) and coping strategies of patients on hemodialysis in selected hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design using a quantitative strategy. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 80 participants. The data were collected using an adapted questionnaire including four sections: sociodemographic characteristics, hemodialysis stressor scale consisting of four stressors, Jaloweic Coping Scale consisting of eight coping strategies, and QoL consisting of four items. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Findings from the study revealed that 50% of the participants were between the ages of 18 and 39 years, 40% of the participants have been on hemodialysis for 1–2 years, whereas 52.5% had hypertension as a comorbidity. A total of 12.5%, 63.8%, and 23.8% of the respondents were categorized as experiencing low, moderate, and high stress due to hemodialysis, respectively. QoL of the respondents revealed that 49.4% had no problem in self-care dimension. Average monthly income (χ2 = 16.36, P = 0.04) was observed to be significantly associated with coping strategies, whereas religion (χ2 = 11.14, P = 0.03) and frequency of hemodialysis (χ2 = 10.26, P = 0.04) were significantly associated with coping helpfulness. Conclusion: All participants experienced stress at varying degrees. Hemodialysis results in marked changes in the quality of patients’ life, since it includes a number of modifications and restrictions, which affects patients’ health functioning. This study revealed a wide range of information on the psychological and physiological stressors of people under hemodialysis.

Background: The influencing factor is stress, which has an impact on the low motivation of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to recover. By knowing these factors, interventions in controlling stress can be carried out well. A coping model is needed as a basis for developing stress control intervention plans for PLWHA using a family approach. As the closest environment to PLWHA, the family is very appropriate to control stress in PLWHA. Purpose: This research aims to determine the factors that influence stress and models of coping strategies for stress in PLWHA. Methods: This is a mixed-method study with an exploratory sequential approach. This research was conducted in Padang City at the quantitative research stage. The sample in this study was 38 PLWHA and nine respondents in a quantitative study (psychologists, counselors, HIV counselors, companions of PLWHA (husband/wife/children/parents), and PLWHA). Data collection was carried out through observation and deep interviews with the respondents. Results: The statistical analyses revealed that factors influencing stress are self-control and discrimination. The results of the interviews obtained information that PLWHA needs to increase their faith in God, PLWHA does not want their status to be known by many people, and there is a lack of knowledge of PLWHA and the environment regarding HIV/AIDS transmission. The appropriate coping strategy model for PLHIV is to increase the PLWHA's faith, prevent the family from disclosing the PLWHA's disease status to the environment, and increase the knowledge of PLWHA and the social environment. Conclusion: Self-control and discrimination influence stress. The stress control coping strategy model for PLWHA is formed from three pillars: faith/belief, health status, and knowledge.

(1) Background: This study assesses the impact of mothers’ illness perceptions about autism spectrum disorder and their coping strategies on the family’s quality of life during the initial period following diagnosis and one year afterward. (2) Method: The sample consisted of 53 mothers of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and having communication difficulties who completed the following: the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the Brief-COPE. (3) Results: The findings revealed a moderate family quality of life in the initial assessment and a lack of a statistically significant change one year later. Notably, statistically significant changes were observed in coping strategies, as in the second assessment, and the score in denial and self-blame decreased. Pearson and Eta analyses indicated several correlations between socio-demographic characteristics, illness perceptions, coping strategies, and family quality of life. Multiple regression analysis showed that positive reframing was positively associated with total family quality of life in the initial period following diagnosis and one year afterward, while self-blame was associated with poorer quality of life in the time after diagnosis. Furthermore, the belief about the controllability of the disorder was correlated with better family quality of life one year after the diagnosis. (4) Conclusions: Illness perceptions and coping can be considered as predictors of family quality of life outcomes one year after the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The focus of interventions, apart from controlling the disorder’s symptoms, should aim to strengthen specific strategies and weaken others.

Abstract Background Depression is present in all societies and affects members of all racial and ethnic groups. However, attitudes about depression differ across groups and have been shown to impact help-seeking behaviors, preferences for treatments, and compliance with treatments. Methods Taking a cross-cultural approach, this project used a case vignette of depression to examine race/ethnic group differences in attitudes about depression and its treatment among young adults in the U.S. Results Data analyses revealed significant racial/ethnic group differences in attitudes as well as the treatments/strategies participants reported they would use. Gender x race/ethnicity interactions revealed that White and Multiracial/ethnic men were more likely to believe the vignette character should find a partner to help with symptoms, while White and Multiracial/ethnic women did not endorse those strategies. Hispanic men and women did not show a gender difference in that strategy, but gender differences were observed in other strategies. In a rare comparison, majority-minority Multiracial/ethnic participants (i.e., White selected as one of their races/ethnicities) rated identified helpers and treatments similarly to White participants and significantly higher than multiple-minority Multiracial participants (i.e., White not selected as one of their races/ethnicities). Conclusions Findings supported previous research that indicates different U.S. racial/ethnic group ideas of depression and its treatment are potentially linked with cultural values, and we suggest that investigating these more fine-grained group differences can help to inform treating professionals as well as public health messages.

Abstract Background Many factors can decrease job productivity and cause physical and psychological complications for health care professionals providing maternal care. Information on challenges and coping strategies among healthcare professionals providing maternal healthcare services in rural communities is crucial. However, there needs to be more studies, especially qualitative research, to explore challenges and coping strategies for providing maternal health care services in Ethiopia among health care professionals, particularly in the Wolaita zone. Objective To explore the challenges and coping strategies of professionals providing maternal health care in rural health facilities in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia, in 2023. Method A phenomenological qualitative study design was applied from May 20 to June 20, 2023. The study was conducted in rural areas of the Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia. Healthcare professionals from rural areas were selected using purposive sampling, and in-depth interviews were conducted. A qualitative thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Field notes were read, recordings were listened to, and each participant’s interview was written word for word and analyzed using ATLAS.ti 7 software. Result Five main themes emerged from the data analysis. These themes included inadequate funding from the government, societal barriers to health and access to health care, professionals’ personal life struggles, infrastructure related challenges and health system responsiveness, and coping strategies. Reporting to responsible bodies, teaching mothers about maternal health care services, and helping poor mothers from their pockets were listed among their coping strategies. Conclusion Healthcare professionals have a crucial role in supporting women in delivering babies safely. This study revealed that they are working under challenging conditions. So, if women’s lives matter, then this situation requires a call to action.

Abstract Introduction Individuals on the autism spectrum (ASD) often experience poor mental health and coping strategies compared to their peers due to social exclusion and co-occurring conditions. Resiliency has been identified as a key factor in preventing adverse outcomes and promoting mental health. Therefore, it is important to determine what strategies can be used to build resiliency among autistic individuals. The current paper is one of the first studies that aims to collect information from autistic individuals and their caregivers on potential strategies to enhance resiliency. Methods We interviewed 18 participants from various provinces in Canada, comprising of 13 autistic individuals and 5 parents. We used thematic analysis to identify patterns in the data. Results Thematic analysis revealed three themes to indicate strategies that could be used to enhance resiliency, including: (a) self-reliant strategies, (b) using community-based facilities, and (c) contextual and individual characteristics. Conclusion Although the body of literature on resiliency is evolving, this paper provides a unique perspective as it is one of the few studies that considers the experiences of individuals on the spectrum. In addition, this study focuses on identifying and describing specific strategies that can be used to enhance resiliency and mental health, which consequently can help address the existing gaps in knowledge and practice.

Pediatric seizure disorders profoundly impact family dynamics, often escalating stress and impairing coping mechanisms. This study aimed to longitudinally assess the impact of pediatric seizures on family stress and coping, evaluating the efficacy of multidisciplinary follow-up care in enhancing psychological resilience and adaptation. A longitudinal study design was implemented, enrolling children aged 1–18 who presented with a first seizure and received a neurologist’s diagnosis at the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children “Louis Turcanu,” Timisoara, Romania. Validated questionnaires, including the Parenting Stress Index (PSI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Parental Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ), were employed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analysis utilized ANOVA and t-tests to evaluate changes in stress and coping outcomes. The study involved 68 families, with significant reductions in stress and anxiety reported over the follow-up period. Initial PSI scores showed high stress levels across various domains: Emotional Stress (59.47) decreased to 50.63 at one year; Parent–Child Communication Difficulties started at 66.03 ± 20.15 and reduced to 56.92 ± 18.74; and Total Family Stress decreased from 65.55 to 55.97. The HADS scores indicated initial anxiety and depression at 8.2 ± 3.1 and 7.1 ± 2.8, respectively, with reductions to 6.8 and 5.9 by the end of the year. The overall HADS score showed a decrease from 15.4 to 12.8. PCQ results mirrored these findings, with Total Score dropping from 9.7 to 7.7. PSS-10 scores declined from 13.5 to 11.3, with a significant reduction in the positive sub-score. The proactive, multidisciplinary care approach significantly reduced stress and enhanced coping mechanisms in families dealing with pediatric seizures. The decreases in stress, anxiety, and depression scores highlight the potential for integrated care models to improve long-term outcomes in these families. These findings support the continued development of targeted interventions to aid in the management of chronic pediatric conditions.

Background: Internet addiction is one of the most common mental disorders in adolescents, and coping skills comprise one of the main components of mental health. In this study, we examined the effect of training based on the self-management empowerment model on the coping skills of adolescent girls with internet addiction in Bushehr in 2022. Materials and Methods: The research was a clinical trial on adolescent girls with internet addiction in the junior high schools of Bushehr. The schools were selected by simple random sampling and were assigned into intervention and control groups by drawing lots (40 students per group). The participants completed the Young Internet Addiction Questionnaire and were entered into the study if they obtained a score of 46 or higher. In order to collect information on coping strategies, the short version of Endler and Parker's Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations was used. The intervention was carried out based on the model of self-management empowerment in five steps. The post-test was immediately completed by both groups at the end of two-month intervention administered in the intervention group. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 26, using descriptive indices, the Chi-square test and the independent t-test, at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean changes in the score of coping strategies had significant changes in the intervention group in the direction of increased use of the problem-oriented strategy (p

Abstract Background In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created severe difficulties in clinical and organizational fields. Healthcare workers needed to protect their health and avoid infecting their family members, but also limit the virus’s spread among vulnerable oncology patients undergoing hospital treatment. Objective To evaluate the resilience and coping strategies of nurses working in the oncology setting. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted. First, two questionnaires (CD-RISK and COPE- NVI-25) were used to assess nurses’ resilience strategies and coping mechanisms quantitatively. Second, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the personal experiences of nurses who cared for patients during the pandemic, and Colaizzi’s framework was used for content analysis. Results The 164 participants, the majority of whom were women (88.4%), reported high resilience. The CD-RISK score varied according to education. With respect to COPE-NIV-25, transcendent orientation and avoidance strategies had the lowest mean scores, while problem orientation was higher in nurses aged ≥ 40. Five themes emerged: (1) changes in work and personal areas; (2) feelings/emotions, such as fear of infection of themselves or their loved ones, difficulty in using the face mask, relational repercussions with patients or their families; (3) personal and working group strategies used to counteract the suffering attributable to COVID-19; (4) professionalism/nursing responsibilities in developing new rules and protocols, and (5) metaphors to describe their experiences. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in the nurses’ roles, but they showed resilience and generated a positive working climate. Implication for practice Even in emergency situations, nursing administrations and policymakers ought to ensure that nurses receive adequate training and support to develop resilience and coping strategies.

Abstract Introduction Terminal illness is an irreversible illness that, without life-sustaining procedures, usually results in death or permanent disability from which recovery is unlikely. When involved, family caregivers are believed to improve health outcomes, such as reduced hospitalization, and establishing a patient’s initial access to professional treatment services. However, caring for a patient with a terminal illness is viewed as one of the most difficult aspects of providing care. This study aimed to identify the challenges, and coping strategies developed by family caregivers to cope with the care of the terminally ill person. Methods An exploratory descriptive qualitative approach was used. Twenty (20) family caregivers voluntarily participated in the study from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants. The transcribed interviews were then analysed using thematic analysis. Results From the analysis, three main themes emerged: challenges, coping strategies, and social support. These themes encompassed sixteen subthemes including financial burden, bad health conditions, faith and prayer, and support from health professionals. From the study, both male and female family caregivers narrated that providing care for sick relatives undergoing terminal disease is characterized as a daily duty demanding one’s time and fraught with emotional strain. In addition, even though it was a difficult job, family members who provided care for ailing relatives never gave up, citing responsibility, the importance of family, and religious beliefs as the primary motivations for doing so. Conclusion The difficulties and demands of family caregiving roles for terminally ill relatives are complex and multifactorial. The findings call for multidisciplinary professional attention for family caregivers and policies that will support their lives holistically.

Abstract Background Caring for children with cancer by parents in Ghana is associated with diverse psychological and emotional burdens. However, such parents utilize coping strategies to adjust to their distressing situations. There is dearth of literature on the coping strategies of parents of children diagnosed with cancer in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to explore the coping strategies adapted by parents of children with cancer. Methods A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed to conduct the study. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit seventeen parents of children with cancer. Semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth data collection. Data was analysed using content analysis approach. Results and discussion Parents reported that emotional and spiritual support enhanced parental coping to the ordeal associated with caring for children with cancer. The parents shared that counselling, self-motivation and inspiration from family and health professionals immensely assisted them to cope. Spiritual support through personal belief in God, religious activities and support from their priests and church members were other strategies parents employed to cope with the traumatising experience associated with caring for children with cancer. Conclusion This study concludes that parents of children with cancer are better able to cope with the distress encountered in their children’s care journey through emotional and spiritual support.

Abstract Introduction International medical trainees, including residents and fellows, must cope with many challenges, such as differences in cultural hierarchical systems, languages, and acceptance. Nonetheless, the need for adjustment perpetuates even after training is completed abroad. When some international trainees return to their countries of origin, they continue to face adjustment challenges due to reverse culture shock. Others must make many further readjustments. This study presents an exploration of the adjustment and coping strategies of international medical learners after returning to their countries of origin upon completion of their programs. Method This study employed a qualitative approach grounded in interpretivism and utilised inductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s method. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were employed to explore the participants’ coping strategies. Participants included international medical learners who were (1) international medical graduates who had already returned to their countries of origin, (2) non-Canadian citizens or nonpermanent residents by the start of the programs, and (3) previously enrolled in a residency or fellowship training programme at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Results Seventeen participants were included. Three main themes and seven subthemes were created from the analysis and are represented by the Ice Skater Landing Model. According to this model, there are three main forces in coping processes upon returning home: driving, stabilising, and situational forces. The sum and interaction of these forces impact the readjustment process. Conclusion International medical learners who have trained abroad and returned to their countries of origin often struggle with readjustment. An equilibrium between the driving and stabilising forces is crucial for a smooth transition. The findings of this study can help stakeholders better understand coping processes. As healthy coping processes are related to job satisfaction and retention, efforts to support and shorten repatriation adjustment are worthwhile.

Introduction: Although over 60% of Korean acute care hospitals are small- or medium-sized, their ability to address sexual harassment may differ from larger hospitals due to differences in resources, policies, and organizational culture. Objective: This study aims to identify sexual harassment experience, coping, and awareness among nurses working in small- and medium-sized hospitals. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that collected data from 462 nurses working in nine small- and medium-sized acute care hospitals in two cities in Korea. The study utilized self-report questionnaires, including the coping with sexual harassment questionnaire, perception of sexual, and experience of sexual harassment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t -tests, and one-way analysis of variance. Results: Most nurses receive sexual harassment prevention education in the workplace every year, but only 77% of them are accurately aware of sexual harassment behavior. Among the types of sexual harassment experienced by the participants, verbal sexual harassment was the most common. Only 192 out of 462 nurses responded to the timing of their sexual harassment experience. Of those, more than 50% reported experiencing sexual harassment within the first year of employment and over 80% within 3 years. The most common perpetrators of sexual harassment were patients, followed by doctors. The more times the nurses received sexual harassment prevention education, the better they were at coping with sexual harassment. Conclusion: To prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, training content should be tailored because attitudes and perceptions vary based on the perpetrator's characteristics. This ensures relevance, addresses risks, and clarifies legal responsibilities. To create a healthy and safe working environment for nurses, institutions and managers should implement methods to raise awareness of sexual harassment. This may include providing anonymous hotlines, online reporting systems, regular audits, and establishing anonymous peer counseling platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this study, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was examined among 161 Israeli military reservists who were recruited to gather and identify the bodies and body parts of civilians and soldiers killed in the October 7th, 2023 Hamas terror attack on Israel. The aims were to examine PTSD levels as well as the associations between demographic variables, task-related characteristics, coping strategies, well-being, and odds of being diagnosed with PTSD. Using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), 20% of the participants were found to have PTSD. Logistic regression indicated that a one-point increase in emotion-focused coping via distancing increased the odds of a PTSD diagnosis by 3.76 times; a one-point increase in perceived task difficulty increased the odds by 1.81; and a one-point decrease in well-being increased the odds by 1.06. A significant interaction showed that problem-focused coping was associated with a higher risk of PTSD among younger participants but a lower risk among older ones. Additionally, well-being served as a protective factor for those who perceived the task as mentally difficult. The study points to the high traumatic potential of handling bodies. It also indicates that the use of distancing oneself from one’s emotions is highly non-adaptive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a need to daydream that replaces human interactions and disturbs everyday life. Research suggests that MD can be considered a stress-relief strategy, as a repeating sequence of using imagination may play a significant role in calming oneself down and seeking comfort through escapism and avoidance. The current study explored the relationships between maladaptive daydreaming, coping styles, and frustration intolerance (including discomfort and emotional intolerance) in a general population. The sample was divided into two subgroups: maladaptive daydreamers (MDers) and non-maladaptive daydreamers (non-MDers) based on the cutoff score in the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale-16 (MDS-16). Three hundred seventeen individuals participated in the study, including 142 MDers. The results showed significantly higher levels of frustration intolerance (U = 9952.00, p <.01) and avoidance-focused strategies (U = 10170.00, p <.01) among the MDers. Non-MDers scored significantly higher on the Emotional support-seeking scale (U = 16117.50, p <.001). Additionally, the network analysis proved differences in the variables' dynamics: only in the MDers network MD exhibited significant edges with avoidant coping (0.05), discomfort intolerance (0.10), entitlement (0.07), and emotional intolerance (0.10). Entitlement was the variable of the highest expected influence in both subgroups studied. The current study proposes clinical implications: as emotional intolerance may serve as an essential factor in maintaining engagement in maladaptive daydreaming, the role of discomfort intolerance and its links to avoidance should be of significant focus in MD therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home is typically understood as a singular place that provides a sense of groundedness, belonging, and well‐being. Yet, this singular notion of home is challenged in global mobility, where consumers live and travel across borders and relocate internationally frequently. We expect globally mobile consumers to experience multiple and multilayered notions of home with significant psychological consequences for their sense of well‐being, ownership, and identity. In a qualitative study of 40 globally mobile consumers, we examine what it means to have multiple homes and how consumers cope with it. We identified four types of home that coexist in global mobility: emotional home, home away from home, base of operation, and home on the road. These types are characterized by different degrees of permanence and serve different psychological benefits that are at times in opposition or complementary (respectively, belonging and ontological security, functioning and psychological ownership, productivity, and flexibility). We also explored how this home portfolio provokes emotional, social, and cognitive consequences with which globally mobile consumers cope through strategic use of marketplace resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Meaning-making coping is used by people with cancer to help them deal with the stress and emotional turmoil associated with their diagnosis. It is a multifaceted approach that can be influenced by cultural, existential, and personal factors. Research on meaning-making coping among Filipinos diagnosed with cancer is sparse. This study examines how a sample of Filipino people with cancer cope with their illnesses. Methods: We employed a qualitative approach. The study involved 20 participants with various types of cancer in the Philippines who were selected through purposive sampling and agreed to be interviewed. Results: The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed the application of both religious and secular meaning-making coping by participants. The study also confirmed the potential influence of culture on coping strategies. Discussion: The results indicate that religion plays a significant role in Filipino coping mechanisms, given that the Philippines is predominantly a Christian nation. Additionally, the findings highlight the importance of close family ties in Filipino culture and how it contributes to coping with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the mediating effects of coping strategies and psychological status on the relationship between illness perception and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 178 patients with AF who were admitted to a tertiary hospital in Beijing City in mainland from March 2020 and June 2022. Assessments were made for HRQoL using the Short Form Health Survey depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), illness perception using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), AF symptoms using the Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale (AFSS), and coping strategies using the Brief-COPE Scale. Results: Significant correlations were observed between illness perception, emotional variables, coping strategies, and HRQoL scores. The regression analysis found that BIPQ, GAD, Maladaptive coping and Problem-focused coping are significant predictors of PCS (F = 20.906, R2 = 0.326, p < 0.01) and MCS (F = 31.24, R2 = 0.419, p < 0.01). Bootstrap samples were used to conduct mediation analysis. The indirect effects of GAD-7 and Problem-focused coping (PC) on the impact of BIPQ on QoL were significant. GAD accounted for 13.2–19.3% of the variance in the total effect across different models, while PC accounted for 22.1–25.8%. The results also indicated a significant chain effect in the illness percepitong-anxiety-coping style-QoL model, which can explain 4.3–10.2% of the total effect, respectively. Conclusions: The perception of illness significantly influenced HRQoL in patients with AF, as mediated by emotional symptoms and coping strategies. This highlights the importance of anxiety and problem-focused coping mechanisms. These findings underscore the need for a holistic, patient-centered approach to AF management that incorporates emotional well-being and coping strategies. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05974098). The date of registration: 1 August 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]