Search

This study investigates executive functions (EFs) and selected developmental factors in 120 children aged 6–11 years. By examining inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, the research evaluates the potential influences of age, gender, bilingualism, and family income on these EF skills. Tests adapted to Lebanese Arabic were used to assess EFs. Results indicate a linear development of inhibition, working memory, and flexibility with age. Gender differences were observed, affecting verbal and visuospatial working memory as well as flexibility. Bilingualism positively impacts EFs, with early bilinguals outperforming late bilinguals. Family income, however, shows no significant effect on EFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is multifactorial and thought to be influenced by inappropriate activation of the gut mucosal immune system. As the only immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass unable to activate the classical complement cascade, the role of IgG4 in IBD pathophysiology as an immunomodulator is controversial. This study aimed to determine the association of low, normal and high IgG4 levels with the outcomes of IBD patients. Methods This was a retrospective study of a multisite tertiary care center database evaluating patients with IBD who had an IgG4 level drawn between 2014 and 2021. Subjects were divided into low, normal, and high IgG4 level groups for evaluation of demographic and clinical indicators of IBD activity and severity. Results Of 284 patients with IBD, 22 had low (7.7%), 16 high (5.6%), and 246 (86.6%) normal IgG4 levels. There was no difference in IBD subtype, mean age, age at IBD diagnosis, or smoking between the 3 groups. There was no difference in number of hospitalizations (P=0.20), C-reactive protein levels, need for intestinal resection (P=0.85), or presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (P=0.15), pancreatitis (P=0.70), or perianal disease (P=0.68) between the groups. Significantly more patients in the low IgG4 group had previous exposure to vedolizumab compared to the other groups and more patients in the low IgG4 group received vedolizumab (P=0.04), azathioprine (P=0.04) and prednisone (P=0.03) during the 5-year follow up. Conclusion In this study, a low serum IgG4 level was associated with higher rates of vedolizumab, azathioprine, and steroid use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we aimed to explore the prevalence and determinants of common mental health disorders (CMHDs, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression, and anxiety) in Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Specifically, we examined how the associations between cultural adversities (discrimination, unemployment, and separation from family) and CMHDs are modified by levels of religiosity and sex., Method: Between March and June 2017, a cross-sectional study was conducted targeting adult Arab Syrian refugees residing in Beirut and Southern Lebanon. Eligibility criteria comprised being a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-registered Syrian refugee residing in Lebanon, 18 years and older, and having no history of mental disorder or physical disability. A total of 191 refugees agreed to participate and complete a battery of six questionnaires. Exposures were measured using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Postmigration Living Difficulties Checklist, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, and the Belief into Action Scale, while outcomes were measured using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 and the Depression and Anxiety Scale-21 Items., Results: Half (50.3%) of our sample had high PTSD risk, 73.8% had high depression risk, and 73.8% had high anxiety risk. Stratified analysis revealed religiosity and sex to be effect modifiers of the associations between cultural adversities and CMHDs. Specifically, cultural adversities were only significantly associated with CMHDs in the low religiosity stratum and males. Only unemployment was a significant risk factor for PTSD in both males ( OR = 4.53, 95% CI [1.44, 14.27]) and females ( OR = 2.77, 95% CI [1.14, 6.74])., Conclusions: Religiosity and sex are effect modifiers of the associations between cultural adversities and CMHDs. Religious and spiritual interventions in mental health care should be adopted in refugee settings. Moreover, there is an urgent need for capacity-building initiatives addressing social determinants of mental health among Syrian refugees in Lebanon. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and disabling condition that can lead to functional impairment and decreased productivity. The purpose of this systematic review was to compile and evaluate existing research on PTSD in Lebanon and among Syrian refugees., Method: We searched the databases OVID Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for articles that used validated tools to report the screening or diagnosis of PTSD among our population of interest., Results: We included 102 articles out of a total of 10,367 screened manuscripts. We identified 24 studies discussing PTSD in the Lebanese population and 78 among Syrian refugees. A total of 90 studies described the epidemiological characteristics of PTSD while 12 assessed different treatment options. There was no significant difference in PTSD rates between males and females. We also identified several risks and protective factors for developing PTSD. The former included female gender, marriage, older age, and exposure to war., Conclusion: PTSD among Lebanese individuals and Syrian refugees is multifactorial in nature, but commonly involves war-related events. There is a significant evidence gap regarding intervention strategies in this population group. Targeted, multidisciplinary, and holistic interventions are required. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).