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The aim of this study was to adapt the Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy – Health Index (FSHD-HI) to an Italian population affected by FSHD by translating, validating, and testing this instrument in an Italian cohort. Italian FSHD patients were interviewed regarding the form and content of the translated instrument. Subsequently, forty FSHD patients were recruited to test the reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC for test-retest; and Cronbach's Alpha for Internal consistency), known groups (Mann-Whitney U test and Area Under the Curve, AUC) and concurrent validity (Pearson's and Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient) of the instrument by serially completing the FSHD-HI and an extensive set of tests measuring the neuromotor, psychological and cognitive functions, and perceived quality of life (QoL) aspects. The Italian translation of the FSHD-HI and its subscales were highly relevant to patients, had a high internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.90), optimal test-retest reliability (ICC= 0.95), and was significantly associated with motor function, respiratory function, and QoL assessments. Overall, the Italian FSHD-HI is a valid and well-suited measurement of the multi-dimensional aspects of disease burden in FSHD patients. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) negatively impacts the quality of life and increases the disease burden. It is important for the clinical community to have a valid instrument that can serially measure a patient's perception of their multifactorial disease burden in FSHD. The Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy – Health Index (FSHD-HI) is a valid instrument that allows patients to provide their perspective regarding their current health state. FSHD-HI-IT provides a valid option for measuring multifactorial disease burden in Italian patients with FSHD during clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on suicidality in these patients during the pandemic period remain scarce. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and variables associated with serious suicide risk in Russian inpatients with MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study with consecutive sampling was conducted from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. All patients completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) (including the suicidality module), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and underwent a semi-structured interview to collect relevant demographic and clinical data. Effect sizes for all independent variables and covariates were calculated using partial eta-squared (hp2). Results: Of the 6757 patients with non-psychotic mental disorders assessed, 1605 (23.7%) had MDD confirmed by the M.I.N.I., of whom 17.8% were at serious risk for suicide according to theM.I.N.I. suicidality module. Factors independently associated with serious suicide risk in Russian inpatients with MDD during the pandemic were younger age (hp2 = 0.021), greater severity of depression (0.038), higher state anxiety (0.003), and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) (0.066). The same variables, except for state anxiety, were independently associated with suicide risk in the subgroup of MDD patients previously infected with SARS-CoV2. Conclusion: In the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of patients with MDD at serious risk of suicide was similar to pre-pandemic data. No associations were found between suicidality in patients with MDD and COVID-related factors. Younger age, greater severity of depression, and especially NSSI were the most significant risk factors for suicide in patients with MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to assess work productivity and activity impairments and to explore their association with excessive daytime sleepiness, body mass index (BMI), depression, and anxiety in patients with narcolepsy type 1. We carried out a cross‐sectional study in which patients with narcolepsy type 1 and matched controls for sex, age, and education were assessed for occupational features, EDS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), BMI, depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI). Different statistical approaches were used to investigate differences between groups and correlations between WPAI scores and clinical features. The 127 patients with narcolepsy type 1 (mean age 38.2 ± 15.5, 91.3% taking drugs for narcolepsy) and 131 controls (mean age of 37.4 ± 14.3) included did not differ in terms of occupational features, except for hours worked/week (29.9 in patients vs. 34.9 in controls) and officially recognised disability (30.7% vs. 5.3%). Impairment in all WPAI scores was approximately three times greater in patients. Narcolepsy was associated with work time missed in 27.4% of patients, while 93.2% to 95.5% of them had some impairment while working or during daily activities (vs. 37.5–46.8% of controls). Correlations with WPAI scores were found for excessive daytime sleepiness only in patients, and for both depression and anxiety in patients and controls, with a stronger correlation for activity impairment in patients. These results suggest that, despite treatment, narcolepsy type 1 was associated with extensive impairment especially regarding job effectiveness and daily activities. Future studies should investigate risk factors and effects of interventions on these outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common joint surgeries, with over a million procedures performed annually in the US. Over 70% of patients report moderate to high pain and anxiety surrounding TKA surgery, and 96% are discharged with an opioid prescription. This population requires special attention as approximately 90% of TKA patients are older adults and one of the riskiest groups prone to misusing opioids. This study aimed to develop and compare the efficacy of nature-based virtual reality (VR) with heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBF) to mitigate surgical pain and anxiety. This randomized control trial recruited 30 patients (mean age = 66.3 ± 8.2 years, 23 F, 7 M) undergoing TKA surgery and randomly assigned to a control, 2D video with HRVBF, or VR with HRVBF group. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain levels before and after the intervention. In addition, a second VAS and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure anxiety before and after the intervention. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was used to continuously measure HRV and respiration rate in preoperative and postoperative settings. VR and 2D-video with HRVBF decreased pain and anxiety post-intervention compared with the control group, p's <.01. On analyzing physiological signals, both treatment groups showed greater parasympathetic activity levels, and VR with HRVBF reduced pain more than the 2D video, p <.01. Nature-based VR and 2D video with HRVBF can mitigate surgical pain and anxiety. However, VR may be more efficacious than 2D video in reducing pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and stress influence overlapping neural circuits in the brain. The literature is mixed regarding the presence of sex differences in the neural response to acute stressors, and this issue has not been examined in individuals with AUD. We validated a stress functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm in individuals with AUD and tested for sex differences. Methods: Twenty‐five treatment‐seeking individuals with AUD (15M/10F) were recruited to participate in the neuroimaging study linked to a clinical trial of ibudilast (NCT03594435). To assess social‐evaluative stress, participants completed the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST). Whole brain and amygdala region‐of‐interest analyses were conducted. Subjective ratings of anxiety and distress were collected. Repeated measures ANCOVAs were performed to evaluate the effect of stress on anxiety and distress and to evaluate sex differences. Results: There were trend‐level effects of stress on anxiety ratings and amygdala activation (p's = 0.06). There was a significant effect of stress in the bilateral thalamus, ventral tegmental area, and paracingulate (Z's > 4.09, p's < 0.03). There was a trend‐level effect of sex on subjective ratings of stress (p's = 0.07). Females had higher amygdala activation in response to stress (p = 0.02). Females also had greater activation than males in the precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, and right inferior frontal gyrus during acute stress (Z's > 3.56, p's < 0.03). Conclusions: This study provides an initial validation of the MIST in a sample of individuals with AUD. It also provides preliminary evidence of sex differences in the response to social‐evaluative stress, which is important, given the relevance of stress and negative emotionality as motivators for alcohol use in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) epidemic had an adverse effect on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with disabilities, or neurological or chronic conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the possible factors affecting HRQOL in patients with burn injuries during COVID-19 epidemic. The study included a total of 40 burns patients. The demographic and burn injury information of the patients were recorded. The active range of motion was measured with a goniometer. The HRQOL, community integration, scar tissue quality and anxiety level were evaluated using the Burn-Specific Health Scale (BSHS), the Community Integration Questionnaire Revised (CIQ-R), Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. The history of COVID-19 infection, total burn surface area (TBSA), community integration level, work-related burns, the presence of trunk burn injury, the presence of face burn injury, and the presence of a major burn injury were determined to be significantly associated with the HRQOL of burns patients (p < 0.05). The history of COVID-19 infection, community integration level, and burn-related parameters (TBSA, localization, severity etc.) were found to be factors associated with the HRQOL during the epidemic. The history of COVID-19 and community integration level should be evaluated in addition to the burn injury parameters to improve the quality of life of burn survivors. It can be recommended that these clinical parameters should be considered when planning the treatment program during and after the epidemic. • Burn patients with Covid-19 history have reduced HRQOL during pandemic. • Increased community integration level is associated with better HRQOL during Covid-19 pandemic. • It is important to follow-up HRQOL of burn survivors during/post the Covid-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate psychological, social, and financial outcomes amongst individuals undergoing a non‐contrast abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan to screen for kidney cancer and other abdominal malignancies alongside the thoracic CT within lung cancer screening. Subjects and Methods: The Yorkshire Kidney Screening Trial (YKST) is a feasibility study of adding a non‐contrast abdominal CT scan to the thoracic CT within lung cancer screening. A total of 500 participants within the YKST, comprising all who had an abnormal CT scan and a random sample of one‐third of those with a normal scan between 14/03/2022 and 24/08/2022 were sent a questionnaire at 3 and 6 months. Outcomes included the Psychological Consequences Questionnaire (PCQ), the short‐form of the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the EuroQoL five Dimensions five Levels scale (EQ‐5D‐5L). Data were analysed using regression adjusting for participant age, sex, socioeconomic status, education, baseline quality of life (EQ‐5D‐5L), and ethnicity. Results: A total of 380 (76%) participants returned questionnaires at 3 months and 328 (66%) at 6 months. There was no difference in any outcomes between participants with a normal scan and those with abnormal scans requiring no further action. Individuals requiring initial further investigations or referral had higher scores on the negative PCQ than those with normal scans at 3 months (standardised mean difference 0.28 sd, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.54; P = 0.044). The difference was greater in those with anxiety or depression at baseline. No differences were seen at 6 months. Conclusion: Screening for kidney cancer and other abdominal malignancies using abdominal CT alongside the thoracic CT within lung cancer screening is unlikely to cause significant lasting psychosocial or financial harm to participants with incidental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the effects of nulliparous pregnant women listening to lullabies and self-selected music on reducing the anxiety and antenatal stress. This was a randomized controlled study. Lullaby group (LG) (n = 40) listened to the lullaby chosen by the researcher, mixed music group (MG) (n = 40) listened to self-selected music and control group (CG) (n = 40) received general care. Post-test anxiety and stress levels was lower in two intervention groups versus CG (p < 0.01). Post-test anxiety was lower in the MG versus LG (p < 0.01), however post-test stress levels were similar. Pregnant women listening to self-selected music at home is more effective in reducing anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated interoceptive sensibility, intuitive and disordered eating among bariatric candidates, operated individuals and individuals with obesity seeking non‐surgical treatment. Method: We recruited 57 individuals with obesity seeking nonsurgical weight‐loss (IOB), 84 bariatric candidates (Pre) and 22 individuals post‐bariatric surgery (Post) who responded to questionnaires: Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Intuitive Eating Scale‐2 (IES‐2), Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, Binge Eating Scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck's Depression Inventory. Results: Overall, the Post group manifested higher scores on 'Body‐Listening' (F = 4.95, p = 0.01), 'Emotional Awareness' (F = 8.83, p < 0.001) and 'Trusting' (F = 6.71, p = 0.002) interoceptive dimensions, on the IES‐2 total score (F = 5.48, p = 0.007) and 'Reliance on hunger and satiety cues' (F = 31.3, p < 0.001) when age was controlled. The IOB group presented higher scores on emotional (F = 3.23, p = 0.047) and binge eating (F = 5.99, p = 0.004). Among operated individuals, intuitive eating mediated the relationship between interoceptive sensibility dimensions and binge eating: 'Attention regulation' (54%) 'Self‐regulation' (75.1%), 'Body listening' (94.09%) and 'Trusting' (84.9%). Conclusions: Our results suggest the therapeutic potential of interoceptive sensibility and intuitive eating in obesity management in/beyond the bariatric context. Highlights: Few studies address interoceptive sensibility, disordered and intuitive eating in relation to obesity management in and beyond the bariatric context.The present study assessed and demonstrated group differences and interrelations between interoceptive sensibility dimensions, disordered and intuitive eating among bariatric candidates, operated individuals and individuals with obesity seeking nonsurgical weight loss.Interoceptive sensibility and intuitive eating appear to be promising psychotherapeutic targets in disordered eating and weight management in obesity and obesity surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Misophonia is a disorder characterized by decreased tolerance to certain sounds or their associated stimuli, and many measurement tools have been developed for its diagnosis and evaluation. The aims of the current study were to develop the Turkish version of MisoQuest, a fully validated misophonia questionnaire, to evaluate the relationships between misophonia, anxiety, and quality of life, and to examine the mediating role of anxiety in the relationship between misophonia and quality of life. Methods: The reliability of the Turkish version of MisoQuest was conducted using data from 548 participants (Mean age = 28.06 ± 9.36). Then, the relationships between misophonia, anxiety, and quality of life were evaluated in a separate sample of 117 participants (Mean age = 25.50 ± 6.31) using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the Turkish version of MisoQuest has good psychometric properties. Close-to-moderate positive correlations were found between misophonia and anxiety, and weak negative correlations were found between misophonia and quality of life. Anxiety mediated the relationships between misophonia and quality of life. Discussion: These results emphasize that misophonia may be an important problem affecting people's quality of life and reveal the mediating role of anxiety on this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Climate change poses a worldwide challenge with anticipated exacerbation in the future, resulting in irreversible consequences. Nursing students may be vulnerable to experiencing psychological effects associated with climate change. Aim: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward climate change and their psychological distress. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 377 nursing students from three universities located in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt in the Middle East. Data collection was conducted using scales for assessing nursing students' knowledge and attitudes towards climate change and their psychological distress. Correlations were assessed and multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore the predictors of students' psychological distress. Results: The current study showed that knowledge regarding climate change significantly and positively correlated to the attitude toward climate change (r = 0.213), then again, the score of psychological distress significantly and negatively correlated to the score of students' knowledge and attitude regarding climate change (r = − 0.182 and − 0.110 respectively). Regression analyses showed that academic achievement had the strongest positive impact on students' psychological distress, while knowledge regarding climate change and attitude toward climate change had negative impacts (β = 0.381, β=-0.205, and β=-0.045 respectively). Moreover, knowledge and attitude regarding climate change were found to be significant predictors of students' psychological distress, collectively accounting for 18.2% of the observed variance. Conclusions/Implication for future practice: The findings highlight the importance of incorporating climate change into nursing education programs. By enhancing nursing students' knowledge and attitudes towards climate change, there is potential to reduce their psychological distress. This study underscores the need for curriculum reforms that integrate climate change topics, aiming to foster a well-informed and resilient future nursing workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic may configure an adverse prenatal context for early development. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of pandemic-related negative experiences, prenatal anxiety and depression on the temperament of six-month-old babies. The sample consisted of 105 mother–child dyads. A longitudinal evaluation was carried out using pre- and postnatal online surveys. Mothers completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory – II, the Pandemic Impact Questionnaire and the Infant Behavior Questionnaire Revised. Serial mediation models were tested, in which the pandemic-related negative experiences constituted the independent variable, the prenatal anxiety and depression were the mediators, and the children's temperament dimensions were the dependent variables. Pandemic-related negative experiences were indirectly associated with the offspring's negative affect and surgency through anxious symptomatology, which acted as a mediating variable. This was the first study to identify the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on temperament. Such an adverse context implies risks for child development. Public health policies aiming to evaluate socioemotional variables during early childhood become necessary to allow on-time interventions for lessening these risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sleep hygiene education (SHE) consists of environmental and behavioral practices primarily intended to reduce sleep problems. Currently considered ineffective as a stand-alone treatment, the manner in which the education is typically delivered may be ineffective for the acquisition of new knowledge. The purpose of this study was to determine if a more engaging teaching medium may improve the efficacy of sleep hygiene education. This study examined the use of game-based learning to teach SHE to individuals with sleep problems. Methods: 35 participants played the SHE games for 30 days. Differences in preand post-state anxiety and sleep quality measures were examined. Results: Participants had significant improvements in sleep quality and state anxiety after using the app for 30 days, although scores for the majority of patients remained elevated. Discussion: This pilot investigation provides initial evidence for the efficacy of a game-based approach to SHE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the differences in the precompetitive anxiety and self-confidence according to the side of play, the ranking and the match outcome, under different competitive scenarios, in high level men's padel players from Finland who trained under pressure prior to the competition. 10 men's padel players (28.60 (4.17) years old) from the highest category participated in the research. The CSAI-2R (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised) and STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State) questionnaires were used and descriptive and inferential analyzes were performed, including Mann-Whitney's U tests. The findings illuminate that, across the player spectrum, somatic anxiety and self-confidence levels are higher before competition compared to training matches. This trend holds true for left-side, higher-ranked and match winning players. Even lower-ranked players exhibit heightened self-confidence preceding competitions. These insights offer valuable considerations for players, coaches, and sports psychologists, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between pressure training, competition, and the athlete's psychological landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High body mass and adiposity during pregnancy can contribute to psychological distress, and body dissatisfaction may be a potential underlying mechanism of this association. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the mediational role of body dissatisfaction in the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and depressive and anxious symptoms, respectively. Methods: Given the cross-sectional design of this study, two alternative models were investigated, positing that BMI was related to depressive (Model 1a) and anxious symptoms (Model 2a), which, in turn, predicted body dissatisfaction. Seventy-two pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy completed the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, as well as a demographic form assessing their BMI. Results: As hypothesized, body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between BMI and psychopathological symptoms. Moreover, the alternative models of reverse mediation were also significant, suggesting that psychopathological symptoms mediated the relationship between BMI and body dissatisfaction. Findings from both the hypothesized and alternative models suggested that, on the one hand, higher distress symptoms associated with body dissatisfaction would result from high BMI and, on the other hand, that body dissatisfaction may result from the effect of BMI on distress symptoms. Conclusions: The present study suggests that body image theory and practice should be implemented by the inclusion of evidence-based clinical interventions for promoting psychological well-being during the antenatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies suggest an interplay between maternal metabolome and mental health. We investigated the association of maternal serum metabolome at pregnancy with anxiety scores during pregnancy and throughout the first year postpartum. A prospective cohort of Brazilian women collected 119 serum metabolome at pregnancy (28–38 weeks) and anxiety scores measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at pregnancy (n = 118), 1 (n = 83), 6 (n = 68), and 12 (n = 57) months postpartum. Targeted metabolomics quantified metabolites belonging to amino acids (AA), biogenic amines/amino acid-related compounds, acylcarnitines, lysophosphatidylcholines, diacyl phosphatidylcholines, alkyl:acyl phosphatidylcholines, non-hydroxylated and hydroxylated sphingomyelins [SM(OH)], and hexoses classes. Linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the association of metabolites and STAI scores. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analyses were employed to identify clusters and metabolites, which drove their main differences. Multiple comparison-adjusted p -values (q -value) ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. AA (β = −1.44) and SM(OH) (β = −1.49) classes showed an association with STAI scores trajectory (q- value = 0.047). Two clusters were identified based on these classes. Women in cluster 2 had decreased AA and SM(OH) concentrations and higher STAI scores (worse symptoms) trajectory (β = 2.28; p -value = 0.041). Isoleucine, leucine, valine, SM(OH) 22:1, 22:2, and 24:1 drove the main differences between the clusters. The target semiquantitative metabolome analysis and small sample size limited our conclusions. Our results suggest that AA and SM(OH) during pregnancy play a role in anxiety symptoms throughout the first year postpartum. • Amino acids (AA) and hydroxylated sphingomyelins [SM (OH)] classes showed associations with anxiety scores trajectory. • Two clusters were identified based on AA and SM (OH) concentrations. • Women in cluster 2 had decreased AA and SM (OH) and higher anxiety scores (worse symptoms) trajectory. • Isoleucine, leucine, valine, SM (OH) 22:1, 22:2, and 24:1 drove the main differences between the clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While sleep and circadian rhythms are recognized contributors to the risk for alcohol use and related problems, few studies have examined whether objective sleep and circadian measures can predict future alcohol use in humans, and no such studies have been conducted in adults. This study examined whether any baseline sleep and/or circadian characteristics of otherwise healthy adults predicted their alcohol use over the subsequent 12 months. Methods: Participants (21-42 years) included 28 light and 50 heavy drinkers. At baseline, a comprehensive range of self-reported and objective sleep/circadian measures was assessed via questionnaires, wrist actigraphy, and measurement of dim light melatonin onset and circadian photoreceptor responsivity. Following this, the number of alcoholic drinks per week and binge drinking episodes per month were assessed quarterly over the subsequent 12 months. Anticipated effects of alcohol (stimulation, sedation, and rewarding aspects) were also assessed quarterly over the 12 months. Analyses included generalized linear mixed-effects models and causal mediation analysis. Results: Across the range of measures, only self-reported insomnia symptoms and a longer total sleep time at baseline predicted more drinks per week and binges per month (ps <0.02). There was a trend for the anticipated alcohol effect of wanting more alcohol at the 6-month timepoint to mediate the relationship between insomnia symptoms at baseline and drinks per week at 12 months (p = 0.069). Conclusions: These results suggest that in otherwise healthy adults, insomnia symptoms, even if subclinical, are a significant predictor of future drinking, and appear to outweigh the influence of circadian factors on future drinking, at least in otherwise healthy adults. Insomnia symptoms may be a modifiable target for reducing the risk of alcohol misuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To explore the relationship between the current work ability index (WAI) and depressive and anxiety symptoms in breast cancer (BC) patients and the role of depressive, anxiety, and physical symptoms in mediating this relationship. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 83 employed women with BC. At baseline assessment (in the first three months following BC diagnosis) and follow-up assessment (one year after baseline), participants completed the WAI, Beck Depression Inventory-II, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire with a breast cancerspecific module. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore the mechanism by which depressive, anxiety, and physical symptoms influenced the relationship between WAI and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: WAI was negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. The effect of baseline depressive and trait anxiety symptoms on WAI at follow-up was mediated by both depressive and trait anxiety symptoms, as well as by physical symptoms at follow-up. The effect of baseline state anxiety symptoms on WAI at follow-up was mediated only by state anxiety symptoms at follow-up. Conclusions: Baseline depressive and anxiety symptoms affect WAI at follow-up not only through persisting depressive and anxiety symptoms observed at follow-up but also through physical symptoms at follow-up. This indicates that efforts aimed at improving psychological health may result in simultaneous improvements in both psychological and physical health, as well as the resulting WAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Features of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety may be present in pulmonary embolism (PE) patients, along with impaired quality of life (QoL). We aim to evaluate health-related QoL, anxiety and satisfaction with life in patients with PE. Methods: Patients with PE were enrolled during their follow-up. All participants completed the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) X1 and X2 forms, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results: 92 PE patients were included (mean age ± SD = 62.50 ± 15.33 years, 56.5% males). The median values of the SF-36 subscales were below the corresponding values of the Greek general population (besides the mental health (MH) subscale). Mean STAIX1 levels were 37.05 ± 11.17 and mean STAIX2 levels were 39.80 ± 10.47. Mean SWLS levels were 23.31 ± 6.58. According to multiple linear regression analysis, the MH and general health subscales were predictive of SWLS levels (F (10.76) = 10.576, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.581). The MH score (β = −0.242, p < 0.01) and STAIX1 level (β = 0.312, p < 0.001) (F (9.77) = 26.445, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.756) were predictive of STAIX2. Conclusions: Patients with PE exhibit slight satisfaction with life, borderline anxiety and impaired HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibitory control performance may differ greatly as a function of individual differences such as anxiety. Nonetheless, how cognitive control proficiency might be influenced by exposure to various environments and how anxiety traits might impact these effects remain unexplored. A cohort of thirty healthy volunteers participated in the study. Participants performed a Go/No-Go task before exposure to a 'forest' and 'urban' virtual environment, in a counterbalanced design, before repeating the GNG task. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was finally filled-in. Our findings unveiled an initial negative correlation between anxiety trait levels and GNG task performance, consistent with the established literature attributing difficulties in inhibitory functionality to anxiety. Additionally, different environmental exposures reported opposite trends. Exposure to the 'forest' environment distinctly improved the GNG performance in relation to anxiety traits, while the 'urban' setting demonstrated adverse effects on task performance. These results underscore the intricate relationship among cognitive control, environmental exposure, and trait anxiety. In particular, our findings highlight the potential of natural settings, such as forests, to mitigate the impact of anxiety on inhibition. This might have implications for interventions aimed at improving cognitive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep and light education (SLE) combined with relaxation is a potential method of addressing sleep and affective problems in older people. 47 participants took part in a four-week sleep education program. SLE was conducted once a week for 60–90 minutes. Participants were instructed on sleep and light hygiene, sleep processes, and practiced relaxation techniques. Participants were wearing actigraphs for 6 weeks, completed daily sleep diaries, and wore blue light-blocking glasses 120 minutes before bedtime. Measures included scores of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and actigraphy measurements of sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and sleep fragmentation. Sleep quality increased after SLE based on the subjective assessment and in the objective measurement with actigraphy. PSQI scores were statistically reduced indicating better sleep. Scores after the intervention significantly decreased in ESS and ISS. Sleep latency significantly decreased, whereas sleep efficiency and fragmentation index (%), did not improve. Mood significantly improved after SLE, with lower scores on the BDI-II and STAI. SLE combined with relaxation proved to be an effective method to reduce sleep problems and the incidence of depressive and anxiety symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Several studies have investigated independently of clinical education, it has been emphasized that students experience fear, anxiety, sadness and uncertainty during the pandemic. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of fear of COVID-19 on the level of anxiety and self-confidence of midwifery students who did their clinical internship during the pandemic. METHODS: Convenience sampling yielded 181 senior midwifery students who had experienced clinical internships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two state universities conducted an online cross-sectional predictive study from February to June 2021. Data were collected by an Information Form, the COVID-19 Fear Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Self-Confidence Scale. RESULTS: The study findings were that the students' fear of COVID-19 (16.72 ± 4.89), state anxiety (52.65 ± 8.41), and trait anxiety (48.66 ± 6.80) were above average, and their self-confidence was moderate. The result indicated that midwifery students' fear of COVID-19 increased, their state anxiety increased (p < 0.01), and their self-confidence decreased (p < 0.01). Fear of COVID-19 accounted for 47% of state anxiety, 6% of trait anxiety, and 22% of self-confidence. CONCLUSION: The level of COVID-19 fear of midwifery students who did clinical internships during the pandemic negatively affected their anxiety and self-confidence levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study aims to assess the psychological conditions of Italian adolescents with obesity seeking an in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program, by exploring their psychological adjustment, emotional states, and co-occurring eating disorder symptoms. Methods: The study involved ninety-two consecutive Italian adolescents with obesity (31 males, 61 females), with a mean age ± SD: 16.4 ± 1.1 years and body mass index (BMI): 38.3 ± 6.04 kg/m2). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) were used for the evaluations. Differences between genders, degrees of obesity (Group 1 = BMI SDS 2–2.99 and Group 2: BMI SDS > 3), and those with or without eating disorder symptoms (Group 1: EAT-26 ≤ 20 and Group 2: EAT-26 > 20) were explored. Results: The results showed that females reported higher scores on the Emotional Symptoms, Prosocial Behaviors, Total Difficulties, and Total Impact subscales of the SDQ, the BDI, both subscales of the STAI, and the Bulimia subscales of the EAT-26 than males, independently from the degrees of obesity. Participants with eating disorder symptoms (Group 2: EAT-26 > 20) showed higher scores on the Emotional Symptoms and Total Difficulties subscales of the SDQ, the BDI, and both subscales of the STAI than those of Group 1 (EAT-26 ≤ 20). Conclusions: The study explores the psychological conditions of adolescents with obesity. The results can inform appropriate treatment approaches for the management of obesity in developmental age groups, which not only take into account the medical and physical aspects of obesity, but also the behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties expressed by adolescents, in addition to specific eating disorder symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness‐based interventions in improving self‐efficacy, reducing stress and anxiety among peritoneal dialysis patients, and (ii) compare the most effective method of mindfulness based interventions. Methods: This randomized three‐arm controlled trial recruited first‐time peritoneal dialysis patients from the peritoneal dialysis outpatient clinic in Singapore. Patients were randomly allocated to either video‐assisted mindfulness training, therapist‐assisted mindfulness training or treatment‐as‐usual. All groups received 4.5 days of structured peritoneal dialysis training at the peritoneal dialysis centre, while video‐assisted mindfulness training and therapist‐assisted mindfulness training groups were taught additional mindfulness‐based techniques. The perceived stress scale, self‐efficacy, and anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory) were measured at baseline, 4‐ and 12 weeks post‐randomization, using reliable and valid instruments. Results: Thirty‐nine patients were recruited (13 in each group). All the therapies showed a significant time trend in anxiety. Only therapist‐ and video‐assisted mindfulness training showed a significant trend in perceived stress scale scores but not treatment‐as‐usual. All Intervention X Time interactions were not significant. Patients in therapist‐ and video‐assisted mindfulness training groups had reduced perceived stress scale scores compared to treatment‐as‐usual at week 12. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential of mindfulness‐based interventions in reducing stress among first‐time PD patients. Summary Statement: What is already known about this topic? Mindfulness‐based interventions have been recommended to mediate stressful events.Mindfulness‐based interventions as complementary therapy can be taught to patients who are starting peritoneal dialysis for the first time; however, the best method to guide mindfulness‐based interventions is unknown. What this paper adds? The findings showed that mindfulness‐based interventions can potentially reduce stress and anxiety but have no statistically significant effect on self‐efficacy for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis for the first time.Video‐ or therapist‐guided mindfulness training is just as effective in teaching mindfulness‐based interventions. The implications of this paper: Nurses hold an essential role in improving the experience of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis by advocating and facilitating the use of MBI during dialysis, especially those who display high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as signs of coping issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: College students in the United States report high rates of psychological health concerns. Psychological and physical complementary health approaches have been found to be protective for college students. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and acceptability of Boabom, a martial art, with college students and to explore any changes in psychosocial outcomes. Participants: Twenty-six college students (25 females; mean age 21.73 years) participated in an 8-week Boabom intervention. Methods: Feasibility measures were attendance and retention of participants; acceptability was based on participants' cognitive and emotional responses to Boabom and was determined through analysis of focus group data. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed through analyses of pre- and postintervention measures of mindfulness, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, resilience, perceived health, and life satisfaction. Results: The Boabom intervention was feasible as 23 of 26 participants attended at least six of eight classes, and 22 participants attended the last class. Students found the intervention acceptable, with three themes emerging from the focus group data to describe the participants' experience with Boabom: (1) disengaging from constant, daily stress and breathing and moving as a group leads to sense of calm, (2) empowerment through incremental mastery of skills, and (3) recognition of the value of health benefits to be gained. Participants reported positive changes in mindfulness, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, resilience, perceived health, and life satisfaction from pre- to postintervention. Conclusions: Boabom may be a feasible and acceptable offering for college students; still, further piloting with other college student populations is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable, personality-based (trait), and fluctuating, situational (state) anxiety have both been shown to consume attentional resources and reduce functional cognitive capacity, which may play a role in gait control. However, the role of attention in the relationship between trait and state anxiety has not yet been investigated formally. This study used a virtual reality–threat environment to evaluate whether changes in attention mediate the effects of state and trait anxiety on gait. Thirty adults aged 19–28 completed five walking trials in four conditions: (i) low threat—walking across a virtual plank (0.5 m wide) on flat ground; (ii) low threat + dual task (auditory digit monitoring); (iii) high threat—walking across a virtual plank elevated above a deep pit; and (iv) high threat + dual task. Trait anxiety levels were determined by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, while state anxiety was captured using self-assessment manikins. Higher trait anxiety predicted slower gait velocity and longer time in double support in the high-threat condition compared to low-threat condition (i vs iii), but not when dual tasking, compared to single-task walking, in the absence of threat (ii vs i). Additionally, higher trait anxiety predicted increased step length variability in the high compared to low-threat dual-task condition. Overall, trait anxiety predicts a slower, more cautious gait pattern during threatening conditions while dual tasking during the threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physiotherapists' mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physiotherapists' mental health in Belgium. A total of 115 physiotherapists from 12 general hospitals in Brussels, working in COVID-19 care units (CCU) or non-COVID-19 care units (NCCU), participated in an electronic survey including validated measurement tools for PTSD, anxiety, insomnia and burnout. Descriptive analyses were performed to assess differences in mental health outcomes between physiotherapists who worked in a CCU and those who worked in an NCCU. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were also performed to assess risk factors for burnout. Results showed significant levels of PTSD (9.6%), anxiety (33.9%), insomnia (40%) and burnout (33.9%) among participants. However, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups. It was also found that being isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic was a risk factor for burnout. Although no significant differences were found between the two groups, this study highlights a concerning rate of psychopathological symptoms among participants. Hospitals should therefore invest more time and resources into actions aiming at preserving the mental health of physiotherapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Reminiscence therapy (RT), which engages individuals to evoke positive memories, has been shown to be effective in improving psychological well-being in older adults suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. However, its impact on brain function has yet to be determined. This paper presents functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to describe changes in autobiographical memory networks (AMN) in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This pilot study used a within-subject design to measure changes in AMN activation in 11 older adults who underwent 6 weeks of RT. In the scanner, participants retrieved autobiographical memories which were either recent or remote, rehearsed or unrehearsed. Participants also underwent a clinical interview to assess changes in memory, quality of life, mental health, and affect. Findings: Compared to pretreatment, anxiety decreased (z = −2.014, p =.040) and activated significant areas within the AMN, including bilateral medial prefrontal cortex, left precuneus, right occipital cortex, and left anterior hippocampus. Conclusion: Although RT had subtle effects on psychological function in this sample with no evidence of impairments, including depression at baseline, the fMRI data support current thinking of the effect RT has on the AMN. Increased activation of right posterior hippocampus following RT is compatible with the Multiple Trace Theory Theory (Nadel & Moscovitch, 1997). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Simulation anxiety can hinder healthcare students' learning. Trait-mindfulness may help reduce learners' anxiety and improve their cognitive load during simulation training. However, the relationship between healthcare students' anxiety, trait mindfulness, and cognitive load has not been studied together during undergraduate interprofessional obstetric emergency simulation training. Methods: This observational correlational research examined the relationship between healthcare students' anxiety, trait-mindfulness, and cognitive load. Furthermore, it examined whether healthcare students' trait-mindfulness can moderate the effect of anxiety on cognitive load during undergraduate interprofessional obstetric emergency simulation training. Forty-six undergraduate medical and nursing students were enrolled in this study. Each participant (in a team of 3 to 4) completed one postpartum hemorrhage scenario. The French versions of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y; Gauthier & Bouchard, 1993), the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (Germann et al., 2009), and Paas's cognitive load scale (Paas, 1992) were used to measure anxiety, trait-mindfulness, and cognitive load, respectively. Results: The study results show a positive correlation between healthcare students' state-anxiety and cognitive load. Additionally, healthcare students' mindfulness moderated the effect of state-anxiety on cognitive load during simulation training. Discussion: As a personality trait, healthcare students' mindfulness is associated with reduced simulation anxiety and improved cognitive load during obstetric emergency simulation training. Besides the learning tasks and simulation environment characteristics, simulation instructors should consider healthcare students' anxiety and mindfulness to optimize their cognitive load during simulation training. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that healthcare students' trait mindfulness mitigates the magnitude of simulation anxiety on cognitive load during emergency simulation training. It suggests further examining healthcare students' personality traits to detect potential interactions of their traits with the simulation learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition associated with a significant reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study compared the different components of HRQoL between FMS and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and evaluated the relationships between HRQoL and clinical and emotional factors in FMS and RA patients. Women with FMS (n = 80), RA (n = 43) and healthy women (n = 67) participated in the study. HRQoL was assessed by the SF-36 survey. Associations between HRQoL and symptom severity were assessed by correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. FMS patients displayed lower values for all SF-36 variables than RA patients and healthy participants, while RA patients showed lower values for all SF-36 variables than healthy participants. These group differences persisted after statistically controlling for demographic, clinical and emotional variables. Clinical and emotional factors were inversely associated with SF-36 scores in the overall FMS + RA sample. Depression and fatigue were the strongest negative predictors. However, after the statistical control of the effect of diagnosis (FMS vs. RA) in the regression analysis, most of the associations disappear. The fact that group differences in HRQoL remained highly significant after statistically controlling of group differences in clinical symptom severity, and that associations between clinical symptoms and HRQoL disappear when the type of diagnosis was considered in the regression analysis, suggest that impairment of HRQoL could be considered a primary feature of FMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decreased psychological and cognitive functioning is one of the complications of Covid-19 disease. We aimed to evaluate mental health, cognitive functioning, and salivary cortisol levels in Covid-19 patients with different disease severities in three 45-day intervals after recovery. Methods: 258 Covid-19 patients were assigned into three groups based on their disease severity: 112 patients in mild group, 67 patients in moderate group and 79 patients in severe group. The participants underwent psychological evaluations (including Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, SpeilBerger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory), cognitive assessments (The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test) and salivary cortisol level evaluation in three 45-day periods. Non-parametric statistical methods were applied for psychological and cognitive indicators, while two-way mixed model ANOVA was used to evaluate the cortisol concentration in three replications. Results: The group of mild patients became more anxious and the group of moderate patients became more anxious and depressed. But all three groups of patients developed severe sleep disorders over time. For cognitive functioning, although the results showed a decrease in the correct response rate, a significant increase in the correct response rate was observed in all three groups in all three measurements. However, the response speed not only did not increase, but also decreased in severe group. Cortisol level had a markedly increasing trend in all three groups. Conclusion: Improvement of cognitive functioning was in line with the increase in cortisol. Besides, the decrease in mental health had no effect on the cognitive functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-five women were included in a clinical study to characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the skin during exposure to psychological stress. An original silicon-based polymeric phase was used for VOC sampling on the forehead before and after stress induction. Cognitive stress was induced using specialized software that included a chronometer for semantic and arithmetic tasks. Assessment of stress was monitored using a State-trait anxiety inventory questionnaire, analysis of participants' verbal expressions and clinical measurements. Identification and relative quantification of VOCs were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Stress induction was validated by a significant increase in state-anxiety as indicated by the questionnaire, modifications in electrodermal activity measurements and the expression of stress verbatims. In parallel, a sebum production increase and a skin pH decrease were observed. A total of 198 VOCs with different potential sources were identified. They were categorized in 5 groups: probable cosmetic composition, VOCs produced by the body or its microbiota, environmental origin, and dietary intake. In our qualitative statistical approach, three VOCs were found to be correlated with stress induction and 14 compounds showed significance in the paired Wilcoxon test. Fatty-acyls derived from lipids were predominantly identified as well as ethylbenzenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the context of collective efforts taken in Japan to control the spread of COVID-19, the state of emergency and social distancing have caused a negative impact on the mental health of all residents, including foreign communities in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the level of anxiety and its associated factors among non-Japanese residents residing in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based survey in 13 languages was conducted among non-Japanese residents living in Japan during the COVID-19 situation. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory assessed the level of anxiety–State (STAI-S) scores prorated from its six-item version. The multivariable logistic regression using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) method was performed to identify the associated factors of anxiety among participants. Results: From January to March 2021, we collected 392 responses. A total of 357 valid responses were analyzed. 54.6% of participants suffered from clinically significant anxiety (CSA). In multivariable logistic model analysis, the CSA status or the high level of anxiety was associated with three factors, including having troubles/difficulties in learning or working, decreased sleep duration, and decreased overall physical health (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our study suggests several possible risk factors of anxiety among non-Japanese residents living in Japan undergoing the COVID-19 pandemic, including the troubles or difficulties in learning or working, the decrease in sleep duration, and the decrease in overall physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study used stress profiles to assess whether a biofeedback-assisted stress management program that previously documented decreased anxiety, stress symptoms, medication use, and increased well-being also had physiological effects. Psychophysiological stress profiles are used in quantifying an individual's responses under stress and during recovery from stressors by looking at their degree of response, pattern of response, and degree of recovery. A stress profile measuring surface electromyography (sEMG), heart rate, and skin temperature was performed on 141 adults before and after their participation in a group relaxation and stress management program. After 10 sessions of skills training, the only significant change in physical parameters was warmer hand temperatures in both males and females. Temperature was also the only modality that was included as biofeedback training within the program. Trait anxiety (STAI) was significantly positively correlated with females' sEMG before and after the program. Females had significantly colder hands, higher heart rate, and a pattern of higher sEMG than males did throughout all profiles. The responses and recovery from different stressors showed some significant male-female differences. Future psychophysiological and psychological studies should further investigate male-female differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents of children with cancer face a high level of distress. One contributing factor to this is their need to make life-altering treatment decisions. To understand specific variables that may contribute to parents' distress and decision-making preferences, we assessed correlations between parent anxiety, decision-making preferences, personal variables (gender, age, education, socioeconomic, occupational status), cancer characteristics (type, stage, time since diagnosis), existing support system, and trust in the medical staff. Sixty-nine parents of children with cancer during the first year after diagnosis were recruited to the study during hospitalization in a large medical center. Anxiety was measured by the State-Trait Anxiety inventory, decision-making preferences were assessed by the Control Preferences Scales for Pediatrics, support system and trust were measured by questionnaires developed for the present study. Parents' anxiety level was significantly higher than the general population, especially for state anxiety. Higher socioeconomic status and greater extent of employment of the spouse related to higher levels of state anxiety. Anxiety did not relate to any of the cancer properties, nor to the amount of support the parents had or their trust in the medical staff. Parents' level of education positively related with willingness to take part in decision-making, as well as with trust in the medical staff. The results emphasize the importance of trust in and the support of the medical and psychosocial staff and the need to be attuned to different parents' needs to increase this trust. Highlights: This study examines personal and environmental variables impacting parental anxiety and decision-making. Parents displayed notably elevated anxiety levels, particularly in terms of state anxiety, compared to the general population. High socioeconomic status and greater spousal employment correlated with heightened state anxiety. Parents' educational attainment positively influenced their willingness to participate in decision-making and trust in medical professionals. Results emphasize the importance of trust in and support of medical and psychosocial staff and being attuned to different parents' needs to increase this trust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repercussions of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus over recent years have posed an unprecedented challenge for the whole of society, affecting the well-being of everyone. Among all the variables affected in relation to well-being, Anxiety, Emotional Intelligence, and Effective Personality (Self-Esteem, Academic Self-Realisation, Resolute Self-Efficacy, Social Self-Realisation) have been highlighted. The aim of this study is to assess the evolution of those variables across three temporal phases: pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and up until the end of the study in April 2022. A study was conducted during these temporal phases with three cohorts from Spanish Universities. The cohorts were formed of people assessed for Anxiety (660 pre-pandemic, 460 during the pandemic, and 311 at the end of the study), Emotional Intelligence (355 pre-pandemic, 91 during the pandemic, 311 at the end of the study), and Effective Personality (708 pre-pandemic, 174 in 2018, 311 at the end of the study). Anxiety was assessed with the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Emotional Intelligence with the Trait Meta-Mood Scale and TMMS-24, and Effective Personality with the Cuestionario Personalidad Eficaz-Universidad (the Effective Personality Questionnaire-University). The results showed a rise in the state of anxiety during COVID-19, with a subsequent reduction two years into the pandemic; however, anxiety rates remained higher than before the pandemic. Emotional intelligence increased in the emotional attention factor, but diminished as regards both clarity and regulation. Effective Personality was at lower levels for all factors (Self-Esteem, Academic Self-Realisation, Resolute Self-Efficacy, Social Self-Realisation). The main conclusion was the need for assistance with the dimensions under study, in order to improve the well-being of university students after the serious effects caused by COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine co‐occurrence patterns of depression and anxiety among Chinese adolescents and their associations with various forms of peer victimization. We collected longitudinal data from 1005 middle school students using the Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. Then we conducted latent profile analysis, latent transition analysis, and logistic regression analysis. The results reveal the presence of three depression‐anxiety profiles among participants: low depression‐anxiety group, moderate depression‐anxiety group, and high depression‐anxiety group. As verbal and relational victimization increase, adolescents are more likely to transition to a higher level of depression‐anxiety profile. However, an increase in physical and property victimization predicts a transition to a lower level of depression‐anxiety profile. The diverse effects resulting from different forms of victimization exhibit gender differences. For boys, an increase in relational victimization made participants in the moderate depression‐anxiety group more likely to transition to the high depression‐anxiety group, whereas this effect was not significant among girls. This study is theoretically significant for understanding the link between depression, anxiety, and their influencing factors. It suggests that educators, while addressing verbal and relational harm in adolescents, should reconsider the potential impact of physical and property harm. Opportunities to transform negative events into positive ones should be explored. Educators should tailor their focus based on gender, with a particular emphasis on addressing relational harm among male students. This underscores the need for differentiated approaches to effectively support students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The experience of stress is common among surgeons while working in the operating theatre (OT). Understanding and finding ways to mitigate this stress is important for optimizing surgical quality and maintaining clinician wellbeing. In this pilot study, we tested the feasibility and reported the outcomes of measuring the effect of background music on intra‐operative surgeon stress in the clinical environment. Methods: The effect of Music on the Operating Surgeon: A pilot Randomized crossover Trial (the MOSART study) was conducted over a 9‐month period in a single‐centre. Vascular and general surgeons acting as primary operators (POs) performing elective, general anaesthetic operations were included. The intervention was surgeon‐selected music, and the control was the absence of music. Outcome measures were feasibility (recruitment rate, practicability, and completeness of data), heart rate variability (HRV) indices, the Six‐Item State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI‐6), and the Surgical Task‐load Index (SURG‐TLX). Results: Five POs performed 74 eligible randomized cases. The protocol was well tolerated, and no cases were abandoned. Data was incomplete in 8% of cases. The overall mean (SD) operative SURG‐TLX score was 48 (±22). Mean HR increased and RMSSD decreased significantly from baseline, suggesting reduced parasympathetic activity while operating. The presence of intra‐operative music was not found to affect the psychological or physiological outcomes. Conclusions: A music interventional study of this nature is feasible in the operating theatre environment, though no difference was found between in the music and non‐music conditions. Follow‐up research in a simulated environment with intensive physiological monitoring could be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cortisol awakening response (CAR) refers to the dynamic change of cortisol concentration within 1 h after awakening. Trait anxiety is a general risk marker of anxiety disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of trait anxiety on CAR using R30 (change in cortisol level at 30 min after awakening) and AUCi (the area under the curve with respect to the increase) as indicators. 133 college students were divided into high trait anxiety (HTA) and low trait anxiety (LTA) group according to the median score of the trait version of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Saliva samples were collected immediately upon awakening, 30 min, 45 and 60 min on two consecutive mornings. The results showed that, (1) decreased CAR was found for the male than female participants. (2) Compared to the LTA group, the HTA group showed decreased R30 and AUCi. (3) Both R30 and AUCi were negatively correlated with trait anxiety scores. These results demonstrated that trait anxiety might weaken the CAR, and both R30 and AUCi can be used as CAR indicators in detecting trait anxiety. Future research on CAR should consider the moderating effect of trait anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While existing literature addresses the psychological impact of HIV, there is a notable gap in data regarding other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the association between STIs, the psychological profile of patients as measured by anxiety levels, and the impact on couple adaptability. Methods: A prospective investigation was conducted in Romania, from November 2021, including individuals with high suspicion of STI and healthy controls. Data collection comprised a questionnaire, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Y-1). Statistical methods, including multivariate logistic and linear regressions, were used to carry out the analyses. Results: The participant cohort consisted of 441 individuals. STI participants exhibited consistently lower DAS scores, notably in dyadic adaptability (DA) (p = 0.031), dyadic satisfaction (DS) (p = 0.006), and affectional expression (AE) (p = 0.016). Multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for confounders confirmed a significant association between STIs and atypical DAS responses (2.56-fold increase). STAI T scores were significantly higher in the STI suspected group (p < 0.01), remaining robust after adjusting for confounders in a multiple linear regression model. Conclusions: Our prospectively designed study highlights the mental health repercussions associated with STIs. This is evident through the diminished DAS scores and heightened STAI Y-1 scores observed in individuals with suspected STIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Research indicates that the immobilisation mask required for radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancers can provoke intense anxiety. However, little is known about the rates of this anxiety, whether it changes over a course of treatment and how it is managed in clinical practice. This study aimed to describe the rates and patterns of situational anxiety in patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer and the use of anxiety management interventions in current clinical practice in a major regional cancer setting in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: Situational anxiety rates and patterns were assessed at five time points using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory prior to treatment planning (SIM), the first three treatment sessions (Tx 1, Tx 2 and Tx 3) and treatment 20 (Tx 20). Sessions were observed to record the use of general supportive interventions (music and support person) and anxiety‐specific interventions (break from the mask, relaxation techniques and anxiolytic medication). Sociodemographic and clinical information was extracted from the medical record. Results: One hundred and one patients were recruited. One‐third had clinically significant anxiety at any of the first three time points (33.3–40%), and a quarter at Tx 3 (26.4%) and Tx 20 (23.4%). Of the sample, 55.4% had available data for categorisation into one of four pattern groups: 'No Anxiety' (46.4%); 'Decreasing Anxiety' (35.7%); 'Increasing Anxiety' (7.1%); and 'Stable High Anxiety' (10.7%). Most participants had social support present at SIM (53.5%) and listened to music during treatment (86.7–92.9%). Few participants received relaxation techniques alone (1.2–2.3%). Anxiolytic medication was provided for 10% of patients at some stage during the treatment journey and 5% required a break from the mask at SIM, with frequency decreasing throughout the treatment course. Conclusions: In this regional cancer setting, situational anxiety was common, but generally decreased throughout treatment. Some patients experience persistent or increasing anxiety, with up to 10% of patients receiving specific anxiety management interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the perioperative period, regional analgesia techniques may play an increasingly important role in "Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)" programs, as they can facilitate recovery. We hypothesized that Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block could improve regional perfusion, thereby limiting blood lactate increase. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of ESP block on intraoperative blood lactate levels in patients scheduled for elective on-pump cardiac surgery with ERAS protocol. Methods: A total of 68 adult patients scheduled for on-pump cardiac surgery were included. All patients were randomized to the ESP group and the non-ESP group. Blood lactate analyses were performed at intraoperative five-time points. C-Reactive protein (CRP) values were also measured. Results: Blood lactate values were significantly lower in the ESP group than in the Non-ESP group, at the end of CPB [1.78 (1.23–2.78) mmol L−1 to 2.63 (1.70–3.12) mmol L−1] and during the sternal closure period [1.78 (1.27–2.42) mmol L−1 to 2.40 (2.14–2.80) mmol L−1] (p = 0.039, p = 0.009). In addition, CRP values were significantly lower in the ESP group in the postoperative period [0.048 (0.036–0.105) g L−1 to 0.090 (0.049–0.154) g L−1] (p = 0.035). Conclusions: This study showed that preoperative bilateral single-shot ESP block significantly reduces intraoperative final blood lactate and postoperative CRP values. We consider that these results are related to the attenuation of intraoperative hypoperfusion and the alleviation of surgery-related postoperative inflammation. ERAS programs aim to achieve the rapid recovery of patients, a decrease in inflammation, and high-quality analgesia with less opioid consumption. Therefore, our results also prove that it is easier to reach the primary goals of ERAS programs with the application of ESP block in cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Concurrent diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and mental disorders is associated with adverse outcomes for mother and child, but there is limited information about prevalence or which women are at risk. Material and methods: This study was a prospective cohort study of women with gestational diabetes from 10 hospitals in New Zealand who reported anxiety (6‐item Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory), depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and health‐related quality of life (36‐Item Short‐Form General Health Survey) at time of gestational diabetes diagnosis (baseline), 36 weeks' gestation, and 6 months postpartum. Potential predictors were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Among 414 respondents, 17% reported anxiety, 16% vulnerability to depression and 27% poor mental health‐related quality of life at time of gestational diabetes diagnosis. At 36 weeks' gestation, prevalence decreased for vulnerability to depression (8%) and poor mental health‐related quality of life (20%). Younger maternal age, Pacific ethnicity, previous history of gestational diabetes, and older gestational age at time of gestational diabetes diagnosis were associated with poorer mental health outcomes. At 6 months postpartum the prevalence of mental disorders did not differ from in late pregnancy and they were associated with later gestational age at time of gestational diabetes diagnosis and elevated 2‐hour postprandial glucose concentrations. Conclusions: Perinatal mental disorders are common at time of diagnosis among women with gestational diabetes in New Zealand and had decreased by late pregnancy and at 6 months after birth. These disorders are more common among women with specific risk factors who may therefore benefit from additional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has reported that residual neurological impairment and emotional factors play a role in regaining successful participation post-stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the mediating impact of anxiety on the association between residual neurological impairment and participation in survivors with and without post-stroke depressive symptoms. Participants (N = 79) were classified into 2 categories, those with post-stroke depressive symptoms (N = 40) and those without post-stroke depressive symptoms (N = 39). Variables measured in this study: residual neurological impairment (NIH Stroke Scale Score), participation (Reintegration to Normal Living Index), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and trait anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). A regression-based mediation analysis was conducted for each group of participants. The majority of participants had some level of anxiety. Residual neurological impairment predicted participation in stroke survivors both with (β = -.45, p =.003) and without (β = -.45, p =.004) post-stroke depressive symptoms. Anxiety mediated this relationship in participants with depressive symptoms (β = -.19, 95% CI = -.361 ∼ -.049), but not in participants without depressive symptoms (β = -.18, 95% CI = -.014 ∼.378). Depressive and anxious symptoms should both be addressed to best facilitate participation by stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cases of schizophrenia and other psychoses, a comprehensive strategy that combines psychopharmacology with psychosocial interventions is often used to address symptoms, cognitive deficits, social functioning, and quality of life. The aim of this research was to carry out a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of a music therapy (MT) treatment protocol on quality of life (primary outcome), symptoms, self-esteem, internalized stigma, social cognition, and social functioning (secondary outcomes), when implemented in combination with standard pharmacological and psychosocial rehabilitation (treatment as usual, TAU). Sixty clinically stable outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychoses were randomly allocated to one of two groups: One group was administered TAU (n = 30) and the other TAU + MT (n = 30). The MT component consisted of 22 sessions of evidence-based MT. Outcome measures were obtained before and after treatment using a masked assessment process. A total of 57 participants completed the study. All participants were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Differences between the groups were observed for internalized stigma (η2=.46), social functioning (η2=.18) and quality of life (η2=.25), with the TAU + MT group showing significantly greater improvements than the control group. The results obtained support the benefits of incorporating a MT treatment protocol as a complementary therapy to standard treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women with substance use disorders (SUDs) are more inclined to use drugs and relapse for regulating emotions compared to men. This study aimed to explore the effects of group music and imagery in alleviating anxiety, depression, emotion regulation difficulties, and craving for women with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) in a compulsory rehabilitation context. A total of 90 women with MUD were randomly assigned to the music therapy treatment arm (n = 45) or control treatment arm (n = 45). Participants in the music therapy treatment arm received 12 biweekly sessions of group music and imagery (GrpMI) and those in the control treatment arm received 6 weeks of usual care. Anxiety, depression, emotion regulation difficulties, and craving were assessed at pre-test and post-test. After the intervention, participants in the GrpMI group reported significantly greater improvements than those in the control group for state anxiety (F = 6.27; p =.02; Partial η2 =.13), trait anxiety (F = 4.49; p =.04; Partial η2 =.09), depression (F = 5.48; p =.02; Partial η2 =.11), and craving (F = 4.53; p =.04; Partial η2 =.09). There was no significant difference between groups in emotion regulation difficulties (F =.95, p =.34, Partial η2 =.09). GrpMI significantly decreased depression, anxiety, and craving for women with MUD. Emotion regulation ability may need a longer period of treatment for significant improvement. Future studies could add long-term follow-up and compare the effects of group music therapy in women versus men with SUDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining mental health is essential for professions with higher stress levels and challenging environments, including emergency specializations. In this study, the occurrence of distress, anxiety, and depression among a group of ambulance and hospital emergency care professionals was assessed (n = 202). A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive online survey was conducted, including the internationally validated Beck depression inventory (BDI), the perceived stress scale (PSS-14), and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, the χ2-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Dunn–Bonferroni test, logistic regression (LR), Cramer coefficient (Cramer's V), Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs). Based on the results, female professionals are more likely to have depressive symptoms (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.3–5.1), perceived stress (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.2–4.1), and anxiety (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.0–4.1) than male professionals. Perceived stress levels decreased proportionally with increasing years spent working in healthcare (OR = 7.4, 95% CI = 7.1–8.3). Extended work shifts of 12 or 24 h increase the risk of perceived stress and anxiety in emergency care workers (p = 0.02). Customized stress management interventions are needed to mitigate the amplified mental strain associated with gender, working years, and longer shifts in the emergency care sector to sustain their mental health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety is a problem that most often occurs in the pre-operative coronary artery bypass graft surgery stage. The combination of prayer therapy with education is expected to be able to overcome anxiety. The combination of prayer and education therapy have been researched as a potential holistic intervention for reducing anxiety in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Purpose: This study compares the effect of combination therapy with the golden standard of therapy in hospitals. Methods: A true-experimental design was used. Fifty participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Data were collected using a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire from Spielberger. Findings: Most respondents were elderly, male, high school graduates in the treatment group, and bachelor graduates in the control group. Prayer therapy and education have an effect of 63.8% on reducing anxiety. An increase of 1 constant in the provision of prayer therapy and education can reduce anxiety by 0.772. Conclusions: The combination of prayer therapy and education becomes the holistic nursing modality that can reduce anxiety in pre-operative coronary artery bypass graft patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]