Unlocking the power of physical activity in easing psychological distress

The severity of the current global mental health situation and the importance of maintaining psychological well-being call for more powerful,convenient,and efficient solutions for addressing psychological issues and relieving mental stress.Physical activity not only effectively improves physical fitness and reduces negative emotions such as anxiety and depression but also increases the improvement of psychological health and sense of well-being.At the same time,physical activity interventions for mental health have unique advantages,including reducing the side effects of psychological interventions and increasing necessity,convenience,and cost-effectiveness,as well as flexible adaptability across multiple methods,groups,and age ranges,providing stronger support for relieving psychological stress and addressing psychological issues.Although physical activity is an important intervention measure in relieving psychological stress,its value and role in mental health care seem to have not yet received sufficient attention,and its potential remains to be further revealed.Given the significant advantages and effectiveness of physical activity in mental health intervention practices,it is necessary to stimulate its potential in relieving psychological stress through various means in future studies to better safeguard the public’s physical and mental health.Developing guidelines for physical activity for improved mental health,enhancing organic integration with other intervention measures,and providing necessary respect,encouragement,and support are important directions to consider.

Mediating role of physical activity in the relationship between psychological distress and intimate relationships among stroke patients

BACKGROUND Stroke patients often experience psychological distress,which can impact their intimate relationships with spouses,subsequently influencing their treatment and recovery.Physical activity is considered a key rehabilitation method for stroke patients.This paper aims to analyze whether psychological distress affects intimate relationship between spouses through physical activity.AIM To explore the mediating effect of physical activity between psychological distress and intimate relationship in stroke patients.METHODS A total of 256 stroke patients who underwent treatment at the First People’s Hospital of Shangqiu between July 2021 and July 2022 were enrolled in this study.The participants completed questionnaires,including the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale(K10),the Quality of Relationship Index(QRI),International Physical Activity Questionnaire,and a general information questionnaire.Data analysis were performed using SPSS 23.0.The Harman test was employed to detect common method deviations,and Spearman correlation was used for correlation analysis.The mediating effect was assessed using Process 3.4.1,with significance testing of the regression coefficients conducted using the bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap method(5000 iterations,95%confidence interval).Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS The results showed that patients scored an average of 21.61±6.44 points on the K10,32.40±6.19 points on the QRI;the median physical activity level according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was 1861(566,2846)MET·min/w.The level of physical activity(the physical activity intensity of the patients reflected by the Interna-tional Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form scale)negatively correlated with psychological distress and intimacy(P<0.05),and positively correlated with each other(P<0.05),with the correlation stronger at lower physical activity levels compared to higher ones.The mediating effect of physical activity between psychological distress and intimate relationship was calculated to be 40.23%.Bootstrap analysis further validated the results.The mediating effect of psychological distress on intimate relationships through physical activity level was-0.284,with a confidence interval of-0.409 to-0.163,excluding 0,confirming a significant mediating effect of psychological distress on intimate relationships.CONCLUSION Physical activity significantly affects relationship between psychological distress and intimate relationships among stroke patients.Addressing the role of physical activity may have implications for improving patient outcomes and rehabilitation strategies.

Who Is More Vulnerable?The Age-Period-Cohort Effect of Psychological Distress among Urban Residents in China

How does psychological distress evolve over time?This study utilizes cross-sectional data from the China General Social Survey from 2010 to 2017 to explore the differences in psychological distress among Chinese residents at various ages,periods,and cohorts.The dummy variable method and random effects hierarchical age-period-cohort model were employed to isolate the age,period,and cohort effects that impacted the psychological distress of Chinese urban residents.First,in terms of the age effect,the psychological distress experienced by residents tends to increase initially and then decrease with age.Middle-aged individuals,around 40 years old,often face a particularly severe form of psychological distress known as the“midlife crisis.”Additionally,middle-aged people who have larger families may experience more significant psychological distress due to increased family burdens.Second,in terms of the period effect,the psychological distress experienced by residents has been on the rise due to the continued development of society.Those who are at a disadvantage in market competition and work longer hours may be particularly vulnerable to increased psychological distress.Thirdly,the cohort effect refers to the different social behaviors and attitudes exhibited by individuals of different generations.In terms of this effect,psychological distress initially decreased and then increased among those born between 1945 and 1990.Individuals born in the 1980s and 1990s experienced higher levels of psychological distress,with internet use having a greater negative impact.Additionally,the positive effect of income on their psychological distress was reduced.The psychological distress of Chinese urban residents is affected by a variety of time-related factors,which are closely related to Chinese clan culture,market competition and social changes.The heavy family burden imposed by traditional clan culture,the different working conditions created by market competition,and the emergence of new lifestyles,such as internet use during social changes,have led to diverse psychological distress experiences among residents across different ages,time periods,and cohorts.In the future,longitudinal studies are needed to strengthen the robustness of the conclusions and consider the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Mental health support should pay specific attention to the psychological distress of middle-aged individuals,long-time workers,and internet users.

Reciprocal Association between Psychological Distress and PTSD and Their Relationship with Pre-Displacement Stressors among Displaced Women

It is established in the psychological literature that pre-displacement stressors,PTSD symptoms,and psycholo-gical distress are associated among internally displaced persons.However,existing studies have not demonstrated the mechanism underlying these associations.This study compared two explanatory models;one with PTSD symptoms severity explaining the indirect association between pre-displacement stressors and psychological dis-tress,and the other with psychological distress explaining the indirect relationship between pre-displacement stressors and PTSD symptoms severity.In a cross-sectional design,631 women(Mean age=31.18±8.59)were conveniently and purposely selected from the displaced women harboured in two camps in Borno State,Nigeria,due to the Boko-Haram insurgency.Data were collected utilizing structured questionnaires and subjected to path analyses.Results demonstrated that PTSD symptoms severity and psychological distress indirectly explained their respective and independent association with pre-displacement stressors.However,PTSD symptoms had a statis-tically larger standardized indirect effect size,greater indirect effect percentage,and bigger kappa-squared(k2)effect size than psychological distress.PTSD symptoms and psychological distress may have a reciprocal influence on each other from pre-displacement stressors.However,PTSD symptoms can better explain the association between pre-displacement stressors and psychological distress than the other way around.These outcomes have important implications for the psychological treatment of displaced persons.

Identify Psychological Distress among Cancer Patients: A Study at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Tanzania

Introduction: The major objective of this study was to identify the Psychological Distress among Cancer Patients at KCMC in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Tanzania. The specific objectives were to identify the psychological distress among cancer patients at KCMC, and to explore relationship between demographic characteristics of cancer patients and psychological distress. Methodology: The study used a sample of 175 respondents. The study was cross-sectional design, a quantitative approach. The data gathered for the study were analyzed using quantitative data analyzing software SPSS version 20 and were visually presented using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution of tables, and figures. Result: The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents (cancer patients) 105 (60.0%) were experiencing psychological distress among the cancer patients. The cancer patients who are divorced and widow them experience anxiety (p-value 0.01) significant. Those who were low in education were significantly affected with (p-value 0.03) anxiety and (p-value 0.01) depression. The variable in economic;the less satisfaction were significantly (p-value 0.01) were experience adjustment disorder. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study recommends that it is important to involve psychologists in the treatment team among the cancer patients to address psychological distresses they experience. Also Oncology Department should develop interest of doing research on psychological distress management because study showed 60% cancer patients suffer with psychological distress. .

Research on the Intervention of Internet+ Health Education Model on Hemodialysis Patients with Psychological Distress

Objective:To observe the status quo of patients’psychological distress,and to explore the effect of Internet+health education model(IHEM)on patients who experienced psychological distress during their first hemodialysis treatment,with the goal of reducing their psychological distress and improving their quality of life.Methods:IHEM was conducted on 120 first-time hemodialysis patients for 3 months while a distress thermometer and a list of questionnaires were used to screen patients and provide corresponding psychological intervention.The incidence rate of psychological distress was analyzed statistically to explore the difference in psychological distress at various periods.Results:The incidence rate(score≥4)of psychological distress in first-time hemodialysis patients was 46.67%,and their distress was mainly rooted in physical,emotional,practical problems(economy,time,and energy),etc.Through IHEM,the psychological distress scores of the patients decreased to 3.29±1.02 at one month after their discharge,and the incidence rate was 32.14%;the psychological distress scores of the patients were 2.29±1.02 at 3 months after their discharge,and the incidence rate was 21.14%.The difference before and after the intervention was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:A psychological distress thermometer can timely detect the degree and causes of psychological distress among first-time hemodialysis patients,and the use of IHEM may significantly alleviate the psychological distress among hemodialysis patients.

Psychological Distress, Social Support and Medication Adherence in Patients with Ischemic Stroke in the Mainland of China

Stroke research and rehabilitation have traditionally focused on the physical and functional impact of a stroke. Less attention has been given to the psychosocial factors associated with this chronic condition. By the few studies that have specifically focused on psychosocial factors in the context of stroke, poststroke depression is demonstrated to significantly influence stroke outcomes. Associations of stroke with psychological symptoms other than depression have rarely been evaluated. This study was aimed to investigate the changes of psychological stress, social support and medication adherence in patients with ischemic stroke in the mainland of China. In this study, 90 patients with hemiplegia one year after first-ever middle cerebral artery infarction（stroke group） in the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from June 2008 to June 2011 were recruited for interview. Ninety age- and sex-matched normal volunteers（control group） were also examined at the same period. The psychological distress was assessed by the Symptom Checklist 90（SCL-90）, the social support by the Social Support Rating Scale（SSRS）, and medication adherence by Morisky＇s self-reported inventory, respectively. Group differences were analyzed using unpaired-t test and chi-squared test. The results showed that total mean scores of the SCL-90 in the stroke group were higher than those in the control group（P〈0.01）. Except two dimensions, paranoid ideation and psychoticism, mean scores of the rest dimensions（including somatization, obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, and phobic anxiety） of SCL-90 were significantly higher in the stroke group than those in the control group（P〈0.05, or P〈0.01）. The objective support, subjective support, support availability and total social support scores in the stroke group were significantly higher than those in the control group（P〈0.05, or P〈0.01）. Those in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〉150 group＂ were significantly higher than in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〈100 group＂ and the ＂SCL-90 total scores between 100 to 150 group＂（P〈0.05, or P〈0.01）. Those in the ＂SCL-90 total scores between 100 to 150 group＂ were significantly higher than in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〈100 group＂（P〈0.05）. In 90 patients with ischemic stroke, 26（28.89%） patients obtained high medication adherence, 47（52.22%） patients medium medication adherence, and 17（18.89%） patients low medication adherence, respectively. Among these stroke patients, there were 17（50.00%） patients with high medication adherence in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〉150 group＂, 28（75.67%） patients with medium medication adherence in the ＂SCL-90 total scores between 100 to 150 group＂, and 12（61.16%） patients with low medication adherence in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〈100 group＂, respectively. There was significant difference in the medication adherence rate among the different SCL-90 scores groups in these stroke patients（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. It was led to conclude that ischemic stroke patients one year after hemiplegia have psychological distress, low level of social support and poor medication adherence in the mainland of China. Therefore, it is necessary to mobilize the government, medical institutions and various social support groups to offer psychological interventions to relieve the stress of patients with ischemic stroke, and improve their medication adherence.

Role of perceived family support in psychological distress for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has caused major public panic in China.Pregnant women may be more vulnerable to stress,which may cause them to have psychological problems.AIM To explore the effects of perceived family support on psychological distress in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS A total of 2232 subjects were recruited from three cities in China.Through the online surveys,information on demographic data and health status during pregnancy were collected.Insomnia severity index,generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale,patient health questionnaire-9,somatization subscale of the symptom check list 90 scale,and posttraumatic stress disorder checklist were used to assess the psychological distress.RESULTS A total of 1015(45.4%)women reported having at least one psychological distress.The women who reported having inadequate family support were more likely to suffer from multiple psychological distress(≥2 psychological distress)than women who received adequate family support.Among the women who reported less family support,41.8%reported depression,31.1%reported anxiety,8.2%reported insomnia,13.3%reported somatization and 8.9%reported posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD),which were significantly higher than those who received strong family support.Perceived family support level was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms(r=-0.118,P<0.001),anxiety symptoms(r=-0.111,P<0.001),and PTSD symptoms(r=-0.155,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Family support plays an important part on pregnant women’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.Better family support can help improve the mental health of pregnant women.

Psychological distress in elderly cancer patients

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and specific manifestations of psychological distress in elderly cancer patients.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,153 elderly patients with cancer admitted to two tertiary hospitals were investigated using the convenience sampling method.Distress thermometer and the problem list,recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network,were used to assess the psychological distress and its specific manifestations.A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic data.Results:A total of 67 participants(43.8%)exhibited psychological distress to some degree.The analysis of the sub-categories in the problem list showed significant differences(p<0.001).The highest scoring category was the emotional problems,followed by practical problems,physiological problems,and family problems.Among 34 items included in the statistical analysis,the top five were worry(73.9%),depression(55.6%),pain(54.2%),economic problems(52.3%),and fear(49.7%).Married participants,those with higher education and higher monthly income had significantly lower psychological distress score compared with single patients,those with lower education,and lower monthly income(p<0.05).Conclusions:Psychological distress is prevalent among elderly patients with cancer and,therefore,should be considered by the health professionals treating these patients.

Microsurgical vasovasostomy:An option for men with post vasectomy psychological distress

Vasectomy is a practical and straightforward approach to birth control.This paper presented a 31-year-old patient who desired to restore his fertility five years after being vasectomized.He met several obstacles.He developed severe psychological distress with symptoms of stress,anxiety,and aggression.He underwent microsurgical vasovasostomy,and vassal patency was confirmed by return of spermatozoa in semen samples 6 and 10 weeks after surgery,and symptoms of psychological distress disappeared.Preoperative vasectomy counseling should include information about vasectomy reversal.At the most,vasectomy reversal can be considered in selected men with psychological problems due to vasectomy.Microsurgical training should be offered to more urological surgeons,especially those who are interested in andrology.

Frequency and risk factors of psychological distress among individuals with epilepsy before and during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in China:an online questionnaire survey

Background The COVID-19 pandemic substantially increases the risk of severe psychological distress among people with epilepsy(PWE),especially those with monthly household income<5000 RMB or with uncontrolled seizures.Patients with Kessler scores>12 should consult a psychiatrist,especially during major disasters.This study was aimed to compare the frequency of psychological distress among Chinese PWE before and during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant,and to identify risk factors for such distress.Methods In this prospective study,we collected sociodemographic data of PWE aged>14 years,who were treated at our center during December 1 to 15,2022.All participants completed the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale before the outbreak and again during the outbreak.Health visitors who were unrelated to those patients during the outbreak were included as a control.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of severe psychological distress and its exacerbation.Results Of the 223 PWE,127 were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2,while 174 of 218 controls were positive for SARS-CoV-2.The neurological symptoms were similar between PWE and controls with SARS-CoV-2.The average Kessler score of PWE was significantly higher during the outbreak than before it(9.93±3.98 vs.8.52±0.23,P<0.001).The average score of controls during the outbreak(5.146±0.35,P<0.001)was significantly lower than that of the PWE.We identified three independent predictors for severe psychological distress in PWE during the outbreak,i.e.,monthly household income<5000 RMB(OR=0.252,95%CI 0.064–0.998,P=0.048),severe psychological distress before the outbreak(OR=0.067,95%CI 0.026–0.174,P<0.001),and seizure onset within 30 days before the assessment during the outbreak(OR=0.356,95%CI 0.157–0.805,P=0.013).Of the three predictors,the last one was also an independent predictor for exacerbation of psychological distress during the outbreak(OR=0.302,95%CI 0.123–0.741,P=0.009).Conclusions Our analysis suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially increased psychological distress of individuals with epilepsy,regardless of the viral infection or not.Various neurological symptoms similar to those of“long COVID”appeared for the first time among these individuals during the Omicron outbreak,highlighting the need for clinicians to screen carefully for this condition.Management of epilepsy during the pandemic or a similar major disaster should focus on the control of seizures and maintenance of mental health,especially among those with monthly household incomes below 5000 RMB,suffering uncontrolled seizures and having a history of severe psychological distress.

Androgen replacement therapy improves psychological distress and health-related quality of life in late onset hypogonadism patients in Chinese population

Background Late onset hypogonadism negatively impacts on men＇s psychological well-being This study was conducted to examine the interrelationship among symptoms of testosterone deficiency, psychological well-being, and quality of life.Methods Eligible subjects were randomized into active treatment and control groups, and were asked to complete the following questionnaires at baseline and month 6： aging male＇s symptoms （AMS） rating scale,

Psychological Factors Are Closely Associated with the Bell's Palsy: A Case-control Study

To observe the differences in psychological status between Bell’s palsy (BP) patients and healthy subjects, and to examine the relationship between psychological factors and the severity of BP, we conducted a case-control, multi-center clinical investigation. A total of 695 subjects were assigned to the case group (n=355) and the control group (n=340). House–Brackmann grading system and Facial Disability Index (FDI) were adopted to assess the BP patients; Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and 16 Personality Factor (16PF) scale were employed to evaluate the psychological distress and personality profiles of all subjects. Two independent samples t test was used to compare the differences between cases and controls, and to compare the differences among different BP patients. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between psychological factors and severity of facial paralysis. The results showed that psychological distress (K10) in case group (27.09±5.80) was significantly higher than that in control group (13.43±3.02) (t=–37.219, P=0.000). The scores of personality factor Warmth (A), Openness to Change (Q1), Self-Reliance (Q2) were lower in cases than in the controls (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively), whereas the scores of Sensitivity (I), Vigilance (L), Apprehension (O), and Tension (Q4) were significantly higher in cases than in the controls (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively). In addition, the psychological distress was significantly higher in female patients, severe (HB score Ⅳ–Ⅵ) patients, and subacute (onset time 72–168 h) patients compared with that in male patients, mild (HB score Ⅰ–Ⅲ)patients, and acute (onset time≤72 h) patients (P<0.05). The scores of personality factor in female patients, severe patients, and subacute patients were also significantly different from male patients, mild patients, and acute patients (P<0.05). The result of Pearson correlation analysis showed that psychological factors (K10, personality A, F, L, N, O, Q4) were closely related to HB scores. We are led to conclude that the psychological status between BP patients and healthy people are different; psychological distress and personality factors are closely associated with severity of facial paralysis.

Uncertainty following an inconclusive result from the BRCA1/2 genetic test:A review about psychological outcomes

BACKGROUND An inconclusive result from BRCA1/2 genetic testing indicates that a genetic variant of uncertain significance is detected.This case constitutes the majority of genetic test results,but studies specifically addressing the psychological adjustment of people with inconclusive results are scarce.AIM To examine psychological outcomes of receiving an uninformative BRCA1/2 test result.METHODS PubMed,PsychInfo,and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were screened for studies focusing on distress,anxiety,and depression levels in individuals with inconclusive genetic test results.This review is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method.RESULTS Studies on psychological outcomes of inconclusive BRCA1/2 focused on general and specific distress,anxiety,and depression.Overall,they produced mixed results.These inconsistent findings are probably due to the uncertainty caused by this type of result,that may also influence the decisions of individuals about surveillance and prophylactic options,reducing their compliance.In addition,this review highlights specific risk and protective factors that affect psychological adjustment in individuals with an inconclusive genetic testing result.CONCLUSION Individuals with inconclusive genetic test results need specific educational programs and support to better understand the meaning of their results in order to be able to make decisions about surveillance and prophylactic options.

Dimensions of emotional distress among Brazilian workers in a COVID-19 reference hospital:A factor analytical study

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is an unprecedented challenge for public health and has caused the loss of millions of lives worldwide.Hospital workers play a key role in averting the collapse of the health system,but the mental health of many has deteriorated during the pandemic.Few studies have been devoted to identifying the needs of workers on frontline duty.AIM To investigate dimensions of common emotional symptoms and associated predictors among Brazilian workers in a COVID-19 reference hospital.METHODS This is an observational study of the mental health of professionals in a COVID-19 hospital in the city of São Paulo.We invited all hospital employees to respond to an online survey between July and August 2020,during the first peak of the pandemic.Data of 1000 participants who completed the survey were analyzed(83.9%were women and 34.3%were aged 30 to 40).Hospital workers selfreported the presence of symptoms of depression,anxiety,trauma-related stress,and burnout through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9,the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7,the Impact of Event Scale-Revised and the Mini-Z Burnout Assessment respectively.Responses were assembled and subjected to exploratory factor analysis to reveal workers’core emotional distress.Multiple linear regression models were subsequently carried out to estimate the likelihood of dimensions of distress using questions on personal motivation,threatening events,and institutional support.RESULTS Around one in three participants in our sample scored above the threshold of depression,anxiety,post-traumatic stress disorder,and burnout.The factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure that explained 58%of the total data variance.Core distressing emotional domains were avoidance and re-experience,depression-anxiety,and sleep changes.Regression analysis revealed that institutional support was a significant protective factor for each of these dimensions(βrange=-0.41 to-0.20,P<0.001).However,participants’personal motivation to work in healthcare service was not associated with these emotional domains.Moreover,the likelihood of presenting the avoidance and re-experience dimension was associated with having a family member or close friend be hospitalized or die due to COVID-19 and having faced an ethical conflict.CONCLUSION Distressing emotional domains among hospital workers were avoidance and re-experience,depression and anxiety,and sleep changes.Improving working conditions through institutional support could protect hospital workers'mental health during devastating public health crises.

Psychological impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social distancing mandates on trauma survivors

Objective:Despite recognition that coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic created an unprecedented impact on global mental health,information on the psychological health among trauma survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic is rare.We sought to examine psychological outcomes among individuals with preexisting traumatic experiences during COVID-19.Methods:We sampled 1242 adults in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States under a state-issued Phase 1 stay-at-home mandate to examine associations between pre-pandemic trauma exposure as measured by the Brief Trauma Questionnaire(BTQ)and anxiety and depression,as measured by the Patient Reported Outcome Scale Anxiety and Depression(PROMIS-A and PROMIS-D).Results:Pre-pandemic trauma exposure among the sample was reported,with 281(22.6%)participants identifying as experiencing one trauma,209(16.8%)reporting two,and 468(37.7%)reporting three or more.As reported experiences of trauma increased,so did participant anxiety and depressive symptomatology.One-way Analysis of Variance indicated that reported trauma was significantly positively correlated with anxiety(P<0.01)and depressive symptomatology(P<0.01).Conclusion:Findings highlight the immense psychological toll of the COVID-19 pandemic,specifically with individuals who were previously exposed to trauma.Public health officials can encourage physicians,employers,and universities to screen patients,employees,and students to assess previous trauma,psychological functioning,and risk factors.Collaboration between physicians and mental health providers including psychiatrists,psychologists,counselors,and social workers to provide evidence informed rapid coordination of care can better meet the global mental health crisis that is arising as a result of this unprecedented global trauma.

Comparison of posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress of nurses with physicians and medical students after caring of COVID‑19 patients

Objectives:The present study compared the prevalence and psychosocial factors affecting posttraumatic growth(PTG),posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD),and psychological distress in nurses,physicians,and medical students.Materials and Methods:In a cross‑sectional study,three groups of medical staff including nurses(n=57),physicians(n=40),and medical students(n=34)who were responsible for the care/treatment of COVID‑19 patients admitted to a general hospital for 4 months responded to Posttraumatic Growth Inventory,Brief Symptom Inventory‑18,Resilience Questionnaire,PTSD Screen,and Social Capital‑Integrated Questionnaire.Results:After the exposure of medical staff to at least 4 months of treatment/care of COVID‑19 patients,PTG prevalence was higher than PTSD(38.2%vs.14.6%),but they experienced some degrees of psychological distress(65.5%).The nurses had 8.33(confidence interval[CI]:2.5–26.7)times higher PTG rate than medical students(P<0.001).Physicists also experienced 5.00(CI:1.4–26.7)times higher PTG than medical students(P<0.001).PTG was aided by age,married status,strong resilience,and high social capital,but gender had no influence.Resilience played an important protective role to prevent the incidence of psychological distress in nurses,medical students,and physicians.Conclusion:Despite the fact that the PTSD and psychological distress were same in the three groups of medical staff,the nurses had a greater rate of PTG than physicians and medical students.

Quality of sleep and its determinants among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Northwest of Iran

AIM To examine sleep quality and its determinants among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted among diabetic patients referring to Ardabil diabetes clinic in Northwest of Iran. Information on sleep quality was collected using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index(PSQI). A questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic lifestyle factors and psychological distress. This questionnaire was completed through an interview, and clinical information was extracted from patient's record. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 23 and univariate andmultivariate analyses.RESULTS Study participants consist of 256 people with T2 DM the majority of whom were women(70%), and mean age of participants was 54.06 ± 9.09. The mean of total score of PSQI was 5.56 ± 3.34. Relative to younger age group, the middle-aged people with T2 DM were twice more likely to be poor sleeper; the adjusted OR was 2.03(95%CI: 1.01-4.08); and those with longer duration of diabetes were about 1.8 times more likely to report poor quality of sleep(ORadj = 1.77, 95%CI: 0.98-3.13). Participants with cholesterol level ≥ 240 mg/dL were about twice more likely to be poor sleeper(ORadj = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.01-3.94). The odds of being poor sleeper increased as the level of distress increased(1.84-4.09).CONCLUSION As indicated by the results of the present study, some factors including age, duration of disease, psychological distress and high level of cholesterol were independently associated with poor sleep quality.

Current global research landscape on COVID-19 and depressive disorders:Bibliometric and visualization analysis

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has affected daily life globally dramatically over the last year.The impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on mental health is expected to be immense and likely to be long-lasting,raising a range of global problems that need to be addressed accordingly.AIM To analyze the Scopus-based depression research and COVID-19,explain the advancement of research nowadays,and comment on the possible hotspots of depression research and COVID-19 to obtain a more global perspective.METHODS In this report,bibliometric analysis and visualization are used to explain COVID-19's global research status on depression and provide researchers with a guide to identify future research directions.Relevant studies on depression and COVID-19 were retrieved from the Scopus database.Visualization maps were produced using the VOSviewer software,including research collaboration.RESULTS At the time of data collection(November 18,2020),77217 documents were released by Scopus to COVID-19 in all areas of research.By limiting the search to depression and COVID-19(January 2020 up until November 18,2020),there are 1274 published articles on depression and COVID-19 in the Scopus.The great majority of which are original articles(n=1049,82.34%),followed by 118 review articles(9.26%),66 letters(5.18%).The United States had the highest number of publications at 282(22.14%),followed by China(19.07%)at 243 and Italy at 121(9.5%).The major two clusters are signified by mental health outcomes among the general population and mental health outcomes among health care workers.CONCLUSION The evidence from this study found that many articles focused on mental health outcomes among the general population and health care workers.With adequate psychological support offered by the government or community agencies,mental health in various communities should be put within the local and global public health agenda.This changing situation involves the scientific community's collaborative efforts to contribute to population monitoring during quarantine and COVID-19 outbreaks and to examine the short-and long-term adverse effects on psychological well-being.

Predictors of Falls Efficacy Scale responses among nursing home residents in China

Objectives:The objective of this study was to examine the falls efficacy of older adults in nursing homes and the related predictors of falling.Methods:A sample of 317 older adults was recruited from 18 nursing homes in the Fujian province of China.The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale(MFES)and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale(K10)were employed to collect data.Results:The falls efficacy of older adults was moderate(7.80±1.17).The falls efficacy questionnaire item“Get dressed and undressed”scored the highest(9.12±1.440),while“Crossing roads”scored the lowest(5.77±3.371).Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that mental health status,degree of self-care,age and gender were each predictors of the falls efficacy of older adults.Conclusions:Falls efficacy enhancing programs for nursing home residents should take mental health status,degree of self-care,age and gender into account.