Prevalence of Pre-Operative Anxiety and Predictors among Elective Surgical Patients and Their Pre-Operative Hemodynamic Changes at Muhimbili National Hospital

Background: Surgery is a traumatic process that may subject patients to physiological and psychological responses leading to pre and post-operative effects. Preoperative anxiety, if severe may be associated with several complications including cancellation of surgery, poor intra- and post-operative analgesic control, altered post-operative healing, and longer hospital stays to mention a few. Objective: The main purpose was to determine the prevalence and predictors of pre-operative anxiety among elective surgical patients and their hemodynamic changes in these patients in the Surgical department in MNH. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study performed at MNH which involved patients admitted for elective surgical procedures from June 2021 to February 2022. Information was gathered in a structured questionnaire along with APAIS scores. Results: 169 patients for elective surgery in General Surgery and Urology units were included in the study. Among them, 94 males and 74 females. The overall pre-operative anxiety was 11.8%, 80.5% had moderate to severe Information-Related anxiety, while 26% and 17.2% had moderate-to-severe surgery-related and anesthesia-related types of anxiety respectively. Conclusion: Pre-operative anxiety was comparatively lower in our settings as well no factor was found with a significant relation to pre-operative anxiety, hence further and broader evaluation is recommended to result in the assessment and management of patients before elective surgery.

Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation(TAES)for pre-operative anxiety:a prospective observational pilot investigation

Objective:Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation(TAES)treatment is effective for post-operative anxiety.The investigation was designed to study the feasibility and effectiveness of TAES treatment for pre-operative anxiety.Methods:62 volunteered surgical patients were included in the pilot investigation.They all received TAES treatment for 30 minutes in the evening of the day before operation.Hegu(LI4)and Neiguan(PC6)of both sides were selected as the treatment acupoints.The anxiety degrees were measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.Heart rate and blood pressure were also recorded.Results:After TAES,pre-operative anxiety measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory dropped by almost 12%,and both heart rate and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly.Conclusion:The pilot investigation of TAES for pre-operative anxiety can successfully test the feasibility of outcome measurements and provide necessary data for calculating the sample size of a subsequent randomized controlled trial.

Correlation of Hamstring Tendon Size in Pre-Operative MRI Measurement with Intra-Operative Graft Size in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Background: The size of Hamstring autograft of less than 8.0 mm in ACL re-construction is one of the key factors that may contribute to the failure of the graft. In this study, we are going to assess the correlation of pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring tendons with the intra-operative ACL graft. Thus, it may help surgeons to anticipate the needs for graft augmentation should the final graft size be smaller than expected. Methods: We retrospectively re-viewed 41 cases of ACL reconstructions in which MRI were done pre-operatively, in Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah (HPSF), Muar between January 2019 until December 2022. MRI measurements of Hamstring tendon (semitendinosus: ST, and gracilis) were done by a radiologist, and the in-tra-operative notes were reviewed for the final graft size. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between graft size and tendon cross-sectional area. The intraclass correlation (ICC) by using two-way mixed model with type consistency, the reliability based on average measure was 0.41 (95% CI: ?0.10, 0.69). A p-value < 0.05 was considered sig-nificant. Results: Of 105 patients with primary ACL reconstruction done be-tween January 2019 to December 2022, only 41 patients were included in this study. There was fair correlation (p = 0.048) between pre-operative MRI measurement and the graft diameter intra-operatively. The mean of 17.0 mm of combined diameter of ST and gracilis tendon in MRI may results in graft diameter of 8.3 mm. There was also positive correlation between patients’ height and the intra-operative graft size. Conclusion: These results showed good correlation between pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring ten-don size with the intra-operative graft size, hence it is a reliable tool to predict the Hamstring autograft size in ACL reconstruction.

Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety among Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted perinatal women’s mental health. However, protective factors associated with depression among pregnant Japanese women during the pandemic have not been reported. Purpose: The present study investigated the risk and protective factors associated with depression and anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to 157 pregnant women between October 2022 and May 2023 at two general hospitals in Japan. The Japanese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety. The χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test and multivariate logistic regression model were used to examine factors associated with depression and anxiety among pregnant women. Results: Overall, 47.1% and 35.7% of the pregnant women reported depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. A “history of mental illness” was a risk factor for depression and anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, unmarried status was a risk factor for anxiety among pregnant women, whereas outdoor and indoor exercises were protective factors against depression and anxiety, respectively. Conclusions: Exercise may have protected pregnant women from depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraging exercise may help maintain the mental health of pregnant women who do not have exercise restrictions.

Clinical-DNA Correlates of Anxiety in Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Introduction: Anxiety disorders have a lifetime prevalence of 34% with a similar level of heritability (31%) yet lack objective markers that could differentiate patients with underlying conditions. Up to 60%-70% of patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have anxiety that meets criteria of generalized anxiety disorder, their clinical-DNA findings worth examining as biomarkers for patients with generalized anxiety. Method: Of the 1899 patients diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, 1261 were systematically evaluated for 80 history and 40 physical findings and separated into 826 who reported anxiety and 435 who did not. The most consistently reported or management-directing 60 of these clinical findings were, along with variations in genes relevant to these disorders, examined for association with anxiety. Results: Among the 30 anxiety- associated findings judged most predictive of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in patients with anxiety were expected ones of adrenergic stimulation (difficulty concentrating-87% frequency and 1.26 anxiety/no anxiety ratio;chronic fatigue-84%, 1.17;sleep issues 69%, 1.52 that are criteria for generalized anxiety disorder) or of cholinergic suppression (e.g., frequent nausea 64%, 1.26). Less associated but more discriminating for underlying disease were those reflective of neuromuscular impact (e.g., chronic daily headaches 76%, 1.12);hypermobility (e.g., awareness of flexibility 72%, 1.03), or skin changes (e.g., elasticity around jaw 71%, 1.06). Anxiety-associated DNA variants included 54 of 88 in collagen type I/V/VII/IX genes, 14 of 16 in sodium channel SCN9A/10A/ 11A genes, 59 of 85 in POLG/MT-DNA genes, and 21 of 28 in profilaggrin- FLG genes that respectively impacted tissue laxity, sensory neural, autonomic-mitochondrial, and autonomic-inflammatory functions. Conclusion: Analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome selected some 50 clinical-DNA findings useful for its diagnosis in those with generalized anxiety disorders.

Anxiety Mouse Model Constructed by Single Intraperitoneal Injection of m-Chlorophenpiperazine

Anxiety disorder is a common mental disorder. It is necessary to establish a rapid, stable and specific anxiety model to provide a theoretical basis for further research on the pathogenesis of anxiety and drug development. A single intraperitoneal injection of m-chlorophenylpipera-zine (mCPP) (1, 2, 4 mg/kg) was given to male ICR mice to establish an anxiety model, and the effects of mCPP on anxiety behavior, pain, athletic ability, passive avoidance response ability and depressive behavior of male ICR mice were evaluated. A single intraperitoneal injection of mCPP shortened the time in open arms and decreased the percentage of time in open arms of mice in the elevated plus-maze test. mCPP also shortened center zone distance and reduced the number of entries to the central zone in the open field test. Moreover, mCPP reduced head-dip counts and increased the head-dip latency of mice in the hole-board test. After being administrated with a single intraperitoneal injection of mCPP for 24h, the mice showed no significant difference in the entry into the light side and the percentage of time in the light side of the light-dark box test. A single intraperitoneal injection of mCPP had no effects on tail flick latency, rotating time, number of errors and the step-down latency, the immobility time of mice in the tail-flick test, rotarod test, step-down test and TST respectively. In conclusion, we established a rapid and stable anxiety mouse model by single intraperitoneal injection of mCPP.

A Study on the Correlation between Salivary Cortisol Content and Anxiety and Depression in Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Objective: To analyze the correlation between salivary cortisol content and anxiety and depression in pregnant and postpartum women. Method: 300 pregnant and postpartum women who were admitted from January 2021 to December 2021 were selected as the research subjects. They were all tested with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). 40 pregnant women with anxiety and depression were selected as the observation group, and 50 normal pregnant women were selected as the control group, adopting logistic regression analysis to investigate the correlation between salivary cortisol and postpartum anxiety and depression during pregnancy. Result: The salivary cortisol levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group before bedtime, after waking up the next day, 15 minutes after waking up, 30 minutes after waking up, 60 minutes after waking up, and 1 hour before lunch (p < 0.05). Maternal depression and anxiety were not related to age, weight, gestational age, negative events, or history of adverse pregnancy and childbirth (p > 0.05). Maternal depression and anxiety are closely related to salivary cortisol levels and educational background (p Conclusion: There is a close correlation between anxiety and depression and an increase in cortisol levels, suggesting that the salivary cortisol awakening response during pregnancy has a predictive effect on the occurrence of postpartum depression.

Cognitive Disorders, Depression and Anxiety in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: An Overview

Partial epilepsies, originating in a specific brain region, affect about 60% of adults with epilepsy. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most prevalent subtype within this category, often necessitating surgical intervention due to its refractoriness to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Hippocampal sclerosis, a common underlying pathology, often exacerbates the severity by introducing cognitive and emotional challenges. This review delves deeper into the cognitive profile of TLE, along with the risk factors for cognitive disorders, depression, and anxiety in this population.

Depression and anxiety among cancer patients visiting a tertiary care cancer hospital

BACKGROUND Cancer patients frequently experience psychological problems related to reactions to cancer diagnosis,cancer type and stage,treatment effects,recurrence,fear of end-of-life,survivorship,and financial burden.Depression and anxiety are both psychological and physiological disturbances among cancer patients.AIM To assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among cancer patients attending a tertiary care cancer hospital.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Kathmandu Valley among 220 cancer patients aged from 18 years to 70 years.Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of CiST College.Convenient sampling was used to interview patients with the standardized Patient-Health Questionnaire(PHQ-9)for Depression and Hospital Anxiety and Depression sub-scale(HADS-A)for anxiety.Epi-Data was used for data entry and transferred to SPSS Version 25 for analysis.RESULTS The study revealed that of 220 patients,most of the respondents belonged to the age group 51-60 years.More than half 131(59.6%)of the respondents were female,most of them had depression,and one-third had anxiety.Among the respondents,124(56.4%)had mild depression,70(31.8%)had moderate depression,and 3(1.3%)had severe depression;79(35.9%)had mild anxiety,64(29.1%)had moderate anxiety,and 4(1.8%)had severe anxiety.CONCLUSION Most respondents were depressed and one-third had anxiety.More than half and nearly one-third had mild and moderate depression,respectively,and nearly one-third had mild and moderate anxiety,which is higher than other studies.

The Impact of Sleep Determination on Procrastination before Bedtime:The Role of Anxiety

Objective:The importance of good sleep for energy recovery and overall physical and mental health cannot be overstated.However,the increasing competitiveness of society,diversifying lifestyles,and the rapid spread of the internet and electronic devices have significantly impacted people’s sleep patterns,particularly through bedtime procrastination.Therefore,this study aims to investigate the relationship and underlying mechanisms between sleep determination,anxiety,and bedtime procrastination among the Chinese population.Method:The study utilized data from a national survey—the China Residents’Sleep Condition Survey(November 2021,with 6,037 participants).By constructing mediation and moderation models,it analyzed the relationship and mechanisms between sleep determination and bedtime procrastination,highlighting the dual role of anxiety:as a mediator between sleep determination and bedtime procrastination,and as a moderator of their relationship.Results:There was a negative correlation between sleep determination and bedtime procrastination;anxiety was related to an increase in bedtime procrastination behaviors;In the interplay between sleep determination and pre-bedtime procrastination,the regulatory effect of anxiety is found to be more pronounced than its intermediary role,with anxiety significantly diminishing the inverse relationship between sleep determination and procrastination before bedtime.Conclusion:Bedtime procrastination can lead to sleep issues,thus reducing sleep quality.Enhancing sleep determination or alleviating pre-sleep anxiety can help inhibit bedtime procrastination behaviors.Intervening and reducing bedtime procrastination is one of the effective measures to improve sleep quality.

Preclinical and clinical evidence of the association of colibactinproducing Escherichia coli with anxiety and depression in colon cancer

BACKGROUND The association between the intestinal microbiota and psychiatric disorders is becoming increasingly apparent.The gut microbiota contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis(CRC),as demonstrated with colibactin-producing Escherichia coli(CoPEC).AIM To evaluate the association between CoPEC prevalence and anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors with both preclinical and clinical approaches.METHODS Patients followed after a CRC surgery and for whom the prevalence of CoPEC has been investigated underwent a psychiatric interview.Results were compared according to the CoPEC colonization.In parallel C57BL6/J wild type mice and mice with a CRC susceptibility were chronically infected with a CoPEC strain.Their behavior was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze test,the Forced Swimming Test and the Behavior recognition system PhenoTyper®.RESULTS In a limited cohort,all patients with CoPEC colonization presented with psychiatric disorders several years before cancer diagnosis,whereas only one patient(17%)without CoPEC did.This result was confirmed in C57BL6/J wildtype mice and in a CRC susceptibility mouse model(adenomatous polyposis colimultiple intestinal neoplasia/+).Mice exhibited a significant increase in anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors after chronic infection with a CoPEC strain.CONCLUSION This finding provides the first evidence that CoPEC infection can induce microbiota-gut-brain axis disturbances in addition to its procarcinogenic properties.

Analysis of influencing factors of anxiety and depression in patients with periodontitis

BACKGROUND Periodontitis is a chronic oral disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms that corrode tooth tissue,form periodontal pockets,absorb alveolar bone,and finally lead to tooth loss.During treatment,patients are prone to anxiety,tension,and other negative emotions,which affect their ability to face the disease and may also lead to aggravation of the original condition and affect oral health.Therefore,it is important to improve the negative psychology of patients with periodontitis to clarify the factors that may lead to negative psychological emotions.AIM To investigate the risk factors that may lead to anxiety and depression in patients with periodontitis.METHODS One hundred patients with periodontitis were selected between March 2022 and March 2023 at our hospital.All patients were assessed with the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS)(≥53 points indicate a depressive state)and Zung Selfrating Anxiety Scale(SAS)(≥50 points indicates an anxious state).In this study,patients who experienced anxiety or depression were included in the occurrence group and those without anxiety or depression were included in the nonoccurrence group.The baseline data of the two groups were compared to explore the risk factors for anxiety and depression in patients with periodontitis.RESULTS A total of 100 patients with periodontitis were included in this study.According to the SDS,38 patients(38.00%)developed depression,with an average SDS score of(68.52±5.85)points.According to the SAS,40 patients(40.00%)developed anxiety,and the average SAS score was(72.15±4.15)points.In this study,56 patients with anxiety or depression were included.Compared with the nonoccurrence group,the occurrence group had higher ages(≥60 years),lower level of hope(low level),educational level(high school or below),disease perception(poor),and sleep disorder(yes).The negative coping dimension scores of the simplified coping style questionnaire(SCSQ)and Dental Fear Scale(DFS)in the occurrence group were higher,whereas the score of the positive coping dimension of the SCSQ was significantly lower(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the other data between the groups(P>0.05).The results of multiple logistics regression analysis showed that age(≥60 years),level of hope(low level),educational level(high school or below),disease perception(poor),sleep disorder(yes),high negative coping dimension scores of SCSQ,high score of DFS,and low positive coping dimension scores of SCSQ were all factors contributing to the anxiety and depression in patients with periodontitis(odds ratio>1,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Age,hope level,educational level,disease perception,sleep disorders,coping style,and dental fear were all associated with anxiety and depression in patients with periodontitis.

Acupuncture for cervical dystonia associated with anxiety and depression: A case report

BACKGROUND Cervical dystonia(CD)is a type of muscle tone disorder that usually occurs in the neck muscles.Due to the intermittent or continuous involuntary contraction of the neck muscles,the head and neck are twisted and skewed and some postural abnormalities occur.Long-term abnormal posture or pain can cause negative emotions in patients,which can affect their quality of life.CASE SUMMARY This case report included a 37-year-old woman who was diagnosed with CD associated with anxiety and depression;the accompanying symptoms were head and neck tilt of approximately 90°to the right and mental abnormality.After two courses of acupuncture treatment,the patient’s head and neck can be maintained in a normal position,and the negative emotions can be relieved.CONCLUSION This case indicates that acupuncture can effectively improve CD and the emotional state and quality of life of patients,making it an effective alternative treatment for the condition.

The Influence of Vulnerable Narcissism on Social Anxiety among Adolescents:The Mediating Role of Self-Concept Clarity and Self-Esteem

Social anxiety (SA) is a prevalent mental health issue among adolescents, and vulnerable narcissism (VN) can exacerbate thiscondition. This study aims to investigate the impact of vulnerable narcissism on social anxiety in adolescents, specificallyfocusing on the mediating effects of self-concept clarity (SCC) and self-esteem (SE) in the relationship between vulnerablenarcissism and social anxiety. Through cluster sampling, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 982 students from threesecondary schools in two provinces. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results revealedthat there was a significant negative correlation between vulnerable narcissism and both self-concept clarity and self-esteem,while there was a significant positive correlation between vulnerable narcissism and social anxiety. Additionally, self-conceptclarity showed a significant positive correlation with self-esteem but had a negative correlation with social anxiety. Both selfconceptclarity and self-esteem played an intermediary role in the chain linking vulnerable narcissism to social anxiety. Thisstudy confirms the mediating role of both self-concept clarity and self-esteem in explaining how vulnerable narcissisminfluences social anxiety, providing valuable insights into its underlying mechanism.

Nomogram for predicting the risk of anxiety and depression in patients with non-mild burns

BACKGROUND Post-burn anxiety and depression affect considerably the quality of life and recovery of patients;however,limited research has demonstrated risk factors associated with the development of these conditions.AIM To predict the risk of developing post-burn anxiety and depression in patients with non-mild burns using a nomogram model.METHODS We enrolled 675 patients with burns who were admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital,Hengyang Medical School,University of South China between January 2019 and January 2023 and met the inclusion criteria.These patients were randomly divided into development(n=450)and validation(n=225)sets in a 2:1 ratio.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors associated with post-burn anxiety and depression dia-gnoses,and a nomogram model was constructed.RESULTS Female sex,age<33 years,unmarried status,burn area≥30%,and burns on the head,face,and neck were independent risk factors for developing post-burn anxiety and depression in patients with non-mild burns.The nomogram model demonstrated predictive accuracies of 0.937 and 0.984 for anxiety and 0.884 and 0.923 for depression in the development and validation sets,respectively,and good predictive per-formance.Calibration and decision curve analyses confirmed the clinical utility of the nomogram.CONCLUSION The nomogram model predicted the risk of post-burn anxiety and depression in patients with non-mild burns,facilitating the early identification of high-risk patients for intervention and treatment.

Does Parental Migration Affect Left-Behind Children’s Social Anxiety?A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Social anxiety is a common psychological problem among left-behind children(LBC)and has been a popular issue in recent years.Children with higher levels of social anxiety have more emotional and behavioral problems and are prone to negative life events.Although several studies have explored the differences in social anxiety between LBC and non-left-behind children(N-LBC),the findings have not been consistent.In this study,a systematic review and meta-analysis method was used,with 411 papers retrieved on October 01,2023,from Pubmed,Embase,Web of Science,and Chinese databases(CNKI,VIP,and Wanfang)(PROSPERO registry number:CRD42023472463).Twenty-one studies met the research criteria and included 11,254 LBC and 13,096 N-LBC.LBC scored significantly higher for social anxiety([WMD(95%CI):0.35[0.23,0.48],p<0.001])and social avoidance and distress([WMD(95%CI):0.35[0.23,0.48],p<0.001]).Subgroup analyses showed significant differences in effect sizes for the overall proportion of children left behind(p=0.02).In addition,different types of parental migration may influence the social anxiety of LBC,double-parent migration was associated higher social anxiety than father migration(p<0.001).Future research should focus on treatments to decrease social anxiety of left-behind children.These findings suggest that due to the long-term absence of parental migration,LBC are more vulnerable to negative emotional experiences and behaviours such as anxiety,distress,and avoidance during social interaction,especially for those with both parents absent from the home.Future research should focus on treatments to reduce social anxiety in LBC.

Navigating the intersection of psychiatry and ophthalmology:A comprehensive review of depression and anxiety management in glaucoma patients

Glaucoma,a prevalent and debilitating eye disease,has long been associated with vision impairment and blindness.However,recent research has shed light on the often-underestimated psychological dimensions of this condition.Anxiety and depression,two pervasive psychiatric comorbidities,have been increasingly recognized among glaucoma patients.This comprehensive review aims to explore the intricate relationship between psychiatry and ophthalmology,in the context of managing depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients.By meticulously examining peer-reviewed literature,we synthesize current knowledge on the prevalence,risk factors,and underlying mechanisms of anxiety and depression in glaucoma.The evidence reveals that glaucoma patients face an elevated risk of experiencing these mood disorders.Factors such as progressive vision loss,complex medication regimens,and the fear of further visual deterioration contribute to their vulnerability.Moreover,we delve into the bidirectional relationship between glaucoma and mood disorders,shedding light on the complex interplay between ocular and emotional health.Our review investigates the implications of anxiety and depression on glaucoma management,including their potential impact on treatment adherence,disease progression,and overall quality of life.We also explore the neurobiological pathways linking glaucoma and mood disorders,providing a foundation for future research and potential therapeutic interventions.In conclusion,recognizing the psychological burden carried by glaucoma patients is essential for holistic and patient-centered care.This review underscores the pressing need for integrated approaches that bring together ophthalmological and psychiatric expertise to optimize the well-being of individuals facing the challenges of glaucoma.By addressing anxiety and depression in glaucoma care,healthcare providers can enhance the overall quality of life for these patients,ultimately leading to improved outcomes and a brighter future for those affected by this condition.This review offers valuable insight for healthcare practitioners and researchers,providing a concise overview of key topics and research in the field of managing depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients.

Design of a Biomedical Device to Reduce Anxiety Experienced by Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs due to loss of nerve cells that produce dopamine in the brain, affecting approximately 4 million people worldwide. PD patients often feel an increase in anxiety levels daily. While there are medications/exercises to help relieve anxiety, there are limited methods to reduce anxiety without the help of a caretaker. As a result, MEDIC Foundation, a non-profit organization in British Columbia, Canada, is designing an automated system that consists of a wristband and an application which uses vi-bration therapy to help reduce anxiety of PD patients. Literature reviews were conducted to document the project’s needs. Phase I of the project focused on de-veloping a prototype for the application and phase II on developing the wrist-band. The team developed prototypes of a wristband that automatically applies vibration near the median nerve as the heart rate variability (HRV) deviates away from the normal threshold of the user, and an application that displays real-time heart rate variability signals as well as provides for relaxation. The development of the prototype is still in early progress. By creating this automated system, we aim to provide a solution to senior PD patients to relieve anxiety independently. .

Depression&Anxiety Among Women in Northern Kenya:Sociodemographic Predictors

This article documents socio-demographic predictors of anxiety and depression among Maasai women in resource poor settings in Northern Kenya.These findings emerged from the findings of a dissertation research that aimed to establish the treatment effectiveness of an eclectic model of psychoeducation(PE)in treating depressive and anxiety symptoms among the women.The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design which had an experimental group(EG)and control group(CG).The population for the study was 686 female members of Conservation Enterprise Groups(CEG)in Laikipia County,from which a sample of 200 were recruited for the study(EG,n=100 and CG,n=100),at 80%power and 30%effective size.The Beck’s Depression Inventory(BDI)and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory(BAI)tools were used to assess the symptoms of depression and anxiety,respectively.The PE was provided as an intervention treatment to the EG at the middle and end of the study,after which the respondents were tested for symptoms of depression.The study established the prevalence of depression as 26.7%and 31.3%for anxiety and disorders,among women in the region.Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 21.0.

Assessing myocardial indices and inflammatory factors to determine anxiety and depression severity in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)have a progressive disease that is associated with poor quality of life and high mortality.Many patients experience anxiety and depression(A&D)symptoms,which can further accelerate disease progression.We hypothesized that indicators of myocardial function and inflammatory stress may reflect the severity of A&D symptoms in patients with CHF.Changes in these biomarkers could potentially predict whether A&D symptoms will deteriorate further in these individuals.AIM To measure changes in cardiac and inflammatory markers in patients with CHF to determine A&D severity and predict outcomes.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 233 patients with CHF treated at the Jingzhou Hospital,Yangtze University between 2018-2022 and grouped them according to Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)scores.We compared clinical data in the no-A&D,mild-A&D,moderate-A&D,and severe-A&D groups,the SAS and SDS scores with the New York Heart Association(NYHA)functional classification,and cardiac markers and inflammatory factors between the no/mild-A&D and moderate/severe-A&D groups.Regression analysis was performed on the markers with P<0.05 to determine their ability to predict A&D severity in patients and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC)was used to evaluate their accuracy.RESULTS In the inter-group comparison,the following variables had an effect on A&D severity in patients with CHF:NYHA class,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(P<0.05).Other variables did not differ significantly between the A&D groups(P>0.05).In addition,we found that higher NYHA classes were associated with higher the SAS and SDS scores(P<0.05).Regression analysis showed that LVEF,NTproBNP,and IL-6 were independent risk factors for A&D severity(P<0.05).Among them,NT-proBNP had the best predictive ability as a single indicator(AUROC=0.781).Furthermore,the combination of these three indicators exhibited a good predictive effect toward discriminating the extent of A&D severity among patients(AUROC=0.875).CONCLUSION Cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers,such as LVEF,NT-proBNP,and IL-6,are correlated with A&D severity in patients with CHF and have predictive value.