Use of cognitive-behavioral career coaching to reduce work anxiety and depression in public employees

BACKGROUND Public employees worldwide are increasingly concerned about work anxiety and depression.Cognitive-behavioral career coaching has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing these mental health disorders,which can negatively impact on a person's overall well-being and performance.AIM To examine whether cognitive-behavioral career coaching reduces work anxiety and depression among Nigerian public employees.METHODS A total of 120 public employees(n=60)suffering from severe anxiety and depression were randomly assigned to the treatment or control groups in this study.Cognitive behavioral coaching was provided twice a week to those in the treatment group,whereas no treatment was given to those in the control group.As part of the study,the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scales and Beck Depression Inventory were used to collect data.RESULTS Analysis of covariance of the data from participants indicates a significant effect of cognitive-behavioral career coaching on work anxiety and depression.CONCLUSION Insights into the underlying mechanisms by which cognitive behavior career coaching exerts its effects have been gained from this study.Also,the study has gathered valuable data that can inform future practice and guide the development of strategies for supporting mental health at work.

Examination of emotional distress,depression,and anxiety in neurodiverse students:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Neurodiverse students frequently encounter distinct challenges that can adversely affect their mental well-being.This research aimed to investigate emotional distress,depression,and anxiety among neurodiverse students,examine the interrelationships among these factors,and assess the impact of participant characteristics.AIM To address the problem of lack of data pointed out in the neurodiversity research in Nigeria,this study aims to examine the emotional distress,depression,and anxiety in neurodiverse students.METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 200 neurodiverse students in Nigeria.Participants filled out self-report questionnaires that measured emotional distress(Brief Emotional Distress Scale for Youth),depression(Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised),and anxiety(State-Trait Anxiety Inventory).The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,correlation analyses,Bayesian Mann-Whitney U tests,two-way ANOVAs,and Kruskal-Wallis tests.RESULTS Anxiety was found to have the highest prevalence(mean=68.8),followed by depression(mean=34.2)and emotional distress(mean=26.3).Significant positive correlations were identified among all three mental health factors,with the strongest correlation observed between depression and anxiety(rho=0.492,P<0.001).Moderate evidence indicated gender differences in emotional distress(BF10=2.448).The interaction between educational environment and diagnosis had a significant effect on emotional distress(F=3.106,P=0.017).Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated significant variations in anxiety levels across different educational settings(P=0.002),although post-hoc comparisons did not reveal significant differences among specific settings.CONCLUSION This research emphasizes the prevalence of mental health challenges among neurodiverse students,particularly concerning anxiety.The intricate relationships among emotional distress,depression,and anxiety highlight the necessity for thorough mental health support.The impact of educational settings and diagnoses on mental health outcomes stresses the importance of customized interventions.These findings are significant for educators,mental health professionals,and policymakers in formulating targeted support strategies for neurodiverse students.

Validity and Reliability of a Mental Health Recovery Checklist for Young Adults

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the internal consistency and construct validity of a self-report checklist measuring clinical mental health recovery across six key domains:family and relationships,occupation and school,physical health,mental health,spirituality,and social support systems.The Mental Health Recovery Checklist(MHRC)was developed at The Dorm,an intensive outpatient mental health treatment program for young adults in New York,NY,and Washington DC that services individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.The present study is cross-sectional,as data were pulled from clients’records who were discharged between January 2018 and May 2023.Pearson Correlations and Cronbach’s alpha were used to determine scale reliability.To establish validity,an Exploratory Factor Analysis(EFA)was conducted to assess a single-factor model using Principal Axis Factoring.Cronbach’s alpha was high(α=0.88),indicating good reliability.In the EFA,all items loaded strongly on a single factor.The unidimensional structure revealed in the EFA highlights the interconnected nature of various life domains as they pertain to mental health recovery in young adults.Future research is warranted to explore whether there are additional dimensions of mental health recovery that have not been assessed in the present scale.

Motivation dimensions for running a marathon:A new model emerging from the Motivation of Marathon Scale(MOMS)

Purpose：The aim of this study was to test and expand the Motivation of Marathoners Scale（MOMS） model（Masters et al.,1993）.Methods：The MOMS questionnaire was distributed to 306 male and female marathon runners（age range：20–77 years） with experience in marathon running（range：1–44 runs）.A confirmatory factor analysis（CFA） revealed that the original Purpose：The aim of this study was to test and expand the Motivation of Marathoners Scale（MOMS） model（Masters et al.,1993）.Methods：The MOMS questionnaire was distributed to 306 male and female marathon runners（age range：20-77 years） with experience in marathon running（range：1-44 runs）.A confirmatory factor analysis（CFA） revealed that the original model failed to fit the data.Hence,exploratory factor analysis（EFA） was performed to test the best factorial solution for the current data,and a subsequent CFA was performed on the revised factorial structure.Then,a series of EFAs using maximum likelihood factor extraction method were performed.Results：The best structure solution for model-data fit resulted in 11 factors：psychological coping-emotional-related coping,psychological coping-everyday-life management,life meaning,self-esteem,recognition,affiliation,weight concerns,general health orientation-reduced disease prevalence and longevity,general health orientation-keep fit,competition,and personal goal achievement.Conclusion：This study provides a sound and solid framework for studying motivation for physically demanding tasks such as marathon runs,and needs to be similarly applied and tested in studies incorporating physical tasks which vary in mental demands.

Work-family conflict and job burn-out among Chinese doctors:the mediating role of coping styles

Background Burn-out among doctors threatens their own health, and that of their patients. To identify risk factors of the doctor burn-out is vital to improving their health and increasing the quality of healthcare services. This study aims to explore the relationship between work-family confict （WFC） and burn-out among Chinese doctors and the mediating role of coping styles in this relationship.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in China, with a questionnaire packet which consisted of the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory （CMBI）, WFC Scale and the Simplifed Coping Style Questionnaire （SCSQ）. A total of 2530 doctors participated in the survey. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between CMBI, WFC and SCSQ scores. A linear regression model was set to determine the mediating role of coping styles on the relationship between WFC and burn-out.Results Doctors who had higher scores on work interfering with family confict, reported more emotional exhaustion （r=0.514, P〈0.001） and had a sense of accomplishment （r= 0.149, P〈0.001）. Simultaneously, family interfering with work （FIW） was positively associated with all dimensions of burn-out （r=0.213, 0.504, 0.088, respectively, P〈0.001）. Coping styles had partial, complete and even mediating effects on the relationship between WFC and burn-out among Chinese doctors.Conclusions WFC was correlated with burn-out, and coping style was a mediator in this relationship among Chinese doctors. Coping style was a positive resource against burn-out.

Significance of music therapy in treating depression and anxiety disorders among people with cancer

Globally,cancer cases and mortality have recently escalated and have attracted global concern.The clinical diagnosis and manifestation of cancer can result in significant mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders.The tendency of people with cancer to suffer from psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression is usually high.A significant number of deaths related to cancer may likely not be from the killer disease but from psychological disorders associated with the illness.The utilization of music as a remedial approach to healing mental disorders cannot be overstated.Thus,identifying the impacts of music therapy in dealing with depression and anxiety disorders among people with cancer is relevant,as the majority of methods used in treating cancer have some side effects which may trigger psychological disorders in cancer patients.Ultimately,this study explored the significance of music therapy in treating depression and anxiety disorders among people with cancer.To achieve the aim of this study,the authors employed a narrative literature review to investigate the significance of music therapy in addressing depression and anxiety disorders among people with cancer.The type of literature review employed in this study is to provide an understanding of the selected research papers.The review found that music therapy significantly reduces depression and anxiety disorders among breast cancer,lung cancer,prostate cancer,and colorectal cancer patients.It is needful for healthcare providers to incorporate music therapy interventions while treating people with cancer.This will help reduce cancer deaths resulting from psychological disorders rather than the killer disease,cancer.However,the standardized procedures and evaluation criteria for applying music-based intervention strategies in oncology medicine still need to be further established and improved.

Clinical benefits of rational-emotive stress management therapy for job burnout and dysfunctional distress of special education teachers

It has been observed that managing job burnout and dysfunctional distress constitute part of the major challenges among special educators,and that empirical data on the management of burnout and dysfunctional distress associated with the job of special education teachers are lacking in the literature.The current article discusses the clinical benefits of a rational-emotive stressmanagement therapy program in reducing the level of job burnout symptoms and dysfunctional distress in special education teachers,using evidence from a 2018 clinical trial study that reported the efficacy of this intervention.Results show the clinical benefits and implications of conducting a rational-emotive stress management intervention,and recommendations are made for future research.

Impact of spiritual beliefs and faith-based interventions on diabetes management

Management of diabetes constitutes significant social and economic burdens worldwide.There is a shortage of empirical studies on the management of diabetes and the associated mental health issues through spiritual beliefs and faith-based interventions(FBIs).It is not also clear how spiritual beliefs and FBIs account for the effective management of diabetic conditions.This article discusses the impact of spiritual beliefs and FBIs in the management of diabetes,from relationship and efficacy studies that report outcomes from experimental procedures of related interventions.The majority of the relationship studies showed positive relationships,while efficacy studies showed a high efficacy of interventions in faith-based approaches.However,none of the studies clearly reported the mechanisms of change or modality of operation in a FBI that can serve as a model across culture and context.Possible mechanisms of change were discussed for further development of a standard faith-based model,and finally,suggestions for future research were also highlighted by the authors.

Accessibility and utilization of healthcare services among diabetic patients:Is diabetes a poor man’s ailment?

Diabetes is a non-communicable ailment that has adverse effects on the individual’s overall well-being and productivity in society.The main objective of this study was to examine the empirical literature concerning the association between diabetes and poverty and the accessibility and utilization of medical care services among diabetic patients.The diabetes literature was explored using a literature review approach.This review revealed that diabetes is an ailment that affects all individuals irrespective of socioeconomic status;however,its prevalence is high in low-income countries.Hence,despite the higher prevalence of diabetes in developing countries compared with developed countries,diabetes is not a poor man’s ailment because it affects individuals of all incomes.While the number of diabetic patients that access and utilize diabetes medical care services has increased over the years,some personal and institutional factors still limit patients’access to the use of diabetes care.Also,there is a lacuna in the diabetes literature concerning the extent of utilization of available healthcare services by diabetic patients.

Effects of different cue positions on evoked potentials in the cerebral cortex during global and local processing of compound stimuli A study of event-related potential

BACKGROUND： Previous studies of attentional control have focused primarily on pre-cue control of attentional cue and direction. OBJECTIVE： To measure the differences in electrical activity of brain cells while processing pre-cue and post-cue compound stimuli, and to explore brain electrical activity during global and local processing of compound stimuli according to electroencephalogram （EEG） recordings. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A within-subject design study was performed at the School of Psychology, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, China from March to May 2006. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 30 healthy, undergraduate students, aged 17-24 years, comprising 12 males and 18 females, were voluntarily enrolled from Beijing Normal University. Subjects exhibited normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity. No significant non signal wave drift was detected during testing. METHODS： A total of 30 subjects were subjected to pre-cue and post-cue compound stimulus processing using event-related potential and EEG recordings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Evoked potential was recorded in different brain regions utilizing event-related potential to observe hemispheric symmetry, cue consistency and global-local features. RESULTS： Pre-cue compound stimuli resulted in hemispheric asymmetry for early wave （N1） and late wave （P3） in anterior brain regions. Early- and late-wave induced hemispheric asymmetry for electrode points （O1, 02, P3, P4, Pz, F3, F4, F7, F8, Fz, FP1, FP2, T7, TS, C3, C4, and Cz） during processing of pre-cue compound stimuli （P 〈 0.05）. Post-cue compound stimuli did not induce hemispheric asymmetry of brain waves induced by the above-described electrode points. No significant differences in global and local responses were determined during processing of post-cue compound stimuli. Under pre-cue conditions, significant differences were observed in N1 and P3 in the above-mentioned electrode points （P 〈 0.05）. However, under post-cue conditions, no significant differences were observed in N1 and P3 using the above-mentioned electrode points. Significant differences in early waves （N1 and P1） using the above-mentioned electrode points were detected between anterior and posterior brain regions, regardless of consistent or inconsistent, large or small letters （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Cue location effected mechanisms underlying global and local processing of compound stimuli. Pre- or post-cue conditions resulted in differences in hemispheric symmetry, cue consistency, and global and local features. Under pre-cue conditions, hemispheric dominance was detected in global and local processing following compound stimuli. Under post-cue conditions, hemispheric dominance was not determined.

Potential influences of religiosity and religious coping strategies on people with diabetes

Diabetes is a significant health issue that threatens patients’overall wellbeing and quality of life.Critical public health concerns center on creating the best approach for diabetes management.Patients and caregivers have different approaches to diabetes management;however,this and the associated physiological,physical and mental health issues remain challenging.This review explores the potential influences of religiosity and religious coping strategies on people with diabetes.This study used a literature review approach to investigate how religiosity and religious coping strategies can influence the effective management of diabetes among patients.Based on the literature search,the researchers were able to identify and cite published papers that were analyzed using the descriptivenarrative analysis.An important goal of the descriptive-narrative analysis was to provide descriptions of the selected literature and take implications from the literature.The results of studies reviewed show some religious coping strategies for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes.The studies did establish a relationship between religiosity and diabetes management and suggest that religious coping strategies could positively impact the management of diabetes;however,they reported some adverse effects.Hence,we propose a pathway for the development of religion-oriented interventions and support framework for the management of diabetes.

Significance of fostering the mental health of patients with diabetes through critical time intervention

BACKGROUND Critical time intervention(CTI)is an evidence-based model of practice that is time-limited and aims to provide support for most susceptible individuals during a transition period.AIM To examine the significance of fostering the mental health of diabetes patients through CTI using the scoping review methodology.METHODS As part of the scoping review process,we followed the guidelines established by the Joanna Briggs Institute.The search databases were Google Scholar,PubMed,Scopus,PsycINFO,Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitation-analysis.com/),and Cochrane Library.From these databases,77 articles were retrieved with the aid of carefully selected search terms.However,19 studies were selected after two reviewers appraised the full texts to ensure that they are all eligible for inclusion,while 54 papers were excluded.RESULTS This study revealed that diabetic patients who had experienced homelessness were at higher risk of being diagnosed with mental illness and that social support services are impactful in the management of the comorbidity of diabetes and mental health problems.In addition,this review reveals that CTI is impactful in enhancing the mental health of homeless patients during the transitional period from the hospital through social support services.CONCLUSION CTI is a promising intervention for alleviating mental health symptoms in homeless patients.Empirical studies are needed across the globe,involving both hospitalized and community-based patients,to determine how clinically effectively CTI is in managing the mental health of diabetics.

Potential impact of music interventions in managing diabetic conditions

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases,characterized by an insufficiency in insulin secretion as well as chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances in carbohydrate,lipid,and protein metabolism.The major aim of this study was to conduct a literature review on the impact of music intervention on the management of diabetic conditions among patients.Available studies on the impact of music interventions on the management of diabetic conditions were reviewed and analysed using descriptive literature review approach.This review showed that music intervention plays a dual role in managing patients'diabetic conditions.First,music intervention is impactful in managing the health condition of diabetic patients through enhancing the patient’s compliance with exercise,improving lower limb blood circulation,and enhancing health parameters that increase autonomous balance among diabetic patients.Second,music therapy is impactful in the management of diabetic conditions through lowering blood sugar,heart rate,glucose levels,and stress among patients.However,with the number of empirical studies available in this regard,the impact of music intervention is still growing,and longer-term studies and randomised controlled trials with robust sample size are recommended to reach a more valid conclusion.

The Utility of Routine Electrolytes in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia Presenting with an Acute Pain Crisis

Background: The evaluation of sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis may include the measurement of the patient’s CBC and reticulocyte count. Twelve clinical criteria have been previously published for patients at risk for electrolyte abnormalities, but a chemistry panel is often ordered as well occasionally without a true indication. Objectives: Our objective was to determine whether routine measurement of electrolytes can be safely avoided in patients with SCA who present to the ED with an acute painful crisis. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with SCA who presented with a painful crisis. All visits were considered separately. All medical records were reviewed for any electrolyte abnormalities and any treatment(s). Patients with an electrolyte abnormality had their medical record screened for the presence of specific criteria, and if any interventions or consultations were performed due to the results. Results: One hundred twenty-two unique patients were found to have one or more abnormal laboratory value over a total of 337 distinct patient visits, with a total of 686 abnormal values. Of these, only 2 laboratory values caused a change in treatment or disposition, both of which were replacement of potassium for hypokalemia. There were no consultations from the ED to any service other than the admitting team in any of the 337 distinct patient visits. Conclusions: For SCA patients presenting to the ED with a painful vaso-occlusive crisis, measuring electrolytes in the absence of another more specific and established clinical reason, is very likely unnecessary and can be safely avoided.

Determinants of State of Mental Health among Caregivers of Children with Disabilities

This study aimed to determine the association and predictive capacities of job satisfaction,workplace stress,work motivation,and self-esteem on state of mental health of caregivers of children with disabilities in South-West Nigeria.The self-determination theory provided a theoretical framework for the study.A closed-ended paper-pencil questionnaire tagged‘Mental Healthiness Scale for Caregivers’was used for data collection from 241 care-givers of children with disabilities.Data collected was analyzed using descriptive of frequency count,simple per-centage and mean as well as inferential statistics involving Pearson product moment correlation and Binary Logistic Regression at 95%confidence interval.Findings revealed a significant but inverse association between self-esteem,workplace stress and mental health.Work motivation had a direct association with mental health while job satisfaction had no significant association with mental health of caregivers of children with disabilities.Caregivers(18–40 years)had the highest odds for mental health concerns.Lowered self-esteem and workplace stress increased mental health concerns while job satisfaction significantly predicted a higher likelihood for posi-tive state of mental health among caregivers of children with disabilities.

Assisting individuals with diabetes in the COVID-19 pandemic period:Examining the role of religious factors and faith communities

With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,diabetes management has become more challenging than it has ever been.Studies on the management of diabetes during this time are required.Unfortunately,the lack of information on the potential role of religious factors and faith communities in diabetes management during the COVID-19 era prevents us from fully understanding the issue of diabetes management during the COVID-19 pandemic period.People with chronic conditions such as diabetes may benefit from some form of religious support from faith communities and their ability to cope could be fostered by some religious factors.It is unclear how religious factors and faith communities contribute to diabetes management.In this article,the authors examine how people with diabetes can be aided in the COVID-19 pandemic period from the perspective of religious factors and faith communities.Based on the studies identified,it appears that religious factors and faith communities play an important role in managing diabetes among patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental health implications of suicide rates in South Africa

Mental health challenges are a severe issue that could lead to suicide if not properly addressed.South Africa has a significant burden of mental health issues,which contributes to the soaring rate of suicide.Adequate mental health-care provision could reduce the high suicide rate in South Africa.Since the apartheid regime,the country has made a series of efforts to improve mental health.This study aimed to review and examine available literature on mental health and suicide issues in South Africa and demonstrate the policy implications.This study adopted a narrative review approach.Electronic databases(PubMed,Scilit,Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar)were used to identify published articles in the English language with crucial search terms that included mental health,South African mental health policy,South Africa,suicide and policy.Literature suggests that at the provincial level,there are no adequate mental health policies,and the implementation of the country’s mental health policy is faced with many challenges,such as a shortage of professionals and finances.The review also showed that task sharing and counselling have been pilot-tested and shown to be effective methods for the prevention of mental illness and promotion of positive mental health.This study concludes that the mental health treatment gap still exists in South Africa,and this needs to be tackled using effective,multi-level counselling interventions and policy initiatives.Adequate mental health-care provision and effective implementation of mental health policy could reduce the high rate of suicide in South Africa.

A Comparison of Statistics for Assessing Model Invariance in Latent Class Analysis

Latent class analysis (LCA) is a widely used statistical technique for identifying subgroups in the population based upon multiple indicator variables. It has a number of advantages over other unsupervised grouping procedures such as cluster analysis, including stronger theoretical underpinnings, more clearly defined measures of model fit, and the ability to conduct confirmatory analyses. In addition, it is possible to ascertain whether an LCA solution is equally applicable to multiple known groups, using invariance assessment techniques. This study compared the effectiveness of multiple statistics for detecting group LCA invariance, including a chi-square difference test, a bootstrap likelihood ratio test, and several information indices. Results of the simulation study found that the bootstrap likelihood ratio test was the optimal invariance assessment statistic. In addition to the simulation, LCA group invariance assessment was demonstrated in an application with the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Implications of the simulation results for practice are discussed.

Using Excel to Explore the Effects of Assumption Violations on One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Statistical Procedures

To understand any statistical tool requires not only an understanding of the relevant computational procedures but also an awareness of the assumptions upon which the procedures are based, and the effects of violations of these assumptions. In our earlier articles (Laverty, Miket, & Kelly [1]) and (Laverty & Kelly, [2] [3]) we used Microsoft Excel to simulate both a Hidden Markov model and heteroskedastic models showing different realizations of these models and the performance of the techniques for identifying the underlying hidden states using simulated data. The advantage of using Excel is that the simulations are regenerated when the spreadsheet is recalculated allowing the user to observe the performance of the statistical technique under different realizations of the data. In this article we will show how to use Excel to generate data from a one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) model and how the statistical methods behave both when the fundamental assumptions of the model hold and when these assumptions are violated. The purpose of this article is to provide tools for individuals to gain an intuitive understanding of these violations using this readily available program.

Assessment of the Level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice with Regard to Care of People Living with HIV/AIDS among Nursing and Midwifery Students in Fako, Cameroon

Due to the chronic shortage of health personnel, nurses and midwives now play a fundamental role in the care and treatment of people living with HIV/ AIDS (PLHIV) in Cameroon. This study was therefore designed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice with regard to care of PLHIV among nursing and midwifery students in Fako division of Cameroon. A survey was performed between May and July 2015, among 227 nursing and midwifery students (in their second to final year of study), selected from 8 government accredited training institutions in Fako division of Cameroon. An anonymous self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The Pearson’s chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusting for possible confounders were all performed as part of the statistical analyses. The cutoff of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Nursing and midwifery students had a moderate level of HIV/AIDS knowledge (average score of 7.02 on a scale of 11). Attitude towards PLHIV was generally positive (68.7%) but there were some misconceptions and prejudice about PLHIV, with considerable stigmatization (31.3%), unwillingness to share a room with someone infected with HIV (27.7%), and unwillingness to work on PLHIV (23.8%). Good HIV/AIDS knowledge was observed to be the sole independent predictor (p = 0.004) of positive attitude towards PLHIV. Fur-thermore the confidence of the respondents regarding care of PLHIV was generally moderate. Our results suggest the need for the development of a more appropriate education program in nursing and midwifery institutions in Fako division to reduce the discrepancies between the general knowledge, attitude and practice regarding care of PLHIV.