Occupational Balance, Leisure, Coping, Sleep, and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Individuals With Stroke.

The study aimed to compare anxiety, stress, sleep quality, occupational pattern and leisure satisfaction of pregnant women in different trimesters. Pregnant women who came for routine check-ups (n = 156) were evaluated in clinics and family health centers. The pregnant women's anxiety, perceived stress levels, sleep quality, occupational pattern, occupational balance, and leisure time satisfaction were measured using the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), Modified Activity Questionnaire (MOQ), Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11-T), and Leisure Satisfaction Scale (LSS), respectively. The PASS and PSS total scores in the second and third trimesters were similar, yet higher than in the first trimester (F = 13.496, F = 39.401; p < 0.001, respectively). The PSQI and QBQ11-T total scores were highest in the first trimester and gradually decreased in the second and third trimesters (F = 25.029, F = 30.108; p < 0.001, respectively). The mean sports repetition was similar in the second and third trimesters and lower than in the first trimester (F = 14.087, p < 0.001). The LSS total scores were similar in the second and third trimesters and lower than in the first trimester (p < 0.05). The anxiety and perceived stress levels increased, and occupational balance and sleep quality deteriorated gradually throughout the trimesters. It may be important for the pregnancy curriculum for health professionals working with pregnant women to consider the impact of the changes on participation in daily life.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of Pilates exercise during pregnancy on sleep quality, eating disorder symptoms, and occupational balance.MethodsThis cross-sectional observational comparative study included 120 pregnant women: a Pilates group (n = 60, age = 27.98 ± 3.99) and a non-Pilates group (n = 60, age = 28.90 ± 4.25). Sleep quality, disordered eating, and occupational balance were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ), respectively. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression models.ResultsDemographic characteristics were similar between the groups. The Pilates group showed better sleep quality (PSQI: 3.90 ± 1.26 vs. 6.28 ± 2.67, p < 0.001), fewer eating disorder symptoms (EDE-Q: 0.23 ± 0.36 vs. 1.26 ± 0.99, p < 0.001), and higher occupational balance (OBQ: 21.16 ± 1.94 vs. 18.43 ± 3.61, p < 0.001). Regression analyses revealed that Pilates participation was a significant predictor of sleep quality (B = − 1.694, p < 0.001), eating disorder symptoms (B = − 0.965, p < 0.001), and occupational balance (B = 1.550, p = 0.007). Additionally, poor sleep quality and higher eating disorder scores were associated with lower occupational balance (both p < 0.05).ConclusionPilates during pregnancy may enhance maternal well-being by improving sleep, reducing disordered eating, and promoting occupational balance. These findings support the integration of structured, meaningful physical activity like Pilates into prenatal care routines.

The widespread integration of social media into daily life has raised concerns about its impact on young adults' well-being. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between social media addiction, sleep quality, and occupational balance among Generation Z university students in Türkiye. The sample included 136 undergraduates born in or after 2000. Data were collected using the Social Media Addiction Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Occupational Balance Questionnaire. Higher social media addiction scores were weakly associated with poorer sleep quality (r = .219, FDR-adjusted p = .016) and higher occupational balance scores (r = .275, FDR-adjusted p = .003). Social media addiction scores differed significantly according to daily usage duration, with students reporting more than six hours of daily social media use having the highest addiction scores (F = 7.57, p < .001). In the regression analysis, social media addiction remained significantly associated with poorer sleep quality after controlling for age, gender, academic year, and daily social media use duration (β = 0.255, p = .007). However, social media addiction was not a significant predictor of occupational balance after adjustment, whereas sleep quality was significantly associated with occupational balance (β = 0.370, p < .001). Social media addiction appears to be associated with sleep quality among Generation Z university students, while its relationship with occupational balance seems more complex and should be interpreted cautiously.

ObjectiveTo investigate the quality of life (QoL) and the impact of caregiving in family caregivers of hematological cancer patients and its association with patient symptom burden. MethodsA cross-sectional study including Danish patients (n = 375) and caregivers (n = 140). Caregivers completed scales for anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, health related QoL using the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, and caregiver roles using the Caregiver Roles and Responsibilities Scale. Patients reported symptoms using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. Analysis of covariance was used to examine associations between patient symptom burden and caregivers’ QoL outcomes. ResultsThe results show that caregivers experience sleep difficulties, moderate anxiety, and reduced QoL. Patient symptom burden was significantly associated with caregiver anxiety (p = 0.009), and mental well-being (p = 0.002), while patient treatment status was a significant factor associated with caregiver anxiety (p = 0.016), depression (p = 0.009), emotional well-being (p = 0.002), and sleep (p = 0.01). ConclusionCaregivers of patients with hematological cancers undergoing active treatment face a high symptom burden, which significantly impacts their QoL, including sleep, psychological well-being, and emotional health. Patients reported a high symptom burden, and patient symptom burden was significantly associated with caregiver QoL. Adequate patient and caregiver support is needed to promote their well-being and mitigate adverse health effects in caregivers, and this should be acknowledged in the context of caring for patients with hematological cancer.

Stroke is highly debilitating and requires long-term care. Informal caregivers of stroke survivors play important roles in stroke rehabilitation. Caring for stroke survivors can negatively affect the caregivers' well-being and may adversely impact on their caregiving quality and subsequently on stroke survivors' well-being. There seems to be a dearth of research on the relationships between caregivers' and stroke survivors' well-being. This study was designed to determine the relationships among informal caregivers' burden and quality of life (QOL) and stroke survivors' QOL and community reintegration. This ethically certified cross-sectional survey involved 82 stroke survivors (mean age=60.48±11.13years) and their 82 primary caregivers (mean age=36.13±13.69years) consecutively recruited from seven conveniently sampled tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Caregivers Strain Index, Igbo-culture adapted Maleka Stroke Community Reintegration Measure and Short-Form 36-item Health Survey questionnaires were used to assess the caregivers' burden, survivors' community reintegration and QOL (of survivors and caregivers), respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman rank, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests at alpha level of 0.05. The mean stroke survivors' community reintegration and QOL were 34.05±21.54% and 34.93±16±49%, respectively. The mean caregivers' QOL and burden scores were 74.49±12.61% and 9.13±3.18, respectively. About 80.5% of the caregivers experienced significant burden. Stroke survivors' QOL and community reintegration, and caregivers' QOL and burden significantly correlated with one another (p<0.05). Poststroke duration, survivor-caregiver cohabitation duration, survivors' community-dwelling duration and daily care-giving hours significantly correlated with each of stroke survivors' community reintegration and QOL, and caregivers' burden and QOL (p<0.05). Stroke survivors' community reintegration and QOL were poor while caregivers' had moderate QOL and high prevalence of significant burden. Significant correlations exist between caregivers' well-being and stroke survivors' QOL and community reintegration. Interventions targeted at reducing caregivers' burden may help improve both caregivers and survivors' well-being.

Poor sleep quality, often resulting from poor sleep hygiene, is common among medical students. Educational interventions aimed at improving sleep knowledge are beneficial for sleep quality in healthy populations. However, sleep education is often given minimal attention in medical school curriculums. The aim of the study was to explore whether a short educational intervention could improve sleep knowledge, and consequently sleep quality, among medical students. We recruited preclinical- and clinical-stage medical students during the 2017-2018 academic year. Students completed a demographic survey, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Assessment of Sleep Knowledge in Medical Education (ASKME) questionnaire. Students then attended a lecture on the physiology and importance of sleep. To assess the efficacy of the intervention, questionnaires were repeated 4 months thereafter. A total of 87 students (31 preclinical) with a mean age of 25.86 years (standard deviation [SD], 3.33), 51 of whom were women, participated in the study. At baseline, students had poor sleep quality with a PSQI mean score of 5.9 (SD, 2.37), without significant sleepiness, and a mean ESS score of 8.86 (SD, 4.32). The mean ASKME scores were consistent with poor sleep knowledge at 11.87 (SD, 4.32). After the intervention, the mean ASKME results improved to 14.15 (SD, 4.5; P < .001), whereas sleep quality did not. The effect was similar in preclinical and clinical medical students. Sleep knowledge was inadequate among medical students, who also experienced poor sleep quality. A short educational intervention improved sleep knowledge but was insufficient at improving sleep quality. Further studies are needed to determine which interventions may provide benefit in both sleep knowledge and sleep quality.

Objectives To investigate the occupational balance, caregiver burden, and factors affecting them in caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injuries in Iran. Design A cross-sectional study with multiple linear regression analyses to specify factors related to occupational balance and caregiver burden. Settings Community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants A convenience sample of 84 individuals with SCI. Interventions Not applicable. Measures The Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11, Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to assess the occupational balance, caregiver burden, and stress/anxiety levels of the caregivers, respectively. Functional independence, anxiety/depression levels, and the participants’ ability for self-management were evaluated using the Barthel index, HADS, Partners In Health (PIH), and Patient Activation Measure (PAM), respectively. Results There was a positive and significant correlation between the self-management skills of the participants and their independence in daily activities with their caregivers’ occupational balance. A negative and significant correlation was found between the individuals’ self-management skills and their independence in daily activities with caregiver burden. In addition, a significant correlation existed between the anxiety and depression of the participants and their caregivers with occupational balance and caregiver burden. Finally, there was a negative and significant correlation between occupational balance and caregiver burden (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion This study demonstrated that factors such as participants’ self-management skills, their independence in daily activities, and the level of anxiety and depression in participants and caregivers affect the occupational balance and burden experienced by caregivers of individuals with SCIs.

The impact of hospitalization on sleep in late-life is underexplored. The current study examined patterns of sleep quality before, during, and following hospitalization, investigated predictors of sleep quality patterns, and examined predictors of classification discordance between two suggested clinical cutoffs used to demarcate poor/good sleep. This study included older adults (n = 163; mean age 79.7 ± 6.9 years, 31% female) undergoing inpatient post-acute rehabilitation. Upon admission to inpatient post-acute rehabilitation, patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) retrospectively regarding their sleep prior to hospitalization. They subsequently completed the PSQI at discharge, and 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year post discharge. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics (pain, depression, cognition, comorbidity) were collected upon admission. Using latent class analysis methods, older adults could be classified into (1) Consistently Good Sleepers and (2) Chronically Poor Sleepers based on patterns of self-reported sleep quality pre-illness, during, and up to 1 year following inpatient rehabilitation. This pattern was maintained regardless of the clinical cutoff employed (> 5 or > 8). Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher pain and depressive symptoms were consistently associated with an increased likelihood of being classified as a chronic poor sleeper. While there was substantial classification discordance based on clinical cutoff employed, no significant predictors of this discordance emerged. Clinicians should exercise caution in assessing sleep quality in inpatient settings. Alterations in the cutoffs employed may result in discordant clinical classifications of older adults. Pain and depression warrant detailed considerations when working with older adults on inpatient units when poor sleep is a concern.

İlişkisel araştırma modelinin kullanıldığı bu çalışma kapsamında, özel sporcu ailelerinin boş zaman doyumları ile mental iyi oluş düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma grubunu, ulusal ve uluslararası şampiyonalara katılan lisanslı özel sporcuların aileleri oluşturmaktadır. Buna göre, %78,8’i anne (n=201), %21,2’si baba (n=54) olmak üzere toplamda 255 aile üyesi gönüllü olarak çalışmaya katılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında veri toplama aracı olarak, ailelerin demografik özellikleri hakkında bilgi edinmek amacıyla araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulan “Kişisel Bilgi Formu”, “Warwick-Edinburgh Mental İyi Oluş Ölçeği” ve “Boş Zaman Doyum Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Demografik özellikler hakkında bilgi edinebilmek için frekans, yüzde, ortalama ve standart sapma gibi betimsel analizlerden ve ölçme araçları arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenebilmesi için Pearson Korelasyon analizinden faydalanılmıştır. Ailelerin boş zaman doyum düzeylerinin mental iyi oluşları üzerindeki yordayıcı etkisini belirlemek için ise basit doğrusal regresyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, özel sporcu ailelerinin boş zaman doyumları ile mental iyi oluş düzeyleri arasında pozitif yönlü orta düzeyde bir ilişkinin bulunduğu ve boş zaman doyumunun aile üyelerinin mental iyi oluş düzeylerinin anlamlı bir yordayıcısı olduğu tespit edilmiştir.

Occupational balance has been investigated in different populations but less in stroke survivors. Previous studies have focussed on occupational balance among stroke survivors of working age (15-64 years of age), showing they did not perceive they had occupational balance. There is, therefore, a lack of knowledge of how older stroke survivors perceive their occupational balance. The aims of this study were to describe occupational balance in community-dwelling stroke survivors 65 years or older and to investigate if there were any associations between their perceived stroke impact and occupational balance. A cross-sectional study was performed with 58 stroke survivors, with a median age of 75 years at stroke onset and a median time since stroke onset of 11 months. The participants were recruited from a local stroke register and answered questionnaires on occupational balance and stroke impact. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, correlations and logistic regression. The participants had a median score of 29 (min 12 to max 33), indicating a very high occupational balance, a low stroke impact, and a good recovery (median 82.5; min 0 to max 100). An association between participation and occupational balance (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04-1.23) was found. The stroke survivors perceived a low stroke impact and a high occupational balance. It is possible that older community-dwelling stroke survivors, of whom many have retired, juggle less occupations leaving them with more time to engage in those occupations they want to, leading to a better occupational balance.

We searched a wide range of academic journals for published information on the participation levels of caregivers of autistic children in activities relating to leisure, social, community and employment contexts, and the impact that participation may have on caregiver quality of life. Overall, we found that the impact of parenting an autistic child is broad with caregivers often prioritising their child's needs over their own, particularly in occupational participation, which impacts their quality of life. Findings also highlighted a need for further research to investigate the experience of caregivers, and the relationship between participation and quality of life in caregivers of autistic children, as the results can inform the development of better supports for them.

Objective To investigate the relation between sleep quality and mental health of secondary insomnia of type 2 diabetes mellitus and to provide a new treatment for this disease.Methods Ninety patients suffering from secondary insomnia of type 2 diabetes mellitus were evaluated and analyzed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)and Symptom Checklist 90(SCL-90).Results The mean total PSQI score was 14.13 with a standard deviation of 3.38 in the sampled patients.According to the total score PSQI≥11 as a standard of poor sleep quality,poor sleep quality was present by 83.33%of the subjects with no significant difference between males and females(75 cases:male 22,female 53).According to the single item score PSQI≥2 as,a positive case,poor sleep quality was present by 95.56%(86 cases),insufficiency of sleep time was present by 42.22%(38 cases),low sleeping efficiency was present by 53.33%(48 cases).All these patients had sleep disturbance.There were 21 patients(21.33%)taking drugs for insomnia,81patients(90%)with long sleep latency and 78 patients (86.67%)had daytime dysfunction.The correlation coemcient between total PSQI score and total SCL-90 score was r=0.400(P＜0.01).All the factors were significantly related to total PSQI score,except phobic factor.The correlation coemcient between somatization and total PSQI score was r=0.400(P＜0.01).The correlation coemcient between sleep disturbance and somatization was r=0.458(P＜0.01).Through multiple stepwise regression analysis we found that somatization was the major factor affecting sleep disturbance.Conclusion Sleep quality of patients suffering from secondary insomnia of type 2 diabetes mellitus had a closely relationship with psychological factors especially somatization of SCL-90.Psychological treatment for improving somatization symptoms should be considered. Key words: Secondary insomnia of type 2 diabetes mellitus; Sleep quality; Psychological health

The Hidden Cost of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy in Australia: Caregiver Quality of Life, Sleep, Depression, and Workforce Participation.

Stroke is a serious health problem that can lead to the development of depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, and functional dependence in stroke survivors. The change in stroke survivors' quality of life results in negative health outcomes for stroke survivors and caregivers. This study aims to investigate the association between sleep quality and depressive symptoms among stroke survivors and caregivers in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 100 stroke survivors and 80 caregivers using the patient health questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. 43% of the stroke survivors reported depressive symptoms and 65% had poor sleep quality; 21% of the caregivers reported depressive symptoms and 46% reported poor sleep quality. A strong association between sleep quality and depressive symptoms was detected for the stroke survivors and caregivers: (r = 0.885, p < 0.001); (r = 0.669, p < 0.001), respectively. A strong association was found between caregivers' depressive symptoms and patient post-stroke depressive symptoms (r = 0.502, p < 0.001). A moderate association was found between stroke survivors' sleep quality and caregivers' sleep quality (r = 0.407, p < 0.001). There was a moderate association between stroke survivors' depressive symptoms and caregivers' sleep quality (r = 0.456, p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a moderate association between stroke survivors' sleep quality and caregivers' depressive symptoms (r = 0.492, p < 0.001). Poor sleep quality and depressive symptoms are common among stroke survivors and caregivers. This study found an association between the two variables. Therefore, depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances in stroke survivors and caregivers should receive more attention. Future research should focus on an interventional study to enhance sleep quality and decrease the risk of depressive symptoms.

Introduction: Yoga is recognized to delay the effects of aging and has been found to be effective in the therapy of aging-related disorders. With the recent rise in cognitive decline in aging population, the present study deals with the effect of Surya Namaskar in enhancing the cognitive functions. Objective: This study aims to assess the effect of yoga Surya Namaskar on cognitive functions and quality of life (QOL) in an older population. Methodology: A total of 44 healthy older adults (55–65 years) were allocated into two groups using simple random technique in an experimental study design. The groups were experimental group (n = 22) and control group (n = 22). Participants underwent 9weeks intervention of yoga asanas, i.e. Surya Namaskar (4 times/week, 30 min/ session) with progression of one round after each session. The outcome measures including Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Memory Functioning Questionnaire (MFQ), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) were used to assess the sensory and perception, balance, sleep quality, memory, and QOL, respectively. Result: The paired t-test and unpaired test were used on every variable within each group. After 9 weeks of training of Surya Namaskar comparison, the experimental group on which the intervention was done showed significant improvement in cognitive functions when compared to the control group, as determined by HSPS, BBS, PSQI, MFQ, and SF-36. Conclusion: Following a 9-week intervention, Surya Namaskar training seems to be beneficial in enhancing the cognitive functions as well as QOL in old-age population.