Stress, resilience, and social support among antenatal women in Jordan during the novel coronavirus pandemic: a cross-sectional study

<b>Aims:</b> To describe the level of depression and social support experienced by pregnant Jordanian women and assess the role of support and other factors on depression level among a sample of Jordanian women during pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.<br /> <b>Method</b>: The study invitation and link to an online survey were shared during November 2021 via social media and through word of mouth. A convenience sample of 434 pregnant women completed the study questionnaire, which included questions on their COVID-19 status, demographics, depression, and social. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Scale (CES-D).<br /> <b>Results</b>: The prevalence of depression among women during pregnancy was 28.3%. The mean of depression score among women during pregnancy was 24.3±4.4. The prevalence of social support among women during pregnancy were (63%). The mean social support score among the participants was 39.3±9.1. Factors associated with a higher depression score included not get influenza vaccination, not having insurance, described life as poor, having pressure, and not having social support.<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> This is a national study among women during pregnancy in Jordan. The study found that people who took influenza vaccination, having insurance, described life as poor, and having pressure, they experience more depression than other people. Moreover, our study found as social support increased, the depression decreased.

Pandemic-related life changes and adolescent initiation of cannabis and tobacco/nicotine use

The study aimed to assess the correlation between fatigue and psychological factors, namely stress, social support, self-esteem, and depression among pregnant women in Jordan. A cross-sectional design was suggested. Cluster stratified random sampling technique was adopted. Fatigue assessment scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Multidimensional Social Support Scale, and Beck's Depression Inventory were used. A total of 580 pregnant women were included. Overall, 67.4% of the participants experienced fatigue, about 74.0% had moderate to high stress, 56.0% had moderate social support, around 89.0% had normal self-esteem, and 43.1% experienced moderate to extreme depression. Stress, self-esteem, and depression were correlated with fatigue. This study can help develop proper psychosocial care and sustain mental health among women during pregnancy.

Changes in maternal self-efficacy, postnatal depression symptoms and social support among Chinese primiparous women during the initial postpartum period: A longitudinal study

Background: Diabetes distress affects up to 45% of adults with diabetes and is associated with reduced treatment adherence and poor glycemic control. We evaluated diabetes distress and the relationship between social support and diabetes distress in adults with Medicaid. Methods: We surveyed a population-based sample of adults, aged 19 to 64 years old, covered by Alabama Medicaid, and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes distress was measured with the 17-item Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) assessing emotional burden, physician-related distress, regimen-related distress, and interpersonal distress. A score of <2 indicates little/no distress, 2-2.9 moderate distress, and ≥3 high distress. Social support was assessed by the question “How much support do you get for dealing with your diabetes?” and responses were categorized as low, moderate, or high social support. We performed multivariate logistic regression of diabetes distress by social support, adjusting for demographics, disease severity, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms. Results: In total, 541 individuals participated; 72% were female, 40% white, 58% black, and 3% Hispanic. Mean diabetes distress score was 1.7 (SD 0.88); 72.8% of participants had little/no diabetes distress, 16.8% moderate distress, and 10.4% high distress. Most participants (56.9%) reported high social support, but 13.5% reported low and 29.6% moderate social support. Participants who reported low and moderate social support were significantly more likely to have high diabetes distress (≥3) than those who reported high social support, adjusted odds ratio 14.3 (95% CI 5.2, 39.1) and 4.2 (95% CI 1.6, 10.7), respectively. This relationship was present for each diabetes distress domain, with particularly strong relationships between low social support and high interpersonal and regimen-related distress. Conclusions: Interventions seeking to reduce diabetes distress in adults with type 2 diabetes may benefit from a focus on improving social support. Disclosure C.A. Presley: None. F.L. Mondesir: None. A.A. Agne: None. K.R. Riggs: None. M. Pisu: None. E.B. Levitan: Consultant; Self; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Research Support; Self; Amgen Inc. J.M. Bronstein: None. A. Cherrington: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Research addressing social support among women diagnosed with breast cancer has been explored in several Western cultures, but there is a lack of such research in Jordanian women diagnosed with breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore common meanings of social support as experienced by Jordanian women with breast cancer. A qualitative interpretive phenomenological research design was used for this study. A purposive sample of 20 women diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancer was recruited from 2 hospitals located in Jordan. Data were collected using individual semistructured interviews and analyzed using the Heideggerian hermeneutical methodology. Six related themes and 1 constitutive pattern describe the meaning of social support for Jordanian women with breast cancer: (a) breast cancer as a stigmatized disease among Jordanian women with breast cancer, (b) social support from social network members, (c) being strong for self and others, (d) resources influence availability and need for social support, (e) controlling information for protection, and (f) using spiritual meaning as support. The constitutive pattern was labeled: culture influencing the meaning of social support. Jordanian women with breast cancer rely primarily on other women for social support, most of whom are in their family network. Need for social support can vary by resources available to these women. Health care providers who give care to Jordanian women with breast cancer need to consider the influence of culture, religion, and clinical and personal characteristics of each woman on her need for social support.

<b>Objectives:</b> To compare the levels of postnatal depression experienced by Arab women in Jordan and the United States (USA) and the impact of social support during the COVID-19 pandemic.<br /> <b>Methodology:</b> Participants were recruited through online survey links and social media channels, as well as face to face. A sample comprising 434 women in the postnatal period participated in the study that included Arab women in the USA and Jordan women, responding to a comprehensive questionnaire that encompassed inquiries about their pandemic status, demographic characteristics, postnatal depression, and social support. CES-D depression scale was used to determine the level of depression.<br /> <b>Findings:</b> The depression mean score among women in the postnatal period from Jordan was 24.90±4.14 and the depression mean score among Arab women in the USA was 27.70±4.49. The prevalence of depression among Jordanian women was 52.8% and the prevalence of depression among Arab American women was 73.0%. There is a significant difference between both groups in depression during the postnatal period with more prevalence among Arab American women (t=7.64, p=.010). There are no significant differences between groups in tangible and actual social support among both groups (t=1.50, p=.127).<br /> <b>Conclusions</b>: This nationwide study conducted among postnatal women in Jordan has shed light on several critical findings. Our study found that Arab women in the USA were suffering from more depression compared to Jordanian women. Moreover, our research highlighted a significant inverse relationship between social support and postnatal depression, indicating that as social support increased, levels of depression decreased among women in the postnatal period.

: A measure of social support, the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), is described and four empirical studies employing it are described. The SSQ yields scores for (a) number of social supports, and (b) satisfaction with social support that is available. Three of the studies deal with the SSQ's psychometric properties, its correations with measures of personality and adjustment, and the relationship of the SSQ to positive and negative life changes. The fourth study was an experimental investigation of the relationship between social support and persistence in working on a complex, frustrating task. The research reported suggests that the SSQ is a reliable instrument, and that social support is (1) more strongly related to positive than negative life changes, (2) more related in a negative direction to psychological discomfort among women than men, and (3) an asset in enabling a person to persist at a task under frustrating conditions. Research and clinical implications are discussed. (Author)

Although we acknowledge the negative and positive aspects of the cancer survivorship experience, we have little information on this issue from the perspective of Chinese breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of negative and positive life changes following treatment completion among this population. Using purposive sampling, 29 breast cancer survivors were selected from the attendees of a local cancer self-help organization in middle China and proceeded with semi-structured in-depth interviews. Each interview was transcribed verbatim and analyzed using directed content analysis. Two predetermined categories were identified to represent participant perception of the breast cancer survivorship experience, namely, negative life changes and positive life changes. The first category included fear of recurrence, symptom experience, poor body image, altered sexuality and intimacy, and financial burden. The second category consisted of new life perspective, personal growth, and enhanced relationships with family. Our findings contribute to the emerging evidence on the duality of breast cancer survivorship. This enhanced understanding of the specific negative and positive changes experienced by Chinese breast cancer survivors can assist health professionals in addressing survivorship issues by designing appropriate interventions to minimize negative consequences and enhance positive growth.

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Stroke family caregivers were already struggling with unmet needs and changes in their own lives from providing care. The COVID-19 pandemic added further stress and disruption to their lives. The purpose of this study was to describe life changes in 17 stroke family caregivers specifically resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This study was conducted as a secondary data analysis from an ongoing randomized controlled clinical trial testing feasibility of the Telehealth Assessment and Skill-Building Kit (TASK III). Using a multimethod design, both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to determine caregiver life changes. Quantitative ratings regarding life changes were obtained using 17 items adapted specifically for COVID-19 from the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale. Rigorous content analysis procedures for the qualitative data were guided by a start list of codes based on the 17 items, with additional themes possible. Representative quotes were selected based on author consensus. RESULTS: Findings revealed both negative and positive life changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. Negative life changes included such things as disrupted daily routines, limited access to healthcare providers and resources (eg, food, masks, hand sanitizers), reduced family and social contact and activities, decreased emotional well-being, and problems with performing caregiving activities for the survivor. Positive life changes were increased use of the Internet and videoconferencing, closer relationships with friends, and learning how to access needed resources in new ways. CONCLUSION: Stroke family caregivers experienced both negative and positive life changes specifically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses further indicated that COVID-19 affected most caregivers in different ways and an individualized approach is needed in dealing with caregiver life changes.

IntroductionNumerous studies have established the importance of social support on psychological symptoms among older adults, however, the distinct contribution of different levels of family and friends’ social support has not been thoroughly assessed.ObjectivesThis study determined the contribution of different levels of friend and family social support (high, moderate, low) on psychological symptoms among the older adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 older adults attending outpatient clinics at two selected teaching Hospitals in Nigeria from February to July, 2021.The data was collected using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorders Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 23 and logistic regression was used for the inferential analysis.ResultsOlder adults with moderate social support from family were 3.6 more likely to have depression symptoms than those with high family social support (AOR = 3.623, 95%CI 1.275–2.875, P = .020). Also, those with moderate family social support (AOR = 2.875, 95%CI 2.425–11.875,P = .002), low family social support (AOR = 2.966, 95%CI 1.312–3.875, P = .007), and low friends social support (AOR = 2.966, 95%CI 1.312–3.875, P = .009) were more likely to have anxiety symptoms than those with high social support.ConclusionHigh social support confers a protective measure against depression and is effective in reducing psychological symptoms among older adults.

Assessment of the level of social support and associated factors among cancer patients in the comprehensive cancer center at Ethiopia: Ordinal logistic regression analysis level of social support and associated factors among cancer patients

We examined the effects of (a) positive and negative life changes and (b) social support upon the self-reported health status of 187 elderly public housing tenants. Our interview included the Multilevel Assessment Instrument, from which we derived physical health and social support scores, and an evaluation of change in 14 areas. Experiencing change correlated inversely, although weakly, with health (R2 = .05); however, negative changes were more predictive of health status than were total changes (R2 = .25). In multivariate analyses, persons who were older and experienced more positive and less negative changes during the preceding year reported better health (R2 = .30). Social support had neither a direct nor interactive effect (with life change) upon health. We conclude that studies on life changes should separate positive from negative events. Also, more research on the measurement of social support for elderly adults is needed.

BackgroundChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) who receive social support can cope with the challenges. Therefore, this study determined the moderating role of social support in the relationship between death anxiety and resilience among dialysis patients in Qazvin City.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a descriptive-analytical approach on 347 dialysis patients in Qazvin City. The data collection tools included several questionnaires. The convenience sampling method was employed. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 and mplus software version 7.2, employing descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and using counts and percentages for categorical/nominal variables. Regression analysis and tests were used to examine the relationships between variables. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was employed to determine direct and indirect relationships between independent and dependent variables.ResultsThe prevalence of death anxiety was high (48.3%) among the patients. The mean resilience score was 62.59 ± 15.69, and the mean social support score was 52.23 ± 10.21. There was a significant association between resilience and social support (P < 0.001), as well as between resilience and death anxiety (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant relationship was observed between social support and death anxiety (p = 0.015). In the analysis of SEM, both the direct and indirect relationships between resilience and death anxiety were significant through the mediating variable of social support.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that there is a relationship between death anxiety and resilience, and social support significantly moderates the relationship between death anxiety and resilience.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between family social support and loneliness in Turkish patients with cancer. Loneliness is a major problem affecting about 50% of adult cancer patients. Adequate social support may cause a reduced cancer-related mortality in patients with cancer. DESIGN; A cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational design was used. Cancer patients undergoing treatment in the outpatient chemotherapy unit at a university hospital between January-April 2007 were enrolled. After inclusion and exclusion processes, a total of 144 patients with solid cancer comprised the final sample of the study. The Perceived Social Support from Family Scale, the Revised University of California, Los Angeles-Loneliness Scale and a demographic data form were used. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics, student t-test, one-way variance analysis and Pearson's correlation test. The mean age was 51.76 (SD 12.14). Ninety-two patients (63.9%) were female and most were married. The mean social support score and the mean loneliness score were 15.92 (SD 3.22) and 33.09 (SD 0.17), respectively. There were significant differences between the mean scores for the marital status (p < 0.01) and living style (p < 0.001) characteristics. There was a moderately significant negative correlation between the mean social support scores and the loneliness scores (r = -0.492, p < 0.001). The loneliness level of the patients was reduced by increasing social support. The results suggest that the Turkish cancer patients have experienced a relatively low level of loneliness and there is a significant negative correlation between their loneliness scores and their social support scores. Loneliness can be reduced by increasing social support from family members. In planning patients' care, nurses should evaluate physiological, psychological and socio-demographic statuses of patients to increase the patients' social support and to decrease their loneliness. Determining and improving family social support of cancer patients should be an essential part of nursing practice. To prevent cancer patients' social isolation, nurses may also encourage family members to enlarge their social support networks.