10-item Scale Research Articles

Perceived coercion amongst healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Direct and prolonged exposure to stress and uncertainty among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic likely had a significant negative impact on their mental health and general wellbeing. Although the contributors to such distress remain to be fully understood, the construct of perceived coercion appears to be relevant. Among HCWs, perceived coercion is conceptualised as appraisals about lack of control/‘freedom to choose’ and pressure to perform patient-care duties in the context of unprecedented threat of contagion from patients. To improve our understanding of perceived coercion amongst HCWs, we developed a 10-item scale—the Pandemic-specific Perceived Coercion Scale for Healthcare Workers (PPCS-HCW) scale—designed to be adaptable and applicable for use in future mass-contagion emergencies. A preliminary (exploratory) factor analysis (N = 546) showed that relevant items coalesced around three factors—‘internal pressure’, ‘external pressure’ and ‘perceived coercion’, that partly overlap with previous conceptualisations of perceived coercion. The exploratory conceptual and psychometric structure was confirmed in a separate sample of HCWs from the UK and Norway (N = 483). On average, across the three PPCS-HCW scale factors, HCWs showed low levels of perceived coercion (M = 0.22 (95% CI [0.11, 0.33] on a − 3 to + 3 scale). However, cluster analysis identified three groups: low (− 1.09 (95% CI [− 1.20, − 0.99]), moderate (0.17 (95% CI [0.08, 0.25]) and high scoring (1.57 (95% CI [1.47, 1.67]) PPCS-HCW clusters. High scoring participants showed higher levels of psychological distress, avoidance coping and compassion fatigue. In summary, our findings suggest that perceived coercion is a relevant construct in understanding the adverse psychological impact of large-scale contagion emergencies on HCWs.

Mobility, ICT, and health: a built environment investigation of older Chinese migrants’ social isolation and loneliness

BackgroundSocial isolation and loneliness have detrimental impacts on health, especially for older adults. During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical access to third places (e.g., coffee shops, libraries) decreased due to the closure of non-essential destinations and personal risk assessments. Older adults reported adopting information and communication technology (ICT) during pandemic lockdowns. ICT-mediated socializing may have different impacts on loneliness than in-person equivalents. Understanding access to social connection and their distinct relationships to the built environment and health for older Chinese migrants is critical to supporting equitable, healthy aging in a post-COVID world.MethodsUsing a survey of older Chinese migrants in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) during the extended COVID-19 lockdown, we investigate how community mobility and ICT use, two mechanisms of socializing, relate to the built environment and influence loneliness (De Jong Gierveld 6-item scale), as well as mental and physical health (SF-12). Specifically, we use a structural equation model to test a theoretical framework of older adult social isolation.ResultsOur model demonstrates the importance of community mobility for reducing feelings of loneliness, while ICT use is significantly related to better physical health. Both community mobility and ICT use have significant, although opposite, relationships to transit density.ConclusionsResults indicate that ICT use might have limited ability to reduce loneliness and support mental health when mobility is limited. Addressing older migrants’ barriers to community mobility is critical to reducing feelings of loneliness.

A transdiagnostic approach to investigate of the relationships between anxiety sensitivity and health anxiety: the mediated roles of distress tolerance and emotion regulation

BackgroundEmotion regulation (ER) and distress tolerance (DT) are considered transdiagnostic risk factors for a range of anxiety disorders. This study investigated the relationship between anxiety sensitivity (AS) and health anxiety (HA) in the general population, focusing on the mediating roles of DT and ER.MethodsThe study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey from October to December 2023 in Tehran Province, Iran. A total of 971 individuals participated in this study (52.8% female; mean age 39.04 years, SD=10.64). Participants completed self-report questionnaires to assess HA (The Short Health Anxiety Inventory), AS (The Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3), DT (The 15-item Distress Tolerance Scale) and ER (The 10-item Emotion Regulation Questionnaire). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the hypothesis that DT and ER would mediate the relationship between AS and the HA.ResultsAS was modestly related to all measures (r from -0.40 to 0.55). According to the SEM analysis, AS (β = 0.45, 95%CI [0.34, 0.56]) had a significant direct effect on HA. However, the analysis of the indirect effects revealed that both DT (β = 0.10, 95% CI [0.06, 0.16]) and emotion regulation strategies—cognitive reappraisal (β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 0.11]) and expressive suppression (β = 0.11, 95% CI [0.06, 0.18])—act as partial mediators in the relationship between AS and HA.ConclusionsAS plays a crucial role in predisposing individuals to HA. The mediating roles of DT and ER provide insight into the link between AS and HA. Nevertheless, the study’s cross-sectional design and reliance on a non-clinical sample limit the applicability of the results. Further research involving different samples and intervention studies is needed to validate and expand upon these findings.

Development of the shortened scale for health interest

Objective Addressing the needs of a population that is indifferent to health is becoming increasingly important. Previous research has developed the "Interest in Health Scale," which assesses the level of interest in health. It comprises three subscales; health consciousness, motivation, and value. This study aimed to enhance the usability of the 12-item Interest in Health Scale by creating a shortened version.Methods Using data from a web survey of 800 participants, factor analysis was conducted on the 12-item Interest in Health Scale to select items for the shortened version. From the factor analysis, two items were selected from each subscale based on their factor loadings to create a 6-item scale, and a 4-item scale was created, excluding two items from the health value subscale. We evaluated the reliability of the newly created shortened version, its correlation with the 12-item version, and its validity through correlations with health literacy (CCHL scale) and lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking).Results Cronbach's alpha was 0.72 and 0.80 for the 6- and 4-item scale, respectively. The correlation coefficients between the 12-item and 6- and 4-item versions were 0.94 and 0.88, respectively. The correlation with health literacy were 0.28, 0.27, and 0.22 for the 12-, 6-, and 4-item versions, respectively. The correlation coefficients for the four lifestyle habits were similar across all the three scales.Conclusion This study created 6- and 4-item versions of the scale with reliability and validity comparable to that of the 12-item version. While the 6-item version, containing all three subscales, is preferable for measuring health interest more easily, the 4-item version, which excludes health value for convenience, can be used.

Naturism Stigma Scale: Adaptation of a Standardised Measure of Stigma Towards Naturism

Background: Stigma can have a significant impact on the lives of those inflicted, and stigmatisation can occur at any time when individuals commonly label behaviours and characteristics of others as offensive. Many attributes, such as homosexuality, ethnicity, race, and mental illness, have been explored using existing instruments. However, there are currently no standardised measures of stigma towards specific behaviours such as naturism. Naturism is the practice of public nudity without any intention of sexual stimulation. Though a global phenomenon, data suggest that almost seven million individuals in the UK alone identify as naturists. The rising figures of those engaging in stigmatised behaviour and the negative representations of this in the media contribute to the necessity for standardised instruments to measure stigma towards naturism. Method: The Naturism Stigma Scale (NSS) was adapted from the Depression Stigma Scale. This 18-item scale has two subscales which measure personal and perceived stigma. The sample consisted of 449 participants recruited by convenience sampling. Results: The analysis indicated that the scale had high reliability for both subscales (Personal Cronbach’s α = 0.91, Perceived Cronbach’s α = 0.93). It can be concluded that the NSS is a reliable psychometric instrument. Conclusions: Overall, this research assists in further understanding the stigma towards this minority group. Further research is necessary to explore the psychometric properties of NSS among different community samples.

Validating the self-competence in death work scale for end-of-life care volunteers

There is an increasing demand for end-of-life care (EoLC) volunteers in Hong Kong’s aging population. However, there is no validated measure that assesses volunteers’ self-competence in coping with death. This is essential to optimize their services, and ensure their psychological well-being. This study aimed to validate the existing Self-Competence in Death Work Scale (SC-DWS) for EoLC volunteers. This scale has been tested previously on health professionals providing end-of-life care, and was adapted for this study with words that fitted the volunteer context.A self-administered survey collected demographic information, personal experiences, the 16-item SC-DWS, 15-item Templer Death Anxiety Scale, and the 8-item Spiritual Wellbeing Scale to examine the internal consistency, concurrent validity, and discriminative validity of this scale among EoLC volunteers. The study sample consisted of all applicants who registered for the EoLC volunteer training programme between 2019 and 2021. Applicants first underwent a systematic screening and selection procedure. They completed an online registration form which included risk assessment, followed by structured individual interviews focusing on applicants’ motivation and mental preparedness for their role. The content validity of the SC-DWS was determined using data from the 341 volunteers who were screened prior to training. Construct validity was tested using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), which suggested that two-factors (subscales) offered the best combination of variables (Emotional and Existential Subscales). The new subscales and the component items differed slightly from those identified in health professional samples. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by strong correlations between the SC-DWS, and the Death Anxiety, and Spiritual Wellbeing scales. Discriminant validity was supported by strong relationships between the new subscales and participants’ personal experiences. The SC-DWS was shown not only to be reliable and valid for EoLC volunteers, but it also highlighted the unique emotional challenges they faced.

Leadership for Educational Inclusion: Design and Validation of a Measurement Instrument

This article addresses the validation of an instrument designed to measure organizational leadership practices for inclusion and evaluates the said instrument’s factorial structure and convergent validity. This work responds to the need for quantitative tools to assess how school principals promote inclusion, in recognition of its importance for guaranteeing student access to an equitable quality education at all levels, from early childhood education through high school. The above-referenced instrument was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and consultations with experts, resulting in a 36-item scale structured in six key dimensions: D1: Professional Development; D2: Inclusive Vision; D3: Support for the Teaching–Learning Process; D4: Building Networks; D5: Participation and Dialog, and D6: Resource Management. The validation process included a confirmatory factor analysis that supported the existence of a hierarchical structure of a general factor of leadership for inclusion that determines the aforementioned key dimensions, with adequate fit indices (χ2(588) = 1694.624, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.945, TLI = 0.941, RMSEA = 0.060, SRMR = 0.034) and high internal consistency in the general scale (α = 0.98, Ω = 0.96). In terms of convergent validity, the instrument showed significant and consistent correlations with related constructs such as teacher self-efficacy and pedagogical leadership. This study highlights the importance of leadership for inclusion as a central element of fostering participation and learning in diverse school contexts, by providing a reliable tool for continuous improvement of the school management team’s performance of its functions. Also, it is important input for education policymakers charged with formulating student equity, who recognize the enhanced well-being and active participation in the social environment that result from the greater inclusion of students in their educational communities.

Workplace loneliness and job turnover: A 6-month prospective study.

This longitudinal study examined the associations of workplace loneliness with job turnover at 6-month follow-up among Japanese full-time employees. This study employed a 6-month prospective design as part of the Employee Cohort Study in Japan (E-COCO-J). Data from wave 15 (February 2024; baseline, T1) and wave 16 (August 2024; follow-up, T2) were used. Only participants who were employed at baseline and completed the follow-up survey were included in the analysis. Workplace loneliness at T1 was measured using three scales: the Loneliness at Work Scale (LAWS), a single-item workplace loneliness scale, and a 3-item scale developed by modifying the short UCLA Loneliness Scale for workplace loneliness. Job turnover at T2 was defined based on responses indicating either leaving a job or moving to a different company within the preceding six months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the association between workplace loneliness and job turnover, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. In total, 706 employees who were employed at baseline were included in the analysis. Turnover at follow-up was observed n=47 (6.7%). Participants who experienced turnover had significantly higher baseline scores for LAWS and the 3-item scale (p=0.044 and p=0.012, respectively). In the multivariable logistic regression, all three workplace loneliness scales demonstrated similar and significant associations with turnover at follow-up. Workplace loneliness leads to job turnover. Further research is needed to address the generalization and explore mechanisms of the present findings.

Relationship between parental smoking and adolescent smoking: gender differences and mediation of resilience

BackgroundThough the relationship between parental smoking and adolescent smoking has been established, gender differences, and mediation of resilience in this relationship are poorly understood. This research aims to investigate the prevalence of adolescent smoking, and to understand how consequences may differ for boys and girls, as well as to explore what role resilience played in this relationship.MethodsThrough the school-based cross-sectional survey, a total of 65,898 adolescents were involved in this study, and information were collected by self-reported questionnaire. Participants’ smoking status and their parental smoking status were collected by self-made questionnaire, and resilience was assessed by the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). The multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore the relationship between parental smoking and adolescent smoking. After that, the path analysis was applied to explore the mediation of resilience in this relationship.ResultsOf all participants, the rate of self-report current smoking and biologically verified smoking was 1.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Both self-reported and biologically verified prevalence of smoking among boys were higher than that in girls. There were gender differences in the impact of parental smoking on adolescent smoking: mother smoking had a negative effect on adolescent smoking, and resilience could mitigate this negative effect. Father smoking had no association with girl smoking, while father smoking was positively associated with boy smoking, and resilience was mediated in this association.ConclusionsOur findings suggested smoking prevention in adolescents can be done differently for different genders. Besides, results indicated resilience was important in preventing adolescent smoking. Furthermore, parents quitting smoking can play an important role in preventing adolescent smoking to a certain extent.

Adaptation of the Vicarious Resilience Scale to Turkish: A validity and reliability study.

The 27-item Vicarious Resilience Scale (VRS) is the first tool developed to measure vicarious resilience in mental health professionals working with trauma survivors. Given that the VRS measures the positive impact on therapists resulting from observing the healing process of trauma victims, it is especially significant to evaluate its validity and reliability in Turkish culture. This study aims to adapt the VRS to Turkish and examine its psychometric properties. VRS was adapted and administered via electronic survey to 337 mental health professionals from around the globe working with survivors of severe traumas, such as earthquake survivors. The validity of the VRS was examined using different techniques: confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and criterion-related validity. CFA yielded seven factors that were consistent with the original form: changes in life goals and perspective, client-inspired hope, increased recognition of clients' spirituality as a therapeutic resource, increased capacity for resourcefulness, increased self-awareness and self-care practices, increased consciousness of power and privilege relative to clients' social location, and increased capacity for remaining present while listening to trauma narratives. The Cronbach's α reliability of the VRS was found to be .95; it displayed positive correlations with posttraumatic growth, psychological resilience, and quality of life, indicating convergent validity. However, it had a negative correlation with depression, anxiety, and stress, indicating discriminant validity. The VRS is a valid and reliable measurement scale by professionals working with trauma survivors to aid the recognition and cultivation of vicarious resilience in Turkish mental health professionals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Social Anxiety Disorder among Medical Students at Sultan Qaboos University: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction and Objective: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is an excessive and irrational fear of social situations, leading to an avoidance of those situations. Individuals with SAD may fear acting in a certain way or exhibiting anxiety symptoms in front of others, which can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life. Among medical students, SAD can negatively influence academic performance, particularly in exams, and lead to employment difficulties. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unique stressors, including social isolation and the transition to online learning, which may have exacerbated anxiety-related conditions. Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of SAD during this period is essential to develop targeted interventions for students. Thus, this work aimed to assess the prevalence and demographic correlates of SAD among medical students at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Oman during the pandemic. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2020 in SQU, College of Medicine and Health Sciences. Medical students from all academic years were invited to complete demographic data and the Liebowitz social anxiety scale (LSAS). The LSAS is a 24-item self-rating scale to assess SAD. An analysis using a Chi-square test was performed to obtain the factors associated with SAD. Results: A total of 558 students completed the questionnaire, of which 348 were female (62%). The total prevalence of SAD was 64%, whereas moderate grade SAD accounted for 27% of the participants, marked grade 19%, severe grade 11%, and very severe grade 7%. Among the students who had the disorder, 71% suffered a generalized subtype of SAD. A significant association between SAD and phase of study (p<0.001), age group (p<0.001), and gender (p<0.001) was found. Phase 1 (69%) exhibited the highest prevalence, followed by phase 2 (66%) and phase 3 (48%). Among the age groups, 17-19 years group (67%) demonstrated the highest prevalence, followed by age groups 20-22 (64%) and 23-25 (46%). In terms of gender, females (70%) were more likely to display SAD symptoms than males (52%). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated a high prevalence of SAD among medical students and showed a significant association between SAD and the phase of study, age group, and gender. These results could help justify the establishment of targeted mental health interventions to support medical students in managing their anxiety, which can ultimately result in an improvement in their academic performance and overall quality of life. University administrators and psychologists should aim to develop supportive programs for students.

Ketamine effects on resting state functional brain connectivity in major depressive disorder patients: a hypothesis-driven analysis based on a network model of depression

IntroductionKetamine demonstrates robust and rapidly occurring antidepressant effects in patients with difficult-to-treat major depressive disorder. Ketamine’s antidepressant effects and its impact on functional networks in non-resistant forms of major depressive disorder are expected to provide valuable insight into ketamine’s mechanism of action related to depression.MethodsThis study employs an existing network model of major depressive disorder to investigate the effects of ketamine on resting state connectivity in a therapy-non-resistant major depressive disorder population. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, 0.5 mg/kg racemic ketamine or 0.9%NaCl was administered intravenously in 16 MDD patients. We applied resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to explore changes in functional brain connectivity directly at 50, 80 and 165 min (acute) and 24 h (delayed) following ketamine administration. A clinician-rated 10-item scale (MADRS) was administered at 165 min and 24 h after ketamine administration. Connections-of-interest (COIs) were based on the previously published corticolimbic-insular-striatalpallidal-thalamic (CLIPST) circuitry model of major depressive disorder.ResultsCompared with placebo, ketamine significantly (p < 0.0014) reduced the mean (SD) MADRS total score from 21.2 (5.9) pre-dose to 10.3 (4.6) 24 h post-dose. At both acute (p < 0.0172) and delayed (p < 0.0488) time points, significant rs-fMRI connectivity changes occurred only in MDD-related COIs as proposed by the CLIPST model. No changes in functional connectivity were found in non-CLIPST connections.DiscussionThis study demonstrates that ketamine specifically affects depression-related circuitry. Analyzing functional connectivity based on a neurocircuitry model of a specific CNS disease and drug action may be an effective approach that could result in a more targeted analysis in future pharmaco-fMRI studies in CNS drug development.

The 6-Item Self-Efficacy Scale in Chronic Disease Management in Women With Endometriosis: A Turkish Validity and Reliability Study.

This study aimed to adapt the 6-Item Self-Efficacy Scale for Chronic Disease Management (SEMDC-6S) to women with endometriosis in the Turkish population and to evaluate its validity and reliability. This methodological study comprised of 200 women with endometriosis. The construct validity of the scale was tested using the confirmatory factor analysis methods. The reliability of the scale was tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, item-total score correlations and test-retest reliability analysis. It was determined that the SEMDC-6S consisted of six items and one subscale. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the fit index values of the scale were found to be acceptable. The intraclass correlation coefficient of test-retest reliability was 0.95, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.76. The Turkish version of the SEMDC-6S is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the self-efficacy of women with endometriosis.

Abstract TMP65: Prehospital Comprehensive Stroke Center vs Primary Stroke Center Triage in Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background: We aimed to evaluate whether the implementation of regional prehospital transport to comprehensive stroke center (CSC) protocol has any impact on inter-hospital transfer rate and neurologic outcomes of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective multicenter study comparing outcomes in patients with ICH arriving at 15 Primary Stroke Centers (PSC) and 8 CSC in Chicago, Illinois via emergency medical services transport from January 1 2017 and December 31 2023 - before and after implementation of a prehospital transport protocol in September 2018 which uses a 3-item stroke scale to identify patients with more severe stroke types and <6 hours from onset for transport to the closest CSC rather than closest PSC. Outcomes of interest included inter-hospital transfer rates, arrival to CT times, in-hospital mortality rate, favorable disposition location (discharged to home or acute rehabilitation) and favorable neurologic outcome at discharge (modified Rankin score [mRS] of 0-3). Results: Pre-implementation included 853 patients (mean age=63 [SD 15.0], 54% male, and 45% black), of which 232 (27%) were transported to PSCs (mean NIHSS=13 [SD 11.4]) and 621 patients (73%) to CSCs (mean NIHSS=13 [SD 9.3]). Post-implementation included 3506 patients (mean age=63 [SD 15.3], 63% male, 45% black), of which 891 (25%) went to PSCs (mean NIHSS=13 [SD 11.4]) and 2615 (75%) went to CSCs (mean NIHSS=15 [SD 10.5]). Initial NIHSS score was higher post-implementation compared to pre-implementation (13 [SD 9.9] vs. 14 [SD 10.7]), p=0.04). There were similar rates (41% pre-implementation vs 43% post-implementation) of inter-hospital transfer (p=0.39). Time from hospital arrival to CT imaging was significantly faster post-implementation (86 min vs 36 min, p<0.0001). Rates of favorable discharge disposition (49% pre-implementation vs. 47% post-implementation, p=0.28) and neurologic outcome (29% pre vs 26% post, p=0.13) were similar after adjusting for age, sex, time to CT, and initial NIHSS. However, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher post-implementation (15% pre vs. 20% post, odd ratio=1.4, 95% CI[1.1-1.8], p=0.02) after adjusting for initial NIHSS score. Conclusion: Implementation of a regional prehospital transport protocol to stroke center was associated with a shorter time to CT scanner but higher mortality. Our findings do not support prehospital policies to transport ICH patients directly to CSCs.

The mediating role of resilience and sleep quality between self-efficacy and prenatal anxiety: A mediational analysis.

During pregnancy, prenatal anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders that women experience. This study aims to assess the prevalence of prenatal anxiety among Chinese pregnant women and explore the parallel mediating role of resilience and sleep quality in the relationship between self-efficacy and prenatal anxiety. Between February and June 2023, a total of 1071 pregnant women were recruited from three hospitals in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, using a convenience sampling method. The participants completed general survey questionnaires and were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale. In addition, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate the relevant and mediating factors of prenatal anxiety. This study utilized a structural equation model to examine the mediating role of resilience and sleep quality in the relationship between self-efficacy and prenatal anxiety. Multivariate regression analysis showed that self-efficacy, resilience, and sleep quality were associated with prenatal anxiety (P < 0.05). The results of the mediation analysis indicated that resilience and sleep quality acted as fully mediators between self-efficacy and prenatal anxiety. The mediating effect of resilience was -1.8970 (95% CI -2.5259 to -1.3145), accounting for 72.07% of the total effect, and the mediating effect of sleep quality was -0.5482 (95% CI -0.7450 to -0.3726), accounting for 20.83% of the total effect. While self-efficacy accounted for 7.10% of the total effect (P = 0.5625), resilience, and sleep quality fully mediated prenatal anxiety. In Chinese pregnant women, the study revealed that sleep quality and resilience played a fully mediating role in the impact of self-efficacy on symptoms of prenatal anxiety. This suggests that enhancing resilience, improving sleep quality, and promoting self-efficacy may help alleviate symptoms of prenatal anxiety.

Immersive Virtual Reality as Computer-Assisted Cognitive–Motor Dual-Task Training in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of immersive virtual reality used as a short-term multifaceted activity with a focus on motor and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. The sub-objective focused on quality of life in the study group of patients. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients (64.2 ± 12.8 years) were included in this study. Inclusion criteria for this study: adult patients in Hoehn and Yahr’s stage 1–3, cooperative, with stable health status, independent and mobile. IVR therapy was performed twice a week for 20 min for one month. Input and output measurements were taken within 14 days of starting or ending therapy. The 10 Meter Walk test was used to examine and assess both comfortable and fast walking, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) + s dual task was applied to quickly assess the highest possible level of functional mobility. The Berg Balance Scale test (BBS) was used to assess balance with a 14-item balance scale containing specific movement tasks. The standardized Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) was used to assess quality of life. Data were processed in the PAST program using a nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. The value of the r score was used to evaluate the effect size. Results: A significant reduction in the time in the fast walk 10MWT (p = 0.006; r = 0.63) and TUG (p &lt; 0.001; r = 0.80) parameter were found after therapy. Significant improvement in the BBS score was found after applied therapy (p = 0.016; r = 0.55). In the PDQ-39 questionnaire, significant improvements were found in the study group after therapy in the domains of mobility (p = 0.027; r = 0.51) and emotional well-being (p = 0.011; r = 0.58). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a positive effect of virtual reality therapy on balance and gait, which is also good in terms of reducing the risk of falls in the study group. Therapy also promoted quality of life in the study group.

Empathy and Mentalizing of Mental Health Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study.

In mental healthcare, therapists' empathy and mentalizing are associated with better opportunities to establish positive working relations with patients. The present study aimed to explore mental health nurses' level of empathy and mentalizing (compared with reference groups studying or working in different contexts), the association between mental health nurses' level of empathy and mentalizing and sociodemographic characteristics of these nurses, and the association between mental health nurses' level of empathy and mentalizing. A cross-sectional design was used in adherence with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. The 28-item Empathy Quotient was used to investigate empathy, and the 28-item Mentalisation Scale was used to assess mentalizing. One hundred and seven mental health nurses working in different work-intensity settings (intensive and intermittent-intensive) participated in the study. Our analyses showed that mental health nurses had statistically significantly higher levels of empathy and mentalizing than the matched reference groups. They also showed that most mental health nurses' demographic characteristics were not statistically significantly associated with their level of empathy and mentalizing: not with age, years of work experience, or educational level. Only two aspects were statistically significantly associated: female gender (for higher levels of empathy and mentalizing) and practicing in an intermittent-intensive work setting (for higher scores on the subscale 'Motivation' of the Mentalisation Scale). Furthermore, empathy and mentalizing of mental health nurses were strongly associated and also emerged as two partly overlapping concepts. We conclude that mental health educational institutions and supervisors could pay extra attention to the aspects of gender and work situation concerning mental health nurses' mentalizing and empathy in patient relations.

Adaptation and psychometric assessment of the postpartum childcare stress checklist among Arab women in the United Arab Emirates.

There is currently no validated version of the Postpartum Childcare Stress Checklist (PCSC) in the context of Arabic-speaking women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The postpartum period is a transformative phase in a woman's life, during which mothers are highly vulnerable to mental health problems, compounded by childcare demands. Childcare stress is a strong predictor of postpartum depression. Thus, there is a need for a validated Arabic measure of childcare stress. This study aims to translate and psychometrically evaluate the Arabic version of the PCSC among mothers residing in the UAE. The PCSC was psychometrically assessed in a cohort of 399 women in the UAE between February 2017 and September 2018. Using best practices in instrument translation; psychometric evaluation included item-test and item-total correlations, confirmatory factor analysis, tests at two-time points, and validity tests. The analysis produced a 19-item scale in both unidimensional and multidimensional formats, with Geomin rotated factor loadings ranging from 0.31 to 0.84 and an average variance of 0.46, demonstrating adequate validity. The Arabic PCSC had acceptable reliability coefficients at three (α= = 0.79) and six (α=0.80) months and adequate concurrent and predictive validity at three and six months postpartum. Childcare stress is an internationally reliable and validated construct. The PCSC was also positively correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. The Arabic PCSC is a psychometrically validated measure which can be used in future Arabic-language studies and may lead to improved interventions for maternal mental health across Arab-speaking communities.

The questionnaire for the detection of invisible violence against women: Turkish validity and reliability study.

This study aims to determine the Turkish validity and reliability of the questionnaire for the detection of invisible violence against women. This methodological study was conducted online with 221 single women with an intimate partner and 277 married women. The scale was confirmed that the 23-item scale had 5 sub-scales. Fit indices were found χ2/sd=2.202, TLI=.900, RMSEA=.074, SRMR =.0571, AGFI=.800, GFI=.850, IFI=.903, CFI=.902 and df= 214 in single women who had an intimate partner. Fit indices were found χ2/sd=2.212, TLI=.901, RMSEA=.066, SRMR=.0582, AGFI=.827, GFI=.864, IFI=.916, CFI=.915 and df=216 in married women. The scale Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.93 for the whole scale. And also the reliability of scale showed that it has excellent Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84, 0.83, 0.86, 0.74 and 0.72 for the subscales of crisis, utilitarian, coercive, ambivalent and benevolent sexist behaviors respectively. The Turkish version of the questionnaire for the detection of invisible violence against women is a valid and reliable measurement tool for married/single women who have an intimate partner.

Changes in Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Time and Their Associations With Psychological Distress: An Occupational Cohort Study.

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with mental ill-health. We examined changes in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and sedentary time, and their associations with psychological distress in an occupational cohort. We used phase 1 survey data, collected among the employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland, aged 19-39years in 2017, and phase 2 follow-up survey from 2022 (n = 1914 participants, 75% women). A 4-category variable (High→High, Low→High, High→Low, and Low→Low) was constructed for both LTPA and sedentary time to reflect the change over time. The 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used to measure psychological distress. Logistic regression analysis estimated odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, working conditions, health-related factors, and physician-diagnosed mental disorders at phase 1. Repeated low LTPA was associated with anxiety (OR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.44-2.85), depressive (OR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.22-2.36), and stress (OR = 2.22; 95% CI, 1.58-3.12) symptoms after adjusting for gender and age, compared with repeated high LTPA. The associations remained after full adjustments in anxiety (OR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.08-2.30) and stress (OR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.32-2.78) symptoms. Additionally, a change from high to low LTPA was associated with anxiety (OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05-2.04) symptoms after full adjustments. Repeated low levels of LTPA are associated with anxiety and stress symptoms. No consistent associations between sitting time and psychological distress could be confirmed. Considering the increasing levels of psychological distress in recent years, particularly among younger adults, it is essential to explore effective countermeasures through large interventions or prospective study designs.