Assessment Interview Research Articles

Performing the ideal adoptive parent in Swedish adoption assessment interviews

ABSTRACT Assessment and evaluation of parenting ability are central tasks in social work. However, parenthood is a normative and morally bound practice, subject to cultural expectations about what constitutes ‘good’ parenthood. In adoption assessment interviews, prospective adoptive parents’ potential as parents is thoroughly examined, requiring adoption applicants to articulate their ideas about future parenthood. This study is based on authentic assessment interviews conducted in Sweden between social workers and prospective adoptive parent, in the context of an international adoption process. The article explores how ideals of adoptive parenthood are expressed and performed by prospective adoptive parents in their interactions with social workers. The findings show that adoption applicants present their suitability as parents based on references to children’s needs, specific personal characteristics, and envisioned future actions. The study supports previous research on idealized parental models in adoption assessments and provides insights into how these portrayals are shaped through interaction. Furthermore, the study raises questions about the governance of specific parenthood ideals and the limited opportunities adoption applicants have to express or explore alternative perspectives on parenthood.

The Effectivity of the PBL Model in Learning Outcomes Analyzing Variations Basketball Playing Skills for Class X SMAN 7 in Central Maluku Regency

This study aims to analyze the ability of Physical Education and Sports Health teachers using the Problem-based learning model to improve basketball playing skills of class X-IPA1 High School 7, Central Maluku. This research is descriptive with a qualitative approach. The research participants were Physical Education and Sports Health teachers at class X. The data collection techniques used were; (1) observation; uses innovative learning assessment format of 19 assessment indicators, (2) interviews, (3) documentation, and (4) triangulation. To analyze data, use the model qualitative analysis technique from Milles and Huberman. This research produces several points: (1) The average ability of subjects to utilize problem-based learning in Physical Education, Sports, and Health, especially the material analyzing variations in basketball playing skills, is 69,47%, so it is in the “Good” category. (2) Based on 19 innovative learning assessment indicators, the results were as follows: (a) The best category had 5% or only 1 indicator, (b) the “Good” category had 42% or 8 indicators, (c) the “Sufficient” category had 48% or 9 indicators, (d) “Poor” category of 5% or 1 indicator. Even though the subject’s ability is in the average category, there is 1 indicator in the “poor” category. In conclusion, (1) the research subjects were not optimal in implementing the problem-based learning model in learning Physical Education, Sports, and Health, especially the material analyzing variations in Basketball Playing Skills. (2) Subjects have not activated the ability to analyze variations in students’ skills in practical activities in the field. (3) Participants had not carried out assessments of learning processes. Keywords: effectivity, PBL, learning outcomes

A transdiagnostic approach of negative symptoms in psychiatric disorders: replication of a two-factor structure in major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

Recent empirical findings suggest that negative symptoms are not limited to schizophrenia (SCZ) but also present in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) patients. Although SCZ patients generally showed a latent structure comprising the motivation and pleasure (MAP) and expression (EXP) factors, it remains unclear whether the same latent structure exists in MDD and BD patients. We administered the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) and the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS) to 179 MDD patients and 152 BD patients. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the one-factor model, the two-factor model of the MAP and the EXP domain, the five-factor model of anhedonia, avolition, asociality, alogia, and blunted affect, and the hierarchical model comprising the first-order five-factor, and the second-order two-factor (MAP and EXP factors). We further examined the correlations between demographics and the negative symptom dimensions found in the best factor model. The CFA showed that, when the CAINS and the BNSS were combined together, the two-factor model of MAP and EXP provided the best model fit than other competing models, in the MDD alone sample, BD alone sample, and the combined clinical sample. The two-factor model of the MAP and EXP appears to be a stable, transdiagnostic latent structure of negative symptoms across BD and MDD. Clarifying negative symptoms in MDD and BD can facilitate future research on the underlying neural mechanisms of the MAP and EXP dimensions.

Semmelweis University’s innovative Center of Preventive Services in support of healthy ageing

Abstract Issue/problem Europe’s aging population presents substantial hurdles for healthcare sustainability. To alleviate the social and economic impacts of age-related diseases, promoting healthy aging is imperative. However, motivating individuals to adopt a healthier lifestyle proves challenging. Description of the problem Semmelweis University, a leading institution in medicine, health sciences, and health care in Hungary and Central Eastern Europe, has addressed this challenge by establishing the Center of Preventive Services (CPS), serving 12,500 Semmelweis University employees. The CPS conducts comprehensive health risk assessments and offers consultations with specialists in preventive medicine, public health, dietetics, physiotherapy, and health psychology. Motivational interviewing is used to enhance patient engagement and commitment to healthy lifestyle changes. Results The CPS has effectively integrated preventive services into the university’s healthcare system, reaching a significant number of employees. Early results show improvements in participants’ lifestyle and health behaviors due to the effective use of motivational interviewing. According to the first preliminary result, a study on step count conducted within the CPS found that those taking part in motivational interviewing session were able to increase their average daily step count by 1074 (95% Confidence Interval: 116-2033) steps more than controls. Lessons The Semmelweis University’s CPS provides valuable lessons for integrating healthy aging-focused preventive care into healthcare systems: 1. Effective preventive care requires targeted interventions based on detailed risk assessment and motivational interviewing; 2. Embedding preventive services within existing health infrastructure improves accessibility and utilization; 3. Collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches are essential to comprehensively address the needs of ageing populations. Key messages • Motivational interviewing boosts the effectiveness and engagement of preventive health services, which is essential to meet the challenges of ageing populations. • The Semmelweis University’s model program shows that embedding preventive services into the infrastructure of existing institutions like universities is scalable for better public health.

Supporting emotion regulation in children on the autism spectrum: co-developing a digital mental health application for school-based settings with community partners.

KeepCalm is a digital mental health application, co-designed with community partners, that incorporates wearable biosensing with support for teams to address challenging behaviors and emotion dysregulation in children on the autism spectrum. We followed a user-centered design framework. Before app development, we conducted design workshops, needs assessment interviews, a systematic review, and created an Expert Advisory Board. Once we had a working prototype, we recruited 73 participants to test and help improve the app across five testing cycles. Participants rated the app across testing cycles as highly acceptable, appropriate, feasible, and with good usability. Qualitative data indicated that KeepCalm helped teachers (a) be aware of students' previously unrealized triggers, especially for nonspeaking students; (b) prevent behavioral episodes; (c) communicate with parents about behaviors/strategies; and (d) equipped parents with knowledge of strategies to use at home. We learned that in order to make the app acceptable and appropriate we needed to make the app enjoyable/easy to use and to focus development on novel features that augment teachers' skills (e.g., behavioral pattern and stress detection). We also learned about the importance of maximizing feasibility, through in-person app training/support especially regarding the wearable devices, and the importance of having aides involved. Our findings have informed plans for wider-scale feasibility testing so that we may examine the determinants of implementation to inform adaptations and refinement, and gather preliminary efficacy data on KeepCalm's impact on reducing challenging behaviors and supporting emotion regulation in students on the autism spectrum.

Salience, sensemaking, and setting in psilocybin microdosing: Methodological lessons and preliminary findings of a mixed method qualitative study

ABSTRACT There are profound methodological challenges facing microdosing research. One way we can address some of these methodological issues is by understanding how psilocybin microdosing fits in the broader existential context of people’s lives. We recruited participants who underwent psilocybin microdosing on their own and consented to being monitored for harm mitigation purposes. We combined momentary ecological assessment and detailed retrospective interviews. Participants reported loosening of mental structures (i.e., less intense strength of thoughts, tangential stream of consciousness), increased salience of external stimuli (varyingly associated with greater interest in otherwise mundane activities, as well as sensory overload), an increase in flexible cognition, a decrease in stable cognition, and various ego-dystonic contents. Highly structured environments were conducive to positive appraisal of experiences and vice versa. Momentary ecological assessment and retrospective interviews yielded differing accounts of microdosing experience. We relate our findings to stable and flexible cognition, as well as the notion of salience. We point out the necessity for systematic mixed methods studies to better characterize the lived experience of taking low doses of psilocybin.

The relationship between COMT, proline, and negative symptoms in clinical high risk and recent psychosis onset

Individuals at clinical high-risk (CHR) of developing psychosis, as well as patients with recent psychosis onset (RO), experience significant negative symptoms that detrimentally impact daily-life functioning and are associated with poor outcomes, even in those who do not convert to psychosis. Targeting negative symptoms may thus hold promise for the treatment of CHR and RO patients. Building from previous findings we examined whether the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met functional polymorphism and fasting peripheral proline concentration predicts the severity of negative symptoms experienced by adolescents and young adults at CHR or those with RO. As hypothesized, the interaction between fasting plasma proline and COMT predicted negative symptoms, as measured via the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) total (n = 50, β = 0.066, adjusted p = 0.007) and global severity scores (n = 50, coefficient = 0.026, adjusted p = 0.003): Higher proline was beneficial for Val/Val subjects, but detrimental to those with the Met allele. In a secondary analysis, the COMT x proline interaction also predicted symptoms measured via the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) total scores (n = 50, β-coefficient = 0.035, adjusted p = 0.044), although this result did not reach the Benjamini-Hochberg’s threshold for significance. Further, there was a trend towards significance for an association with social and interpersonal function (Global Functioning-Social, coefficient = −0.005, adjusted p = 0.055). Negative symptoms are intractable and largely unaddressed by current medications. This study further supports a relationship between peripheral proline and COMT influencing negative symptoms such as anhedonia, in young CHR individuals and those with RO. That higher proline has converse effects on symptoms by COMT may have implications for the development of therapeutics to intervene early and specifically target the interaction pathway.

Включенность некоммерческих организаций и объединений в деятельность общественных комиссий при главных бюро медико-социальной экспертизы в субъектах Российской Федерации

The system of medical and social expertise in Russia is three years old. Involvement of public and the non-profit sector have resulted in a significant number of representatives of specialized non-profit organizations in public commissions under the chief bureaus of sociomedical assessment. Patient-oriented non-profit organizations introduce new guidelines into the system, e.g., a more rapid adjustment of medical and social expertise to the needs of the target group. Nevertheless, the quality and accessibility of sociomedical assessment services remain a prospective research field. The article describes the involvement of non-profit organizations and associations in the activities of public commissions under the chief bureaus of medical and social assessment. The research was part of the project on Public participation in improving the sociomedical assessment in the Russian Federation: involvement, development, and monitoring. The research data were obtained from structured interviews with representatives of public commissions at the chief bureaus of sociomedical assessment and focus group interviews. Two groups included 12–15 representatives of patient non-profit organizations involved in public commissions. The resulting analysis of the composition of public commissions for 2018–2022 revealed the following facts. Patient non-profit organizations were the most significant group among public commissions are representatives of patient non-profit organizations (34.1%). Representatives of the chief bureaus of sociomedical assessment tended to leave: 12% in 2018 and 4% in 2022. The wide representation of non-profit organizations indicated the public orientation of the commissions. The most active participants were those non-profit organizations that consulted citizens, thus improving the effectiveness of the commissions. The factors that affected the activity of public commissions were connected with their employees, i.e., their awareness, goal understanding, motivation for public work, involvement, and workflow management. Patient non-profit organizations participated in the work of public commissions in following types: presence, representation, and goal achievement. The current development vector is the shift to the type of goal achievement.

Training school psychologists to conduct culturally informed Functional Behavior Assessment interviews.

Exclusionary discipline is a racialized mechanism through which schools systematically remove racially and ethnically minoritized youth from the learning environment. Although the development of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and linked behavior support plans have been identified as an alternative practice, school psychologists often do not ask questions about the cultural and contextual factors that may influence students' behavior during FBA interviews. Therefore, training is warranted. Unfortunately, staff often have limited time and resources to devote to professional development; therefore, it is critical to ensure that training procedures that require more time offer better outcomes than those that require fewer resources. The present study compared the effectiveness of high intensity training (e.g., behavioral skills training) versus a low intensity training procedure (e.g., self-training) procedures on school psychologists' ability to facilitate simulated FBA interviews grounded in cultural humility with caregivers before and after exposure to one of two training conditions. Findings from regression analyses indicated that self-training adequately prepared school psychologists to adhere to the questions on the protocol, however, behavioral skills training improved the quality of interview delivery. Implications for future research and training are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Intangible heritage restoration of damaged tomb murals through augmented reality technology: A case study of Zhao Yigong Tomb murals in Tang Dynasty of China

Tomb murals are a precious amalgamation of tangible and intangible heritage, encapsulating profound historical significance and aesthetic value. While tangible heritage often gains more attention than intangible heritage in cultural protection, it is still imperative to acknowledge that intangible heritage complements and substantiates the historical, cultural and artistic context. Tomb murals contain intangible heritage elements such as religious practices, customs and artistic techniques. Tomb murals from the Tang Dynasty of China showcase the cultural richness of both tangible and intangible heritage. Nevertheless, there are many challenges to the protection of Tang Dynasty tomb murals. In light of these challenges, the current study aims to protect the intangible heritage embodied in Tang Dynasty tomb murals through augmented reality technology. A Tang Dynasty tomb, the Zhao Yigong Tomb, has been selected as the research object. Seven murals from this tomb were restored using a process involving two-dimensional and three-dimensional modelling combined with augmented reality (AR) technology. Throughout the restoration process, the current study explores the impact of religious customs associated with the Zhao Yigong Tomb on mural contents and artistic techniques. The scenes depicted in these seven murals were integrated into an on-cloud AR platform to establish an effective process for protecting intangible heritage in tomb murals and stimulate further research, design and development. This study identifies the target audience as researchers, educators and college students interested in history, art and culture. To evaluate the current study, researchers and educators with relevant working backgrounds and college student participants with different backgrounds and interests were invited to test the AR application in the field, followed by one-to-one interviews for a usability assessment. The usability assessment shows that the AR application is widely accepted. In addition to adding information interactively, it helps the audience to improve their understanding of Tang Dynasty art and culture.

A semi-structured interview for the dimensional assessment of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents: Interview Version of the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS-I)

BackgroundThis study evaluates the psychometric properties of the newly developed semi-structured interview, Interview Version of the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS-I), which is designed to provide a dimensional assessment of internalizing and externalizing symptoms.MethodsMulti-informant baseline data from the OPTIE study was used, involving 358 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years (M = 11.54, SD = 3.4, n = 140 [39.1%] were female). Participants were screened for internalizing and externalizing symptoms. For validity analyses, caregiver (Child Behavior Checklist), youth (Youth Self Report), and teacher ratings (Teacher Report Form) were used. We performed Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of the SFSS-I subscales in distinguishing between children and adolescents diagnosed with internalizing and externalizing disorders, as determined by clinical judgement in routine care.ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses supported a correlated two-factor model for internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Acceptable to good internal consistencies (α = 0.76 to 0.89; ω = 0.76 to 0.90) and excellent interrater reliability on the scale level (ICC ≥ 0.91) was found. The ROC analyses showed an acceptable accuracy in identifying internalizing diagnoses (AUC = 0.76) and excellent accuracy for externalizing diagnoses (AUC = 0.84).ConclusionThe SFSS-I demonstrates potential as a clinically-rated instrument for screening and routine outcome monitoring, offering utility in both clinical practice and research settings for the dimensional assessment of broad psychopathological dimensions.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00016737 (https://www.drks.de/DRKS00016737). Registered 17 September, 2019.

Determinants of Depression in Caregivers of Geriatric Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Caregiving for geriatric patients is essential for ensuring the well-being and quality of life of older adults. Family caregivers play a crucial role, but they often face a significant burden that can lead to adverse mental health outcomes, including depression. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among caregivers of geriatric patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to analyze its association with caregiver burden and various socio-demographic and caregiving parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January and March 2024. Adult caregivers of geriatric patients were recruited through various social media platforms. Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire that included demographic information, caregiving parameters, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression screening, and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-12) for caregiver burden assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of the 269 participants, the average age was 32 years, and the gender distribution was nearly balanced. The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) among caregivers was 45.4% (95% CI: 39.3, 51.5%). Significant factors associated with higher depression scores included younger age, female gender, single status, being a student, low income, and caregiving burden. In the multivariate analysis, female gender (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.30-4.80) and caregiving burden (mild-to-moderate burden: OR 6.18, 95% CI 2.94-13.00; high burden: OR 22.75, 95% CI 8.75-59.13) were independent predictors of depression. Conclusions: The study highlights the high prevalence of depression among caregivers of geriatric patients in Jeddah and underscores the significant impact of caregiving burden on mental health. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, such as mental health support, respite care programs, and culturally sensitive educational training, to mitigate caregiver burden and enhance the well-being of caregivers.

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Veterans and Nonveterans.

Understanding disease prevalence can inform treatment and resource needs across populations. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of sleep apnea (OSA) among veterans and nonveterans. The national Comparative Health Assessment Interview Study, cross-sectional survey using probability-based sampling frames. Surveys completed by Internet or phone. 15,166 veterans (40% response rate) and 4,654 nonveterans (57% response rate). Self-report of healthcare provider-based diagnosis of OSA. Calculation of prevalence of OSA using statistical weighting to allow for direct comparison between veterans and nonveterans. Secondary analyses evaluated OSA by deployment status among veterans and compared average age of OSA diagnosis and differences in OSA prevalence among veterans and nonveterans stratified by gender, marital status, race/ethnicity, and posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis. OSA diagnosis was more than twice as prevalent among veterans (21%, 95% CI 20%-22%) than nonveterans (9%, 95% CI 8%-10%; aOR: 2.56, 95% CI 2.22-2.95, P < .001). Deployment was associated with higher odds of OSA among veterans (aOR: 1.64, 95% CI 1.43-18.7, P < 001.) Veterans were diagnosed with OSA on average 5 years earlier than nonveterans. Veterans have a high prevalence rate of OSA, highlighting the importance of veterans' access to treatment. OSA is likely underdiagnosed in nonveterans, particularly among racial/ethnic minoritized groups. Future research should investigate disparities in access to diagnostic testing for racial/ethnic minority nonveterans and/or risk factors for OSA among racial/ethnic minority veterans. The increased odds of OSA among those with PTSD highlights in the importance of early referral for OSA testing by providers as well as development of trauma-informed strategies to promote OSA treatment adherence. Limitations include a bias toward underestimation of true disease prevalence due to self-report of diagnosis.

Interview Versus Performance Assessment of Cognition as Predictors of Real-World Outcomes in a Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study in Schizophrenia.

The Cognitive Assessment Interview (CAI) is an interview-based scale measuring cognitive impairment and its impact on functioning in subjects with schizophrenia (SCZ). It is approved as a coprimary measure of performance-based instruments, such as the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Recent research highlights negative symptoms, social cognition, and functional capacity as mediators of cognitive impairment's impact on functioning. This study compared mediation analysis outcomes using CAI or MCCB scores, providing insights into the utility of interview-based tools in research and clinical practice. The study included 618 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, recruited from 24 Italian psychiatric clinics. Neurocognitive assessments utilized both CAI and MCCB. Mediation analyses explored negative symptoms, social cognition, and functional capacity as mediators of the impact of neurocognition on real-life functioning domains. The study's results extend the validation of the CAI as a coprimary measure that provides valid information on the impact of cognitive impairment on real-life functioning and its possible mediators, complementing the information obtained using the MCCB. Interview-based cognitive assessment might be essential for understanding schizophrenia complexity and its impact on various cognitive and functional domains for clinicians, patients, and caregivers.

Mathematical Literacy In Solving Hots-Based Problems On Spldv Material In Terms of Cognitive Style

The concept of mathematical aptitude pertains to an individual's capacity to articulate, elucidate, and employ mathematical principles in everyday scenarios. This investigation stemmed from concerns surrounding substandard levels of mathematical literacy, potentially stemming from students' inability to meet established benchmarks. The primary objective of this inquiry was to evaluate students' mathematical acumen in tackling HOTS-based challenges linked to SPLDV materials, while considering their cognitive inclinations. Employing a qualitative framework with a descriptive approach, the study centered on four eighth-grade students from SMP Negeri 3 Colomadu, comprising two individuals exhibiting a field-dependent cognitive style and two with a field-independent cognitive orientation. Data on the participants' mathematical proficiencies were gathered through a combination of assessment tools and interviews, complemented by a cognitive style questionnaire. The validity of the data was fortified through triangulation methodologies. Analysis ensued through three distinct phases: data reduction, presentation, and synthesis. The results showed that students with Field Dependent cognitive style type only fulfill one indicator of mathematical literacy, namely communication. While students with cognitive style type Field Independent able to meet all indicators of mathematical literacy well include communication, mathematization, representation, reasoning and argumentation, designing strategies to solve problems, as well as the use of operations, symbols, formal, and technical.

Insomnia and circadian rhythms dysregulation in people who have attempted suicide: correlations with markers of inflammation and suicidal lethality

Introduction Suicide is a widespread problem, with risk factors still a challenge. The aim was to assess correlations among insomnia, circadian rhythm, and inflammatory markers in individuals who attempted suicide. Materials and Methods Consecutive patients hospitalised following an attempted suicide, were assessed. Psychiatric diagnosis (DSM-5-TR Criteria), lethality of the suicide attempt (Suicide Intent Scale-SIS), and inflammatory parameters NLR (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) PLR (platelet-lymphocyte ratio), and SII (systemic inflammation index/neutrophil-to-platelet ratio on lymphocytes), were computed. Depressive and manic symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-BDI-II, Young Mania Rating Scale- YMRS), circadian rhythms disturbances (Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry-BRIAN), insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index-ISI) were assessed together with socio-demographic, clinical and pharmacological data. Results The final sample included 52 individuals. Patients who experienced insomnia during the preceding two weeks utilised high lethality methods, reported heightened dysregulation of chronobiological rhythms, heightened severity of depression, and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. High lethality was best predicted by insomnia symptoms (OR = 20.1, CI-95% 4.66-87.25, p = 0.001), by disturbances of circadian rhythms (OR = 6.97, CI-95% 1.82-26.66, p = 0.005), and by NLR indices (OR 4.00, CI-95% 1.14-13.99, p = 0.030). Conclusions Sleep disturbances may be a risk factor for suicidal lethality, along with markers of inflammation. It is plausible that insomnia and circadian sleep dysregulation may contribute to inflammation, thereby promoting suicidal risk.

Chronobiological variables predict non-response to serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors in fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional study

Available data shows associations between chronotype, circadian rhythms, sleep quality and fibromyalgia (FM) presentation. However, no studies have explored links between the chronobiological variables and effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. We aimed to assess the chronotypes, circadian rhythms, sleep-wake cycle and sleep quality in FM and their links to treatment response to serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). 60 FM patients: 30 responsive to SNRI (FM T[+]), 30 non-responsive to SNRI (FM T[-]) and 30 healthy controls participated. Subjects were assessed by physician and with questionnaire tools: Composite Scale of Morningness, Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry, Sleep-Wake Pattern Assessment Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. ANOVA analysis and simple logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between chronological variables and response to SNRI. FM T[-] vs. FM T[+] presented lower morning affect (11.50[95%CI 9.96-13.04] vs. 14.00[95%CI 12.42-15.57];p=0.04), anytime wakeability (2.27[95%CI 1.4-3.13] vs. 4.03[95%CI 2.99-5.08];p=0.013) worse overall (11.40[95%CI 9.92-12.88] vs. 7.97[95%CI 6.75-9.19];p=0.002) and subjective (1.70[95%CI 1.30-2.01] vs. 1.17[95%CI 0.94-1.39];p=0.008) sleep quality, higher circadian rhythm disruptions (55.47[95%CI 52.32-58.62] vs. 44.97[95%CI 41.31-48.62];p<0.001), sleep disturbances (1.63[95%CI 1.38-1.68] vs. 1.30[95%CI 1.1-1.5];p=0.04), sleeping-medication use (1.80[95%CI 1.27-2.32] vs. 0.70[95%CI 0.28-1.12];p=0.003). Levels of morningness (AIC=82.91,OR=0.93,p=0.05), morning affect (AIC=81.901,OR=0.86,p=0.03) diurnal dysrhythmia (AIC=69.566,OR=1.14,p<0.001), anytime wakeability (AIC=80.307,OR=0.76,p=0.015), overall sleep quality (AIC=74.665, OR=1.31,p=0.002) subjective sleep quality (AIC=79.353, OR=2.832,p=0.01) and disturbances (AIC=82.669,OR=2.54,p=0.043), sleep medication use (AIC=77.017, OR=1.9,p=0.003) and daytime disfunction (AIC=82.908, OR=1.971,p=0.049) were predictors of non-response to SNRI. Chronobiological variables vary between FM T[+] and FM T[-] and are predictors of non-response to SNRI.

Disaggregating Data Regarding Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts among Post-9/11 Asian American and Pacific Islander Veterans

The suicide rate among Asian American and Pacific Islander veterans has increased; however, data aggregation for these groups, combined with underinclusion in research, limits understanding regarding risk. We conducted a secondary analysis of Comparative Health Assessment Interview Research Study 2018 data to compare suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempt (SA) prevalence among 668 post-9/11 veterans who identified as Asian American, Pacific Islander, or both and described SI and SA prevalence among specific subgroups. Veterans who identified as both Asian American and Pacific Islander were more likely to report experiencing SI (lifetime and during their military service), compared to those who identified solely as Asian American or Pacific Islander (military SI only). Statistically significant differences were not detected for SI preceding or following military service or for lifetime SA. Weighted estimates for lifetime SI and SA were 24.2% and 6.5%, respectively, and prevalence varied widely among specific Asian American and Pacific Islander groups. However, small cell sizes and wide confidence intervals were limitations. Increased clinical attention to screen for and mitigate suicide risk among veterans who identify as both Asian American and Pacific Islander may be warranted. To ensure that suicide prevention strategies optimally address their needs and experiences, research is needed to elucidate suicide drivers in this population. Considering the heterogeneity in SI and SA prevalence among different Asian American and Pacific Islander groups, continued research with larger subsamples that disaggregates analyses by race and ethnicity is essential to deliver prevention and health promotion strategies targeted to the highest-risk groups.

Poor sleep quality is predictive for higher pain levels in patients with chronic scrotal pain, regardless of body perception, biological rhythm, anxiety, and depression

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between pain and sleep quality, anxiety, depression, body perception, and biological rhythm in chronic scrotal pain (CSP). Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study of 140 CSP patients was conducted between January and October 2023. The patients were separated into groups according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score as group 1 (score<3, n=27), group 2 (score: 3–6, n=84), and group 3 (score>6, n=29). In addition to demographic data, the points were recorded from the Body Image Scale (BIS), Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). ResultsThe median (IQR) age of patients was 33 (20) years and the median (IQR) duration of pain was 5 (9) months. Group 3 patients had more anxiety (24.1% vs. group 1: 22.2%; group 2: 8.3%; P=0.03) and depression (55.2% vs. group 1: 40.7%; group 2: 29.8%; P=0.04) symptoms. No statistical differences were determined between the groups according to the BIS (P=0.54). The median (IQR) total BRIAN score was higher in group 3 than group 1 [37 (11) vs. 33 (13), P=0.03]. Higher rates of poor sleep quality were determined in group 3 patients according to the PSQI (75.9% vs. group 1: 48.1%; group 2: 51.2%; P=0.04). The VAS score was found to be positively associated with pain duration, total BRIAN score and PSQI score (r=0.31, P<0.001; r=0.17, P=0.04; r=0.23, P=0.006, respectively). The PSQI score was found to be an independent predictor for a higher VAS score (HR: 1.14, P=0.01). ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that poor sleep quality may influence the perceived intensity of pain. Level of evidenceII.

Investigating the role of an inquiry-based science lab on students’ scientific literacy

Promotion of students’ scientific literacy has long been and continues to be a central goal for reform efforts in science education. Although there is a great number of research conducted to evaluate student’s scientific literacy, less is known about how we can improve students’ scientific literacy through variety of scientific practices. In this study we aimed to refer to this shortcoming in the literature by examining the effect of argument driven inquiry (ADI) instructional model to promote 8th grade students’ scientific literacy. A mixed method quasi experimental design was used in this study. Sixty-seven eighth grade students from the same public school attended the study. Two intact classes were randomly assigned either in structured inquiry (SI) or ADI groups. The data sources included a Scientific Literacy Assessment (SLA) and semi-structured interviews. The results indicated that students experiencing ADI instruction scored higher on the SLA-D test and personal epistemology dimension of SLA-MB test than students experiencing SI instruction. The results propose that engaging students in meaningful scientific practices may support their scientific literacy.