Awareness Of Illness Research Articles

Public awareness of mental illness: Mental health literacy or concept creep?

Rising awareness of mental illness has increased the public's mental health literacy, with positive implications for help-seeking and destigmatization. We argue that it has also enlarged the public's concept of mental illness. People have become better at recognizing the presence of mental illness but may have become worse at recognizing its absence. This conceptual expansion fosters unwarranted self-diagnosis, the pathologization of ordinary distress, and unnecessary treatment. It is incumbent on mental health professionals to promote accurate knowledge of mental illness and push back against overly expansive concepts of it.

Bipolar Disorder and Its Factors

This research investigates the factors contributing to bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 23. Data: The data for this study was collected from 52 adolescents and young adults, students and individuals aged between 13 to 23 years. Non-parametric single-sample or Wilcoxon tests were used for data classification and categorization. There were 34 female and 18 male participants. The findings of this research have shown us that factors such as genetics, negative emotions (anger, anxiety, and stress), substance and alcohol use, social pressure, awareness of illness and bipolar disorder, sudden lifestyle changes, mood swings, and relationship disturbances were directly associated. Factors such as regular lifestyle habits including diet, sleep, and exercise; sudden changes in lifestyle, mood swings, sexual tendencies and irrational beliefs such as suicide, as well as difficulties in adhering to daily routines, financial resources, sudden lifestyle changes, mood swings, and bipolar disorder; sudden changes in sexual tendencies and bipolar disorders have no direct relationship.

1665P Awareness of illness, psychological difficulties, and resources across life ages in early stage and metastatic cancer patients

1665P Awareness of illness, psychological difficulties, and resources across life ages in early stage and metastatic cancer patients

Edward Prendick’s Harrowing Journey on Doctor Moreau’s Island: A Tale of Trauma in H.G. Wells’ Novel

This study explores the representation of traumatic experiences in H.G. Wells' novel The Island of Doctor Moreau. Traumatic experiences are unpredictable, unpreventable situations that overwhelm victims and disrupt their ability to cope. Literature can provide insights into the range of responses to such overwhelming experiences as a reflection of human existence. The objective of this research is to increase awareness and understanding of trauma and mental illness through the analysis of literary depictions. Using a qualitative research approach, the study examines the traumatic experiences encountered by the protagonist, Edward Prendick, in the novel. The analysis categorizes Prendick's traumatic experiences into three main themes: a) being stranded, drifting away, and lost; b) witnessing death and seeing dead bodies; and c) meeting scary creatures, being attacked, and being terrorized. The findings reveal how the novel portrays the psychological and emotional impact of trauma on the protagonist, highlighting the challenges faced by victims of overwhelming and life-threatening situations. By analyzing the literary representation of trauma, this study aims to foster greater empathy and understanding for those affected by traumatic experiences and mental health issues. The in-depth qualitative analysis of the narrative techniques and thematic elements in the novel contributes to the literature on the literary depiction of trauma and its implications for raising awareness and promoting mental health.Keywords: Traumatic experiences, psychology, novel

Barriers, Solutions, and Opportunities for Adapting Critical Care Clinical Trials in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for clinical trials worldwide, threatening premature closure and trial integrity. Every phase of research operations was affected, often requiring modifications to protocol design and implementation. To identify the barriers, solutions, and opportunities associated with continuing critical care trials that were interrupted during the pandemic, and to generate suggestions for future trials. This mixed-methods study performed an explanatory sequential analysis involving a self-administered electronic survey and focus groups of principal investigators (PIs) and project coordinators (PCs) conducting adult and pediatric individual-patient randomized trials of the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible trials were actively enrolling patients on March 11, 2020. Data were analyzed between September 2023 and January 2024. Importance ratings of barriers to trial conduct and completion, solutions employed, opportunities arising, and suggested strategies for future trials. Quantitative data examining barriers were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data addressing solutions, opportunities, and suggestions were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Integration involved triangulation of data sources and perspectives about 13 trials, synthesized by an interprofessional team incorporating reflexivity and member-checking. A total of 13 trials run by 29 PIs and PCs (100% participation rate) were included. The highest-rated barriers (on a 5-point scale) to ongoing conduct during the pandemic were decisions to pause all clinical research (mean [SD] score, 4.7 [0.8]), focus on COVID-19 studies (mean [SD] score, 4.6 [0.8]), and restricted family presence in hospitals (mean [SD] score, 4.1 [0.8]). Suggestions to enable trial progress and completion included providing scientific leadership, implementing technology for communication and data management, facilitating the informed consent process, adapting the protocol as necessary, fostering site engagement, initiating new sites, streamlining ethics and contract review, and designing nested studies. The pandemic necessitated new funding opportunities to sustain trial enrollment. It increased public awareness of critical illness and the importance of randomized trial evidence. While underscoring the vital role of research in society and drawing the scientific community together with a common purpose, the pandemic signaled the need for innovation to ensure the rigor and completion of ongoing trials. Lessons learned to optimize research procedures will help to ensure a vibrant clinical trials enterprise in the future.

Obesity awareness-insight is inversely associated with body composition and physical activity behaviour in women with obesity at the admission to a lifestyle modification program

Abstract Aim This study was conducted to examine obesity awareness-insight in relation to body composition and physical activity behaviour in women with obesity who were admitted to a lifestyle modification program. Subject and methods Eighty-two participants (age = 38.22 ± 12.49 years) were included. Body composition was assessed. The Obesity Awareness and Insight scale (OASIS), Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were applied. Results The OASIS total score was positively correlated with SBQ and body composition. OASIS “negative outcome awareness” score was negatively correlated with IPAQ-SF moderate physical activity (p < 0.05 for all). OASIS total score and “illness awareness” and “awareness of need for treatment” scores were higher in Class 2 and Class 3 obese participants than in Class 1 participants. Conclusion This study demonstrated that increased obesity awareness-insight correlated with deteriorating body composition and increased sedentary behaviour among women with obesity who were admitted to a lifestyle modification program. Furthermore, awareness of obesity-related adverse outcomes revealed an inverse association with physical activity.

Perceptions of mental disorder causes, treatments, and prevention among the general population in Saudi Arabia.

This study investigates the community's perception of mental health in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its influence on attitudes toward the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental health issues. This understanding is vital for creating evidence-based mental health interventions. A cross-sectional national mental health screening was conducted in 2023, utilizing proportional quota sampling for age, gender, and regional representation among 4547 Saudi participants aged 18-90, randomly selected from national databases. Data were gathered using the ZDataCloud system. The study covered all 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Eastern Province, Asir, Tabuk, Hail, Northern Borders, Jazan, Najran, Baha, and Al-Jouf. The majority (86.5%) had no personal history of mental health diagnosis or treatment. Key findings identified psychological trauma (78.36%) and substance abuse (72.88%) as primary perceived causes of mental disorders. Preferred treatments included non-pharmacological psychotherapies (74.97%) and pharmacological methods (71.08%). Prevention strategies focused on raising awareness of mental illness (80.4%) and enhancing positive relationships (70.6%). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between demographic variables and perceptions of mental disorder causes, treatments, and prevention strategies. Females were more likely than males to perceive psychological trauma, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence and sexual harassment as causes of mental disorders. Regarding treatments, females and those with personal or close connections to mental health issues were more likely to endorse non-pharmacological psychotherapy and Roquia in the Qur'an. For prevention strategies, females, those with a mental health diagnosis, and those living with someone diagnosed with a mental disorder were more likely to endorse increasing awareness, positive social relationships, and physical activity. The study suggests integrating religious and social beliefs into mental health programs to enhance community engagement and effectiveness.

The OCCHLTH Mnemonic-Construction and Content of a Tool for Increasing Awareness of Occupational Illness and Injury.

Unidentified or nonmitigated occupational illnesses and injuries can complicate disease management. The "occupational health" (OCCHLTH) mnemonic aims to raise awareness of work-related exposures and associated illnesses and injuries. Occupational safety and health history-taking elements were combined with peer-reviewed information [from the PubMed database (first review January 1, 2000, to February 8, 2016; updated to February 8, 2021)] about workplace exposure-outcome associations to create the mnemonic. Seven components constitute the OCCHLTH mnemonic. Literature results support its categories and subcategories. Three components represent symptom onset and health conditions. Four represent occupational exposures. Evaluating published occupational illness cases explored mnemonic applicability. Awareness of occupational risk factors can affect clinical decision-making. The OCCHLTH mnemonic encourages consideration of occupational causes of illness and injury to optimize patient care. Further evaluation of the utility of the OCCHLTH mnemonic is needed.

Clinical and cognitive factors associated to insight in first psychotic episodes

IntroductionInsight is a field of interest in psychosis, due to its influence on the course and prognosis of the desease and as well as adherence to treatment.ObjectivesThe present work aims to evaluate the influence of cognitive and psychopathological variables on awareness of illness in first psychotic episodes.MethodsIt is a cross-sectional study of a sample of 26 patients with diagnosis of a first psychotic episode admitted in a Brief Hospitalization Unit, who have been evaluated using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), the Screening for Cognitive Impairment (SCIP) and the Scale of Non-awareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD).ResultsA positive correlation was found between SUMD and negative PANSS (the worse insight, the greater negative psychopathology) and between the level of cognitive performance and the awareness of having negative symptoms (affective blunting, anhedonia and associability) and their attribution to the desease.ConclusionsThis findings suggest the importance of addressing awareness of negative symptoms from the first episodes in psychoeducational family therapy and rehabilitation programs, taking into account that this process is hindered by the cognitive dysfunctions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

MENTAL HEALTH RESILIENCE OF MOTHERS CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Families with children who have special needs encounter intricate difficulties in providing care and assistance to their children. The psychological well-being of mothers who provide care for children with special needs is a significant area of concern, given the pivotal role they play in the child's care and overall growth. The objective of this study is to comprehend the psychological fortitude of moms who breastfeed infants with special needs in Indonesia. In this study, a qualitative research methodology is employed, utilizing in-depth interview approaches to gather data from mothers who have children with special needs. The empirical evidence indicates that the resilience levels of these mothers exhibit considerable variation. Resilience is influenced by various elements, such as social support, awareness of the child's illness, and the capacity to cope with stress. These mothers exhibit resilience and the capacity to recover from daily demands and hardships. They depend on familial support, religious faith, companionship, and community, and cultivate efficient mechanisms for managing challenges. Despite experiencing significant levels of stress, these mothers demonstrate unwavering dedication to ensuring optimal care for their children.

Differential associations between insight and quality-of-life dimensions among individuals with schizophrenia.

In schizophrenia, insight, the recognition that one has a medical illness that requires treatment, has long been related to deteriorated quality of life. Yet, insight and quality of life are broad constructs that encompass several dimensions. Here, we investigated differential associations between insight and quality-of-life dimensions using a psychological network approach. We extracted data from the French network of rehabilitation centers REHABase (January 2016 to December 2022, N = 1,056). Our psychological network analysis modeled insight and quality of life as a network of interacting dimensions: three insight dimensions (awareness of illness, reattribution of symptoms to the disease, and recognition of treatment need) and eight quality-of-life dimensions (autonomy, physical and psychosocial well-being, relationships with family, friends and romantic partners, resilience, and self-esteem). Insight was negatively associated with quality of life. Our psychological network analysis revealed a strong negative association between awareness of disease and self-esteem. Both dimensions were the strongest nodes in the overall network. Our network analysis also revealed a significant but positive connection between recognition of treatment needs and resilience. While insight and quality of life are overall negatively associated, we found both negative and positive connections between insight and quality-of-life dimensions. The negative relationship between insight and quality of life may reflect the deleterious effects of diagnostic labeling on a patient's self-esteem. Yet, acknowledgment of treatment needs may have positive effects on quality of life and may promote recovery, perhaps because it emphasizes the need for support rather than labels and abnormalities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Required elements for an educational programme for lay exercise instructors in charge of community-based exercise targeting young adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders – A stakeholder focus group study

BackgroundExercise plays a crucial role in addressing the increased cardiometabolic morbidity and premature mortality in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. When delivered in community-based settings, exercise may also reduce loneliness, while promoting overall physical activity behaviours. Skilled instructors are essential to deliver effective community-based exercise; however, knowledge about their roles and required training is lacking. We aim to explore various stakeholders’ perspectives regarding lay exercise instructors’ roles, and the required elements in an educational programme supporting the delivery of community-based exercise for young adults with SSD.MethodsWe used semi-structured homogeneous focus groups with representatives from different stakeholder groups (i.e., including representatives of clinical staff within mental health, physiotherapists, exercise instructors, young adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and relatives of individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders) targeted or affected by a community-based exercise intervention. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsWe conducted six focus groups comprising a total of 30 individuals representing five different stakeholder groups The analysis identified three categories: (i) awareness and understanding of mental illness, i.e., providing basic knowledge to dispel common myths and stigma regarding mental illness (ii) protecting youth identity, i.e., supporting the feeling of being more than just a patient, and (iii) promoting exercise as a shared activity, i.e., a communal pursuit, fostering personal growth among participants, their peers and the instructors.ConclusionsAn educational programme for lay exercise instructors delivering community-based exercise targeting young adults with SSD should empower the instructors to assume the role of guardians of an inclusive exercise culture. Educational elements identified were adapted and integrated into an educational programme implemented and evaluated as a part of the Vega trial. Our results may be transferable to the education of lay workers in mental health care where the aim is to facilitate sustainable, recreational, community-based activities.

Experiences of systemic sclerosis patients with home monitoring of their pulmonary function: a qualitative study.

To evaluate the experiences, perceived benefits and disadvantages of home monitoring of pulmonary function in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Semistructured interviews were conducted among SSc-ILD patients who used the home monitoring application of pulmonary function for at least 3 months. In our program, patients are instructed to perform home spirometry weekly at fixed time points using a mobile application with results being directly visible for patients and physicians. Audiotapes of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis after performing a member check. A total of 13 patients were interviewed, with a median age of 58 years (range 36-75) and a median experience with home monitoring of 12 months (range 3-12). We identified four major themes, including routine of telemonitoring, impact of telemonitoring, trust in telemonitoring and implementation in regular healthcare. Overall, patients found performing home spirometry to be feasible. Major perceived benefits of performing home spirometry are an increase in patient empowerment, better understanding of the disease course and a reduction in hospital visits, whereas identified disadvantages are an emotional burden of telemonitoring, heightened awareness of illness, doubts about its validity and the need for digital competencies. All patients expressed their willingness to continue, although some patients emphasized the need for face-to-face visits. Telemonitoring of pulmonary function is accepted by SSc-ILD patients with the perceived benefits outweighing the disadvantages. Adopting a patient-centred strategy that considers individual factors and addresses concerns proactively is warranted to successfully implement home spirometry.

Opposing Patterns of Spatial Synchrony in Lyme Disease Incidence

Incidence of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness prevalent in the US, is increasing in endemic regions and regions with no previous history of the disease, significantly impacting public health. We examined space–time patterns of Lyme disease incidence and the influence of ecological and social factors on spatial synchrony, i.e., correlated incidence fluctuations across US counties. Specifically, we addressed these questions: Does Lyme disease incidence exhibit spatial synchrony? If so, what geographic patterns does Lyme disease synchrony exhibit? Are geographic patterns of disease synchrony related to weather, land cover, access to health care, or tick-borne disease awareness? How do effects of these variables on Lyme disease synchrony differ geographically? We used network analysis and matrix regression to examine geographical patterns of Lyme disease synchrony and their potential mechanisms in 399 counties in the eastern and Midwestern US. We found two distinct regions of synchrony in Northeast and upper Midwest regions exhibiting opposing temporal fluctuations in incidence. Spatial patterns of Lyme disease synchrony were partly explained by land cover, weather, poverty, and awareness of tick-borne illness, with significant predictive variables changing regionally. However, the two regions may have become more synchronous over time, potentially leading to higher-amplitude nation-wide fluctuations in disease incidence.

Clinical and surgical effectiveness of the multi-disciplinary standardized management model in the treatment of retroperitoneal liposarcoma: Evidence-based clinical practice experience from Fudan Zhongshan

BackgroundTo assess the correlation between clinical outcomes and diagnostic accuracy of evaluations carried out by a preoperative multidisciplinary team versus standard surgical care for patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma undergoing surgery. MethodsThis comparative study was conducted retrospectively at a specialist assessment center within Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China, between April 2011 and March 2021. Patients were assigned to a multidisciplinary team or nonmultidisciplinary team cohort based on referral to the multidisciplinary team. The primary outcome measured was long-term clinical prognosis, with other outcomes including diagnostic accuracy, 30-day reoperation, duration of stay, perioperative mortality, and medical complications. To mitigate selection bias, we conducted propensity-score matching. Uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were then used to evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary teams on postoperative survival. The previously specified questionnaire was used to measure the enhancement of awareness and treatment adherence facilitated by multidisciplinary team management. Data analysis was carried out between January 2023 and August 2023. ResultsOf the 521 records that were screened, 139 patients were deemed eligible for inclusion and defined as the multidisciplinary team cohort. At the same time, 382 patients without multidisciplinary team management were also included during that period and defined as the nonmultidisciplinary team cohort. The multidisciplinary team cohort exhibited lower numbers of primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma but a higher tumor grade and a greater proportion of R2 resection. After propensity-score matching, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 89.5%, 70.5%, and 62.9%, respectively, in the multidisciplinary team cohort, and 77.1%, 49.8%, and 45.1% in the nonmultidisciplinary team cohort. The diagnostic consistency of the multidisciplinary team group was significantly superior to that of the nonmultidisciplinary cohort (92.5% vs 83.6%, P = .042). Although no significant links were shown with duration of stay (P = .232) and 30-day reoperation (P = .447), the multidisciplinary team participation was linked to a substantial decrease in perioperative mortality (P = .036) and postoperative complications (P = .002). Additionally, the multidisciplinary team group indicated stronger illness awareness and postoperative adherence among individuals with retroperitoneal liposarcoma. ConclusionThe study’s findings indicate that multidisciplinary team management could result in improved clinical outcomes, higher diagnostic accuracy, and reduced duration of postoperative stays, complications, and perioperative mortality. The intervention may also enhance disease awareness and postoperative compliance in retroperitoneal liposarcoma patients who undergo surgery. However, evidence quality was deemed low, and prospective studies with robust designs are required. Nonetheless, these results are worth considering.

Impaired insight and error-monitoring deficits among outpatients with attenuated psychosis syndrome and first-episode psychosis

We aimed to determine the relationship between electrophysiological signatures of error monitoring and clinical insight among outpatients with attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS) and first-episode psychosis (FEP). Error-related negativity (ERN), error positivity (Pe), and correct response negativity (CRN) were recorded during a modified flanker task for patients with FEP (n = 32), APS individuals (n = 58), and healthy controls (HC, n = 49). Clinical insight was measured using the Schedule of Assessment of Insight (SAI) and included awareness of illness (SAI-illness), relabeling of specific symptoms (SAI-symptoms), and treatment compliance (SAI-treatment). Compared with HC, patients with FEP showed smaller ERN (p < 0.001) and Pe (p = 0.011) amplitudes and individuals with APS showed smaller ERN amplitude (p = 0.009). No significant difference in CRN amplitude was observed among the groups. A smaller negative amplitude of ERN correlated with a lower score on SAI-symptoms (b = −0.032, 95% CI: 0.062 to −0.002, p = 0.035) and a decreased total score of SAI (b = −0.096, 95% CI: 0.182 to −0.010, p = 0.029). This links were adjusted for age, education, and diagnosis (a dummy variable with FEP = 1 and APS = 0), and was independent of positive symptoms. SAI-illness was predominantly influenced by diagnosis, whereas SAI-treatment was additionally affected by disorganized communications. Neither Pe nor CRN amplitude exhibited an association with clinical insight. Unconscious error detection, as indicated by ERN, may aid individuals at the preliminary stage of psychosis in recognizing the unusual symptoms.

'Insight' in medical training: what, why, and how?

The term 'insight' is generically defined in English language as the ability to perceive deeper truths about people and situations. In clinical practice, patient insight is known to have important implications in treatment compliance and clinical outcomes, and can be assessed clinically by looking for the presence of illness awareness, correct attribution of symptoms to underlying condition, and acceptance of treatment. In this article, we suggest that cultivating insight is actually a highly important, yet often overlooked, component of medical training, which may explain why some consistently learn well, communicate effectively, and quickly attain clinical competency, while others struggle throughout their clinical training and may even be difficult to remediate. We herein define 'insight' in the context of medical training as having an astute perception of personal cognitive processes, motivations, emotions, and ability (strengths, weaknesses, and limitations) that should drive self-improvement and effective behavioural regulation. We then describe the utility of cultivating 'insight' in medical training through three lenses of (i) promoting self-regulated, lifelong clinical learning, (ii) improving clinical competencies and person-centred care, and (iii) enhancing physician mental health and well-being. In addition, we review educational pedagogies that are helpful to create a medical eco-system that promotes the cultivation of insight among its trainees and practitioners. Finally, we highlight several tell-tale signs of poor insight and discuss psychological and non-psychological interventions that may help those severely lacking in insight to become more amenable to change and remediation.

The Role of Ethical Advertising of Fertility Services

This lecture will highlight the following Health Care marketing is a big business. Approximately 1 billion USD are spending each year across USA. However, it is important to note that marketing and advertising of treatment modalities are here to stay and can be useful and productive. Health care marketing can help remove stigma of certain ailments like infertility, mental illness, HIV etc. Advertising of services can help to create awareness and offer treatment options. However overzealous advertising or mis information can create false hopes in patients, over treatment by health care professional often leading to abuse of certain treatment options and can put an inherently good treatment into disrepute. Hence Hospitals and clinics need to self-regulate themselves. It is often seen that corporate hospitals in particular tend to promote lucrative and profitable services more rather than day to day health care since that may not be profitable. Celebrity endorsements are also seen in fertility services through partnerships with health care companies. It is important that advertising should not only be for professional to seek new patients but should also offer unbiased recommendations and create social awareness of illness Hence it is important that ethical advertising of fertility services Maintain patient confidentiality and anonymity Make realistic claims and promises Develop policies for advertising We recommend in addition that for accreditation of services by regulatory bodies advertising protocols of clinics should also be scrutinized and be part of the checklist.

QOL-29. ILLNESS UNDERSTANDING AND RELIGIOUSNESS IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive neurologic malignancy with invariably poor prognosis. However, there is evidence that patients with GBM often have unrealistic perceptions of their prognosis. Strong religious beliefs have been shown to be associated with limited illness understanding (IU) in patients with advanced cancer, but IU and religiousness have not been investigated in patients with GBM. METHODS Patients enrolled in a prospective multi-center study of recurrent GBM (Coping with Glioblastoma; NCT02375841) completed surveys after a clinical encounter with their oncologist revealing GBM progression. Psychometrically validated measures assessed parameters of IU and religiousness. IU was compared between participants with at least a moderate or high degree of religiousness (vs. not) using Fishers-exact test. RESULTS Twenty-four adult patients (median age 57) completed surveys. Fifteen (63%) identified their illness as terminal. Six patients (25%) correctly identified their life expectancy (months), eight patients predicted life expectancy of years (33%) and ten (42%) did not know or answer. Eleven (46%) reported being moderately or very religious, while nine (38%) were slightly or not at all religious. There was significantly less frequent awareness of terminal illness amongst patients identifying as religious, spiritual, or as feeling God’s presence (all p &amp;lt; 0.05). There was significantly less frequent IU amongst patients identifying as spiritual or believing in miracles (both p &amp;lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION IU is infrequent in recurrent GBM and is significantly less frequent in patients endorsing religiousness and spirituality. Strategies to improve IU, broadly and in alignment with religious and spiritual beliefs, are warranted.

How Online Psychotherapy Platforms Facilitate Accessibility to Mental Health Services in Cairo; The Case of Shezlong Mental Therapy Platform

Mental disorders are considered as one of the biggest causes of disabilities that are common in several countries. Egypt lacks societal awareness of mental illness and mental health maintenance that could be attributed to the cultural and religious influence on the society which certainly affects the accessibility to mental care. Whether due to financial barriers, social barriers or privacy issues the concept of mental health and mental wellbeing is not fully developed in Egypt. With the technology advancements we’re experiencing today Telemedicine is becoming a popular way of practicing medicine and delivering medical services specially in mental health. Shezlong is one of the most popular online platforms offering mental health services to those in need, utilizing the power and convenience of the technology to overcome the barriers of access specially in Egypt. The utilized theoretical framework comprised 10 dimensions acting either as barriers or facilitators to accessibility to mental healthcare. The research design is descriptive with the correlational and inferential statistics type of instrumentation. The data will be collected via a structured questionnaire. The correlation and regression analysis revealed that “Acceptability, Affordability, Ability to seek, Availability and Accommodation, Ability to pay, Appropriateness, Ability to engage and Ability to reach” are the main barriers that influence the Egyptian patients to accessibility to mental services. The results suggest that the higher the levels of these specific dimensions, the higher degree of accessibility will be experienced by the patient.