Symptom Checklist Research Articles

The influence of stress, coping mechanisms and psychological symptoms on inflammatory bowel disease activity: A retrospective case-control analysis.

Psychological stress is widely recognized as a key factor that can initiate or aggravate symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This research was aimed at examining the influence of stressors, coping mechanisms and psychological symptoms on disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). A retrospective case-control research was performed with 138 patients diagnosed with IBD (76 with CD and 62 with UC). The participants were categorized into case groups (active disease: 31 CD, 38 UC) and control groups (inactive disease: 31 CD, 38 UC), with matching on demographic and clinical characteristics. Each participant completed several assessments such as the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI), the Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI), the Life Distress Inventory (LDI), the Symptom Checklist (SCL-25) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS-21). Participants experiencing active disease reported higher levels of life stress, with mean scores of 65.42 ± 8.88 in CD and 65.42 ± 8.88 in UC, in comparison with 45.97 ± 13.23 and 41.79 ± 13.49, respectively, in those with inactive disease. Additionally, psychological symptoms were more prevalent in both CD group (57.00 ± 12.71 vs. 47.39 ± 14.65) and the UC group (57.80 ± 9.82 vs. 40.05 ± 11.23) with active disease. Patients with active disease were more likely to employ coping strategies centered on avoidance, emotional responses and tasks than those without disease activity. Logistic regression analysis identified life stress (p < 0.001, 95% CI = [1.06-1.18], B = 1.24) and emotion-focused coping strategies (p < 0.001, 95% CI = [1.26-1.88], B = 1.54) as notable predictors of disease activity, whereas task-focused coping emerged as a protective factor (p < 0.029, 95% CI = [1.68-1.98], B = 1.81). This research underscores the critical role of managing stress and adopting effective coping mechanisms in reducing the likelihood of disease flare-ups in IBD subjects. Healthcare providers should prioritize integrating these approaches into treatment protocols for IBD management.

Impairment in personality functioning predicts young adult suicidal ideation and suicide attempt above and beyond depressive symptoms.

Interpersonal factors and depression are believed to be some of the main drivers of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, but other factors may be equally or more important. Drawing on psychodynamic (mentalization) theory, we propose that personality functioning, in particular an incoherent sense of self, may be an important driver of suicidal thoughts and behaviors over and above factors of interpersonal functioning and depression. To evaluate this, we examined associations between personality functioning and suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in young adults. Participants (N=153; Mage=20.93) were recruited from a college sample (N=90) and a clinical sample with borderline personality disorder (N=63). Personality functioning (self and interpersonal components) was measured with the Level of Personality Functioning Scale - Brief Form 2.0. Suicidal ideation was measured with the Personality Assessment Inventory. Suicide attempt history was assessed with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Depression symptoms were measured with the Symptom Checklist 90. Regressions examined relationships between personality functioning, depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation or attempt while controlling for age and gender. Overall personality functioning was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (β=.584, p<.001) and suicide attempt (β=.384, p<.001). Overall personality functioning was a stronger predictor than depression symptoms, age, and gender when included in the same model predicting suicidal ideation or attempt. Both the self and interpersonal components of personality functioning were significantly associated with suicidal ideation and attempt, with larger effect sizes for self-functioning. Findings underscore the importance of considering personality functioning, especially self-functioning, in suicide risk assessment and treatment.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of PID5BF + M in Iranian Drug Users.

This study aimed to adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the PID5BF + M as a brief measure for assessing DSM-5 and ICD-11 personality disorder traits in Iranian drug users. The sample consisted of 380 participants, including both clinical (28.68%) and nonclinical (71.32%) groups, with 43.7% female participants. All participants completed the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 and ICD-11 Brief Form-Modified (PID5BF + M), the Symptom Checklist-25 (SCL-25), the Brief Five-Factor Inventory (BFI-10), the Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Brief Form (LPFS-BF 2.0), and the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). The findings revealed that the PID5BF + M demonstrates strong psychometric properties, with a six-factor structure that is culturally appropriate for the Iranian population. Significant associations were found between the ICD-11/DSM-5 traits and both internalizing and externalizing symptoms, as well as with normal personality factors. The PID5BF + M appears to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing DSM-5 and ICD-11 personality disorder traits in Iranian drug users, showing promising potential for use in clinical and research settings within this cultural context.

Psychosocial and mental health status among older adults in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. During the virus's spread and subsequent lockdowns, older adults faced heightened risks and significant mental health challenges. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shandong Province, China, using a custom-designed demographic questionnaire, a COVID-19-related survey, and the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R). Correspondence analysis and multiple linear regression models were employed to examine factors influencing the mental health of older adults. Among 3363 older adults, the total SCL-90-R score was 153.11±36.98, with an average score of 1.70±0.41. Both scores were lower than the Chinese norm and pre-pandemic levels. Factors significantly affecting older adults' mental health included place of residence, age, educational attainment, marital status, fear of COVID-19, understanding of COVID-19 transmission routes, and awareness of preventive measures. Greater attention is needed to address the mental health of older adult males, individuals of advanced age, employed individuals, those with lower educational backgrounds, and those without a spouse. Policymakers should implement targeted policies and interventions to enhance mental health support for older adults.

The Correlation Between Symptom Clusters and Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by a range of symptoms that often cluster together, impacting the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. To delineate the composition of symptom clusters in patients with SLE and analyze their correlation with QoL, thus providing a basis for symptom management. Using convenience sampling, 201 patients were recruited. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, SLE Symptom Checklist and Lupus Quality of Life scale. Symptom clusters were identified using exploratory factor analysis, and their correlations with QoL were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. The most common symptom among patients was fatigue (64.7%). Five symptom clusters were identified: fatigue-related symptoms, weight gain-related symptoms, itch-pain-related symptoms, skin change symptoms, and body image symptoms. Fatigue-related, weight gain-related, and body image symptom clusters showed significant negative correlations with overall QoL scores and scores in various dimensions (P < .05). The itch-pain symptom cluster was negatively correlated with the total score of QoL and several dimensions such as pain status, burden status, mental health status, physical health status, and fatigue status (P < .05). The skin change symptom cluster was negatively correlated with the total score of QoL and several dimensions, such as mental health, physical health, and fatigue status (P < .05). Patients with SLE exhibit significant symptom clusters correlating with overall QoL. Such data highlight the need for nurses to evaluate symptom clusters and intervene in related factors, enhancing QoL.

Correlation Of Psychosomatic Factors And Personality Traits With The Severity Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disease with a decisive burden on sufferers, both physical and psychological. It was expected that the more intense the severity of symptoms the patients experienced, the greater the correlation with the psychosomatic manifestations would be. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the correlation between hidradenitis suppurativa and the psychosomatic burden, the personality, and the demographic characteristics of the participants. Methods: The participants were 90 outpatients of the hospital, aged 18 to 65, who had been diagnosed with hidradenitis and were sufficiently proficient in Greek. The psychometric instruments administered were the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL90), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the Hurley and refined Hurley classifications, the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Scoring System (IHS4), and a short demographic questionnaire. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS-28 statistical package. Results: According to statistical analyses, there was no statistically significant relationship between disease severity, psychosomatic burden, and personality. However, there were statistically significant associations with demographic factors, such as being female or not being in a relationship, the patient’s body mass index, the locus of the skin lesion, a history of hospitalization, comorbidities, psychiatric history, and pain with psychopathological manifestations and personality. Conclusions: It is important that further research be conducted that will include more mental disorders besides anxiety and depression while at the same time excluding confounding factors for safer interpretation of the results.

Investigation and analysis of sleep and mental health status among MEFCs

ObjectiveTo investigate the sleep status and mental health of migrants elderly who followed their children (MEFC) and analyze the influencing factors.MethodsA total of 583 MEFCs were surveyed using a general demographic questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale, and the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL90) scale.ResultsThe mean PSQI score for MEFCs was 6.98 ± 0.17, and the average SCL90 score was 64.06 ± 2.03. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that health status and adaptation to the migration destination were associated with PSQI scores (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Health status, adaptation to the migration destination, and family harmony were associated with SCL90 scores (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The association coefficient between the total PSQI and SCL90 scores was r=0.462 (P &amp;lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe sleep and mental health of MEFCs were at a normal level. Health status and adaptation influenced sleep status, while health status, adaptation, and family harmony impacted mental health. However, the association between mental health and sleep status was weak.

Post-Migration Stress and Mental Health Outcomes: A Comparative Study of Syrian Refugee Women in Houston and Jordan

This study aims to examine context-specific post-migration stress factors and their differential impacts on the mental health of Syrian refugee women resettled in Houston, Texas, and urban communities in Jordan. A cross-sectional survey investigated sociodemographic and health-related conditions, psychological distress and coping (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), mental health-related symptomatology (Self-Report Questionnaire [SRQ]), conflict-related psychological distress (Afghan Symptom Checklist [ASC]), and post-migration stress (Refugee Post-Migration Stress Scale [RPMS]). Linear regression models examined factors associated with post-migration stress and mental health outcomes. A total of 127 Syrian refugee women participated in the study. Participants were in their mid-30s (mean age = 34.79 ± 11.2 years), married (66.9%), and reported low levels of education (44.8% below high school), low employment (27.2%), and elevated financial strain (91% below the poverty line). Jordan-based refugees exhibited higher scores on mental distress measures compared to their Houston-based counterparts; specifically more elevated psychological distress (p &lt; 0.001), symptomatology (p &lt; 0.001), and conflict-related distress (p &lt; 0.001). Syrian refugee women in Houston reported higher social strain, while those in Jordan experienced greater financial hardship and barriers to accessing healthcare services. Mental distress among Syrian refugee women is influenced by specific post-migration stressors that vary by resettlement location. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve mental health outcomes in this population.

Psychopathological Influences on Surgical and Clinical Outcomes in Lumbar Disk Herniation: Prediction Models and Literature Analysis

Background/Objectives: Lumbar disk herniation (LDH) significantly affects quality of life due to lower back and radiating leg pain. Surgical intervention, such as discectomy, is effective for symptom relief when conservative measures fail; however, psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and maladaptive coping strategies may negatively impact surgical outcomes. This study aims to assess the role of preoperative psychological evaluations in predicting postoperative recovery and to identify key psychological and functional predictors of surgical success. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 888 patients undergoing microdiscectomy for LDH at Mater Olbia Hospital between December 2020 and December 2023. Preoperative evaluations included the Visual Analog Scale, Symptom Checklist 90-R, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form 36. Logistic regression models and ROC curve analysis were used to identify significant predictors of outcomes and evaluate model accuracy. Results: Preoperative pain levels and emotional well-being emerged as the strongest determinants of postoperative improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index. The predictive model demonstrated high specificity (90.2%) in identifying patients likely to benefit from surgery. Clinically significant improvements were achieved by 69% of patients, highlighting the importance of psychological and functional assessments. Conclusions: Preoperative psychological assessment is critical in predicting outcomes of lumbar disk herniation surgery. Addressing psychological factors preoperatively enhances recovery, supports personalized treatment planning, and improves patient education. These findings advocate for an integrated care model that considers both physical and psychological health, optimizing surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Evaluation of nutritional, anthropometric, and psychological outcomes in different metabolic and bariatric surgery techniques: a follow up study

BackgroundMetabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a suitable solution for the treatment of morbid obesity. Investigating an MBS method that has the best outcomes has always been the main concern of physicians. The current study aimed to compare nutritional, anthropometric, and psychological complications of individuals undergoing various MBS Techniques.MethodsA total of 96 subjects, who had been already referred to the obesity clinic of Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, for MBS, were selected for the study and were followed for one year after MBS. The dietary intakes of the participants were assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. The mental health of participants was done via the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised. Furthermore, the In-Body 720 bioelectrical impedance device was used to obtain the body composition of the participants at the beginning and the end of the study.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 39.5 ± 9.5 years. All anthropometric indices including weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), protein content, fat mass, and fat mass percentage decreased after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) surgeries (P < 0.05). After adjustments for confounders, no significant difference was observed in the magnitude of the changes in body composition between the three Techniques (p > 0.05). Energy and carbohydrate intake significantly decreased after surgeries in all three groups (p < 0.05), but comparing the methods no significant difference was revealed (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicated that there was a significant relationship between the mental health of patients before and after surgeries (p < 0.05).ConclusionOverall, all three methods of surgery contributed to the improvement of the nutritional, anthropometric, and psychological complications. Further complementary studies are needed to determine the least complicated MBS method.

Network analysis of caffeine use disorder, withdrawal symptoms, and psychiatric symptoms

ObjectiveCaffeine Use Disorder (CUD) is not currently recognized as a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). However, recent studies within the DSM-5 context have explored this issue. Also, this disorder is closely associated with caffeine withdrawal symptoms, which are formally recognized as a diagnosis in the DSM-5. Additionally, there is limited evidence regarding the connection between caffeine-related issues and psychiatric symptoms. The main aim of the present study was to determine the network structure of CUD and caffeine withdrawal symptoms among the general population. Also, the bridge symptoms among CUD, psychiatric symptoms, and caffeine withdrawal have been estimated.MethodParticipants were 1228 adults (50.3% females, Mean age (x̄±sd) 35.49 ± 11.70 years) who completed Caffeine Use Disorder Questionnaire (CUDQ), Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms Questionnaire (CWSQ), and Symptom Checklist-25 (SCL-25). All estimations were conducted according to the Gaussian Graphical Model.Results“Excessive consumption” and “role obligations” were central symptoms in the CUD network. Difficulty in concentration was the most central node in the caffeine withdrawal network. Also, the obsessive-compulsive symptom emerged as a central and highly influential node in the relationship between caffeine-related nodes and psychiatric symptoms.ConclusionsMental health providers should target these specific symptoms in clinical interventions to mitigate caffeine-related problems among individuals in the general population effectively.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy as a Supplementary Treatment for Patients with Mental and/or Substance Use Disorders: An Observational Study on Treatment Outcome

Abstract This study examines whether adult patients (n = 105) with mental and/or substance use disorders benefit from equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP)—therapy with horses—in addition to regular treatment. The study used an observational pre-post-study design with two measurement points. Treatment outcomes were measured using standardized self-report instruments reflecting psychological distress (Hopkins Symptom Checklist-10), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale-5), quality of life (Quality of Life-5), and emotion regulation (sub-scale from the Severity Indices of Personality Problems-118). All outcome measurements found statistically significant pre-post improvements after the EFP treatment program. The findings suggest that EFP could be a beneficial supplementary treatment for a broad range of patients with mental and/or substance use disorders. However, this observational study cannot establish causation or eliminate confounding variables.

Relation Between Humor Styles and Psychopathological Symptoms in Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objectives: Being a healthcare professional often involves exposure to complex situations that can contribute to the development of psychological problems. Evidence suggests that both mental and physical health are crucial for the well-being of these professionals, which in turn influences the quality of care they provide to patients. The main aim of this study was to examine the association between adaptive and maladaptive forms of humor and psychopathological disorders among healthcare workers. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design was employed. The participants consisted of 250 healthcare professionals at a general hospital. Humor styles and the presence of psychological and psychosomatic symptoms were assessed. Data were collected using the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ), the Short Checklist of Symptoms (LSB-50), and sociodemographic information. Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were conducted. Results: Healthcare professionals were more inclined to use affiliative and self-enhancing humor styles compared to self-defeating and aggressive humor. Affiliative and self-enhancing humor styles were negatively correlated with psychological symptoms, whereas aggressive humor and, to a lesser extent, self-defeating humor styles showed a significantly positive correlation with most psychological symptoms. Regression analysis revealed that positive humor styles negatively predicted all severity indices of the LSB-50. In contrast, negative humor styles, particularly self-defeating humor, positively predicted the severity indices. Being female, working night shifts, and having temporary contracts were positive predictors of most global indices of the LSB-50. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of considering different types of humor as a potential strategy for improving the mental health of healthcare professionals, as well as the influence of other independent variables related to their personal and work environment. Positive humor styles, specifically affiliative and self-enhancing humor, are associated with a lower prevalence of psychological symptoms among healthcare professionals. Negative humor styles are correlated with a higher prevalence of these symptoms.

Financial crisis and its association with parental stress and children’s mental health in Lebanon

BackgroundLebanon has experienced a series of devastating crises that continue to have significant adverse effects on the mental health of parents and their children, especially those who are unemployed, burdened with debt or financial difficulties, and have pre-existing mental health conditions. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the effect of financial insecurities on parents in Lebanon amid the multiple crises, and the impact of parents’ mental health on their children’s emotional and behavioral wellbeing.MethodsA cross-sectional study including 589 parents in Lebanon was performed using convenience sampling of parents of any gender with children aged 4 to 18 from the five Lebanese governorates. The study collected the sociodemographic data of the participants and incorporated supplementary measures such as the Parental Stress Scale (PSS), Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), and the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being (IFDFW) scale. Statistical tests included bivariate analysis, ANOVA test, linear regression, and mediation analyses.ResultsA total of 589 parents, primarily mothers, participated in this study. Most children were males in elementary school. Bivariate analyses revealed that parents with non-Lebanese nationality, primary education, employment, or children in technical schools reported significantly higher PSS and PSC scores. Negative correlations were observed between the IFDFW scale and both PSS (r=-0.200, p < 0.001) and PSC scores (r=-0.086, p = 0.038), indicating lower stress and symptoms with improved financial well-being. Multivariable analysis showed that higher PSC scores, age, complementary education, and Lebanese nationality were associated with increased parental stress, while unemployment, lower age, and higher IFDFW were associated with reduced stress. Similarly, higher PSC scores were linked to increased parental stress, age, non-Lebanese nationality, and IFDFW, whereas university education, higher GPA, and residence outside Beirut/Mount Lebanon were associated with reduced PSC scores. Mediation analysis indicated that parental stress fully mediated the relationship between IFDFW and PSC scores, underscoring the impact of financial well-being on a child’s psychological symptoms via parental stress.ConclusionsThe study revealed significant financial distress and low financial well-being among participants amid Lebanon’s economic crisis, with a notable mediated association between financial well-being, parental stress, and child mental health symptoms. Parental stress was heightened among those with lower education levels, non-Lebanese nationality, and employment in low-wage jobs, with children from these families exhibiting elevated mental health symptoms. Additionally, regional factors and socioeconomic status played a role, as children in urbanized areas and technical schools reported higher distress. Targeted interventions are urgently recommended to alleviate financial and emotional burdens on families and ensure improved mental well-being for both parents and children.

Impact of Parenting Styles on Adolescent Psychosocial Challenges: How Self-Efficacy Builds a Protective Shield

Parenting styles have a significant impact in shaping how adolescents cope with emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. This study explored the relation of parenting styles, self-efficacy, and psychosocial problems in college students. It was hypothesized that permissive and authoritarian parenting styles would positively correlate with psychosocial problems, while authoritative parenting would show a negative relationship. Additionally, it was expected that self-efficacy significantly moderates the relationship between parenting styles and psychosocial problems. Using a correlational research design, data were collected from 120 college students aged 12-19 years. Standardized measures, including the Pediatric Symptom Checklist, Parental Authority Questionnaire, and Self-Efficacy Scale, were employed. Pearson product-moment correlation and three separate moderation analyses using Process Macro (Model 1) were conducted. The findings revealed that parenting styles significantly influence psychosocial problems. Permissive and authoritarian parenting had association with increased emotional and behavioral issues, whereas authoritative parenting demonstrated a protective effect, correlating with fewer psychosocial problems. Self-efficacy emerged as a significant moderator, buffered the negative effects of permissive and authoritarian parenting and enhanced the positive influence of authoritative parenting on psychosocial outcomes. These results underscore the critical role of self-efficacy as a protective factor in adolescent development. In order to promote improved psychological well-being, the study emphasizes the significance of parenting interventions that encourage emotional support and balanced control, as demonstrated by authoritative parenting. To improve the generalizability of these findings, future studies should examine these correlations across time and in a variety of cultural situations.

SLEEP DISORDERS AS PREDICTORS OF AFFECTIVE AND SOMATIC SYMPTOMS OF MILD DEPRESSION

The study investigated sleep disorders as predictors of affective and somatic symptoms of mild depression among Undergraduates in Imo State. The design of the study was correlation design. Four hypotheses guided this study. 443 participants were selected through random sampling technique. They were between the ages of 21 and 39 years with mean age 31.60 and standard deviation age of 3.40 with unequal gender (males =179 and females=264). Their marital status included 24 married males and 155 single males, while married females were 38 and 226 were single females. Instruments used were Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Sleep Disorder Symptoms Checklist (SDS-CL). A Correlation Design and Multiple Regression Analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results indicated that at p&lt;0.01 Sleep Apnea and Insomnia were significant predictors of mild depression symptoms among undergraduates in Imo State, while at p&lt;0.05 Restless Legs Sleep Syndrome significantly predicted mild depression. However, at 0.05 and 0.01 levels of significance, Narcolepsy did not significantly Predict Mild Depression symptoms among Undergraduates in Imo State. The study suggested that Sleep Apnea, Insomnia and Restless Legs Sleep Syndrome were significant predictors of both affective and somatic symptoms of mild depression among undergraduates. It also recommended among others that undergraduates should not find it difficult to discuss their sleep problems with their doctors, clinical psychologists and counselors for proper attention in order to present their undiagnosed depression generate into moderate and severe depression.

Effectiveness of Dietary Intervention on Iron Deficiency Anemia among Nursing Students in Selected Nursing Colleges, Mangaluru

Introduction: Anemia is a medical condition characterized by low red blood cell counts, which lead to hypoxia, or insufficient oxygenation of body tissue. Anemia is caused by an inadequate Iron supply in the body. Raising hemoglobin levels is essential in preventing anemia. Anemia is a major nutritional problem in India. The prevalence of anemia is higher among developing nations, because of low socioeconomic status and lack of access to the healthcare services. A study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary interventions on Iron deficiency anemia among selected 1st year B.Sc. Nursing and GNM students in Mangaluru. Method s: An evaluative approach with one- group pre test post test design was used for the study. Permission was obtained from the concerned authority for conducting the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to draw 30 female nursing students. On day 1, Students were assessed for signs and symptoms of Iron deficiency anemia using signs and symptoms checklist and classified as mild, moderate, and severe anemia. Level of anemia was assessed by checking the hemoglobin percentage using hemoglobinometer. The samples who were having Hb percentage below 12gmdl were administered dietary intervention which included rice flake balls (125 gms) and a gooseberry (10 gms) for 30 days and on day 31st, samples were checked for Hb percentage and signs and symptoms of Iron deficiency anemia. Result: In the pre test mean Hb percentage was 10.620 0.875 and in the post test mean Hb percentage was 12.003 1.046 Hb values were increased in the post test. In the pretest majority 70 of them had mild anemia and 30 had moderate anemia. Whereas in the post test all had mild anemia. The pre test mean signs and symptoms score was 4.1 0.9 and the post test mean signs and symptoms score was 1.86 0.68. This shows the post test mean signs and symptoms score was reduced from the pre test. Interpretation: The finding of the study proved that the dietary intervention was an effective measure to improve the hemoglobin level of nursing students. Conclusion: It was concluded that dietary intervention of rice flakes balls and gooseberry administered may be effective in improving iron status of nursing students to prevent Iron deficiency anemia.

Autistic Adults Experience Higher PTSD Symptoms Relating to Motor Vehicle Accidents than Non-Autistic Adults.

Autistic adults experience high rates of traumatic events and PTSD. However, little work has evaluated motor vehicle accident (MVA) related trauma symptoms. The goal of this brief report was to provide pilot data characterizing MVA-related peritraumatic reactions, trauma symptoms, and rates of PTSD diagnosis and mental health service use among Autistic compared to non-autistic adults. Participants were 637 adults in the United States (276 Autistic, 361 non-autistic) who completed an online survey assessing MVA experiences. Participants provided information about peritraumatic reactions to the accident, and whether they were diagnosed with PTSD or sought mental health services relating to the MVA. Participants also completed the Posttraumatic Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) in relation to the worst MVA experienced. 48.7% of Autistic adults had experienced an MVA relative to 64.5% of non-autistic adults. Of those who experienced an MVA, Autistic adults reported higher peritraumatic dissociative reactions, and higher MVA-related total, negative mood/cognition, and hypervigilance PTSD symptoms than non-autistic adults, when adjusting for covariates. Autistic adults were significantly more likely to have sought mental health treatment relating to the MVA (11.9% compared to 0.9% of non-autistic adults), and to have received a PTSD diagnosis relating to the MVA (5.9% compared to 0.4% of non-autistic adults). Autistic adults reported higher levels of trauma-related sequalae in response to MVAs than non-autistic adults. Future research should examine MVA-related trauma in more diverse samples, and develop assessment and support strategies to better identify, prevent, and reduce trauma-related symptoms post MVAs for Autistic people.

Examining longitudinal associations between interpersonal outcomes and general psychopathology factors across preadolescence using random intercept cross-lagged panel model.

Interpersonal outcomes and mental health problems are closely associated. However, their reciprocal influence has not been directly examined while considering the temporal stability of these constructs, as well as shared and unique variance associated with internalising, externalising and attention problems. Using random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM), we tested the hypotheses that negative bidirectional associations at the between-person and negative cross-lagged effects at the within-person level would emerge between interpersonal outcomes (friendship quality and perceived popularity) and mental health problems (i.e. general psychopathology factor) during preadolescence. Participants (n = 918) were from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Psychopathology, consisting of a general psychopathology factor (p-factor) and three specific factors (internalising, externalising and attention problems), was derived from mother-reported Child Behaviour Checklist symptoms. Friendship quality was assessed using the self-reported Friendship Quality Questionnaire. Popularity was assessed using teacher-reported popularity ranking. Four RI-CLPM were estimated to examine the associations between interpersonal outcomes and psychopathology at between- and within-person levels across four timepoints (mean ages 8-11). At the between-person level, popularity scores, but not friendship quality, were negatively associated with p-factor scores (β = -.33). At the within-person level, we found (i) p-factor scores at age 9 negatively predicted friendship quality and popularity at age 10, but not at other ages (β = -.16 to -.19); (ii) specific externalising factor scores at age 10 negatively predicted friendship quality at age 11 (β = -.10) and specific internalising factor scores at ages 8 and 9 positively predicted friendship quality at ages 9 and 10 (β = .09-.12) and (iii) popularity at age 10 negatively predicted specific internalising factor scores at age 11 (β = -.12). Psychopathology was found to influence interpersonal outcomes during preadolescence, while the reverse effects were less readily observed, once between-person level effects were accounted for.

Afghan refugee population in Austria: exploring mental health service utilization and attitudes toward seeking psychological help

The mental health of asylum seekers and refugees, particularly those from Afghanistan, is a critical concern due to their high exposure to violence, trauma, and displacement-related stressors. Despite the significant prevalence of mental health problems, Afghan refugee populations exhibit low help-seeking behaviors and resistance to professional psychological support. This study examines the mental health status and psychological help-seeking behaviors of Afghan asylum seekers and refugees in Austria, focusing on how sociodemographic and sociocultural factors influence attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Data were collected from 305 Afghan participants (155 asylum seekers and 150 refugees) using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 for anxiety and depression, the International Trauma Questionnaire for ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD, and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form. Results indicated high prevalence rates of anxiety (52.8%), depression (57.7%), ICD-11 PTSD (10.5%), and CPTSD (20.7%). Nearly half of those with mental health symptoms had never sought professional help, highlighting significant underutilization of services. Participants who came directly from Afghanistan exhibited significantly more negative attitudes toward seeking psychological help compared to those from Iran or Pakistan. Young adults and individuals who had never received mental health services also displayed more negative attitudes. Multiple linear regression analysis identified not having received mental health services, arriving directly from Afghanistan, and being a young adult as significant factors associated with negative attitudes toward seeking psychological help. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, culturally sensitive approaches, and educational efforts to improve mental health service utilization among Afghan refugee populations in Austria.