Dyadic Adjustment Scale Scores Research Articles

Sexual dysfunction, depression, and marital adjustment in diabetic male patients.

Type 2 diabetes affects 10.5% of adults globally, with sexual dysfunction being one of the complications, of which erectile dysfunction is the most commonly reported one with the prevalence ranging from 35% to 90%. There are a few studies exploring links between sexual dysfunction, depressive symptoms, and marital satisfaction, which is the reason we undertook the study. To study the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, depressive symptoms, and marital satisfaction in male patients with diabetes and correlation between the three parameters. A total of 120 male patients with type 2 diabetes were assessed for sexual dysfunction using ICD-10 criteria and International Index of Erectile Function, depressive symptoms using Beck Depression Inventory, and marital satisfaction using Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). The mean age of patients at diagnosis of diabetes was 42.32 ± 7.48 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 7.35 ± 3.76 years. Mean HbA1c was 9.05 ± 2.25% with only 22 patients having good glycemic control. Eight-eight patients reported sexual dysfunction with lack of genital response, premature ejaculation, and orgasmic dysfunction being common. Thirty-two patients had depressive symptoms, with borderline clinical depressive symptoms and moderate depressive symptoms in 14 patients each. Marital satisfaction was affected with the total mean DAS score being 93.95 ± 18.34. There was a negative correlation seen between sexual function and depressive symptoms and also between sexual function and increasing age, with a positive correlation seen between sexual function and marital satisfaction. Poor glycemic control was significantly associated with clinically diagnosed erectile and orgasmic dysfunction. Sexual dysfunctions, depressive symptoms, and marital distress are highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes, warranting timely detection and management. The three parameters are significantly correlated with each other, and poor glycemic control is significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. Psychiatric liaison would improve outcomes.

Marital Quality and Depression Among Women Undergoing Artificial Insemination by Donor Due to Male Irreversible Azoospermia: A 6-Year Follow-up Study in China

Background: Infertility is a stressful situation that can lead to negative emotions such as depression. In particular, women undergoing artificial insemination by donor (AID). The quality of marriage is one of the important influencing factors of infertility treatment. This study aimed to evaluate marital quality and depression among women undergoing AID due to male irreversible azoospermia. Methods: A hospital-based cohort study was conducted at Women’ s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from July 2016 to December 2016, with a total of 128 participants enrolled. The marital quality and mental health were measured with the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), respectively. Results: A DAS score of ≤107, indicating poor marriage quality, was found in 40.6% of the women surveyed. These women had lower education levels and higher SDS scores. Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the DAS score and factors such as the duration of marriage, education level, remarriage, and SDS score. Six years after undergoing AID, the SDS score of women remained steady (26.41 ± 4.27 at the year of AID, and 26.52 ± 6.48 for the 6-year follow-up). DAS was statistically lower at the 6-year follow-up (106.19 ± 20.17) compared to that at the AID year (114.49 ± 17.65). Unexpectedly, pregnancy was not shown to improve marital quality. Conclusions: The study’s findings suggest that women undergoing AID experience poor marital quality and exhibit high levels of depression. After a 6-year follow-up, the marital adjustment for the women worsens following AID treatment. Additionally, this trend does not appear to be influenced by whether the couple bears and raises a child conceived through AID.

Dyadic Adjustment of Couples and State Anxiety in Patients Tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Background: While existing literature addresses the psychological impact of HIV, there is a notable gap in data regarding other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the association between STIs, the psychological profile of patients as measured by anxiety levels, and the impact on couple adaptability. Methods: A prospective investigation was conducted in Romania, from November 2021, including individuals with high suspicion of STI and healthy controls. Data collection comprised a questionnaire, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Y-1). Statistical methods, including multivariate logistic and linear regressions, were used to carry out the analyses. Results: The participant cohort consisted of 441 individuals. STI participants exhibited consistently lower DAS scores, notably in dyadic adaptability (DA) (p = 0.031), dyadic satisfaction (DS) (p = 0.006), and affectional expression (AE) (p = 0.016). Multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for confounders confirmed a significant association between STIs and atypical DAS responses (2.56-fold increase). STAI T scores were significantly higher in the STI suspected group (p < 0.01), remaining robust after adjusting for confounders in a multiple linear regression model. Conclusions: Our prospectively designed study highlights the mental health repercussions associated with STIs. This is evident through the diminished DAS scores and heightened STAI Y-1 scores observed in individuals with suspected STIs.

Effect of internet pornography use frequency on psychogenic erectile dysfunction severity in young Turkish men: the mediating role of dyadic adjustment.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effect of the frequency of using pornography on psychogenic erectile dysfunction severity after controlling for other psychological factors. It then evaluated the mediating role of dyadic adjustment regarding this. This study included 66 young married heterosexual male patients who were diagnosed with psychogenic erectile dysfunction after organic causes were excluded. The patients filled out the form about demographics, the age of onset of pornography use, and the frequency of pornography use. All participants were evaluated using a comprehensive data form, the International Index of Erectile Function, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-Somatic, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A significant strong negative correlation was determined between the International Index of Erectile Function scores and pornography use frequency (r = -0.535 and p < 0.001). Pornography use frequency and Dyadic Adjustment Scale scores were found to have a significant predictive effect on erectile dysfunction scores in hierarchical regression analysis after controlling for somatization, depression, and perceived stress, which are typically correlated with erectile dysfunction scores (Beta = -0.28, and 0.34 respectively, p = 0.02, and 0.01 respectively). The Sobel test conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of dyadic adjustment revealed that dyadic adjustment played a mediating role in the correlation between pornography use frequency and erectile dysfunction scores (z = -1.988 and p = 0.047, respectively). The most significant observation of this study was the specific causative effect of pornography use frequency on erectile dysfunction severity through dyadic adjustment, especially considering that the frequency of using pornography is a modifiable factor.

Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of sexual dysfunction in couples using a biopsychosocial model.

Given the complexity of the psychological and biological pathologies associated with sexual dysfunction, which affects at least a third of adult women and men worldwide, a multidisciplinary approach has been advocated. To assess sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, and mood stability pre- and post- treatmentat the Loyola University Sexual Wellness Program. Couples attending the 6-week multidisciplinary Sexual Wellness Program provided consent and completed pre- and post- interventionassessments. Linear mixed effects models were used to estimate the mean change from baseline to first follow-up. A covariance matrix was used to account for dependency. All patients completed self-reported surveys: Dyadic Adjustment Scale, PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures Brief Profile (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information), and International Index of Erectile Function. There were 85 respondents: 42 men and 43 women. The mean age was 49.82years (range, 25-77). The largest improvement was on the total Dyadic Adjustment Scale score, which increased by approximately 5.18 points (95% CI, 2.55-7.81). PROMIS scores for global satisfaction with sex life, erectile function, and interest in sexual activity significantly increased from baseline, while the vaginal discomfort score significantly declined. Overall the score for global satisfaction with sex life increased from baseline by approximately 5.57 points (95% CI, 3.03-8.10). On average, men reported a 4.33-point increase (95% CI, 0.04-8.62) in their International Index of Erectile Function score from baseline. A multidisciplinary treatment approach focused on the couple positively affects a couple's relationship, including global satisfaction with sex life, relationship satisfaction, interest in sexual activity, and erectile function. This study is one of the few to document the effects of a multidisciplinary treatment approach for both members of a heterosexual couple-male and female. Limitations include the narrow demographics and lack of a control group in our population. Furthermore, this was completed at 1 academic center. These findings emphasize that multidisciplinary sexual therapy programs aimed at the couple can help address multiple aspects of sexual well-being.

The Relationship among Dyadic Adjustment and Disease Burden in Patients with Bipolar Disorder and Their Spouses.

(1) Background: Spouses of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) experience significant burdens, and the perception of the burden may affect dyadic adjustment. We aimed to investigate the sexual functions, alexithymic traits, marital satisfaction, and burden in patients with BD and their spouses. We also aimed to assess the mediating role of sexual functions and alexithymia in the relationship between burden and dyadic adjustment. (2) Methods: We included 81 patients with BD type 1 (40.69 ± 8.55 years, 65.4% female, and 34.6% male) and their healthy spouses (40.95 ± 7.30 years, 34.6% female, and 65.4% male) and 78 healthy controls (38.90 ± 5.88, 48.7% female, and 51.3% male). The participants were evaluated using the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), and Burden Assessment Scale (BAS). (3) Results: The GRISS scores of the control group were significantly lower than the spouses and BD groups. The DAS total score of the control group was significantly higher than that of the spouses and BD groups. Regression analyses revealed that TAS, GRISS, and HDRS scores were associated with DAS scores in the BD group. In the spouse group, TAS and BAS scores were associated with DAS scores. The GRISS scores partially mediated the relationship between dyadic adjustment and burden in the spouses of patients with BD. (4) Conclusions: Mental health professionals should regularly scan caregivers' perceptions of burden. Appropriate psychosocial interventions could help spouses of patients with BD to cope better with the burden and improve dyadic adjustment.

Relationship between childhood trauma, dyadic adjustment, and sexual functions in patients with bipolar disorder

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the dyadic adjustment and sexual functions in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) during the remission period, and examine the effect of a history of childhood trauma on these.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study is consisted of 80 (46 female, 34 male) patients with bipolar disorder-1 and 40 (25 female, 15 male) healthy controls. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), Arizona Sexual Questionnaire (ASEX) were administered to the participants. &#x0D; Results: The patient group showed significantly higher trauma scores in all subscales and total scores of the CTQ-28, and lower scores in the subscales and total score of DAS compared to the control group. 82.5% of bipolar patients and 57.5% of healthy controls were found to have sexual dysfunction (SED). According to the results of linear regression and multiple regression analyses, age and DAS-total score predicted SED, and male gender, absence of SED and CTQ-total score predicted DAS score.&#x0D; Conclusion: Patients with BD have more dyadic problems, sexual dysfunction, and trauma history than healthy controls. Sexual function and dyadic adjustment affect each other in two ways and a history of childhood trauma has a negative effect on both sexual function and dyadic adjustment.

The Impact of Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunctions on Marital Relationship in Men with Multiple Sclerosis: A Single Cohort Study.

Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by a great variety symptoms. Most MS patients suffer from neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (nLUTS) and erectile dysfunctions (ED). The aim this study is to assess the impact of nLUTS and ED on marital relationships in MS patients. Materials and Methods: MS male patients that arrived for our attention were prospectively enrolled in the study. All of the patients were evaluated on an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), an IIEF-5 for sexual function, an ICIQ-MLUTS for urinary function, and a Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) for marital relationships. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests in STATA/MP14. Results: The data of 57 male MS patients were eligible. The mean age was 45 (13.7) years, the mean disease duration was 15.49 (7.86) years, and the mean EDSS score was 3.5 (1.89). In total, 33 (57.89%) MS patients reported urine incontinence, of those, 24 (42.11%) reported UUI. The mean DAS score was 74.40 (34.58). The mean IIEF-5 score was 12.40 (8.05). The mean ICIQ-MLUTS score was 71.94 (41.06). The DAS and ICIQ-MLUTS scores were negatively correlated (r = −0.30, p < 0.001). The DAS and IIEF-5 were moderately correlated (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). The DAS and EDSS were strongly correlated (r = −0.72, p < 0.001). A univariate analysis showed that increasing age (p < 0.001), a longer disease duration (p = 0.029), a higher EDSS score (p < 0.001), and a higher ICIQ-MLUTS score (p < 0.001) were all significantly associated with lower DAS scores. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the large negative impact that nLUTS and ED due to MS have on patients’ marital relationships, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in MS patients.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in Couples

ABSTRACT Introduction Sexual dysfunction (SD) affects at least a third of adult women worldwide which makes it a public health concern. Given the complexity of both psychological and biological pathology associated with these conditions, a multidisciplinary approach has been advocated. However, there is a limited amount of literature examining a multidisciplinary treatment approach to a couple's sexual and psychological functioning. This program, emphasizes treatment of the couple. This program includes a multidisciplinary team consisting of psychologists, gynecologists, urologists, dieticians, physical therapists, yoga instructors, and nurses. Our group collaborates in the care of each couple; working together to participate in the diagnosis and treatment of their sexual dysfunction. The treatment approach is a biopsychosocial model. Our couples attended weekly lectures on the follow topics: communication, female sexual functioning, male sexual functioning, stress management, chemistry of love, pelvic floor physical therapy, healthy diet, sexual aids, and gaining momentum. They also received counseling from a dyad therapist team. additionally, the couple was responsible for completing weekly homework consisting of sensate focus exercises and other gestures to help them engage with one another. In therapy sessions, communication and visualization exercises were also utilized. Objective This study prospectively followed couples pre- and post-attendance of a six-week sexual wellness treatment program (SWP) at a single academic medical center. The following outcomes were used: (1) sexual functioning (2) relationship satisfaction (3) mood stability. Methods The study was approved by the IRB. Couples attending the six-week multidisciplinary SWP, were consented and then completed surveys both pre-treatment and at the end of treatment. Surveys administered included the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Sexual Functioning Profile (PROMIS), and International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) for men only. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the mean change from baseline to first follow-up. A covariance matrix was used to account for dependency. The program included weekly didactic sessions following an initial evaluation. Didactics included cognitive behavioral sex therapy with an attending (psychologist, psychiatrist or gynecologist) paired with a trainee (psychiatry, psychology or gynecology resident or a medical student), and home assignments. Results There were 85 respondents – 42 men, 43 women. Mean age was 49.82 years (Range 25-77). Most frequently reported SD were hypoactive sexual desire (32.2%), erectile dysfunction (21.4%), dyspareunia (14.3%), and female orgasmic disorder (10.7%). controlling for patients’ sex and baseline PHQ severity, all DAS measurements increased from baseline. The largest improvement was on the total DAS score which increased by approximately 5.18 (95% CI: 2.55 – 7.81) points. Similarly, the PROMIS global satisfaction with sex life score, erectile function score, and interest in sexual activity score significantly increased from baseline while the vaginal discomfort score significantly declined from baseline. Overall, the global satisfaction with sex life score increased from baseline by approximately 5.57 (95% CI: 3.03 – 8.10) points. Among male participants, the IIEF erectile, sexual, and satisfaction scores increased from baseline. On average, men reported a 4.33 (95% CI: 0.04 – 8.62) point increase in their IIEF erectile score from baseline. Conclusions The results indicate that a multidisciplinary treatment approach focused on the couple positively impacts multiple aspects of a couple's relationship, including global satisfaction with sex life, relationship satisfaction, interest in sexual activity, and erectile function. These findings emphasize that multidisciplinary sexual therapy programs aimed at the couple can help address multiple aspects of sexual well-being. Disclosure No

Dyadic adjustment and sexual function in postmenopausal women

Aim: To examine the dyadic adjustment and sexual function of postmenopausal women and the affecting individual factors. Material and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted with one-hundred thirty-nine postmenopausal women from October 2018 to May 2019 in Turkey. The data of the study was collected using an information form to determine the socio-demographic and gynecological characteristics of postmenopausal women, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).Results: The 139 women completed the study. The mean score of DAS and FSFI were found 104.60±32.98 (0-151) and 12.71±9.48 (2-36), respectively, and a statistically significant positive relationship was found DAS and FSFI (p=0.000). There was a significant difference between income levels of women and the DAS scores (p=0.040). Additionally, it was found that the FSFI scores of the women having chronic disease were at lower levels (p=0.000).Conclusion: There was a significant positive correlation between dyadic adjustment and sexual function. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to test the effect of dyadic adjustment on sexual function in postmenopausal women.

TOGETHER THROUGH DEMENTIA: MEASURING RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION FOR VETERANS WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR SPOUSES

Current and prior relationship quality can have significant impacts on the mental and physical health of individuals with dementia (IWD) and their spousal caregivers (CGs). Yet, marital satisfaction is not often assessed. This poster examines use of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), a widely-researched marriage counseling tool, for contextualizing interpersonal factors beyond established measures of quality-of-life (QoL), burden, and depression. Community-dwelling spousal CGs (n = 49) and Veterans with dementia (n = 37) completed self-report measures including dyadic relationship satisfaction/distress, mutuality, QoL, depression, burden, and the IWD’s cognitive status. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and regressions were performed. Scores on the DAS significantly correlated with CG QoL (.567, p < .001), CG depression (-.525, p < .001), CG burden (-.428, p = .002), IWD’s cognitive status (.355, p = .034), and IWD social engagement (-.424, p = .011). IWD-reported DAS scores were positively correlated with IWD QoL (.381, p = .024), CG QoL (.340, p = .043), and IWD subjective health (.360, p =.031). Regression analysis showed CG DAS (b = .188, β = .464, p = .002) and IWD social engagement (b = -2.806, β = -.37, p = .012) are significantly predictive of CG QoL; F(2, 32) = 15.865, p < .001; R2 = .495. Findings suggest that the DAS provides important relationship quality insights and may improve QoL needs assessments for caregiving support and respite services, including CG willingness to continue in the CG role. Examining the DAS longitudinally could also inform intervention delivery as dementia severity progresses.

Sexual function and Dyadic adjustment in women with urinary incontinence.

Objective:This study was planned to evaluate the effects of urinary incontinence (UI) on sexual function (SF) and dyadic adjustment.Methods:The study was conducted with 203 women with urinary incontinence. This study was conducted at Urogynecology Outpatient Clinic of our hospital between September 2017 and February 2018. Data were collected using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and “Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).Results:The incidence of sexual dysfunction (SD) was higher in the patients who were in advanced age, had a husband older than them, entered menopause, had lower levels of education, had the higher frequency of UI and changed pads more frequently, and these patients had lower DAS scores.Conclusion:It was determined that the majority of the participating women with UI experienced SD and that those with SD had lower DAS scores.

Effect of Multiple Sclerosis on Dyadic Adjustment.

This study examines the dyadic adjustment of married men and women with multiple sclerosis (MS). This cross-sectional study consists of 40 patients with MS who were married and being followed in the neurology clinic of a university hospital. Data collection was performed by face-to-face interviews with only the participant and the researcher present. The participants filled in the Expanded Disability Status Scale, a sociodemographic form, and a dyadic adjustment scale. The study group was 75% male, with age ranging from 27 to 65 years (mean, 44.40 ± 9.31 years). Expanded Disability Status Scale scores ranged from 0 to 7 (mean, 3.25 ± 1.94); 95% of the subjects were having relapses and remissions. Scores for patients with MS who were not considering divorce were statistically significantly higher than patients with MS who were considering divorce for dyadic adjustment (z = 3.845, P = .000), common view (z = 2.336, P = .020), endearment (z = 2.701, P = .007), and total scores (z = 3.399, P = .001). Most of the patients with MS who participated in this study were diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS with a mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 3, indicating that patients had the physical ability to perform routine activities. The total dyadic adjustment scale score (107.7) is above average, indicating that dyadic adjustment was at a good level.

Marital Functioning in Couples Practicing Periodic Abstinence for Family Planning.

To compare dyadic (marital) functioning between users of natural family planning (NFP) and users of artificial methods of contraception (AMC). A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy, over eighteen-year-old couples living in stable relationships recruited from primary and secondary health centers in Santiago, Chile. Participants were assessed using a structured interview on sociodemographic and sexual aspects. Primary outcome, marital functioning, was studied using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). One hundred and thirty-eight couples were studied, sixty-nine in each user group. Both groups had a similar average time living together (124.3 vs. 126.9 months). DAS results were consistent with functional couples in both groups, but on average, the NFP group had a significantly higher DAS score than AMC. After controlling for age, socioeconomic status, time in the relationship, and religious commitment in multivariable analysis, the NFP group had a 47 percent (odds ratio = 1.47) greater possibility of having a functional marital score above the cutoff (DAS > 114) when compared with the AMC group. The AMC group reported more frequency of sexual intercourse but similar sexual satisfaction. Most (>60 percent) of the NFP couples mentioned that their methods improved their relationship. There are sociodemographic differences between both groups, explained partly by unequal access to NFP centers. Both groups have DAS scores within functional range, but NFP users have a higher probability of being in that functional range. This study of mentally and emotionally healthy couples highlights the importance of family planning methods on intimate relationships. Summary Marital functioning is affected by family planning methods. A structured interview and a specific inventory to address conjugal functioning were applied to a group of healthy couples who live in stable relationships and are users of natural family planning (NFP) or artificial methods of contraception (AMC). The results were consistent with functional couples in both groups, but on average, the NFP group had a significantly higher score than the AMC group. The use of NFP explained this difference. This study of mentally and emotionally healthy couples highlights the importance of family planning methods on intimate relationships.

Determining the factors influencing the intimate relationship between sexual satisfaction and dyadic adjustment in postmenopausal women.

IntroductionIdentifying and characterizing sexual dysfunction is crucial in order to improve the quality of the marital relationship in postmenopausal women. Regarding this, the present study aimed to determine the association of menopausal characteristics with sexual satisfaction and marital adjustment.Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 89 postmenopausal women chosen using an improbable randomized sampling method. A questionnaire that collects demographic characteristics, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and The Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) index were used to collect relevant data during the survey.ResultsThe mean age of postmenopausal women recruited to the present study was 54.6 ±6.7. The overall mean GRISS score and DAS score were 5.6 ±1.7 and 92.1 ±11.2 respectively. The mean GRISS scores were found to significantly increase as the ages of the women increased (p = 0.044). Mean DAS scores were lower in postmenopausal women that have menopause duration longer than 10 years (p = 0.035). Higher education level of the spouse is associated with lower GRISS scores (p = 0.024). No correlation was observed between marital adjustment and sexual satisfaction.ConclusionsAlthough sexual satisfaction and marital adjustment levels are decreased in the postmenopausal period, these two parameters do not seem to be related to each other. Multidimensional factors must be taken into account when evaluating sexual and marital satisfaction in postmenopausal women.

Effects of Workplace Parent Management Training on Marital and Job Satisfaction among Iranian Working Parents

Abstract Background: Shifting the focus of PMT to parents and discussing implications for maximizing the outcomes of PMT for the entire family is new and promising. Objective: We aimed to examine the efficacy of work place parent management training (PMT) on job and marital satisfaction among staff members of an academic center. Methods: We held eight PMT sessions (1.5 hour each) for 20 staff members who were parents to children in the age range of 2 to 12 years. Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and Occupational Descriptive Index (HSE) were used for baseline and post-intervention data gathering. DAS higher scores indicate higher marital adjustment satisfaction and higher HSE scores indicate higher occupational stress. To analyze changes in HSE and DAS scores over time paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used respectively. Results: All DAS sub-scales increased from baseline to the final session except for affectional expression which was not significant. We found no significant changes in total or sub-scale HSE scores among participants. Conclusion: Findings of the present study underscore the role of psycho-education usage in work environment and provide evidence about the importance of designing interventions concerning working parents. Implications of parent management training are discussed in the text.

Relationship quality of persons with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

In the field of sleep disorders, the quality of couple relationship is arousing increasing attention, given its implications for quality of life and treatment adherence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate relationship quality in a sample of treated or untreated patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome. Eighty-seven patients were recruited in a hospital-based Centre for Sleep Medicine. Subjects were administered the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) to evaluate relationship quality, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Apnoea-hypopnoea indexes (AHI) were collected through nocturnal polysomnography or home testing with a portable monitoring device. Although the DAS average scores were similar to local normative values, relationship quality was significantly lower in the untreated patients when compared with the ones treated. The ESS scores showed a negative correlation with many DAS scores, whereas no significant correlation emerged for AHI. Such data suggest a significant impact of perceived sleep apnoea symptoms on marital satisfaction, even though in the absence of striking differences between the whole sample and the general population.

Caregiving, dyadic quality of life and dyadic relationships in lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mostly affects young women, adversely affecting their quality of life (QOL). Caregivers may experience caregiver burden (CGB), and it may lower the quality of their relationship. Herein we studied caregiving and CGB and their effects on QOL and relationships in SLE. We recruited 10 dyads from the Lupus Clinic. Data collected included demographics, CGB (CGB Scale, screen for CGB), QOL (SF-36) and the quality of the dyadic relationship (Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)). We calculated correlation coefficients for associations between (i) CGB and (ii) dyadic QOL or DAS. The mean (± SD) age of SLE patients was 35.2 (± 9) years and of caregivers was 37.3 (± 9.64) years. The mean (± SD, min-max) total CGB score was 9.1 (± 5.8, 0-19). The caregiver's QOL correlated strongly with some of the domains of the patient's QOL. The SLE-related CGB was associated with the caregiver's own QOL and their SLE partner's QOL. The dyadic DAS was linked to the patient's QOL. Because (i) CGB in SLE is associated with the caregiver's own QOL and with their SLE partner's QOL, and because (ii) the dyadic DAS score is linked primarily to the patient's QOL, then to optimize patient health outcomes and to decrease CGB, focus should be not only on the patient but should include the dyadic unit.Significant findings: To optimize patient outcomes of SLE patients, focus should be on the dyadic unit. CGB in SLE is associated with the caregiver's own QOL and with the SLE partner's QOL, making it crucial to study this relationship in more detail.

Effects of enuresis nocturna on parents of affected children: Case–control study

Enuresis nocturna (EN) is a chronic medical disorder that may cause a parent to question their parenting ability and contribute to an inability to perform the parental role. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of EN on the relationship between parents, and the effect of mood changes in the couples on the children. Forty children with EN (group 1) were enrolled in the study, and 44 consecutive healthy children (group 2) were randomly selected from the same school. The clinical diagnosis for the patient group was based on a careful history. Spielberg's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) were applied to all parents, and the answers were recorded. STAI scores differed between the mothers in the two groups in terms of trait anxiety, while significant differences between the fathers in terms of both state and trait anxiety were observed. The BDI scores were similar between the two groups. The scores of dyadic consensus were lower in the mothers, while the affectional expression scores were lower in the EN study group fathers compared with controls. The total DAS scores were significantly lower in the parents of the children with EN. The parents of children with EN seem to experience increased levels of anxiety. Their desire to continue the marital relationship, the overall quality of their marital relationship and their comfort as a family may also be negatively affected by having a child with EN.

Marital adjustment for patients with epilepsy in China

Marriage is a major source of social support and a predictor of health; however, marriages that involve people with epilepsy are more likely to fail. To explore this issue in China, we compared the marital adjustment of patients with epilepsy to control subjects using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). A total of 136 married persons with epilepsy and 145 healthy control subjects were recruited. The DAS score was significantly lower in people with active epilepsy than in the controls (102.0±17.8 vs. 109.2±15.8, p<0.001). A hierarchical regression showed that depression and social support satisfaction were significant predictors for DAS. Psychosocial variables accounted for 24.0% of the variance in DAS after control for demographic and seizure-related factors in patients with active epilepsy. The result suggests that people with active epilepsy in our sample encountered more marital discord than controls. Treatment to control mood disorder and support intervention might be important for their marital adjustment.