Experience Of Anxiety Research Articles

Flourishing, Cinematic Self, and Sense of Self as Predictors of Death Anxiety: A Gender-Invariant Model.

This research delved into the intricate landscape of death anxiety, a profound psychological phenomenon that deeply influences individuals' perceptions and responses to mortality. Through a meticulous examination of key psychological factors - flourishing, cinematic self, and sense of self - we aimed to unravel the complexities surrounding this existential concern. With a diverse sample of 327 Portuguese participants, our study sheds light on the significant role these constructs play in shaping individuals' experiences of death anxiety. Notably, we highlight the profound impact of a robust sense of self in mitigating anxiety levels. Additionally, our exploration of gender dynamics revealed consistent patterns across diverse groups, underscoring the universal nature of these psychological processes. By providing a nuanced understanding of death anxiety and its determinants, our study offers valuable insights for the development of tailored interventions aimed at alleviating psychological distress and promoting well-being in individuals facing existential concerns.

PHENOMENOLOGICAL QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE FIRST EXPERIENCE OF BRIMOB TROOPS THE FIRING SQUAD EXECUTORS

The aim of this study is to figure out on the first experience of Brimob troops as an executor of firing squad in Nusakambangan. The approach used in this study is qualitative with phenomenological method and the data analysis technique using Individual Phenomonenology Description (DFI). The subjects involved in this study are three Brimob troops who had been selected as an executor of firing squad using a purposive method. The method of collecting data is semi-structured interviews. The result of this study is that two subjects experienced a conflict when they were ordered to become the executor. The subjects were ready to carry out that order, but they thought of the sin of killing a people who have no resistance. Therefore, there were doubts to carry out that order. A spiritual guidance from kyai who came from Brimob was able to overcome the doubts and become the reinforcement to be sure to carry out their duty that night. Three subjects experienced anxiety before firing on the form of worrying about making mistake, so the subjects regulated their emotions. Entering the firing range, the subjects focused on the implementation so that they dared to shoot the convicted person. The impact of the execution made two subjects experience flashbacks by carrying out the execution and then they overcome them by letting the memories flow. Therefore, they could forget themselves as time went on and the activities at Brimob. Keyword: Brimob Troops, Death Penalty, Executor of Firing Squad, Phenomenological Qualitative Study

Survey of The Correlation Between COVID-19 Risk Perception and Anxiety Among Manufacturing Workers

Introduction: People’s risk perception in an emergency situation affects how they behave. During the pandemic of a disease like COVID-19, the fear of the disease and its consequences causes people to deal with anxiety. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between the perception of the risk of COVID-19 and the experience of anxiety caused by it among workers in manufacturing industries. Material and Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted cross-sectionally in 2022 among 545 workers of manufacturing industries located in Tehran, Mazandaran and North-Khorasan provinces. In the study, data collection was conducted using three questionnaires: a demographic information questionnaire, the COVID-19 Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), and the COVID-19 Risk Perception and Psychological Predictors against COVID-19 questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (Canonical Correlation Coefficients or CCC) in SPSS V25 software. Results: The mean ± SD of the workers’ age was 35.98 ± 7.58 years, while the scores for risk perception and anxiety were 12.89 ± 3.31 and 4.51 ± 1.51, respectively. The Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) between risk perception and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 disease in the first Canonical point was 0.734, and in the second Canonical point, it was 0.229. The corresponding p-value was found to be less than 0.01. Psychological symptoms (Canonical loading = -0.725) and physical symptoms (Canonical loading = -0.421) played a significant role in predicting the variability of the risk perception of COVID-19. Conclusion: The perception of risk related to the COVID-19 disease resulted in a decrease in anxiety, having a more pronounced effect on psychological symptoms compared to physical symptoms. Therefore, in times of pandemic outbreaks similar to COVID-19, implementing measures that enhance workers’ awareness and understanding of the disease risks can prove effective in managing anxiety

Relationship between anxiety and poor sleep quality in family caregivers of psychiatric patients based on history of sharp object injuries: a case-control study in Bitlis, Turkey

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the relationship between anxiety levels and poor sleep quality among family caregivers of psychiatric patients, based on the history of sharp object injuries (SOI) inflicted...

The Effect of Video Camera, Microphone and Chat Box Use on Social Presence and Engagement in an Online Group Activity

With the rapidly expanding availability of online courses, concerns have been raised about student engagement and connection within the online environment. Using an experimental design, we examined the effects of video camera, microphone, and chat box communication mediums on students’ experiences of social presence, peer rapport, motivation, satisfaction, and anxiety. A total of 133 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a video, audio, or chat box condition and asked to complete an online interactive group task and a post-task survey. One-ways ANOVAs indicated that participants in the chat box condition reported lower levels of social presence, peer rapport, motivation and satisfaction compared to both the video and audio conditions, with no differences between the video and audio conditions. Those in the video condition reported higher anxiety levels than those in the chat box condition. We recommend that students participate in their online classes using video cameras and/or microphones to increase engagement and interpersonal connections with peers.

Perinatal stress and anxiety in Ireland: experiences and support needs.

Perinatal stress and anxiety from conception to two years postpartum have important adverse outcomes for women and infants. This study examined (i) women's perception of sources and experiences of perinatal stress and anxiety, (ii) women's attitudes to and experiences of available supports, and (iii) women's preferences for perinatal stress and anxiety supports in Ireland. An online mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was conducted with 700 women in Ireland. Participants were pregnant women (n = 214) or mothers of children ≤ 2 years old (n = 486). Participants completed closed-ended questionnaires on sociodemographic, birth and child factors, and on stress, anxiety, perceived social support, and resilience. Participants completed open-ended questions about experiences of stress and anxiety and the supports available for stress and anxiety during pregnancy and/or postpartum. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and using correlations; qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data indicated significant relationships between perinatal stress and/or anxiety and women's perceived social support, resilience, having a previous mental health disorder diagnosis (both p < 0.001), and experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or pregnancy complications (p < 0.01). Themes developed in qualitative analyses included: 'perceived responsibilities'; 'self-care'; 'care for maternal health and well-being'; 'social support'; and 'access to support and information'. Women's stress and anxiety are impacted by multiple diverse factors related to the individual, to interpersonal relationships, to perinatal health and mental health outcomes, and to available services and supports. Development of support-based individual-level interventions and increased peer support, coupled with improvements to service provision is needed to provide better perinatal care for women in Ireland.

Gut microbiome dysbiosis and immune activation correlate with somatic and neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 patients often exhibit altered immune responses and neuropsychiatric symptoms during hospitalization. However, the potential interactions with gut microbiome profiles have not been fully characterized. Here, COVID-19 disease severity was classified as low (27.4%), moderate (29.8%), and critical (42.8%). Fever (66.1%) and cough (55.6%) were common symptoms. Additionally, 27.3% reported somatic symptoms, 27.3% experienced anxiety, 39% had depressive symptoms, and 80.5% reported stress. Gut microbiome profiling was performed using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Elevated interleukin-6 levels were observed in the most severe cases, indicating systemic inflammation. Reduced gut bacterial diversity was more pronounced in women and obese patients and correlated with higher disease severity. The presence of the genus Mitsuokella was significantly associated with increased physical, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and Granulicatella with critically ill patients. These findings suggest a link between mental health status, systemic inflammation, and gut dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies to improve recovery and reduce severe complications.

The Impacts of Anxiety on Highly Intellectual Students

Anxiety is a pervasive mental health challenge that can significantly affect the cognitive, emotional, and academic performance of students, particularly those identified as highly intellectual. This research explores the multifaceted impacts of anxiety on highly intellectual students, focusing on its influence on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and social interactions. By examining factors such as perfectionism, heightened self-expectations, and the pressure to excel, the study identifies key contributors to anxiety within this demographic. Utilizing qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and cognitive assessments, this research aims to uncover patterns that differentiate the anxiety experiences of highly intellectual students from their peers. The study also investigates coping mechanisms, resilience factors, and the role of support systems in mitigating anxiety. By providing actionable insights, the research seeks to inform educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers on how to create supportive environments that foster well-being while maintaining academic excellence.

Exploring the Experience of Existential Anxiety During the COVID-19 Isolation Period in a Small Sample of Young Kosovar Adults

International literature has documented the mental health impact of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic on global communities. However, for this period, a significant lack of research exists on the human and psychological experiences of Albanian Kosovars. This study aimed to retrospectively explore a specific experience associated with the isolation period, that is, the Kosovar young adults’ experience of existential anxiety. The notion of isolation is significant for the Kosovars as their country is recently independent with some referencing its political isolation in the European context. The current study was conducted from March to June 2022; Stage 1 included a quantitative sampling of existential anxiety among 115 Albanian Kosovars through the Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (Weems et al., 2004). In Stage 2, five participants with high levels of existential anxiety partook in in-depth interviews. For the qualitative analysis, the Existential Phenomenological Research approach was adopted. Using Paul Tillich’s existential anxiety framework, results revealed that this study’s participants experienced great losses with the start of the lockdown as they were students who had to return to their families. It appears that a process of transformation occurred in light of the hardships that individuals experienced. Implications for mental health practitioners and researchers are offered.

Racial Discrimination and Mental Health: Analyzing the Impact of Discrimination, Stress, Depressive Symptoms and Self-Esteem on Anxiety Experiences

ABSTRACT Background Existing research demonstrates that racial inequity influences mental health outcomes. However, few studies simultaneously analyze the multiple factors influencing racial disparities regarding these outcomes. Our study addresses this gap by analyzing the impact of discrimination, stress, self-esteem, racial identity, depressive symptoms, and demographic factors on anxiety symptoms. Methods Participants were adults recruited from a primary care clinic in the Southeastern region of the United States. We utilized a stratified random sampling strategy to select 383 participants. Participants completed a survey designed to assess levels of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, self-esteem, racial identity, experiences with discrimination, and demographic information. A hierarchical regression analyzed which factors most impact symptoms of anxiety. Results Of the 363 participants in our study, the majority were female (71.3%), 57% were White identifying, 43% were Black identifying, and the average age was 54.4 (SD = 12.3). Model 4 accounted for 58% of the variance of anxiety symptoms and included a combination of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, self-esteem, experiences of everyday discrimination, and interaction terms. Within this model, perceived stress (t = 3.81, p < .01), experiences of everyday discrimination, (t = 2.33, p < .01), and income (t = -1.96, p < .01) were significantly associated with increased anxiety. Conclusions and implications Multiple contextual factors influence the relationship between race and anxiety. In particular, anxiety increases with lower rates of self-esteem and income. Conversely, anxiety increases with higher rates of stress, discrimination, and depressive symptoms. Social workers should consider each of these factors when treating patients presenting with symptoms of anxiety.

Exploring and comparing the relationship between maternal anxiety and children’s anxiety during admission, hospitalization, and discharge in pediatric wards of Iranian hospitals

BackgroundParental anxiety levels increase during their child’s hospitalization. Consequently, anxiety can disrupt parental functioning as a caregiver and potentially transfer distress to the child. This study seeks to explore how maternal anxiety affects the anxiety levels of hospitalized children across three key stages: admission, in-hospital stay, and discharge.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with hospitalized children aged 8 to 15 years their mothers. The sample size was determined based on the formula. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires and validated tools, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS). The STAI measures state and trait anxiety, while the SCAS assesses various domains of child anxiety. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and fractional polynomial modeling to assess anxiety trends.ResultsThe study involved 179 participants, with mothers averaging 36.95 years old. Most participants were homemakers (82.7%) and had less than a high school education (62.6%). The average number of children per mother was 2.02, and only 2.8% utilized assisted reproductive technologies. Maternal anxiety levels were notably high, with mean state anxiety scores decreasing slightly from 45.74 at admission to 44.53 at discharge. Trait anxiety scores followed a similar trend, averaging 42.79 at admission and dropping to 41.60 at discharge. The Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale scores were relatively stable, starting at 50.93 at admission and ending at 50.89 at discharge. Severe state anxiety affected 25.7% of participants, while 11.2% experienced severe trait anxiety. Importantly, significant positive correlations were identified between maternal anxiety and children’s anxiety throughout the hospitalization period.ConclusionThis study reveals high levels of both maternal and pediatric anxiety throughout hospitalization. Mean scores for state and trait anxiety remained elevated at all stages, with significant correlations between maternal and child anxiety. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to address and manage anxiety in both mothers and children during hospital stays. Future research should focus on strategies to mitigate these anxieties and improve support for families.

Compulsive Use of Social Media and Unrestrained Buying Behavior: Delineating the Role of Social Comparison, Fear of Missing Out and Self Esteem

Drawing on Theory of Compensatory Internet Use and Social Comparison Theory, the study explores how compulsive use of social media can lead to impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors among young adults in India. Findings reveal that compulsive social media use positively correlates with both impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors. This relationship is significant mediated by social comparison and FoMO, suggesting that users who frequently engage in social media are more likely to compare themselves to others and experience anxiety over missing out, thereby driving them towards unrestrained buying. Additionally, self-esteem negatively significant moderates these relationships, with individuals possessing high self-esteem less likely to succumb to impulsive and compulsive buying due to social comparison and FoMO. Research contributes significantly to digital marketing field by offering insights into the darker aspects of social media’s impact on consumer behaviour. Furthermore, study’s conceptual model integrates compensatory internet use theory and social comparison theory, providing a novel framework for future research on digital consumption behaviors.

More than a repository

The value of a university degree is increasingly under scrutiny, with concerns that technologies such as ChatGPT will diminish the need for distributed scholarly content. The challenges created by technology can also become opportunities, under the right circumstances (Dempere et al., 2023). In this project, we leveraged the emerging Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to create a chatbot, to enable, rather than diminish, students’ learning. Students enrolled in a capstone research unit of Master of Advanced Practice (by coursework) are required to conduct a research project. Common challenges encountered by students include identification of project topic, digital literacy skills, research methodological knowledge, and research writing skills (Ginns et al., 2009; Li et al., 2019; Qasem &amp; Zayid; 2019; Stagg &amp; Kimmins, 2014). It is imperative to guide students to decide on an area of research that not only matches personal interest but also has clinical relevancy and significance. Delaying the identification of a feasible topic can cause students to experience anxiety and distress related to fear they are unable to complete their project on time (Qasem &amp; Zayid; 2019; Li et al., 2019). This project explored two aims: (1) to harness GenAI (Chatbot) for scalable student learning, and (2) to enrich students’ university experiences by providing a scaffolded research-focussed learning opportunity. The project was guided by the active digital learning pedagogy consisting of student-centredness, formative feedback, constructive alignment and flexible infrastructure (Røe et al., 2022). Using a mixed-method approach, the project had four stages. Stage 1 collated and synthesised former students’ project topics (Year 2014 to 2023). Stage 2 created, tested, and tuned a GenAI topic-bank/chatbot based on the collated 252 project topics from Stage 1. To achieve this, we collaborated with an AI Experience Strategist to create the project topic-bank/chatbot using Azure open AI (GPT-4 with AI Search) via the reactive Amazone web server Amazon. The chatbot was then tested and tuned to ensure consistency search outcomes. Stage 3 implemented the chatbot on the 1st day of semester by posting the link with user guide as learning resource for students, who enrolled into the capstone research project unit. Stage 4 evaluated the chatbot’s usability and effectiveness using a 9-item self-developed survey based on the active digital learning pedagogy (Røe et al., 2022) and a 11-item Bot Usability Scale (BUS) (Borsci et al., 2023). The BUS scale consists of 5 domains focusing on students’ perception of accessibility to chatbot functions, quality of chatbot functions, quality of conversation and information provided, privacy and security, and time responses. Two open-ended questions were used to narratively explore students’ overall experiences and suggestions to improve the chatbot. Our findings showcased students’ early engagement with the unit by interacting with the project topic-bank/Chatbot. This ameliorated the challenges described above, whereby students practised search skills by entering key concept as “prompts” of their area of interest for the prospective project topic. These prompts included specialty, population and/or main concept/variables. Search results of the chatbot facilitated students in identifying project topic and improved overall unit satisfaction and learning experience.

The effects of exercise on anxiety symptoms in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.

Anxiety is a common mental health issue during pregnancy. Moreover, women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) seem to have to cope with higher levels of anxiety, being at higher risk for several health and mental complications. Women with GDM are recommended to undertake regular physical exercise to improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes. However, there are no specific guidelines for exercise in women with GDM and data on its relationship with mental health are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise on anxiety symptoms in pregnant women with GDM. The present non-randomized, open-label clinical trial was a pilot study intended to provide initial data on the effect of exercise on anxiety symptoms of pregnant women with GDM. Forty-three women were assigned to three the following three study groups, (a) Advice Group (n = 17), Walking Group (n = 14), and Mixed Exercise Group (n = 12), from GDM diagnosis to delivery. Based on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores, all groups showed normal anxiety changes or mild anxiety levels pre- and post-intervention, ranging between 9.00 (1.00-32.00) (pre-intervention) and 7.5 (1.00-26.00) (post-intervention), but none experienced severe anxiety. In the present study, a trend of self-selected pace walking to reduce the BAI scores was identified since the Walking Groups had lower scores after the intervention. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance. Brisk walking (30-45min) three times per week may produce positive changes in both the treatment plan and the anxiety state of women with GDM. Moreover, the study confirms that routine medical care, counseling, and support by an interdisciplinary team are protective against anxiety in women with GDM.

Novel hypothesis and therapeutic interventions for irritable bowel syndrome: interplay between metal dyshomeostasis, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder due to multiple pathologies. While patients with this condition experience anxiety and depressed mood more frequently than healthy individuals, it is unclear how gastrointestinal dysfunction interacts with such neuropsychiatric symptoms. Data suggest that irritable bowel syndrome patients predominantly display a lower zinc intake, which presumably impairs enterochromaffin cells producing 5-hydroxytryptamine, gut bacteria fermenting short-chain fatty acids, and barrier system in the intestine, with the accompanying constipation, diarrhea, low-grade mucosal inflammation, and visceral pain. Dyshomeostasis of copper and zinc concentrations as well as elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the blood can disrupt blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier function, leading to locus coeruleus neuroinflammation and hyperactivation with resultant amygdalar overactivation and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex hypoactivation as found in neuropsychiatric disorders. The dysregulation between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and amygdala is likely responsible for visceral pain-related anxiety, depressed mood caused by anticipatory anxiety, and visceral pain catastrophizing due to catastrophic thinking or cognitive distortion. Collectively, these events can result in a spiral of gastrointestinal symptoms and neuropsychiatric signs, prompting the progression of irritable bowel syndrome. Given that the negative feedback mechanism in regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is preserved in a subset of neuropsychiatric cases, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex abnormality accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms may be a more significant contributing factor in brain-gut axis malfunction than activation of the hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone system. The proposed mechanistic model could predict novel therapeutic interventions for comorbid irritable bowel syndrome and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Menstruation experiences and its association with psychological distress among school-going adolescent girls of Nepal: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between menstruation-related attributes and mental distress in adolescent girls. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rangeli Municipality, Nepal, among 270 adolescent girls. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated at a 5% level of significance to identify factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress. Of 270 adolescent girls, 28.9% (95% CI: 23.5%-35.2%) experienced anxiety, 14.4% (95% CI: 10.0%-18.5%) experienced stress and 32.2% (95% CI: 26.6%-37.4%) experienced depression. Low perceived family support during menstruation (aOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.03-7.97), low perceived support from friends during menstruation (aOR: 4.09, 95% CI: 1.66-10.07) and experiencing moderate/severe dysmenorrhea (aOR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.105-5.08) were associated with anxiety. Those with moderate/severe dysmenorrhoea had higher odds (aOR: 5.60, 95% CI: 1.56-20.05) of experiencing stress. Low perceived family support (aOR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.08-8.67), low perceived support from friends (aOR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.11-6.89) and experiencing moderate to severe dysmenorrhoea (aOR: 3.56, 95% CI: 1.63-7.79) were associated with depression. The findings underscore the importance of proper management of dysmenorrhoea and need for social support from both family and friends during menstruation as these factors are associated with psychological distress among adolescent girls.

Gambaran Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Kecemasan Pada Ibu Hamil Trimester III dalam Menghadapi Persalinan di Klinik Mitra Delima

Anxiety in pregnant women often increases in the third trimester and can have a negative impact on the mother and fetus. According to the WHO in 2019, around 30% of pregnant women in the third trimester experienced anxiety when approaching delivery. This study aims to identify factors that affect anxiety in pregnant women in the third trimester at Mitra Delima Clinic in 2024. This research method is descriptive with the Accidental Sampling approach, involving 30 pregnant women in the third trimester who experience anxiety, using a questionnaire as a data collection tool. The results showed that the majority of respondents were between 20-35 years old (83.3%), while respondents who were considered at risk (&lt;20 or &gt;35 years) were 16.7%. Most of the respondents have a high school education (46.7%), followed by junior high school (40%), and elementary school (13.3%). All respondents work as housewives. Respondents with multigravida parity were more (53.3%) compared to primigravida (46.7%). All respondents had an income below Rp. 2,089,464. The majority of respondents have a lack of knowledge (53.3%). It is recommended that pregnant women increase antenatal care visits to prepare themselves physically and mentally for childbirth

Self, Other, and Higher Power: A “Relational Triad” Moderates Associations Between Mystical Experience and Mental Health

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to characterize the relationship between mystical experience and psychopathology measures in a general-population sample of 763 U.S. adults. The participants were assessed across various domains including psychopathology, spirituality, personality, and life experience. The analysis revealed three distinct profiles among individuals: Transcendent Wellness, Transcendent Struggle, and Non-Transcendent Wellness. The Transcendent Wellness profile demonstrated higher scores in belongingness, mindfulness, and lived/integrated spirituality compared to the Transcendent Struggle profile. Belongingness and mindfulness were identified as mitigating factors, reducing the positive association between mystical experience and depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, lived/integrated spirituality attenuated this association, particularly in relation to anxiety. Conventional religiosity measures, however, did not exhibit the same moderating effects. The authors propose a framework in which relationally grounded spirituality, manifesting in the form of connection to fellow human, self, and higher power, constitutes a foundation for processing of and sense-making around mystical experience.

Exploring paruresis (‘shy bladder syndrome’) and factors that may contribute to it: a cross-sectional UK survey study

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and severity of paruresis (‘shy bladder syndrome’) in a population of university staff and students and to determine if there was any relationship between demographics, self-esteem, presence of social anxiety disorders and negative toilet experiences and paruresis.DesignWe undertook an anonymised cross-sectional online survey using Microsoft Forms. We invited participants aged 18 and over to complete the survey which included demographic information; any pre-existing medically or self-diagnosed anxiety-related conditions; Shy Bladder Scale (SBS); Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and questions about using school toilets in their younger life. We defined ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ paruresis based on total SBS cut-off scores of greater than or equal to 31 and greater than or equal to 40. We calculated prevalence of paruresis, and explored differences in self-esteem, school toilet experience and social anxiety disorders between individuals with and without paruresis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine which variables had any influence on having a ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ paruresis diagnosis.SettingWe distributed the survey to all staff and students via their university email address as well as promoting the survey on university social media sites.ResultsWe received responses from 356 individuals. Most participants (237, 66.6%) were within the 18–30 year age category and most (277, 77.8%) were white. There were 221 (62.1%) females, 119 (33.4%) males and 16 (4.5%) other genders. The prevalence of ‘mild’ paruresis was 25.8% and of ‘severe’ paruresis 14.9% in this sample. 73.0% indicated that they had at least one medically or self-diagnosed anxiety disorder. There was a statistically significant difference in the total SBS score between individuals with and without an existing anxiety disorder (8 vs 19, &lt;0.001). The adjusted odds of ‘mild’ paruresis were higher for men than women (OR 3.39; 95% CI 1.90 to 6.06), lower for those with a lower RSES score (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.85 to 0.96), lower for those for a lower school toilet experience score (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.99) and higher for those with at least one anxiety disorder (OR 3.164; 95% CI 1.52 to 6.59). The adjusted odds of ‘severe’ paruresis were higher for men than women (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.32 to 5.12), lower for those with a lower RSES score (OR 0.90; CI 0.84 to 0.97) and higher for those with at least one anxiety disorder (OR 2.99 (1.18–7.56)).ConclusionLarge organisations should consider measures to help manage anxiety and improve toilet experiences. These could include resources and signposting to manage anxiety disorders and single-occupancy toilets and toilets in quiet areas to limit anxiety associated with shy bladder syndrome.

Patient-reported harm following cancellation of planned surgery at a Danish university hospital: a cross-sectional study.

To estimate the prevalence and severity of patient-reported physical and non-physical harm following surgery cancellation. Cross-sectional study. A large Danish university hospital. Patients (≥18 years) from various surgical specialities, such as orthopaedic, spinal, abdominal, gynaecological, thoracic, vascular and urological surgery whose surgery was cancelled <2 weeks prior to the scheduled date due to hospital-related causes.OutcomePatient-reported physical and non-physical harm, defined as physical worsening, emotional strain and other consequences, measured using a patient-reported survey. We identified 785 patients whose surgery was cancelled from 1 December 2021 to 1 June 2022, of whom 436 (55.5%) responded to the electronic survey. Physical worsening was reported by 42% and emotional strain by 48% of patients. One-third of patients reported an inability to continue daily activities, and 28% reported a need for an increased dose of analgesics. Emotional strain included various negative feelings such as being disappointed (59%) and lonely (31%). Furthermore, 44% of the respondents feared deterioration of their disease and 9% experienced anxiety of dying. The relative risk of emotional strain was higher in females than in males (54% vs 41%, adjusted relative risk (RR)=1.32 (1.08; 1.63)). A waiting period >30 days compared with ≤30 days was associated with a higher risk of physical worsening (25.3% vs 48.9%, adjusted RR=1.93 (1.42; 2.63)). Harm, measured as physical worsening and emotional strain, is reported with severity by nearly half of respondents following cancellation.