Functional Social Support Questionnaire Research Articles

Role of Overload and Psychoemotional Variables on Health-Related Quality of Life in Informal Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: Carers of people with Alzheimer’s disease often have a high degree of commitment and dedication which may also compromise physical and emotional, leisure, and occupational self-care. This study aimed to explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychoemotional variables in caregivers with and without caregiver overload and its relationship. Methods: A single-measure cross-sectional correlational study was carried out involving 59 informal caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease with a mean age of 59.30 (±10.58). The participants completed the adult HRQoL questionnaires (EQ-5D-3L), Zarit Burden Inventory test, General Happiness Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-E), International Fitness Scale (IFIS), Family Apgar scale, and Duke-UNC-11 Functional Social Support Questionnaire. Results: A significantly higher level of HRQoL (p = 0.029) in subjective happiness (p = 0.018), perceived social support (p = 0.046), avoidance (p = 0.034), occupational balance (p = 0.002), life satisfaction (p = 0.037), and self-perceived physical fitness (p = 0.021) was found in caregivers without perceived overload. Also, HRQoL was directly associated with self-perceived physical fitness (β = 0.534; p < 0.001) and occupational balance (β = 0.375; p < 0.001) and self-esteem (β = 0.249; p < 0.016). Conclusions: Caregivers who do not perceive overload have better levels of HRQoL and psychoemotional variables, establishing a relationship between HRQoL with self-perceived physical fitness, occupational balance, and self-esteem.

Genetic Influence on Social Support: A Twin Study.

Social support is often considered an environmental factor affecting health, especially in aging populations. However, its genetic underpinnings suggest a more complex origin. This study investigates the heritability of social support through applying a threshold model on data of a large adult sample of twins (N = 8019) from the Netherlands Twin Register, collected between 2009 and 2011. The study employed the Duke - UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire to assess social support quality. Our analysis revealed genetic contributions to social support, with heritability estimated at 37%, without a contribution of shared environment and no differences between men and women in heritability. The study's results underscore the complexity of social support as a trait influenced by genetic and environmental factors, challenging the notion that it is solely an environmental construct.

Psychometric Properties of the Pictorial Pain Interference Questionnaire for Assessing Functional Interference in Chronic Low Back Pain

ObjectiveTo analyze the psychometric properties of the Pictorial Pain Interference Questionnaire (PPIQ) for evaluating functional interference in the population with chronic low back pain (CLBP). DesignCross-sectional study. SettingRehabilitation Unit in a hospital. ParticipantsNinety-nine patients with CLBP. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresFunctional interference was assessed using PPIQ. The following data were also collected: sociodemographic data; pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale [NPRS]); physical functioning (30-s arm curl, 30-s chair stand [30CST], and timed Up and Go [TUG] tests), fitness (International Physical Activity Questionnaire); quality of life (Short-Form 12 Health Survey version 1 [SF-12v1]); sleep quality (Spanish-validated 12-item Medical Outcomes Study Sleep scale [12-MOS Sleep]); anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]); and social support (Duke-UNK Functional Social Support Questionnaire). Internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, structural validity using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and discriminant and convergent validity using bivariate analysis. ResultsNinety-nine patients with CLBP were included (age [mean ± SD]: 54.37±12.44 y); women, 67.7%). The EFA extracted 2 factors: “physical function and “social and sleep,” which explained 57.75% of the variance. Excellent internal consistency was observed for the overall PPIQ score (Cronbach's α=0.866). Convergent validity was observed between the PPIQ and other functional measures (ρ: 0.52 and −0.47 for the TUG and 30CST, respectively; P<.001) and with the following variables: physical and mental component summaries of the SF-12v1 (ρ: −0. 55 and −0.52, respectively (P<.001); anxiety and depression of the HADS (ρ: 0.47 and 0.59, respectively (P<.001); NPRS (ρ: 0.45; P<.001); and index 9 of the 12-MOS Sleep scale (r: 0.49; P<.001). ConclusionsThe PPIQ is a valid instrument with good psychometric properties for measuring functional interference in people with CLBP. This questionnaire appears to be a feasible alternative when language or communication barriers exist in CLBP population.

Influence of physical activity level and perceived social support on mental health and psychological distress in women with menopause problems

ABSTRACT Perceived Social Support (PSS) and Physical Activity (PA) could have an important role in reducing psychological distress in women with problems in the menopausal period. The aim was to analyze the associations between a) Self-Perceived Health (SPH), prevalence of self-reported depression and anxiety, and mental health and its subscales, through the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) with b) the Physical Activity Level (PAL) and c) the PSS, through the Duke-UNC-11 functional social support questionnaire in Spanish women with problems in the menopausal period. This document uses data from the Spanish National Health Survey of 2017, focusing on women between 40 and 69 years of age with problems in the menopausal period. Dependency relationships were found between the prevalence of depression and PAL, anxiety and PAL, and SPH with PAL (p < 0.001). Weak inverse correlations were found between PAL and mental health, Coping Success, Self-confidence, and Stress (rho: − 0.214 to − 0.258; p < 0.001). Also, weak and very weak significant inverse correlations were found between PAL and all items of the GHQ-12. Weak inverse correlations were found between PSS scores and mental health, Coping, and Stress (r: −0.201 to − 0.304; p < 0.001). Likewise, weak and very weak inverse correlations, although statistically significant, were found between the PSS scores and the responses to the GHQ-12 items. Very active women with higher PSS have less psychological distress, higher self-esteem, and better prevalence of positive health.

The impact of coping strategies and positive resources on post-traumatic stress symptoms among bereaved families of the Sewol ferry disaster.

This study investigated the long-term prevalence of, and factors associated with, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the bereaved families of the Sewol ferry disaster, in which 250 students lost their lives during a school excursion. Eight years after the disaster, 181 family members were surveyed, and the prevalence of clinical PTSD symptoms was estimated. The Positive Resources Test (POREST), the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, and the Brief COPE were evaluated using self-report measures. The multivariable binomial logistic regression was used to identify protective and risk factors for PTSD. PTSD symptoms were present in 49.7% of the family members 8 years after the incident. A one-point increase in the score on the optimism subscale of the POREST was associated with a 20.1% decreased likelihood of having clinical PTSD symptoms (OR = 0.799; p = 0.027; 95% CI = 0.655-0.975). Conversely, a one-point increase in the score on the avoidant subscale of Brief COPE was associated with a 13.2% increased likelihood of having clinical PTSD symptoms (OR = 1.132; p = 0.041; 95% CI = 1.005-1.274). Our results provide evidence of the need for long-term mental health monitoring of bereaved families of disaster victims, along with valuable insights for the development of mental health intervention programs.

Fear of Recurrence in Advanced Cancer Patients: Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Psychological Correlates.

Fear of cancer recurrence significantly impacts advanced cancer patients, prompting emotional distress and increased healthcare utilization. This present study aims to analyze the fear of recurrence among patients with advanced cancer undergoing systemic treatment and its relationship with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 oncology departments across Spain, involving patients with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic cancer eligible for systemic treatment. Participants provided demographic information and completed instruments such as the Cancer Worry Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, and the Duke-UNC-11 Functional Social Support Questionnaire (DUFSSQ). A total of 1195 participants participated: median age 66, 56% male, mostly metastatic cancers (80%), and common tumor sites. Two fear groups emerged: 28% low and 72% high levels of fear. High fear was associated with being female, being younger, lower levels of education, and worse survival estimates. High fear correlated with more depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, uncertainty, and stronger social support. Multivariate analyses indicated that younger patients, those with shorter survival estimates, higher depression and anxiety scores, more uncertainty, and stronger social support had a greater likelihood of experiencing fear of recurrence, while the opposite was true for older patients. This study underscores distinct fear of recurrence profiles in advanced cancer patients, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and support. Future research should delve deeper into understanding their repercussions for improving patient care and well-being.

The association between Long-COVID symptomology, perceived symptom burden and mental health in COVID-19 patients in Shijiazhuang, China: a population-based health survey.

Long-COVID (LC) refers to post-acute COVID-19 symptoms that can last for months or longer after the initial infection, affecting the physical health of infected patients. This study aims to investigate the association between the symptomology of LC and the mental health of patients in China. It also aims to examine the relationship between the perceived symptom burden and mental health of these patients. A population-based stratified cluster sample was recruited, using a standard sampling procedure, from a prefecture-level city in Northern China. Participants included patients who had tested positive for COVID-19 after December 2022. LC symptomology was assessed using a LC symptoms checklist where the perceived symptom burden was measured by the included 5-point Likert scales. Mental health of patients was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), the original Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire (DUFSS). Data were analysed using multiple linear regression models. About 25% of respondents, experienced COVID symptoms lasting longer than two months that could only be explained by the infection. Post-exertional malaise (22.2%) and fatigue (21.2%) were the most common symptoms. After controlling for potential confounding variables, LC symptomology was significantly and positively associated with depression (t=2.09, p=0.037) and anxiety (t=4.51, p<0.001), but not stress. Perceived symptoms burden was also positively and significantly related to depression (β=0.35, p<0.001), anxiety (β=0.54, p<0.001), and stress (β=0.35, p<0.001), suggesting a dose-response relationship between perceived symptom burden and mental ill health. This study highlights the importance of recognising the risk of LC, patients' perception of the symptom burden and its potential impact on mental health. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the complexity of psychological comorbidities among infected patients reporting prolonged symptoms, and be able to give advice regarding long-term management of the symptoms.

Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression and Social Support Networks in HIV/AIDS Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and identify social support networks in patients with hiv/aids during the covid-19 pandemic, in a second-level Hospital of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (imss). Methods: cross-sectional analytical study, 420 hiv-positive patients who attended the hiv Clinic of the grh No.1 Vicente Guerrero, in Acapulco, Mexico, from October 2021 to February 2022. A sociodemographic questionnaire was applied to obtain general information, the Gráffar-Méndez Castellanos scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (hads), and the Duke-unc-11 functional social support questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression by the Mantel-Haenszel process were performed with the data obtained. Results: the prevalence of anxiety was 7.1%, and depression 5.2%. 89% of the patients perceived to have sufficient total social support. An association between depression, and cd4 lymphocyte count &lt;500 cells/mm3 (ora 2.54, 95% ci 1.06-6.12) was found, as well as, insufficient perceived total social support (ora 15.98, 95% ci 7.68-33.22). Conclusion: Nine out of ten patients perceived to have sufficient total social support, which may be related to the low prevalence of anxiety and depression. cd4 T lymphocyte counts below 500 cells/mm3 were associated with depression. Social support strategies and adherence to antiretroviral treatment are key to the well-being of the population living with hiv/aids during, and in the new normality of the covid-19 pandemic.

The relationship between perceived stress and prolonged grief disorder among Chinese Shidu parents: effects of anxiety and social support

BackgroundShidu parents refer to the couple who have lost their only child and have not given birth or adopted another child in China. The number of Shidu parents is increasing annually. The aim of this research was to examine the mediating role of anxiety and the moderating role of social support between perceived stress and prolonged grief disorder (PGD) among Chinese Shidu parents.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with 505 participants who completed a questionnaire including the Prolonged Grief Questionnair-3 (PG-13), the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ). SPSS PROCESS macro was employed to examine the mediating role of anxiety and the moderating role of social support.ResultsThe mediation analysis showed anxiety partially mediated the link between perceived stress and PGD, and the proportion of mediation of anxiety was 39.22%. The moderated mediation analysis revealed the second stage of mediating effects of anxiety on the link between perceived stress and PGD was moderated by social support. Specifically, compared with Shidu parents with higher social support, the association between anxiety and PGD was closer for those with lower social support.ConclusionsThe moderated mediation model can broaden our understanding of how and when perceived stress, anxiety and social support work together to affect PGD. The interventions aimed at improving mental health of Chinese Shidu parents need to work on reducing stress and enhancing social support.

COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Job Loss Impacts on Mental Health in South Korea.

The economic hardship brought by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic has caused mental health problems among people of different socioeconomic status (SES). As social support helps to buffer these problems, we investigated the association between job loss related to COVID-19 and depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts; the differences in the effects according to SES; and the mediating effects of social support. The effects of COVID-19-related job loss on depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among 1,364 people were investigated through semi-structured and self-administered questionnaires: Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Functional Social Support Questionnaire. Logistic regression and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the association between job loss and mental health status, and the moderating effects of income and educational levels. Moreover, the mediating effects of perceived social support on the association between job loss and depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts were analyzed. COVID-19-related job loss increased the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. Adults with lower income and education level were at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts; perceived social support level had significant mediating effects on the association between job loss and depression/anxiety; and income level had significant moderating effects on this mediating pathway. COVID-19-related job loss were likely to be significantly associated with negative mental health outcomes, especially among individuals with low income and education levels. As social support had buffering effects on such outcomes, related government policies in cooperation with the governance of communities and stakeholders must be prepared.

Sex moderates the relationship between social support and cardiovascular prevention behaviors in middle-aged and older adults

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Most risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are modifiable, suggesting that the burden of CVD could be substantially reduced through cardiovascular screening and healthier lifestyle. People who have social support are found to be more likely to adhere to cardiovascular prevention recommendations, but it is not clear whether the benefit of social support is equal for men and women. Purpose To investigate whether sex moderates the relationship between social support and adherence to cardiovascular prevention recommendations in a nationally representative sample. Method Participants were 17,287 adults (n=10,264 middle-aged adults 40-64 years old and n=7,023 older adults ≥ 65 years old) who participated in the National Health Survey of Spain in 2017. Social support was measured with the Functional Social Support Questionnaire of Duke-UNC. Adherence to cardiovascular screening recommendations was assessed based on self-reported testing of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar by a health professional in the past 12 months. Adherence to recommended health-related behaviors was assessed based on the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology regarding diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity. Results Multiple regression models adjusted for socio-demographic and cardiovascular history and risk variables showed that social support was more strongly associated with adherence to cardiovascular prevention recommendations in men than in women. In particular, low social support levels were especially detrimental for both middle-aged (screening: B=0.13, 95% CI [0.06-0.20], p&amp;lt;0.001; behaviors: B=0.33 [0.26-0.41], p&amp;lt;0.001) and older men (screening: B=0.10 [0.04-0.17], p = 0.001; behaviors: B=0.16 [0.08-0.25], p&amp;lt;0.001), whereas older women had comparatively high adherence which was unrelated to social support (screening: B=0.02 [-0.03-0.08], p = 0.433; behaviors: B=0.03 [-0.03-0.10], p = 0.342). Conclusions Social support is more strongly associated with cardiovascular prevention in men than in women, such that men who lack social support have the lowest adherence to cardiovascular screening and lifestyle recommendations.

Sex Moderates the Relationship Between Social Support and Cardiovascular Prevention Behaviors in Middle-aged and Older Adults.

Most risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are modifiable, suggesting that the burden of CVD could be substantially reduced through cardiovascular screening and healthier lifestyle. People who have social support are more likely to adhere to cardiovascular prevention recommendations, but it is not clear whether the benefit of social support is equal for men and women. We investigated whether sex moderates the relationship between social support and adherence to cardiovascular prevention recommendations in a nationally representative sample. Participants were 17,287 adults (n = 10,264 middle-aged adults 40-64 years old and n = 7,023 older adults ≥ 65 years old) who participated in the National Health Survey of Spain in 2017. Social support was measured with the Functional Social Support Questionnaire of Duke-UNC. Adherence to cardiovascular screening recommendations was assessed based on self-reported testing of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar by a health professional in the past 12 months. Adherence to recommended health-related behaviors was assessed based on the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology regarding diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity. Multiple regression models adjusted for socio-demographic and cardiovascular history and risk variables showed that social support was more strongly associated with adherence to cardiovascular prevention recommendations in men than in women. In particular, low social support levels were especially detrimental for both middle-aged men (screening: B = 0.13, 95% CI [0.06-0.20], p < .001; behaviors: B = 0.33 [0.26-0.41], p < .001) and older men (screening: B = 0.10 [0.04-0.17], p = .001; behaviors: B = 0.16 [0.08-0.25], p < .001), whereas older women had comparatively high adherence, which was unrelated to social support (screening: B = 0.02 [-0.03 to 0.08], p = .433; behaviors: B = 0.03 [-0.03 to 0.10], p = .342). Social support is more strongly associated with cardiovascular prevention in men than in women, such that men who lack social support have the lowest adherence to cardiovascular screening and lifestyle recommendations.

The Influence of Activities and Functional Social Support on Adult Cochlear Implant Outcomes.

The objective of this study is to assess whether patient participation in specific activities and perceived social support correlate with speech perception following cochlear implantation. Tertiary referral hospital. Adult cochlear implantation patients implanted in their poorer hearing ear between January 2019 and December 2020 completed the Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) and a modified version of the Victoria Lifestyle Study-Activities Lifestyle Questionnaire (VLS-ALQ). Demographics, FSSQ score, and individual activities were correlated with implanted ear and binaural AzBio scores. Twenty-three patients completed the survey and had at least 6 months of follow-up with appropriate speech perception testing. The average age at survey completion was 71.7 (SD, 9.1). Average pure-tone average in the contralateral ear was 70.1 (SD: 20) dB. The majority (N = 21, 91.3%) wore a hearing aid in the contralateral ear following cochlear implantation. Mean AzBioQuiet score improvement was 60.6% (range: 20%-99%) in the implanted ear and 42.6% (range: -2% to 67%) binaurally. Work-related social support correlated positively with improvement in the implanted ear (Pearson's R = 0.473; 95% CI, 0.075-0.741; P = 0.023). Improvement in the implanted ear correlated positively with creative writing (R = 0.542; 95% CI, 0.167-0.780; P = 0.008), attending films (R = 0.448; 95% CI, 0.044-0.726; P = 0.032), going out with friends (R = 0.423; 95% CI, 0.013-0.711; P = 0.044) listening to audiobooks (R = 0.433; 95% CI, 0.025-0.717; P = 0.039), and public speaking (R = 0.468; 95% CI, 0.069-0.738; P = 0.024). Gains in binaural performance correlated positively with watching TV news (R = 0.819; 95% CI, 0.509-0.941; P < 0.001) and negatively with eating at restaurants (R = -0.532; 95% CI, -0.829 to -0.002; P = 0.05). Activities that provide intellectual stimulation and engage auditory faculties correlate with greater speech perception testing improvements in adult cochlear implantation patients.

Associations Between Social Support and Symptoms of Antenatal Depression with Infant Growth and Development Among Mothers Living with HIV in Tanzania.

Children born to mothers living with HIV may experience greater risk of poor growth and development outcomes than their HIV-unexposed peers. Few studies have examined the relationship between maternal depression and social support with infant growth and development in the context of HIV. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 2,298 pregnant women living with HIV in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, assessing antenatal depression (Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25) and social support (Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire) at 12-27 weeks of gestation. At one-year age, infant anthropometry and caregiver-reported infant development were assessed. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess mean differences (MD) and relative risks (RR) for growth and developmental outcomes. Symptoms consistent with maternal antenatal depression had 67% prevalence and were associated with infant wasting (RR 2.61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-6.65; z = 2.02; p = 0.04), but no other growth or developmental outcomes. Greater maternal social support was not associated with infant growth outcomes. Greater affective support was associated with better cognitive (MD 0.18; CI 0.01-0.35; z = 2.14; p = 0.03) and motor (MD 0.16; CI 0.01-0.31; z = 2.04; p = 0.04) development scores. Greater instrumental support was associated with better cognitive (MD 0.26; CI 0.10-0.42; z = 3.15; p < 0.01), motor (MD 0.17; CI 0.02-0.33; z = 2.22; p = 0.03), and overall (MD 0.19; CI 0.03-0.35; z = 2.35; p = 0.02) development scores. Depressive symptoms were associated with greater risk of wasting, while social support was associated with better infant development scores. Strategies to improve mental health and social support for mothers living with HIV during the antenatal period may benefit infant growth and development.

Is Psychological Distress Associated with Self-Perceived Health, Perceived Social Support and Physical Activity Level in Spanish Adults with Diabetes?

Depressive and anxiety symptoms are common in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Physical activity and social support may prevent or reduce psychological distress in this population. This study aimed to analyse the associations between psychological distress, self-perceived health (SPH), perceived social support (PSS) and physical activity level (PAL) in adults with a diabetes mellitus diagnosis from Spain. A cross-sectional study based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey (ENSE2017) with a final sample of 1006 individuals with diabetes mellitus aged between 15 and 70 years, who completed the Adult Questionnaire. Some of the items from this survey were taken from existing questionnaires: the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for Mental Health status and psychological distress, the Duke-UNC-11 Functional Social Support Questionnaire for PSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for PAL. A descriptive analysis and non-parametric statistical tests were carried out, including correlation analysis, multiple binary logistic regression and linear regression model calculations. It was found that SPH was related to PAL (p < 0.001): positive SPH prevalence was higher in the Active and Very Active groups (p < 0.05). Weak inverse correlations were found between the GHQ-12 and the PAL (rho: -0.230; p < 0.001) and PSS (rho: -0.234; p < 0.001). Physical inactivity and lower PSS were risk factors for negative SPH and worst physiological outcomes. Thus, higher PAL and PSS were positively correlated with SPH and lower psychological stress in Spanish adults with diabetes mellitus.

The Impact of Stressful Life Events on Suicidal Ideation in Gender Dysphoria: A Moderator Effect of Perceived Social Support.

Factors associated with suicidal ideation in the gender dysphoria population are not completely understood. This high-risk population is more likely to suffer stressful events such as assault or employment discrimination. This study aimed to determine the association of stressful events and social support on suicidal ideation in gender dysphoria and to analyze the moderator effect of social support in relation to stressful events and suicidal ideation. A cross-sectional design was used in a clinical sample attending a public gender identity unit in Spain that consisted of 204 individuals (51.7% birth-assigned males and 48.3% birth-assigned females), aged between 13 and 59 (M = 27.95years, SD = 9.58). A Structured Clinical Interview, a list of 16 stressful events, and a functional social support questionnaire (Duke-UNC-11) were used during the initial visits to the unit. The data were collected between 2011 and 2012. A total of 50.1% of the sample have had suicidal ideation. The following stressful events were associated with suicidal ideation: homelessness, eviction from home, and having suffered from physical or verbal aggression. Also, there was an inverse relation between perceived social support and suicidal ideation. There was a statistically significant interaction between a specific stressful event (eviction) and perceived social support. The study suggests that the promotion of safer environments could be related to lower suicidal ideation and that networks that provide social support could buffer the association between specific stressful events and suicidal ideation.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Disorder after Exposed Prolonged Traumatic Event

IntroductionDepressive disorder is one of the most typical psychiatric disorder that occurs after a traumatic event. However, there has been minimal research regarding the prevalence and associated factors of depression after a traumatic event.ObjectivesTherefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors in the residents of the Gangjeong village, who have been exposed to a traumatic event recently for a prolonged period.MethodsThe subjects of this study were the residents of the Gangjeong village, who have been exposed to a traumatic event related to the construction of the Jeju Civilian-Military Complex Port. The questionnaires were used to assess the participants` general characteristics (sex, age, marital status, occupation, self-perceived health, etc.); in addition, for the clinical evaluation, overall stress was assessed through the Global Assessment of Recent Stress Scale (GARS), social support through Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) and suicide risk through Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus (M.I.N.I-Plus). In order to evaluate the depressive symtpoms, CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) was used.ResultsIn 713 subjects, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 18.5% (95% CI=15.66-21.36) (Table 1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the length of residence and marital status as factors associated with depressive symptoms (Table 2). Furthermore, the depression group has a significantly higher score of overall stress (GARS), suicide risk and the lack of social support (FSSQ), in comparison with the non-depression group (Figure 1) group (depression gr. vs non-depression gr. : 28.8±15.0 vs 12.8±10.1, 4.9±8.0 vs 1.1±3.6, 44.8±13.2 vs 34.0±13.9, respectively).ConclusionsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among the study population compared to the general population. People exposed to the traumatic event, especially after prolonged exposure, should be assessed environment factors, the status of overall stress, social support and the suicidal risk.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prevalence, severity, and associated factors of depression in newly diagnosed people living with HIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDepression is particularly common among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with some studies showing a prevalence of depression three times higher among people living with HIV as compared to the general public. The stress associated with being diagnosed with HIV can be quite impactful, including concerns about one’s long-term health, stigma, and the burden of long-term treatment. Therefore, it is common for a new HIV diagnosis to contribute to the onset of depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of depression, and its associated factors in people diagnosed with HIV within the past 12 months.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey with patients newly diagnosed with HIV at three hospitals in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania utilizing a locally validated version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as a screener for depression, the Demographic Health Survey (SES-DHS8) for socio-demographic characteristics, and the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) to assess perceived social support. We enrolled 272 participants between September and December 2020, diagnosed with HIV within the past 12 months. Analysis of Co-variance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis were used to determine associations of sociodemographic variables with the dependent variable of depression.ResultsOverall prevalence of depression in our sample was 41%, including 54 participants (20%) with moderate symptoms, 42 (15%) with moderately severe symptoms, and 16 (6%) with severe symptoms. Severity was highest in participants diagnosed with HIV less than 1 month ago. An ANCOVA model (overall F = 4.72, p < 0.001) assessing factors associated with greater depression severity revealed significant effects of study site (F = 7.6, p < 0.001), female gender (F = 5.11, p = 0.02), and less time since HIV diagnosis (F = 12.3, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe study demonstrates very high prevalence of depression among people living with HIV in this setting, particularly among those newly diagnosed, female participants, and those seen at the larger regional referral hospital. Integration of mental health screening and interventions into CTC care is vital in the first visits following a positive test result and may be tailored to meet the needs of patients at highest risk for developing symptoms of depression.

Financial Coping Strategies and Financial Assistance Following a Pediatric Hematologic Malignancy

Background: Families experience significant financial stress after a pediatric leukemia or lymphoma diagnosis, which can result in household material hardship (HMH) such as housing, food, or energy insecurity. This study aims to investigate the financial coping strategies (FCS) used by families in the face of financial stress during the first year after diagnosis and describe the forms of financial assistance received to mitigate material hardship. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey study conducted at Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland. The study surveyed caregivers of patients ages 6 months to 21 years who were diagnosed with blood cancers (acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's (HL), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)) between March 2015 and April 2019. Patients who received hematopoietic stem cell transplant within the first year of diagnosis were excluded. The survey, available in both English and Spanish, collected data on demographics, baseline income, and HMH at twelve months after diagnosis. The survey included validated scoring systems such as the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) Outcome Measure and the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire. Household income was the exposure of interest and was categorized as either high (greater than or equal to 400% of the 2018 federal poverty level) or low (less than 400% FPL); the 400% cut-off addressed the high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area. The survey queried families on the types of financial coping strategies adopted, and forms of private, hospital, and governmental assistance received within the first year after diagnosis. Results: This cohort included 66 caregivers. Of this group, 54% were low-income, 46% of patients had public insurance, and 24% had a preferred language other than English. The majority of the patients were diagnosed with ALL (71%); the remaining patients had NHL (15%), HL (9%), and other leukemias (5%). The median age of patients was 6.2 years (IQR 3.5 - 12.0) and the median age of surveyed caregivers was 35 years (IQR 29-43). Caregiver and patient characteristics are described in Table 1. Low-income families were significantly more likely to incur debt (55% versus 18%, p=0.003) than high-income families. Specifically, low-income families were more likely to borrow money from family or friends (55% versus 11%, p<0.001) and take out a loan (24% versus 3.6%, p=0.03) than high-income families. Reduced savings (39%) and lost investments (25%) were common across both income groups. While not reaching statistical significance, the use of private fundraising was more common among low-income families (55% versus 43%, p=0.4), while the use of financial counselors was more common among high-income families (32% versus 22%, p=0.4). Almost half of respondents reported experiencing a form of HMH at 12 months after diagnosis, as detailed in Table 2. Among families with food, housing or energy insecurity after diagnosis, 80%, 52%, and 47% respectively received any hospital or governmental assistance specific to their experienced hardship. The specific types of assistance received by families with material hardships are shown in Table 2. Conclusions: These results highlight the impact of a pediatric blood cancer diagnosis on short-term material hardship and long-term financial security. After diagnosis, low-income families were more likely to borrow money or take loans, which can have lasting financial consequences in the form of interest payments or worsening credit. While most families with food insecurity received some level of assistance, housing and energy assistance were less common. Given the high prevalence of material hardship seen in this population, our findings emphasize the need to systematically screen for HMH. To effectively allocate accessible resources towards HMH, additional research on generating evidence-based interventions is warranted. Work is underway to investigate how financial coping strategies and the availability of financial assistance have changed during the COVID-19 era. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Social Support and General Self-Efficacy: Predictors of Subjective Discomfort in Ecuadorian Teachers

The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has generated new challenges for regular basic education teachers, who, day by day, interact with students and constitute a significant part of the student's development. These new circumstances have affected teachers, raising their stress levels and affecting their skills. In this context, this study aims to determine the influence of social support and general self-efficacy on subjective discomfort in Ecuadorian regular basic education teachers. The methodology used was based on the predictive design in which 311 teachers participated, 230 women and 81 men. The selected instruments were the Duke-UNK-11 Functional Social Support Questionnaire, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GAS) and the Kessler Subjective Discomfort Scale-10. The results showed that the Social support variable significantly influences subjective discomfort, showing that teachers who have high levels of social support show lower levels of subjective discomfort. It is concluded that social support is a predictor of subjective discomfort in Ecuadorian teachers of basic education.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 23 May 2022 / Accepted: 28 October 2022 / Published: 5 November 2022