GHQ Scores Research Articles

Psychological distress and its associated risk factors among university students.

Psychological distress is an important mental health problem among university students. The goal of this study was to determine psychological distress and its associated risk factors among students in the Anhui province. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 1304 students. In this study, a self-administered questionnaire consisting of the general demography and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was completed. Psychological distress was assessed using the GHQ-12-item questionnaire. A dichotomous category split was imposed on the GHQ-12 for the purpose of analysis. A GHQ-12 score of 4 or higher indicated psychological distress. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 system. A total of 1304 samples were analyzed in this study. The results indicated that the education level of the father and mother was associated with the students' psychological distress (P<0.001). A significant association was found between high-intensity exercise and low-intensity exercise and psychological distress. However, no significant difference was identified between gender and psychological distress (P=0.173). The education level of parents, high-intensity exercise, and low-intensity exercise were associated with psychological distress. Our results suggest that it is indispensable to raise awareness of psychological disorders and its associated risk factors among university students. Further studies are required to develop appropriate interventions for high-risk groups.

Prevalence of psychological distress and its association with perceived indoor environmental quality and workplace factors in under and aboveground workplaces

The development of underground spaces serves a range of common urban functions, including workspaces. However, underground workplaces, work-related factors and the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters within them may negatively affect worker's mental health. This study assessed the prevalence of psychological distress with repeated measures over time in aboveground and underground workspaces, and assessed the association between perceived IEQ parameters and work-related factors with psychological distress. A total of 329 workers in similar aboveground and underground workspaces were followed-up in three assessments over 12 months in Singapore. Psychological distress was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and defined as a GHQ-12 score ≥2. Perceived IEQ (air quality, temperature, noise, light) in the workplace were collected using the OFFICAIR questionnaire. We used generalised estimating equation models to assess the association between working underground, perceived IEQ, and work-related factors with psychological distress. The overall prevalence of psychological distress was 21.9%, 26.1% and 21.9%, at baseline, 3- and 12-months follow-up, respectively. The fully-adjusted multivariable analysis did not show any association between working underground and psychological distress, however, perceived IEQ parameters and longer working hours were significantly associated with psychological distress. Regardless of working in under or aboveground workplaces, perceived IEQ was associated with psychological distress. Future studies are needed in order to examine the relationship between objective measures of IEQ and psychological distress and the impact of healthy building policies and improved IEQ on psychological distress.

Association of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness With Psychological Distress in Medical Students.

To determine the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness among medical students and establish a relationship between self-perceived sleepiness and psychological distress. In a cross-sectional study, 441 medical students from a public-sector university in Pakistan completed a questionnaire from August to December 2018. The questionnaire included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which measured daytime sleepiness, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), which measured mental health. Pearson correlations and student t tests were used for comparisons with a significance level of P < .05. Many of the students (44.9%) obtained a high score (≥ 10) on the ESS (ie, experience excessive daytime sleepiness). On average, higher scores on the ESS correlated with higher scores on the GHQ-12. A statistically significant correlation (P < .05) between ESS scores and GHQ-12 scores was obtained when the students with higher (≥ 10) ESS scores were compared with students with lower (< 10) ESS scores. Excessive daytime sleepiness is frequent among medical students and significantly associated with psychological distress. Thus, careful investment in planning appropriate university policies and class schedules is required to encourage healthy and adequate sleep among students, which could have a significant impact on learning, academic performance, and health of medical students.

Feasibility and acceptability of a novel community-based mental health intervention delivered by community volunteers in Maharashtra, India: the Atmiyata programme

BackgroundMany community-based intervention models for mental health and wellbeing have undergone robust experimental evaluation; however, there are limited accounts of the implementation of these evidence-based interventions in practice. Atmiyata piloted the implementation of a community-led intervention to identify and understand the challenges of delivering such an intervention. The goal of the pilot evaluation is to identify factors important for larger-scale implementation across an entire district in India. This paper presents the results of a feasibility and acceptability study of the Atmiyata intervention piloted in Nashik district, Maharashtra, India between 2013 and 2015.MethodsA mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the Atmiyata intervention. First, a pre-post survey conducted with 215 cases identified with a GHQ cut-off 6 using a 3-month interval. Cases enrolled into the study in one randomly selected month (May–June 2015). Secondly, a quasi-experimental, pre-post design was used to conduct a population-based survey in the intervention and control areas. A randomly selected sample (panel) of 827 women and 843 men age between 18 to 65 years were interviewed to assess the impact of the Atmiyata intervention on common mental disorders. Finally, using qualitative methods, 16 Champions interviewed to understand an implementation processes, barriers and facilitators.ResultsOf the 215 participants identified by the Champions as being distressed or having a common mental disorder (CMD), n = 202 (94.4%) had a GHQ score at either sub-threshold level for CMD or above at baseline. Champions accurately identified people with emotional distress and in need of psychological support. After a 6-session counselling provided by the Champions, the percentage of participants with a case-level GHQ score dropped from 63.8 to 36.8%. The second sub-intervention consisted of showing films on Champions’ mobile phones to raise community awareness regarding mental health. Films consisted of short scenario-based depictions of problems commonly experienced in villages (alcohol use and domestic violence). Champions facilitated access to social benefits for people with disability. Retention of Atmiyata Champions was high; 90.7% of the initial selected champions continued to work till the end of the project. Champions stated that they enjoyed their work and found it fulfilling to help others. This made them willing to work voluntarily, without pay. The semi-structured interviews with champions indicated that persons in the community experienced reduced symptoms and improved social, occupational and family functioning for problems such as depression, domestic violence, alcohol use, and severe mental illness.ConclusionsThis study shows that community-led interventions using volunteers from rural neighbourhoods can serve as a locally feasible and acceptable approach to facilitating access social welfare benefits, as well as reducing distress and symptoms of depression and anxiety in a low and middle-income country context. The intervention draws upon social capital in a community to engage and empower community members to address mental health problems. A robust evaluation methodology is needed to test the efficacy of such a model when it is implemented at scale.

Psychiatric patients at general hospital emergency departments

A cross-sectional descriptive type of study on 357 patients was carried out in the emergency departments of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Shahid Sohrawardy Medical College (SSMCH), Dhaka in 2011 to find out the incidence and socio-demographic characteristics of psychiatric morbidities among the patients attended there. The patients were interviewed using GHQ-28 and SCID-I, All GHQ-28 screen positive and 25% of screen negative respondents (total 158) were assessed by SCID-I. Among them 42 (11.76% of all 357 cases) respondents were found with some form of psychiatric illness. Diagnosis of psychiatric illness was significantly higher in those scored 4 or more in GHQ-28. More psychiatric cases were found among 18-25 years age group (50%), male gender (54.76%), urban population (69.05%), Muslims (85.71%), being single (54.76%), patients with secondary level of education (45.24%), housewives (26.19%), members of nuclear families (78.57%), and members of lower-income group. Among these 42 psychiatric cases, 22 were assessed by a psychiatrist who was blind about GHQ-28 score and SCID-I diagnosis. Out of these psychiatrically ill 42 cases, Major Depressive Disorder was in 9 (2.52% of the total study population of 357), Conversion Disorder was in 8 (2.24%) and Anxiety Disorder was in 7 (1.96%) respondents. There were two cases of Bipolar I Disorder and a single case of extrapyramidal side effects (EPSEs) with schizophrenia. Psychiatric illnesses are important issues at the emergency departments which require special attention.&#x0D; Bang J Psychiatry June 2017; 31(1): 7-14

Significant Burden and Psychological Distress Among Caregivers of Children With Nephrotic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background:Childhood nephrotic syndrome (NS) follows a chronic course in most children. However, little is known about the psychosocial burden of NS on the caregivers despite evidence that caregiver burden or impairment in their well-being may alter the outcome of chronic childhood illnesses.Objectives:To determine the frequency and predictors of significant caregiver burden and psychological distress among caregivers of children with NS.Design:A cross-sectional study.Setting:Two pediatric nephrology clinics in Lagos, Nigeria.Patients:We included primary caregivers of children with idiopathic NS for at least 6 months.Measurements:The primary outcomes were psychological distress and significant caregiver burden among caregivers.Methods:We interviewed caregivers using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the 6-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-6). The GHQ-12 scores ≥ 3 and ZBI-6 scores ≥ 6 indicated psychological distress and significant caregiver burden, respectively.Results:The caregivers were mostly mothers (77.9%) and married (92.4%), whereas the children (n = 172) were mainly male (65.1%). Most of the children (n = 152; 88.4%) had steroid-sensitive NS including 24 (14%) children with frequent relapses or steroid dependence and 20 (11.6%) with steroid-resistant NS. Of the 172 caregivers, 53 (30.8%) and 30 (17.4%) reported psychological distress and significant burden, respectively. Caregivers of children in relapse had adjusted an odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 2.45 (1.05-5.67) and 3.30 (1.22-8.92) of psychological distress and significant caregiver burden, respectively. Furthermore, caregivers of male children and those who needed help paying for health care had an aOR of 4.61 (1.34-15.68) and 3.06 (1.06-8.87) of significant caregiver burden, respectively.Limitations:The study was limited by its cross-sectional design and the use of generic rather than disease-specific instruments.Conclusion:One in every 6 caregivers of children with idiopathic NS reported significant caregiver burden, and it was associated with psychological distress. Our findings underscore the need for psychosocial support for caregivers of children with NS, especially those with identifiable vulnerability.

Factor Structure of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) Among Korean University Students

Background: The prevalence of mental health issues among university student populations is a growing concern. Therefore, a reliable standardized instrument is important for identifying students’ symptoms. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), a 12-item self-report measure, designed to screen for mental disorders in general practice and community settings, is a promising instrument. Although the GHQ-12’s underlying factor structure has been investigated internationally in a variety of settings, the best factor structure is still unclear in South Korea, particularly in university settings. Therefore, this study investigated the GHQ-12’s factor structure for a sample of South Korean university students. Methods: In this research, 504 undergraduate students participated; they were aged 18–28 years and attended a four-year university course in South Korea. The collected data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which tested previously proposed factor structures for the GHQ-12, including single-factor, correlated two-factor, and three-factor models. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that Graetz’s three-factor model, representing anxiety and depression, social dysfunction, and loss of confidence, fitted the data better than a unidimensional model or correlated two-factor models. Reliability analysis showed that the total GHQ-12 had adequate internal consistency. . Conclusions: The current study suggests that Graetz’s three-factor solution provided the best fit to our data and that the Korean version of the GHQ-12 is a robust measure of general psychological distress symptoms. Moreover, our results further indicate the potential utility of also using the overall GHQ-12 score as a measure of general psychological distress, thus yielding significant advantages in both research and university settings.

Effect of lockdown on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals attending services at a tertiary care center.

Background:Lockdown is an emergency measure or condition in which people are temporarily prevented from entering or leaving a restricted area or building during a threat or danger. Since the start of COVID-19 till date, almost one-third of the world's population is under some degree of restriction and lockdown, and the mental health effect of which is something that is being discussed widely.Aim:The study aimed to assess the effect of lockdown on mental health among individuals (patients or accompanying person) seeking services at a tertiary care center.Materials and Methods:Kathmandu Medical College is a tertiary care center and a medical college in Kathmandu, Nepal. In this study, we enrolled every 4th individual coming to the hospital's outpatient department registration counter to seek service and giving consent, for the duration of 1 month during the ongoing lockdown period. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and approved by the department and was used to collect sociodemographic details and to rate the stress level. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) Nepali version was used to assess psychological well-being of the participants and a score of ≥3 by binary method was taken as positive case.Results:The total number of cases enrolled in the study was 204, out of them 62.2% were male and 32.8% were female and the mean age was 32.03 years. Twenty-three percent (23.5%) had preexisting health conditions. Out of the 204 participants, 67.6% said they were stressed following the lockdown and the mean rated stress was 2.90 in a scale ranging from 1 to 7. The frequently identified stressors were fear of contamination, restricted movement, and for inadequate supplies. Twenty-seven percent said they had some psychological symptoms and the most common symptoms were palpitation and sleep disturbance. Seventy-three individuals (36.5%) were found to have psychiatric problem according to their scores in GHQ-12. Rated stress and GHQ-12 scores were found to be strongly correlated (P = 0.000). Similarly, those who stated “Yes” in psychological symptoms significantly scored higher on GHQ-12 and stress (both P = 0.000).Conclusion:The lockdown has caused stress in majority of cases, and a significant number of individuals have diagnosable mental health conditions. Mental health impact of the lockdown is something that needs to be addressed seriously.

Development and validation of Vellore Assessment of Social Performance among clients with chronic mental illness.

Background:Social skills deficits are hallmark symptoms of chronic mental illness. The absence of a culturally sensitive instrument to measure social skills in the Indian population demands the need to develop and standardize such instruments.Aim:The aim of this study was to develop and validate a context-specific, culturally relevant, and performance-based assessment scale for social performance.Materials and Methods:An expert committee of mental health professionals reviewed existing literature, identified standardized scales, examined items for cultural relevance, and identified possible issues for measurement. The items were categorized into 5 domains with a 7-point scale. The instrument was initially piloted on 10 participants, then among 101 consecutive clients with chronic mental illness between 18 and 60 years of age who provided written informed consent. They were assessed by two therapists to evaluate inter-rater reliability and test–retest reliability. They were also assessed on the Social Interaction and Communication Skills Checklist (SICSC) to evaluate convergent validity and on the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to assess divergent validity. Standard statistical tests were used to study its characteristics.Results:The scale had good inter-rater reliability (0.941; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.914, 0.960) and test–retest reliability (0.928; 95% CI: 0.810, 0.965). The correlation between total score of Vellore Assessment of Social Performance (VASP) and SICSC (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.696; P = 0.001) suggested moderate convergent validity. The correlation between total score of VASP and GHQ-12 (Pearson's correlation coefficient = −0.046; P = 0.648) implied good divergent validity.Conclusion:VASP seems to be a promising scale to assess social performance in people with mental illness.

Correlates of psychiatric morbidity among Pakistani medical students: A cross-sectional survey

Background and Aim: Cultural variations among medical students is one of the factors causing stress and psychological morbidity. This study was carried out to determine presence of psychological morbidity and its association with different sociodemographic characteristics among medical students at a public sector college. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala. Eighty-six students out of one hundred selected students by simple random sampling completed the self-administered proforma. It contained socio demographic profile, 12- item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and standardized sources of academic stress. Psychological morbidity or stress was labelled if student scored GHQ score ≥ 21. Results: Twenty-three students (26.7%) were GHQ-12 cases (i.e., scored ≥21) i.e. suffering from severe stress. Among these students, majority were female (73.91%), in their clinical years (73.91%) and living in hostel (56.52%). Academic concerns and psychosocial factors like feeling of being lonely, mood swings and being worried about expectations of parents were major stressors among all the students. Hostelers were worried about the quality of food in mess and feeling of homesickness. Conclusions: It is noteworthy, that in our study population, academic demands were additional sources of psychological morbidity besides other personal and psychosocial issues. It is the need of the hour to intervene at the psychological, social and academic level to improve the quality of life for medical students. This will help in avoiding many psychological problems in the future.

Mental Health Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Probability Sample Survey of the UK Population

Background: There is growing global concern about the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on population mental health. We examine changes in adult mental health in the UK population before and during the lockdown. Methods: Secondary analysis of the UK Household Longitudinal Study Waves 6 (2014/15) to 9 (2018/19), matched to the Covid-19 web-survey completed by 17,452 panel members 23-29 April 2020. Mental health was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Repeated cross-sectional analyses were conducted to examine annual temporal trends. Fixed effects regression models were fitted to identify within-person change compared to preceding trends. Findings: Mean population GHQ-12 score increased from 11·5 (95% confidence interval: 11·3–11·6) in 2018/19 to 12·6 (12·5–12·8) in April 2020, one month into lockdown. This was 0·48 (0·07-0·90) points higher than expected when accounting for prior upward trends between 2013 and 2019. Comparing scores within-individuals, adjusting for time-trends and predictors, increases were greatest in 18-24-year-olds (2·7, 1·89-3·48), 25-34-year-olds (1·6, 0·96-2·18), women (0·9, 0·50-1·35), and people living with young children (1·45, 0·79-2·12). People employed before the pandemic averaged a notable increase (0·6; 0·20-1·06). Interpretation: In late April 2020, mental health in the UK deteriorated compared to trends pre-Covid, particularly in young people, women and those living with young children. Those in employment before the pandemic also experienced greater deterioration one month into lockdown, perhaps due to actual or anticipated redundancy. While deterioration occurred across income groups, we anticipate inequalities may widen over time, as in other causes of recessions.Funding Statement: This study was unfunded.Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The data used are publicly available via UK Data Service repository (study numbers 6614 and 8644), and do not require ethical assessment for academic research purposes.

Mental Health Status and Its Influencing Factors in the Floating Population in Chengdu

Objective To investigate the mental health status of the floating population in Chengdu and explore its influencing factors.Methods A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on non-Chengdu household workers over 16 years old in four directions(east,south,west,and north)of Chengdu from June 2017 to June 2018 to collect their social demographic characteristics and mental health status information through respondent driven sampling method.The 12-item general health questionnaire(GHQ-12) was used to assess the mental health status of the respondents,and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of mental health.Results The average score of GHQ-12 was(1.09±1.61)and the detection rate of mental problems was 7.11%.The main mental problems were anxiety and nervousness.Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that over 55 years old(OR=0.425,95%CI=0.213-0.847),junior middle school education(OR=0.541,95%CI=0.356-0.824),length of residence ≥5 years(5-9 years:OR=0.603,95%CI=0.394-0.923;≥10 years:OR=0.534,95%CI=0.346-0.823),annual income ≥18 000 yuan(18 000-35 999 yuan:OR=0.524,95%CI=0.328-0.836;36 000-59 999 yuan:OR=0.327,95%CI=0.190-0.565;≥60 000 yuan: OR=0.356,95%CI=0.192-0.662),and a good relationship with employers(OR=0.519,95%CI=0.363-0.742)were the protective factors for the mental health.Divorce/widowhood(OR=2.351,95%CI=1.341-4.124),plan to return hometown after 5 years(OR=1.805,95%CI=1.084-3.006)and not yet consideration of leaving Chengdu(OR=1.844,95%CI=1.269-2.681)were the risk factors.Conclusions The mental health of the floating population in Chengdu is generally good.However,floating individuals with poor marital status and/or poor sense of belonging to Chengdu are at higher risk of mental problems.The local government should formulate and improve the policies and measures related to social welfare and public services for the floating population and try to enhance their urban integration and sense of belonging,thus improving their mental health.

Association of socioeconomic and lifestyle-related risk factors with mental health conditions: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is rising public concern over the widening health inequalities in many countries. The aim of this study was to clarify the associations of socioeconomic status (SES)-related variables, such as levels of household disposable income and employment status, and lifestyle factors with mental health conditions among Japanese adults aged 40 to 69.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 3085 participants (1527 males and 1558 females) was undertaken by using a self-administered questionnaire that included the Japanese version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and questions related to socioeconomic and lifestyle factors.ResultsThe prevalence of poor mental health conditions, represented by a GHQ-12 score of 4 or more, was 33.4% among males and 40.4% among females. Males whose annual household disposable income was less than 2 million yen had significantly higher GHQ-12 scores than those with an annual household disposable income above 2 million yen. As per binary logistic regression analyses, short sleep duration and the absence of physical exercise were significantly related to poor mental health conditions among both males and females. Among females, a household disposable income of less than 2 million yen could be a risk factor for poor mental health conditions. Age and habitual drinking were inversely associated with poor mental health conditions.ConclusionsLow levels of household disposable income and unhealthy lifestyle factors were significantly associated with mental health conditions. These results suggest the importance of improving unhealthy lifestyle behaviours and developing effective health promotion programmes. In addition, there is a need for social security systems for people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

General Mental Health Is Associated with Gait Asymmetry.

Wearable sensors are being applied to real-world motion monitoring and the focus of this work is assessing health status and wellbeing. An extensive literature has documented the effects on gait control of impaired physical health, but in this project, the aim was to determine whether emotional states associated with older people’s mental health are also associated with walking mechanics. If confirmed, wearable sensors could be used to monitor affective responses. Lower limb gait mechanics of 126 healthy individuals (mean age 66.2 ± 8.38 years) were recorded using a high-speed 3D motion sensing system and they also completed a 12-item mental health status questionnaire (GHQ-12). Mean step width and minimum foot-ground clearance (MFC), indicative of tripping risk, were moderately correlated with GHQ-12. Ageing and variability (SD) of gait parameters were not significantly correlated with GHQ-12. GHQ-12 scores were, however, highly correlated with left-right gait control, indicating that greater gait symmetry was associated with better mental health. Maintaining good mental health with ageing may promote safer gait and wearable sensor technologies could be applied to gait asymmetry monitoring, possibly using a single inertial measurement unit attached to each shoe.

Residential green space and seasonal distress in a cohort of tree pollen allergy patients.

Residential green space may improve human health, for example by promoting physical activity and by reducing stress. Conversely, residential green space may increase stress by emitting aeroallergens and exacerbating allergic disease. Here we examine impacts of exposure to residential green space on distress in the susceptible subpopulation of adults sensitized to tree pollen allergens. In a panel study of 88 tree pollen allergy patients we analyzed self-reported mental health (GHQ-12), perceived presence of allergenic trees (hazel, alder, birch) near the residence and residential green space area within 1 km distance [high (≥3 m) and low (<3 m) green]. Results were adjusted for patients' background data (gender, age, BMI, smoking status, physical activity, commuting distance, education level, allergy medication use and chronic respiratory problems) and compared with distress in the general population (N = 2467). Short-term distress [mean GHQ-12 score 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.5-2.7)] was higher in the study population than in the general population [1.5 (1.4-1.7)]. Residential green space had protective effects against short-term distress [high green, per combined surface area of 10 ha: adjusted odds ratio OR = 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.90-0.99); low green, per 10 ha: OR = 0.85 (0.78-0.93)]. However, distress was higher in patients who reported perceived presence of allergenic trees near their residence [present vs. absent: OR = 2.04 (1.36-3.07)]. Perceived presence of allergenic tree species in the neighbourhood of the residence of tree pollen allergy patients modulates the protective effect of residential green space against distress during the airborne tree pollen season.

Use of the SF-12 questionnaire to assess physical and mental health status in patients with psoriasis.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in psoriasis patients is generally measured using disease- or dermatology-specific questionnaires. Our objective was to use the generic 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) instrument to measure the physical and mental impact of psoriasis and to compare scores with those already published for different diseases. An observational study was conducted among mild-to-severe psoriasis outpatients. Health status was assessed by the SF-12, which includes a physical (PCS) and a mental (MCS) scale. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to assess the possible presence of depression or anxiety, and the Skindex-17 to measure dermatology-specific HRQoL. Statistical analyses were performed to estimate the association between physical and mental health status and demographic and clinical characteristics. The study population included 1592 patients. Psoriasis PCS scores were similar to the general population and to non-severe diseases such as allergies, dermatitis, or back pain, while MCS mean scores were very similar to that of depression, and lower than those of all the other chronic conditions. Poor physical health was associated with female sex, older age, lower educational level, joint involvement, ≥2 comorbidities, moderate to very severe clinical status, GHQ-12 score ≥4, and moderate to severe Skindex-17 psychosocial scores. Poor mental health was associated with younger age (<30years), GHQ≥4, and severe Skindex-17 psychosocial scores. In conclusion, a general health measure, such as the SF-12, appears to be able to capture, in psoriasis patients, the burden of the disease both from a physical and a mental point of view.

Residential green space and mental health in a prospective cohort of tree pollen allergy patients

GREEN, AIR, LMIC: PECHAKUCHA COMES TO ISEE! Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 27, 2019, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM BACKGROUND: Green space may improve human health, for example by promoting physical activity and by reducing stress. Conversely, green space may exacerbate the burden of allergic disease by emitting aeroallergens. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether residential exposure to green space had impacts on mental health in adults sensitized to tree pollen allergens during two airborne tree pollen seasons (2017, 2018). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data from a prospective Belgian cohort of tree pollen allergy patients (N = 88) were analyzed using Poisson regression. The primary outcome was self-reported mental health, assessed with the standardized 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Predictors of distress included perceived presence of allergenic trees near the residence (hazel, alder, birch) and cumulative green space area within 1 km distance. Results were compared to distress in a representative sample of the general population (N = 2,467). RESULTS: Short-term distress [mean GHQ-12 score 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.5–2.7)] was higher in the study population than in the general population [1.5 (1.4–1.7)]. Distress increased with BMI {adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.06 (1.02–1.10)}, smoking [2.10 (1.02–4.38)] and perceived presence of allergenic trees [2.04 (1.36–3.07)]. Physical activity [>1×/week 20 minutes of activity vs. less: 0.59 (0.42–0.85)], age [0.97 (0.96–0.99)] and green space [≥ 3m tall, per combined surface area of 10 ha: 0.94 (0.90–0.99); < 3m tall, per 10 ha: 0.85 (0.78–0.93)] had protective effects against short-term distress. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived proximity to allergenic tree species modulates the protective effect of residential green space against short-term emotional distress during the airborne pollen season. Negative expectations of adults sensitized to tree pollen allergens regarding exposure to allergenic tree species may affect short-term mental health outcomes during the pollen season.

Efficacy of a psychoeducational intervention in caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities: A randomized controlled trial (EDUCA-IV trial)

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities (ID) are usually cared for by their own parents, families or informal caregivers. Caring for a person with ID can have a negative impact on caregivers' mental health (burden, depression, anxiety). The main aim of the EDUCA-IV trial was testing the efficacy of a psychoeducational intervention program (PIP) versus standard practice and to see whether the PIP intervention would reduce the caregiver's burden at post-intervention (4 months) and at follow-up (8 months). MethodThis was a multi-centre randomised controlled trial including 194 caregivers (96 randomised to PIP, 98 to control condition). PIP intervention consists of 12 weekly group sessions. The control group received treatment as usual. Primary outcomes measured included the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Secondary outcomes were caregivers' mental health (GHQ-28), anxiety (STAI) and depression (CES-D). ResultsThe decrease of ZBI scores was not significant at 4 months. There was significant decrease in the GHQ scores at 4 and 8 months. CES-D showed relevant results at follow-up. Intention to treat analyses showed similar results. ConclusionsThe PIP intervention seems not to be effective reducing burden, but appears to have a positive result on general mental health. The program was well received and valued by caregivers.

Coexistence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with depressive symptoms in patients suffering from depressive disorders.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and severity of depressive symptoms in patients treated for depression. 102 patients (43 males, 59 females) aged 20-67 (M = 46.1) treated for depression were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self Report (QIDS-SR). LUTS were examined with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). In order to analyze the impact of presented symptoms, both urological and psychiatric, on quality of life of analyzed individuals the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) was used. The average IPSS score in women was significantly higher than in men (9.59 vs. 6; p = 0.04). Patients suffering from at least moderate depression assessed with QIDS-SR had significantly higher scores in IPSS (9.76 vs. 4.1; p = 0.002). Severity of all LUTS assessed with IPSS correlated with QIDS-SR score in examined men (p < 0.05). In women, the total IPSS score correlated with the QIDS-SR score (p < 0.05) and with the total GHQ-30 score (p < 0.05). Anumber of other significant (p < 0.05) correlations were observed between the total IPSS score and certain items' scores in the GHQ-30 both in men and women. LUTS are common among patients with depression. There is a correlation between severity of depressive symptoms and LUTS. LUTS affect quality of life and well-being as well as cause marked distress in depressed patients. Comorbidity of LUTS and depression should draw attention of both psychiatrists and urologists and enhance interdisciplinary treatment approach. Further prospective and cohort studies are essential to reveal more details of the correlation between LUTS and depression.

The effects of progesterone therapy in pregnancy: vaginal and intramuscular administration

Aim This study was performed to evaluate the effects of vaginal versus intramuscular progesterone supplementations on the mood, quality of life, and metabolic changes in pregnant women with the history of previous preterm birth. Methods This study was conducted as a prospective, randomized, open label, clinical trial evaluated 100 pregnant women who referred for prenatal visit, with 16–17 weeks of gestation from September 2014 through October 2015. The mothers were then randomly allocated into two groups: the vaginal progesterone group to receive 400 mg cyclogest vaginal suppositories (Actavis, UK limited, England) once daily, and the intramuscular progesterone group to receive weekly intramuscular injections of 250 mg of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-HPC) (Bayer Schering Pharma, Germany), starting from the 16th to the 35th weeks of pregnancy. Demographics, medical and obstetrical history, sleeping disturbances, alteration in sexual desire, nausea/vomiting, serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were evaluated, first and 8 weeks later. Results About 11 (11.2%) screened positive for psychosocial disorders; 25 (25.5%) had sleep disturbance, 11 (11.2%) had alteration in sexual desire, and 29 (29.6%) had nausea/vomiting upon enrollment. After 2 months of receiving daily vaginal progesterone, there was a significant increase in the GHQ-28 score (p < .001), and rates of positive screening for psychosocial disorders (p = .001) in this group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the HDL levels (p = .06), LDL levels (p = .15), rates of impaired FBS (p = .08), nausea/vomiting (p = .2), sexual desire alteration (p = .56), and sleep disturbance (p = 1) in the participants who were randomized to this group. Conclusion Our results indicated that psychosocial disorders increased significantly at 24th week gestational age after 2 months of progesterone consumption in both groups which could show psychological impact of progesterone regardless of the route of consumption. This calls for higher psychological attention in these women.