Goldberg Anxiety And Depression Scale Research Articles

Increased Salivary IL-1 Beta Level Is Associated with Poor Sleep Quality in University Students.

Poor sleep quality is a major public health concern for all ages. In particular, university students often face stress levels and changes in social life habits that negatively influence their quality of sleep. This could be associated with psychological well-being in terms of anxiety and depressive symptoms, stress levels, and a poor self-perceived health status. The increases in the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), in blood have been linked to poor sleep quality in many diseases, but data on salivary cytokine levels in students are missing or are seldom analyzed. In this study we determined the quality of sleep in a sample of university students and the role of psychological assessment and factors affecting sleep (alcohol intake, tobacco, consumption of stimulant drinks, exercise, and body mass index). We also aimed to shed new light on the associations between sleep quality and salivary inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα). Sleep quality was measured with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Perceived stress was assessed using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) was used to assess the level of anxiety or depression. Perceived health status was measured with a visual analogue. Saliva samples was taken in the morning and the inflammatory cytokines was measured via enzyme-linked immunoassay. There was a direct and significant association between the salivary IL-1β concentration and AIS score (r = 0.248; p = 0.038, Pearson correlation) and Pittsburgh scale score (r = 0.274; p = 0.022, Pearson correlation). The relationship between IL-1β and AIS controlling for sex, age, and chronic disease, is still significant (r = 0.260; p = 0.033). The relationship between IL-1β and PSQI controlling for the influence of these variables is also significant (r = 0.279; p = 0.022). Salivary IL-1β concentrations were not significantly associated with any of the scores of the other psychological assessments (PSS, anxiety, depression symptoms, or self-perceived health). Salivary TNFα was significantly and inversely associated with self-perceived health (r = -0.259; p = 0.033, Pearson correlation), but the salivary IL-6 concentration was not associated with any of the sleep quality scale or psychological assessment scores. Our results provide a novel relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in saliva and poor sleep quality. However, the role of inflammation in poor sleep quality requires further study to identify strategies that could lower inflammation and thus, likely improve sleep quality.

Association between Depressive Symptoms and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Nursing Students.

With university admission, there are major changes in students' daily habits that can lead to mental health problems. In this respect, adherence to a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD), can be very beneficial. The present study examines the associations between adherence to the MD and mental health among Spanish nursing students (n = 289). Sociodemographic data and life habits were collected electronically using a self-administered questionnaire. The participants also completed the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS-14) and the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS). The percentage of anxiety and depression symptoms was high: 45.3% (n = 131) and 46.4% (n = 134), respectively. Only 35.6% reported good adherence to the MD (score ≥ 9). The statistical analysis showed poor adherence to the MD to be significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (p = 0.013) and the total score on the GADS (p = 0.039). A multivariable regression model analysis identified the depression subscale score as a predictor variable, with a mean risk of low adherence to the MD being 0.803 times (95%CI: 0.666-0.968, p = 0.021) among participants with greater depressive symptoms. These results support the implementation of prevention programs in universities focused on health and mental health issues.

The association between social support and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Australian women

IntroductionAntenatal depression and antenatal anxiety adversely affect several obstetric and foetal outcomes, and increase the rate of postnatal mental illness. Thus, to tackle these challenges the need for social support during pregnancy is vital.ObjectivesThis study examined the association between domains of social support and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Australian women.MethodsOur study used data obtained from the 1973–78 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), focusing upon women who reported being pregnant (n=493). Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D-10) scale, and the 9-item Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scale (GADS) respectively. The 19 item-Medical Outcomes Study Social Support index (MOSS) was used to assess social support. A binary logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between domains of social support and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, our study found that the odds of antenatal depressive symptoms was about four and threefold higher among pregnant women who reported low emotional/informational support (AOR=4.75; 95% CI: 1.45, 15.66; p=0.010) and low social support (overall support) (AOR: 3.26, 95%CI: 1.05, 10.10, p=0.040) respectively compared with their counterpart. In addition, the odds of antenatal anxiety symptoms was seven times higher among pregnant women who reported low affectionate support/positive social interaction (AOR=7.43; 95%CI: 1.75, 31.55; p=0.006).ConclusionsLow emotional support and low affectionate support have a significant association with antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. As such, targeted screening of expectant women for social support is essential.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Validity and Reliability of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6) Scale to Measure Viral Anxiety of Healthcare Workers in Spain During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study examined the validity and applicability of the Spanish version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6) scale, which can be usually applied to the general population, to healthcare workers to briefly measure their anxiety responses to the viral epidemic. A total of 135 healthcare workers participated in this online survey from January to July 2021. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics were gathered, and their psychiatric symptoms were rated using SAVE-6, Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GDAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the validity of the scales. The single-structure model of the SAVE-6 scale was adopted based on the results of the parallel analysis. We decided on the SAVE-6 scale, as it proved to be a good fit to measure healthcare workers' anxiety response to the viral epidemic. SAVE-6 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.827 and McDonald's omega = 0.834) and good convergent validity with Goldberg anxiety (r = 0.434, p < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.193, p = 0.043) scores, and PSQI score (r = 0.262, p = 0.002). The Spanish version of SAVE-6 is a reliable and valid rating scale to assess the anxiety response of healthcare workers specifically to the viral epidemic as a brief measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mindfulness-Based Program for Anxiety and Depression Treatment in Healthcare Professionals: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

In primary health care, the work environment can cause high levels of anxiety and depression, triggering relevant expert and individual change. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs reduce signs of anxiety and depression. The purpose of this sub-analysis of the total project, was to equate the effectiveness of the standard MBSR curriculum with the abbreviated version in minimizing anxiety and depression. This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 112 mentors and resident specialists from Family and Community Medicine and Nurses (FCMN), distributed across six teaching units (TU) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS). Experimental group participants received a MBRS training (abbreviated/standard). Depression and anxiety levels were measured with the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) at three different time periods during the analysis: before (pre-test) and after (post-test) participation, as well as 3 months after the completion of intervention. Taking into account the pre-test scores as the covariate, an adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed significant depletion in anxiety and depression in general (F (2.91) = 4.488; p = 0.014; η2 = 0.090) and depression in particular (F (2, 91) = 6.653; p = 0.002; η2 = 0.128 at the post-test visit, maintaining their effects for 3 months (F (2.79) = 3.031; p = 0.050; η2 = 0.071—F (2.79) = 2.874; p = 0.049; η2 = 0.068, respectively), which is associated with the use of a standard training program. The abbreviated training program did not have a significant effect on the level of anxiety and depression. The standard MBSR training program had a positive effect on anxiety and depression and promotes long-lasting effects in tutors and resident practitioners. New research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of abbreviated versions of training programs.

The mediational role of social support in the relationship between stress and antenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms among Australian women: a mediational analysis

BackgroundPregnancy can be a stressful period for most women and their family members, and the mental wellbeing of pregnant women can face serious challenges. Social support can play a role in improving the psychological well-being of pregnant women by enhancing the stress coping ability and alleviating stressful conditions. The current study aimed to assess the mediating effects of social support in the relationship between perceived stress and depressive symptoms as well as anxiety symptoms during pregnancy among Australian women.MethodsOf the 8,010 women who completed Survey 6 of the 1973–78 Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) cohort in 2012, those who reported being pregnant (n = 493) were included in the current analyses. Antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the 10 item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D-10) scale, and the 9-item Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scale (GADS) respectively. The 19 item-Medical Outcomes Study Social Support index (MOSS) was used to examine social support. A parallel mediation model was used to explore the mediational role of each domain of social support between perceived stress and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms.ResultThe study found that emotional/informational support has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between perceived stress and antenatal depressive symptoms (β = 0.371, 95% CI: 0.067, 0.799) and on the relationship between perceived stress and antenatal anxiety symptoms (β = 0.217, 95% CI: 0.029, 0.462). Affectionate support/positive social interaction and tangible support was found to play no significant mediation role between stress and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsEmotional/informational support appears to play a mediating role in the relationship between stress and antenatal depressive as well as between stress and antenatal anxiety symptoms. In order to further protect pregnant women from the effects of stress, policy makers and maternal health professionals are advised to develop community-based social support programs to enhance prenatal psychosocial support and ensure pregnant women have adequate emotional/information support.

The association between social support and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Australian women

BackgroundAntenatal depression and antenatal anxiety adversely affect several obstetric and foetal outcomes, and increase the rate of postnatal mental illness. Thus, to tackle these challenges the need for social support during pregnancy is vital. However, an extensive literature search failed to show a published study on the relationship between domains of social support and antenatal depressive, as well as antenatal anxiety symptoms in Australia. This study examined the association between domains of social support and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Australian women.MethodsThe current study used data obtained from the 1973–78 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), focusing upon women who reported being pregnant (n = 493). Depression and anxiety were assessed using the 10 item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D-10) scale, and the 9-item Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scale (GADS) respectively. The 19 item-Medical Outcomes Study Social Support index (MOSS) was used to assess social support. A logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between domains of social support and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms after adjusting for potential confounders.ResultThe current study found 24.7 and 20.9% of pregnant women screened positive for depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, our study found that the odds of antenatal depressive symptoms was about four and threefold higher among pregnant women who reported low emotional/informational support (AOR = 4.75; 95% CI: 1.45, 15.66; p = 0.010) and low social support (overall support) (AOR = 3.26; 95%CI: 1.05, 10.10, p = 0.040) respectively compared with their counterpart. In addition, the odds of antenatal anxiety symptoms was seven times higher among pregnant women who reported low affectionate support/positive social interaction (AOR = 7.43; 95%CI: 1.75, 31.55; p = 0.006).ConclusionA considerable proportion of pregnant Australian women had depressive symptoms and/or anxiety symptoms, which poses serious health concerns. Low emotional/informational support and low affectionate support/positive social interaction have a significant association with antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. As such, targeted screening of expectant women for social support is essential.

The Evolution of Life Satisfaction Throughout Childhood and Adolescence: Differences in Young People\u2019s Evaluations According to Age and Gender

The level of life satisfaction perceived during childhood and adolescence is an excellent indicator of healthy psychological emotional development. The main aim of this work is to study the levels of life satisfaction perceived by young people throughout their childhood and adolescence. To this end, an innovative retrospective approach is adopted that shows how the evolution of life satisfaction is perceived at different ages according to gender. The present study is based on a sample of 600 Spanish adolescents (58.1% girls; mean age = 16.64) who report the evolution of their life satisfaction from 6 years to 18, through the Life Satisfaction Chart (LSCh). The Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) is also administered to record levels of anxiety and depression. The results indicate no gender differences in terms of life satisfaction during childhood. Levels of life satisfaction are significantly higher in childhood than in pre-adolescence and adolescence and a significant decrease in levels appearing towards the age of 11. As for gender, significant differences in life satisfaction appear from the age of 12, with girls being significantly more dissatisfied, more depressed and more anxious than boys. Current levels of anxiety and depression do not appear to interfere with retrospectively reported levels of life satisfaction throughout the developmental years studied, except among the female population, where minimal interference is detected. Life satisfaction retrospectively reported by young people shows a significant decrease after the age of 11 years, with greater emotional and psychological vulnerability after this age, mainly and notably among girls. The present results highlight the importance of psychological/affective care in the pre-adolescent and adolescent stages, especially among the female population.

Common Occupational Trauma: Is There a Relationship with Workers’ Mental Health?

Exposure to major trauma can have significant consequences for workers’ mental health, but common trauma may also result in poor mental health outcomes. This cross-sectional study retrospectively investigated the occurrence of common physical or psychological workplace trauma in 901 health, social service, and trading company workers and studied these experiences in relation to occupational stress, anxiety, and depression. Stress was measured with the effort/reward imbalance (ERI) model while anxiety and depression were evaluated with the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS). Healthcare workers reported a high frequency of trauma and significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than other workers. Even in the entire population of workers of the various professional categories, verbal violence (harassment and threats), traffic accidents, home injuries, and family bereavement were significantly associated with high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Major trauma survivors are known to be at increased risk of mental disorders and require support in the workplace, however, even minor repeated emotional trauma and injuries can affect mental health. During mandatory health surveillance, the occupational physician should systematically collect information on minor trauma and mental health outcomes when assessing the occupational fitness of the workers assigned to him.

Impact of mindfulness and self-compassion on anxiety and depression: The mediating role of resilience

Background/Objective ‘Third-wave’ psychotherapies have shown effectiveness for treating psychopathological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. There is burgeoning interest in examining how these therapies’ core constructs produce their therapeutic benefits. This study explores the hypothetical mediating effect of resilience in the impact of mindfulness and self-compassion on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Method: Cross-sectional study design. The sample consisted of 860 Spanish general population participants. The measures included the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-12), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS). Bivariate correlations were calculated, and path analysis models were performed. Results: Significant correlations were found between the study variables, always in the expected direction (all p values <.001). The path analysis models showed significant direct effects of mindfulness and self-compassion on anxiety and depression symptoms, but the only significant indirect effects through resilience were found on depression (MAAS: β = -.05, 95% CI = -.11 to -.02; SCS-12: β = -.06, 95% CI = -.33 to -.07). Conclusions: Resilience might partially mediate the effect of mindfulness and self-compassion on depression, but not on anxiety.

Anxiety and Depression among Exact and Natural Science College Students of BUAP-M&amp;#233;xico under COVID-19 Lockdown

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among a population of exact and natural science university students from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP)-México under COVID-19 lockdown. Furthermore, we explored influencing factors pertaining to the online learning environment at home. A total of 502 college students; 192 men (38.2%) and 310 women (61.8%) participated in this cross-sectional web-based survey. A Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) standardized e-questionnaire was generated using Google Forms, and the link was shared through email. The data collection process was conducted during voluntary COVID-19 lockdown during the second university semester (October-November, 2020) and before the final exams period. The data recovered was analyzed in three consecutive levels, including univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. The college students experienced high levels of anxiety and depression. The sampled population of men and women was 75.5% and 92.3% respectively measured positive for anxiety, whereas depression was measured at 63.5% and 78.4% respectively. Factors influencing at-home e-learning such as internet connection quality, internet cost, status of owning or sharing a PC, inhabitants per household and length of academic program completed were correlated positively with high prevalence (>60%) of anxiety and depression among students. Based on the reported results, we suggest that both the university authorities and government could work together to address these high levels of anxiety and depression to reduce their impact among university students with the ultimate goal of achieving optimal learning during lockdown conditions.

The Mediating Role of Perceived Stress in Associations Between Self-Compassion and Anxiety and Depression: Further Evidence from Chinese Medical Workers.

ObjectiveMedical workers report high rates of stress, anxiety and depression, which need urgent attention. Providing evidence for intervention measures in the face of a mental health crisis, the present study validates the relation between self-compassion and anxiety and depression mediated by perceived stress amongst medical workers. The goal is also to replicate a similar mediation model though multigroup analysis.MethodsMedical workers were randomly selected to investigate by paper-and-pencil survey among 1,223 medical workers from three hospitals in Shiyan, China. The measures were comprised of four parts: the Chinese version of the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS), the Self‐Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS-SF), the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Applying structural equation modeling (SEM, single-group analysis), we estimated the effects of self-compassion on anxiety/depression through perceived stress. Furthermore, based on multigroup analysis, we used two sets of internal samples (gender groups, medical groups) and an external sample (nursing students) for testing multigroup invariance.ResultsThe average scores of anxiety, depression, self-compassion and perceived stress in medical workers were 5.93 ± 2.46, 4.91 ± 2.62, 38.87 ± 4.66 and 71.96 ± 15.14, respectively. In some departments engaged in the research, the medical workers showed higher levels of anxiety and depression. The SEM results indicated that the original relationship between self-compassion and anxiety and depression was beta = –0.42 (P < 0.001) and reduced to beta = –0.17 (P < 0.001) while introducing perceived stress as a mediating variable. Perceived stress was positively associated with anxiety and depression (beta = 0.60, P < 0.001), and self-compassion was negatively associated with perceived stress (beta = –0.56, P < 0.001). Multigroup analysis showed acceptable changes in fit indices across gender (male and female), medical (clinician and non-clinician), and population (medical workers and nursing students) groups.ConclusionMedical workers were experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression and perceived stress. Perceived stress might have a partial mediating effect on self-compassion and anxiety and depression amongst medical workers, which was similar to a previous study in nursing students. The findings supported multigroup invariance across gender, medical and population groups. The study concluded that the mediation model may be generalized across these multiple samples. Psychological intervention could be used to improve levels of self-compassion of medical workers.

Occupational Stress and Mental Health among Anesthetists during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Anesthetist-intensivists who treat patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) are exposed to significant biological and psychosocial risks. Our study investigated the occupational and health conditions of anesthesiologists in a COVID-19 hub hospital in Latium, Italy. Ninety out of a total of 155 eligible workers (59%; male 48%) participated in the cross-sectional survey. Occupational stress was assessed with the Effort Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire, organizational justice with the Colquitt Scale, insomnia with the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI), and mental health with the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS). A considerable percentage of workers (71.1%) reported high work-related stress, with an imbalance between high effort and low rewards. The level of perceived organizational justice was modest. Physical activity and meditation—the behaviors most commonly adopted to increase resilience—decreased. Workers also reported insomnia (36.7%), anxiety (27.8%), and depression (51.1%). The effort made for work was significantly correlated with the presence of depressive symptoms (r = 0.396). Anesthetists need to be in good health in order to ensure optimal care for COVID-19 patients. Their state of health can be improved by providing an increase in individual resources with interventions for better work organization.

A contextualized measure of Overall Life Satisfaction among adolescents: differences by gender

The main aim of the present study is to explore and test an indicator of subjective wellbeing for adolescents: the Present Overall Life Satisfaction (POLS), derived from subjects’ consciously contextualized reflections on their own life cycle. We believe this to be a novel and innovative approach compared to those instruments traditionally used to date, given that it relates SWB measurement to its time axis. The article also explores this indicator’s performance in relation to gender and levels of anxiety and depression. The sample comprised 614 adolescents with an average age of 16.6 years (Dt = 0.74; age range = 16–19), 58.1% of whom were girls and 41.9% boys. As well as the proposed indicator, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and Students’ Life Satisfaction Scales (SLSS) were used as indicators of subjective well-being, and the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) as indicators of unease. Life satisfaction scores were higher among boys than among girls. These significantly lower levels of satisfaction in adolescent girls are also associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression than among boys. The results confirm that the Present Overall Life Satisfaction (POLS) is a good indicator of subjective well-being, since it captures core aspects that are considered to form part of that construct. That said, it is also evident that it captures different aspects than those of traditional indicators based on context-free scales, thereby opening new avenues of research to better understanding how adolescents evaluate their overall satisfaction with life.

Healthy volunteer profile: Levels of anxiety, depression, socioeconomic aspects and candidates’ motivations of participation in phase I clinical trials

IntroductionHealthy volunteers participate in phase I clinical trials mainly in search of an economic compensation; their economic instability may constitute a vulnerability factor for anxiety/depression. ObjectivesTo select suitable and rapid screening tests for anxiety and depression in healthy volunteers, to know their socioeconomic situation and to identify the main reason for their participation. MethodsCross-sectional study, under a nonparametric statistical analysis and ROC curve analysis. Goldberg's Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) (fast test) and the Beck Depression (BDI-II) and Anxiety (BAI) Inventories (standard tests) were applied to all participants. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-nine potential candidates were recruited; the average age was 32 years (SD = 8.8); 53.9% were students, 43.9% employers and 2.2% were unemployed; 85.6% had university studies, 13.7% secondary education and .7% primary studies. GADS, BDI-II and BAI results were: 24.5% volunteered with anxiety and 15.8% with depression (GADS); anxiety levels (BAI): 60.4% had null, 25.9% mild, 11.5% moderate and 2.2% severe; depression (BDI-II): 87.8% had null, 5.8% mild, 5.8% moderate and .7% severe. Socioeconomic characteristics: 48.2% low stratum, 43.2% medium, 5.7% medium high and 2.8% high. Motivations: 46.1% for economic compensation, 35.9% contribution to science, 14.4% for curiosity and 3.6% access to health. ConclusionsGADS shows insufficient capacity to discriminate between anxiety/depression and the use of BAI and BDI-II is suggested; anxiety and depression levels were higher in healthy volunteers than the prevalence in the general population but lower when compared to university population; employment status was mostly composed of university students with low socioeconomic characteristics and a high economic motivation.

The Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire: development and validation amongst medical students and workers

BackgroundA valid and efficient stress measure is important for clinical and community settings. The objectives of this study were to translate the English version of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) into Chinese and to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the PSQ (C-PSQ). The C-PSQ evaluates subjective experiences of stress instead of a specific and objective status.MethodsForward translations and back translations were used to translate the PSQ into Chinese. We used the C-PSQ to survey 2798 medical students and workers at three study sites in China from 2015 to 2017. Applying Rasch analysis (RA) and factor analysis (FA), we examined the measurement properties of the C-PSQ. Data were analyzed using the Rasch model for item fit, local dependence (LD), differential item functioning (DIF), unidimensionality, separation and reliability, response forms and person-item map. We first optimized the item selection in the Chinese version to maximize its psychometric quality. Second, we used cross-validation, by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), to determine the best fitting model in comparison to the different variants. Measurement invariance (MI) was tested using multi-group CFA across subgroups (medical students vs. medical workers). We evaluated validity of the C-PSQ using the criterion instruments, such as the Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Short Form-8 Health Survey (SF-8) and the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS). Reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, Guttman’s lambda-2, and McDonald’s omegas) and reproducibility (test–retest correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient, [ICC]).ResultsInfit and/or outfit values indicated that all items fitted the Rasch model. Three item pairs presented local dependency (residual correlations > 0.30). Ten items showed DIF. Dimensionality instruction suggested that eight items should be deleted. One item showed low discrimination. Thirteen items from the original PSQ were retained in the C-PSQ adaptation (i.e. C-PSQ-13). We tested and verified four feasible models to perform EFA. Built on the EFA models, the optimal CFA model included two first-order factors (i.e. constraint and imbalance) and a second-order factor (i.e., perceived stress). The first-order model had acceptable goodness of fit (Normed Chi-square = 8.489, TLI = 0.957, CFI = 0.965, WRMR = 1.637, RMSEA [90% CI] = 0.078 [0.072, 0.084]). The second-order model showed identical model fit. Person separation index (PSI) and person reliability (PR) were 2.42 and 0.85, respectively. Response forms were adequate, item difficulty matched respondents’ ability levels, and unidimensionality was found in the two factors. Multi-group CFA showed validity of the optimal model. Concurrent validity of the C-PSQ-13 was 0.777, − 0.595 and 0.584 (Spearman correlation, P < 0.001, the same hereinafter) for the Chinese version of the PSS-10, SF-8, and GADS. For reliability analyses, internal consistency of the C-PSQ-13 was 0.878 (Cronbach’s alpha), 0.880 (Guttman’s lambda-2), and 0.880 (McDonald’s omegas); test–retest correlation and ICC were 0.782 and 0.805 in a 2-day interval, respectively.ConclusionThe C-PSQ-13 shows good metric characteristics for most indicators, which could contribute to stress research given its validity and economy. This study also contributes to the evidence based regarding between-group factorial structure analysis.

Psychometric Properties of The Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) In Ecuadorian Population.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of validity and reliability of the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) in Ecuadorian university students, since a cultural validation of the instrument has not been found in Ecuador. The study population consisted of a non-probabilistic sample of 600 participants (59.6% women and 40.4% men, M = 21 years, SD = 2.82). The factorial structure was examined with the method of extraction by Parallel Analysis of unweighted least squares (ULS) and of prominent rotation. In both, internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and composite reliability. Like the original version, both subscales have a factorial structure of one dimension and are considered good in terms of reliability, which concludes that the scale meets the criteria of validity and reliability in Ecuador.

Neurological, Cognitive, and Psychological Findings Among Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease From the 1995 Ebola Outbreak in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-sectional Study

Clinical sequelae of Ebola virus disease (EVD) have not been described more than 3 years postoutbreak. We examined survivors and close contacts from the 1995 Ebola outbreak in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and determined prevalence of abnormal neurological, cognitive, and psychological findings and their association with EVD survivorship. From August to September 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Kikwit, DRC. Over 2 decades after the EVD outbreak, we recruited EVD survivors and close contacts from the outbreak to undergo physical examination and culturally adapted versions of the Folstein mini-mental status exam (MMSE) and Goldberg anxiety and depression scale (GADS). We estimated the strength of relationships between EVD survivorship and health outcomes using linear regression models by comparing survivors versus close contacts, adjusting for age, sex, educational level, marital status, and healthcare worker status. We enrolled 20 EVD survivors and 187 close contacts. Among the 20 EVD survivors, 4 (20%) reported at least 1 abnormal neurological symptom, and 3 (15%) had an abnormal neurological examination. Among the 187 close contacts, 14 (11%) reported at least 1 abnormal neurologic symptom, and 9 (5%) had an abnormal neurological examination. EVD survivors had lower mean MMSE and higher mean GADS scores as compared to close contacts (MMSE: adjusted coefficient: -1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.63, -0.07; GADS: adjusted coefficient: 3.91; 95% CI: 1.76, 6.04). EVD survivors can have lower cognitive scores and more symptoms of depression and anxiety than close contacts more than 2 decades after Ebola virus outbreaks.

Effect of Air Pollution on Anxiety and Depression in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The association between exposure to air pollutants and mental disorders and its symptoms among adults has been suggested, although results are not consistent. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between exposure to air pollution and presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression, history of anxiety and depression disorders, and history of medication use (including benzodiazepines and antidepressants) in adults living in Barcelona. Methods A total of 958 adults (45 to 74 years old) residents in Barcelona, many of them offspring of Alzheimer disease patients from the ALFA (Alzheimer and Families) study, were included. We used Land Use Regression (LUR) models to estimate residential exposure to PM2.5, PM2.5 absorbance (PM2.5 abs), PM10, PM coarse, NO2 and NOx, measured in 2009. Between 2013 and 2014 participants answered the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) to evaluate the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, self-reported history of anxiety and depression disorders and related medication use was recorded. Results In the city of Barcelona we observed an increased risk of psychiatric history of anxiety and depression disorders (occurring between 2009 and 2014) with increasing air pollution [e.g. for each 5 μg/m3 PM2.5 increase, an increased risk of depression of 4.55 (95% CI; 1.74, 11.87) was reported]. The same pattern was observed for the rest of the evaluated pollutants, showing significant associations for depression. Such associations were consistent with an increased risk of taking medication (occurring between 2009 and 2014) in relation to higher concentrations of air pollutants [e.g. for each 20 μg/m3 NOx increase, an increased risk of antidepressants use of 1.22 (1.04, 1.44) was reported]. However, no clear pattern of association was found for anxiety and depression symptoms measured with the GADS. Conclusions Our study shows that increasing exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of anxiety and depression and related medication intake. Further studies are needed to replicate our results and confirm this association.

Dolor, calidad de vida y estado anímico relacionados con la salud de pacientes ancianos hospitalizados

Objective . This descriptive, transverse study, attempts to establish the existent relation between the degree of perceived pain, anxiety, depression and quality of life of elderly hospitalized patients. Method . A stratified- random sample was used for this study. Using the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS), the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and the Simple Verbal Scale (SVS), the patients’ reported anxiety and depression levels, as well as the intensity of their pain were measured. Results . It was observed that in general, as the patient’s pain increased, their depression and anxiety levels, and the quality of life areas evaluated using the NHP, worsened. Analyses are descriptive and inferential. Conclusion . In view of the deterioration of the quality of life and its relationship to the emotional responses associated with anxiety and depression, and the intensity of pain, interventions should be carried out at primary and secondary level to permit pain control, in order to reduce the impact on the mental health of older adults, based on pharmacological and psychological integrated strategies. Likewise, it is suggested that inpatient programs incorporating holistic therapies which, in turn, meet the emotional affective elderly needs of hospitalized patients, are created, with the aim of improving their quality of life.