High Levels Of Stress Research Articles

Statistical Characteristics of Strong Earthquake Sequence in Northeastern Tibetan Plateau

As the forefront of inland extension on the Indian plate, the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, marked by low strain rates and high stress levels, is one of the regions with the highest seismic risk. Analyzing seismicity through statistical methods holds significant scientific value for understanding tectonic conditions and assessing earthquake risk. However, seismic monitoring capacity in this region remains limited, and earthquake frequency is low, complicating efforts to improve earthquake catalogs through enhanced identification and localization techniques. Bi-scale empirical probability integral transformation (BEPIT), a statistical method, can address these data gaps by supplementing missing events shortly after moderate to large earthquakes, resulting in a more reliable statistical data set. In this study, we analyzed six earthquake sequences with magnitudes of MS ≥ 6.0 that occurred in northeastern Tibet since 2009, following the upgrade of the regional seismic network. Using BEPIT, we supplemented short-term missing aftershocks in these sequences, creating a more complete earthquake catalog. ETAS model parameters and b values for these sequences were then estimated using maximum likelihood methods to analyze parameter variability across sequences. The findings indicate that the b value is low, reflecting relatively high regional stress. The background seismicity rate is very low, with most mainshocks in these sequences being background events rather than foreshock-driven events. The p-parameter of the ETAS model is high, indicating that aftershocks decay relatively quickly, while the α-parameter is also elevated, suggesting that aftershocks are predominantly induced by the mainshock. These conditions suggest that earthquake prediction in this region is challenging through seismicity analysis alone, and alternative approaches integrating non-seismic data, such as electromagnetic and fluid monitoring, may offer more viable solutions. This study provides valuable insights into earthquake forecasting in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau.

Navigating the medical journey: Insights into medical students’ psychological wellbeing, coping, and personality

Background and aims In recent years, increased awareness of the psychological wellbeing of healthcare professionals and students has become a pressing public health issue affecting care delivery. Medical students undergo rigorous training programs that can affect their psychological wellbeing. Despite increased awareness of mental health issues among medical students, research often focuses on negative aspects, overlooking potential positive contributors to wellbeing. This study aims to explore both negative and positive factors influencing medical students’ psychological wellbeing, considering coping strategies and personality traits to inform targeted support measures for diverse student needs. Methods A mixed-methods approach was employed to investigate medical students’ psychological wellbeing, coping strategies, and personality traits. Quantitative data was gathered via self-report questionnaires and analysed using regression models. Additionally, qualitative insights were obtained from semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically to capture students’ perceptions and experiences. Results The analysis revealed moderate to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among medical students, along with decreased life satisfaction. Regression analysis showed that problem-focused coping positively impacted medical students’ psychological wellbeing, whereas emotion-focused and avoidance coping showed less favourable effects. Notably, problem-focused coping partially mediated the relationship between stress and depression. Furthermore, personality traits, particularly agreeableness and conscientiousness, played a pivotal role in shaping medical students’ coping strategies and mental health outcomes. Based on thematic analysis, codes gave rise to three overarching themes and corresponding subthemes. Conclusions The study underscores the significance of addressing both positive and negative factors impacting medical students’ wellbeing and highlights the need for tailored support considering individual personality traits that influence coping strategies and mental health. It also identifies challenges within medical education, emphasising the necessity for stress management programs, mental health support, and curricula promoting problem-solving skills. Prioritising medical students’ wellbeing may not only foster good mental health among future professionals but may also enhance future healthcare quality.

Predictive abilities of acculturation for differences in self-rated health among international medical students from Medical University – Sofia

Despite the various theoretical frameworks of acculturation, the mechanisms by which acculturation affects health and well-being remain unclear. This cross-sectional study explores the role of acculturation in self-rated health (SRH) among international medical students. The study was conducted in 2024 at the Medical University – Sofia and included 326 participants. The Stephenson Multigroup Acculturation Scale (SMAS) was employed to assess cultural influences from both the host and home countries, focusing on two dimensions: Ethnic Society Immersion (ESI) and Dominant Society Immersion (DSI). SRH was measured using a five-category Likert scale. Covariates included perceived stress, social support, and health behaviour factors. Logistic binary regression was applied for analysis. The findings revealed that most international medical students rated their health as good (56.4%). Poor health was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with lower ESI (Mdn = 3.4), higher stress levels (Mdn = 22), and a lack (31.9%) or insufficiency (54.2%) of physical activity (PA). ESI emerged as a significant predictor of good health (Exp(B) = 0.403; p = 0.004). The impact of DSI on poor SRH was mediated by PA (Exp(B) = 4.629 and Exp(B) = 2.699, p < 0.05 for both risk groups). The results of this study can be useful in planning health and social services for international students, considering their specific needs.

Suspensions of attractive microcapsules: A noncolloidal fragile gel?

We investigated the rheological properties of suspensions of attractive microcapsules, which formed a weak gel at volume fractions ϕ as low as 0.1. These microcapsules, measuring 100 μm in diameter, were constructed with a droplet of positively charged chitosan solution protected by a membrane formed through the complexation of chitosan with a negatively charged surfactant. Iso-density matched suspensions were achieved by dispersing these microcapsules in silicone oils. Plate-plate rheometry revealed that these suspensions displayed a yield stress ranging from about 0.1 to 3 Pa for ϕ increasing from 0.1 to 0.5. At much higher stresses, the suspension viscosity was almost shear independent. Furthermore, these suspensions exhibited a frequency sweep signature akin to attractive colloidal suspensions, with a shear elastic modulus plateauing at low frequencies, indicative of an elastic microstructure within the suspensions. Remarkably, a degree of microstructural anisotropy, reminiscent of fragile matter, was evidenced by the transient fluidization of the suspension when the direction of applied stress, which remained below the yield stress, was reversed. Beyond the yield stress, both symmetric and asymmetric stress reversal experiments demonstrated that the suspension structure was influenced by the applied stress. It changed from an anisotropic and fragile network at low stress levels to a dispersion of isolated particles at high stress levels. We concluded that suspensions of attractive microcapsules could be classified as a fragile particulate gel, whose microstructure depends on the stress and its direction.

The transactional theory of stress and coping as a stress management model for students in Hispanic-serving universities.

Stress is especially profound among minority college students who experience magnified levels of prejudice and discrimination. High levels of stress significantly impact their academic performance, and health. The present study aimed to examine the constructs of Lazarus and Folkman's transactional theory of stress and coping for stress management in college students from a Hispanic-Serving Institution. One hundred fifty undergraduate students completed the survey. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to measure the incremental variance accounted for by each predictor set. The final regression model accounted for 56% of the variance in perceived stress scores, a large effect size. In the final model, significant contributors to perceived stress variance were emotion-oriented coping, core self-evaluations, and social support. These findings can inform the development of effective psychosocial interventions to support minority college students develop personal strengths and social support, buffering against the negative effects during a college mental health crisis.

“Can I Speak to the Bossman?” Sources of Stress, Behavioral Adaptations, and Role Incongruency in Female Farmers☆

AbstractTraditional gender expectations and societal norms, along with unique occupational and organizational policies, may make it difficult for women to work in the agricultural industry. The purpose of this study is to apply Role Congruity Theory to female farmers' experience of occupational stress, and to explore behavioral adaptations used to cope with working in a male‐dominated occupation in areas where conventional gender norms are more prominent. Structured interviews were conducted with 16 female farm owners and managers and a thematic analysis approach was used to analyze data. Female farmers reported stress associated with gender stereotyping, misogyny, role expectations, and lack of respect. This study found that women are perceived as incongruent with the male‐dominated agricultural sector, and experience prejudice and harassment substantiating Role Congruity Theory. In addition, participants reported behavioral adaptations such as adopting masculine traits, dressing differently, and overworking or overcompensating, which may be contributing to higher stress levels. Women participating in this study took pride in defying expectations and succeeding in a male‐dominated occupation, but more effort should be made to promote diversity and inclusion in the agricultural industry.

Analysis and applications of Nakagami constant-stress model using progressive type-II censored data

Abstract In the case of trustworthy products, accelerated life tests are crucial techniques used to gather information regarding the lifetime of the target population with a shorter time frame compared to routine investigations. The received data in higher stress levels than normal are then used to predict the reliability of the product under consideration in regular working circumstances. In this paper, the constant-stress accelerated life tests are employed when the data are obtained through a progressive Type-II censoring strategy from Nakagami populations. Besides estimating the model parameters, the reliability function under the usual use conditions is predicted using four estimation procedures. The maximum likelihood, least squares, weighted least squares and maximum product of spacing estimation approaches are utilized for estimation purposes. In addition, two interval estimation methods are considered utilizing the asymptotic features of the maximum likelihood and maximum product of spacing estimates. A simulation investigation is conducted to evaluate the efficiency of diverse point and interval estimations beneath various strategies involving sample sizes, effective number of failures, and removal designs. From a practical perspective, a pair of datasets are explored to confirm the effectiveness of the theoretical findings.

The prevalence of and the effect of global stressors on eating disorders among medical students

BackgroundEating disorders (EDs) are among the most serious forms of psychiatric illness, potentially leading to multi-systemic complications. Owing to their high stress levels, medical students are more likely to experience mental health difficulties that predispose them to developing EDs. Societal stigmatization and misinformation, especially in a middle eastern context, contribute to the underreporting and challenges in seeking the appropriate treatment at an early stage, increasing the risk of complications and mortality. EDs remain an under-studied phenomena in the middle east, limiting understanding and treatment options.ObjectiveThe objectives of the current study were to assess the prevalence of EDs, potential contributing factors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as an independent global stressor among medical students at the Arabian Gulf University.MethodsThis cross-sectional study consisted of a three-part self-administered questionnaire comprising of demographic data, the Eating Attitudes-26 (EAT-26) test, and COVID-19 associated stressors. The study was conducted on medical students at the AGU in the preparatory year up to Year 6. Data was collected from September 2022 to February 2023.ResultsThree hundred and ninety-seven students were recruited in the present study. 32.1% of the tested students demonstrated an elevated risk for developing EDs. Living situation, earlier years of study, and mental health status were significantly associated with increased risk. Response to global stressors such as COVID-19 pandemic was significantly correlated to worsening EDs status in high-risk individuals.ConclusionEating disorders have been discovered to be highly prevalent among medical students, which brings to light an undervalued health concern. This warrants both awareness programs on campus, and the development of individual-tailored eating disorder treatment programs to halt progression and increase overall quality of life and education.

Assessment of occupational hazards in midwifery setting and impact of occupational stress and job satisfaction on midwives’ quality of work-life: multicenter study in IRAN

BackgroundMidwifery is one of the key professions in maintaining community health and is important in providing maternal and child healthcare. As a high-risk profession, it involves numerous occupational hazards and challenges that can affect the quality of work life. This study investigated the occupational hazards and factors related to midwives’ quality of work life.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 in Iran, involving midwives working in hospitals (teaching and non-teaching) and health centers. Sampling was done in multiple stages in two large cities, Tabriz and Ahvaz. All midwifery staff meeting the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Data were collected using demographic and social information, occupational stress, work-related quality of life, Minnesota job satisfaction, and occupational hazards questionnaires. The analysis was performed using an independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression test by SPSS version 24. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsFinally, the information of 580 participants was analyzed. The mean (± SD) age was 39.21 (± 9.09), with 83% of participants holding a bachelor’s degree in midwifery, and the majority were hospital employees. The mean (± SD) occupational hazard score was 3.76 (± 0.87), with ergonomic and biological hazards having the highest mean scores, 4.22 and 4.10, respectively, making them the most significant occupational hazards. The preliminary results showed that the mean scores for job stress, job satisfaction, and quality of work life were 232.35 (high), 41.09 (moderate), and 95.34, respectively. In the regression model, job satisfaction, age, and work experience were significantly associated with quality of work life, with job satisfaction having the strongest influence (β = 0.376, P < 0.0013). As job satisfaction increased, the quality of work life also improved. However, work experience had a negative impact, indicating that as work experience increased, the quality of work life decreased (β=-0.296, P < 0.001).ConclusionRegular assessment of working conditions and the quality of work life is essential, and special attention should be paid to reducing occupational hazards. Given the high levels of job stress and dissatisfaction, there is a need for planning and policy-making to provide psychological support to manage stress, increase professional support, optimize the work environment, and manage physical demands.

Physiological Characteristics of Young (9-12 Years) and Adolescent (≥13 Years) Rhythmic, Acrobatic, and Artistic Female Gymnasts.

Elite gymnasts are exposed to high levels of physical stress, during both childhood and adolescence, with significantly late maturation and high injury prevalence. Here, we compare the physiological characteristics of female gymnasts in 2 age groups: young (9-12 years) and adolescent (≥13 years) in 3 disciplines of competitive gymnastics. Participants' physiological characteristics will differ by age group and by gymnastic discipline. Cohort study. Level 2. The study included 274 gymnasts, aged 11.8 ± 1.9 years. Data collection included anthropometric measures, Tanner stage, and menarche age; ultrasound assessments were used to assess bone properties, including bone strength, skeletal age, and final-height prediction. Univariate analysis of variance showed age × discipline interactions for body mass index (BMI) percentiles (F(2, 266) = 4.379; P = 0.01), skeletal age (F(2, 241) = 3.808; P = 0.02), and final-height prediction (F(2, 240) = 3.377, P = 0.04). Moreover, in both age groups, artistic gymnasts exhibited significantly higher BMI percentiles than rhythmic gymnasts (P < 0.05). In the adolescent group, final-height prediction for rhythmic gymnasts was significantly greater than that of artistic gymnasts (P < 0.05). Finally, in adolescent gymnasts, regression lines showed that skeletal age was lower than chronological age (P < 0.05). Artistic gymnasts were shorter than rhythmic and acrobatic gymnasts. Despite similar BMI and body fat, maturity patterns, and training-volume history, artistic gymnasts had lower bone-strength than rhythmic and acrobatic gymnasts. Combined with their high-impact and intensive training, this could increase their risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The current study may help athletic trainers and medical teams define "norms" for different age groups and gymnastic disciplines, based on what may be expected during the athletes' early and late maturation. This knowledge can be used to modify, individualize, and optimize training programs.

Mothers of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic: Depressive symptoms and perceived stress.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, psychosocial well-being of families and parents worldwide has been impaired. As part of a larger online survey, we analyzed maternal depressive symptoms and perceived stress. 666 mothers from Germany with young children (mostly aged 0-3 years) filled out the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at two time points during the pandemic (T1: summer/fall 2020; T2: early spring 2021). We (1) calculated prevalence rates of a risk for depression and high perceived stress levels, (2) analyzed differences between time points via paired t-tests, and (3) examined the reciprocal relation between the two constructs via cross-lagged panel modeling. Considering cut-off values of the EPDS (≥ 10) and PSS (≥ 27), 33.8 % carried a risk for depression and 15.2% high levels of stress at T1, whereas, respectively, 55.1% and 26.0% did so at T2. Depressive symptom severity and perceived stress levels significantly differed between measurement points with higher values at T2 (p < .001). Our cross-lagged panel analysis revealed large correlations (p < .001) within as well as small to medium (i.e., [.21, .47]) auto-regressive (p < .001) and reciprocal (p < .001) predictions across time points between the severity of depressive symptoms and perceived stress. This work demonstrates how severely mothers of infants were affected by depressive symptoms and perceived stress in a time of pandemic crisis. Psychosocial support should focus on screening and treating mothers as early as possible to mitigate the risk for subsequent depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Aiming attention at both depressive symptom reduction and stress relief most successfully promotes maternal well-being.

COVID-19-related stress, anxiety and vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in South-Western Nigeria

COVID-19 ranks as one of the major pandemics in recent history, with healthcare workers disproportionately burdened by the disease. Vaccination emerged as the most effective measure to curb the spread and reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. However, vaccine hesitancy presents a challenge to achieving optimal vaccination coverage in Nigeria. This study assessed the level of COVID-19-related stress and anxiety as well as factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 849 health workers of a tertiary hospital. Vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 related stress and anxiety were assessed using the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) and SAVE-6 scale respectively. Also, the WHO-5 index was used to assess the perceived mental wellbeing among study participants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25 at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. There were slightly more males (479; 56.4%) than females and about four-fifth (674; 79.4%) of respondents were married. About one-quarter of health workers were vaccine hesitant, 236 (27.8%) while 96 (11.3%) had high levels of stress and anxiety. Also, 38 (4.5%) of respondents had poor mental wellbeing. Females when compared to males, had significantly higher odds (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.10–2.10; p = 0.023) of having vaccine hesitancy while those who were married compared to their single counterparts had significantly lesser odds (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.36–0.94; p = 0.026). However, there was no significant association between COVID-19 related anxiety and vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy exists even among health professionals. This study highlights that gender and marital status significantly influence vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers. Healthcare workers need to receive vaccines to protect themselves and others. Given their role in educating patients and community members about vaccination against infectious diseases like COVID-19, targeted interventions are needed to address hesitancy and optimize vaccine acceptance among healthcare professionals.

High levels of heat stress among sugarcane workers in Thailand.

With continued global warming, the effects of elevated temperatures on the health of agricultural workers are a particular concern. This study characterized the levels of heat stress in Thai sugarcane workers and investigated whether season and harvesting method were associated with it. Three hundred sugarcane workers in Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand, were recruited, and information on demographics, working conditions, and clothing characteristics was collected from participants during the cooler months (n = 152 participants, mid-January to mid-February) and hotter month (n = 148, March). Heat stress was measured using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, and the WBGT instruments were operated for a full work shift in the sugarcane fields where the participants worked. One-hour time weighted average (TWA) effective WBGT (WBGTeff-1hrTWA) estimates were determined for different times of the day based on the measured WBGT and clothing adjustment factor. The average WBGTeff-1hrTWA in the cooler months ranged from 22.5 °C during the early morning to 31.3 °C during the hottest time of the day, and for the hotter month, it ranged from 25.4 °C to 33.9 °C, respectively. The measured WBGT, natural wet-bulb temperature (Tnwb), dry-bulb temperature (Tdb), globe temperature (Tg), air velocity (Av), and absolute water vapor pressure (ea) were all statistically significantly higher in the hotter month than in the cooler months. Harvesting during the hotter month and harvesting burnt sugarcane were significantly associated with increased effective WBGT. The harvesters' heat stress in both seasons exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists - Threshold limit value for 72.7% of the working time in the cooler months and 90.9% in the hotter month. The heat stress in Thai sugarcane workers was high in both seasons, particularly in the hotter month and when harvesting burnt sugarcane. This results in a very high risk of developing heat-related health effects, and measures are needed to reduce heat stress. Heat stress in agricultural and other outdoor work in tropical climates is an immediate and growing problem.

Effectiveness of a Web-Based Self-Guided Intervention (MINDxYOU) for Reducing Stress and Promoting Mental Health Among Health Professionals: Results From a Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial.

The high levels of sustained stress that health professionals often experience are a significant risk factor for developing mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms, that not only affect their well-being but also have major social and organizational consequences. Different interventions, including those based on third-wave psychotherapy principles (ie, mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance), have proven to be effective in reducing stress in this population. Among them, those delivered on the web constitute a promising alternative with notable advantages in accessibility and flexibility, but some adherence inconveniences may limit their efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the MINDxYOU program, a web-based self-guided intervention based on third-wave psychotherapy principles, to reduce perceived stress and promote mental health in a sample of health professionals. In a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design, 357 health professionals from health centers in Aragon and Málaga, Spain, were recruited. They were divided into 6 clusters-3 per region-and randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 sequences, each starting with a control phase and then transitioning to the intervention phase (the MINDxYOU program) after 8, 16, or 24 weeks. This self-guided, web-based program, designed to be completed over 8 weeks, included weekly contact (via WhatsApp, call, or email) from the research team to promote adherence. Participants were assessed on the web every 8 weeks for 5 assessments. Perceived stress was the study's primary outcome, with additional measures of clinical factors (anxiety, depression, and somatization) and process variables (resilience, mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance). The program was initiated by 229 participants, 112 (48.9%) of whom were completers (ie, completed at least 3 of the 4 modules). Perceived stress demonstrated a significant reduction both when considering the entire sample (β=-1.08, SE 0.51; P=.03) and the sample of completers (β=-1.84, SE 0.62; P=.003). The proportion of participants reflecting "low stress" increased after the treatment (n=90, 46.6% vs n=100, 28.8% at baseline). Intracluster analysis revealed that pre- versus postintervention moderate effects were present in 2 clusters (Cohen d=0.46 and 0.62), and these were maintained in subsequent assessments. The linear mixed-effects models also showed that depression, anxiety, and somatization, as well as resilience, self-compassion, and some mindfulness facets, experienced significant improvements (P<.05) when comparing the intervention and control phases. The MINDxYOU program was effective in reducing perceived stress and promoting mental health, as well as increasing resilience, mindfulness facets, and self-compassion. These effects suggest that participants experienced a tangible improvement that could potentially enhance their well-being. Adherence to the intervention was moderate, while program use was notable compared to similar interventions. Finding ways to promote adherence to the intervention would contribute to increasing the effectiveness of this program. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05436717; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05436717. RR2-10.1186/s12912-022-01089-5.

Exploring the lived experience of economic insecurity and health among people accessing charity-run food provision services in Bristol, UK.

The UK has experienced alarming increases in the number of individuals living with food insecurity as a result of the rise in the cost of living. The mechanisms linking household economic insecurity to food insecurity, and perceived health outcomes, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to explore how individuals with lived experience of food insecurity are coping with the rise in the cost of living, the trade-offs they might be making between food and other household expenses, and how these might impact eating behaviours and health outcomes. Using a qualitative inductive approach rooted in hermeneutic phenomenology, nine semi-structured interviews were conducted among individuals using charity-run food provision services in Bristol, UK. Narrative accounts from these interviews were analysed thematically. Almost all participants were recipients of benefits at the time of interviews and were living under high levels of economic insecurity. The rise in the cost of living forced complex budget management strategies, including relying on donated food and shoplifting. It also influenced eating behaviours through altered cooking strategies to save energy, substituting food for cheaper, less-nutritious, alternatives, and rationing meals. Food insecurity was experienced as a form of psychosocial violence, engendering high levels of stress, particularly for individuals with diet-related chronic diseases. There is therefore an urgent need for policies that tackle structural causes of overall household economic insecurity, and improve economic access to adequate nutritious foods, to prevent further entrenching social inequalities.

Perceived stress in relation to working hours and caring responsibilities: A cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Stress is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. While work hours have been linked to health and stress outcomes, part-time work may be used to manage work and care responsibilities and thus potentially reduce stress. We examined this relationship in the Netherlands, where part-time work is very common among women, during the COVID-19 pandemic – a period when stress levels were potentially high(er). Methods Data included 1,220 men and women in the Netherlands aged 24 to 64 years from the COGIS-NL study (Wave 2, June 2020) and other modules of the Longitudinal Internet studies for the Social Sciences panel. Kitagawa-Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition analyses were used to analyse gender differences in perceived stress in relation to weekly work hours (&lt;20 hours, short part-time; 20-34 hours, long part-time; 35 hours or more, full-time). Cross-sectional ordinary least squares regression analyses further tested these associations, and any potential mediation by perceived work-life balance, controlling for age, educational level, family situation, and employment situation. Results Gender differences in stress can be attributed to differential effects of part-time employment on men and women’s perceived stress levels. Long part-time work hours were associated with lower stress levels for women, but not for men, and it was only associated with lower stress levels for mothers with co-resident minor children and not for women without. Perceived work-life balance was independently associated with stress but did not mediate the relationship between work hours and stress. Conclusions Higher stress levels among women are likely attributable to differential effects of part-time work on men and women’s stress levels. Working fewer hours (&lt;35) buffered perceived stress for mothers, but not for fathers or individuals without co-resident minor children. Although perceived work-life balance was associated with perceived stress, it did not influence the relationship of work hours with stress.

Catechol-grafted chitosan-based antioxidant hydrogel with rapid self-healing property for wound healing.

Chronic wounds, particularly those with non-healing ulcers, show high levels of oxidant stress, such as excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), which delays the healing process. Bacterial infections in wounds increase the need for antibiotics, which brings up serious concerns regarding antibiotic resistance. The innovative antibiotic-free strategies to endow the hydrogels with antibacterial and antioxidant features including the grafting of ROS-scavenging moieties onto the hydrogel structure are in high demand for wound management. Herein, an antibacterial and antioxidant hydrogel with rapid self-healing performance was fabricated via the dynamic borate ester cross-linkages between catechol-grafted chitosan (CS-CA) and polyvinyl alcohol in the presence of borax with the incorporation of ellagic acid (EA). Benefiting from the catechol groups from EA and CS-CA, the resulting hydrogel exhibited desirable adhesive property, excellent antioxidant and intensified antibacterial dual functions. Furthermore, the hydrogel demonstrated remarkable biocompatibility and pH-responsive behavior for the controlled release of EA, attributed to the reversible characteristics of borate ester linkages. Notably, these multifunctional hydrogels exhibited substantial regenerative capabilities in wound healing, as evidenced by in vivo assessments conducted on a full-thickness skin defect model, highlighting their considerable potential as wound dressings for effective wound management.

Impact of Physical and Psychological Strain on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Construction Industry.

This study examined the interplay between physical workload, psychological stress, and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among construction workers in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling technique to gather quantitative data from 409 respondents working in four construction companies through structured questionnaires. Data collection tools included the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III (COPSOQ III), the K10 scale for psychosocial distress, and the Nordic Body Map for musculoskeletal symptoms. Independent variables encompassed demographic factors, physical work environment, and psychosocial aspects, while the dependent variable was the presence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) symptoms over the past 7 days and 12 months. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Grad Pack 29.0 PREMIUM. The study revealed a high prevalence of WMSDs among workers, with 36.2% reporting symptoms in the past 7 days and 31.5% in the past 12 months. These symptoms primarily affected the neck, shoulders, back, and waist. Both physical and psychosocial factors were found to the risk, with high levels of somatic stress and sleep disorders significantly increasing the likelihood of WMSDs. Psychological distress emerged as a particularly strong predictor to these disorders. The findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions and safety policies to mitigate WMSDs risks and improve occupational health within the construction industry.

The association between hair cortisol and burnout is moderated by age, psychosocial, and immunological markers

BackgroundExhaustion and depersonalization are the core symptoms of the occupational burnout. However, burnout is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon, but can occur in a milder to moderate form in otherwise healthy employees. In the last two decades hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were increasingly related to the cumulative effect of psychosocial stress at work. We analyzed data of the Dortmund Vital Study (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05155397) to explore the relationship of HCC and burnout symptoms. Moreover, we asked whether the HCC – burnout association was moderated by work ability, chronic stress, neuroticism, depressive symptoms, and stress-related immunological biomarkers such as T cell concentration, CD4/CD8 cell ratio, and proinflammatory cytokines TNF- α, IL-6, and IL-18. MethodsBurnout was assessed by the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) in 196 working adults aged between 20 and 65 years (mean age 42.2 years). Several self-reported variables and biomarkers were collected. ResultsThe results showed an association between HCC and the burnout measures. A series of moderator analyses revealed that the association between HCC and burnout symptoms was substantial for low work ability, high chronic stress level, high neuroticism level, and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Immunological markers moderated the HCC – burnout association for high concentrations of T cells, low CD4/CD8 ratio and low IL-6, IL-18 and TNF-α concentrations. These interactions were moderated by age showing the largest impact in middle-aged to older individuals. ConclusionsThe present findings shed light on the complex interaction between burnout symptoms and work ability, chronic stress, personality, and the endocrinological and immunological responses across the working lifespan. These parameters should be considered when assessing the risk for developing burnout and validating the diagnosis of burnout. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05155397; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05155397

Effect of Coping Strategies on Perceived Stress and Hair Cortisol Levels During the COVID-19 Pandemic According to Sex.

The COVID-19 crisis generated subjective and physiological stress, with important interindividual differences. Studies have shown that coping strategies and sex modulate subjective stress, although their effects on stress hormones have been overlooked. In addition, it remains unknown whether sex and coping interact to predict these stress metrics during long-term stressful events. To examine the impact of coping strategies, sex, and their interaction on subjective and physiological indicators of stress during the year following the arrival of the COVID-19 virus. Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief COPE questionnaire in May 2020. Stress symptoms were assessed as a subjective indicator of stress every 3months (June 2020 to March 2021) with the Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire in 155 participants (49 men). Of these individuals, 111 provided a 6-cm hair sample in June 2020 to estimate cortisol levels as a physiological indicator of stress before and during the first lockdown. A factor analysis identified three clusters of coping strategies: positive-oriented, avoidance-oriented, and social support. For subjective stress, a linear-mixed model showed that women reported more stress than men. Positive-oriented and avoidance-oriented strategies were associated with less and more stress, respectively. An interaction between sex and coping strategies indicated a positive relationship between social support and perceived stress levels in men. However, among men and women who used this strategy infrequently, women reported higher stress levels than men. For physiological stress, a regression revealed that women had greater cortisol secretion in response to the pandemic. These findings suggest that coping and sex modulate subjective stress, whereas sex influences physiological stress.