High Levels Of Stress Research Articles

Examining social support, psychological resilience and general wellbeing of newly employed nurses at quezon city general hospital

Caring professions, such as nursing, can be emotionally draining, resulting in high stress levels and career burnout. Nurses face multiple and complex challenges in a profession characterized by work intensification, increased accountability, and demands for high-quality patient care. Nurse stress and burnout are growing concerns, but resilience in nursing has been linked to positive outcomes such as improved care quality, enthusiasm, and commitment, as well as positive outcomes for patients. Research suggests that social support can significantly predict coping strategies (Kong et al., 2019). Nurses with a high level of social support demonstrate better social adaptation skills and use positive coping strategies to address challenges. This study aimed to examine social support, psychological resilience, and general well-being among newly employed nurses at Quezon City General Hospital. The findings of this study will greatly benefit these nurses by providing insights into how social support and resilience can enhance their well-being and professional performance. The study employed a descriptive research method, collecting data through a survey questionnaire. Close-ended questions were used to gather actionable, qualitative data, which were then interpreted into visual insights such as graphs, charts, and concept maps. The researcher utilized the descriptive survey method within a quantitative research design.

Analyzing the impact of traditional and sports-based teaching methods on team cohesion and team cognition among college students

This study examines the impact of traditional and sports-based teaching methods on team cohesion, cognition, and stress reduction among college students, guided by a positivist research philosophy. Adopting a comparative correlational design, data were collected from 60 students aged 18–20 at the private higher education in the Philippines through quantitative surveys. Grounded on Social Interdependence Theory and Cognitive Load Theory, the findings reveal that sports-based teaching methods significantly enhance team cohesion, foster cognitive engagement, and reduce stress compared to traditional lecture-based approaches. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and chi-square tests, confirm that the interactive and cooperative elements of sports-based methods promote collaboration, trust, and active participation. In contrast, traditional methods, which emphasize passive learning and individual focus, are associated with lower team cohesion and cognition and higher stress levels. These results highlight the value of integrating sports-based teaching methods into educational curricula to support students' holistic development. The study recommends professional development for educators to implement these strategies effectively and further research to explore long-term benefits and adaptations for diverse learning environments.

Identifying Parental Feeding Patterns in a Spanish Sample of Toddlers Using a Latent Class Analysis.

Parental feeding styles are an important factor influencing child development. Traditionally, they have been classified into four styles based on cut-off points for responsiveness and demandingness. However, alternative methods, such as latent class analysis (LCA), allow for the detection of underlying homogeneous populations. The aims of this study are to: (a) identify different parental feeding styles in a Spanish sample using LCA; (b) explore the characteristics of the classes of different parenting styles, taking into account sociodemographic and psychological variables; and (c) compare the classification of parental feeding styles by assessment method: LCA versus the median split cut-off point to determine high and low levels for each dimension. A cross-sectional study (n = 774, including fathers and mothers of toddlers) was conducted to perform a one-step LCA with covariates, using items that assess the demandingness and responsiveness feeding dimensions. Cross-tabulations were performed to compare the use of LCA versus the median cut-off point for assessing parental feeding styles/patterns. Four different patterns emerged from the LCA, characterised by high or moderate scores for responsiveness and varying scores for demandingness. These were labelled as the Moderately Authoritative, Authoritative, Moderate, and Indulgent classes. Mothers were more likely to belong to the Indulgent class, and high levels of parental stress increased the likelihood of parents belonging to the Moderate class. The classification of participants was not consistent between the two methods. Authoritarian and uninvolved feeding behaviours were not detected using LCA. In conclusion, gender and parental stress were factors that may help to explain the distribution of parents across feeding styles. These variables should therefore be considered when studying different populations. Furthermore, LCA could be utilised to design more accurate intervention strategies by helping to identify common needs among parents.

Model minority stereotype stress and depressive symptoms among Asian American science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students: The mediating role of rumination.

The model minority stereotype (MMS) is deeply embedded within the society of the United States, including in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This has resulted in the neglect of STEM Asian American students' psychological needs by researchers and service providers while simultaneously pressuring the students to pursue unattainable goals. The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanism of how stress from the MMS might be related to depressive symptoms. Based on Hatzenbuehler's (2009) psychological mediation framework, MMS stress was hypothesized to be positively related to depressive symptoms through the mediating role of rumination. Data from 188 Asian American STEM students were analyzed using latent growth modeling. Results showed that the relationships among the MMS stress, rumination, and depressive symptoms were better explained by a linear growth framework than a no-growth model. Rumination mediated the positive association between the MMS stress and depressive symptoms in the cross-sectional context. Longitudinally, initially high levels of MMS stress hindered the decrease in the depressive symptoms overtime, and this relationship was mediated by the initial high level of rumination, indicating a significant role of rumination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Viscoelastic Memory Effects in Cyclic Thermomechanical Loading of Epoxy Polymer and Glass-Reinforced Composite: An Experimental Study and Modeling Under Variable Initial Stress and Cycle Durations

This article presents a study of the viscoelastic behavior of an epoxy polymer and a glass-reinforced composite based on it under cyclic thermomechanical loading. The goal is to model and explain the experimentally observed stress state formation, including the accumulation of residual stresses under various initial mechanical stress levels and heating/cooling cycle durations. An improved material model, implemented as a Python script, is used, allowing for the consideration of memory effects on thermomechanical loading depending on the level and nature (mechanical or thermal) of the initial stresses. A Python script was developed to determine the viscoelastic parameters (elastic modulus E1, elastic parameter E2, and viscosity) for the three-element Kelvin–Voigt model. These parameters were determined at different temperatures for both the polymer and the glass-reinforced composite used in the modeling. The accumulation of stresses under different ratios of mechanical and thermal stresses was also investigated. Experiments showed that high levels of residual stress could form in the pure epoxy polymer. The initial stress state significantly influences residual stress accumulation in the pure epoxy polymer. Low initial tensile stresses (0–1.5 MPa) resulted in substantial residual stress accumulation, exceeding the initial stresses by up to 2.7 times and reaching values of up to 2.1 MPa. Conversely, high initial stresses (around 4 MPa) suppressed residual stress accumulation due to the dominance of relaxation processes. This highlights the critical role of the initial loading conditions in predicting long-term material behavior. In the glass-reinforced plastic, the effect of residual stress accumulation was significantly weaker, possibly due to the reinforcement and high residual stiffness, even at elevated temperatures (the studies were conducted from 30 to 180 °C for the composite and from 30 to 90 °C for the polymer). The modeling results show satisfactory qualitative and quantitative agreement with the experimental data, offering a plausible explanation for the observed effects. The proposed approach and tools can be used to predict the stress–strain state of polymer composite structures operating under cyclic thermomechanical loads.

Factors Associated with Workplace Injuries Among Shift Work Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Ecuadorian Sample

Background/Objectives: Shift work schedules and mental and physical workloads affect the sleep homeostasis of nurses, increasing the risk of occupational injuries. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbances caused by shift schedules and the occurrence of needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) among nurses, considering significant worker and occupational factors. Methods: A total of 348 nurses from five hospitals of Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador, participated in this cross-sectional survey. Data on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, work schedules, and NSI incidents during the previous six months were collected. Emotional status, sleepiness, and insomnia symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires. Additionally, nurses with night shifts (fixed or rotating) were specifically assessed to estimate the relationship between NSIs and insomnia or sleepiness symptoms related to these types of shift work using logistic regression analyses. Results: Nurses whose schedule included night shifts showed a higher prevalence of NSIs than those with other shifts (33.2% vs. 29.0%; p < 0.05). High levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with having had an NSI in the previous six months. Logistic regression showed that female sex (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 4.62, 95% CI: 1.65–12.97), less experience in the current clinical setting (aOR 3.12, 95% CI: 1.46–6.57), the use of psychotropic drugs (aOR 4.46, 95% CI: 1.51–13.17), and insomnia and sleepiness symptoms due to shift work (aOR 2.61, 95% CI: 1.15–5.91) increased NSI risk among nurses with night shifts. Conclusions: There is an acute need to explore the complex relationship between sleep troubles linked to shift work schedules, occupational factors, and the risk of occupational injuries and propose preventive strategies for enhancing nurses’ sleep health and workplace safety.

SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES OF PATIENTS WITH PROLONGED ICU ADMISSION: CHALLENGES, NEEDS, AND INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

This study aims to analyze social support for families of patients in prolonged ICU hospitalization, identifying their challenges, needs, and intervention strategies. The methodology employed consists of a systematic literature review conducted across major academic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Google Scholar, using keywords related to the topic. Peer-reviewed articles published in the last 10 years, addressing social support in the ICU context, were included. After selecting the studies, a qualitative analysis was performed to identify the main emerging themes, such as social support strategies, emotional needs of families, challenges faced during prolonged hospitalization, and the psychological impacts of this experience. The quality assessment of the studies included an analysis of methodological robustness, clarity in sample definitions, and the depth of interventions. The key findings indicate that families of critically ill patients face high levels of stress, anxiety, and psychological suffering, necessitating adequate social support to mitigate these impacts. Strategies such as emotional support, clear communication, and interdisciplinary care were highlighted as effective. The review also revealed gaps in the literature, particularly regarding the long-term effectiveness of interventions and the impact of communication technologies. The final considerations emphasize the importance of humanized practices and the integrated role of the multiprofessional team in providing effective social support to families, as well as suggesting further research on innovative interventions and technologies in social support.

Mental health of volunteers: origin of psychosomatic disorders in PTSD conditions

Background. Numerous studies in various scientific areas deal with to the problem of mental health of Ukrainians: the theory and practice of psychological and pedagogical research, psychophysiological concepts and theories, a systematic approach in psychology, the psychophysiological aspect of the emotional background, as well as psychosomatic features of optimal personality functioning. Preservation of mental health has become a priority of the state policy of Ukraine to support the country’s stability and fighting capacity. The study of the impact of psychoemotional factors on the functional state of the body for the restoration and optimization of life support among volunteers who provide free psychological assistance and support the mental health of the population is relevant. The research was aimed at studying the origin of psychosomatic disorders in volunteers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as determining the impact of these disorders on their mental health and psychosocial status. Materials and methods. The following psychodiagnostic tools were used: emotional burnout diagnosis method according to V. Boyko, NEWS questionnaire, PCL-5 questionnaire and post-traumatic growth questionnaire. According to the results of the study, it was found that emotional burnout in volunteers manifests itself in three phases: tension, resistance, and exhaustion according to indicators of a high level of stress and severe depression in respondents with signs of PTSD (23.9 %). Results. Mental disorders such as asthenic, anxiety-phobic, hysteroform and depressive syndromes are observed in all groups. Conclusions. The psychosomatic mechanism of the relationship between mental activity and behavior in PTSD includes the influence of a traumatic psycho-emotional factor that causes a constant feeling of danger, panic attacks or fear of repeating the situation, a feeling of hopelessness, low mood, apathy, loss of interest in usual activities, aggression, irritability, frequent conflicts and anger outbursts, feelings of detachment, social isolation, relationship problems and guilt for experiencing PTSD symptoms.

Study on the Mechanical Characteristics and Degradation Response of Unloading Rocks Surrounding Tunnels in Cold Regions

The excavation of the rock mass at the tunnel entrance in regions characterized by high altitudes and elevated stress levels results in the direct exposure of the surrounding rock to atmospheric conditions. This surrounding rock is subjected to the compounded effects of excavation-induced unloading damage and freeze–thaw erosion, which contribute to the degradation of its mechanical properties. Such deterioration has a negative impact on production and construction operations. Following tunnel excavation, the lateral stress exerted by the surrounding rock at the tunnel face is reduced, leading to a predominance of uniaxial compressive stress. As a result, the failure mode and mechanical behavior of the rock exhibit characteristics similar to those observed in uniaxial loading tests conducted in controlled laboratory environments. This study conducts laboratory-based uniaxial loading and unloading tests, as well as freeze–thaw tests, to examine the strength, deformation characteristics, and fracture attributes of unloading sandstone subjected to freeze–thaw erosion. A damage deterioration model for unloading sandstone under uniaxial conditions is developed, and the patterns of damage response are further analyzed through the identification of compaction points and the definition of damage response points. The results indicate that (1) as the degree of freeze–thaw erosion increases, the failure threshold of the sandstone significantly decreases, with the residual rock fragments on the fracture surface transitioning from hard and sharp to soft and sandy; (2) freeze–thaw erosion has a pronounced negative impact on the cohesion of the sandstone, while the reduction in the internal friction angle is relatively moderate; and (3) the strain induced by damage following three, six, and nine freeze–thaw cycles exhibits a gradual decline and appears to reach a state of stabilization when compared to conditions without freeze–thaw exposure. Investigating the mechanical properties and deterioration mechanisms of the rock in this specific context is crucial for establishing a theoretical foundation to assess the stability of the tunnel’s surrounding rock and determine the necessary support measures.

Early identification of dropouts during the special forces selection program

Recruits are exposed to high levels of psychological and physical stress during the special forces selection period, resulting in dropout rates of up to 80%. To identify who likely drops out, we assessed a group of 249 recruits, every week of the selection program, on their self-efficacy, motivation, experienced psychological and physical stress, and recovery. Using linear regression as well as state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, we aimed to build a model that could meaningfully predict dropout while remaining interpretable. Furthermore, we inspected the best-performing model to identify the most important predictors of dropout. Via cross-validation, we found that linear regression had a relatively good predictive performance with an Area Under the Curve of 0.69, and provided interpretable insights. Low levels of self-efficacy and motivation were the significant predictors of dropout. Additionally, we found that dropout could often be predicted multiple weeks in advance. These findings offer novel insights in the use of prediction models on psychological and physical processes, specifically in the context of special forces selection. This offers opportunities for early intervention and support, which may ultimately improve success rates of selection programs.

Inference and Optimal Design on Partially Accelerated Life Tests for the Power Half-Logistic Distribution Under Adaptive Type II Progressive Censoring

This study explores accelerated life tests to examine the durability of highly reliable products. These tests involve applying higher stress levels, such as increased temperature, voltage, or pressure, that cause early failures. The power half-logistic (PHL) distribution is utilized due to its flexibility in modeling the probability density and hazard rate functions, effectively representing various data patterns commonly encountered in practical applications. The step stress partially accelerated life testing model is analyzed under an adaptive type II progressive censoring scheme, with samples drawn from the PHL distribution. The maximum likelihood method estimates model parameters and calculates asymptotic confidence intervals. Bayesian estimates are also obtained using Lindley’s approximation and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method under different loss functions. Additionally, D- and A-optimality criteria are applied to determine the optimal stress-changing time. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of the estimation methods and the optimality criteria. Finally, real-world datasets are analyzed to demonstrate the practical usefulness of the proposed model.

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 related to the failure times of coupons cut from aluminum sheeting and white organic light-emitting diodes are explored to confirm the effectiveness of the theoretical findings.

Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Students during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The worldwide CoVid-19 pandemic poses great impact to human lives remarkably to psychological well-being. Thus, this study aimed to investigate and determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) among students during the pandemic. A descriptive quantitative research design was utilized in the study. In gathering the data, the study utilized the standardized survey questionnaire of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales 42 (DASS-42) to evaluate the students DAS level. The data compilation used online questionnaires through the platform Google Forms. The study reported a significantly high level of depression, anxiety and stress from the sample population. The result of the study found that levels of depression, anxiety and stress vary from age, gender, educational level and grade/strand/course program. Younger age groups (adolescents and young adults) suffer higher DAS level among other age groups while gender reveals that females compared to males are far more vulnerable to anxiety and stress. Moreover, students regardless of educational level and strand/course program experience significantly severe level of anxiety. In conclusion, COVID-19 is an epidemiological crisis that is casting a shadow to students’ DAS level.

A method for stress and hardness characterization based on the amplitude spectrum features of magnetic Barkhausen noise

Abstract Hardness and residual stress on the surface serve as critical evaluation indicators for the quality of components in industrial manufacturing. However, determining their values becomes a substantial challenge when both these mechanical properties are variables. This study proposes a method for decoupling stress and hardness from the time–frequency domain of magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN), aiming to distinguish between the two variable mechanical properties. Short-time Fourier transform is employed to obtain the amplitude spectrum of MBN, and features in both time and frequency domains are extracted. The relationship between the features of MBN and mechanical properties is examined. Our findings indicate that as hardness increases, the rate of change of MBN features with stress decreases. In contrast, at higher stress levels, the rate of change of MBN features with hardness increases. However, the frequency corresponding to the maximum value of the amplitude spectrum f max remains constant despite changes in stress but exhibits an increase with increasing hardness. A model based on planar polynomial functions related to hardness and stress is developed to achieve decoupling. The method would serve as a valuable reference for the decoupling of two or more mechanical properties.

Metabolomic Changes in Major Depressive Disorder Adolescent Females with or without Suicide Attempts.

The incidence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is high among adolescent females, and MDD is often accompanied by suicide attempts (SAs), which have a serious negative impact on health. However, changes in lipids, thyroid hormone, and brain metabolism among female adolescents with MDD and the relationships between these three markers and MDD with SA have yet to be elucidated. This study enrolled 71 MDD patients with SA (MDD+SA), 66 MDD patients without SA (MDD-SA), and 47 healthy controls (HCs). We analysed the lipid and thyroid hormone levels and magnetic resonance spectroscopy results of the subjects. Low levels of social support, high levels of life stress, and high levels of suicidal ideation (SI) were risk factors for SA. In MDD patients, 1) thyroid stimulating hormone was positively correlated with triglyceride (TG) and N-acetyl aspartic acid (NAA)/creatinine in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein and the choline/creatinine in the thalamus; 2) free thyroxine was negatively correlated with the choline/creatinine in the thalamus; 3) total cholesterol, TG, low-density lipoprotein, and choline/NAA in the PFC were positively correlated with the severity of SI and suicide risk; and 4) NAA/creatinine in the thalamus was negatively correlated with the severity of SI and suicide risk. In female adolescents with MDD, there are significant synergistic changes in lipids, thyroid hormones, and brain metabolism-related factors, and the changes in these indicators may be related to the pathological mechanism of SA.

Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealing mechanotransduction via the Hippo/YAP pathway in promoting fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis development.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible and fatal interstitial lung disease, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion that disrupts normal alveolar structure. This study aims to explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the promotion of IPF development. Firstly, we compared the transcriptome and single-cell sequencing data from lung tissue samples of patients with IPF and healthy individuals. Subsequently, we conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Furthermore, we employed sodium alginate hydrogels with varying degrees of crosslinking to provide differential mechanical stress, mimicking the mechanical microenvironment in vivo during lung fibrosis. On this basis, we examined cytoskeletal remodeling in fibroblasts MRC-5, mRNA expression of multiple related genes, immunofluorescence localization, and cellular proliferation capacity. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a series of DEGs associated with IPF. Further functional and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that these DEGs were primarily enriched in ECM-related biological processes. Single-cell sequencing data revealed that fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the main contributors to excessive ECM secretion and suggested activation of mechanotransduction and the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in myofibroblasts. Cellular experiments demonstrated that sodium alginate hydrogels with different stiffness can simulate different mechanical stress environments, thereby affecting cytoskeletal rearrangement and Hippo/YAP pathway activity in MRC-5 lung fibroblasts. Notably, high levels of mechanical stress promoted YAP nuclear translocation, increased expression of type I collagen and α-SMA, and enhanced proliferative capacity. Additionally, we also found that fibroblasts primarily participate in mechanotransduction through the Rho/ROCK and Integrin/FAK pathways under high mechanical stress conditions, ultimately upregulating the gene expression of CCNE1/2, CTGF, and FGF1. Our study uncovers the crucial role of cytoskeletal mechanotransduction in myofibroblast transformation and IPF development through activation of the Hippo/YAP pathway, providing new insights into understanding the pathogenesis of IPF.

Mathematical Approach to Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being: Perspectives of Public Education in the Municipality of Caucaia-Ceará

Objective: The research aims to measure students' mental health using mathematical models. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on concepts about mental health, emotional well-being and mathematical methods applied to social sciences. Models such as the Emotional Well-Being Index and Aaron Beck's Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy are used, which highlight the impact of emotional well-being on students' academic performance. Method: The methodology used is a bibliographical research of a qualitative and quantitative nature, with exploratory and descriptive objectives, using a closed questionnaire to obtain research data, complemented by a mathematical analysis of emotional well-being, taking into account socioeconomic factors and the students' living conditions. Results and Discussion: The results indicated high levels of anxiety and stress among students, especially those facing socioeconomic difficulties, as well as a correlation between these factors and emotional well-being, suggesting that the implementation of psychological support programs and activities that promote well-being in schools can be efficient. Research Implications: The research provides data that can support public policies aimed at emotional well-being in schools, especially in vulnerable contexts. It suggests practical interventions, such as psychological support programs, in addition to highlighting the potential of integrating mathematical and socio-emotional methods to improve studies and educational actions. Originality/Value: The study is innovative in combining mathematical models and emotional factors to measure mental health in the school environment. Its results offer a practical and replicable methodology, contributing to educational interventions and public policies that promote student well-being.

Language Anxiety, Willingness to Communicate, and Achievements: The Case of Palestinian Students in Israeli Universities

Higher education in Israel is offered almost entirely in Hebrew as the medium of instruction. Consequently, Palestinian students in Israeli universities confront complex challenges that involve language and cultural gaps. This study focused on this group, using mixed methods, examining language anxiety, willingness to communicate (WTC) in Hebrew, and the relationship between these variables and achievements. The quantitative part included 155 participants who filled out a detailed questionnaire. The qualitative part included semistructured interviews with eight students and four lecturers. Results indicated high anxiety levels, medium levels of WTC in Hebrew, and a significant negative correlation between language anxiety, WTC, and academic achievements. Students reported high stress levels, avoidance, and embarrassment to talk, which clearly affected their academic performance. We argue that universities must acknowledge the emotional complexity of learning in such circumstances and develop practices to moderate students’ anxiety levels in order to reduce inequality within Israeli society.

Relationship between Work Environment and Employee Performance among Public Servants Attending Senior Management Course in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between work environment and work performance of employees in public service in Kenya. This was necessitated by the numerous challenges faced by public servants amidst the budgetary constraints and increased taxes making the work environment laced with high stress levels that are either work-related or personal. The study therefore sort to determine the factors within the work environment and how they influence an employee’s work performance. Methodology: The research design adapted was use of cross-sectional research survey, the target population was Public Servants represented by KSG Senior Management Course class 409/2023. The sample was 76 of the 112 public servants in the SMC 409/2023 class selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, data analysis done descriptively and inferentially using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 27. The results were presented through use of pie charts and tables. Findings: 96.1% percent of the respondents believed that the work environment positively affected their job performance, which is 72 respondents, while 1.3% believed that it does not, which is only one respondent. Two respondents were unsure if the work environment affects their job performance. In the measurement of the extent of the work environment influencing their performance, 59.7% of them (46) agreed that it has very strong effects. 24.7% (19) respondents believed that work environment has a strong impact on their performance, 7.8% were not sure if it has or doesn't, 5.2% (4) respondents disagreed that each has an effect on the performance, while two people strongly disagreed if it has which is 2.6 percent. 46.8%, that is 36 people, were satisfied with their current work environment. 6.5%, which is five people, were very satisfied with their current work environment. 23.4%, 18 respondents, were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their current work environment, 16.7% (13) respondents were dissatisfied with their current work environment, and 5, 6.5%, were very dissatisfied with their current work environment. Unique contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study findings were important for theory because they brought forth new information about the levels of work performance among public servants. For practice, the study will guide on measures that can be done as recommendations to improve work performance and In Policy, the public service can utilize data from this study to improve on their work place policies to inculcate the unique needs of public servants thus hoping implementation will promote work performance.

Associations of night eating with body mass index and waist circumference among health sciences students living in a post-conflict region.

Stressors associated with the ongoing ethnic tensions may be the drivers of more frequent night eating, and subsequently, a higher body mass index. To examine the association of night eating with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference among health sciences students in Northern Kosovo. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Prishtina in Kosovska Mitrovica from November 2018 to March 2019. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), the Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Body weight, height, and waist circumference were measured by the research team. The study sample consisted of 534 students. The night eating score was 14.4 ± 4.5 out of 52 (prevalence of night eating syndrome was 3.0%). Overall, the average BMI was 23.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2 (27.2% of students were overweight and 7.5% were obese). Moderate level of stress as measured by the PSS was observed 61.8% and high level of stress was recorded among 5.8%. Also, 9.2% students reported moderate BAI score and 6.0% students reported severe BAI score. After adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors, sleep, stress and anxiety levels, no association of night eating with BMI and waist circumference was observed. These findings showed that there is an absence of the association between night eating, BMI and waist circumference among students who live in a post-conflict setting. There may be other factors that mediate the relationship between food intake at night and body mass index.