Higher Levels Of Fear Research Articles

Assessing Fear of Thyroid Cancer in the General U.S. Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: This study aimed to measure fear of thyroid cancer in the general U.S. population and identify factors associated with a high level of thyroid cancer-specific fear that may contribute to overtreatment. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using Prolific Academic Ltd.®, an online survey platform. The survey was administered in August 2020 to English speaking adults (>17 years) in the United States who were registered with Prolific. The target sample was stratified to represent the demographics of the U.S. population. A validated, eight-item breast cancer fear scale was adapted to measure thyroid cancer-specific fear. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors significantly associated with high levels of thyroid cancer-specific fear. Results: Of the 1136 respondents (94.3% eligibility), 50.4% were female, 74.1% White, and the mean age was 45 years (SD = 16 years). Overall, 47.5% of respondents had high levels of thyroid cancer-specific fear. Multivariate regression demonstrated that age <40 years (OR = 2.46 vs. 65+ [95% confidence interval {CI} = 1.60-3.80]) and female gender (OR = 1.48 vs. male [CI = 1.13-1.93]) were associated with high levels of thyroid cancer fear. Believing thyroid cancer (OR = 2.71 [CI = 1.99-3.69]) and cancer in general are serious (OR = 1.53 [CI = 1.13-2.08]) were also associated with high levels of thyroid cancer fear. Respondents who overestimated thyroid cancer incidence (OR = 1.64 [CI = 1.25-2.13]) and believed they had a high chance of developing cancer (OR = 1.70 [CI = 1.19-2.42]) were also more likely to have high fear of thyroid cancer. Conclusion: Thyroid cancer-specific fear is prevalent in U.S. adults particularly in females and those younger than 40 years. Because disease-specific fear is associated with overtreatment, targeted education about the seriousness, incidence, and risk factors for developing thyroid cancer may decrease public fear and possibly overtreatment related to "scared decision-making."

Fear in health professionals working in a hospital institution in Covid-19

Fear is a negative experience in health professionals given that exposure during the pandemic, high labor demand and emotional implications, have significant effects on their psychological well-being, therefore, the objective of the research is to determine the fear in health professionals working in a hospital institution of COVID-19. It is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and non-experimental study, with a population of 220 health professionals who answered a questionnaire of sociodemographic data and the scale of fear of COVID-19. In their results, 23% (n=51) of the professionals have a low fear of COVID-19, 37% (n=91) medium fear of COVID-19 and 40% (n=88) high fear of COVID-19. In conclusion, the constant exposure of health professionals to the risk of contagion, excessive workload and emotional pressure during the pandemic have generated high levels of fear.

Monthly Observation Research by Community Researchers: Coping with Dangerous Situations and Multiple Crises in Postcoup Myanmar

Abstract: This paper contributes to the scholarship on research in difficult environments by shedding light on the methodological and ethical implications of working with community researchers (CRs) in Myanmar. We refer to this method as Monthly Observation Reports by Local Community Researchers (MOR), a hybrid research method incorporating features of community-based participatory research and observation by local researchers who collect data within an extremely repressive political environment generated by the 2021 military coup. We show that while the MOR has its own share of ethical and methodological challenges, it emphasizes protecting the safety of local CRs and enables researchers to acquire in-depth understandings of evolving situations in specific locations while drawing comparisons across places, as well as providing recommendations for policymakers. A case study on Myanmar also engages with ongoing debate on the role of CRs in academic research by reaffirming the many benefits as well as common challenges associated with the employment of local researchers and offering additional insights and lessons for an environment characterized by a high level of fear, distrust, and insecurity.

Fear of COVID-19 and illicit drug use during COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a case-control study.

Some people use illicit drugs to relieve stress. However, these drugs cause serious damage not only to individuals but also to society as a whole. Stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is considerable, as the number of illicit drug users continues to increase, despite a decrease in the availability of drugs and opportunities to leave the house during the pandemic. Fear of COVID-19 causes stress; however, its association with illicit drug use is not yet understood. In this study, we examined whether the fear of COVID-19 affects the subsequent use of illicit drugs. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal case-control study using data from an Internet survey performed annually between 2020-2022, with the 2020 survey as the baseline survey and the 2021 and 2022 surveys as follow-up surveys. Those who were illicit drug use-free at the baseline survey but had a history of drug use upon follow-up were defined as the outcome group, whereas those who remained illicit drug use-free at follow-up were defined as the no-outcome group. Logistic regression analysis was conducted between the two groups, using "the fear of COVID-19" as the explanatory variable and adjusting for the effects of confounding factors. The same analysis was conducted by dividing illicit drugs into cannabis and non-cannabis groups, then setting their use as a secondary outcome. The study included 17,800 subjects, 837 of whom used illicit drugs at follow-up and 16,963 who did not use illicit drugs at follow-up. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher levels of fear over COVID-19 correlated with higher illicit drug use among the participants. However, our analysis of cannabis-only outcomes showed no significant differences. We found that fear of COVID-19 was a contributing factor to illicit drug use. Although the exact mechanism through which fear influences illicit drug use remains unknown, previous studies have shown that fear of certain targets increases illicit drug use, and our study adds to this evidence. However, in this study, we were unable to show a statistically significant causal relationship between fear of COVID-19 and the use of cannabis alone. Further research on the relationship between fear and the use of cannabis or other drugs, for varying focuses of fear, may broaden our knowledge of the different reasons individuals have for using different drugs.

Fear, Stress, Susceptibility, and Problematic Social Media Use Explain Motivation for COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors Among Patients With Stroke and Their Caregivers.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for individuals who experienced stroke and their caregivers. It is essential to understand the factors affecting preventive behavior in these populations. Therefore, the present study examined the factors that influenced COVID-19 preventive behavior and motivation for COVID-19 vaccine uptake among patients with stroke and their caregivers. A cross-sectional study comprising 191 participants (81 patients with stroke and 110 caregivers) was carried out. Participants completed a survey assessing fear of COVID-19, stress, perceived susceptibility, problematic social media use, preventive behaviors, and motivation for vaccine uptake. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regressions. Motivation for COVID-19 vaccine uptake was significantly positively correlated with problematic social media use (r = 0.225, P = .002), perceived susceptibility (r = 0.197, P = .008), and fear of COVID-19 (r = 0.179, P = .015), but negatively correlated with stress (r = -0.189, P = .010). Caregivers, compared to patients, showed a lower level of preventive behavior (standardized coefficient = -0.23, P = .017). Furthermore, higher levels of fear were associated with increased preventive behavior (standardized coefficient = 0.22, P = .006), while greater stress correlated with lower preventive behavior (standardized coefficient = -0.38, P < .001). Among patients with stroke and their caregivers, motivation of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and preventive behaviors were influenced by factors such as fear, perceived susceptibility, social media use, and stress. By using strategies such as targeted education, support, and communication campaigns, healthcare providers and policymakers may be able to enhance the well-being of patients with stroke and their caregivers during future pandemics.

Anxiety during the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19): The Lived Experience of Older Adults

This qualitative study explored the lived experience of Maltese older adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety during the coronavirus disease pandemic. The study was carried out through an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. The participants (7 Maltese older adults) were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling, and semi-structured interviews were utilised to collect data. A cluster of 4 emergent Group Experiential Themes comprising of 13 subthemes highlighted the high levels of fear, as well as the different cognitive processes and attitudes that led to and maintained the experience of anxiety. The challenges of living through the pandemic included social isolation, safety measures, the long-term living outcomes of the pandemic and reflections on vulnerability. Resilience, coping strategies, and support systems played crucial roles throughout this period. Results framed within a Dynamic Biopsychosocial Model revealed that biological, psychological and social factors influencing anxiety evolved with the pandemic, shaping participants' perceptions. Measures supporting older adults to soften the negative mental health outcomes and possible traumas due to death of loved ones or long-term hospitalization should be prioritized.

The Influence of Socioeconomic and Educational Factors on the Level of Anxiety and Fear of COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were reports of heightened levels of anxiety and fear of contagion in the general population. Such psychological responses may be influenced by the socio-environmental context in which individuals reside. This study aimed to examine the relationship between socioeconomic and educational factors and the level of anxiety and fear related to COVID-19. A multicenter, cross-sectional design was used, including patients aged 18 years or older who attended primary care physician consultations at various primary health centers in Toledo, Spain, between October 2020 and January 2021. By means of a non-probabilistic sampling, a total of 150 participants were selected for the study, with 146 of them providing responses to the AMICO questionnaire The level of fear and anxiety associated with COVID-19 was assessed using the validated Anxiety and Fear of COVID-19 Assessment Scale (AMICO). A significant linear relationship was revealed between social class, employment status, and anxiety levels. Specifically, as social class decreased (p = 0.001) and employment situation worsened (unemployment) (p = 0.037), the proportion of participants reporting a high level of anxiety increased. During the second phase of the pandemic, more than half of the patients attending family medicine consultations exhibited a high level of fear and anxiety towards COVID-19, which was significantly associated with lower social class and unemployment.

Leopard Intrusion Into Human Settlements: A Study Of Conflict In Margalla Hills National Park

The leopard is one of the most common apex predators having recurrent conflict with humans throughout the world. This study investigates the dynamics and potential mitigation of human-leopard conflict in communities bordering Margalla Hills National Park, Pakistan, where livestock depredation drives conflict. A questionnaire survey of 174 residents provided data on depredation patterns, risk perceptions, attitudes towards leopards, and perspectives on solutions. Key findings show uneven distribution of attacks by location and livestock type due to husbandry practices and land use. Small farms, carelessness, and sole dependence on vulnerable livestock enable persistent conflict. The majority of respondents (57.71%) said leopards were rare, while 32% said they were common. The predominant perception of leopards as very or slightly dangerous reveals a high level of fear and risk awareness. The most common response was positive, with 89 respondents viewing leopards favorably. A high prevalence of goats in Saidpur village in comparison to other rural settings explains the recurrent depredation and resultant increased human-leopard conflict. Community attitudes toward leopards are diverse, signaling opportunities for constructive engagement through research, education, and inclusive policy development. With careful persistence over time, communities may eventually find an equitable path towards coexistence that preserves Islamabad iconic leopards while also meeting local priorities.

Factors Associated with Psychological Distress, Fear, and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite being initially perceived as a local infectious disease, COVID-19 has emerged as one of the most perilous global health threats, significantly impacting the psychological well-being of individuals worldwide. This cross-sectional descriptive study investigates the psychological distress, fear, and coping mechanisms among Thai people residing in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. This online cross-sectional survey targeted Thai individuals during the first and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants aged 18 and above who provided consent self-reported their responses to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Data collection occurred between November 2020 and January 2021 across four regions of Thailand. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses explored associations between contextual factors and the variables of interest. Out of 498 survey respondents, with an average age of 43.07 (SD = 13.69) years, 81.9% were female, and 61.6% self-identified as healthcare workers, with 47.59% identified as frontline healthcare workers. Findings revealed that 46% of participants experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, 14.3% reported high levels of fear of COVID-19, and 35.1% exhibited low resilient coping. Factors such as changes in employment status or financial situations, comorbidities, contact with known or suspected COVID-19 cases, recent healthcare utilization for COVID-19-related stress, and elevated fear of COVID-19 were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Conversely, being nurses and perceived better mental health status were linked to more effective coping strategies. These results emphasize the critical importance of government interventions to safeguard the psychological well-being of healthcare workers and the broader Thai population. Urgent measures to bolster resilience among these groups during and after the pandemic are imperative.

Embracing Motherhood: Impact of Nurse Led Fear and Apprehension Related to Labour or Childbirth Improving Intervention (FALCI) in Reducing Childbirth Fear Among Pregnant Women.

Childbirth is a complex process with various dimensions including physical, psychological, emotional, social, and cultural aspects. The study intended to assess the effectiveness of Nurse led FALCI (Fear and Apprehension related to Labour or Childbirth Improving) Intervention in reducing childbirth fear among pregnant women. A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 115 pregnant women (selected through purposive sampling) at antenatal OPD of tertiary care hospital of Bhopal. Data was collected using Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (DEQ) and self-structured questionnaire on socio-demographic and clinical variables. The intervention (FALCI) was carried out in two phases, each lasting for 30 minutes conducted at week 3-4 and week 5-6 and information booklet was provided for reinforcement. The data was analysed using two-way repeated measures mixed ANOVA (within group and between groups). Findings revealed that most of the pregnant women in both experimental (68.5%) and control (90.2%) group had high level of childbirth fear. Post-intervention data revealed mean of pretest, posttest 1 and posttest 2 were 73.85, 46.94 and 37.90 in experimental group and the mean of pretest, posttest 1 and posttest 2 were 75.49, 72.59 and 72.67 in control group respectively and found that there is significant difference in childbirth fear (within group, F value=114.69, p<0.001 in experimental group and F =0.575, p=0.564 in control group) and between groups (F value= 81.52, p value <0.001). However, no significant association was found between childbirth fear and sociodemographic/clinical variables. The study findings revealed that Nurse led FALCI intervention was effective in reducing childbirth fear among the pregnant women and it is recommended that such intervention must be planned at all levels and implemented as routine protocol in maternity services.

Examination of the Effect of Nurses' Death Anxiety Levels on Their Children's Fear Levels during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of death anxiety levels of nurses on the fear level of their children during the COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out online with 362 nurses. Data were collected using an introductory information form, the Death Anxiety Scale, and the Children's Fear Scale.&#x0D; Results: It was found that the death anxiety levels of nurses and fear levels of their children were high. It was determined that the children of nurses who had high death anxiety had higher fear levels.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of screening nurses' death anxiety and children's fear levels during the pandemic period and providing psychological support when necessary.

Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinin COVİD-19 Korkusu ve Özyeterlilikleri ile Klinik Stres Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişki

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and self-efficacy of nursing students and their clinical stress levels. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in a descriptive and cross-sectional type between July and August 2021 in first-year nursing students of a health sciences faculty of a university. The study was completed with 89 nursing students who agreed to participate without sample selection (91% of the population was reached). The research data was collected using the Student Introductory Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Clinical Stress Questionnaire. Results: It was determined that the mean age of the students was 20.24±1.15 years, 59.6% were women, 43.8% had COVID-19, 60.7% had families with COVID-19, and 14.6% had lost due to COVID-19. The mean score of the students on the Fear of COVID-19 Scale was 24.83±5.87, and the total score of the General Self-Efficacy Scale was 63.91±11.18. The Clinical Stress Questionnaire total score was 31.19±7.8. While there was a positive and significant relationship between the total score of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the total score of the General Self-Efficacy Scale (p&amp;lt;0.05), no significant. Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that first-year nursing students experienced high levels of fear of COVID-19, had high levels of general self-efficacy, and experienced low levels of stress in their first clinical practice experience.

Managing Perceived Legitimacy in Uncertain Times: The Effects of Long-Covid

Uncertainty and unpredictability are the main characteristics of a crisis: the Covid-19 pandemic was definitely characterised by these two issues. During the Covid-19 pandemic, people experienced a very high level of fear that affected their behaviour in several dimensions of their lives, including their buying habits. Retailing was one of the most affected industries due to government health regulations and people’s fears and emotions. In such tumultuous times, organizational legitimacy plays a crucial role since consumers tend to interact with legitimate organizations, avoiding companies that are not fulfilling their expectations and are not aligned with the accepted social norms. The objective of this research is to understand how uncertainty and crisis may affect consumer behaviour taking into account their emotional conditioning. Specifically, we measured the impact on three different groups of people based on their relationship with the virus: those infected, those uninfected, and those with long-Covid sequelae. We conducted an empirical study in June 2022 on a sample of 515 individuals from the above groups. Our findings revealed that the effects of risk perception and legitimacy are significantly different and that these factors affect individuals purchase intention. The research findings contribute to consumer behaviour theories and offer practical insights for marketing professionals and policymakers in crisis situations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acknowledgments: This research has been financed by the Community of Madrid with European Regional Funds under the project “Evolución, Caracterización Clínica, Molecular y Genética y Tratamiento de los Síntomas post-COVID (COVID Persistente)” ref: A467; and Young Researchers R&amp;D Project. Ref. Proyect v1156 LEG-INCERT-ECON. Financed by Community of Madrid (Spain) and Rey Juan Carlos University

Mind over memory: reducing fear and avoidance of memory loss (REFRAME) study in older adults

AbstractBackgroundFear of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is a growing concern among older adults. High levels of fear are associated with poorer health outcomes, lower levels of psychological well‐being, and the perpetuation of harmful cognitive‐behavioral cycles that can potentially hasten cognitive decline. Interventions that disrupt these cycles could bring both immediate and long‐term benefits for reducing ADRD‐related fears. Given the projected increase in the number of people living with ADRD and accompanying fears, effective interventions are needed to address the emotional needs of older adults. We evaluated a brief psychological intervention aimed at promoting adaptive coping in older adults with heightened ADRD‐related fear and examined its effects on broader health outcomes.MethodEighty‐one older adults experiencing heightened ADRD‐related fear were recruited to participate in a 3‐week online intervention aimed at reducing fear (primary outcome) and improving secondary health‐related outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depression, social function). Participants were randomly assigned to REFRAME or active comparison group. Both groups completed psychoeducation and mindfulness activities designed to reduce fear. The REFRAME group completed an additional behavioral activation module designed to disrupt patterns of avoidant behavioral coping. Participants completed measures at baseline, weeks 1‐3 of the intervention, post‐intervention, and 4‐week follow‐up. Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed effects models.ResultParticipants ranged from 55 to 90 years, (M = 65.4, SD = 7.1). Intervention adherence was high (&gt;75%) across both groups. ADRD‐related fear decreased significantly over time in both groups. Anxiety, depression, and self‐reported memory failures also decreased significantly in both groups, while social function and well‐being improved. The REFRAME group exhibited a greater reduction in depression compared to the control group.ConclusionOur brief psychological intervention had positive effects on ADRD‐related fear among older adults. However, further research is needed to determine the long‐term benefits and their effectiveness in at‐risk populations (e.g., people with a family history of dementia), as well as the acceptability of this intervention in clinical settings. These findings highlight the potential benefits of disrupting harmful cognitive‐behavioral cycles, as this may encourage older adults to stay engaged in healthy behaviors for longer, ultimately improving their quality of life.

“Human or not?” The Effect of Using Different Types of Anthropomorphic Virus on Sense of Fear and Behavior Intention: The Moderating Effect of Regulatory Focus

&lt;p&gt;Covid-19在短時間內透過口沫傳染迅速傳播導致了許多國家經濟大亂、恐慌並引起了人民的恐慌。病毒帶來的威脅性與高風險傳染使得人心惶惶更加恐懼且公衛宣導效果不彰。本研究欲以病毒外觀擬人化與人類外觀擬人化探討不同類型的擬人化會如何對恐懼感以及行為意圖產生影響，同時探討調節焦點對病毒擬人化之恐懼感影響。本研究採用實驗法進行，病毒擬人化 (病毒外觀擬人化vs人類外觀擬人化)之單因子實驗設計，有效樣本為191份，干擾變數調節焦點為量表檢測調節焦點類型。結果為人類外觀擬人化較容易引起高度恐懼感且對於行為意圖會有較顯著之影響。最後當自我調節焦點為促進型焦點，人類外觀擬人化會引起較高程度之恐懼感則與本研究之預期走向相反。以上結果期許可以用於未來公衛宣導以及學術研究上能有進一步之探討上有所幫助。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a short period, Covid-19 rapidly spread through droplet transmission, causing economic turmoil and panic in many countries, leading to widespread fear among the public. The threatening and highly contagious nature of the virus intensified people’s anxiety, and public health campaigns showed limited effectiveness. This study aims to explore how different types of anthropomorphism, the appearance with human traits and the appearance with virus traits, impact sense of fear and behavioral intentions. Additionally, the study investigates the moderating effect of regulatory focus on the fear induced by anthropomorphizing the virus. The research adopts a single-factor experimental design (virus appearance: appearance with human traits vs. appearance with virus traits). The study includes 191 valid samples, with regulatory focus as the moderating variable, measured by a scale to identify the type of regulatory focus. Results indicate that human anthropomorphism is more likely to evoke a high level of sense of fear and significantly influence behavioral intentions. Unexpectedly, when the regulatory focus is promotion-oriented, human anthropomorphism causes a higher level of fear, contrary to the anticipated direction of the study. These findings are expected to contribute to future public health campaigns and academic research by providing insights for further exploration.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Cost-Effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Program for Pregnant Women With Fear of Childbirth

ObjectiveTo examine the cost-effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) program compared with enhanced care as usual (ECAU). DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingMidwifery settings in the Netherlands, April 2014 to July 2017. ParticipantsSubset of pregnant women with high levels of fear of childbirth (N = 54: randomized to MBCP, n = 32, or to ECAU, n = 22) who were selected from the parent study because they completed all four cost questionnaires. MethodsWe measured self-reported health care and non-health care costs. A subset of participants from the parent study completed the questionnaires at all four assessment points. We used the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire to measure fear of childbirth and used the EuroQol-5D to measure quality of life. We used these measures of effect together with societal costs in the primary cost-effectiveness analyses. In the secondary cost-effectiveness analyses, we used different estimates of effects and costs to test the robustness of the primary analyses. ResultsIn all but one scenario, MBCP was more effective and cost less than ECAU. As indicated by the acceptability curves, the likelihood of MBCP being cost-effective varied within a range of 70% to 98%. ConclusionOur findings indicate that MBCP is a cost-effective intervention to reduce fear of childbirth in pregnant women. Important next steps are to replicate the study in countries with different health care systems and to explore the potential for further integration of MBCP into midwifery care.

Gaze and avoidant patterns of visual attention to aversive stimuli during fear habituation trial: A pilot eye tracking study

Previous studies have revealed that attentional bias toward aversive stimuli may play a causal role in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders. This pilot study designed an experiment, using eye tracking, to capture gaze patterns individuals may display during a fear habituation trial. Three trials were conducted with twenty-eight subjects who reported aversion to insects. Pictures of cockroaches were used as aversive stimuli. The time proportion of the total visit duration and average visit duration toward aversive stimuli were analyzed using a mixed ANOVA, with three habituation trials and four self-report on fear level scores as within-participants factors. Across trials, the time proportion of total visit duration was relatively low when fear levels were high, and increased when fear levels decreased. Across trials, the average visit duration was short when fear levels were relatively high, and the average visit duration became relatively long as fear levels decreased. The results indicated that higher fear levels during exposure are likely to lead to attentional avoidance which might be a strategic effortful coping process (Eysenck, et al. 2007). This study is an crucial first step toward understanding the gaze patterns that fearful individuals may display during exposure trials. Using eye tracking technology, we objectively identified these gaze patterns and opened avenues to enhance the efficacy of exposure-based interventions tailored to address phobias.

The Effect of Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program Applied to Women With High Breast Cancer Risk on Participation in Screening, Health Beliefs, and Behavior

Background Women with a family history of breast cancer at an early age (≤50 years) have an increased risk of breast cancer themselves. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program (BrCaRRP) on increasing risk reduction behaviors, developing health beliefs, and screening participation in high-risk women with a family history of breast cancer. Methods This is a single-center, single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. First-degree biological relatives of breast cancer patients (aged ≤50 years) were divided into intervention (n = 38) and control (n = 39) groups. The intervention (BrCaRRP) group received multiple interventions including education, counseling, case management, and surveillance via face-to-face and telephone interviews throughout a 12-week period, within the framework of the Health Belief Model and Health Promotion Model. The control group was given an information note, and the routine practice of the clinic was performed. Results were measured at baseline and at week 12 when the interventions were finished. Results The probability of participation in breast cancer screenings in the BrCaRRP group was 5.11 times higher. Health motivation was found to have increased in the intervention group. There was no difference in susceptibility and nutritional behavior between the groups. Health responsibility and physical activity increased in the intervention group. The frequency of consulting genetic counseling increased in the BrCaRRP group. Conclusions Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program increased participation in screening in women and positively affected their health beliefs and behaviors. Implications for Practice Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program could alter screening and health-promoting behaviors. However, other interventions are still needed to reduce the high level of fear.

Dynamics of a diffusive predator–prey model with nonlocal fear effect

The fear effect on prey populations due to the presence of a predator’s sound or smell can be more impactful than direct predation. In this paper, we formulate a diffusive predator–prey model incorporating the nonlocal fear effect. The existence and boundedness of solutions are showed. We also study the stability of constant steady states by using the characteristic equation and Lyapunov functionals. Steady-state bifurcations are carried out in detail by the Lyapunov-Schmidt method. The analyses demonstrate that the fear effect in the system can change the stability of the constant steady state and there exist spatially nonhomogeneous steady states. Hopf bifurcations are also investigated and the results show that high levels of fear can stabilize the model by excluding the existence of periodic solutions. Finally, numerical simulations are sketched to illustrate our theoretical findings. This work can help us further understand the impact of fear effect on the stability of constant steady states, steady-state bifurcations and Hopf bifurcations of predator–prey models.

Fear of recurrence in postoperative lung cancer patients: Trajectories, influencing factors and impacts on quality of life.

To investigate the trajectory, influencing factors and dynamic relationships between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and quality of life (QOL) in lung cancer patients. Prospective longitudinal study. Longitudinal data from 310 lung cancer patients across three hospitals in China were assessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively (T1 -T4 ). Descriptive statistics characterised patient demographics, clinical characteristics, levels of FCR and QOL. A linear mixed-effects model was employed to analyse FCR trajectories, identify influencing factors on these trajectories, and predict the impact of FCR on QOL. FCR changed significantly over time, with a slight decrease during T1 -T2 , an increase at T3 and gradual decline at T4 . Higher fear levels were associated with female sex, suburban or rural residency, being a family breadwinner, presence of comorbidities and negative coping behaviours, and low family resilience. QOL negatively correlated with FCR, and FCR predicted lower QOL. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, lung cancer patients, especially women, suburban or rural residents, family breadwinners, those with comorbidities, negative coping behaviours and low family resilience, reported high levels of FCR. Healthcare providers should pay special attention to lung cancer patients especially during the period of 3-6 months post-surgery and offer tailored interventions to improve their QOL. Understanding the FCR trajectories, its influencing factors and its negative impacts on QOL can guide the development of targeted interventions to reduce fear and enhance well-being in patients with cancer. Identifying the trajectories and influencing factors of fear of lung cancer recurrence in patients at different time points informs future research on targeted interventions to improve QOL. The study adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Statement on Reporting Observational Longitudinal Research.