Higher Mental Health Scores Research Articles

Social Support and Psychological Capital Mediate the Effect of Personalities on the Mental Health of Professional Staff in China During COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19-related lockdown can lead to mental health problem, which displays heterogeneous between individuals. The aim of this study was to explore the association between mental health, social support and psychological capital state of professional staff with different personalities during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. A cross-section study was conducted via online survey using the questionnaires of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revision Short Scale of China (EPQ-RSC). A total of 626 employees were included. Multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the association of psychological capital, perceived social support, EPQ-N and EPQ-E and their interactions in general mental health. About 2.7% of professionals had mental health. The married had a higher mental health score than the single (P<0.05). The regular exercising workers had the lowest mental health score (P<0.05), and higher psychological capital and social support scores than the non-exercising ones (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that the interaction between social support, psychological capital and neuroticism was statistically significant (β=-0.161, P<0.001) in general mental health with neuroticism ranking the top (β=0.352, P<0.001). Mediation analysis showed that social support modified the effect of psychological capital on mental health, accounting for 25.5% of the total effect, and that both social support and psychological capital mediated the effect of neuroticism or extroversion differentially on mental health. Neuroticism is an influencing factor on mental health of professional staff. Social support and psychological capital played a partial mediating role in the effect of neuroticism or extroversion differentially on mental health in China. The findings suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic, more social support and psychological capital are needed for the professional individuals with neuroticism to alleviate their stress and improve mental health.

The association between leisure activity and mental health in the older adults in China: amazing Guangchangwu.

Since the mental health of older adult is an important topic in the aging society, the main purpose of this study is to understand the mental health status of the older adult in China under different conditions. More importantly, although people generally believe that leisure activities can improve mental health, the impact of these activities on older adult has not yet been fully discussed. Hence, this study further explores that what kind of leisure activity is associated with mental health of the older adult given different conditions. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey to explore the relationships of various leisure activities on mental health among older adults under different demographics. This study used the Geriatric Depression Scale short forms scale (GDS-15) to assess the mental health of older adults. Based on a sample of 2,006 participants, both two-sample t-test and ANOVA were adopted to analyze the characteristics of mental health among specific subsamples. Our findings indicated that older adults generally have higher mental health scores if they do not have chronic diseases, live with other family members, or reside in urban. First, three leisure activities including walking, Guangchangwu, and hiking have positive associations on mental health for older adults with chronic diseases. Second, the older adults living alone engaged in Guangchangwu or hiking significantly associated with their good mental health. Finally, only Guangchangwu has a significantly positive associated with the mental health of rural older adults. Based on our results, the government and healthcare planners can better allocate limited resources under different conditions to promote certain leisure activities, which are helpful to enhance the mental health of older adults. Guangchangwu is an activity that meets the characteristics of Chinese culture, so we further conclude that it is significantly associated with the good mental health of older adults in China.

The role of social cohesion in explaining rural/urban differences in healthcare access and health status among older adults in the mid-Atlantic United States

Social cohesion can influence health. It is higher among rural versus urban residents, but the burden of chronic disease is higher in rural communities. We examined the role of social cohesion in explaining rural/urban differences in healthcare access and health status. Rural (n = 1080) and urban (n = 1846) adults (ages 50+) from seven mid-Atlantic U.S. states completed an online, cross-sectional survey on social cohesion and health. We conducted bivariate and multivariable analyses to evaluate the relationships of rurality and social cohesion with healthcare access and health status. Rural participants had higher social cohesion scores than did urban participants (rural: mean = 61.7, standard error[SE] = 0.40; urban: mean = 60.6, SE = 0.35; adjusted beta = 1.45, SE = 0.54, p < .01). Higher social cohesion was associated with greater healthcare access: last-year check-up: adjusted odds ratio[aOR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval[CI] = 1.17–1.33; having a personal provider: aOR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03–1.18; and being up-to-date with CRC screening: aOR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.10–1.25. In addition, higher social cohesion was associated with improved health status: higher mental health scores (adjusted beta = 1.03, SE = 0.15, p < .001) and lower body mass index (BMI; beta = −0.26, SE = 0.10, p = .01). Compared to urban participants, rural participants were less likely to have a personal provider, had lower physical and mental health scores, and had higher BMI. Paradoxically, rural residents had higher social cohesion but generally poorer health outcomes than did urban residents, even though higher social cohesion is associated with better health. These findings have implications for research and policy to promote social cohesion and health, particularly for health promotion interventions to reduce disparities experienced by rural residents.

Social media and mental health in students: a cross-sectional study during the Covid-19 pandemic

BackgroundSocial media causes increased use and problems due to their attractions. Hence, it can affect mental health, especially in students. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between the use of social media and the mental health of students.Materials and methodsThe current cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 on 781 university students in Lorestan province, who were selected by the Convenience Sampling method. The data was collected using a questionnaire on demographic characteristics, social media, problematic use of social media, and mental health (DASS-21). Data were analyzed in SPSS-26 software.ResultsShows that marital status, major, and household income are significantly associated with lower DASS21 scores (a lower DASS21 score means better mental health status). Also, problematic use of social media (β = 3.54, 95% CI: (3.23, 3.85)) was significantly associated with higher mental health scores (a higher DASS21 score means worse mental health status). Income and social media use (β = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.25) were significantly associated with higher DASS21 scores (a higher DASS21 score means worse mental health status). Major was significantly associated with lower DASS21 scores (a lower DASS21 score means better mental health status).ConclusionThis study indicated that social media had a direct relationship with mental health. Despite the large amount of evidence suggesting that social media harms mental health, more research is still necessary to determine the cause and how social media can be used without harmful effects.

Perceived liveability, transport, and mental health: A story of overlying inequalities

IntroductionThis paper examines the links between perceived liveability and mental health, questioning the role transport-related variables and features of the built environment play in the relationship between the two concepts. By exploring a topic not often tackled from the perspective of transport and health studies, the paper positions the concept of perceived liveability as a mechanism to capture the subjective interpretations of the built environment by residents of different socioeconomic backgrounds and mobility behaviours. MethodsThe paper uses Cali, Colombia as an example of a rapidly growing city in the global South. We analyse data collected from an online participatory planning instrument where over 300 participants responded to questions on their mental health and their perceptions of the built environment, urban design, access to leisure facilities, and so forth. We use a Structural Equations Model that incorporates mental health and perceived liveability as latent variables. The paper also draws from secondary data to map both the spatial distribution of the various determinants of perceived liveability as well as the scores of the two latent constructs analysed. ResultsWe demonstrate that perceived liveability can be expressed as a latent variable, causing scores and correlations in measured variables associated with the urban form, the environment, access to transport, and fear of crime. On the whole, higher liveability scores are linked with higher mental health scores, and car users tend to score higher in both perceived liveability and mental health scores. ConclusionsThere are meaningful links between perceived liveability and mental health influenced by transport-related drivers such as mode choice. Findings concerning car users suggest that transport investments in cities like Cali tend to accommodate already socio-economically advantaged residents. When testing our hypothesis that proximity to mass transit infrastructure could increase liveability, the results were inconclusive, which suggests a limited “liveability footprint” of public transport infrastructure.

Technology and mental health among NICU parents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Parents of neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience many mental health stressors. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these stressors, as pandemic-related restrictions created barriers to resources and newborn bonding. Modern technology offers tools that can help NICU parents maintain their mental and social health remotely. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess self-reported mental health and technology use among parents of infants hospitalized in the NICU at a single institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also studied the prevalence of specific COVID-19-related stressors among participants. Participants were asked to rank a series of statements on a Likert scale to describe their mental health, technology use, and COVID-19-related stress. Spearman rank coefficients were calculated to measure strength and direction of associations. A sample of 47 participants completed the voluntary assessment. Mental health was negatively associated with higher COVID-19-related stress (rs-0.40, p=.015). The most prevalent COVID-19-related stressor was hospital visitation restriction, which 31.9% of participants assigned the highest severity stress score. Higher COVID-19-related stress was associated with the use of text and video chat for social support [(rs 0.35, p .016)and ( rs 0.33 p=.025) respectively]. Further, we found that greater enjoyment of technology use and greater access to technology were both positively associated with higher mental health scores [(rs 0.42, p=.003) and (rs 0.38, p=.009), respectively]. Our findings support the value of technology for individuals impacted by the stress of having a newborn who is hospitalized during a global health crisis. Evidence showing clinical benefits of technology supports the expansion of patient access and incentivizing funding for hospital programs, especially as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Associations between older African academics' physical activity, walkability and mental health: a social distancing perspective.

SummaryThis study aimed to assess the moderating influence of neighborhood walkability on the association between physical activity (PA) and mental health among older African academics aged 50 years or more in cities with social distancing protocols in response to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 905 volunteer academics participated in the study. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was employed to conduct sensitivity analyses and test the study hypotheses. After controlling for sex, education and age, there was a positive association between PA and mental health. Neighborhood walkability moderated the relationship between PA and mental health, which suggests that during the pandemic PA was associated with higher mental health scores in more walkable neighborhoods. The study concludes that PA was beneficial to mental health in the social distancing context and was associated with higher mental health in more walkable neighborhoods, particularly in a social distancing context.

Non-Celiac Gluten/Wheat Sensitivity: Clinical Characteristics and Microbiota and Mycobiota Composition by Response to the Gluten Challenge Test.

The aims of this observational “proof-of-concept” study were to analyze the clinical/psychological characteristics and gut microbiota/mycobiota composition of individuals with suspected non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS/WS) according to responses to the double-blind-placebo-controlled (DBPC) crossover gluten challenge test. Fifty individuals with suspected NCGS/WS were subjected to the DBPC challenge test; anthropometric measurements, psychometric questionnaires, and fecal samples were collected. Twenty-seven (54%) participants were gluten responsive (NCGS), and 23 were placebo responsive, with an order effect. NCGS individuals displayed a significantly lower risk of eating disorders and a higher mental health score when compared to placebo-responsive participants, confirmed by multiple logistic regression analyses (OR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.76–0.98, p = 0.021, and OR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.06–1.59, p = 0.009, respectively). Principal coordinate analyses based on microbiota composition showed a separation by the DBPC response (p = 0.039). For Bacteroides (p = 0.05) and Parabacteroides (p = 0.007), the frequency of amplicon sequence variants was lower, and that for Blautia (p = 0.009) and Streptococcus (p = 0.004) was higher in NCGS individuals at multiple regression analyses. No difference in the mycobiota composition was detected between the groups. In conclusion, almost half of the individuals with suspected gluten sensitivity reported symptoms with placebo; they showed lower mental health scores, increased risk for eating disorders, and a different gut microbiota composition.

Does social support moderate the association between hunger and mental health in youth? A gender-specific investigation from the Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study

BackgroundYouth who go hungry have poorer mental health than their counterparts – there are gender differences in this relationship. This study investigated the role of social support in the association between hunger and mental health among a nationally representative sample of youth in Canada in gender-specific analyses.MethodsWe used a probability-based sample of 21,750 youth in grades 6–10 who participated in the 2017–2018 Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children. Self-report data were gathered on hunger, mental health (measured via the World Health Organization-5 well-being index) and five sources of support – peer, family and teacher support as well as the school climate and neighborhood support. We conducted adjusted, gender-specific, multilevel regression analyses assessing the association between mental health, social support and hunger.ResultsWe found that youth who reported lower support were more likely to experience going to bed hungry (relative to never hungry) across all support factors. As for the social support factors, all the social support factors were associated with a higher mental health score, even after controlling for hunger. Despite these results our final set of models showed that our measures of social support did not alleviate the negative association between hunger and mental health. As for gender-specific findings, the negative association between hunger and a mental health was more pronounced among females relative to their male counterparts. We also found that certain social support factors (i.e., family, teacher and neighborhood support) were associated with a higher mental health score among females relative to males while controlling for hunger status.ConclusionsWe find that five social support factors are associated with a higher mental health score among ever hungry youth; however, social support did not overpower the negative association between hunger and mental health. Food insecurity is a challenge to address holistically; however, hungry youth who have high social support have higher odds of better mental health.

Patient-Reported Mental Health Score Influences Physical Function After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundDespite the effectiveness of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patients often have lingering pain and dysfunction. Recent studies have raised concerns that preoperative mental health may negatively affect outcomes after TKA. The primary aim of this study investigates the relationship between patient-reported mental health and postoperative physical function following TKA. MethodsA retrospective study of 1392 primary TKA patients was performed. Mental health and physical function scores were measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health, and PROMIS Physical Function 10a and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function (KOOS-PS) short forms. These assessments were completed preoperatively and up to 1-year postoperatively. Patients were stratified based on preoperative mental health scores into five distinct categories ranging from “Poor” to “Excellent.” Locally estimated scatter plot smoothing curves (LOESS) were fit to the data examining physical function score trends over time. ResultsPatients with higher mental health scores before surgery demonstrated better preoperative and postoperative physical function scores. However, all patients experienced similar gains in physical function following surgery. Despite this early improvement, patients with the worst mental health scores experienced a sharp decline in physical function approximately a year after surgery and did not appear to recover. ConclusionsPoor mental health should not be a contraindication for performing TKA. For patients with the lowest mental health scores, physicians should account for the possibility that physical function scores may deteriorate a year after surgery. Tighter follow-up guidelines, more frequent physical therapy visits, or treatment for mental health issues may be considered to counter such deterioration.

Longitudinal association between mental health and future antibiotic prescriptions in healthy adults: Results from the LOHAS.

To investigate the association of mental health and subjective physical functioning with future antibiotic prescriptions. Prospective cohort study. A rural town in Japan. Participants who completed the baseline survey (2008-2010) of the Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcomes in the Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS) were recruited. Participants were limited to those without comorbidities according to the Charlson comorbidity index. Participants using antibiotics at baseline were excluded. Mental health and physical functioning were assessed using the Mental Health and Physical Functioning domains of the Short-Form 12 Health Survey, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Mental Health Inventories at baseline. The main outcome was antibiotic prescriptions found in claims data during 1 year after the baseline survey. A total of 967 participants were included in the analysis, and 151 (15.6%) participants with at least one missing variable for the confounding factors were excluded, leaving 816 participants for the primary analysis. Among the 816 participants, 65 (8.0%) were newly prescribed at least one antibiotic during the 1-year follow-up period. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were third-generation cephalosporins (44 prescriptions; 35.5%), macrolides (28 prescriptions; 22.6%), and quinolones (23 prescriptions; 18.6%). A multivariable logistic regression analysis showed an association between higher mental health scores and future antibiotic prescriptions (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.40 per 1 standard deviation [SD] increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.90), whereas no significant relationship was observed between Physical Functioning scores and future antibiotic prescriptions (AOR, 0.95 per 1 SD increase; 95% CI, 0.75-1.22). During the secondary analysis, adults with depressive symptoms were less likely to be prescribed antibiotics (AOR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.11-0.70). Better mental health was associated with increased future antibiotic prescriptions for healthy community-dwelling Japanese adults, suggesting that mentally healthier adults could be a target population for reducing antimicrobial use.

The change of quality of life in 52 patients with non-severe aplastic anemia after cyclosporine A therapy

目的研究非重型再生障碍性贫血（NSAA）患者接受环孢素A（CsA）治疗前后生活质量的变化，并分析生活质量改善的影响因素。方法收集2014年1月至2016年1月在北京协和医院门诊初次治疗、仅使用CsA的NSAA患者，在治疗前和治疗2年后分别填写SF-36量表，与正常中国人模型（常模）比较；并调查评估患者的年龄、性别、文化程度、家庭年收入、付费方式、依从性、治疗前一般健康状况及治疗2年后的疗效，分析其与生活质量改善的关系。结果共52例患者符合入组条件，其中男性27例（51.9％），女性25例（48.1％），中位年龄48（21～85）岁。CsA治疗2年，完全治疗反应（CR）15例（28.8％），部分治疗反应（PR）25例（48.1％），无治疗反应（NR）12例（23.1％），治疗总有效率（CR+PR）76.9％。患者治疗前SF-36量表躯体和心理健康得分差于常模（P值均<0.05）。治疗后，躯体方面及总体生活质量虽仍然低于常模（P值均<0.05），但心理健康与常模比较差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05），精力（VT）、精神健康（MH）得分高于常模［VT：（58.8±20.1）分对（52.3±20.9）分，P＝0.023；MH：（65.9±17.6）分对（59.7±22.9）分，P＝0.014］。不同社会背景与生活质量改善均无显著相关性。起病时体能状况评分（ECOG评分）较低者生活质量改善更大。CsA治疗有效者生活质量均得到显著改善。结论NSAA患者生活质量低于常人，CsA治疗可以改善患者的生活质量，尤其是心理健康情况。不同社会背景的患者均可从治疗中获益，而起病较重者获益更大。

Determinants of healthcare use by homeless people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: results from the French Housing First Study

ObjectivesThere is limited evidence available on the health-seeking behaviours of individuals in relation to determinants of healthcare use. This study aimed to analyse the determinants of healthcare use (including both hospital and outpatient services) among homeless people with severe mental health illnesses. Study designThe study used data from a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial conducted in four large French cities (the French Housing First Study). MethodsData were drawn from 671 homeless people enrolled in the study between August 2011 and April 2014. Mobile mental health outreach teams recruited homeless individuals with severe mental health illnesses who were living on the street or in emergency shelters, hospitals or prisons. Data collection was performed during face-to-face interviews. Healthcare service use included hospitalisations, mental health and regular emergency department (ED) visits and outpatient visits to healthcare facilities or physicians’ offices over a 6-month follow-up period. The data were analysed with zero-inflated (ZI) two-part models. ResultsIn total, 61.1% of participants had at least one hospitalisation stay over the previous 6 months, with a mean of 25 (+/− 39.2) hospital days, and the majority (51%) had visited the ED (either for regular or mental health issues) during the same time period. The results confirmed the role of financial barriers (resources and health insurance) in seeking hospital care (P < 0.05). The main predictors for hospital use in the study population were a better social functioning score (odds ratio [OR]: 1.03; P < 0.001) and having schizophrenia (OR: 1.39; P < 0.01). Higher mental health scores (assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey) (OR: 1.03, P < 0.01) and alcohol dependence (OR: 2.13; P < 0.01) were associated with not using ED healthcare services. Being ‘absolutely homeless’ predicted an increased use of the ED and a zero use of outpatient services. Inversely, no association with factors related to the homelessness trajectory was found in hospital ZI negative binomial models. ConclusionThis study is important because a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of healthcare use enables healthcare systems to adapt and develop. The efficiency of medicosocial interventions targeting the homeless population with mental health illnesses must also be assessed. Clinical trial numberNCT01570712.

The effects of patient and disease-related factors on the quality of life in patients with hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) is an orphan disease, which causes physical, emotional, and cognitive problems. We aimed to estimate the factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of HypoPT patients. Basal characteristics, treatments, and laboratory results of the participants were recorded. QOL of the patients and controls were evaluated via the Short Form-36 (SF-36) survey. One hundred sixty HypoPT patients were compared with 148 controls. Patients had lower scores in all SF-36 domains than controls. Non-surgical patients had better scores in vitality and mental health compared with post-surgical ones. Males had higher scores in mental and physical health domains than females. Non-surgical patients had higher scores in mental health compared with post-surgical ones when calcium levels were between 8 and 8.9mg/dL. When we compared the patients with the pathological results, QOL scores of post-surgical patients with thyroid cancer were not different from the patients with thyroid nodular hyperplasia. HypoPT patients having an additional disease presented lower scores in physical functions and general health. Disease duration was found out positively correlated with vitality in non-surgical patients. While QOL is reduced in both post-surgical and non-surgical HypoPT groups, mental health seems to be less affected in non-surgical patients. Non-surgical patients might be tolerating hypocalcemia symptoms, lower calcium levels, and longer disease duration better than post-surgical ones. Having an additional disease affects the QOL negatively but having thyroid cancer may not change the QOL results of post-surgical patients.

The Lifestyle of People in Relation to Cancer Prevention in Yazd City in 2014

Introduction: Cancer is one of the non-communicable diseases and a major cause of mortality in recent decades. Studies have shown that there is a relationship between lifestyle and cancer; therefore it is necessary to identify and modify the life style to prevent cancer. This study was conducted to determine the lifestyle of people in relation to cancer prevention in Yazd in 2014. Methods: This descriptive- cross sectional study was conducted on 500 people in Yazd through cluster sampling method. Data were collected by questionnaire in 7 dimensions and its validity and reliability were confirmed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-16, T-test, and ANOVA tests. Results: According to the results, the mean of all dimensions of lifestyle, except in exercise and physical activity dimension, was higher than the mean of possible range. The findings show that married people had a significantly higher score in nutrition habits and single people had in physical activity and exercise dimension. People with a BMI of less than 20 (underweight people) had worse status than others in terms of mental health, physical health and exercise and physical activity. Moreoevr, people had higher scores in physical activity and exercise dimension with higher level of education. Furthermore, students had significantly higher scores in physical activity and exercise dimension and unemployed people received the lowest score in this dimension. People who were homeowner had higher scores in mental health, physical health. Conclusion: Overall, people's lifestyle was relatively favorable in cancer prevention in various dimensions. Furthermore, planning to increase public awareness about risk factors of cancer and support of healthy lifestyle by focusing on a diet high in vegetables, fruit, fiber, dairy products, antioxidant, low amounts of meat, taking antioxidants, and appropriate physical activity should be used as a part of primary prevention.

The association between exposure to psychosocial work factors and mental health in older employees, a 3-year follow-up study

PurposeUnfavourable exposure to psychosocial work factors threatens older employees’ mental health, and their sustained employment. This study assesses whether an improved compared to stable unfavourable and stable favourable exposure to psychosocial work factors is associated with a change in mental health in older employees at 3-year follow-up.MethodsThe current study used data from the Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation (STREAM), in workers aged 45–65 years (n = 5249). Two-year (2010–2012) exposure was assessed for psychological demands, autonomy, support, mental load, and distributive justice. Linear regression analyses were performed to compare improved exposure to unfavourable psychosocial work factors with stable unfavourable and stable favourable exposure and mental health at follow-up (2013), corrected for confounders. Analyses were stratified for age groups (45–54 and 55–65 years) and gender.ResultsIn certain subgroups, stable unfavourable exposure to psychological demands, autonomy, support, and distributive justice was associated with a significantly lower mental health score than improved exposure. Stable favourable exposure to support was associated with a higher mental health score than improved support, whereas stable favourable exposure to autonomy was associated with a lower mental health score compared to improved exposure.ConclusionsThere is a longitudinal association between changes in exposure to psychosocial work factors and mental health. Improvement in unfavourable exposure to psychosocial work factors was associated with improved mental health. This is important information for organisations that consider deploying measures to improve the psychosocial work environment of older workers.

The correlation between demographic characteristics and mental health in victims of rape referred to Isfahan province forensic medicine center in year 2015

Abstract Background and Aim: sexual assault is one of the most important factors posing a serious threat to the health and rights of women in the word. However, factors that affected on the health of victims are less-known. This study aimed to determine the relationship between demographic characteristics and mental health of the victims in the year 2013. Materials & Methods: This was a descriptive study, which was carried out in 2013. The sample size was 93 people who were randomly selected from rape victims in the Isfahan forensic medicine center. Measuring tools was demographic characteristic's questionnaire and 90 item- symptom revised checklist (SCL90-R). The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and spearman's correlation, Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test using SPSS 16. Findings: Spearman's correlation test between demographic characteristics and mental health score indicates that factors, including age of victim (p=0.99) and income of victim (p=0.08) did not have a significant relationship with the mental health score. The relationship between victim's father education (p=0.008) and mental health was significant. The victims who had fathers with a diploma degree significantly had higher mental health scores than those who were their fathers had lower education. Conclusion: The majority of the victims had a mental disorder with high or very high degree of severity. Most seen symptoms were depression and aggressive behaviors. For the prevention of psychological consequences of rape, the family and social networks should enforce to identify and treat victims who have suffered trauma.

Association between Body Mass Index and Quality of Life in Elderly People over 60 Years of Age.

BackgroundThe Korean population is aging rapidly and the number of health threats is increasing. The elderly obese population is also increasing and this study aimed to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and health-related quality of life in the elderly Korean population.MethodsThe Korean version Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was administered to elderly subjects (≥60 years) selected from welfare and health centers, and university hospitals. Sociodemographic information and subjects' height and weight were also recorded.ResultsThe study population's mean age was 74.2±7.1 years, and the average BMI was 24.5±3.2 kg/m2. The 542 participants were segregated based on BMI quartiles. The SF-36 scores were compared among the sex-stratified quartile groups after adjusting for age, education level, income, smoking, alcohol, and arthritis diagnosis. The SF-36 scores were compared for four BMI quartiles stratified by sex, after adjusting for age, education level, income, smoking, alcohol consumption, and arthritis diagnosis. Men in the Q3 and Q4 groups had higher mental health scores than men in Q2 group. Additionally, men in the Q3 group had higher social function scores than those in the Q2 and Q4 groups. No differences were observed for the remaining six domains; no significant score differences were observed in any of the survey domains for the female subjects.ConclusionThere was no significant association between a high BMI and a low quality of life in the elderly Korean population selected from hospitals and welfare centers, as assessed using the SF-36 scores.

Association of Dietary Habits with Psychosocial Outcomes in Women with Fibromyalgia: The al-Ándalus Project

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a complex multidimensional disorder with pain as its main symptom. Fibromyalgia imposes a psychosocial burden on individuals that negatively impacts quality of life. The relationship of dietary habits with these psychosocial aspects is still unclear. ObjectiveThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess dietary habits in a representative sample of women with FM and to explore their association with mental health, depression, and optimism in this population. DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2011 and January 2013. ParticipantsThe study sample comprised 486 women (ages 35 to 65 years) with FM from Andalucía (southern Spain). Main outcome measuresMental health, depression, and optimism were evaluated by means of the mental component scale of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the Life Orientation Test Revised, respectively. A short form of a validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits. Statistical analyses performedAnalysis of covariance was used to assess associations between dietary habits and mental health, depression, and optimism. The presence of severe depression (BDI-II ≥29) as a function of dietary habits was examined with logistic regression. ResultsA daily or almost-daily consumption of fruit and vegetables and a moderate consumption of fish (2 to 5 servings per week) were associated with higher scores in mental health (P<0.001, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively) and lower levels of depression (P<0.001, P<0.01, and P<0.01, respectively). A daily or almost-daily consumption of vegetables and a moderate consumption of dairy products and fish were associated with higher levels of optimism (P<0.05, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively). A daily or almost-daily consumption of cured meats and sweetened beverages were associated with higher levels of depression and lower levels of optimism, respectively (both P<0.05). ConclusionThe results this study suggest that a daily or almost-daily intake of fruit and vegetables and a moderate intake of fish may be associated with more favorable psychosocial outcomes in women with FM. Conversely, excessive intake of cured meats and sweetened beverages was related to worse scores in optimism and depression outcomes. Future research analyzing dietary patterns as well as intervention studies evaluating the effects of healthy dietary patterns on psychosocial and physical outcomes in individuals with FM are warranted.

Is There Any Relationship between Mental Health and Driving Behavior of Taxi Drivers in Kerman?

&lt;p&gt;Traffic accidents are the main reason of disability and the second reason of mortality in Iran. Therefore finding out the effective factors is vital. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between mental health and taxi drivers’ behavior in Kerman. This is a cross-sectional descriptive research in which Manchester driving behavior questionnaire (MDBQ) and “general health questionnaire (GHQ)” were used. The questionnaires were distributed between 186 taxi drivers during February and March 2015. Our study was conducted in the province of Kerman in the east south of Iran. We used descriptive methods as well as t-tests, chi-square tests, and logit models for data analysis. The data analysis showed that the driving behavior of Kermanian taxi drivers is good (0.481±4.13) and the mental health situation of them is partly good (0.662±3.61). The Pearson’s correlation test showed overall driving behavior score is correlated positively with mental health score (r=0.83, P=0.000). Also there were positive correlations between all driving behavior dimensions and mental health dimensions at a level of significance of 0.005. The result of Chi-Square Test showed that there the younger drivers and who had less driving experience had higher mental health score. Single drivers and who had less education, which had faced with financial loss in their previous accidents, which had lose their driving license for a while, higher driving behavior score compared to the others (P&amp;lt;0.05). By some improvement actions in driver’s mental health, we can effect on their behavior. And by proper driving behaviors, we can avoid from some mortalities, disabilities and heavy costs on society.&lt;/p&gt;