High Prevalence Of Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

People-Oriented Culture and its association with burnout, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems during COVID-19 pandemic among EMS providers in Korea.

This study examined how perceived people-oriented culture (POC) was associated with burnout, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems during the COVID-19 pandemic among emergency medical service (EMS) providers in Korea. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 693 EMS providers in 2021. Overall, 60% reported burnout and around 25% had depressive symptoms. Prevalence of poor sleep quality, unrestful sleep, and sleep disturbance were 46.5%, 58.2%, and 52.2%, respectively. Compared to high POC group, higher prevalence of depressive symptoms was observed among medium (PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.32) and low (PR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.92, 3.79) POC group. Similar trends were observed in the analysis of burnout and sleep problems. Our findings underscore that low POC could play a critical role in worsening burnout, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems among EMS providers.

Severity of Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetic Patients

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic degenerative disease that can significantly impact both life expectancy and quality of life among affected populations, primarily by disrupting metabolic control and exacerbating disease complications. Objective: To assess the severity of neuropathy across four domains (pain, loss of sensation, postural instability, and depression) in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational, and qualitative study The study population comprised diabetic individuals attending outpatient clinics for diabetic foot care at Hospital de S. João - Unidade de Valongo and Centro Hospitalar do Alto Ave in Guimarães. Variables included gender, age, type and duration of diabetes, neuropathic characteristics, balance, dependency/independence, and depression. Results: Regarding neuropathy severity, most diabetic patients exhibited loss of sensation and moderate pain, with no apparent postural instability or depression. However, both instability and depression were observed when neuropathic signs were present. Conclusions: The presence of neuropathic signs was associated with increased postural instability, reduced functionality, and a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, a positive relationship was observed between pain severity and depressive symptomatology.

Work Environment and Depressive Symptoms of Webtoon Writers

BackgroundWebtoon, a digital form of comics created in the Republic of Korea, has spread widely with advantages that anyone can become a cartoonist and that autonomy of creation is guaranteed. The purpose of this study is to identify the working conditions of webtoon writers and analyze the relationship between these conditions and depressive symptoms. MethodsA survey was carried out on webtoon writers and a survey data of 312 webtoon writers were analyzed. The questionnaire included basic socio-demographic characteristics, webtoon writers’ contractual type, fields of activity (webtoon creator, story writer, illustrator), and working environment (labor discretion etc.). We investigated depressive symptoms and analyzed its relation to the work environment of webtoon writers. ResultsWebtoon writers were exposed to long working hours, high labor intensity, limited labor discretion, negative comments from readers, and had a high prevalence of depressive symptoms. Compared to story writers who contracted directly with platforms, story writers and the illustrators who contracted with content providers (CPs) were 9.51 times (OR = 9.51, 95% CI = 1.47 - 61.33) and 6.47 times (OR = 6.47, 95% CI = 1.08 – 38.75) more likely to have depressive symptoms, respectively. ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the urgent necessity to improve the overall working environment in the webtoon industry and implement measures to tackle the escalating mental health challenges faced by illustrators and story writers contracted with CPs, especially given the increasing popularity of novel comics.

Association between hs-CRP and depressive symptoms: a cross-sectional study.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a sensitive measure of low-grade inflammation and appears superior to conventional blood tests in assessing cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the link between high-sensitivity CRP and depressive symptoms among adults. Multiple logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting were used to investigate the association between hs-CRP and depressive symptoms based on data from the, 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were used to assess the stability of this relationship across populations. The study comprised 6,293 non-clinical participants, which included 549 individuals with depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was found to increase with increasing levels of hs-CRP. This trend persisted even after quartetting hs-CRP levels. In the fully adjusted model, each unit increase in hs-CRP was associated with a 10% increase in the odds of depressive symptoms (OR=1.10,95%CI:1.01-1.21). Participants in the highest quartile of hs-CRP had a 39% higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR=1.39,95%CI:1.01-1.92). Additionally, this positive correlation was more pronounced in men. In adult Americans, there exists a positive association between elevated hs-CRP levels and depressive symptoms, with a more prominent manifestation of this association observed in males.

Early-onset vasomotor symptoms and development of depressive symptoms among premenopausal women

BackgroundWe investigated the association between vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) and the onset of depressive symptoms among premenopausal women. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 4376 premenopausal women aged 42–52 years, and the cohort study included 2832 women without clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline. VMSs included the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; a score of ≥16 was considered to define clinically relevant depressive symptoms. ResultsPremenopausal Women with VMSs at baseline exhibited a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared with women without VMSs at baseline (multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratio 1.76, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.47–2.11). Among the 2832 women followed up (median, 6.1 years), 406 developed clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Women with versus without VMSs had a significantly higher risk of developing clinically relevant depressive symptoms (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.72; 95 % CI 1.39–2.14). VMS severity exhibited a dose-response relationship with depressive symptoms (P for trend <0.05). LimitationsSelf-reported questionnaires were only used to obtain VMSs and depressive symptoms, which could have led to misclassification. We also could not directly measure sex hormone levels. ConclusionsEven in the premenopausal stage, women who experience hot flashes or night sweats have an increased risk of present and developed clinically relevant depressive symptoms. It is important to conduct mental health screenings and provide appropriate support to middle-aged women who experience early-onset VMSs.

Independent Impact of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor on Cardiovascular Prognosis in Coronary Heart Disease Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Objectives: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a biomarker of depressive symptoms manifests a novel role in the cardiovascular system. This study aims to indicate the association of BDNF levels between depressive symptoms and the cardiovascular prognosis in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Methods: Participants were recruited from hospitalized CHD patients between November 18, 2020 and November 26, 2021, in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. Serum BDNF levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Depressive symptom was evaluated using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The cardiovascular events were the endpoint outcomes across the 12-month follow-up. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the relationship of serum BDNF levels between depressive symptom and prognosis. Results: A total of 102 CHD patients (60.6 ± 10.4 year, 76% male) were enrolled. Based on the median serum BDNF levels, the participants were grouped into those “low BDNF (≤0.65 ng/mL)” versus “high BDNF (≥0.65 ng/mL).” CHD patients with low BDNF levels had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (PHQ–9 ≥10) compared with high BDNF levels. Within a median 540 days of follow-up, low serum BDNF increased the risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.26; 95% confidence interval = 1.18–9.02, P = 0.02) after adjustment for confounding factors. Conclusions: CHD patients with low serum BDNF levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, independently of depressive symptoms.

Effect of weight on depression using multiple genetic instruments.

A striking global health development over the past few decades has been the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. At the same time, depression has become increasingly common in almost all high-income countries. We investigated whether body weight, measured by body mass index (BMI), has a causal effect on depression symptoms in Finland. Using data drawn from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (N = 1,523, mean age 41.9, SD 5), we used linear regression to establish the relationship between BMI and depression symptoms measured by 21-item Beck's Depression Inventory. To identify causal relationships, we used the Mendelian randomization (MR) method with weighted sums of genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) as instruments for BMI. We employ instruments (polygenic risk scores, PGSs) with varying number of SNPs that are associated with BMI to evaluate the sensitivity of our results to instrument strength. Based on linear regressions, higher BMI was associated with a higher prevalence of depression symptoms among females (b = 0.238, p = 0.000) and males (b = 0.117, p = 0.019). However, the MR results imply that the positive link applies only to females (b = 0.302, p = 0.007) but not to males (b = -0.070, p = 0.520). Poor instrument strength may explain why many previous studies that have utilized genetic instruments have been unable to identify a statistically significant link between BMI and depression-related traits. Although the number of genetic markers in the instrument had only a minor effect on the point estimates, the standard errors were much smaller when more powerful instruments were employed.

Factors associated with mental health in medical students at UFAL/Arapiraca

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among medical students at the Federal University of Alagoas, Arapiraca campus. This was a cross-sectional study carried out between September and December 2022. The final sample consisted of 145 volunteers, 53.1% of whom were male. The results showed that 34.5% had depressive symptoms and 16.55% had suicidal ideation, with these conditions being associated with each other. In addition, students who declared themselves to be atheist/agnostic had more suicidal ideation compared to the others [p&lt;0.01]. These results indicate a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in the sample investigated, pointing to the need to develop public policies that ensure the mental and physical integrity of medical students.

Depressive symptoms and their correlates among predoctoral dental students in the United States.

To investigate the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms among predoctoral dental students in the United States and examine potential correlates. A survey was emailed to all 66 dental schools in the United States, inviting them to distribute it to their predoctoral students. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data collection occurred from February to April 2020. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations between demographic variables and depressive symptom severity category, adjusting for potential confounding. Of an estimated 25,000 predoctoral dental students at the 66 schools, 631 students from 21 schools completed the survey. A total of 24.1% were categorized as having minimal or no depressive symptoms, 33.6% as having mild depressive symptoms, and 42.3% as having moderate, moderately severe, or severe depressive symptoms. Gender (p=0.015) and race/ethnicity (p=0.002) were significant predictors of severity, adjusting for other variables. Students identifying as female had higher odds of self-reporting greater depressive severity symptoms compared with students identifying as male. Students identifying as African American/Black (non-Hispanic) and Asian/Pacific Islander had higher odds of self-reporting greater depressive severity symptoms compared with students identifying as White. There is evidence of a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among predoctoral dental students in the United States. Demographic variables may be risk indicators within this population. Approaches to reduce depressive symptoms among US predoctoral dental students are needed.

(349) Shining a Light on Women's Sexual Health: Insights from Patients Presenting with Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract Introduction Sexual health is an essential component of overall health and wellbeing, and its importance in women's lives has often been neglected in clinical practice due to cultural, social, and educational barriers. Fortunately, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness and emphasis on women's sexual health, with increasing research attention dedicated to addressing this issue. Objective In this context, this study aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on women's sexual health by examining the characteristics of women who present for treatment of sexual dysfunction. Methods Women who presented with sexual dysfunction to our clinic from July 2022 to June 2023 were enrolled in this study and administered the PHQ-9 and FSFI surveys. In addition, hormone levels, demographic data, and pertinent medical history were collected at this time. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with presentation for treatment. Results A total of 26 women with a mean age of 52 (SD=2.4) participated in this study. 10 (38.5%) women presented with low estradiol levels, and 4 (15.4%) women with low testosterone, although mean levels thereof were 53.7 (SD=18.9) and 72 (SD=16.8), respectively. Most women (15, 57.7%) reported mild to moderate depressive symptoms on PHQ-9 with a mean score of 7.53 (SD=1.08), but only 2 reported a formal diagnosis of depression. Somewhat expectedly, 24 (92.3%) women report an FSFI score less than 26 (mean=17.9, SD=1.63), corroborating their subjective experience. Additionally, logistic regression demonstrates that depressive symptoms have a strong relationship (R=0.63) with increased pain during intercourse (p=0.014) and decreased sexual satisfaction (p=0.002). Conclusions These results provide valuable insights into the characteristics of women who present for treatment of sexual dysfunction. The findings suggest that low hormone levels, particularly estradiol, may be a contributing factor to sexual dysfunction in some women. The high prevalence of depressive symptoms reported in our study highlights the need for clinicians to recognize and address the mental health concerns of these patients as well. It also underscores the importance of comprehensive sexual health assessments, including hormone level evaluations and mental health screenings, in the management thereof, though our findings are limited by a small sample size and lack of follow up and further studies are still needed. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: AbbVie, Marius, Tolmar, Endo, Petros, Boston Scientific, Coloplast.

Depressive symptoms in pregnant women treated at the Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora

Introduction. Pregnancy, being a situation of vulnerability and with its inherent changes, places women at a great risk of depression. In Mexico, the prevalence of probable depression in pregnant women treated at the Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, was 17.8%, assessed using the Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale (EPDS). To date, there are no data regarding this issue in Sonora. Objective. To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in pregnant women treated at the Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora (México). Method. An observational, descriptive, transversal, and prospective study was conducted in 2021, applying the EPDS in 168 2nd/3rd trimester pregnant women, selected by non-probabilistic sampling by consecutive cases. Sociodemographic variables, pathological/non-pathological, gynecological, and obstetrical personal history were explored. The analysis was performed using measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative variables; for qualitative variables, frequency and percentage; χ2 test to assess differences in distribution of depressive symptomatology by age and the rest of variables. Results. A global prevalence of “probable depression” of 14.3% was determined. The majority, within 20-29 age group, with a partner and a planned/desired pregnancy. High school educational level, 50%. History of intimate partner violence, 54.2%. Almost 40%, primigravida. Substance use, denied. Overweight/obesity, in 70%. Discussion and conclusion. There is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy, going unnoticed for reasons such as insufficient knowledge (patient/health care providers), since there is no routine screening. It is imperative to work on prevention, detection and treatment, since it entails multiple consequences at a binomial, family, and social level.

Associations of problematic smartphone use with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in university students before and after the COVID-19 outbreak: A meta-analysis

Background and aimProblematic smartphone use (PSU) has been suggested to present with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation (SI) as well as sleep disturbance, lack of social support, and emotional isolation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between PSU with depressive symptoms and SI in university students, and to determine the potential influence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. MethodsObservational studies pertinent to our research were identified through comprehensive searches of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. To account for potential heterogeneity, the random-effects models were employed to aggregate the findings. ResultsEighteen datasets from 17 case-control studies, including 24,019 university students, were included. Among them, 8,775 (36.5 %) had PSU. A higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 2.40, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 2.19 to 2.63, p < 0.001; prediction interval: 1.95 to 2.96) was observed in university students with higher scores for PSU measures. A subgroup analysis showed a stronger association between PSU and depressive symptoms after the COVID-19 outbreak as compared to that before the outbreak (OR: 2.76 versus 2.16, p for subgroup difference = 0.002), which explained the heterogeneity. The association between PSU and depressive symptoms in university students was similar to those reported in studies from China and other countries, and in studies with different quality scores. Finally, a meta-analysis of three studies suggested that PSU was also associated with the prevalence of SI (OR: 2.18, 95 % CI: 1.77 to 2.68, p < 0.001; I2 = 0 %). ConclusionIn university students, PSU may be a risk factor for depressive symptoms and SI, and the association between PSU and depressive symptoms became stronger after the COVID-19 outbreak.

The sex difference in self-rated health among older Turkish and Moroccan migrants in the Netherlands: an exploratory study of contributing determinants

BackgroundAlthough being a woman and having a migration background are strong predictors of poor self-rated health among (older) adults, research on the sex difference in self-rated health among (older) migrants remains limited. This study therefore aims to investigate this topic and explore the contributing role of determinants of self-rated health.MethodsCross-sectional data from 360 Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch adults aged 55–65 as part of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used. Self-rated health (good versus poor) was measured by a single item question. Univariate age-adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the sex difference in self-rated health and the contribution of sex differences in sensitivity (strength of the association) and/or exposure (prevalence) to socio-demographic, social, lifestyle or health-related determinants of self-rated health.ResultsWomen had a 0.53 times lower odds (95%CI:0.40–0.82, p = 0.004) on good self-rated health compared to men. Women more often having a lower education level, living alone and having a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, chronic diseases and especially functional limitations contributed to the lower self-rated health among women. In contrast, men were more sensitive to the impact of memory complaints, depressive symptoms, visual difficulties and functional limitations.ConclusionsOlder Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch women have a significant lower self-rated health compared to men. Women having a higher exposure to both socio-demographic and health-related determinants of self-rated health, which contributed to the sex difference. Future research should take these differences in self-rated health and determinants between women and men into account when investigating health among older migrants.

Protective Behaviors Against COVID-19 and Related Factors in Korean Adults With Depressive Symptoms: Results From an Analysis of the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey.

This study evaluated protective behaviors against coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and related factors in individuals with depressive symptoms. This cross-sectional study included data from the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey. Depressive symptoms, COVID- 19 protection behaviors, and related factors were investigated in 228,485 people. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze categorical variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 27.0). In the study, 3.9% (n=8,970) had depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in individuals in their 19-39 years , and ≥60s than in those in their 40-59 years (p<0.001). Lower education level and household income were associated with a higher prevalence of depression (p<0.001). Among the various occupations, service workers had the highest prevalence of depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Individuals with depressive symptoms were less likely to adopt protective behaviors against COVID-19 (p<0.001) or exhibit concerns regarding death and economic damage (p<0.001) compared to individuals without depressive symptoms. Individuals with depressive symptoms were more likely to have unhealthy behaviors than those without depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Individuals with depressive symptoms considered that the COVID-19 response by the government and other organizations was inadequate (p<0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with depressive symptoms faced greater challenges in adopting protective behaviors. Therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies to protect people with depressive symptoms during another pandemic in the future.

A Conceptual Analysis of Post-psychotic Depression

"The conundrum of post-psychotic depression (PPD) is still present in the psychiatric literature, for more than a century since it was first described by Mayer-Gross. After a short existence in the DSM-IV and ICD-10, this nosological construct was excluded from newer versions of the mental disorders classifications. Therefore, an exploratory analysis of the PPD concept was considered useful both from clinical and theoretical perspectives. There is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and, although not all of them represent cases of PPD, they are considered risk factors for suicide. The arguments and contra-arguments for/against PPD were reviewed, and the potential pharmacological interventions for this disorder were analyzed. The explored evidence indicates that PPD is worth further investigation, and in order to differentiate it from schizoaffective disorder, negative symptoms of SSD, or depressive manifestations within the acute psychotic episodes, clearly defined criteria should be found. The use of validated scales, like the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and the InterSePT Scale for Suicidal Thinking, is recommended for the initial assessment of depression and suicidal risk in patients with SSD, but also for their monitoring during the acute and maintenance phases. Besides the administration of combined, antidepressant and antipsychotic treatment, the use of clozapine, and the recommendation to initiate treatment for SSD with atypical antipsychotics whenever possible, there is a dearth of studies exploring specific interventions for PPD. Future studies are expected to address the validity of the nosological construct of PPD and the most adequate therapeutic and prophylactic interventions in patients with SSD."

Long-term health-related quality of life in meningioma survivors: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Meningiomas account for ~25% of all primary brain tumors. These tumors have a relatively favorable prognosis with ~92% of meningioma patients surviving >5 years after diagnosis. Yet, patients can report high disease burden and survivorship issues even years after treatment, affecting health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We aimed to systematically review the literature and synthesize evidence on HRQOL in meningioma patients across long-term survival, defined as ≥2 years post-diagnosis. Systematic literature searches were carried out using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection. Any published, peer-reviewed articles with primary quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods data covering the physical, mental, and/or social aspects of HRQOL of meningioma survivors were included. A narrative synthesis method was used to interpret the findings. Searches returned 2253 unique publications, of which 21 were included. Of these, N = 15 involved quantitative methodology, N = 4 mixed methods, and N = 2 were qualitative reports. Patient sample survival ranged from 2.75 to 13 years. HRQOL impairment was seen across all domains. Physical issues included persevering symptoms (eg, headaches, fatigue, vision problems); mental issues comprised emotional burden (eg, high prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety) and cognitive complaints; social issues included role limitations, social isolation, and affected work productivity. Due to study heterogeneity, the impact of treatment on long-term HRQOL remains unclear. The findings from this review highlight the areas of HRQOL that can be impacted in long-term survivorship for patients with meningioma. These findings could help raise awareness among clinicians and patients, facilitating support provision.

The relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in medical staff after their infection with COVID-19

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) play a crucial role in managing infectious diseases like COVID-19. However, the demanding working conditions during the pandemic have led to an increased risk of depression and sleep disorders among these dedicated professionals. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in medical staff who had contracted COVID-19.MethodsThis descriptive study involved a sample of 203 HCWs who had contracted COVID-19. These HCWs were employed at a hospital affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2020. The data for this study were collected using a demographic information form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS22, with a significance level set at less than 0.05.ResultsThe study found that the mean score for depressive symptoms among the participants was 11.67 ± 2.68, while the mean score for sleep quality was 5.47 ± 3.02. It was observed that 18.2% of the participants experienced moderate depression, 10.3% had severe depression, and 59.6% had poor sleep quality. Furthermore, a significant and positive correlation was identified between sleep quality and depression (r = 0.54; p = 0.001). Multiple regression models indicated that the harmful pattern and sleep quality together could predict 34% of the variance in depression. Additionally, the use of sedatives and depression were found to predict 33% of the variance in sleep quality.ConclusionThe findings of our study indicated a high prevalence of depressive symptoms and insomnia among medical staff who had contracted COVID-19. These results provide valuable insights for health managers, highlighting the need for implementing interventions in epidemic environments to reduce the vulnerability of HCWs.

Depression, anxiety, and stress in medical students in Peru: a cross-sectional study.

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms in medical students in Peru, during the second pandemic wave of COVID-19. We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in 405 medical students from a university in northern Peru. The DASS-21 instrument was used to evaluate mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress), and to investigate their association with socio-educational characteristics. We found a prevalence of depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms of 71.6% (95% CI: 66.94-75.95), 71.9% (95% CI: 67.2-76.2), and 62.7% (95% CI: 57.8-67.4); respectively. Students with eating behavior disorders had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.35), anxious symptoms (PR: 1.27), and stress symptoms (PR: 1.31). The prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.57), anxious symptoms (PR: 1.27), and stress symptoms (PR: 1.24) increased in students who did not report regular physical activity. In addition, having almost always academic exhaustion increased the prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.46), stress symptoms (PR: 1.72). On the contrary, the prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 0.79), anxious symptoms (PR: 0.73) and stress symptoms (PR: 0.82) decreased in male students. Students who reported sleeping 8 or more hours daily had a lower prevalence of stress symptoms (PR: 0.82). Symptoms of depression and anxiety occurred in 7 out of 10 students, and stress in 6 out of 10. Among the factors associated with the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress were eating behavior disorder and not regularly exercising. Periodic evaluations of mental symptomatology are required and counseling should be promoted in medical schools.

Depression and heart failure - the incidence of depressive symptoms assessed by the PHQ9 and their association with HF outcomes

Abstract Background Depression is a prevalent, debilitating, and potentially modifiable comorbidity that affects heart failure (HF) patients and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Current HF guidelines recommend addressing depression using questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which is a 9-item questionnaire that can be self-administered in less than 3 minutes. Objectives To evaluate the performance of PHQ-9 in a Portuguese cohort of HF patients and present a practical approach for the screening and management of depression in patients with HF. Methods We conducted a prospective study enrolling consecutive patients observed in the HF clinic from June 2022 to August 2022. Patients answered the PHQ-9 before the beginning of the appointment, during which the physician evaluated the results and managed them according to the suggested protocol. – figure 1. We then evaluated the severity of depression by PHQ-9 at baseline and its association with the levels of serum NT-proBNP, the severity of HF symptoms, and the incidence of a composite of all-cause mortality and HF exacerbation at 90-days follow-up. Results A total of 124 patients were observed in the HF consultation and answered PHQ-9: mean age of 74±12,1years, 68% (n=84) male, 82% (n=102) with NYHA I-II, 48% (n=60) with preserved ejection fraction, 23% (n=29) with a previous diagnosis of depression and on antidepressant therapy. After the evaluation of PHQ-9, 52% (n=65), 27% (n=33), 10% (n=12), 8% (n=10) and 3% (n=4) had minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression symptoms, respectively. In the no previous depression diagnosis group, 49% (n=46) had at least mild depressive symptoms. The presence of depressive symptoms was associated with higher levels of serum NT-proBNP (r=0.31; p&amp;lt;0.001) and worse HF symptoms assessed by the NYHA classification (p&amp;lt;0,001). Patients who met the composite outcomes (death or HF exacerbation) during follow-up had a significantly higher PHQ-9 score (10±7 vs. 5±5; p&amp;lt;0,001). Conclusions This study confirmed the high prevalence of depressive symptoms in this real-world cohort of HF patients and demonstrated that screening for depressive symptoms can be efficiently integrated in the HF consultation. A higher burden of depressive symptoms was associated with higher serum NT-proBNP, more severe symptoms and higher incidence of death or HF admissions.

COVID-19-Associated Food Insecurity and Mental Health Symptoms Among Latinx Adults in the United States.

Introduction: U.S. Latinx adults were disproportionately burdened by COVID-19 infection, as well as food insecurity compared to their non- Hispanic white adults. It is less clear if within-group variations among U.S. Latinx adults exist in food insecurity and mental health outcomes. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of repeated cross-sectional survey waves from the Understanding America Study (UAS) study (N = 182,865). We computed multivariable generalized linear regression models to examine associations between food insecurity, demographic characteristics, and depressive symptoms. Results: Participants with a history of food insecurity had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to those without a history of food insecurity (21.1% compared to 5.23%, p < .0001). Mexican participants reported a significantly higher prevalence of depression compared to Latino participants of Puerto Rican, Central American, or another Latino ethnicity (8.94% compared to 2.84%, 1.76%, and 2.91%, respectively, p < .0001). Associations of self-reported food insecurity among men and women varied by asthma status. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that participants with a history of food insecurity had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to those without a history of food insecurity. Our findings also illuminate the importance of disaggregating U.S. Latinx adults when examining associations between food insecurity and mental health.