Impact Of Event Scale Research Articles

The Relationship of Orofacial Pain and Dental Health Status and Oral Health Behaviours in Facial Burn Patients.

This study aims to examine the association of orofacial pain and oral health status and oral health behaviours in facial burn patients. The participants in this cross-sectional study were randomly recruited from the Burn Care Center, Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan. An intraoral evaluation was carried out to record the DMFT and OHI-S. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic status, brushing frequency, and dental visits. Orofacial pain during mandibular movement was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Psychological status was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and Impact of Events Scale. ANOVA and simple and multiple linear regression tests were used to analyse the data. From the 90 facial burn patients included, the majority were below 34 years of age, female, single or divorced, and unemployed. The mean DMFT was 10.7, and 71% had poor oral hygiene. 56% of the participants had moderate-to-severe anxiety, and 68% had posttraumatic stress disorder. 53% of the participants had moderate-to-severe pain during mouth opening or moving the mandible with a mean score of 41.5. Analyses showed that orofacial pain was associated with less frequent brushing, irregular dental visits, greater DMFT score, and more plaque accumulation (OHI-S). It was also associated with employment status, the severity of a burn, anxiety, and stress. The treatment and management of dental and oral conditions in burn patients need judicious balance in controlling and accurate assessment of the pain and improving psychological problems in burn patients.

700 Young African American Adults Endorse Greater Distress from Racism than COVID though COVID may have Greater Impact on Sleep

IntroductionMuch attention has been given to stress-related symptoms including insomnia related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Exposure to racially targeted police violence and the disproportionate impact of COVID on their communities have been particularly salient stressors for African Americans. Aims for this presentation are to illuminate the emotional impact of COVID and racism on young adult African Americans and their relationship to sleep problems.MethodsAn online survey was sent to participants in an ongoing study focusing on sleep and health along with new participants recruited through a snowball method. The survey included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Impact of Event scale (IES), as well as items to assess experiences with COVID, exposure to racially targeted violence, and disparate community impact.ResultsRespondents were African Americans age 18–35. 45% endorsed worsening sleep during the pandemic. 25% had ISI scores of probable insomnia and 61% had IES scores above the symptom threshold for clinical concern. Racism-related distress was endorsed at higher levels than worries related to COVID. There was a significant relationship of insomnia severity with the number of COVID related stressors and a trend level relationship with COVID worries. Sleep outcomes were not correlated with racism-related distress.ConclusionWhile distress related to racism was endorsed more than COVID worries, our preliminary findings suggest COVID worries but not racism exposure negatively impact sleep health. This may be a consequence of habituation to the chronic stress of racism in contrast with the novel stress of COVID.Support (if any)5R01HL136626 from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Psychological Impact of COVID-19, Isolation, and Quarantine: A Cross-Sectional Study

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in mandatory isolation and quarantine. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the psychological impacts of COVID-19 isolation and quarantine.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional retrospective study. Participants were Bahrainis aged >18 years who had undergone either isolation or quarantine. Eligible participants were identified from the COVID-19 contacts (quarantine) and cases (isolation) database of Bahrain. Validated questionnaires for self-reported depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies — depression [CES-D]), posttraumatic stress (Impact of Event Scale — revised [IES-R]), and perceived stigma (Stigma Scale [SS]) were administered.ResultsMean CES-D, IES-R, and SS scores were 16.76±5.65, 13.50±14.67, and 25.29±7.99, respectively. In sum, 40% (205 of 502) of participants showed clinically significant depression, and <20% (98 of 502) had indications of some posttraumatic distress, with greater depression and distress in those isolated than those quarantined. Perceived stigma was reported by 53.4% (268 of 502) of participants, more prominent among those quarantined. Depression and posttraumatic stress scores were significantly higher in females, college students, those with a history of mental health conditions, knowing a COVID-19 fatality, and experiencing social conflict. Age was a significant variable correlated with all three scales, with younger participants indicating more distress, depression, and stigma. Duration of segregation was significantly correlated with CES-D, score showing more depressive symptoms as the duration of isolation increased. Significant predictors were age, sex, history of mental illness, and COVID-19 status.ConclusionIsolated and quarantined individuals reported depression, perceived stigma, and to a lesser extent distress. Psychological interventions identifying and targeting people with different-severity psychological burdens are in urgent need.

External and internal orientation of personality of patient with a severe somatic disease

This article reveals the features of externality-internality in the context of experiencing a high-intensity stressor making a diagnosis that is associated with a threat to life. Part of the results of a comprehensive research project aimed at studying people diagnosed with meningioma (n = 64, from 30 to 70 years of age, Me = 54) is presented. All respondents signed an informed consent form before starting the study. Methods: Freiburg Personality Inventory, World Assumptions Scale, Impact of Event Scale. We used median analysis, K-means method, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann-Whitney U test (p &lt; 0.05). The results show that in a difficult life situation associated with the diagnosis of meningioma, people with an external orientation, sociable and socially courageous, have low rates of posttraumatic stress and are characterised by a high degree of self-regulation, control, positive self-acceptance and a focus on justice, which is not typical for people who are shy, unsociable, and prone to an internal orientation. Ambivalent style, which includes different communication strategies, is typical for people with moderate rates of psychotraumatisation, lower self-regulation and self-rejection.

Mental Health and Endocrine Telemedicine Consultations in Transgender Subjects During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Italy: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey

Transgender people are a vulnerable group with a higher incidence of mental health issues and, during the COVID-19 outbreak, they may have faced psychological, physical and social obstacles. To evaluate the impact of the pandemic and the access to health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the transgender people living in Italy. An anonymous web-based survey was conducted among transgender people living in Italy. The survey consisted of 41 questions (to address socio-demographic and COVID-19 related variables, general health problems and trans-related health issues) and three validated questionnaires (the Impact of Event Scale [IES], the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II] and the SF-12. In total 108 respondents were included in the analysis, of these 73.1% were transmen and 26.9% transwomen. The mean age was 34.3 ± 11.7 years with 88.9% undergoing gender affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT). Of these respondents 55.6% were not working during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly because they lost their jobs due to the lockdown (30.5%) or because they were otherwise unemployed (25.0%). Only four subjects were quarantined at home because of a positive COVID-19 swab. The mean total IES score was 21.1 ± 14.9 with 24.1% of subjects scoring over the cut-off score of 26 thereby suggesting a moderate-to-severe impact of the pandemic event. Mean BDI score was 8.6 ± 8.4. SF-12 total mean score was 96.1 ± 11.9 with a Mental Component Summary (MCS) score of 42.8 ± 9.1. Access to endocrinological consultations for hormonal prescription via telemedicine services was associated with better IES total scores (P=.01). Our results highlight the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of this particular population and how telemedicine services may serve to mitigate negative psychological effects. Internet-based surveys may select a group of people not necessary representative of the whole population. The self-reporting bias should also be considered. Those who responded to our survey were mainly from northern Italy were COVID-19 has had a greater impact. Vulnerable groups such as the transgender population should receive more consideration also during pandemic events and their access to health services especially for endocrine and mental health care should be improved. A nationwide plan for the extended use of telemedicine should be established with targeted intervention to reduce psychological distress. Gava G, Fisher AD, Alvisi S, etal. Mental Health and Endocrine Telemedicine Consultations in Transgender Subjects During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Italy: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey. J Sex Med 2021;18:900-907.

Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and Serotonin Transporter (5-HTTLPR) Polymorphism in Breast Cancer Patients.

Introduction: Post-traumatic Symptoms (PTSS) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been reported to affect a quite significant proportion of cancer patients. No study has examined the relationship between serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and cancer, including Gene-Environment interactions between this polymorphism and specific causes of distress, such as cancer related problems (CRP) or life stressful events (SLE).Methods: One hundred and forty five breast cancer outpatients participated in the study and were assessed using the Impact of Event Scale (IES), the Problem List (PL) developed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Management Guidelines and the Paykel's Life Events Interview to evaluate the exposure to SLE during the year before the cancer diagnosis. Each patient was genotyped for 5-HTTLPR polymorphism by analyzing genomic DNA obtained from whole blood cells. Gene-Environment interactions were tested through moderation analysis.Results: Twenty-six patients (17.7%) were classified as PTSS cases using the IES. Genotype and phenotype distributions did not differ across individuals with/without PTSS (genotype: χ2 = 1.5; df = 2; p = 0.3; phenotype χ2 = 0.9; df = 1; p = 0.2). For both the genotype and phenotype model, using CRP as a predictor showed significant gene-environment interactions with IES total score (p = 0.020 and p = 0.004, respectively), with individuals carrying the l/l allele showing a greater probability of experiencing PTSS. No interaction was found in relationship to SLE (p = 0.750).Conclusion: This study showed a significant GEI between CRP and PTSS in breast cancer patients, with carriers of the l/l allele showing indicators consistent with greater sensitivity to stress.

Meaning Matters: Self-Perceived Meaning in Life, Its Predictors and Psychological Stressors Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Past research has found that a perceived meaning in life can act as a protective factor against adverse mental health symptomology, while also providing coping resources to buffer against the impact of negative life events. The current research investigated how the impact of self-perceived meaning in life as well as its predictors interact with stressors and worry related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected survey based data (n = 260) from Australian participants during the pandemic, measuring their meaning in life, orientation to differing life goals and COVID-19 related stressors via the impact of events scale. We found that meaning in life predicted less stress and worry associated with COVID-19. We also found that intrinsic based aspirations related positively to meaning in life within this context whereas extrinsic based goals related negatively to it, although these aspirations were not significant in reducing the stressors associated with COVID-19. These results reinforce past findings that meaning in life can effectively buffer against the impact of negative life events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They also suggest that intrinsic based aspirations centred on relationships and self-acceptance may be an important mechanism in how people choose to pursue life meaning during uncertain life events.

Cognitive impairment and cognitive reserve, their correlations with behavioral features of patients with human immunodeficiency virus during hospitalization

The goal is to study the features of the cognitive reserve (CR) in HIV-infected patients admitted to the hospital, the relationship of CR with cognitive disorders, stress and coping strategies, taking into account the drug history.Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the hospital of the Saint Petersburg Center for the prevention and control of AIDS and infectious diseases in 2019. Methods were used: 1) The Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq); 2) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); 3) «Methods of coping behavior» by R. Lazarus. 4) Modified Impact of Event Scale (IES-R); 5) The Somatic Symptom Disorder — B Criteria Scale (SSD-12).Results. The study involved 57 HIV-infected patients (43.9% — women). The median age was 39.6 years. The correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between the KR index and the «non-professional activity» subscale (r = 0.847, p = 0.000), age (r = 0.299, p = 0.024) and MoCA indicators (r = 0.290, p = 0.029). Indicators of the KR subscale «professional activity» have a negative relationship with the indicators of coping strategies «distancing» (r = -0.379, p = 0.004), «self-control» (r = -0.355, p = 0.008), «positive revaluation» (r = -0.293, p = 0.030), «problem solving planning» (r = -0.283, p = 0.035). MoCA indicators in patients with HIV infection are associated with the CR «Education» subscale (r = 0.306, p = 0.021) and the General CR index (r = 0.290, p = 0.029). Obsessive feelings and thoughts related to the impact of HIV infection are more often experienced by patients who have never abused drugs and are involved in professional activities than by patients with experience of drug use.Conclusion. Cognitive impairment and cognitive reserve in HIV-infected patients admitted to the hospital of the AIDS Center are related to coping behavior.

Association between change in sleep duration and posttraumatic stress symptoms in natural disaster victims: the mediating role of resilience

ObjectiveThis study investigated the association between changes in sleep duration after disaster and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and the mediating role of resilience on the association. MethodsData were collected from 2951 Korean adults who were victims of a natural disaster and did not have any mental or medical illnesses before the event. They completed a long-term survey on changes in life for disaster victims using computer-aided personal interviews. Changes in sleep duration before and one month after experiencing a disaster were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Resilience levels and PTSD symptoms were measured using the Brief Resilience Scale and the Impact of Event Scale – Revised, respectively, and more than 33 of the IES-R score items were defined as significant PTSD symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between changes in sleep duration and PTSD symptoms. Additionally, mediating studies were conducted to identify the role of resilience on the association. ResultsCompared with participants without significant PTSD symptoms, those with PTSD symptoms were more likely to be older and female (group without significant PTSD symptom: mean age = 56.12 ± 18.70 years, female sex = 49.24%; group with significant PTSD symptoms: mean age = 60.88 ± 15.66 years, female sex = 59.52%). Compared with disaster victims without changes in sleep duration, those who had shorter sleep duration after disaster had a higher risk of significant PTSD symptoms (OR = 2.89, 95% Cl = 2.31–3.62, p < 0.001). In the mediating study, resilience level significantly mediated the relationship between reduced sleep duration and PTSD symptoms (direct effect: β = 0.208, 95% Cl = 0.166–0.250, p < 0.001; indirect effect: β = 0.007, 95% Cl = 0.002–0.011, p < 0.001; total effect: β = 0.215, 95% Cl = 0.173–0.257, p < 0.001). ConclusionThis study revealed that individuals with reduced sleep duration after disaster had a higher risk of PTSD symptoms, while those with increased sleep duration did not. In addition, mediating effects of resilience level on the relationship between reduced sleep duration and significant PTSD symptoms were observed.

Longitudinal Study of Psychosocial Outcomes Following Surgery in Women with Unilateral Nonhereditary Breast Cancer.

Rates of bilateral mastectomy are rising in women with unilateral, nonhereditary breast cancer. We aim to characterize how psychosocial outcomes evolve after breast cancer surgery. We performed a prospective cohort study of women with unilateral, sporadic stage 0-III breast cancer at University Health Network in Toronto, Canada between 2014 and 2017. Women completed validated psychosocial questionnaires (BREAST-Q, Impact of Event Scale, Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale) preoperatively, and at 6 and 12 months following surgery. Change in psychosocial scores was assessed between surgical groups using linear mixed models, controlling for age, stage, and adjuvant treatments. P < .05 were significant. A total of 475 women underwent unilateral lumpectomy (42.5%), unilateral mastectomy (38.3%), and bilateral mastectomy (19.2%). There was a significant interaction (P < .0001) between procedure and time for breast satisfaction, psychosocial and physical well-being. Women having unilateral lumpectomy had higher breast satisfaction and psychosocial well-being scores at 6 and 12 months after surgery compared with either unilateral or bilateral mastectomy, with no difference between the latter two groups. Physical well-being declined in all groups over time; scores were not better in women having bilateral mastectomy. While sexual well-being scores remained stable in the unilateral lumpectomy group, scores declined similarly in both unilateral and bilateral mastectomy groups over time. Cancer-related distress, anxiety, and depression scores declined significantly after surgery, regardless of surgical procedure (P < .001). Psychosocial outcomes are not improved with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in women with unilateral breast cancer. Our data may inform women considering contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.

Examining the psychometric properties of a refined perceived stress scale during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) measures general life stress and the Impact of Events Scale (IES) measures retrospective stress from a specific event; both have been validated across various audiences and settings. However, neither measure stress during an evolving public health crisis. The aim was to refine the PSS to measure stress during an event (e.g. COVID-19 pandemic) and examine its psychometric properties within a 4-year Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Bronx, NY. Three items from the IES were added to and one PSS item was removed from the PSS-10, creating a new PSS-12. Cronbach’s α for the scale was 0.902 for faculty and 0.903 for students, indicating high internal consistency. Factor analyses also supported calculation of two subtotals similarly across groups. The PSS-12 is a valid instrument to measure perceived stress during a public health crisis, particularly among populations that already experience community health disparities.

Mental health outcomes of COVID-19 quarantine in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Case-Control Study

This study was designed to evaluate the association of COVID-19 quarantine with the mental health outcomes in the Kurdistan region of Iraq according to key measures of this study. We conducted a matched case–control study within the cohort of all quarantined persons from February 22 through March 31, 2020 (n=300) in Kurdistan region of Iraq. Participants were matched on gender, age, marital status, and education level. Mental health outcomes measured by General Health Questioner (GHQ-28), Impact of event scale – revised (IES-R), and Fear of COVID-19(FC-19S) using an online form. Data analyzed with a t-test and Multiple Regression analysis (confidence intervals=99%). The final study sample included 102 cases and 106 controls, (69% participation rate). Cases showed significantly higher scores in general health questionnaire(t=4.57, p

Infirmiers en Réanimation, troubles psychologiques et COVID-19 : l’enquête nationale COVID IMPACT

La pandémie de la COVID-19 a mis les établissements hospitaliers sous tension. L’objectif de cette étude nationale est de déterminer la prévalence des troubles psychologiques dans le personnel soignant infirmier de réanimation. Nous avons élaboré un questionnaire électronique diffusé par mail entre le 17 juin et le 17 juillet 2020. Trois cent quatre vingt un professionnels exerçants en réanimation au moment de la pandémie (infirmiers de réanimation, infirmiers anesthésistes, infirmiers de bloc opératoire et cadres de santé) y ont répondu. L’Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale et l’Impact Event Scale Revisited ont été utilisées pour évaluer la prévalence de l’anxiété, de la dépression et du stress post-traumatique dans cette population. Les Infirmièr(e)s de bloc opératoire exerçant en réanimation sont celles qui ont le plus souffert de troubles psychologiques : trouble anxieux (64 %) (p = 0,055), trouble dépressif (45 %) (p = 0,004) et stress post-traumatique (45 %) (p = 0,008). Les infirmier(e)s travaillant habituellement en réanimation étaient les moins touchés : trouble anxieux (30 %), trouble dépressif (11 %) et stress post-traumatique (20 %). Les facteurs de risque de développer un trouble psychologique étaient le faible niveau de formation en réanimation, le fait d’exercer en réanimation contre son gré et d’avoir des antécédents de burn out. Cette étude permet d’établir un profil de professionnel à risque de développer des troubles psychologiques dans le contexte actuel. Les solutions envisageables sont de former le personnel et de proposer une prise en charge psychologique accessible et individualisée.

Initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tunisian parents and children

IntroductionDue to the Covid 19 pandemic, the Tunisian government has taken several measures, which had a psychological impact on adults and children.ObjectivesStudying the initial impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on Tunisian parents and children.MethodsOne week after the proclamation of sanitary lockdown in Tunisia, parents were invited to answer voluntarily an anonymous questionnaire posted on social media. The stress level of the parent was measured by the Impact Event Scale Revised (IES-R).ResultsThis questionnaire was answered by 138 parents.88% of them were mothers. Changes in working arrangements were made by 87.2% of fathers and 79.8% of mothers. Only 1% of parents did not teach their children about hygienic rules. Parents had a child aged 12 or less in 91% and aged more than 12 in 41.4%. Behavioral changes were reported in 60% for children aged 12 or younger (Graphic 1) and in 20% for those older than 12 (Graphic 2) The IES-R mean score was 28.9 ±18.The severity of the impact was associated with the female sex (p=0.04).We found a positive correlation between the IES-R score and the symptomatology of children with p=0.001 and r=0.518 when the age was superior to 12 and with p&lt;0.001 and r=0,52 when the age was under 12.ConclusionsThe Covid pandemic in Tunisia affected both parents and children. Psychological intervention is essential to help them get out of this crisis with less damage.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak on health workers in a university hospital in Turkey

ABSTRACT We investigated the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality and affecting factors on healthcare workers (HWs) without secondary trauma thus far in the period between the first cases in Turkey and the arrival of the first case in ahospital. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 169 HWs. We used Impact of Event Scale (IES-R), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for assessment. The mean age of HWs was 33.9±6.9 years and 56.2% were males. Of the HWs; 20.7% were nurses, 33.7% doctors and 45.6% staff members. IES-R classified the HWs as follows: 15.4% of them were affected mildly, 4.7% moderately and 9.5% of them were affected severely. 42.6% of HWs had apoor sleep quality. This study shows that how HWs were affected when the outbreak had not yet reached the hospital in which they work. In total, 29.6% of the HWs were psychologically affected by mild to severe levels from the outbreak in this period. The most prevalent psychological impact was poor sleep quality. Psychological impact on HWs may have begun before the outbreak reached the hospitals; therefore, necessary measures should be taken as early as possible.

A Survey of Mental Health in Graduate Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression are common symptoms in graduate students pursuing a degree in the health care professions. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic likely complicated these existing issues. To confirm this hypothesis, researchers created a survey to examine the experiences of graduate nursing students during COVID-19. Graduate nursing students (n = 222) completed the survey, which included 2 instruments: the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Impact of Events Scale (IES-R). Nearly 25% of students expressed moderate to extremely severe levels of negative emotional states on the DASS-21, and 23.8% of students scored within the area of clinical concern for the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder on the IES-R. Understanding levels of mental health and associated factors that may contribute to changes can assist administration, faculty, and staff in targeting resources and interventions to support graduate nursing students to continue their education.

Abstract P40: PTSD and levels of general anxiety in Italian oncological patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, along with others in Italy, oncological patients had to put their life on hold, adjusting to the new restrictions and complying to the precautionary measures, some of which affected their participation in treatment programs and medical check-ups/health screening tests. The aim of this contribution is to investigate the extent to which the COVID-19 lockdown affected the above-mentioned participation in health screening tests and treatment programs, as well as to study the prodromal levels of PTSD in oncological patients in Italy during the lockdown. A survey consisting of Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R), items related to the diagnosis of patients and items regarding treatment and screening tests was shared across several channels. Five-hundred forty-four patients answered the survey. Compared to the screening tests, treatment programs were less affected by COVID-19 restrictions, only 5% of participants had the treatment postponed or interrupted, for the screening tests this number exceeded 30%. The results of linear regression analysis show that overall the level of distress that oncological patients suffered from represents the probable diagnosis of PTSD, with patients who had to stop their regular screening tests showing a higher level of distress compared to those who continued screening (β = 10.78, SE = 1.85, t = 5.84, p = 0.00). These results indicate the need to provide psychological support for oncological patients during future emergency management of catastrophic events such as a pandemic. Citation Format: Mariam Chichua, Eleonora Brivio, Serena Oliveri, Paolo Guiddi, Gabriella Pravettoni. PTSD and levels of general anxiety in Italian oncological patients during the COVID-19 pandemic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P40.

Evaluation of the behavior, anxiety and stress of university students in the new type of coronavirus pandemic

Objective: Acute respiratory disease called COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 caused a pandemic affecting the whole world. Our aim in this study is to evaluate the cleaning and social behaviors, anxiety, and stress situations of university students caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic; university students were asked questions about their socio-demographic characteristics, their cleaning, and social habits, and their level of stress about being infected for themselves and their family members and also a questionnaire was applied which includes a common anxiety disorder scale to measure anxiety levels and Impact of Events Scale to assessing traumatic stress symptoms. Results: It was observed that handwashing behavior increased in 62.4% of 463 participants. The mean of the students' common anxiety score was determined as 3.86 ± 4.86 and 17.5% (n = 81) of all students had high anxiety. The mean scores of the impact of event scale were 14.23 ± 10.9 and the stress point average was found as 5.57 ± 2.9. Students' stress and anxieties affect their cleaning and social behaviors. In addition, when compared between student groups, anxiety, stress, and the impact of event scale and subscales were found to be significantly higher in female students and also in students of faculties other than medical students. Conclusion: Anxiety and stress caused by infectious diseases and pandemics surrounding the world affect human behavior and society. Moreover, female students and other student groups other than medical students are most affected by these situations.

Early Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Sleep in a Large Spanish Sample

ABSTRACT Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced Spain to implement unprecedented lockdown restriction. In this context, different factors could worsen sleep quality, but the impact of the pandemic and lockdown on sleep is still mostly unknown. In this cross-sectional study, we describe self-reported sleep disturbances in people without mental health disorders from a large Spanish sample (n = 15,070). Methods During the early phase of the lockdown (19–26 March), an online survey was launched using a snowball sampling method and included sociodemographic and clinical data along with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Impact of Event Scale (IES). Two items of the IES were employed to assess sleep characteristics. Descriptive and bivariate analysis and logistic regression models were performed. Results Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep were reported by 23.9% of the sample and was associated in the regression model with age (OR = 1.008, p = .003), female sex (OR = 1.344, p < .001), an income reduction >50% (OR = 1.248, p = .037), having one (OR = 1.208, p = .029) and two or more (OR = 1.299, p = .035) elderly dependents, drinking alcohol (OR = 1.129, p = .024), and a higher score on DASS-21 depression (OR = 1.148, p < .001), anxiety (OR = 1.218, p < .001), or stress (OR = 1.302, p < .001) subscales, whereas being able to enjoy free time (OR = 0.604, p < .001) and painting or listening to music (OR = 0.853, p = .012) were protective factors. Dreams related to COVID-19 were reported by 12.9% of the sample and were associated in the regression model with female sex (OR = 1.617, p < .001), being married (OR = 1.190, p = .015), self-employed (OR = 1.373, p = .032), or a civil servant (OR = 1.412, p = .010), having been tested for COVID-19 (OR = 1.583, p = .012), having infected family or friends (OR = 1.233, p = .001), reading news about coronavirus (OR = 1.139, p = .023), drinking alcohol (OR = 1.251, p < .001), and higher scores on DASS-21 depression (OR = 1.102, p < .001), anxiety (OR = 1.222, p < .001), or stress (OR = 1.213, p < .001) subscales, while protective factors were older age (OR = 0.983, p < .001) and being retired (OR = 0.625, p = .045). Conclusions These findings could help clinicians and public health systems design and deliver tailored interventions, such as internet-delivered campaigns, to promote sleep quality in the general population.

Investigating the effect of a nap following experimental trauma on analogue PTSD symptoms

Cognitive models assume that the incomplete integration of a traumatic experience into the autobiographical memory results in typical symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as intrusive re-experiencing. Sleep supports the integration of new experiences into existing memory networks through memory consolidation. In fifty-six females, we investigated whether a 90-min daytime nap (n = 33) compared to a wake period (n = 23) after being exposed to an experimental trauma (i.e. a trauma film) prevents PTSD analogue symptoms. Intrusive memories were recorded for seven days using a diary, overall PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) and affective response to trauma cues were measured one week after experimental trauma. The two groups did not differ in any of the analogue PTSD symptoms. However, participants obtaining rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in the nap experienced less distressing intrusive memories. Moreover, the duration of REM sleep and slow wave activity was negatively correlated with analogue PTSD symptoms. Our findings suggest that even a short sleep period after experimental trauma can play a protective role in trauma memory formation but only if the nap contains REM sleep. Our data provide additional evidence for a critical role of REM sleep in PTSD development.