Psychological Health Impact Research Articles

The Impact of Psychological Health on Childhood Obesity: A Cross-Developmental Stage Analysis

This research ventures into the critical public health challenge of childhood obesity by exploring the dynamic interplay between psychological well-being and Body Mass Index (BMI) throughout various developmental stages of childhood. It delves into how emotional regulation, attachment dynamics, and social relationships correlate with obesity from early childhood to adolescence. Highlighting key findings, such as the negative correlation between psychological resilience and higher BMI in young children, the impact of social relationships on obesity risk during pre-adolescence, and the link between adaptive emotional strategies and higher BMI in adolescents, this study brings to the fore the nuanced relationship between psychological factors and obesity. Psychological metrics in this study were obtained via referenced questionnaires, leading up to the utilization of the interdisciplinary process of bioinformatics. Utilizing the interdisciplinary process of bioinformatics, this research synergizes psychometric and biomedical data to unearth psychological markers critical for crafting targeted, age-appropriate interventions. This study advocates for a holistic healthcare approach, emphasizing the integration of psychological support within obesity prevention and management strategies, thereby underscoring the indispensable role of psychological factors in the fight against childhood obesity. The application of bioinformatics methods to analyze complex datasets demonstrates how collaboration across medical specialties can enrich our understanding and response to childhood obesity, contributing significantly to the development of comprehensive, bioinformatics-enhanced healthcare solutions.

Abstract P358: Association Between Psychological Distress and Cardiovascular Health Among Pregnant Individuals in the United States: Findings From Nationally Representative Data

Background: Psychological health has an impact on pregnancy outcomes. The impact of psychological health during pregnancy on maternal cardiovascular health (CVH) is not well understood. Methods: Data from the US National Health Interview Survey (2013-2018) were used. All participants aged ≥18 years were included, excluding those with missing data for any of the exposure, outcome, or covariates. Psychological health was measured by the six-item Kessler scale (K6), and severe psychological distress (SPD) was defined as K6 ≥13. CVH was quantified based on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 ; as detailed dietary data were unavailable, a seven-item CVH score was used (higher score indicated worse CVH). Multivariable Poisson regression was used to test associations between SPD and CVH, adjusting for the presence of any known cardiac condition, family income, education level, race, sex, sexual orientation, insurance coverage, and age. Results: Altogether, 1,111 participants were analyzed representing a weighted population of 1,576,091 persons. Worse psychological distress was independently associated with suboptimal cardiovascular health in pregnant individuals (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.03 [95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.04], p<0.001), with similar findings for SPD (aRR 1.34 [1.14, 1.58], p=0.001). These associations remained consistent regardless of age and race. Conclusions: Although SPD was relatively uncommon among pregnant individuals, it was strongly associated with worse maternal CVH. This underscores the critical need for a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates thorough psychological assessments in the care of pregnant individuals.

Health impact of screen addiction: A cross-sectional comparative study.

Background Prevalence-based, non-comparative studies have been done to assess psychological and physical consequences of social media and gaming addiction. However, similar studies are lacking for binge-watching, especially in India. We compared the physical and psychological health impact between screen addicted and healthy screen users, by minimizing bias due to confounding factors. Methods We did this cross-sectional comparative study among 120 participants (60 cases and 60 matched controls) consisting of gamers, social media users and binge-watchers, who were recruited from schools and colleges of Mumbai based on their scores on the Digital Addiction Scale (DAS). Levels of depression, anxiety and stress; sleep quality; and dry eye disease were assessed using pre-validated scales such as DASS-21, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), respectively, while the other variables were assessed using a self-designed questionnaire with a content validity ratio (CVR) >0.65. Results The mean (SD) age of the participants was 19.3 (3.2) years, one-third were women; 68% were from medical colleges and 16% each from engineering colleges and high schools. The prevalence and scores of depression, anxiety and stress; poor sleep quality; and dry eye disease; and prevalence of loneliness, aggression and musculoskeletal pain in the wrist, thumb, neck and back were significantly higher in the screen addicted group (p<0.05). Conclusions There was a significant difference in the prevalence and levels of physical and psychological health impact between screen addicted and healthy screen users.

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown among Adolescents

Introduction: Quarantines and lockdowns are the type of social restrictions and isolation that cause many adverse effects including psychological aspects for anyone who experienced. Aim: Determine the level of psychological impact of COVID-19 lockdown among adolescents. Methods: Descriptive design was adopted. 100 adolescents were selected by convenience sampling technique. Self administered questionnaire was prepared to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 lockdown. The data analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study findings revealed that, the adolescents doesn’t have the major psychological impact like Depression (79%), anxiety (78%) and stress (99%), during the Covid-19 Lockdown. The all three domains of Psychological impact (depression, anxiety and stress) having a positive relationships within them. There is significant association found between the psychological impact of COVID-19 lockdown with their age, years of study with level of depression. Exposure to COVID-19 infectionand parents belongs to frontline health worker were got associated with anxiety. There is no significant association found with stress and selected demographic variables. Conclusion: The COVID-19 Lockdown has been found no any major impact of Psychological health among selected adolescents. Hence it need further research on different settings. Implications for practice: Mental Health nurses have responsibilities to identify the psychological health among adolescents at pandemic/lockdown period.

Middle Eastern nurses’ views/experiences of work and well-being with the support measures during past disease outbreaks and COVID-19: a qualitative systematic review

BackgroundThe potential psychological health impact of pandemics on nurses has been increasingly widely recognised, as have recommendations to establish support measures for nurses’ well-being. Despite the availability of support measures significant number of nurses still experienced burnout and mental distress during Covid-19. Few efforts have been made in the wider literature to understand how nurses experience well-being support or how they perceive it affects their well-being during pandemics. In the Middle East, understanding and exploring well-being support measures during pandemics from nurses’ perspectives has not received significant attention.ObjectiveTo investigate nurses’ perspectives and experiences of well-being support measures during prior pandemics and the Covid-19 pandemic in the Middle East.MethodsA systematic qualitative review was undertaken utilising the JBI model as a framework. Searches were carried out in databases comprised CINAHL, MEDLINE, NUsearch Library of Nottingham University and Google Scholar. Moreover, a manual search through reference lists for relevant studies were carried out.Data extraction and synthesisEleven studies were included in the review. The findings from the included qualitative studies were extracted using the JBI-QARI data extraction tool for qualitative research. The results were synthesised using a meta-synthesis in line with the JBI approach.ResultsThe included studies yielded an aggregate of 111 findings and were categorised into 14 categories, followed by four synthesised findings. These were: [1] nurses experienced challenges during MERS, yet different strategies were implemented by leaders and nurses to manage these challenges; [2] some well-being support measures were unfulfilled during Covid-19; [3] additional aspects compounded negatively on nurses’ well- being; and [4] nurses showed maturity during Covid-19.ConclusionIn comparison to prior health emergencies, well-being support measures during Covid-19 were not sufficiently adopted. Nurse policymakers and managers should consider these support measures to correspond with nurses’ needs and explore the contextual factors that affect their implementation.Trial registrationPROSPERO (CRD42022344005).

Association of Depression and Cardiovascular Disease

BackgroundCardiovascular disease remains the leading worldwide cause of mortality. There has been increased awareness of the impact of psychological health on cardiovascular disease. In particular, major depression has been linked to increased all-cause mortality, development of cardiovascular disease, and worse outcomes in those with existing cardiovascular disease. MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis assessing the incidence of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease outcomes among those with major depressive disorder. ResultsAmong 26 studies of 1,957,621 individuals, depression was associated with increased risk of incident stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.28), myocardial infarction (HR 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14-1.45), congestive heart failure (HR 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00-1.09), or any cardiovascular disease (HR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.30). Depression was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.27-1.60), cardiovascular disease mortality (HR 1.44; 95% CI, 1.27-1.63), and congestive heart failure mortality (HR 3.20; 95% CI, 1.29-7.94). ConclusionDepression has a significant negative impact on development of cardiovascular disease and on cardiovascular disease outcomes. Further efforts to understand and mitigate these impacts are prudent.

Quality of life in employees exposed to organic solvents: A study of 196 cases

IntroductionOccupational exposure to organic solvents remains a real risk for exposed employees, particularly in mental health and quality of life.Objectives- To evaluate the quality of life of employees exposed to organic solvents- To research the professional and extra-professional determinants of this quality of life.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study that compared 196 employees exposed to organic solvents with 64 non-exposed employees from the same socio-professional environment. The investigation took place in four different companies in the governorate of Tunis. An environmental study combining an evaluation of working conditions and atmospheric monitoring was carried out to identify and quantify exposure to solvents. Quality of life was assessed using the SF36 questionnaire in its Arabic version.ResultsThe solvent mixtures to which the employees were exposed mainly contained hexane, toluene, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexane, and perchloroethylene. Exposure to these solvents is primarily from glues and paint products. The study population was relatively young (34.1 years +/-9.8), predominantly male (sex ratio=2.2), with an education level of no more than secondary school in 90% of cases, with an average work experience of 10.3 years (+/-8.2) and represented mainly by manual workers (75.4%). The pathological history of the exposed patients was dominated by chronic neuropsychological disorders (48.1%). The global score of SF36 (SFG) was significantly poorer in the solvent-exposed group (SFG= 64.1+/- 21.1 versus 70.1+/-23.3) (p=0.05). Among the eight dimensions of the SF36, a very significant alteration of the dimensions: “perceived health ”, “psychological health” and “repercussion of psychological health on daily activities ” was noted in the solvent-exposed group.The main determinants of the quality of life of workers exposed to solvents were: level of education, frequency of exposure, length of exposure, and company.According to the job-exposure matrix, only “perceived health” appeared to be impaired by high levels of cumulative solvent exposure (p= 0.0006).ConclusionsAccording to this study, organic solvents can affect the quality of life of exposed employees by acting essentially on perceived health, psychological health, and the “impact of psychological health on daily activities”.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Impact of Psychological Health on Patient Recovery After Arthroplasty.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between psychological health and postoperative recovery and satisfaction in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients undergoing TJA from July 2019 to December 2020. A psychological evaluation was conducted according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Based on the preoperative HADS scores, we grouped the patients into two groups: the symptomatic group and the asymptomatic group. Data on the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Knee Society Knee Scoring System (KSS), Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12), Short Form-12 (SF-12), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain in these two groups were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Then, these data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.ResultsThe final cohort consisted of 80 patients. Patients undergoing TJA had significantly decreased HADS and NRS scores and improved HHS, KSS, SF-12, and FJS-12 scores (all p < 0.001). Compared with the symptomatic group, the asymptomatic group showed better postoperative recovery (p < 0.05), especially after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (p < 0.05). Good postoperative recovery positively impacted the patients’ postoperative psychological state.ConclusionFinally, the psychological state can affect recovery after TJA, and successful TJA can help improve patients’ psychological states, especially after TKA.

Application of artificial intelligence in COVID-19 medical area: a systematic review.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a large-scale global epidemic, impacting international politics and the economy. At present, there is no particularly effective medicine and treatment plan. Therefore, it is urgent and significant to find new technologies to diagnose early, isolate early, and treat early. Multimodal data drove artificial intelligence (AI) can potentially be the option. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, AI provided cutting-edge applications in disease, medicine, treatment, and target recognition. This paper reviewed the literature on the intersection of AI and medicine to analyze and compare different AI model applications in the COVID-19 Pandemic, evaluate their effectiveness, show their advantages and differences, and introduce the main models and their characteristics.MethodsWe searched PubMed, arXiv, medRxiv, and Google Scholar through February 2020 to identify studies on AI applications in the medical areas for the COVID-19 Pandemic.ResultsWe summarize the main AI applications in six areas: (I) epidemiology, (II) diagnosis, (III) progression, (IV) treatment, (V) psychological health impact, and (VI) data security. The ongoing development in AI has significantly improved prediction, contact tracing, screening, diagnosis, treatment, medication, and vaccine development for the COVID-19 Pandemic and reducing human intervention in medical practice.DiscussionThis paper provides strong advice for using AI-based auxiliary tools for related applications of human diseases. We also discuss the clinicians’ role in the further development of AI. They and AI researchers can integrate AI technology with current clinical processes and information systems into applications. In the future, AI personnel and medical workers will further cooperate closely.

Self-reported psychological problems and coping strategies: a web-based study in Peruvian population during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted health systems across the world and led to major shifts in individual behavior by forcing people into isolation in home settings. Its rapid spread has overwhelmed populations in all corners of Latin-American countries resulting in individual psychological reactions that may aggravate the health crisis. This study reports on demographics, self-reported psychological disturbances and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Peruvian population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study uses an online survey with snowball sampling that was conducted after the state of emergency was declared in Perú (on April 2nd). The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to identify somatic symptoms, incidence of anxiety/ insomnia, social dysfunction and depression and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) mapped personal strategies to address recent stress.Results434 self-selected participants ranging in age from 18 to 68 years old (Mean age = 33.87) completed the survey. The majority of participants were women (61.30%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.70%), well-educated (> = 85.00%), Peruvian (94.20%), employed (57.40%) and single (71.20%). 40.8% reported psychological distress, expressing fear of coronavirus infection (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that men had lower somatic-related symptom (β = − 1.87, 95%, CI: − 2.75 to −.99) and anxiety/insomnia symptom (β = − 1.91, 95% CI: − 2.98 to 0.84) compared to women. The risk for depression and social dysfunction are less likely with increasing age. Educational status was protective against developing psychological conditions (p < 0.05). While active responses (acceptance and social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological distress; passive strategies (such as denial, self-distraction, self-blame, disconnection, and venting) are more commonly reported.ConclusionThis study provides a better understanding of the psychological health impact occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Peruvian population. About half of the respondents reported psychological distress and poor coping responses. This evidence informs the need for broader promotional health policies focused on strengthening individual’s active strategies aiming at improving emotional health and preventing psychiatric conditions, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Occupational stress and psychological health impact on hypertension of miners in noisy environment in Wulumuqi, China: a case-control study

BackgroundHypertension has been declared as a global public health crisis by the World Health Organization, because of its high prevalence. It affects the health of one billion people worldwide and is directly responsible for the deaths of more than 10 million people per year. The purpose of our research was to explore the influence of occupational stress and psychological health on hypertension of miners who work in a noisy environment and provide decision reference for relevant departments to keep miners’ health.MethodsA case-control study was carried out in this research. The study subjects were divided into case groups and control groups based on whether they had hypertension or not. Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire and Self-Reporting Inventory questionnaire were used to investigate the psychological health status and occupational stress of the target population. General information was balanced between case and control groups through propensity score matching method. After propensity score matching, a multifactorial analysis was used to explore the impact of occupational stress and psychological health on hypertension.ResultsAccording to the result of the multivariate analysis, psychological health was hazard to hypertension (t = 5.080, P<0.001) and occupational stress was not a direct risk factor for hypertension (t = 1.760, P = 0.080). The model was statistically significant (χ2 = 20.4, P<0.01).ConclusionsFor miners working in the noisy environment, psychological status was a direct risk factor to hypertension, while occupational stress was an indirect factor.

The Prevalence of Psychological Health Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Among Palestinian Population. A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction : The first outbreak was documented in December 2019, in Wuhan, China, as pneumonia of unknown etiology related to a seafood market exposure. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the first cases had been detected at a hotel in the Bethlehem area, where a group of Greek tourists had visited the hotel in late February 2020. There are many previous studies shown that communicable diseases such as Ebola and SARS showed an impact on mental health includes depression, anxiety, and drug abuse. The aims of the study are to assess the prevalence of psychological well-being responses resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic on Palestine general population. Methods : During the middle stage of the outbreak, researchers conducted an online-based survey using a snowballing sample technique. The survey collected data about socio-demographic characteristics and psychological well-being using the general health questionnaire wish consists of (28) questions aimed to assess these sections dealt with somatic symptoms, anguish/anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression. Results : Our survey recruited 1200 subjects of the general public of Palestine. More than two-thirds of subjects were female and their age between 20-39 years. The prevalence of the psychological well-being of the Palestinian subjects. Almost 83% have poor psychological well-being, while 17% have good psychological well-being. Significant differences were found in gender (p=&lt;0.001), marital status (p=&lt;0.001), place of residence (p=&lt;.001), types of work (p=.011), working status (p=&lt;.001), a committee to quarantine (p=.023) and knowing someone who were infected with coronavirus (p=&lt;.001). Conclusion: Our findings can be used to construct an urgent psychological intervention focused on the general population and to implement public mental health policies in combination with pandemic response efforts in the middle stages of the event. Keywords : Prevalence, General Health, Psychological Health, COVID-19, Pandemic DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/82-12 Publication date: November 30 th 2020

The Prevalence of Psychological Health Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Among Palestinian Population. A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction : The first outbreak was documented in December 2019, in Wuhan, China, as pneumonia of unknown etiology related to a seafood market exposure. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the first cases had been detected at a hotel in the Bethlehem area, where a group of Greek tourists had visited the hotel in late February 2020. There are many previous studies shown that communicable diseases such as Ebola and SARS showed an impact on mental health includes depression, anxiety, and drug abuse. The aims of the study are to assess the prevalence of psychological well-being responses resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic on Palestine general population. Methods : During the middle stage of the outbreak, researchers conducted an online-based survey using a snowballing sample technique. The survey collected data about socio-demographic characteristics and psychological well-being using the general health questionnaire wish consists of (28) questions aimed to assess these sections dealt with somatic symptoms, anguish/anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression. Results : Our survey recruited 1200 subjects of the general public of Palestine. More than two-thirds of subjects were female and their age between 20-39 years. The prevalence of the psychological well-being of the Palestinian subjects. Almost 83% have poor psychological well-being, while 17% have good psychological well-being. Significant differences were found in gender (p=&lt;0.001), marital status (p=&lt;0.001), place of residence (p=&lt;.001), types of work (p=.011), working status (p=&lt;.001), a committee to quarantine (p=.023) and knowing someone who were infected with coronavirus (p=&lt;.001). Conclusion: Our findings can be used to construct an urgent psychological intervention focused on the general population and to implement public mental health policies in combination with pandemic response efforts in the middle stages of the event. Keywords : Prevalence, General Health, Psychological Health, COVID-19, Pandemic DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/82-10 Publication date: November 30 th 2020

Impact of psychological health on dry eye and management during 2019 novel coronavirus disease epidemic

Since the end of 2019, 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks and spreads in Wuhan and whole globe, which brings great challenge to the public health prevention and control work in our country and even in the world. Although the national medical staffs and Public Health Epidemic Prevention personnel to fight the epidemic, a large number of patients and long-term isolation measures have had a huge impact on people's life style. The development of the epidemic has currently been eased, but the blockade and quarantine in many cities have not been completely lifted. During the controls of the coronavirus, changes in living style caused by long-term isolation as well as the fear of disease and economic recession will bring people various negative emotions. These mental health issues may cause and aggravate occurrence and development dry eye. We explores the impact of mental health on dry eye during the epidemic and possible mechanism and puts forward relevant suggestions for the management related eye diseases during and after the epidemic. Key words: Novel coronavirus disease; Mental health; Dry eye; Depression; Stress

Comparative Exploration of Psychological Health and Subjective Well-being among Fertile and Infertile Females

Psychological health directly affects life satisfaction especially to those women who face social and family pressure about their infertility. A wide range of research studies comparing fertile and infertile women documented that there is negative impact of infertility on subjective well-being and global life satisfaction (Abbey et al., 1991, 1992; Callan, 1987; Callan&amp; Hennessey, 1988). The present study was aimed to investigate the impact of psychological health on life satisfaction among fertile and infertile females. Through the convenience sampling technique, a sample of 310 (N=310) fertile and infertile women was selected whose age ranged between 25 to 50 years. Demographic variables included age, employment status, level of education, duration of marital life, type of marriage and family system for both fertile and infertile females. To be included in sample, Women must have been diagnosed with infertility (primary or secondary), they must not have adopted any child, and marriage duration must be at least 2 years and must not have past history of psychiatric illness. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used for current psychological health and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used to measure life satisfaction. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics, Regression analysis, ANOVA and t-test were used to analyze the data. Results have shown that psychological health has impact on life satisfaction in both fertile and infertile groups of women. Furthermore, results show that level of life satisfaction and psychological health is more prevalent in educated and employed women as compared to uneducated and unemployed women. To conclude, this study will be helpful in resolving psychological problems of the infertile females. Education can increase awareness about infertility and infertile females can meet the challenges of the society and can stand with better health and emotions.

Impact of psychological health on peripheral endothelial function and the HPA-axis activity in healthy adolescents

Background and aimsThe development of adolescence psychological health over a 3-year period and its relationship to peripheral endothelial function and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis activity were examined in a cohort of healthy adolescents in a longitudinal study. MethodsA total of 162 adolescents (94 females) participated in both baseline (mean age 14.5 ± 1 years) and three-year follow-up studies. Psychological health was evaluated by self-report using the Beck Youth Inventories of Emotional and Social Impairment and the psychosomatic problem scale. Peripheral endothelial function was assessed using a peripheral artery tonometry device. The HPA-axis activity measured as cortisol awakening response (CAR) was assessed only at follow-up by collecting two saliva samples, immediately after awakening and 15 min later. Physical activity, smoking and parental education were assessed by questionnaires. ResultsAdolescents reported increased depression and decreased anger over three years, while only females reported increased psychosomatic complaints. Reduced peripheral endothelial function was associated with high level of anger (β = −0.332, p = 0.018) and disruptive behaviour (β = −0.390, p = 0.006) over three years in males, but not in females, after adjusting for covariates. Blunted cortisol awakening response was associated with high level of anxiety (β = −0.235, p = 0.017), depression (β = −0.203, p = 0.038), anger (β = −0.185, p = 0.048), and low level of self-concept (β = 0.289, p = 0.002) after adjusting for covariates. ConclusionsHigh level of negative emotions during adolescence may have adverse effects on peripheral endothelial function and the regulation of the HPA-axis activity, while high level of self-concept might be protective.

Improved patient-reported health impact of multiple sclerosis: The ENABLE study of PR-fampridine

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that negatively impacts patients’ lives. Objective: ENABLE assessed the effect of long-term prolonged-release (PR) fampridine (dalfampridine extended release in the United States) treatment on patient-perceived health impact in patients with MS with walking impairment. Methods: ENABLE was a 48-week, open-label, Phase 4 study of PR-fampridine 10 mg twice daily. Patients who showed any improvement in Timed 25-Foot Walk walking speed at weeks 2 and 4 and any improvement in 12-item MS Walking Scale score at week 4 remained on treatment. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) score. Results: At week 4, 707/901 (78.5%) patients met the criteria to remain on treatment. Patients on treatment demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful improvements in SF-36 PCS scores from baseline (mean change (95% confidence interval)) to week 12 (4.30 (3.83, 4.78); p < 0.0001), week 24 (3.75 (3.23, 4.27); p < 0.0001), week 36 (3.46 (2.95, 3.97); p < 0.0001), and week 48 (3.24 (2.72, 3.77); p < 0.0001). Significant improvements from baseline were also demonstrated in secondary health measures in patients on treatment. Conclusion: PR-fampridine improved patient-perceived physical and psychological health impact of MS measured in a real-life setting.

Psychological health impact on 2-year changes in pain and function in persons with knee pain: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

We determined whether baseline depressive symptoms, knee-related confidence and general psychological distress influenced changes in pain and function during 2 years of follow-up. We included persons in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) dataset with baseline pain of 1 or greater on a 0-10 scale in at least one knee and no knee or hip surgery during the 2-year follow-up (n=3407). The four outcome variables were repeated chair standing, 20 m walk and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain and Disability. Linear mixed effects models assessed the association of each mental health variable with the yearly change in each baseline adjusted outcome measure after controlling for covariates. Depressive symptoms were significantly predictive of worsening in most outcomes. The magnitude of worsening predicted for each year was small. For example, the dichotomized WOMAC Pain model indicated that depressed persons experience more rapid worsening than non-depressed persons at an average rate of 0.59 WOMAC points per year (95% CI 0.176, 1.013, P=0.005). Similar significant but very small effects of depressive symptoms on other outcomes were observed. Knee confidence was not predictive of change. General psychological distress was predictive of change in 20-m walk and WOMAC Pain. The most consistent psychological predictor of yearly worsening was baseline depressive symptoms. Although a statistically robust predictor of outcome, given that change was very small and highly dependent on baseline status, our results indicate that a considerable degree of persistent depressive symptoms would be required to have a meaningful effect on future self-reported outcome.

The Early Psychological Impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Florida and Alabama Communities

BackgroundAlthough public concern has focused on the environmental impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the public health impact on a broad range of coastal communities is minimally known.ObjectiveWe sought to determine the acute level of distress (depression, anxiety), mechanisms of adjustment (coping, resilience), and perceived risk in a community indirectly impacted by the oil spill and to identify the extent to which economic loss may explain these factors.MethodsUsing a community-based participatory model, we performed standardized assessments of psychological distress (mood, anxiety), coping, resilience, neurocognition, and perceived risk on residents of fishing communities who were indirectly impacted (n = 71, Franklin County, Florida) or directly exposed (n = 23, Baldwin County, Alabama) to coastal oil. We also compared findings for participants who reported income stability (n = 47) versus spill-related income loss (n = 47).ResultsWe found no significant differences between community groups in terms of psychological distress, adjustment, neurocognition, or environmental worry. Residents of both communities displayed clinically significant depression and anxiety. Relative to those with stable incomes, participants with spill-related income loss had significantly worse scores on tension/anxiety, depression, fatigue, confusion, and total mood disturbance scales; had higher rates of depression; were less resilient; and were more likely to use behavioral disengagement as a coping strategy.ConclusionsCurrent estimates of human health impacts associated with the oil spill may underestimate the psychological impact in Gulf Coast communities that did not experience direct exposure to oil. Income loss after the spill may have a greater psychological health impact than the presence of oil on the immediately adjacent shoreline.

Correlation research on psychological health impact on nursing students against stress, coping way and social support

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors affecting nurse students' psychological status, and the interactions between mental symptoms and stressful factors, coping style and social support in their early clinical experiences. We assessed clinically 288 college nurse students during their first period by adopting College Seniors Stress Scale (CSSS), Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ), Support Questionnaire and Symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90). The result of this study was that (1) positive correlations were found between stressful events, negative coping style and the total scores of SCL-90 (r=0.487, 0.462, p<0.01), while negative correlations related to positive coping style, social support and the total scores of SCL-90 (r=-0.192, -00.135, p<0.05) and (2) stressful factors, negative coping style and social support all have main effects on mental symptoms (F=34.062, 16.090, 20.898, P<0.01), and positive coping style has no main effect on mental symptoms (F=1.853, P>0.05), but interactions relate to stressful factors and positive coping style (F=14.579, P<0.01), as well as negative coping style and social support. In order to improve the psychological condition of nursing students, aside from reducing the stress incidents and avoiding negative coping, it is very necessary to enhance the social support systems and to encourage them to adopt the positive coping styles.