Increased Stress Levels Research Articles

Effectiveness of The Use of Chamomile Aromatherapy on Reducing Stress Levels in Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT Pregnancy is often accompanied by increased stress levels due to physiological and psychological changes, which can negatively impact both maternal and fetal health. Natural and non-invasive methods to alleviate stress during pregnancy are increasingly sought after, with chamomile aromatherapy being a promising option due to its known calming properties. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of chamomile aromatherapy in reducing stress levels among pregnant women. Quantitative research, Quasi experiment with a one group pre-post test design. The number of samples used in this research was 30 people using accidental sampling. The research instrument used to measure the stress level of pregnant women is the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The results of the paired t-test statistical test obtained a p-value of 0.01 (< α 0.05), meaning that there was effectiveness of giving chamomile aromatherapy in reducing stress levels in pregnant women at UPTD Puskesmas Lao. Chamomile aromatherapy is a safe, effective, and accessible method for managing stress in pregnant women, potentially enhancing overall prenatal health and well-being. This study supports the integration of chamomile aromatherapy into prenatal care practices. Keywords : Chamomile Aromatherapy, Stress Reduction, Pregnancy

PREVALENCE AND IMPACT OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AMONG NURSES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS

Workplace violence is a significant issue among nurses, particularly in tertiary care hospitals, impacting their well-being and job performance. Understanding the prevalence and types of violence can help develop effective strategies to mitigate these incidents. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, types, frequency, and impact of workplace violence among nurses in tertiary care hospitals in Lahore. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in various tertiary care hospitals in Lahore over a six-month period following approval. The study population comprised registered nurses, aged 18-65, employed in these hospitals for over a year. A sample size of 108 nurses was calculated using Salvia's formula, with convenient sampling employed for selection. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The questionnaire covered demographics, experiences of violence, perception of safety measures, coping strategies, and suggestions for improvement. Descriptive statistics were calculated, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Comparisons were made using the independent t-test and chi-square test, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: Verbal abuse was the most prevalent type of violence, experienced by 62.96% of respondents. Other forms of violence included discrimination (11.11%), physical assault (4.63%), bullying (4.63%), and sexual harassment (1.85%). In terms of frequency, 42.59% of nurses experienced violence rarely, 32.41% frequently, and 25.00% occasionally. The impact of workplace violence included increased stress levels (46.30%), negative impacts on mental health (24.07%), reduced work productivity (16.67%), decreased job satisfaction (11.11%), and physical injuries (1.85%). Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence and significant impact of workplace violence on nurses in tertiary care hospitals in Lahore. Verbal abuse was the most common form, with substantial proportions of nurses experiencing frequent violence. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate workplace violence and support affected healthcare workers.

Microscopic deformation mechanism and characteristics of carbonaceous slate during the creep process

Carbonaceous slate exhibits a significant creep deformation that seriously affects the construction and operation of underground projects. To investigate the microstructural changes characteristics and reveal the microscopic deformation mechanism of the carbonaceous slate during the creep process, multiple methods were performed, including the triaxial creep test, SEM and MIP. The following conclusions were drawn: The rock samples underwent three stages during the creep test: microporosity closure at a low-stress level, material densification at an intermediate stress level, and microcracks emerging and expanding to failure at the high stress. The creep deformation was particularly significant in the first and third processes. The lamellar particles are compressed or bent under stress in parallel and vertical directions, showing the anisotropic properties of deformation. The deformation of the rock sample is related to the angle between the bedding and the orientation of major principal stress, and the effect of the anisotropy decreases with the increased stress level. The sprouting and expansion of microfractures occur at high-stress levels, showing pressure dissolution of mineral particles, migration of very fine particles, and cement damage between lamellar particles. Finally, the horizontal samples formed a combined rupture surface composed of the laminar surface and the fracture surface intersecting it, showing brittle damage, while the vertical samples formed a fracture surface parallel to the laminar surface, showing a ductile damage pattern. Those results could provide the basis for a further understanding of the mechanical properties of carbonaceous slate and the improvement of its creep model and parameters. It was significant for the stability analysis and deformation prediction of engineering structures using numerical simulation.

Shear resistance test analysis and calculation method of shear capacity of UHPC-NC beam without web reinforcement

In order to study the failure phenomenon and shear resistance performance of UHPC-NC beams without web reinforcement, shear resistance tests were carried out on 15 UHPC-NC beams without web reinforcement. The variation parameters were shear span ratio, web thickness, steel fiber content, and compressive stress level. The load-deflection curve, failure phenomenon and crack development of the test beam are analyzed. The test results show that the joint between the top plate and the bottom plate of UHPC-NC I-beam without web reinforcement is the weakest, and the cracked web is easy to be “cut off” at the joint; The “banding crack area” of web is closely related to the shear span ratio, and the width of ribbon area increases with the increase of shear span ratio. The shear capacity of UHPC-NC I-beam without web reinforcement decreases with the increase of shear-span ratio. The shear capacity increases with the increase of web thickness and compressive stress level. The shear capacity has little relationship with steel fiber content, and the initial stiffness of the structure can be improved by applying prestress. Finally, considering the influence of the top slab compression-shear zone and the bottom slab tension-shear zone on the shear capacity of UHPC-NC prestressed composite beams without web reinforcement, the corresponding calculation method of shear capacity is given based on the modified compression field theory and the idea of sub-item superposition, and the applicability of the calculation method is verified by the test results.

Influence of Polypropylene Fiber on Concrete Permeability under Freeze-Thaw Conditions and Mechanical Loading.

Polypropylene fiber reinforcement is an effective method to enhance the durability of concrete structures. With the increasing public interest in the widespread use of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PFRC), the necessity of evaluating the mechanism of polypropylene fiber (PF) on the permeability of concrete has become prominent. This paper describes the influence of PF on the concrete permeability exposed to freeze-thaw cycles under compressive and tensile stress. The permeability of PFRC under compressive and tensile loads is accurately measured by a specialized permeability setup. The permeability of PFRC under compressive and tensile loads, the volume change of PFRC under compressive load, and the relationship between compressive stress levels at minimum permeability and minimum volume points of PFRC are discussed. The results indicate that the addition of PF adversely affects the permeability of concrete without freeze-thaw damage and cracks. However, it decreases the permeability of concrete specimens exposed to freeze-thaw cycles and cracking. Under compressive load, the permeability of PFRC initially decreases slowly and follows by a significant increase as the compressive stress level increases. This phenomenon correlates with the volume change of the specimen. The compressive stress level of the minimum permeability point and compressive stress level of the minimum volume point of PFRC exhibit a linear correlation, with a fitted proportional function parameter γ ≈ 0.98872. Under tensile load, the permeability of PFRC increases gradually with radial deformation and follows by a significant increase. The strain-permeability curves of PFRC under loading are studied and consist of two stages. In stage I, the permeability of PFRC gradually decreases with the increase of strain under compressive load, while the permeability increases with the increase of strain under tensile load. In stage II, under compressive load, the permeability of PFRC increases with the increase of freeze-thaw cycles, whereas under tensile load, the permeability gradually decreases with the increase of freeze-thaw cycles. The reduction of PF on the permeability of PFRC under tensile load is greater than that under compressive load. In future research, the relationship between strain and permeability of PFRC can be integrated with its constitutive relationship between stress and strain to provide a reference for the application of PF in the waterproofing of concrete structures.

Haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters of New Zealand rabbits housed at different stocking densities

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different stocking densities on oxidative stress, some hematological and biochemical blood parameters in New Zealand rabbits, and to determine the ideal cage area where rabbits can live without being stressed. A total of 36 1–month–old mixed sex New Zealand weaned rabbits were selected for the study. The rabbits were placed in cages at different densities of stocking. Experimental groups were 1 rabbit per cage (C1), 2 rabbits per cage (C2) and 3 rabbits per cage (C3). There was no significant differences between groups in terms of RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophlis, basophlis, AST, ALT, trigliseride, cholesterol, HDL and LDL parameters (P>0.05). C2 group had lower count of PLT comparing C1 and C3 groups. C1 group had the highest value for MCHC (P<0.05). As oxidative stress parameters, there was no significant differences between IMA and TAS parameters (P>0.05). C2 group had the lowest value in terms of SOD (P<0.05). In conclusion C2 group was determined more advantageous in terms of breeding and welfare, since C1 group does not support social needs of the animals and C3 group leads to increased stress levels due to reduced individual space and restricted movement.

An In-depth Review of the Critical Water Analysis Parameter and Water Quality Management Technology in Cage Aquaculture within Malaysian Coastal Regions

Cage fish farming in Malaysia's coastal areas is a significant industry that provides food and income for local communities. Since the country's catch-fishing resources have been fully exploited, there is a huge market for developing the aquaculture industry to increase fish output and supply. However, disease outbreaks, pollution, and environmental degradation must be addressed to ensure sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. This can result in increased stress levels and susceptibility to diseases, ultimately impacting the overall well-being of fish populations within the aquatic ecosystem. Water quality plays a crucial role in fish farming as it significantly impacts the health and productivity of fish. However, the specific critical water analysis parameters that are most relevant to cage aquaculture in Malaysian coastal regions have not been comprehensively identified and defined, leading to uncertainties in monitoring and managing water quality. In the past, water quality detection needed manual sampling and laboratory analysis, which were time-consuming and resource intensive. This traditional approach cannot deliver real-time data. This literature examines the important water analysis parameters and contemporary technology that has the potential to be adopted by fish farmers in Malaysia and addresses the financial implications of such an adoption. The review protocol started by selecting the relevant literature and several important things were considered during the selection process. The identification and definition of critical water analysis parameters emerge as fundamental to effective water quality monitoring and management in cage aquaculture. By delineating these parameters, we can tailor monitoring strategies using recent technologies to the unique environmental conditions of Malaysian coastal regions, thus enabling more precise interventions when deviations occur.

Stress and occupational burnout levels among Palestinian dentists, and associated factors: A cross-sectional study in 2023

IntroductionStress and burnout rank among the foremost dentistry-related concerns. Understanding stress and burnout among Palestinian dentists is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems. The study aimed to assess stress levels among dentists in Palestine, identify factors contributing to stress, and determine the relationship between stress and burnout in this professional group. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted, employing a self-administered questionnaire to gather data from 271 dentists from March to June 2023. The Maslach burnout inventory was utilized to measure burnout across emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment dimensions, while the 10-item perceived stress scale was employed to measure stress levels. ResultsThe findings revealed that 81% of Palestinian dentists reported experiencing moderate to high levels of stress. Emotional exhaustion was a prominent aspect of burnout, with 48% of participants reporting high levels. The multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between stress scores and female participants (p = 0.001), daily sleeping hours (p = 0.016), as well as emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment burnout subscales (p ≤ 0.001 for both). ConclusionThe study revealed high-stress levels among Palestinian dentists, which were associated with sex and daily sleep hours. Furthermore, burnout was prevalent among dentists, particularly in terms of emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment, which were strongly associated with increased stress levels. The results underscore the need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms tailored to factors facing dentists, especially among females and those who receive inadequate sleep. The relationship between burnout and stress levels highlights the intricate connection between these phenomena.

Protein homeostasis maintained by HOOK1 levels promotes the tumorigenic and stemness properties of ovarian cancer cells through reticulum stress and autophagy

BackgroundOvarian cancer has a high mortality rate mainly due to its resistance to currently used therapies. This resistance has been associated with the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), interactions with the microenvironment, and intratumoral heterogeneity. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic targets, particularly those targeting CSCs, is important for improving patient prognosis. HOOK1 has been found to be transcriptionally altered in a substantial percentage of ovarian tumors, but its role in tumor initiation and development is still not fully understood.MethodsThe downregulation of HOOK1 was performed in ovarian cancer cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, followed by growth in vitro and in vivo assays. Subsequently, migration (Boyden chamber), cell death (Western-Blot and flow cytometry) and stemness properties (clonal heterogeneity analysis, tumorspheres assay and flow cytometry) of the downregulated cell lines were analysed. To gain insights into the specific mechanisms of action of HOOK1 in ovarian cancer, a proteomic analysis was performed, followed by Western-blot and cytotoxicity assays to confirm the results found within the mass spectrometry. Immunofluorescence staining, Western-blotting and flow cytometry were also employed to finish uncovering the role of HOOK1 in ovarian cancer.ResultsIn this study, we observed that reducing the levels of HOOK1 in ovarian cancer cells reduced in vitro growth and migration and prevented tumor formation in vivo. Furthermore, HOOK1 reduction led to a decrease in stem-like capabilities in these cells, which, however, did not seem related to the expression of genes traditionally associated with this phenotype. A proteome study, along with other analysis, showed that the downregulation of HOOK1 also induced an increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress levels in these cells. Finally, the decrease in stem-like properties observed in cells with downregulated HOOK1 could be explained by an increase in cell death in the CSC population within the culture due to endoplasmic reticulum stress by the unfolded protein response.ConclusionHOOK1 contributes to maintaining the tumorigenic and stemness properties of ovarian cancer cells by preserving protein homeostasis and could be considered an alternative therapeutic target, especially in combination with inducers of endoplasmic reticulum or proteotoxic stress such as proteasome inhibitors.

Impact of Psychosocial Factors on the Activity of Crohn's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Social Support, Stress, and Flare-Up Incidence.

Background/Objectives: Crohn's disease is a chronic and debilitating intestinal disorder that alternates between remission and active flare-ups, often leading to hospitalization. Social support is known to enhance adaptation to the disease and modulate stress perception in patients, while stress may exacerbate symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the roles of perceived stress and social support in Crohn's disease and their impact on the frequency of flare-ups. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, assessing stress and social support in a cohort of 91 patients with Crohn's disease during flare-up and remission phases. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) and a Social Support Questionnaire were utilized for evaluation. We examined the relationship between stress and social support in Crohn's disease. The interaction between the variables studied was also observed, considering the stage of the disease. Finally, we carried out an analysis of the influence of these two variables on the development of flare-ups in Crohn's disease. Results: The study revealed that patients experience higher stress levels during flare-ups and that these levels are amplified by a lack of social support. A significant relationship was identified between the levels of social support and the occurrence of flare-ups, indicating that better social support is associated with fewer flare-ups. Conclusions: Patients with Crohn's disease in the flare-up phase are subject to considerable stress. A deficit in social support is linked to an increase in stress levels. The interaction between social support and stress plays a critical role in the development of flare-ups.

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong: Registry-Based Study From 2017 to 2023.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a significant toll on individual health and the efficacy of health care systems. However, the influence of COVID-19 on the frequency and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) within the Chinese population, both before and throughout the entire pandemic period, remains to be clarified. This study aimed to fill the gaps by investigating the prevalence and outcomes of OHCA in Hong Kong (HK) both before and during the whole pandemic period. This is a retrospective regional registry study. The researchers matched OHCA data with COVID-19-confirmed case records between December 2017 and May 2023. The data included information on response times, location of OHCA, witness presence, initial rhythm, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of public-access defibrillation, resuscitation in the accident and emergency department, and survival to admission. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and statistical tests such as analysis of variance and χ2 were used to examine differences between variables. The incidence of OHCA and survival rates were calculated, and logistic regression analysis was performed to assess associations. The prevalence of OHCA and COVID-19 during the peak of the pandemic was also described. A total of 43,882 cases of OHCA were reported in HK and included in our analysis. Around 13,946 cases were recorded during the prepandemic period (2017-2019), and the remaining 29,936 cases were reported during the pandemic period (2020-2023). During the pandemic period, the proportion of female patients increased to 44.1% (13,215/29,936), and the average age increased slightly to 76.5 (SD 18.5) years. The majority of OHCAs (n=18,143, 61.1% cases) occurred at home. A witness was present in 45.9% (n=10,723) of the cases, and bystander CPR was initiated in 44.6% (n=13,318) of the cases. There was a significant increase in OHCA incidence, with a corresponding decrease in survival rates compared to the prepandemic period. The location of OHCA shifted, with a decrease in incidents in public places and a potential increase in incidents at home. We found that CPR (odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI 1.17-1.86) and public-access defibrillation (odds ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.28) were significantly associated with a high survival to admission rate during the pandemic period. There was a correlation between the development of OHCA and the prevalence of COVID-19 in HK. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on OHCA in HK, resulting in increased incidence and decreased survival rates. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the indirect effects of the pandemic, such as increased stress levels and strain on health care systems, on OHCA outcomes. Strategies should be developed to improve OHCA prevention, emergency response systems, and health care services during public health emergencies to mitigate the impact on population health.

EMPOWERING THROUGH AWARDS AND RECOGNITION: STRENGTHENING TEACHERS’ MORALE

The study unfolded the experiences of the school heads in award and recognition approach for teachers. This study employed a phenomenological research design which aims to determine the experiences and perceptions of the eight (8) participants. The generated themes on the positive experiences of teachers were improved work and creation of school-community Collaboration. On the other hand, the themes under negative experiences were the feeling of being left out, the sense of distrust and envy, and increased stress levels. Meanwhile, in the coping mechanisms of school heads in awards and recognition approach for the teachers, three subthemes were generated which were re-defining school cultures, providing appropriate motivation, and enacting different roles. Lastly, for the insights drawn from the experiences of the school heads three subthemes were also generated which were instituting a positive culture, creating trusting relationships, and provide adaptive leadership. These implied that school heads can provide effective support to teachers when utilizing a collaborative and coordinated strategy to facilitate improvement in teacher performance. Moreover, the results generated provided comprehensive data in conducting future research with similar scope. This study may be published in reputable research journal. KEYWORDS: Experiences, awards, recognition, approach, Tagum City

Modeling and Reliability Analysis of MEMS Gyroscope Rotor Parameters under Vibrational Stress.

Vibrational environments can cause drift or changes in Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) gyroscope rotor parameters, potentially impacting their performance. To improve the effective use of MEMS gyroscopes, this study introduced a method for evaluating the reliability of parameter degradation under vibration. We analyzed the working principle of MEMS gyroscope rotors and investigated how vibration affects their parameters. Focusing on zero bias and scale factor as key performance indicators, we developed an accelerated degradation model using the distributional assumption method. We then collected degradation data for these parameters under various vibration conditions. Using the Copula function, we established a reliability assessment approach to evaluate the degradation of the MEMS gyroscope rotor's zero bias and scale factor under vibration, enabling the determination of reliability for these parameters. Experimental findings confirmed that increasing stress levels lead to reduced failure times and increased failure rates for MEMS gyroscope rotors, with significant changes observed in the zero bias parameter. Our evaluation method effectively characterizes changes in the reliability of the MEMS gyroscope rotor's scale factor and zero bias over time, providing valuable information for practical applications of MEMS gyroscopes.

Impact of a national audit on child and adolescent psychiatrists' prescribing practices.

A look back review of South Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland, known as the 'Maskey report' (MR), highlighted substandard prescribing practices. The aim of this 'Maskey Impact Study' (MIS) was to explore changes to child and adolescent psychiatrists' prescribing practices following the MR. The study was cross-sectional and mixed method. A study specific questionnaire was distributed electronically to psychiatrists working in CAMHS (n = 160). 102 psychiatrists participated in the study (response rate 63.8%). Perceived improvement in prescribing practices included improved medical record keeping (63.7%), consent documentation (53.9%), medication information provision (41.2%) and physical health monitoring (60.8%). However, 43.1% of psychiatrists reported a reluctance to prescribe medication even when clinically indicated and 50% were more likely to avoid off-label use. Most respondents reported increased stress levels (80.4%) with higher stress being significantly associated with reticence in prescribing (χ2 = 11.746, p < .001) and avoiding off-label use (χ2 = 15.392, p < 0.001). Thematic analysis highlighted increased medication hesitancy, enforced 'meaningless' bureaucracy and medication mistrust among families. Although improvements reported are welcomed, the increased hesitancy of medication use, avoidance of prescribing more than one medication, and avoidance of off-label use, is of concern with potential unintended adverse consequences. Reluctance in prescribing may deprive youth of access to evidence-based treatments and limit exposure of NCHDs to the safe practice of consultant-initiated psychopharmacology. Further research will be important to determine if this impacts clinical care. Continued education in psychopharmacology is essential along with increased public awareness of the evidence for medication, to help restore public confidence and trust in psychopharmacology.

Durability of concrete subjected to acidic exposure under flexural loading

The durability of concrete under combined acidic exposure and flexural loading was studied. Concrete specimens were made and subjected to up to 168 days of exposure to flexural loading (stress levels of 0, 0.35 and 0.50 of the 28 day flexural strength) and an acidic environment. Concrete properties such as neutralisation depth, mass change, compressive strength and flexural strength were measured. The compositions of different samples were determined by means of X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis and the microstructure of samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that, with an increase in stress level from 0 to 0.50, the performance of the concrete deteriorated gradually and the deterioration in the tension zone was greater than that in the compression zone. The concrete performance improved within 28 days but deteriorated dramatically afterwards. The acidic solution reacted with the cement paste, leading to the formation of harmful gypsum and the decomposition and dissolution of cement hydration products. An increase in stress level increased the porosity of the concrete, accelerating the rate of acid erosion, which led to a deterioration of concrete performance.

Digital Interventions to Understand and Mitigate Stress Response: Protocol for Process and Content Evaluation of a Cohort Study.

Staffing and resource shortages, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, have increased stress levels among health care workers. Many health care workers have reported feeling unable to maintain the quality of care expected within their profession, which, at times, may lead to moral distress and moral injury. Currently, interventions for moral distress and moral injury are limited. This study has the following aims: (1) to characterize and reduce stress and moral distress related to decision-making in morally complex situations using a virtual reality (VR) scenario and a didactic intervention; (2) to identify features contributing to mental health outcomes using wearable, physiological, and self-reported questionnaire data; and (3) to create a personal digital phenotype profile that characterizes stress and moral distress at the individual level. This will be a single cohort, pre- and posttest study of 100 nursing professionals in Ontario, Canada. Participants will undergo a VR simulation that requires them to make morally complex decisions related to patient care, which will be administered before and after an educational video on techniques to mitigate distress. During the VR session, participants will complete questionnaires measuring their distress and moral distress, and physiological data (electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, plethysmography, and respiration) will be collected to assess their stress response. In a subsequent 12-week follow-up period, participants will complete regular assessments measuring clinical outcomes, including distress, moral distress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. A wearable device will also be used to collect continuous data for 2 weeks before, throughout, and for 12 weeks after the VR session. A pre-post comparison will be conducted to analyze the effects of the VR intervention, and machine learning will be used to create a personal digital phenotype profile for each participant using the physiological, wearable, and self-reported data. Finally, thematic analysis of post-VR debriefing sessions and exit interviews will examine reoccurring codes and overarching themes expressed across participants' experiences. The study was funded in 2022 and received research ethics board approval in April 2023. The study is ongoing. It is expected that the VR scenario will elicit stress and moral distress. Additionally, the didactic intervention is anticipated to improve understanding of and decrease feelings of stress and moral distress. Models of digital phenotypes developed and integrated with wearables could allow for the prediction of risk and the assessment of treatment responses in individuals experiencing moral distress in real-time and naturalistic contexts. This paradigm could also be used in other populations prone to moral distress and injury, such as military and public safety personnel. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05923398; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05923398. DERR1-10.2196/54180.

Differences in stress levels between Albanian and German students

Abstract This study was conducted to determine and compare the factors influencing the increase in stress levels of students at German and Albanian universities. In addition to descriptive statistics to analyze the data, the authors used factor analysis, the Independent Samples t-Test, and bivariate correlation among others in the study. An online questionnaire divided into three sections was used as a tool for data collection. The description of statistics expressed in percentages and the data analysis were performed using SPSS software, Version 16. The results showed that students experienced a high level of stress, 44.1214, with some variations among them. The results confirmed a higher level of stress among Albanian students compared to German students. On the other hand, the results indicated that the “Fear of failing exams” factor had a greater impact on increasing stress levels among German students compared to Albanian students.

Effects of Food Insecurity and Dietary Factors on Sleep Quality and Perceived Stress

Food insecurity is a significant concern at a national level, with college students facing a disproportionate impact. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to reliable and nutritious food. The link between food insecurity and perceived stress has been documented in prior research; however, its impact on sleep quality has yet to be studied. Food insecurity may reduce the nutritional quality of their diet and increase stress levels, which may negatively impact their sleep. This study aims to assess the impact of food insecurity and diet habits on perceived stress and sleep quality. Our hypothesis is that individuals with high food insecurity and a low quality diet experience higher perceived stress levels and decreased sleep quality. An anonymous survey was distributed through several social media platforms to individuals over the age of 18. The survey included demographic questions and seven validated scales. The scales included the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, Satisfaction, Alertness, Timing, Effciency, and Duration (SATED) Questionnaire, Health Promoting Activities Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Food Mood Questionnaire. These scales measured level of food insecurity, frequency of self-selected health activities, perceived stress, sleep quality, exercise habits, self-esteem, perceived stress, and dietary habits. Data from 561 individuals were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coeffcient in IBM SPSS Version 28.0. The results reveal that feeling worried about having enough to eat was negatively correlated with sleep quality (r= 0-.177, p&lt;0.01), sleeping between 6 and 8 hours a day (r= 0-.181, p&lt;0.01), having confidence handling personal problems (r= -0.201, p&lt;0.01), and consuming dark leafy vegetables (r= 0-.164, p&lt;0.01). Feeling nervous and stressed was positively correlated with sleeping between 2am and 4am (r= 0.088, p&lt;0.05) and negatively correlated with sleep satisfaction (r= 0-.335, p&lt;0.01). Consuming fruits was positively correlated with sleep satisfaction (r= 0.112, p&lt; 0.01), while consuming nuts was positively correlated with staying awake during the day (r= 0.136, p&lt;0.01). The results suggest a strong relationship between food insecurity, diet quality, mental well-being, and sleep quality. Those who are food insecure are less likely to have adequate nutrition, which could raise their stress levels and increase diffculty sleeping. On the other hand, those who consume a well-balanced diet are more likely to have better quality sleep; however, it is worth noting that those who show signs of mental distress are less likely to have a good sleep quality. No funding was provided for this research study. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Food Insecurity Impacts Diet Quality, Health-Promoting Activities, and Perceived Stress

Food insecurity, defined as inadequate access to nutritious food, affects over two billion people globally. Poor nutrition and stress associated with food insecurity may negatively impact the performance of health-promoting activities. It may also increase stress levels through irregular eating patterns and concern over accessing suffcient food. However, the impact of food insecurity on engagement in health-promoting activities, stress, and dietary factors has yet to be studied extensively. This study aims to fill this gap by assessing the impact of food insecurity on health-promoting activities, perceived stress, and diet quality. It is hypothesized that food insecurity will negatively impact perceived stress levels and the frequency of engagement in health-promoting activities. It also hypothesized that those who engage in these activities more frequently will have better diet quality. An anonymous survey was administered to adults through various social media platforms. The survey contained demographic questions and seven validated scales: the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, Satisfaction, Alertness, Timing, Effciency, and Duration (SATED) Questionnaire, Health Promoting Activities Scale, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Food Mood Questionnaire. These scales measured food insecurity status, sleep quality, frequency of health-promoting activities and self-care, self-esteem, perceived stress levels, physical activity, and dietary habits, respectively. Data from 561 individuals were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coeffcient in IBM SPSS Version 28.0. The results indicate that being unable to eat healthy and nutritious food was negatively associated with performing personal care tasks (r= -0.136, p&lt; 0.01) and social activities (r= -0.146, p&lt; 0.01). It was also found that having to skip a meal was positively associated with being upset when something happens unexpectedly (r= 0.218, p&lt; 0.01) and feeling unable to control the important things in life (r= 0.242, p&lt; 0.01). Further, performing personal care tasks was negatively associated with eating fast food (r= -0.120, p&lt; 0.01) and positively associated with consuming dark green, leafy vegetables (r= 0.216, p&lt; 0.01), whole grains (r= 0.195, p&lt; 0.01), and fruit (r= 0.287, p&lt; 0.01). Our results suggest that food insecurity can negatively impact mental well-being, diet quality, and health-promoting behaviors. Interventions aimed at improving food security, and therefore diet quality, may have benefits for improving overall health and well-being. No funding was provided to conduct this research study. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Resident perspectives on the impact of program leadership communication on well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a myriad of changes that negatively impacted resident physicians’ well-being. Communication from program leadership may mitigate resident stress during times of crisis, yet literature supporting this premise is scant, and best communication practices remain uncertain. This qualitative study aimed to identify stressors to residents and explore the influence of residency program leadership’s communication on emotional stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Informed by Kotter’s 8-step management model to support resident well-being, this qualitative study used grounded theory methods to interview 25 residents from three training programs (Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Medicine-Pediatrics) on a single academic medical campus from May-September 2020. Four investigators coded the data using the constant comparative analysis. Sampling continued until reaching thematic saturation. Codes were built using an iterative approach and organized into themes. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus discussion among investigators. Results Residents described increased stress levels, the all-consuming nature of COVID-19, mixed emotions about their role as healthcare providers, new coping mechanisms, and changes to their education and work environment that impacted stress. Communication from leadership to residents during the pandemic varied. Effective communication helped mitigate stress; perceived suboptimal communication exacerbated stress. Who was communicating, methods of communication, and content of communication influenced resident stress. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new stressors and challenges to residents. The perception of leadership communication played a critical role in mitigating or exacerbating resident stress. We propose a communication framework (“Who? What? Where? When? How?”) that residency leadership can utilize during times of crisis.