Levels Of Psychological Stress Research Articles

Psychological and Physiological Effects of Low-Level Meaningful Artificial Sounds on Intellectual Tasks

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate the psychological and physiological effects of low-level meaningful artificial sounds on intellectual tasks. The psychological factors related to the degree of disturbance, concentration, and stress, as measured by subjective evaluation, were compared with the degree of physiological stress, as measured using salivary alpha-amylase activity. The results indicated that human speech and chewing sounds caused similar levels of psychological stress while performing intellectual tasks; however, chewing sounds caused comparatively less physiological stress than did human speech sounds. These findings suggest that depending on the sound stimulus, psychological and physiological stress characteristics may not coincide.

Saliva Levels of Adrenergic Receptors in Relation to Psychological Factors in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus.

To evaluate the saliva level of α1 and β1 adrenergic receptors (ARs) in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients. This case-control study included unstimulated saliva samples from 33 OLP patients (14 erosive, 19 non-erosive) and 33 healthy controls. All participants were evaluated on psychological conditions via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 items (DASS 21). The saliva levels of α1 and β1 ARs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analysed with a t test using SPSS 25 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The saliva levels of α1 and β1 ARs of OLP patients (both erosive and non-erosive forms) were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Stress levels in patients with both forms of OLP were significantly higher than in the healthy group. There was a positive correlation between salivary α1 and β1 ARs and stress, and this positive correlation was also seen for saliva β1 ARs between anxiety or depression. The saliva level of α1 ARs was inversely correlated with unstimulated salivary flow rates (r = -0.246; P = 0.046). This study indicated that OLP patients with both erosive and non-erosive forms have higher psychological stress and saliva levels of α1 and β1 ARs than healthy controls; however, the role of α1 and β1 ARs as salivary markers with regard to the development, severity of symptoms and outcome of OLP needs further investigation.

선메디 VR자연명상 프로그램이 팬데믹을 경험한 대학생들의 긍정적 사고, 사회심리적 스트레스, 사회적 걱정에 미치는 영향

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effects of a VR natural meditation program, combining Seon meditation and innovative VR technology, on positive thinking, social psychological stress, and social concern among university students who experienced stress and emotional exhaustion due to social distancing measures.
 Methods An experimental study was conducted on 34 university students who had undergone a complete suspension of school for more than one semester as a result of social distancing measures. The control group did not receive any intervention, while the experimental group participated in a VR natural meditation program consisting of four sessions over a two-week period. To evaluate the program's effectiveness, positive thinking, social psychological stress, and social concern were assessed in both groups, and the results were compared and analyzed using covariance analysis (ANCOVA).
 Results The study reports some significant findings. Firstly, the experimental group demonstrated a notable increase in positive thinking following the VR natural meditation experience. In addition, the levels of social psychological stress and social concern significantly decreased among the participants. In their self-evaluation reports after undergoing the VR treatment, the participants reported enhanced focus, strengthened coping skills, increased confidence in managing daily challenges, and a more positive outlook towards uncertain situations instead of being negatively overwhelmed by their consequences.
 Conclusions These results suggest that the SEONMEDI VR Natural Meditation Program holds potential as an intervention to promote the psychological well-being of university students who have faced social disconnection and emotional exhaustion caused by social disasters.

Evaluation of food security status, psychological well-being, and stress on BMI and diet-related behaviors among a sample of college students

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate food insecurity on body mass index (BMI) and diet-related behaviors among college students and whether psychological well-being (PWB) and stress levels mediate this relationship. Study designThis was a cross-sectional study. MethodsData from 1439 students from the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment III (Fall 2020) were used. Food security status was evaluated by the USDA Six-Item Short Form. PWB was measured using the Diener Flourishing Scale. Diet-related behaviors included the average servings of fruits, vegetables, and sugar-sweetened beverages consumed per day. Stress was measured by self-reported levels. Regression model analysis evaluated the influence of food security status, PWB, and stress levels on BMI. PWB and stress were also tested as mediators in the relationship between food insecurity and BMI. ResultsAmong our sample of college students, 44.54% (n = 641) were food insecure, and 55.46% (n = 798) were food secure. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher food insecurity, older age, full-time enrollment status, and fifth-year student status were positively associated with a higher BMI score (P < 0.05). Results from mediation models revealed that PWB, but not stress, mediated the relationship between food security and BMI among Black/African American students. Regarding diet-related behaviors, high stress levels mediated the relationship between food insecurity and sugar-sweetened beverage intake among students. ConclusionsFood insecurity appears to influence BMI in college students. This relationship seems to be mediated by disrupted PWB and a higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages due to stress.

Thinking Patterns and their Impact on Coping with Psychological Stress among Jordanian Public University Students

The study aimed to identify the prevalent thinking patterns among Jordanian public university students and their impact on coping with psychological stress. The study relied on the descriptive correlational approach. The sample included 993 students from public Jordanian universities, for which a questionnaire was administered to them as an instrument for the study. The findings showed that thinking patterns are highly prevalent, and the level of psychological stress came to a low degree. The results also showed that there is an inverse correlation between thinking patterns and psychological stress among Jordanian public university students and that there is a statistically significant effect of thinking patterns in facing psychological stress.

Organizational Conformity of Basic School ‎Principals within Qasabat Irbid Directorate of ‎Education and its Relevance to Teachers' ‎Psychological Stress Psychological Stress ‎

The study aimed to identify the degree to which the principals of government in in Qasabat Irbid Directorate of Education basic ‎schools practice organizational conformity, and its relationship to the psychological pressures of teachers from their point of ‎view. The descriptive correlative approach was used‏.‏‎ The study sample was made up of 367 teachers, which is 10% of the total ‎study population of 3,670 teachers. The (electronic) questionnaire was used as a tool for the study to reach its goals. The findings ‎revealed that the degree to which the principals of government basic schools in Qasabat Irbid Directorate of Education practiced ‎organizational conformity received a "high" rating. Further, the level of psychological stress among Qasabat Irbid Directorate of ‎Education teachers received a "medium" rating. The findings also revealed a strong negative relationship between organizational ‎conformity and psychological stress. In light of the findings, the researchers suggested focusing on organizational conformity due ‎to its efficacy in reducing the psychological stress experienced by teachers.‎ ‎(Keywords: Proposed Indicators, Organizational Conformity, Psychological Stress, Directorate of Education, Qasabat Irbid, ‎Jordan)‎

Acute Psychological Stress, Coronary Artery Spasm, Iatrogenic Coronary Dissection, In-stent Restenosis, and Atherosclerosis: A Rare Association of Multiple Etiologies for Recurrent Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Nonobstructive coronary artery lesions are seen in two-thirds of patients with angina and verified ischemia using a stress test who undergo coronary angiography. Ischaemia with no obstructed coronary artery disease (INOCA) is becoming more well recognized as a significant medical illness due to its relationship to decreased quality of life and an increased risk of cardiac events. This association between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and high levels of psychological stress has been thoroughly investigated, and it has been found to be substantial. The microvascular function of the coronary arteries is endothelium-dependent, and this plays a role in how the heart reacts to psychological stress. Although coronary artery spasm (CAS) is likely to play a role in the etiology of INOCA, it is frequently misdiagnosed and underreported. In this article, we discuss a case of a young woman who came with recurrent ACS related to CAS, which was exacerbated by iatrogenic coronary dissection due to the presence of arteria lusoria, an atherosclerotic coronary artery disease leading to in-stent restenosis of the previous stent.

Changes in commuting mode and the relationship with psychological stress: A quasi-longitudinal analysis in urbanizing China

Emerging longitudinal research on the relationship between commuting mode and psychological wellbeing draws exclusively from cities in developed countries and the findings are not consistent. Our study contributes to the evidence base from urban China, where rapid urban growth has raised great concerns for urbanites’ commuting problems and psychological stress risks. Drawing upon the China Health and Nutrition Survey (2006–2015), we followed a quasi-longitudinal design to examine changes in commuting mode and the associations with long-term psychological stress. Crucially, the neighbourhood-level urbanicity scale was incorporated to analyse geographic variations in the commuting-stress relationship over time. The results show that maintaining car commuting and long-duration active commuting were associated with lower levels of psychological stress, while long-duration motorised commuting trips by car or public transport were predictive of higher stress levels. Moreover, high-urbanicity areas involved more active commuting trips and short motorised commuting trips, which were beneficial to long-term psychological wellbeing. In contrast, the commuting-related stress risks were noticeable in medium urbanicity areas, where the commuting duration by public transport was extremely high. Based on the socio-institutional context of urban growth in China, we recommend that urban governments should change the focus from expanding urban development land to improving urban amenities and urbanites’ wellbeing.

Psychological Stress in the Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Terms of Some Variables

This study aimed to detect the level of psychological stress in the mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder in terms of some variables, and to attain that, the researcher built a scale to measure psychological stress in mothers by referring to the theoretical literature. The study scale included (6) Dimensions included in (53) paragraphs. The validity of the tool was confirmed by presenting it to a number of arbitrators with experience in the field of psychological counseling, and making sure that it was stable using the stability coefficient Alpha Cronbach, which amounted to (0.98) for the scale in total, the researcher used the descriptive method to verify to answer the questions of the study, the researcher calculated the mean and standard deviations of the responses of the mothers of the subjects. The general mean of the total score of the psychological stress scale was average with a mean of (3.02), in addition to the presence of significant differences at the level of significance (0.05 = ?) in the degree of psychological stress in mothers with autism spectrum disorder due to the variable of the educational level of the mother, marital status and the severity of disability, where the (8.213), the maternal stress scale showed the absence of a statistically significant above depending on the variable of disability severity and its value was (8.532). In light of the results of the study, the researcher made a number of recommendations to alleviate psychological stress in the mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder, and work on developing strategies to solve the problem of psychological stress in the mothers of people with autism spectrum disorder by referring to previous studies and taking experiences from them, in addition to holding training courses for mothers on how to deal with their children with autism spectrum disorder.

The aesthetics of Gannan Hakka architecture in modern housing: A design psychology perspective

The rapid acceleration of societal change has subjected contemporary individuals to prolonged periods of diverse pressures, leading to substantial psychological strain, resulting in anxiety, depression, and compromised mental well-being. Within this context, the home has evolved into a vital refuge for modern individuals, offering both physical and psychological respite. Through experimental intervention, this study examines two distinct residential groups: those adhering to traditional housing and those residing in characteristic folk houses, specifically Gannan Hakka architecture. Analysing the psychological state of contemporary individuals and integrating Gannan Hakka architectural elements into folk house design through a psychologically informed approach, this research aims to enhance residents’ aesthetic experiences and alleviate psychological distress. The study involved 120 volunteers with varying psychological stress levels, categorised into characteristic and traditional folk house groups. Psychological assessments evaluated stress, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Findings reveal significantly improved psychological well-being, self-efficacy, and quality of life among the characteristic residential group, affirming the benefits of Gannan Hakka architecture integration. This research underscores the importance of addressing modern individuals’ environmental needs and proposes the integration of Gannan Hakka cultural elements into residential design to enhance well-being.Contribution: This study demonstrates the application of Hakka culture in contemporary housing profoundly influences residents’ lives, enabling both relaxation and a deeper cultural connection. This integration facilitates a comprehensive understanding of Hakka culture, promoting its preservation. Notably recognised for hospitality and diligence, Hakka culture enhances individuals’ appreciation of tradition, fostering physical and mental rejuvenation. These findings offer valuable insights for practical theology scholars and practitioners exploring the impact of religious aspects on modern residential design from a psychological perspective.

The effect of adaptogenic plants on stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Stress is a substantial part of life, however, persistent stress can disturb the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis leading to different diseases. Adaptogenic herbs are considered to have a stress-relieving effect via decreasing cortisol levels. We assessed the effect of adaptogenic plants on cortisol pathway (cortisol and ACTH levels) and on psychological stress levels of mentally stressed healthy adults, based on the results of randomized controlled trials published until June 25th, 2023. Twenty-five studies on nine adaptogenic herbs - Bacopa monnieri, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Eurycoma longifolia, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Lepidium peruvianum, Ocimum sanctum, Panax ginseng,Rhodiola roseaandWithania somnifera- were processed in the systematic review. The results onWithania somniferawere meta-analyzed. Significant serum cortisol level decrease (MD = -3.27 ug/dL, 95%CI:−4.62––1.92, p = 0.003) and clinically relevant Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score decrease were observed in the Withania somnifera-treated group compared to the placebo group after 56 or 60 days treatment.

Effects of self-perceived psychological stress on clinical symptoms, cortisol, and cortisol/ACTH ratio in patients with burning mouth syndrome

BackgroundPsychological stress is a crucial parameter in defining the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). We hypothesized that the level of psychological stress in patients with BMS would correlate with severity of clinical symptoms, cortisol levels, and cortisol/ adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ratio. We aimed to comprehensively investigate the influence of clinical and hematologic parameters on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, particularly concerning the presence or absence of self-perceived psychological stress in patients with BMS. In addition, we aimed to identify parameters predicting psychological stress in these patients.MethodsOne hundred and forty-one patients with BMS (117 women, 82.98%; 56.21 ± 13.92 years) were divided into psychological stress (n = 68; 55 females, 56.39 ± 12.89 years) and non-psychological stress groups (n = 73; 62 females, 56.03 ± 14.90 years), and inter- and intra-group statistical analyses were conducted. Significant predictors of psychological stress in patients with BMS were investigated through multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of xerostomia was significantly higher (67.6% vs. 34.2%, p < 0.001), while unstimulated salivary flow rate was lower (0.66 ± 0.59 vs. 0.91 ± 0.53 mL/min, p < 0.01) in the psychological stress group than in the non-psychological stress group. SCL-90R subscale values for somatization, hostility, anxiety, and depression, as well as cortisol and ACTH levels and the cortisol/ACTH ratio, were also higher in the psychological stress group (all p < 0.05). Above-mean values for cortisol (AUC = 0.980, 95%CI: 0.959–1.000) and cortisol/ACTH (AUC = 0.779; 95%CI, 0.701–0.856) were excellent predictors of psychological stress, with cortisol (r = 0.831, p < 0.01) and cortisol/ACTH (r = 0.482, p < 0.01) demonstrating substantial correlations. Above-average values for cortisol (OR = 446.73) and cortisol/ACTH (OR = 6.159) significantly increased incidence of psychological stress in patients with BMS (all p < 0.001).ConclusionsAmong patients with BMS, xerostomia, decreased salivary flow rate, increased cortisol levels, and cortisol/ACTH ratio were associated with psychological stress, highlighting the psycho-neuro-endocrinological features of this condition. Cortisol and cortisol/ACTH ratio were strong predictors of psychological stress in patients with BMS.

Marasmius androsaceus mitigates depression-exacerbated intestinal radiation injuries through reprogramming hippocampal miRNA expression

IntroductionCancer patients commonly experience high levels of psychological stress, which poses significant risks to their well-being. Radiotherapy is a primary treatment modality for cancer; however, it often leads to intestinal injuries in these patients. Nevertheless, the impact of mental stress on radiotherapy-intertwined complications remains unclear. MethodsTo induce intestinal injury, we employed total abdominal irradiation in our experimental model. We conducted high-throughput sequencing to analyze the expression profile of miRNAs in the hippocampus. ResultsWe observed that mice with depression exhibited more severe intestinal injuries following total abdominal irradiation. Remarkably, oral administration of Marasmius androsaceus not only alleviated the depressive phenotype but also mitigated radiation-induced intestinal toxicity. Notably, this radioprotective effect was not observed in mice without depression. Depression disrupted the hippocampal miRNA expression profile in mice subjected to local irradiation of the abdomen, leading to the accumulation of miR-139–5p and miR-184–3p in the hippocampus, serum, and small intestine tissues. However, treatment with Marasmius androsaceus reprogrammed the miRNA expression signature in mice with depression. Furthermore, intravenous injection of antagomirs targeting miR-139–5p and miR-184–3p ameliorated depression, up-regulated Spn expression, reduced radiation enteritis, and improved the integrity of the small intestine in irradiated mice. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the efficacy of Marasmius androsaceus, a small mushroom, in alleviating depression-aggravated intestinal toxicity following radiotherapy by reprogramming hippocampal miRNA expression.

Ag triangle nanoplates assembled on PVC/SEBS membrane as flexible SERS substrates for skin cortisol sensing

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based on rigid substrates has been widely used in biomedical detection due to its high sensitivity and specificity. However, the tedious operation steps for preparing SERS rigid substrates limited their applications in real-world detection. Compared with general rigid substrate, the flexible substrate has the advantages of simple preparation and easy portability, which are suitable for rapid, wearable and personalized detection in the field of point-of-care test. Herein, the flexible SERS substrates employing copolymer were fabricated and used for detection of skin cortisol, a biomarker for evaluating psychological stress in sweat. Silver triangle nanoplates with sharp corner were used as enhanced particles, and transferred to polyvinyl chloride/styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene copolymer (PVC/SEBS) film through three-phase interface self-assembly. By adjusting the size of silver nanoparticles, the ratio of PVC to SEBS in the polymer film, and the number of transfers of self-assembled silver films, the enhancement effect of the flexible SERS substrate was maximized. In addition, functionalization of the flexible SERS substrate with cortisol antibodies is used to achieve specific detection of cortisol on the skin surface. Under the optimal conditions, the Raman peak intensities at 1268 and 1500 cm−1 of the cortisol had a good linear relationship with the logarithm of its concentration in the range of 10−7 to 10−3 M, and the detection limits were 5.47 × 10−8 M and 5.51 × 10−8 M, respectively. The flexible silver triangle nanoplates SERS substrate constructed by self-assembly in the three-phase interface has the characteristics of good specificity and high sensitivity, which has potential for transdermal cortisol wearable detection, providing a feasible method for the rapid evaluating psychological stress level.

The Impact of COVID-19-Related Psychological Stress on Fetoplacental Circulation: A Doppler Scan of Umbilical Vessels in Third-Trimester Antenatal Women.

The placenta is an important organ of pregnancy. A multitude of physiological and pathological factors influence blood flow in the placenta during pregnancy. However, the fetal effects of maternal psychological stress were inconclusive. The recent COVID-19 pandemic had unprecedented economic, social, and psychological effects. The effect of COVID-19-induced psychological stress in antenatal women and its resultant fetal impact were studied by observing the Doppler waveforms of the uterine and umbilical arteries. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 26 healthy third-trimester antenatal women who satisfied pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. A pandemic-related pregnancy stress scale (PREPS) was used to evaluate the stress in pregnant women and categorize it into mild, moderate, and severe levels. The Doppler ultrasound of the uterine and umbilical vessels was done along with a routine growth scan in the third trimester of pregnancy. The arterial waveforms, Pulsatility index (PI) of uterine and umbilical arteries, umbilical vein blood flow, and biometric parameters of the fetus were recorded and analyzed. Seventeen of the 26 participants were found to be moderately stressed. Among the three dimensions of the PREPS tool, the perinatal infection stress dimension was expressed predominantly. A strong expression of the positive affirmation dimension was seen in antenatal women. The mean Pulsatility index in the mild, moderate, and severe groups was 0.74, 0.93, and 0.63, respectively. The association between the PREPS score and the Pulsatility index of the umbilical artery alone was found to be significant at p=0.02. The COVID-19 pandemic caused moderate to severe levels of psychological stress in pregnant women. The statistically significant association between the PREPS score and the umbilical artery PI indicates possible fetoplacental compromise, suggesting the need for cognitive therapy to manage psychological stress in antenatal women.

Vliyanie muzykal'noj terapii na uroven' psihologicheskogo stressa i trevozhnosti studentov: istoriya voprosa

This article will investigate the history of the influence of music therapy on the level of psychological stress and anxiety of students, as well as consider various types of music therapy, examples of its successful application in China and in the world as a whole, as well as the possibilities of its further development.

Poster 347: PSYCHOLOGICAL READINESS AFTER REVISION ACL RECONSTRUCTION: A ROAR STUDY

Objectives: Background: Revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR) has demonstrated worse functional outcomes and higher reinjury rates in young patients. Psychological associations with revision surgery have not previously been evaluated. Purpose: To investigate levels of psychological readiness and psychological stress in young patients after revision ACLR Methods: Patients, ages 10-35, were enrolled who underwent revision ACLR at one center by one of six surgeons. Psychological readiness and psychological stress was assessed 6-months post- operatively with the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) and PROMIS- Psychological Stress Experiences (PROMIS-PSE), respectively. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC/Pedi-IKDC), and Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) were also collected. Patient reported outcomes of revision ACLR patients were compared to a cohort of primary ACLR patients. Propensity score matching 3:1 was performed for age, sex, and graft type. Results: Matching resulted in 81 ACLR patients (57 primary and 24 revision). Mean age in the revision group was 18.6 ± 3.2 (66.7% female). The most common graft type in both the primary and revision group was BTB (65% and 67%, respectively) (Table 1). Mild negative correlation was detected between IKDC and PROMIS PSE (r=-0.31; 95% CI=-0.49, -0.10; p=0.005) and a moderate positive correlation was detected between IKDC and ACL-RSI scores (r=0.56; 95% CI=0.39, 0.70; p&lt;0.001). Revision ACLR patients had lower psychological readiness scores (47 vs. 64, p=0.004) and lower IKDC/Pedi-IKDC scores (72 vs 78, p=0.05), compared to primary ACLR patients. Revision ACLR patients also had longer return to sports clearance compared to primary ACLR (median, 10 months vs 8 months; p=0.02). Regression analysis showed revision patients could expect a 15-point decrease in ACL RSI scores compared to patients who underwent primary ACLR surgery (95% CI=-25.30, -4.21; p=0.007). Furthermore, revision patients also could expect a 1.4 month longer return to sports clearance date compared to primary ACLR patients (95% CI=0.29, 2.60; p=0.01). No differences were noted in Pedi- FABS or PROMIS-PSE scores between revision and primary patients (Table 2). Conclusions: This study is the first to date to examine psychological readiness to return to sport in young patients after revision ACLR. At 6-months post-surgery, revision ACLR patients had lower psychological readiness scores, inferior knee functional outcomes scores, and delayed return to sport clearance. Greater attention to the psychological aspects of recovery in the revision ACLR setting may be important to help optimize post-operative care and outcomes. [Table: see text][Table: see text]

Assessment of emotional stress among patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the upper airway is partially or completely blocked during sleep. As a result, sleep arousal and arterial oxygen saturation are reduced. According to the epidemiological survey, OAS is relatively common among people that may be associated with psychiatric illnesses. Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the stress level among patients suffering from OSA. The secondary objective was to compare the gender preference for stress among patients suffering from OSA. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study, approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee, was performed to assess emotional stress among patients suffering from OSA. The study involved 20 participants diagnosed with OSA and reported to the Respiratory Department. The stress levels of the study participants were evaluated with a validated, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaire given by the American Sociological Association (ASA). Result: The stress levels presented by the study participants showed that 40% (n = 8) subjects had moderate stress and 60% (n = 12) had severe stress and 30.3% of females depicted emotional stress and 26.2% of males for the same. Conclusion: There is a high psychological stress level among patients suffering from OSA. The females had higher predictions when compared to males. Such patients should be offered an intervention program aimed at stress management to enhance their quality of life.

Evaluation of an association between maternal prenatal psychological stress and insulin resistance during pregnancy and postpartum

Objectives: Various physiological mechanisms counteract insulin resistance (IR) during normal pregnancy. Psychological stress is a known, independent risk factor for developing IR. Pregnancy-specific psychological stress may cause IR and increase the risk of overt diabetes. Hence, the study aims to evaluate maternal psychological stress using multiple stress markers and their association with changes in IR during pregnancy and postpartum. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and skinfold thickness were measured using standard techniques. The stress markers were assessed using perceived stress scales (K10 questionnaire), a physiological marker of stress (Heart rate variability [HRV] measures) and biochemical stress markers (Saliva, hair cortisol levels). IR was estimated using homeostasis model assessment-estimated IR (HOMA-IR). The association of stress markers with IR was studied among fifty healthy pregnant women during pregnancy and postpartum. Results: The psychological stress scores and saliva cortisol were significantly higher during pregnancy than postpartum (P = 0.000). A comparison of cardiac autonomic function as assessed by HRV measures shows that high frequency in normalised units (HFnu) was significantly higher during the postnatal period than in the prenatal period (P = 0.000). High frequency (HF) spectral power in absolute units was also significantly higher (P = 0.002) in the postpartum period (2612.30 ± 432.24) when compared with the prenatal period (1446.10 ± 299.15). Low frequency in normalised units (LFnu), low frequency (LF)/HF ratio was significantly higher during the prenatal period than in the postnatal period (P = 0.000). As assessed by HOMA-IR values, IR was significantly higher during the prenatal period than postpartum (P = 0.04). There was a significant positive correlation between prenatal psychological stress scores, HRV parameters (LFnu, LF/HF) and postnatal IR. Conclusion: Pregnancy is associated with higher psychological stress levels and IR than postpartum. Furthermore, the maternal cardiac autonomic marker could predict postnatal IR among healthy pregnant women.

Аюрведичний препарат Феміцикл як перша лінія терапії стресогенних порушень менструального циклу в жінок репродуктивного віку

Purpose - to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the Ayurvedic phytocomposition Femicycle for the correction of stressful menstrual disorders (MD) in women of reproductive age. Materials and methods. Under observation were 209 women aged 18 to 35 years, of which 177 with stressful MD (the Group I) and 32 gynecologically, mentally and somatically healthy women (the Group of the control (GC). All examined patients of the Group I received vitamin - mineral complexes. The Group I included the Main group (n=91), in which women additionally used the Ayurvedic drug Femicycle, 1 capsule twice a day with meals for 6 months. Patients in the Comparison group (n=86) received only vitamin and mineral complexes. The level of perception of stress according to PSS-10 and the level of psychological stress according to PSM-25, the hormonal profile of peripheral blood serum was assessed. MD were assessed before and after the treatment. Results. The level of perception of stress with the help of PSS-10 in the Group I was 1.57 times higher than in the GC - 34.91±0.56 points vs. 22.21±0.86 points (p&lt;0.01). The level of psychological stress according to PSM-25 in the Group I was 1.28 times higher relative to this indicator in the GC, respectively - 114.61±0.97 points vs. 89.75±3.49 points (p&lt;0.01). Compared to women in the GC, women with stress-induced disorders of the MC had a lower level of luteinizing hormone, increased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone against the background of decreased levels of estradiol, free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and increased levels of cortisol and 17(OH)-progesterone. In patients of the Group I, after stress, the appearance of scanty menstruation was observed in 13.56% of cases, excessive menstruation - in 18.08%, rare menstruation - in 57.06%, amenorrhea - in 12.99% and intermenstrual bleeding - in 11.86%. In women of the Group I, 67.23% of cases had manifestations of dysmenorrhea and 48.59% of premenstrual syndrome vs. 37.50% (OR=3.084; 95% CI: 1.565-7.471) and 25.00% (OR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.209-6.651) individuals of the GC. After 6 months from the start of treatment, in the Main group, compared to the Comparative group, scarce menstruation was recorded 8.47 times less often (OR=2.073; 95% CI: 0.013-0.886), excessive menstruation - by 9.52 times (OR=2.209; 95% CI: 0.012-0.767), rare menstruation - 8.82 times (OR=3.297; 95% CI: 0.024-0.288), amenorrhea - 6.35 times (OR=1.750; 95% CI: 0.018-1.257]), intermenstrual bleeding - 3.70 times (OR=1.680; 95% CI: 0.051-1.254), dysmenorrhea - 1.72 times (OR=3.331; 95% CI: 0.193-0.653]), premenstrual syndrome - 1.71 times (OR=2.343; 95% CI: 0.239-0.880). Conclusions. Ayurvedic phytocomposition Femicycle is an effective remedy and first choice drug for women of reproductive age in the treatment of stressful MD. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.