Low Anxiety Research Articles

Exploring the Influence of Students' Anxiety on English Language Learning in Online Integrated Instruction

This research explores the influence of online integrated learning on students’ anxiety within the English Language Education Program at Muhammadiyah University of East Kalimantan (UMKT). The study investigates the impact of online integrated learning in the English General Course on students' anxiety levels. It examines significant differences in anxiety levels between students actively using online platforms and those who do not. The sample consisted of 117 freshmen, with data collected via questionnaires assessing comfort with technology, perceptions of its effectiveness, and its impact on anxiety levels. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, the One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, ANOVA, and Bonferroni multiple comparisons, were employed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the findings. Key results indicate a mean anxiety score of 41.55 and a mean achievement score of 78.21, reflecting moderate anxiety and relatively high academic performance. The One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test confirmed the normal distribution of the data (p > 0.05), justifying the use of parametric methods. ANOVA results showed significant differences in anxiety levels and English scores based on online integrated learning (F = 166.159, p < 0.001). Bonferroni multiple comparisons revealed that lower anxiety was associated with higher English scores, with significant mean differences observed between low, medium, and high anxiety groups (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that online integrated learning significantly impacts students' anxiety levels, which in turn affects their academic performance. The study provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers on the importance of creating supportive and anxiety-reducing learning environments in technology-enhanced settings

Improvement and Maintenance of Clinical Outcomes in a Digital Mental Health Platform: Findings From a Longitudinal Observational Real-World Study.

Digital mental health services are increasingly being provided by employers as health benefit programs that can improve access to and remove barriers to mental health care. Stratified care models, in particular, offer personalized care recommendations that can offer clinically effective interventions while conserving resources. Nonetheless, clinical evaluation is needed to understand their benefits for mental health and their use in a real-world setting. This study aimed to examine the changes in clinical outcomes (ie, depressive and anxiety symptoms and well-being) and to evaluate the use of stratified blended care among members of an employer-sponsored digital mental health benefit. In a large prospective observational study, we examined the changes in depressive symptoms (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire), anxiety symptoms (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale), and well-being (5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index) for 3 months in 509 participants (mean age 33.9, SD 8.7 years; women: n=312, 61.3%; men: n=175, 34.4%; nonbinary: n=22, 4.3%) who were newly enrolled and engaged in care with an employer-sponsored digital mental health platform (Modern Health Inc). We also investigated the extent to which participants followed the recommendations provided to them through a stratified blended care model. Participants with elevated baseline symptoms of depression and anxiety exhibited significant symptom improvements, with a 37% score improvement in depression and a 29% score improvement in anxiety (P values <.001). Participants with baseline scores indicative of poorer well-being also improved over the study period (90% score improvement; P=.002). Furthermore, over half exhibited clinical improvement or recovery for depressive symptoms (n=122, 65.2%), anxiety symptoms (n=127, 59.1%), and low well-being (n=82, 64.6%). Among participants with mild or no baseline symptoms, we found high rates of maintenance for low depressive (n=297, 92.2%) and anxiety (n=255, 86.7%) symptoms and high well-being (n=344, 90.1%). In total, two-thirds of the participants (n=343, 67.4%) used their recommended care, 16.9% (n=86) intensified their care beyond their initial recommendation, and 15.7% (n=80) of participants underused care by not engaging with the highest level of care recommended to them. Participants with elevated baseline depressive or anxiety symptoms improved their mental health significantly from baseline to follow-up, and most participants without symptoms or with mild symptoms at baseline maintained their mental health over time. In addition, engagement patterns indicate that the stratified blended care model was efficient in matching individuals with the most effective and least costly care while also allowing them to self-determine their care and use combinations of services that best fit their needs. Overall, the results of this study support the clinical effectiveness of the platform for improving and preserving mental health and support the utility and effectiveness of stratified blended care models to improve access to and use of digitally delivered mental health services.

Out of the comfort zone, into the learning zone: An exploration of students’ academic buoyancy through the 5-Cs in English-medium instruction

In English-medium instruction (EMI), the learning of academic content in English may present a considerable challenge for students. Therefore, analyzing EMI students' academic buoyancy is crucial to understand how they manage everyday academic obstacles. By employing the 5-Cs Framework (Confidence, Coordination, Control, Composure and Commitment), this study aims to understand how 14 highly buoyant EMI students from a higher education institution in Spain handle daily academic adversity. Qualitative data were generated from four focus groups and one interview and were analyzed employing a person-oriented approach to academic buoyancy. Findings reveal that highly buoyant EMI students: (1) exhibit high self-efficacy and confidence in using English; (2) maintain composure and low academic anxiety; (3) demonstrate sustained commitment by adopting proactive “fight” responses, driven by future-oriented mindsets; (4) display strong coordination skills and effectively employ self-regulated learning strategies; and (5) show a strong sense of control over their academic success, facilitated by a focus on effective communication and content learning. Based on these findings, a framework for the assessment and enhancement of (EMI) students’ academic buoyancy has been developed. Overall, this study highlights the significance of the 5-Cs framework in the study of academic buoyancy while unveiling the multidimensional and interconnected nature of its components.

Testimonials as motivators: the case of end-of-life conversations

Abstract Persuasive testimonials are common in commercial, nonprofit, and public health contexts. They pose challenges to existing theories of narrative persuasion because they are typically both narrative and overtly persuasive. Prior research has suggested testimonials may be effective with counter-attitudinal recipients by decreasing negative affective responses and increasing meaningful affect. Often, however, testimonials may address behaviors that are anxiety provoking rather than counter-attitudinal; prior research provides little theoretical or empirical guidance concerning message influence in the face of such anxiety. An experiment comparing a testimonial versus a non-narrative message advocating end-of-life conversations found that the testimonial message increased behavioral intentions via meaningful affect and self-efficacy. The testimonial did not decrease anxiety, and there was no differential impact on high versus low anxiety recipients. The authors conclude that a eudaimonic testimonial may serve as a motivator of behavior regardless of anxiety concerning the message topic, as well as a means of increasing self-efficacy.

A latent classes analysis to detect cognitive and emotional profiles in cancer patients.

Thought style has been described as a mediator between cancer diagnosis and the emotional response to cancer. Describe the latent profiles related to thought style (rumination, cognitive engagement, and cognitive avoidance) and emotional response in a sample of cancer patients. 159 cancer patients were assessed prior to starting treatment. Measurement instruments used were HADS, Cancer response thought style inventory, distress thermometer, and PTGI. Analysis of latent classes to explore profiles of who share the same thought style. The solution had 4 subgroups: first group was avoidance, the means for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic growth were the lowest of the four groups. The second group was rumination, presenting highest scores for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic growth. The third group was indeterminate, this group presented low anxiety and depression. The fourth group, with cognitive engagement presented low anxiety and depression and post-traumatic growth was high.

Bayesian network prediction study on the impact of occupational health psychological factors on insomnia among thermal power generation workers

Objective: To explore the risk factors of insomnia among employees in the thermal power generation industry and the network relationships between their interactions, and to provide scientific basis for personalized interventions for high-risk groups with insomnia. Methods: In November 2022, 860 employees of a typical thermal power generation enterprise were selected as the research subjects by cluster sampling. On-site occupational health field surveys and questionnaire surveys were used to collect basic information, occupational characteristics, anxiety, depression, stress, occupational stress, and insomnia. The interaction between insomnia and occupational health psychological factors was evaluated by using structural equation model analysis and Bayesian network construction. Results: The detection rates of anxiety, depression and stress were 34.0% (292/860), 32.1% (276/860) and 18.0% (155/860), respectively. The total score of occupational stress was (445.3±49.9) points, and 160 workers (18.6%) were suspected of insomnia, and 578 workers (67.2%) had insomnia. Structural equation model analysis showed that occupational stress had a significant effect on the occurrence of insomnia in thermal power generation workers (standardized load coefficient was 0.644), and occupational health psychology had a low effect on insomnia (standardized load coefficient was 0.065). However, the Bayesian network model further analysis found that anxiety and stress were the two parent nodes of insomnia, with direct causal relationships, the arc strength was-8.607 and -15.665, respectively. The model prediction results showed that the probability of insomnia occurring was predicted to be 0 in the cases of no stress and anxiety, low stress without anxiety, and no stress with low anxiety. When high stress with low anxiety and low stress with high anxiety occurred, the predicted probability of insomnia occurring were 0.38 and 0.47, respectively. When both high stress and high anxiety occurred simultaneously, the predicted probability of insomnia occurring was 0.51. Conclusion: Bayesian network risk assessment can intuitively reveal and predict the insomnia risk of thermal power generation workers and the network interaction relationship between the risks. Anxiety and stress are the direct causal risks of insomnia, and stress is the main risk of individual insomnia of thermal power generation workers. The occurrence of insomnia can be reduced based on scientific intervention of stress conditions.

Associations Between Physical Activity, Depressive, and Anxiety Symptoms in Brazilian University Students

ABSTRACT Background Physical activity (PA) has been associated with decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety in the general population, but more consistent evidence is needed in the university population. Purpose Investigate the association between physical activity and depressive and anxiety symptoms in undergraduates. Methods 100 university students (23 ± 4 years, 47% female) were included in this cross-sectional study. We performed multiple linear regression analyses to investigate the association between the main variables. Results The physical activity (MET/min/week) had a significant association with depressive (F(2, 97) = 15.104, p < .001; adjusted R2 = .222) and anxiety symptoms (F(2, 97) = 11.853 p < .001; adjusted R2 = .180), explaining these outcomes in approximately 22% and 18%, respectively. Moderate or vigorous physical activity did not have an association with depressive (B = −0.10, t = −0.700, p = .486) or anxiety symptoms (B = −0.11, t = 0.725, p = .470). Discussion Individuals with high levels of physical activity have lower depressive and anxiety symptoms than individuals with lower levels of PA. Translation to Health Education Practice Increasing the level of physical activity may be a viable strategy to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in university students. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars

The impact of audiovisual information on parental anxiety levels prior to hypospadias surgery: A prospective single center cohort study

Most parents have anxiety before a pediatric surgical procedure. Parental anxiety may impair the parents' ability to cope with new or stressful situations while their children are undergoing surgery. By effectively improving the education of parents regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and potential complications of hypospadias and surgical repair, it might be feasible to reduce their anxiety during this process. To determine whether structured audiovisual information would reduce parents' anxiety levels compared to classic verbal information. The diagnosis was made and, treatment options were explained, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form - State Anxiety (STAI-I) forms were filled out by parents at the first consultation. In the second consultation, parents were divided into structured audio-visual-information (Group-1) and classic verbal information (Group-2) groups. Following these consultations, all parents in both groups filled out STAI-I again. Parents filled out the forms for the last time on the postoperative-14th-day and the results were compared. A total of 124 (51.2%) parents were informed with structured-audiovisual-informational material and 118 parents (48.8%) were informed with classic verbal information. First STAI-I scores were 57.65±5.17 and 56.91±5.28 for Group-1 and Group-2, respectively, and there was no difference between the groups (p=0.709). The STAI-I scores after the second consultation were 44.82±5.65 and 49.42±2.81 for Group-1 and Group-2, respectively. Parental anxiety decreased in both groups following the second consultation. Notably, a statistically significant superiority was found between the groups in favor of Group-1 (p=0.001). Parents whose children will undergo hypospadias surgery experience significant anxiety. We observed that informing patients adequately and in appropriate language using a suitable method was associated with less anxiety. Preoperative parental anxiety is influenced by several variables, including parent age, parent gender, child age, lack of knowledge, and concerns over complications or pain. Although we are unable to alter the factors of child age and parent gender, we can impact parents' concerns regarding postoperative pain and anesthesia by enhancing their comprehension of the procedure via providing them of sufficient and accurate information. Providing parents with structured audio-visual information about the preoperative and postoperative period before hypospadias surgery is associated with lower parental anxiety levels. Supplying structured audiovisual information regarding the preoperative and postoperative periods can help parents have an improved comprehension of the procedure and minimize their anxiety.

Receiving self-compassion in the virtual world: Testing the potential value of biofeedback

Self-compassion training has been shown to deliver mental health benefits and preliminary evidence suggests it might also be possible to deliver these benefits effectively via virtual reality (VR) technology. However, which features of the VR training environment influence these training benefits remains poorly understood. This study was designed to provide the first empirical test of the potential value of visual biofeedback during self-compassion training. It was theorised that the provision of biofeedback may increase the benefits of training by increasing mindfulness, a core component of self-compassion. Sixty participants were randomly allocated to one of two experimental conditions, both of which comprised VR-based self-compassion training, but only one of which included visual biofeedback (a red pulsating light representing heart rate). Relative to scores at baseline, participants reported greater self-compassion, and lower self-criticism, anxiety, and stress after VR self-compassion training. However, the provision of biofeedback did not influence the strength of these training effects. These data provide further evidence that VR administered self-compassion training may deliver potentially important mental health benefits, but also meaningfully extends this literature by proving the first evidence that visual biofeedback does not influence the strength of these benefits.

Neuropsychological analysis of anxiety and executive control of motor patterns in athletes and non-athletes

IntroductionEven simple tapping tasks require cognitive processes. Some variants of the Finger Tapping Test (FTT) may reveal cognitive aspects associated with frontal processing, including executive functions such as inhibition, or emotional aspects such as anxiety. A context of particular interest for the application of cognitive-motor-anxiety interactions is sports. Although athletes generally exhibit better anxiety levels, they may experience heightened anxiety before important competitions. The problem lies in determining whether the application of anxiety control techniques can be useful in pre-competition situations, given the lack of quick and easy methods to detect if an athlete is experiencing anxiety at a particular moment.MethodsThis exploratory study evaluated anxiety using online versions of questionnaires (ISRA, the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, and STAI) and applied a variant of the FTT to 204 participants, both athletes and non-athletes. The scores were compared and correlated.ResultsAthletes exhibited lower general anxiety and greater cognitive resistance to interference (better cognitive inhibition). Non-athletes displayed a particular parameter in the FTT variant that differed from the one obtained by athletes and exhibited higher anxiety levels. In the athletes’ group only, anxiety was correlated with a specific parameter of the FTT task.DiscussionOur conclusion is that this parameter holds potential relevance in elite sports performance to detect if an athlete is experiencing anxiety. It could be of particular interest in psychological interventions in sports. Further investigation is warranted to fully explore this potential.

Virtual reality exposure reduce acute postoperative pain in female patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecology surgery: A Randomized Control Trial (RCT) study

Study objectiveFew studies have focused on the effect of virtual reality (VR) exposure on postoperative acute pain in adult female patients undergoing gynecology surgery. DesignA randomized control trial (RCT) study. SettingAt Beijing Fuxing Hospital. Patients115 patients aged between 20 and 60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I - II were consecutively enrolled and randomly divided into VR group (n = 58) or control group (n = 57). InterventionsPatients in the VR group received 15 min of VR video viewing before surgery. MeasurementsThe primary outcome was acute postoperative pain at 8 h which was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. The secondary outcomes including the use of analgesic drugs, the incidence of moderate pain and postoperative recovery which were recorded 24 h after surgery. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was also used to evaluate patients' emotional status before surgery. Main resultsThe VAS scores at 30 min [2 (1,2) vs. 3 (2,3)], 2 h [2 (2,3) vs. 4 (3,4)], 4 h [3 (2,4) vs. 4 (4,5)], 8 h [3 (2,4) vs. 4 (4,5)], 12 h [2 (2,3) vs. 4 (3,4)], 24 h [1 (1,2) vs. 3 (2,3)] after surgery. Generalized estimation equation (GEE) indicated that VR intervention was negatively correlated with postoperative VAS values (β = −0.830, S.E = 0.199, 95%CI (−1.220,-0.439), Wald χ2 = 17.359, p<0.05), in the meanwhile, VR also lower the incidence of moderate pain (VAS > 4) at 8 h postoperatively (12.1% vs 31.0%, p = 0.013). However, the 24 h tramadol usage remained unchanged. Patients in the VR group had better sleep quality (6.33 ± 2.3 vs. 4.12 ± 2.5, p < 0.001) and lower incidence of nausea (43.1% vs. 63.2%, p < 0.05), dizziness (0% vs. 14.0%, p < 0.05), and headache (12.1% vs. 29.8%, p < 0.05). VR could reduce the median HADS scores (9.81 ± 6.1 vs 3.14 ± 3.9, p < 0.001) and blood pressure preoperatively. ConclusionsVR intervention can reduce acute postoperative pain with better postoperative recovery and lower preoperative anxiety level in adult female patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecology surgery.

Efficiency of a Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment Versus Regular Dental Environment in Neurotypically Healthy Children: A Parallel-Arm Interventional Study.

Introduction The basic principle of a sensory adaptive dental environment is that an individual's sensory experiences have a significant impact on their emotional and psychological well-being. Taste, smell, touch, hearing, and sight are the five basic senses that affect our perception and responses to the environment. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a Sensory-Adaptive Dental Environment (SADE) compared with a Regular Dental Environment (RDE) in reducing anxiety, improving behavior, and providinga smooth experience for children undergoing dental treatment. Materials and methods This parallel-arm pilot study was conducted at the outpatient Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai,from January 2024 to March 2024. A total of 148 children who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups:Group I (intervention group) received SADE or MSE (Multi-Sensory Environment) intervention, while Group 2 (control group)underwent dental treatments in a Regular Dental Environment (RDE). Patient behavior was assessed using Frankl's behavior rating scale, and anxiety levels were measured using Ayesha's Oddbodd anxiety scale. Additionally, heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were evaluated using a pulse oximeter. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with significance set at a p-value less than 0.05. Results Before the procedure, there were no notable differences in behavior or anxiety levels. However, after the procedure, children undergoing treatment under SADE resulted in markedly improved behavior and notably lower anxiety levels. Also, this correlated with reduced anxiety levels, indicated by lower heart rates and higher oxygen saturation levels. Conclusion The study concluded that there were notable differences in patient experiences between SADE and RDE.After their dental procedures, participants in the SADE group were found to behave better and feel less nervous. Still, in the conventional setting, only improved behavior was noted, with no significant difference in anxiety levels. Overall, our study suggests that dental offices can significantly enhance patient experiences by providing a sensory-friendly setting that helps children feel more at ease, improves patient outcomes, and less nervous during their visits.

Features of pain sensitivity during premedication with xenon in patients before outpatient dental interventions

BACKGROUND: Premedication in outpatient dental interventions normalizes pain sensitivity and emotional state of patients. Inhalation of xenon-oxygen mixture can be an effective means for it. AIM: To study the effect of xenon premedication on pain sensitivity in patients with outpatient dental interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were studied. Emotional and personal characteristics of patients were determined using the Eysenck test, Spielberger–Khanin personal anxiety scale, and hospital scale of anxiety and depression. Pain sensitivity was assessed using pain thresholds and somatosensory evoked potentials of the brain before and after inhalation of xenon-oxygen mixture at a concentration of 30/70 for 3 minutes. RESULTS: According to the results of psychological testing, all examined patients were characterized by a stable psychological sphere and predominantly lowered anxiety and constituted a group with insignificantly different emotional and personal characteristics. Before inhalation, pain sensitivity in patients varied significantly. After inhalation, multidirectional changes in pain sensitivity occurred, which were expressed in a decrease and an increase in pain sensitivity thresholds and the degree of activation of brain structures. CONCLUSION: Preoperative stress can both exacerbate and reduce pain sensitivity in patients. The use of inhalation of a xenon-oxygen mixture at a concentration of 30/70 for 3 minutes as a premedication causes multidirectional changes in the sensitivity of tissues and organs in the maxillofacial region in patients before outpatient dental interventions, which may be caused by a change in the activity of endogenous antinociceptive (analgesic) system.

MANCAN2: A multicentre randomised controlled trial of self-help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to manage hot flush and night sweats (HFNS) symptoms in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

LBA5004 Background: Up to 80% of patients receiving ADT suffer HFNS which impacts quality of life (QOL) and potentially ADT compliance. Mitigation options are limited. Prior research has found self-help CBT, with minimal guidance, reduced HFNS due to ADT at 6 weeks. We tested the longer term impact of self-help CBT, guided and delivered by prostate Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS) teams. Methods: MANCAN2 is a multicentre randomised controlled trial and process evaluation within UK prostate cancer units. Eligibility: localised/advanced prostate cancer; on ADT with ≥ 6 months further planned; HFNS Problem Rating Scale ≥ 2. Patients were randomised (1:1) in groups of 6 to 8 to treatment as usual (TAU) or CBT + TAU, by permuted block, stratified by site, cohort and treatment intent. CBT was a 4-week self-help intervention (booklet and relaxation audio) with pre- and post-intervention group workshops by the prostate CNS team. Primary objective: does adding CBT to TAU reduce 6 month HFNS Problem Rating Scale versus baseline (mixed linear regression). Secondary endpoints: 6 week HFNS Problem Rating Scale, HFNS frequency, HFNS beliefs and behaviours, QOL (EORTC QLQ-C30, symptoms (rating scales for anxiety, depression, mood and sleep) by mixed logistic regression), ADT compliance (chi-squared test). A 6 month mean HFNS Problem Rating Scale difference of ≥ 1.5 points was deemed clinically relevant, and required data from 111 patients (90% power, 5% type 1 error, 6 to 8 patients per group, intra-class correlation 0.01, anticipating 26% patient loss). Results: 162 patients were randomly assigned (81/arm) and 117 returned 6 month HFNS Problem Rating Scale data. Baseline characteristics were balanced. Mean CBT delivery adherence was 85%. 6 month mean HFNS Problem Rating Scale score was not significantly different for the TAU alone versus CBT + TAU (mean 4.08 vs 4.04, 95% CI for difference: -0.89, 0.80; p=0.97), although a difference was observed at 6 weeks (mean 4.47 vs 3.79, 95% CI: -1.26, -0.09; p=0.03). At 6 weeks, CBT patients had higher weekly HFNS frequency (median 54.2 vs 59.4, 95% CI: 0.22, 10.19; p=0.04), lower depression score (median 7.19 vs 6.19, 95% CI: -1.88, -0.12; p=0.03) and lower anxiety score (median 4.25 vs 3.39, 95% CI: -1.64, -0.08; p=0.03). CBT patients had more positive beliefs about openness and humour scores at 6 months (median 4.92 vs 4.59, 95% CI: -0.63, -0.03; p=0.03). There was no significant difference for other measures of HFNS beliefs and behaviours, quality of life, anxiety, mood, sleep quality and treatment compliance. Conclusions: Adding CBT to TAU in prostate cancer patients receiving ADT improved short-term HFNS severity but was not maintained at 6 months. Future research should investigate whether initial CBT benefit could be made sustainable in this setting. Clinical trial information: 58720120.

Perspective Physical Exercise of Students' Health and Fitness in Xi'an Physical Education University

Background and Aim: The university stage is a crucial period for promoting the healthy development of adolescents, and it also plays a pivotal role in cultivating exercise habits among undergraduate students. However, in the realm of exercise, we have observed a declining trend in proactive engagement, with students lacking access to a systematic exercise program to guide them. To address these issues and enhance the health and well-being of undergraduate students in Xi'an while simultaneously reducing anxiety, our goal was to develop an exercise program that can help students enhance their physical fitness and alleviate anxiety. Our ultimate aim is to foster the healthy growth of undergraduates by improving their physical fitness and reducing anxiety through a well-designed exercise regimen. Materials and Methods: First review physical fitness of low physical fitness and high anxiety of 1000 students at Xi'an Physical Education University. Survey anxiety of 45 students from university who had high anxiety levels by special sampling method.Result of a physical fitness test and anxiety test.Second semi-structured questionnaire and daft exercise program by experts’ deep interview. Next, we conduct an experimental exercise program. Finally, we can confirm the exercise program by survey. Result: Through the exercise programs we designed, we successfully increased students' fitness levels and reduced anxiety levels. After the students continued to exercise through this exercise program for eight weeks, the results of all physical fitness test items reached the passing level, and 31 students no longer felt anxious, while the number of students who felt mild anxiety dropped to 14. The findings strongly suggest that through targeted exercise programs, students' physical fitness levels can be significantly improved and help reduce anxiety on a psychological level. Conclusion: There are many students whose physical fitness scores are unsatisfactory, unqualified, and anxious. After eight weeks of physical exercise, the anxiety scores of 31 students were within the normal range, and the anxiety scores of 14 students had been reduced to low anxiety.

Comparative effectiveness of preemptive administration of ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine on the anesthetic success of inferior alveolar nerve block in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis - A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

This study examined the impact of premedication with ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine and the influence of preoperative pain and anxiety on inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) efficacy in cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The study involved 150 SIP patients who were randomly assigned to receive ibuprofen (600mg), ibuprofen-arginine (1,155mg), or a placebo 30min before IANB. Preoperative anxiety and pain levels were assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and the Heft-Parker visual scale. IANB efficacy was determined by the absence of or mild pain during the procedure. Statistical analysis included chi-square, z-tests, Analysis of Variance, and Student's t tests. The ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine groups exhibited significantly higher IANB success rates (62% and 78%, respectively) compared to the placebo group (34%). However, no significant difference was observed between the ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine groups. Patients with successful IANB in the ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine groups displayed lower median anxiety scores (8) than those with failed blocks (15) and lower mean preoperative pain scores (118.3). In cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis the preemptive medication with ibuprofen-arginine effectively increased the efficacy of the inferior alveolar nerve block The inferior alveolar nerve block efficacy was influenced by preoperative anxiety levels and the intensity of pain. This research underscores the potential benefits of oral premedication with ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine in improving anesthesia outcomes in cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Care training and family caregiver anxiety: prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe study aimed to improve family caregivers’ skills and evaluate the effect on their anxiety levels.MethodIn our study, family caregivers of patients unable to perform daily activities were provided with...

Patterns of Health-Risk Behaviours and Their Associations With Anxiety and Depression Among Chinese Young Adults by Gender: A Latent Class Analysis.

This study investigated gender differences in health-risk behaviour patterns among young adults and assessed the associations of anxiety and depression with these patterns. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1740 young Chinese adults aged 18-24 years. Latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression were conducted to identify the clusters of health-risk behaviours and their associations with anxiety and depression. Three common patterns were found for both genders: physical inactivity, substance use, and insufficient fruit intake (5.7% for males [M] and 11.6% for females [F]); a sedentary lifestyle only (48.4% for M and 48.9% for F); and a sedentary lifestyle, substance use, and an unhealthy diet (7.6% for M and 20.0% for F). Additionally, two additional unique patterns were found: physical inactivity and unhealthy diet in males (38.3%) and physical inactivity and insufficient fruit intake in females (19.6%). Sociodemographic variables exert different effects on health-risk behaviour patterns as a function of gender. Lower anxiety levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.892; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.823-0.966) and greater depression levels (OR: 1.074; 95% CI: 1.008-1.143) were associated with a sedentary lifestyle, substance use, and unhealthy diet class only in female young adults compared with a sedentary-only class. These findings underscore the need for the implementation of targeted interventions based on gender differences.

Service Dogs for Veterans and Military Members With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Military members and veterans (hereafter, veterans) with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increasingly seek psychiatric service dogs as a complementary intervention, yet the effectiveness of service dogs is understudied. To estimate the associations between psychiatric service dog partnership and self-reported and clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity, depression, anxiety, and psychosocial functioning after 3 months of intervention among veterans. This nonrandomized controlled trial used standardized and validated assessment instruments completed by participants and administered by blinded clinicians. Recruitment, eligibility screening, and enrollment were conducted between August 2017 and December 2019. Veterans were recruited using the database of an accredited nonprofit service dog organization with constituents throughout the US. Participants were veterans with a PTSD diagnosis; they were allocated to either the intervention group (n = 81) or control group (n = 75). Outcome assessments were performed at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up. Data analyses were completed in October 2023. Participants allocated to the intervention group received a psychiatric service dog for PTSD, whereas those allocated to the control group remained on the waiting list based on the date of application submitted to the service dog organization. Both groups had unrestricted access to usual care. The primary outcomes were PTSD symptom severity, depression, and anxiety after 3 months, and the secondary outcomes were psychosocial functioning, such as quality of life and social health. The self-reported PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) was used to measure symptom severity, and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) was used to assess PTSD diagnosis (score range for both instruments: 0-80, with higher scores indicating greater PTSD symptoms). The 156 participants included in the trial had a mean (SD) age of 37.6 (8.3) years and included 117 males (75%), 17 Black or African American individuals (11%), 30 Hispanic individuals (19%), and 117 White individuals (76%). Compared with the control group, the intervention group had significantly lower PTSD symptom severity based on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 mean (SD) score (41.9 [16.9] vs 51.7 [16.1]; difference in means, -11.5 [95% CI, -16.2 to -6.6]; P < .001) and the CAPS-5 mean (SD) score (30.2 [10.2] vs 36.9 [10.2]; difference in means, -7.0 [95% CI, -10.8 to -4.5]; P < .001) at 3 months. The intervention group also had significantly lower depression scores (odds ratio [OR], 0.45 [95% CI, 0.23-0.86]; difference in means, -3.3 [95% CI, -6.8 to -0.6]), anxiety (OR, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.13-0.50]; difference in means, -4.4 [95% CI, -6.9 to -2.1]), and most areas of psychosocial functioning (eg, social isolation: OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.18-0.64]). This nonrandomized controlled trial found that compared with usual care alone, partnership with a trained psychiatric service dog was associated with lower PTSD symptom severity and higher psychosocial functioning in veterans. Psychiatric service dogs may be an effective complementary intervention for military service-related PTSD. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03245814.

Job Satisfaction, Mental Symptoms, and Well-Being in Adult Workers: A Gender Analysis

Although studies have found that job satisfaction has an impact on workers’ physical and mental health, research has generally not focused on the psychological well-being of adult workers and a gender differential analysis has not been conducted. The aim of the current research is to determine the importance of job satisfaction for mental symptoms and well-being among adult working women and men. We also examine gender differences in job satisfaction. A non-probability sample of 1977 Spanish workers (51.6% men and 48.4% women) aged between 36 and 65 years was used in this cross-sectional study. Six questionnaires and self-report scales were used to assess the participants. For both men and women, higher job satisfaction was associated with lower depressive, somatic, anxiety, and social dysfunction symptoms; higher life satisfaction; and greater psychological well-being. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that after controlling for the effects of self-esteem and social support, higher job satisfaction predicted greater life satisfaction, fewer mental symptoms, and greater psychological well-being, although the effect of job satisfaction on psychological well-being was somewhat stronger for men than for women. We conclude that job satisfaction is important for the mental health, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction of adult working women and men.