Lower Perceived Stress Scale Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on parental and childhood stress levels in Greece.

The impact of COVID-19 vaccination on parental and childhood stress levels has not been thoroughly investigated. Our aim was to explore the above relationship and identify factors that may influence the dissemination of stress within the family during the pandemic. A cross-sectional e-survey was conducted among a nationwide sample of parents in May 2021 in Greece. Parental stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) tools. Childhood mental well-being was evaluated with the Children's Revised Impact of Event 13 (CRIES 13) scale. 1,703 unique questionnaires were analyzed; 19.5% of responders were completely vaccinated, 23.7% were partially vaccinated, 38.3% were awaiting vaccination, and 18.5% were classified as vaccine-hesitant (15.2% would delay, and 3.3% refused the vaccination). Stress levels were significantly lower in completely or partially vaccinated parents than in vaccine-hesitant ones (p<0.001 for PSS/IES-R). Vaccination status emerged as a strong and independent predictor of PSS and IES-R. A significant decrease in PSS and IES-R scores was observed in 991 participants between March 2020 and May 2021 (p<0.001 for PSS/IES-R). Vaccine uptake was associated with lower PSS and IES-R scores, irrespective of the phase of the pandemic or other sociodemographic factors. The CRIES 13 score of the participant's children (n=2,969) was 19.4 ±14.9 and positively correlated with the PSS and IES-R scores. Children whose parents were vaccinated had lower stress levels than those of vaccine-hesitant parents (p<0.001). Parental vaccination against COVID-19 is a significant stress and anxiety predictor for both parents and their offspring. Parental and childhood stress levels were correlated, while the effect of vaccination was independent of the pandemic phase. The campaigns to promote vaccine uptake against COVID-19 should also highlight its potential benefit on the psychological well-being of the family.

P131 Is stress associated with subclinical inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis? A population-based cross-sectional cohort study in southeastern Sweden

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a relapsing course. Whether perceived stress affects the disease activity remains debated. This study aimed to investigate if clinical and subclinical disease activity, perceived stress, and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) are associated. Methods We performed a population-based cross-sectional cohort study with 200 randomly selected adult patients with UC living in the catchment area of Linköping University Hospital in southeastern Sweden. Demographic and disease-related data, bowel symptoms registration, the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Short Health Scale (SHS), the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ), fecal calprotectin (FC), CRP, and hair samples for hair cortisol concentration (HCC) were gathered. HCC has proven a reliable marker of long-term stress, with one centimeter of scalp hair accounting for approximately 4–6 weeks of stress level. A PRO2 score was calculated. Clinical remission was defined as a PRO2 score of zero. Results 174 patients participated in the study (45.1% females). The median age was 52.0 years (IQR 40.0–65.0) and the median disease duration was 13.0 years (IQR 6.0–24.0). The median PSS score was 21.0 (IQR 16.0–27.0). 124 patients had a PRO2 score of zero. Patients in clinical remission had a significantly lower PSS score (median 21.0 (IQR 15.0–27.0)) compared to those with PRO2≥1 (median 24.0 (IQR 17.5–27.5)) (p&amp;lt;0.01). Patients experiencing more perceived stress (PSS score&amp;gt;21.0) had an impaired quality of life as measured with the SHS (p&amp;lt;0.01) and the IBDQ (p&amp;lt;0.01) compared with patients with lower PSS scores. The median FC was 43.1 µg/g, CRP 1.5 mg/l and HCC 24.7 pg/mg. HCC was lower in patients with clinically active disease (median 21.9 pg/mg) compared with patients in clinical remission (median 26.0 pg/mg) (p&amp;lt;0.05). No significant differences in FC, CRP or HCC were detected comparing patients with high versus low PSS scores. Neither was a correlation between HCC and FC or CRP observed. Conclusion Bowel symptoms contribute to the feeling of being stressed. Perceived stress is associated with impaired QoL. Among patients in clinical remission, no association between subclinical inflammation (FC), and perceived stress or long-term stress (HCC) was observed. The issue of whether perceived stress may cause or augment intestinal inflammation, or vice versa, requires further investigation.

Magnitude and Severity of Depression and Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients Attending Follow-up Treatment at Public Hospitals of Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia.

Co-morbid depression in hypertension leads to non-adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment. To assess the magnitude and severity of depression and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending follow-up treatment at public hospitals of Hadiya zone, Ethiopia, 2022. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, to January 31, 2022. The total sample size was 315 and used a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview. Data were entered using Epi-data Version 4.6 and exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. The goodness-of-fit test was done. Binary logistic regression was done, and variables with a p-value of < .25 in the bivariable analysis were taken into the multivariable analysis. Statistically significant was declared at a p-value of < .05 with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. The magnitude of depression among hypertensive patients was 37.1% (95% CI 31.7-43.9). Regarding the severity, 56.1% had no depression, 6.7% had mild, 17.3% had moderate, 14.7% had moderately severe, and 5.1% had severe depression. Body mass index: 19.12-24.9 kg/m2 [AOR 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02-0.23], body mass index: 25-29.9 kg/m2 [AOR 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02-0.35], absence of family history hypertension [AOR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.18-0.85], presence of co-morbidity [AOR 2.43, 95% CI: 1.34-4.42), low perceived stress scale [AOR 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.56], low medication adherence [AOR 2.70, 95% CI: 1.17-6.24], and moderate medication adherence [AOR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.88] were significantly associated. About four in 10 hypertensive patients attending follow-up treatment were depressed. The mean score of severity of depression was mild. Body mass index, family history of hypertension, co-morbidity, perceived stress scale, and medication adherence were significantly associated with depression. Therefore, maintaining body mass index, screening and treating co-morbid illness, accommodating stress, and educating about medication adherence might minimize the risk of depression.

Piling it on: Perceived stress and lack of access to resources among US-based LGBTQ+ community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ObjectivesWhile the LGBTQ+ community has been disproportionally impacted by COVID-19 medical complications, little research has considered non-medical impact.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analyses of USA-based respondents from a global cross-sectional online mixed-methods survey collecting sexual orientation, gender identity, and the perceived stress scale (PSS). Bivariate and multivariate ordinal regression statistics were performed.ResultsFourteen percent (n = 193,14.2%) identified as LGBTQ+. Variables significantly associated with LGBTQ+ included: COVID testing/treatment affordability, canceled activities, stocking food/medications, quitting job, lost income, and inability to procure groceries/cleaning supplies/medications. Adjusting for Hispanic ethnicity and income, BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals had twice the odds (OR:2.02;95%CI:1.16–3.53) of moderate compared to low PSS scores, and high compared to moderate PSS scores, compared to white non-LGBTQ+ individuals. Adjusting for Hispanic ethnicity, income, age, and education, deaf LGBTQ+ individuals had twice the odds (OR:2.00;95%CI:1.12–3.61) of moderate compared to low PSS scores, and high compared to moderate PSS scores, compared to hearing non-LGBTQ+ individuals.ConclusionThe LBGTQ+ community has increased stress due to COVID-19. Public health interventions must mitigate stress in BIPOC and deaf LGBTQ+ communities, addressing their intersectional experiences.

MO121: The Relationship between Perceived Stress with Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Quality, Insomnia and Drug Adherence in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND AND AIMSSleep disorders, depression and anxiety are commonly reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Public health emergencies such as pandemics can also increase these psychosocial distresses. Early diagnosis and treatment of these disorders will substantially affect patients' quality of life and medication adherence. The aim of this study was to evaluate both medication non-adherence and the incidence of perceived stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality and insomnia during the COVID pandemic in patients with SLE.METHODThis was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey study. A total of 211 participants, including 160 SLE patients aged 18 years and older and 51 healthy volunteers who were similar in age and gender, were included. A questionnaire of socio-demographics and COVID-19 status, Medication Compliance Reporting Scale (MARS-5), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD-A and HAD-D), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scales was assessed. The participants were interviewed face to face, and the answers were recorded by the researcher.RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 41.85 ± 12.97 years and 142 (88.7%) of the patients were female. There was no significant difference between the patient and control groups in terms of the history of COVID-19 infection, symptoms and hospitalization. Fifty-nine (36.9%) patients had high perceived stress, 16 (10.0%) had anxiety, 45 (28.1%) had depression, 77 (48.1%) had poor sleep quality and 62 (38.8%) patients had insomnia. PSS (23.64 ± 7.86 versus 19.73 ± 4.80, P = .001), HAD-D (5.60 ± 3.40 versus 4.08 ± 2.21, P = .003), PSQI (6.31 ± 3.62 versus 4.43 ± 2.20, P = .001) and ISI (6.81 ± 4.98 versus 4.53 ± 2.83, P = .002) scores were significantly higher in the patient group than controls. Patients with PSS score ≥ 25 were categorized as patients with a high PSS score. Presence of anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality and insomnia were significantly higher in patients with a high PSS score. Medication non-adherence was detected in 79 (49.4%) of the patients. Interestingly, there was no difference in MARS-5 scores between high and low PSS groups. Comparison of baseline characteristics and clinical data of the patients according to PSS score is shown in Table 1. The high PSS score was positively correlated with HAD-A, HAD-D, PSQI and ISI scores. Regression analysis revealed that high perceived stress is an independent predictor of depression [Exp(β) 95% CI: 1.488 (1.245–1.779), P < .001], and anxiety [Exp(β) 95% CI: 1.235 (1.026–1.487), P = .026].CONCLUSIONSLE patients demonstrated increased levels of perceived stress, depression, poor sleep quality and insomnia compared to the healthy population during the COVID-19 pandemic. SLE patients with high perceived stress had more depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality and insomnia than those without. It needs to be determined whether these findings will have an impact on patient outcomes during long-term follow-up.Table 1.Comparison of baseline characteristics and clinical data of SLE patients according to Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scoreVariableHigh PSS(n:59)Low PSS(n:101) P valueAge, years41.14 ± 12.4543.07 ± 13.83.379Female gender, n (%)52 (88.1%)90 (89.1%)1.000Smoking, n (%)6 (10.2%)14 (13.9%).623Alcohol, n (%)0 (0.0%)2 (2.0%).532Marital status, married, n (%)54 (91.5%)81 (80.2%).071History of Covid-19, n (%)16 (27.1%)15 (14.9%).065Hospitalization, n (%)5 (8.5%)2 (2.0%).102HAD-D score8.32 ± 3.054.01 ± 2.45<.001HAD-A score8.27 ± 2.525.31 ± 2.48<.001PSQI score8.27 ± 3.825.17 ± 2.96<.001ISI score9.88 ± 4.935.01 ± 4.06<.001MARS-5 score22.80 ± 2.4222.90 ± 2.11.772Presence of depression, n (%)37 (62.7%)8 (7.9%)<.001Presence of anxiety, n (%)12 (20.3%)4 (4.0%).001Poor sleep quality, n (%)45 (76.3%)32 (31.7%)<.001Insomnia, n (%)41 (69.5%)21 (20.8%)<.001

Correlation analysis of stress and family function and coping modes in pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a common complication in obstetrics and an important cause of maternal death. We explored the correlations among stress, family function and coping mode in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome. A total of 58 pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome were included in the study. The perceived stress scale (PSS), family assessment device (FAD), and medical coping modes questionnaire (MCMQ) were used to assess stress level, family function, and coping mode, respectively. The PSS score was 28 (interquartile range: 20-43). The total FAD score was 128.1±27.1. The subscale scores were problem-solving, affective responsiveness, communication, roles, behavior control, affective involvement, and general function, in order of decreasing score. Significant correlations were noted between PSS score and total FAD score, affective responsiveness, problem-solving, communication, roles, affective involvement, and behavior control (all P<0.05). PSS score was significantly correlated with "Escape" (P=0.016) and "Yield" (P<0.001) in the MCMQ. Single-factor analysis showed that education level, average household income, and FAD total score were significantly different in those with a low or high PSS score. Logistic regression indicated the FAD total score as an independent factor for the PSS score. Women with pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome with a high PSS score tended to adopt the "Escape" and "Yield" coping modes. Family function integrity is essential for reducing PSS scores.

Are Physical Activities Associated With Perceived Stress? The Evidence From the China Health and Nutrition Survey.

Psychological stress is a negative affective state. The association between physical activity and psychological stress was commonly reported in previous researches. Few published studies with large sample sizes have explored such an association in Chinese population. The current research aims to assess the association between perceived stress and physical activity preferences, as well as the association between risk of high perceived stress and physical activity behaviors (e.g., sports-, transport-, occupational-related physical activity, sedentary activities and time in bed). The data were collected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 2015. Generalized linear models and logistic regression models were used to explore the association between perceived stress and physical activity. In total, 11,066 participants were included in the current analysis. For physical activity preferences, we found that “like” preference of all six mentioned domains of activities contributed to lower perceived stress (i.e., lower perceived stress scale −14 score, all β < 0 and p < 0.05). For physical activity behaviors, the results indicated that none/low intensity physical activity behaviors (e.g., sports-, occupational- related, sedentary) were associated with risk of high perceived stress, except that low intensity of transport-related activities seemed to be protective from high stress. However, the association between intensity of physical activity behaviors and perceived stress was not simply the higher the better. High intensity of all these physical activity behaviors was also associated with high perceived stress. Our findings suggest that positive preferences and moderate physical activity behaviors were associated with low perceived stress. The findings herein highlight the effect of regulating physical activity on perceived stress, as well as inform potential strategies to reduce psychological stress.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training of postgraduate year 1 doctors in Singapore.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training of postgraduate year 1 doctors in Singapore.

Association between yoga, physiologic and psychologic health: A cross sectional study

PurposeTo compare markers of health associated with chronic diseases between yoga and non-yoga participants. Methods: 30 participants were categorized as either: 1) “Yoga” engaging in yoga ≥2 times/week for ≥6 months, or 2) “Non-yoga” not engaging in yoga. Results: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores were significantly different between the yoga and non-yoga groups (PSS: 8.0 vs. 17.5, respectively, p < 0.05; BDI-II: 1.0 vs. 5.5, respectively, p < 0.05). No significant differences were evident between groups for inflammatory markers nor Complex V of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate values differed between groups based on clinical cutoffs, with yoga participants categorized as normal (11.0 mm) and non-yoga above normal (21.5 mm). Conclusion: This research supports that yoga participation is associated with lower PSS and BDI-II scores but does not support a relationship with markers of inflammation. Further research is warranted.

Stress and coping strategies in pediatric dental residents.

This study examines the amount and sources of stress, as well as coping strategies, exercise, and alcohol use, among pediatric dental residents in the United States. One hundred fifty pediatric dental residents (n=76 postgraduate year [PGY] 1; n=74 PGY2) in 2-year residency programs responded to an anonymous survey that included demographic questions, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Graduate Dental Environment Stress Scale (GDES), Tactics For Coping With Stress Inventory, and questions about alcohol consumption and exercise. Stress scores were moderate (mean PSS=16.7 ± 7.1; GDES=61.7 ± 16.0). The largest sources of stress were research requirements, program/clinic issues, and finances. There were no significant differences in amount and sources of stress between PGY1 and PGY2 residents (P≥0.10). Residents from western programs (based on AAPD districts) reported less stress than those in other areas (PSS, P=0.04; GDES, P=0.09). Number of negative coping tactics used was positively correlated (PPS, P<0.0001; GDES, P=0.0004), while number of positive coping tactics was negatively correlated (PSS, P<0.0001; GDES, P=0.0008) with stress scores. Younger residents (<30yrs) used more coping tactics than older residents (P=0.0002). Hospital-based residents used more negative coping tactics than those in university-based and combined programs (P=0.05). Residents exercising>150 min/wk had lower PSS (P=0.03) and GDES (P=0.09) scores. Alcohol consumption was unrelated to stress scores. Amount and sources of stress do not differ by residency year. Residents utilizing positive coping strategies and exercising had lower stress than those using negative coping strategies. Pediatric dental residency programs should educate and encourage residents to use positive coping strategies and exercise.

Transtheoretical Model Is Better Predictor of Physiological Stress than Perceived Stress Scale and Work Ability Index among Office Workers.

Physical activity impacts positively on stress and anxiety. Working conditions affect the quality of life by increasing stress levels, which can affect job performance and work absence. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Work Ability Index (WAI), Transtheoretical Model (TTM), as well as heart rate variability (HRV) have been applied to monitor the state of workers in their job. The aim of this study was to analyze PSS, WAI, and TTM classifications, and to find out how are they linked to physiological stress (HRV). One hundred and thirteen office workers responded to the three questionnaires and their HRV was monitored for at least two full days. Groups were set up according to TTM (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3–4, Stage 5), WAI (weak WAI, medium WAI, good WAI), and PSS (low PSS, medium PSS, high PSS). Results obtained from the test were related to stress values measured by HRV with a Bodyguard2 device. The Stage 5 group from TTM had better HVR and stress levels than the other groups for both women and men (p < 0.05). Participants in the good WAI group and low PSS group had better results than weak WAI and high PSS, but the differences with respect to medium WAI and medium PSS were less clear. Finally, TTM seemed to be the best tool to discriminate physiological stress in office workers with regard to other questionnaires.

Perceived stress level is associated with coronary artery disease severity in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Stress is known to be a significant risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular events; however, the stress-related coronary atherosclerotic burden has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the SYNTAX scores in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A total of 440 patients with STEMI were prospectively enrolled and divided into 2 groups according to the PSS score with a ROC curve analysis cut-off value of 17.5. In all, 361 patients with a low PSS score were categorized as Group 1 and 79 patients with a high PSS score were categorized as Group 2. The SYNTAX score [Group 1, 16.0 (10.0-22.5); Group 2, 22.5 (15.0-25.5); p<0.001] and the SYNTAX score II were significantly higher in Group 2 [Group 1, 24.8 (19.0-32.6); Group 2, 30.9 (22.3-38.9); p<0.001]. Spearman analysis demonstrated that the PSS score was associated with the SYNTAX score (r=0.153; p=0.001) and the SYNTAX score II (r=0.216; p<0.001). Additionally, the PSS (odds ratio: 2.434, confidence interval: 1.446-4.096; p=0.001) was determined to be an independent predictor of a moderate-to-high SYNTAX score. The PSS score of patients with in-hospital mortality was also higher than those who survived [15 (10-20); 9 (4-16), respectively; p=0.007]. Stress appears to accelerate the coronary atherosclerotic process and the associated burden. An increased stress level was found to be an independent predictor of a high SYNTAX score.

Fecal microbiota and metabolites are distinct in a pilot study of pediatric Crohn’s disease patients with higher levels of perceived stress

Stress is associated with increased Crohn’s Disease (CD) activity. This pilot study tested whether pediatric patients with CD reporting higher levels of perceived stress exhibited differences in the fecal microbiome and metabolome. The perceived stress scale (PSS) questionnaire was administered within 2 days of collecting a stool sample for microbiome (using 16S rRNA gene sequencing) and metabolome (using NMR metabolomics) analyses. Higher levels of perceived stress were correlated with increased disease activity on the short Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (sPCDAI). Patients with High PSS scores vs. Low PSS scores based on a median split had significantly lower relative abundances of Firmicutes and Anaerostipes, as well as higher relative abundances of Parabacteroides. Fecal alanine and nicotinate were also significantly different in patients with High vs. Low PSS Scores. This pilot study suggests that the fecal microbiome and metabolome differs in pediatric patients with CD and high perceived stress.

Effects of perceived stress and resilience on suicidal behaviors in early adolescents.

Suicidal behaviors are significant public health issues. The aim of the current study is to examine the effects of perceived stress and resilience on suicidal ideation (SI), plan (SP), and attempt (SA) among early adolescents. A longitudinal study was conducted with data collected from 1035 junior high-school students at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Participants were assessed for suicidal behaviors, resilience, and perceived stress. Logistic regression was performed to analyze for the associations between independent variables and suicidal behaviors. 210 (20.3%) of the participants reported to have SI, 59 (5.7%) had SP, and 49 (4.7%) had SA at baseline. Perceived stress was a strong risk factor (p < 0.001) for SI (OR 1.16-1.18), SP (OR 1.20-1.21), and SA (OR 1.12-1.16) while accounting for different dimensions of resilience. Students with persistent high stress during the 1-year follow-up period had significantly increased risk of SI (OR 7.14-9.64), SP (OR 3.92-6.37), and SA (OR 3.76-3.84) than the persistent low-stress group (p < 0.01). Increased perceived stress scale (PSS) (OR 2.89-3.15) and decreased PSS (OR 2.47) also had a higher risk for SI than persistent low PSS group. Moreover, students with high perceived stress who reported to have higher hope and optimism were less likely to show SI (OR 0.90, p = 0.001) and SP (OR 0.87, p = 0.002) at baseline, and the problem-solving and cognitive maturity mature dimension of resilience showed a significant protective effect on SP longitudinally (OR 0.25, p = 0.003). Perceived stress substantially increased the risk for suicidal behaviors, and moderates the protective effect of resilience on suicide. Considering both risk and protective factors of suicidal behaviors is essential in designing future suicide prevention and intervention programs.

Effectiveness of an MP3 Christian mindfulness intervention on mindfulness and perceived stress

ABSTRACTMindfulness is enfolded in therapies addressing mental health conditions and is informed by secular and Buddhist models. However, mindfulness interventions can be rooted in other theoretical and spiritual frameworks including Christianity, which parallels Buddhist-based mindfulness practices. This study evaluates a mindfulness–based intervention drawing from Christian spiritual practices and discusses its practical implications. The researcher explored whether a Moving Picture Experts Group-3 (MP3)-based Christian mindfulness intervention would improve mindfulness states and decrease stress, measured by the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), respectively. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) resulted in significant differences between pre- and post-test scores in experimental versus control groups on the MAAS and PSS after a 6–8-week intervention of a student sample (n = 80) from two private, religiously-affiliated universities. Higher MAAS scores reflected improved mindfulness states, F(1,80) = 11.947, p = .01 with a partial η2 = .134. Lower PSS scores reflect lowered perceived stress, F(1,80) = 3.849, p = .053 with a partial η2 = .047.

Psychological Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Workers After Toxic Chemical Spill in Gumi, South Korea.

The extent and severity of the psychological effects following chemical release disasters have not been widely reported. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of hydrogen fluoride (HF)-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to identify associated psychological risk factors. On September 2012, an estimated 8 to 12 tons of HF gas, which dissolves in air moisture to form droplets of corrosive hydrofluoric acid, escaped from an industrial complex in Gumi, South Korea. Ten months later, structured questionnaires that included items from the Impacts of Event Scale (revised Korean version) as well as questions about demographic and psychological risk factors related to PTSD were distributed to workers in the affected area. The prevalence rate of PTSD was 5.7%. The odds of PTSD in non-alcohol-dependent workers (odds ratio [OR] = 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.27, 7.60]) was significantly higher than in alcohol-independent workers. The OR for PTSD in workers with anxiety (OR = 7.63, 95% CI = [2.10, 27.71) was significantly higher than the OR workers without anxiety. The odds of PTSD in workers with high perceived stress scale (PSS) scores (OR = 8.72, 95 % CI = [2.29, 33.16]) was significantly higher than for workers with low PSS. Alcohol dependence, psychiatric symptoms at the time of the event, anxiety, and high PSS were associated with HF-related PTSD. Long-term employee assistance programs are needed to assist occupational health nurses and clinicians to reduce PTSD after industrial disasters.

Emotional intelligence, perceived stress and academic performance of Sri Lankan medical undergraduates

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that higher Emotional Intelligence (EI) is associated with better academic and work performance. The present study intended to explore the relationship between EI, perceived stress and academic performance and associated factors among medical undergraduates.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional research study was conducted among 471 medical undergraduates of 2nd, 4th and final years of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Students were rated on self administered Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SEIT). Examination results were used as the dichotomous outcome variable in a logistic regression analysis.ResultsFemales had higher mean EI scores (p = 0.014). A positive correlation was found between the EI score and the number of extracurricular activities (r = 0.121, p = 0.008). Those who were satisfied regarding their choice to study medicine, and who were planning to do postgraduate studies had significantly higher EI scores and lower PSS scores (p <0.001). Among final year undergraduates, those who passed the Clinical Sciences examination in the first attempt had a higher EI score (p <0.001) and a lower PSS score (p <0.05). Results of the binary logistic-regression analysis in the entire study population indicated that female gender (OR:1.98) and being satisfied regarding their choice of the medical undergraduate programme (OR:3.69) were significantly associated with passing the examinations. However, PSS Score and engagement in extracurricular activities were not associated with ‘Examination Results’.ConclusionsHigher EI was associated with better academic performance amongst final year medical students. In addition a higher EI was observed in those who had a higher level of self satisfaction. Self-perceived stress was lower in those with a higher EI. Enhancing EI might help to improve academic performance among final year medical student and also help to reduce the stress levels and cultivate better coping during professional life in the future.

Serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) gene promoter variant interacts with chronic perceived stress to modulate resting parasympathetic activity in humans

Decreased resting vagal (parasympathetic) tone is implicated in the development of stress-related disorders, including anxiety and depression. Chronic stress elevates the expression of serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2A), while activation of 5-HT2A leads to inhibition of parasympathetic synaptic transmission. The T allele of the promoter variant, rs6311 (C>T), of the 5-HT2A gene has been shown to increase the 5-HT2A expression in vitro and to be associated with anxiety and depressive disorders. We thus hypothesized that the 5-HT2A functional polymorphism may influence resting vagal activity among persons with chronically high levels of perceived stress. A total of 1138 well-defined healthy, medication-free Han Chinese were included for 5-HT2A genotyping. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to measure the level of perceived stress during the last month and participants were divided into low and high PSS groups. Resting-state heart rate variability (HRV) was used to assess autonomic function. No significant between-genotype difference was found in any HRV variable in the low PSS group (n=610). However, in the high PSS group (n=528), high frequency power and root mean square of successive heartbeat interval differences (both HRV indices of parasympathetic activity) were significantly reduced in T/T genotype carriers compared to C/C homozygotes. Our findings are the first to show that individuals homozygous for the high-expressing 5-HT2A (T) allele exhibit diminished resting vagal tone—an index of stress vulnerability—when experiencing chronically elevated levels of perceived stress. The present results may advance our understanding of the genetic mechanism underlying individual differences in susceptibility to stress.

Depression as a mediator in the longitudinal relationship between psychological stress and alcohol use

The study examined whether depression mediated the relationship between psychological stress on later alcohol use, and if differences in age, gender and rurality affected the relationship. Utilizing a 14-year study of 527 community-dwelling older adults, latent growth structural equation regression modeling was used to test if the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) mediated the relationship between the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Age, gender and distance from the city center were added to the model to determine their influence. Results indicated that depression mediated the relationship between stress and current alcohol use scores. This relationship remained when age, gender and distance from the city center were added into the model. Men had higher AUDIT values and lower PSS intercept scores, younger participants and participants living further from the city center had higher longitudinal averages of PSS values, while participants living closer to the city center had higher AUDIT values. In a sample of older, healthy participants, the relationship between psychological stress and alcohol use was mediated by depression over time.

Interaction of Stress, Lead Burden, and Age on Cognition in Older Men: The VA Normative Aging Study

BackgroundLow-level exposure to lead and to chronic stress may independently influence cognition. However, the modifying potential of psychosocial stress on the neurotoxicity of lead and their combined relationship to aging-associated decline have not been fully examined.ObjectivesWe examined the cross-sectional interaction between stress and lead exposure on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores among 811 participants in the Normative Aging Study, a cohort of older U.S. men.MethodsWe used two self-reported measures of stress appraisal—a self-report of stress related to their most severe problem and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Indices of lead exposure were blood lead and bone (tibia and patella) lead.ResultsParticipants with higher self-reported stress had lower MMSE scores, which were adjusted for age, education, computer experience, English as a first language, smoking, and alcohol intake. In multivariable-adjusted tests for interaction, those with higher PSS scores had a 0.57-point lower (95% confidence interval, −0.90 to 0.24) MMSE score for a 2-fold increase in blood lead than did those with lower PSS scores. In addition, the combination of high PSS scores and high blood lead categories on one or both was associated with a 0.05–0.08 reduction on the MMSE for each year of age compared with those with low PSS score and blood lead level (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPsychological stress had an independent inverse association with cognition and also modified the relationship between lead exposure and cognitive performance among older men. Furthermore, high stress and lead together modified the association between age and cognition.