Married Individuals Research Articles

Predicting Family Stability Based on Emotion Regulation and Sexual Self-Efficacy: The Mediating Role of Marital Intimacy

Background: Consolidating families is a crucial strategy that can enhance and ultimately solidify marital relationships. Factors such as emotions, personality traits, and interpersonal intimacy significantly influence family stability, contributing to mental health promotion and overall societal happiness. Thus, this study aims to predict family stability through emotional regulation and sexual self-efficacy while examining the mediating role of marital intimacy. Methods: This descriptive-correlational research targeted all married individuals in Yazd City (with a minimum of five years marriage) in 2022. A total of 200 participants were selected using convenience sampling methods. The study employed questionnaires assessing family stability(Low scores in the family stability questionnaire indicate greater stability), sexual self-efficacy, emotion regulation, and marital intimacy. Data analysis was conducted using Amos and SPSS software packages. Results: The findings revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between cognitive reappraisal and suppression considering family stability (p > 0.05). Conversely, a significant negative correlation was found between family stability and sexual self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a positive and significant association was between sexual self-efficacy and cognitive reappraisal, while a negative and significant correlation was observed between marital intimacy and suppression (p < 0.05). Sexual self-efficacy demonstrated a significant direct negative impact on family stability (β = -0.22). In addition, both sexual self-efficacy (β = 0.16) and cognitive reappraisal (β = 0.66) exhibited significant and direct positive effects, whereas suppression (β = -0.46) had a significant direct and negative effect on marital intimacy. Conclusion: Enhancing sexual self-efficacy along with marital intimacy and effective emotion regulation among couples can create favorable conditions for family stability and consolidation, marking an important advancement in promoting lasting marital relationships.

Marital Adjustment, Spiritual Well-Being, and Locus of Control in Married Couples

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between marital adjustment, spiritual well-being, and locus of control in married couples. A total of 526 married individuals living in İzmir, Turkey, 283 (53.8%) women and 243 (46.2%) men between the ages of 18 and 65, participated in the research. The married individuals were evaluated individually rather than as couples. The of control scale (LCS) developed by Dağ, the marital adjustment test (MAT) developed by Locke and Wallace and adapted into Turkish by Tutarel Kışlak, the spiritual well-being scale (SWBS) developed by Ekşi and Kardaş, and a socio-demographic information form were applied to the participants. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis of the data obtained in the study. The findings were evaluated at a 5% significance level within a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). The findings of the study revealed that the marital adjustment of male participants was higher than that of females, and that as spiritual well-being increased, marital adjustment also increased. A positive relationship was found between transcendence, one of the sub-dimensions of spiritual well-being, and marital adjustment and internal locus of control. Similarly, a positive correlation was identified between harmony with nature and marital adjustment and internal locus of control, while a negative relationship was found between anomie and marital adjustment and internal locus of control. Moreover, negative and significant relationships were found between marital adjustment and external locus of control determinants such as belief in luck, meaninglessness of making an effort, belief in an unjust world, and anomie, one of the sub-dimensions of spiritual well-being. Additionally, a positive relationship was found between higher education and internal locus of control, and a positive relationship between marriages conducted between the ages of 17 and 20 and an external locus of control.

Abstract 4125025: Association between Marital Status and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: Role of Stress-Related Neural-Immune Mechanisms

Background: Chronic stress is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in part through neural mechanisms that potentiate inflammation. Disrupted social connections are associated with higher chronic stress. As such, we hypothesized that: 1) previously married (divorced, separated) individuals have higher major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) risk compared to married individuals and 2) that greater activation of stress-related neural-immune mechanisms contributes to this relationship. Methods: Participants (N=75,638) enrolled in the Mass General Brigham Biobank were studied. Marital status and MACE were identified using survey data and ICD-10 codes, respectively. A subset (N=1,121) underwent clinical 18 F-FDG-PET imaging, enabling assessment of stress-related neural activity as the ratio of the amygdala to prefrontal cortex activity (AmygAc). Clinical high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were assessed in another subset of the cohort (N=10,358). Linear and Cox regression and mediation analyses were used. Results: Among participants (median age 62 years; 53% female), 2,978 subjects developed MACE after Biobank enrollment. Previously married (vs. currently married) individuals had greater MACE risk (HR 1.33 [95% CI: 1.20,1.57], p=<0.001, Figure 1A ) , higher AmygAc (B=0.23 [95% CI: 0.06-0.40], p=0.009) and higher hs-CRP (B=0.19 [95% CI: 0.13-0.25], p=<0.001). MACE risk remained significant after adjustment for key confounders ( Table 1 ), and both the AmygAc and CRP were higher among divorced or separated individuals ( Figure 1B and 1C ). Moreover, increased AmygAc and hs-CRP associated with increased MACE risk (HR=1.24 [1.14-1.36], p=<0.001 and 1.13 [1.09-1.16], p=<0.001, respectively), and both AmygAc and hs-CRP mediated the relationship between marital status and MACE (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that divorced and separated individuals are at an increased risk for MACE. This relationship appears to be driven in part by stress-related neural-immune mechanisms.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic helminths and its associated risk factors in Mekaneselam Town, South Wollo, Ethiopia.

Intestinal parasitic (IP) infections caused by helminths are among the most significant public health concerns that mainly affect deprived people in Sub-Sahara African countries. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic helminths among patients attending Mekaneselam hospital. In this cross-sectional study conducted from August 2022 to February 2023, stool specimens were collected and examined microscopically to detect intestinal helminths using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. A structured questionnaire was employed to obtain information regarding the socio-demographic characteristics and associated risk factors. Data were analyzed via appropriate univariate and multivariable logistic regression methods using SPSS version 25.0. The overall prevalence of the parasitic helminths was 51 (12.6%) out of 404 patients attending in Mekaneselam town during the study period. In this study, seven species of intestinal helminths were detected, with Ascaris lumbricoides (5.7%) being the most prevalent followed by Trichuris trichiura (2.2%). Significant positive associations were observed between intestinal helminths infection and the socio-demographic characteristics including marital status (χ2 = 7.97, p = 0.047), educational level (χ2 = 9.34, p = 0.025) and residence (χ2 = 3.90, p = 0.048). The odds of being infected with IP were three times higher among divorced patients than married individuals (AOR = 3.21, CI = 1.15-8.96, p = 0.03). Illiterate individuals were three times (AOR = 2.61, CI = 1.24-5.49, p = 0.011) and those who attended primary school were two times (AOR = 2.3, CI = 1.029-5.143, p = 0.042), more likely to have helminthic infections. Participants who did not wash their hands after using the toilet were five times more likely to acquire IP helminths than those who did (AOR = 4.36, CI = 2.83-6.72, p = 0.000). In the case of the feeding habit, study subjects who ate unwashed vegetables were more likely to acquire helminths than those who did not eat unwashed vegetables (AOR = 5. 43, CI = 4.33-23.77, p = 0.000). This study highlighted a substantial prevalence of intestinal helminths infections (12.6%) in the study area, warranting the urgent need for attention and interventions from relevant public health authorities.

Abstract 4112775: Demographics and Cardiovascular Mortality Among Kaposi Sarcoma Patients in the United States: An Analysis of the SEER Database

Aims and Background: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm caused by human herpesvirus. Despite its significance, there is limited data regarding the causes and mortality factors associated with KS, particularly concerning cardiovascular mortality rates and specific influencing factors. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to gather data from 2000 to 2020. The primary endpoint was overall survival, assessed via log-rank analysis and Kaplan-Meier plots. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using SAS v9.4, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: We identified 8,247 patients with KS. Most were male (90.6%) and aged 40-59 years old (38.5%). Mortality data from KS showed that 56.3% of diagnosed patients were alive. Among those who died, 49.8% died of infectious causes, 11.4% died of cardiac causes, and the remaining died of other causes, such as leukemias and complications. Advanced age (>80 years) vs. 0-19 year age group (HR: 2.263; 95% CI: 1.068-4.795; p=0.033), non-Hispanic Black race vs. non-Hispanic White race (HR 1.492; 95% CI: 1.369-1.627; p=0.001), and visceral involvement vs. cutaneous KS (HR 1.709; 95% CI: 1.487-1.963; p=0.001) were factors associated with increased mortality. Females had a slightly lower long-term survival than males (p<0.001). Married individuals, higher incomes (≥$75,000), and urban areas of living had higher survival rates compared to widowed patients, lower-income patients (<$75,000), and those in rural locations, respectively (p<0.001, for all). In the subgroup analysis, females (24.3%; n=112) had significantly higher cardiac-related deaths than males (9.5%; n=297) (p<0.0001). Cardiac-related deaths were highest in White patients (16.1%; n=279), followed by Hispanics (10.4%; n=79). Conclusions: Cardiac causes accounted for 11.4% of deaths. Various factors are associated with an increased mortality risk.

Relationship status-mental health concerns association: An examination of attachment and attention

IntroductionPast studies have revealed an advantage of marriage over singlehood, but the role of relationship status in mental health concerns needs further investigation. ObjectiveThis paper examined the connection between relationship status and mental health concerns and explored the cognitive and affective mechanisms explaining it, using a multi-method approach. MethodStudy 1 was an online study with equal groups of married (n=125) or single individuals (n=125), whereas Study 2 was a probabilistic laboratory study with two natural groups of individuals that were either single (n=21) or in a relationship (n=89). ResultsPath analyses showed that attachment avoidance and attentional control could act as mediators explaining the role of relationship status in mental health concerns. ConclusionWe showed that being in a relationship or being married was associated with better mental health and that the benefits of marriage and couple life on mental health were explained by attachment and attention.

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AS PREDICTOR OF MENTAL WELL-BEING AMONG MARRIED INDIVIDUALS

Several studies have shown that Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has a negative influence on the mental well-being of married individuals in the contexts where they were conducted. However, the influence of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the mental well-being of married individuals in many developing countries, especially those in Africa, have been under-reported. The study reported here should thus add much value to the pool of literature aimed at exploring the predictive influence of IPV on mental well-being among married individuals in developing contexts. This cross-sectional survey adopted a purposive sampling technique to select 686 married individuals. The results showed that demographic variables (age, educational level, and marriage duration) and IPV dimensions (humiliation and afraid) jointly and independently predicted mental well-being with a variation of 11%. Regarding the contributions of each variable to mental well-being, age, educational level, marriage duration, humiliation, and afraid predicted mental well-being. Based on these findings it is recommended that more relevant training on attitudinal change programs and mechanisms to prevent and respond to violence among married individuals should be strengthened by relevant stakeholders.

“We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda

BackgroundFemale Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) play a crucial role in advocating for, delivering modern contraceptive methods (MCM) to reproductive-age women and potential users. Despite the high frequency of women seeking healthcare annually, less than half receive adequate contraceptive counseling and services. Investigating FHCWs’ adherence to these practices and understanding the obstacles they encounter is essential. This study aimed to explore challenges with utilization of MCM among FHCWs at the two tertiary teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study employing a qualitative approach at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor (SMHL) and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH), Northern Uganda. Qualitative data were explored using the principles of descriptive phenomenology to gain deeper insights into the experiences of twenty (20) FHCWs.ResultsFindings revealed various challenges faced by FHCWs, including patient barriers such as religious beliefs, contraceptive myths, fear of side effects, and provider barriers like lack of knowledge, training, and discomfort. Additionally, health system barriers like limited time and competing priorities were identified.ConclusionFemale Healthcare workers experience challenges with utilization of MCM. Efforts should focus on enhancing contraceptive services, particularly in faith-based facilities and among married individuals. Besides, addressing perceived barriers at the patient, provider, and system levels through comprehensive health education, ensuring method availability, and provider training is imperative.

Examining Lifestyle Risk Factor Clusters and Mental Health in Adults

Abstract Background Lifestyle risk factors often cluster, impacting both physical and mental health. Studies reveal bidirectional relationships between lifestyle factors and health. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between mental health problems, self-reported depression, and lifestyle risk factors in a sample of the adult population in Turkey. Methods 2022 Turkey Health Survey (THS) data were used. The sample group was made using cross-sectional data of approximately 22742 individuals in the adult population over 15 years of age. Two-stage clustering method was used to determine vital risk factor clusters. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between vital risk factor clusters and self-reported depression and mental health problems. Results Lifestyle risk factors were grouped into 4 clusters. It was observed that unhealthy diet, inadequate physical activity, and smoking, which are modifiable lifestyle risk factors, were together in the clusters. It was also observed that self-reported depression and mental problems were more associated with clusters with more than one lifestyle risk factor. In addition, women, married individuals, and individuals over 65 years of age were more associated with mental problems. Conclusions As a result of the findings, there was an association between people with mental problems and lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and insufficient physical activity. These findings may help to plan and implement more effective health policies and individual interventions targeting groups with multiple lifestyle risk factors in the future. Key messages • The target group was determined to improve community mental health and to make necessary interventions. • Since inadequate physical activity, which is one of the vital risk factors, and unhealthy nutrition and smoking tend to cluster together, it was determined that these problems should be prioritised

Accuracy of body weight perception: The Case of Türkiye

Abstract Background Accuracy of body weight perception is defined as the extent to which an individual’s self-assessment of their body weight aligns with their actual body weight. Our study evaluates the accuracy of body weight perception, an important factor in preventing and managing obesity and overweight, according to sociodemographic factors. Methods This study utilizes data from the nationwide cross-sectional ‘Nutrition and Health Survey 2017’. The survey includes 12,266 participants who were interviewed face-to-face. Factors influencing the accuracy of body weight perception were evaluated using the chi-square test. Subsequently, the logistic regression models were constructed to assess factors that were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Results The prevalence of obesity and overweight was found to be 36.3% and 71.5%, respectively. The accuracy of body weight perception was 39.2%, underestimation was 57.0%, and overestimation was 3.8%. There was no significant difference in accuracy of body weight perception between sexes (p = 0.94). According to logistic regression analysis (n = 12.168), accuracy of body weight perception was higher among individuals who were not overweight compared to those who were overweight (p < 0.001, OR: 4.56, CI: 4.16-4.98), among those aged 15-44 compared to those aged 45 and over (p < 0.001, OR: 1.47, CI: 1.35-1.60), among those with high school and higher education compared to those with middle school education or less (p < 0.001, OR: 1.43, CI: 1.31-1.56), among unmarried individuals compared to married ones (p = 0.011, OR: 1.12, CI: 1.03-1.23), and in individuals with poor income status compared to good (p = 0.005, OR: 1.13, CI: 1.04-1.22). Conclusions In health promotion programs aiming to perceive body weight accurately, priority should be given to people with overweight, those with low education levels, married individuals, people aged 45 and over, and individuals with low income. Key messages • Accuracy of body weight perception is important in fighting obesity. • Individuals with overweight, have a low level of education, are married, aged 45 and over, and have low income are misperceive their body weight to a greater extent.

Examination of the relationship between conflict resolution styles and marital satisfaction: the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between conflict resolution styles and marital satisfaction in married individuals. A total of 706 married individuals, 234 men and 472 women, constitute the study’s working group. The ages of the participants ranged from 21 to 60, with an average age of 38.45. As a result of the analysis conducted within the scope of the study It has been found that positive conflict resolution, retreat and subordination conflict resolution styles are positively related with marriage satisfaction, while negative conflict resolution styles are negatively related with marriage satisfaction. The results show that positive conflict resolution, negative conflict resolution, retreat and subordination conflict resolution styles have a direct effect on marital satisfaction, but this effect does not disappear when emotion regulation difficulties is controlled, so emotion regulation difficulties play a partial mediator role.

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background There is increasing recognition that patients experience a greater risk of mental illnesses after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with the former being linked to worse post-AMI outcomes. However, the prevalence of these conditions is largely unknown as most studies focus on depression and few on other illnesses such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, existing studies mostly involved diagnoses of mental illnesses through patient-reported questionnaires which may carry subjectivity (1). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of developing depression, anxiety and PTSD after an AMI with the inclusion of only studies with official diagnoses of the mental illnesses. Methods Searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO up to January 23, 2023, identified 25 qualifying studies that examined the risk of depression, anxiety and PTSD after AMI, with case definitions based strictly on psychiatrist-administered structured interviews according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria. Meta-analyses of proportions using random-effects models estimated the pooled prevalence of each outcome at the <3-month and >3-month time-points. Heterogeneity was tested using I-squared statistics, if significant heterogeneity was found, subgroup analyses and meta-regression analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) Tool, and publication bias using the funnel plot and verified by the Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Results A total of 25 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression post-AMI (20 studies) was 16.70% (95% CI: 12.40%; 22.11%), with pooled prevalence <3-month and >3-month post-AMI at 19.46% (95% CI: 15.47%; 24.19%) and 14.87% (95% CI: 9.55%; 22.43%) respectively. Pooled prevalence of anxiety (7 studies) and PTSD (3 studies) were 11.96% (95% CI: 6.15; 21.96%) and 10.26% (95% CI:5.49;18.36%) respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of both depression and anxiety are significantly higher in the female gender, in those with hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipidemia, and in smokers, while the pooled prevalence of depression is higher in unmarried than married individuals and in patients with a history of depression. Meta regression indicates that history of depression is a significant predictor of prevalence of depression (p= 0.0035, regression coefficient 1.54). Conclusion The prevalence of mental illnesses is high after AMI. Risk factors identified included female gender, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, depression history, as well as one’s social set-up. These findings highlight the importance of screening at-risk patients and early intervention to improve long-term outcomes after AMI.Forest plot of depression prevalenceSubgroup analysis for depression

Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the adult population in a rural community of Jammu, India: a cross-sectional study.

Mental health is crucial for overall well-being, but rural areas often face difficulties in accessing mental health services and understanding psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to address these issues by assessing the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among adults in rural Jammu and examining how socio-cultural and demographic factors are related to these disorders. A sample of 1,016 adults from rural Jammu was surveyed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Data were collected through house-to-house visits conducted by trained investigators. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency distribution and odds ratio, were employed to analyze the data respectively. Overall, 20.67% of the participants had a psychiatric disorder. Alcohol dependence was the most common condition, affecting 12.30% of the individuals, followed by generalized anxiety disorder at 3.14%. The study found significant associations between psychiatric disorders and several factors. Specifically, older people were more likely to have psychiatric disorders, with an odds ratio of 3.7 [2.07-6.59]. Married individuals also had a higher likelihood of experiencing psychiatric disorders (OR: 2.3 [1.55-3.54]). Those with less schooling were at an increased risk, with an odds ratio of 7.77 [2.31-26.09], and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to have these disorders as well (OR: 5.1 [2.4-10.5]). The findings underscore the complex association between socio-demographic factors and mental health outcomes in rural areas of Jammu region. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions and policies that account for the unique socio-cultural contexts of rural populations. By understanding the specific challenges faced by these communities, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop more effective strategies to enhance mental health services and promote well-being.

Prevalence and Determinants of Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Data From the 2015 Kenya STEPwise Survey.

Kenya is experiencing a rising burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to epidemiological and demographic shifts, along with increasing risk factors. Ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH), defined by the American Heart Association (AHA), encompasses eight metrics to evaluate cardiovascular well-being. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of iCVH in Kenya. Data from the 2015 Kenya STEPwise survey on non-communicable disease risk factors, including 4,500 adults aged 18-69, were analysed. iCVH was assessed using 2022 AHA criteria based on seven factors: nicotine exposure, physical activity, diet, BMI, blood pressure, glucose, and lipid levels. A cardiovascular health (CVH) CVH score of ≥80% classified individuals as having iCVH. Multivariable binary and ordinal logistic regression identified factors associated with iCVH. The mean CVH score in Kenya was 78.6% (95% CI: 77.9,79.2%), higher in females (79.3%), rural areas (79.5%), and non-drinkers (79.6%) than in males (77.9%), urban residents (77.0%), and alcohol drinkers (75.4%), respectively. The prevalence of iCVH (CVH score ≥80%) was 45.6%, while 6.4% had poor CVH (CVH score <50%). Only 1.2% achieved the maximum CVH score. iCVH prevalence declined with age and was lower among married individuals (43.7%), alcohol drinkers (32.3%), and urban residents (39.7%). Older adults had 50-80% lower odds of iCVH compared to those under 30 years. Alcohol users (AOR 0.5; p < 0.001) and urban residents (AOR 0.6; p < 0.001) were less likely to have iCVH. Residents of Nairobi and Central regions had 40-60% lower odds of iCVH compared to those in Rift Valley. The Kalenjin (AOR 0.5; p = 0.027) and Turkana (AOR 0.3; p = 0.002) ethnic groups had lower odds of iCVH compared to the Kisii. Less than half of Kenyan adults have iCVH, with poorer CVH status among older adults, urban residents, and alcohol users. Targeted public health interventions could mitigate the CVD burden and enhance health outcomes in Kenya.

Relationship Stability in a Polish Cultural Setting: A Moderated Mediation Model of Acceptance of Transcendence, Sanctification, and Religious Literalism

This cross-sectional study involved 470 Polish, Catholic (90%), married (67%), or unmarried cohabiting (33%) individuals (237 women and 233 men) and is the first to examine whether and how two dimensions of individual religiousness (inclusion vs. exclusion of transcendence (IT) and symbolic vs. literal interpretation (SI)) as assessed by the Post-Critical Beliefs Scale are associated with the participants’ perceived stability of their marriages/intimate unions. As expected, greater affirmation of God’s existence as real (i.e., higher inclusion of transcendence) and greater literal interpretation of religious doctrines (i.e., lower symbolic interpretation) were each associated with greater perceived stability of marital/cohabiting unions. Also as expected, the former pathway was mediated by sanctification for both types of couples. However, the mediation pathway from the IT and from sanctification to relationship stability was markedly stronger for those with more literal views of religious doctrine only for married couples, and this complex moderator effect was not found for cohabiting couples. The findings imply that Polish individuals with a firmer belief that God exists and a more literal belief in Catholic teachings are more likely to view their intimate partnership as sanctified, which, in turn, is associated with a lower risk of union dissolution.

Evaluation of MMP-9 enzyme in drug-induced suicide cases admitted to the emergency room

ObjectiveThis study investigates MMP-9 enzyme levels in patients who attempted suicide by taking high doses of drugs, considering their sociodemographic characteristics. MethodsThe study included 45 patients who attempted suicide by high-dose drug intake admitted to the emergency room and 45 healthy volunteers with no neuropsychiatric disorders. Blood samples were collected to measure MMP-9 levels, and informed consent was obtained. The samples were centrifuged and analyzed using the ELISA method, with results statistically compared. ResultsFindings indicate that being single and a student significantly increased suicide tendencies (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Psychiatric disorders were the most common cause at 40.0%, followed by antidepressants (55.6%), analgesics (20.0%), and antidiabetics (8.9%) as the most used drugs for suicide. MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in patients who attempted suicide compared to controls (83.74 (±7.14) ng/mL vs. 54.97 (±12.27) ng/mL, p = 0.001). Additionally, MMP-9 levels were higher in single patients compared to married or divorced individuals (p = 0.008). MMP-9 levels were lower in patients with psychiatric disorders, recent psychiatric services, family history of psychiatric disorders, and previous suicide attempts (p = 0.014, p = 0.046, p = 0.035, p = 0.034). ConclusionsThis study shows MMP-9 enzyme can be a potential biomarker for drug-induced suicide attempts, emphasizing the importance of evaluating MMP-9 levels to assess suicide risk and develop prevention strategies.

The Role of Attachment Styles in Marital Stability: A Psychological Approach to Strengthening Relationships

Purpose: The present study attempts to establish how attaching styles influence marital stability. To help determine how the various attachment patterns or styles-secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized-influence communication quality, conflict resolution, and overall marital satisfaction. Provide an understanding of how attachment styles, which are developed during one's childhood years, impinge on adult-to-adult relationships, particularly in marriage. Understand the rise in divorce rates and marital problems based on exploration of attachment styles that strengthen or weaken the marital bond. Add to the increasing scientific knowledge repository by focusing on real-life marital outcomes related to psychological theories of attachment. Material and Methods: The research design for this study is a mixed-methods design, which includes the following; Quantitative Component: Standardized questionnaires related to attachment style and relationship satisfaction scales will be administered to 200 couples. Qualitative Component: 20 couples from each category of different attachment styles will be interviewed in depth. This will be done at the marriage counseling centers in Houston, Texas. Population: Married individuals from different age brackets and years of marriage. Sampling: Stratified random sampling to ensure that there is a fair representation of marital backgrounds. Statistical Analysis: Application of correlation and regression analysis will help identify if attachment styles significantly predict marital outcomes. Findings: The key results of the study are that secure Attachment: Couples with at least one partner showing a secure attachment style exhibit: Improved communication, Successful conflict resolution, Overall relationship satisfaction, Insecure Attachment Styles, Anxious and avoidant are attached to less satisfaction and more conflict in marriage. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on this research, our recommendations in the present study are as follows: The need for Attachment-Based Interventions and Relationship Education Programs.

Influences of Widowhood Cultural Practices, Values, and Beliefs on the Health and Well-being of Nigerian Women: An Integrative Review.

Widowhood cultural practices are detrimental to the health and well-being of widows in Nigeria. They are associated with a higher rate of morbidity and mortality than for single and married individuals. To explore and synthesize the literature on widowhood cultural practices and their effects on the health and well-being of Nigerian women in Nigeria and in the US to inform future research. A comprehensive search of CINAHL, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase databases was performed using the Whittmore and Knafl Integrative Review Model. Critical appraisal was used to select the final 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Seven themes were identified: Inhumane treatment of widows, poor socio-economic status, support for detrimental widowhood cultural practices driven by culture, physiological well-being, psychosocial issues, support, and empowerment. Further research is needed to explore the practice and its impact in the Nigerian American population in the US.

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS CARING FOR PATIENTS FROM DIVERSE CULTURES

This research aims to examine the intercultural communication competence of healthcare professionals providing care and treatment to patients from different cultures. It evaluates the impact of intercultural communication on the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services. Method: The research was conducted with the participation of 280 healthcare professionals working at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Hospital. Data were collected using the Intercultural Sensitivity, Intercultural Effectiveness, and Intercultural Awareness scales. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and non-parametric tests were used for data that did not follow a normal distribution. Findings: Of the participants, 67.8% were female, 74.7% were under 25 years old, and 81.6% were single. In terms of education, 36.8% had an associate degree, and 44.8% had a bachelor's degree. The effects of demographic variables such as gender, marital status, and work department on intercultural competence were examined. Women scored higher than men in the Identity Protection sub-dimension, while married individuals scored lower than singles in the Cultural Communication Awareness sub-dimension. Paramedics had higher intercultural effectiveness scores compared to nurses. Discussion: The duration of experience significantly affected the Comfort in Communication sub-dimension. Higher education levels were associated with increased intercultural sensitivity and effectiveness scores. Those who received intercultural patient care training had higher scores, and those willing to work with patients from different cultures had higher intercultural sensitivity and effectiveness scores. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of intercultural training and development programs to improve the quality of healthcare services. Enhancing healthcare professionals' intercultural communication skills is crucial for increasing patient satisfaction and the effectiveness of healthcare services.

Investigating the Mediating Roles of Hopelessness and Psychological Distress in the Relationship between Psychological Vulnerability and Well-Being among Married Individuals

The well-being of married individuals is shaped by various psychological factors, among which psychological vulnerability, hopelessness, and psychological distress play critical roles. This study investigates how psychological vulnerability impacts well-being through the mediating effects of hopelessness and psychological distress. The sample comprised 522 married individuals aged 23 to 67 (M = 36.70, SD = 10.77). Data were collected using the Psychological Vulnerability Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-4, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Mental Health Continuum Short Form. Pearson Correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between variables, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the mediating roles. The significance of direct and indirect relationships was assessed using the bootstrap method. The analysis revealed significant correlations among the variables. SEM results indicated that psychological vulnerability positively and significantly predicted hopelessness and psychological distress, while hopelessness and psychological distress negatively predicted well-being. Additionally, the serial mediation of hopelessness and psychological distress in the relationship between psychological vulnerability and well-being was found to be significant. These findings suggest that psychological vulnerability can adversely affect the well-being of married individuals through the serial mediation of hopelessness and psychological distress. This study may contribute valuable insights to the literature and offers practical implications for couple and family counseling.