Mean Level Of Anxiety Research Articles

Effects of Adding Four Sessions of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to an Exercise Program in Patients with Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) appears to be effective for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects on disability and pain, as well as on the psychological aspects of adding PENS into an exercise program in patients with subacromial pain syndrome. Methods: A randomized, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted. Sixty patients with subacromial pain were allocated into exercise alone (n = 20), exercise plus PENS (n = 20), or exercise plus placebo PENS (n = 20) groups. Patients in all groups performed an exercise program twice daily for 3 weeks. Patients allocated to the PENS group also received four sessions of ultrasound-guided PENS targeting the axillar and suprascapular nerves. Patients allocated to the exercise plus placebo PENS received a sham PENS application. The primary outcome was related disability (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, DASH). Secondary outcomes included mean pain, anxiety levels, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. They were assessed at baseline, one week after, and one and three months after. An analysis was performed using intention-to-treat with mixed-models ANCOVAs. Results: The results revealed no between-group differences for most outcomes (related disability: F = 0.292, p = 0.748, n2p = 0.011; anxiety: F = 0.780, p = 0.463, n2p = 0.027; depressive symptoms: F = 0.559, p = 0.575, n2p = 0.02; or sleep quality: F = 0.294, p = 0.747, n2p = 0.01); both groups experienced similar changes throughout the course of this study. Patients receiving exercise plus PENS exhibited greater improvement in shoulder pain at one month than those in the exercise (Δ -1.2, 95%CI -2.3 to -0.1) or the placebo (Δ -1.3, 95%CI -2.5 to -0.1) groups. Conclusions: The inclusion of four sessions of ultrasound-guided PENS targeting the axillar and suprascapular nerves into an exercise program did not result in better outcomes in our sample of patients with subacromial pain syndrome at one and three months after treatment.

Comparison of Forward-Leaning and Fowler Position: Effects on Vital Signs, Pain, and Anxiety Scores in Children With Asthma Exacerbations.

It is essential to relieve bronchospasm or specific asthma symptoms by administering immediate inhaler treatment during an asthma exacerbation. The present study compared the effect of Fowler position and forward-leaning positions during nebulization on heart rate, SpO2 , breathing frequency, pain, and anxiety levels in children experiencing asthma exacerbations. The data originated from a randomized trial that compared 86 participants (study group n = 43, control group n = 43) who presented to the pediatric emergency department with asthma exacerbations between October 2019-February 2020. The subjects were administered nebulization 3 times, during which the study group was placed in the forward-leaning position and the control group in the routine Fowler position. The subjects provided information on chest pain and anxiety levels before and after nebulization, and heart rate, SpO2 , and breathing frequency were measured before and after each nebulization. The difference in the mean SpO2 measured at admission and after the third nebulization was significantly higher (3.2 ± 1.5% vs 2.3 ± 1.9%, P = .01); the difference in the mean breathing frequency was considerably higher (-6.0 ± 1.7 breaths/min vs -3.2 ± 1.8 breaths/min, P < .001), and the difference in the mean pain scores was significantly higher (-3.3 ± 2.5 vs -2.0 ± 2.3, P = .02) in the study group than in the control group. In addition, after the third nebulization, the breathing frequency (22.8 ± 2.8 breaths/min vs 24.2 ± 2.7 breaths/min, P = .02) and pain score of the study group were lower (0.8 ± 1.3 vs 1.5 ± 1.5, P = .01). There was no difference in the mean heart rate (20.6 ± 16.2 beats/min vs 20.0 ± 15.4 beats/min, P = .85) and anxiety levels (-2.0 ± 2.2 vs -1.9 ± 2.2, P = .90) between the groups. Placing children in a forward-leaning position during nebulization was effective in improving SpO2 and reducing breathing frequency and chest pain. The forward-leaning position implemented during nebulization is a non-pharmacologic method that supports recovery in children with asthma exacerbations.

SPEAKING ANXIETY: FACILITATOR OR HINDRANCE TO POSTGRADUATES’ THESIS DEFENSE PERFORMANCE

Foreign language anxiety (FLA) is a well-documented phenomenon that can significantly affect academic performance. This study examined the extent to which Taiwanese postgraduate students experienced speaking anxiety during thesis defense presentations, along with potential gender differences and variations across postgraduate programs. It specifically analyzed the correlation between anxiety and thesis presentation performance. A meticulously designed study involving 168 Taiwanese master's students in an oral thesis defense seminar employed a modified Academic Performance Scale and Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety instruments to quantitatively evaluate anxiety levels. Statistical analyses unveiled significant associations between anxiety levels and academic performance. The results indicate a high level of anxiety among participants, with a mean anxiety level of 4.05 (N=168, X=2.85) and a moderate level of thesis presentation performance, evidenced by a mean score of 2.85 (N=168, X=2.85). Notably, female postgraduates exhibited higher anxiety levels than their male counterparts. The study identifies a positive, albeit modest, correlation between anxiety and performance, suggesting that a certain level of anxiety may enhance performance. The findings underscore the pervasive influence of anxiety in academic contexts and highlight gender disparities and the impact of diverse postgraduate programs on anxiety and performance. The study challenges conventional assumptions about the negative effects of anxiety on performance, suggesting that moderate anxiety can be a motivating catalyst. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the role of anxiety in learning and performance and prompts the development of targeted interventions to address anxiety and support postgraduate students' academic success.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Evaluating Parental Anxiety Levels Associated with Nasoalveolar Molding in Cleft Lip and/or Palate Patients

To find out the impact of NAM, gender of the parents or the patients and type of cleft on the anxiety levels of the parents of clp patients.This quasi experimental study included The parents of newborn unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and/or palate patients. The VASA was administered at 30 parents were a part of the study .The mean anxiety level at T0 was greater than at T1,T2 and T3 which was significant. The gender of the patients and the parents did not affect the anxiety levels at various time intervals. Anova test showed that the anxiety levels were not affected by the type of cleft except at T2.The NAM seems to impact the anxiety levels of parents significantly. Also. The gender of the patient or the parents does not have an impact on the anxiety levels.

Patient anxiety and satisfaction towards magnetic resonance imaging in Asir region, Saudi Arabia

Background/aimMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important imaging modality for diagnosing various diseases. However, the closed MRI scanner is perceived as unpleasant, even though the examination is non-invasive. Providing patients with information about the MRI exam may improve patient anxiety before and after the test. This study aimed to determine patients’ level of anxiety and satisfaction regarding information provided in MRI departments. MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 215 Saudi patients at three central MRI departments in Asir, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing a visual analogue scale and Likert scale to assess anxiety and satisfaction before and after the MRI examination. The participants were divided into two groups to receive information explaining the MRI procedures; the intervention group received information about MRI before the examination, whereas the control group did not receive information. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyse the data. ResultsA total of 215 patients responded to the questionnaire in the MRI departments. Overall, the mean levels of anxiety and satisfaction were 5 and 6.25 on a 10-point scale, respectively. The anxiety reported by patients who received information explaining the MRI procedure was significantly lower than the anxiety reported by patients who did not receive information (4.8 vs. 5.9, p = 0.024). Consequently, satisfaction was significantly higher among patients who received the information than those who did not (6.77 vs. 4.0, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was an association between patient reassurance with the behaviour of the staff and having received information (p < 0.001). ConclusionMost patients expressed an average level of anxiety and satisfaction regarding MRI. Anxiety among patients is a persistent issue in MRI departments. The provision of information has significant effects on decreasing the level of anxiety and improving patient satisfaction. The findings of this survey can be used as a benchmark to improve satisfaction and anxiety during MRI procedures in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia.

The Effect of Holy Quran Audio Therapy on Depression and Anxiety Among Jordanian Patients Following CABG: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: The positive outcomes of the CABG procedure are affected by several factors, including the patient’s psychological status, measured by the level of depression and anxiety. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among Jordanian post-CABG patients is high. However, clinicians do not consider anxiety and depression and their impacts in the daily screenings. The effects of non-pharmacological interventions ( i.e. Holy Quran Audio Therapy and Music Therapy) on anxiety and depression have been investigated in some cardiac populations, although no single study was designed specifically to investigate the effect of Holy Quran Audio Therapy on anxiety and depression post-CABG. Objective: To examine the effect of Holy Quran audio therapy on anxiety and depression among Arabic-speaking post-CABG patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 165 post-CABG ICU patients at four major hospitals in (in Amman), (Jordan). They were randomly distributed into control (N = 83) and intervention (N = 82) groups. The intervention group received Holy Quran audio therapy on two days (typically the second and third days after CABG, when patients were alert and not intubated). The therapy session was of ten minutes duration, with four hours in between sessions. Depression and anxiety were measured at baseline and follow-up using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Independent and paired t-tests were used for data analysis. Results: Holy Quran audio therapy was linked to statistically significant positive effects. In which Intervention group of patients displaying lower mean depression and anxiety levels compared to the control group (M [SD]; 8.82 [6.35] vs. 13.38 [5.52]) (M [SD]; 6.26 [1.59] vs. 7.48 [3.44], respectively). Implications for Nursing: Holy Quran audio therapy is a non-invasively and non-pharmacologically intervention that might be used to decrease depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Holy Quran audio therapy significantly improved post-CABG patients’ anxiety and depression and is recommended for Muslim patients to improve their psychological status. Registration Number: The clinical trial studies have the registration number NCT 05419554.

Dictive Factors of Dental Anxiety in Adult Patients at a Tertiary Dental Hospital in Nigeria

Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dental anxiety among adult patients attending a tertiary dental hospital in Nigeria, while also identifying potential predictors of dental anxiety.&#x0D; Method: A total of 177 adult dental patients completed a self -administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic information and other information relating to medical conditions, pain, health insurance coverage, previous dental visits and self-perception of oral health. Dental anxiety was assessed with the Modified dental anxiety scale.&#x0D; Result: The prevalence of dental anxiety was 10.73% (MDAS=19-25) with overall severity mean score of 13.36±3.41. Age and sex were associated with the level of dental anxiety (p-values of 0.027 and 0.007 respectively). Moreover, age, sex and level of education were associated with mean anxiety levels (p-values of 0.043, 0.009 and 0.015 respectively). Previous dental visits and self-perception of oral health were associated with dental anxiety (p-values of 0.034 and &lt; 0.001 respectively). Sex, marital status, previous dental visits and self-oral health perception were predictors of high dental anxiety (p-values of 0.028, 0.019, 0.033 and 0.001 respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: Demographic factors, previous dental visits and self-perception of oral health are associated with dental anxiety. Predictors of high dental anxiety are sex, marital status, previous dental visits and self-oral health perception.

A Study on Second Language Academic Writing Anxiety of Chinese Students Studying in Japan

Abstract Anxiety is an important factor that affects the academic writing process and the quality of writing. In this paper, we first study the principle of emotional processing of EEG signals and discuss the pre-processing, feature extraction and emotional recognition of EEG signals. Then the signal features are extracted based on the EEG features of Daubechies wavelets, and the Mallat algorithm is improved by using the half-wavelet packet algorithm. The improved Mallat algorithm is then used to perform data downscaling of the resulting feature dimensions to achieve classification operations and feature selection. Finally, the model was used to assess the second language academic writing anxiety of college students in Japan, and the levels of second language academic writing anxiety of students in Japan with different levels of a second language, length of exposure to a second language, gender, and grade were analyzed. The mean score of academic writing anxiety was 68.04, and the overall level of academic writing anxiety among international students in Japan was moderate. The mean anxiety level of international students with a Level 1 second language level was 2.9, the mean anxiety level of international students with a Level 2 second language level was 3.07, and the mean anxiety level of international students with a Level 5 fifth language level was 3.15. The lower the second language level, the higher the anxiety level. This study provides insight and references for improving the academic writing skills of international students.

Evaluation of maternal anxiety and depression levels in pregnancies with fetal anomalies

Aim: This study aimed to document depression and anxiety levels in pregnant women with intrauterine fetal anomalies based on objective measurement inventories, raise awareness of this issue and provide the necessary support to patients. &#x0D; Materials and Method: Forty pregnant women between the ages of 18-41 who were diagnosed with a major fetal anomaly, and decided their pregnancy to continue were included in the study group. Forty pregnant women with a healthy fetus and gestational week and maternal age matched with the study group were included as the control group. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were applied to pregnant women.&#x0D; Results: Anxiety and depression levels were compared between pregnant women diagnosed with an intrauterine fetal anomaly and the control group. The mean BDI score was significantly higher in the study group (P=0.008). In the STAI scoring, the mean state anxiety level (P0.001) and the mean trait anxiety score (P=0.001) were found to be statistically higher in the study group compared to the control group. &#x0D; Conclusion: The depressive symptom scores and the state and trait anxiety levels of pregnant women with the intrauterine fetal anomaly, increased compared to the healthy pregnant women. These pregnant women should be provided with professional psychological support and necessary medical assistance during this difficult period.

A randomized controlled trial on the effect of music and white noise listening on anxiety and vital signs during intramuscular injection skill learning

This study explored the effects of environmental white noise and music on the physiological and psychological conditions of nursing students who were first-year (n = 50). Also, intramuscular injection skills were evaluated. The data of randomized controlled design were collected by using an information form, the intramuscular injection checklist, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the vital signs assessment form. After interventions, the mean state anxiety levels of the groups showed a statistically significant difference, and the score of students in the white noise group was higher than students in the music and control groups (p ≤ .001). All groups showed a statistically significant difference between the first and second measurements for the state anxiety level (p < .05). While no statistically significant difference was determined in the means of heart rate and diastolic pressure among the groups after the intervention, the means of systolic pressure of the white noise group increased significantly when compared to the music group (p < .05). There were no significant differences between the groups in the skill test (p > .05). While music listening and a silent environment had positive effects on the state of anxiety of students, white noise had negative effects. No significant difference was determined between the groups in the skill test.

Auricular Acupressure Effectively Reduces Labor Anxiety in Primigravidae by Increasing β-Endorphin Levels

Highlights: 1. Auricular acupressure at the Shenmen point is effective in reducing anxiety.2. Auricular acupressure is more practical than body acupressure since it does not interfere with expectant mothers' mobilization.3. As a non-pharmacological method, auricular acupressure is cost-effective, efficient, and effective in overcoming maternal anxiety during labor Abstract Anxiety is a common psychological symptom in expectant mothers, particularly among primigravidae during labor. There is a link between excessive anxiety and prolonged labor. One of the options to manage anxiety is the use of non-pharmacological methods. Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of auricular acupressure to treat anxiety, but few have examined its effect on anxiety biomarkers. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of auricular acupressure targeting the Shenmen point on the levels of β-endorphins and anxiety among primigravidae during the first stage of labor. This experimental study used a pretest-posttest control group design. The research subjects were primigravidae in the first stage of labor at the independent midwife practice of Yefi Marliandiani in Surabaya, Indonesia. Among 40 primigravidae, 34 individuals met the inclusion criteria and were then equally divided into treatment and control groups using a simple randomization. The treatment group received auricular acupressure at the Shenmen point every 30 minutes for a duration of 5 minutes, while the control group practiced deep breathing relaxation. The anxiety levels were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. The β-endorphin levels were measured by drawing 3 cc of venous blood before (4 cm cervix dilation) and after (9–10 cm cervix dilation) treatment. The obtained data were analyzed using paired- and independent-samples t-tests. A decrease in the mean anxiety level was observed in the treatment group (18.59±7.52) relative to the control group (19.76±7.11), albeit not significant (p=0.64). Simultaneously, the average β-endorphin levels of the treatment group (355.4±224.7) increased compared to the control group (225.1±127.5), with a significant difference observed between the two groups (p=0.04). In conclusion, while both auricular acupressure at the Shenmen point and deep breathing relaxation are effective in reducing anxiety, the former is more prominent in its ability to increase β-endorphin levels.

Comparison of COVID-19 Anxiety in Nurses and Midwife Personnel in the Teaching Hospitals Affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: The spread of the coronavirus, its high transmission rate, and lack of a definitive treatment for the novel disease have led to psychological disturbances in societies. Nurses are exposed to numerous psychological issues as they are on the frontline in the battle against COVID-19. The present study aimed to compare nurses and midwife personnel in terms of the anxiety caused by COVID-19. Material and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 nursing staff and midwife personnel working in the teaching hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The participants were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a corona disease anxiety scale, which was completed in a self-report manner. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics (tables, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics. Results: The mean anxiety level of the nurses and midwife personnel was estimated at 30.33 ± 7.6 and 31.11 ± 9.03, respectively. However, the Mann-Whitney U test was indicative of no significant difference in this regard (P=0.08). Conclusion: According to the results, the nursing and midwife personnel had similar levels of COVID-19 anxiety. Given the moderate anxiety level of the healthcare staff regardless of their work environment, it is recommended that special programs be considered by hospital managers to psychologically support the staff.

Evaluation of anxiety disorder in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between anxiety levels and severity of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) disorder's chronic orofacial pain during 2019-2020 in Shiraz Dental Faculty. In this study, patients with TN disorder who were referred to the Oral Medicine Department of Shiraz Dental Faculty were evaluated. Individuals were selected based on convenience sampling. Finally, 47 patients with TN were recruited in this study. Satisfaction with treatment was recorded based on controlling the patient's pain, age, sex, and frequency of recurrence, and data were analyzed using SPSS18. The Chi-square test was used to compare the final results. A reliability of more than 95% was considered significant (P < 0.05). According to the results, the mean ages of participants with TN and control groups were 56.89 ± 10.93 and 37.12 ± 9.55, respectively. The mean value of participants' age was significantly different between the two evaluated groups (P < 0.0001). The anxiety of patients with TN was significantly higher than the healthy control group (P < 0.0001). The mean level of anxiety in patients with TN and also in healthy controls was not significantly different among men and women (P > 0.05). The mean level of anxiety of men and women in TN group was significantly higher than the healthy control women (P = 0.001). The mean levels of anxiety between different age ranges in patients with TN and healthy controls were not different in both evaluated groups (P > 0.05). Patients with TN in different age ranges had higher level of anxiety than healthy controls (P < 0.05). Patients with TN had significantly higher level of anxiety than healthy participants.

Evaluation of the psychological state of patients suspected of Lynch syndrome after the germline genetic testing result.

e24201 Background: Lynch syndrome (LS) also known as Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) syndrome, is caused by a deficiency of Mismatch Repair Complex (MMR) enzymes. It is an autosomal dominant syndrome associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and other neoplasms, which can be confirmed using a germline molecular test. Psychological distress can be triggered regardless of the genetic test result. How the individual reacts emotionally and psychologically to the development can influence the processing of information and guidelines and adherence to preventive strategies. In this context, tracking anxiety symptoms provides opportunities for psychosocial follow-up planning. Objective: to evaluate levels of anxiety and depression in cancer patients suspected of having LS submitted to genetic testing. Methods: 84 patients with clinical criteria for LS were submitted to the germline genetic panel by NGS and immediately after the genetic test result, answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS). Data were expressed as mean±SD and compared using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, and Spearman correlation tests (SPSS v20.0, p &lt; 0.05). Results: The mean levels of anxiety (5.59±3.31) were significantly higher than that of depression (4.63±3.58) ( p= 0.007), both domains were positively correlated ( p&lt; 0.001, r= 0.447). Eighteen patients (21.4%) had pathogenic mutations in genes of the MMR complex. A positive diagnosis did not affect levels of anxiety or depression (pathogenic variant p= 0.617 and p= 0.478; Significance Uncertain-VUS p= 0.415 and p= 0.561, respectively). Females had higher levels of depression than males ( p= 0.047, with a relative risk of 1.65 times; CI95% = 1.05-13.19); however, other clinical and therapeutic characteristics did not significantly influence anxiety levels or depression. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer women are most sensitive to depression after germline genetic testing, despite the results. These findings reinforce the need for psychological screening of individuals undergoing genetic testing for LS and continuing psychological follow-up after receiving the genetic test.

Psychosocial Problems of Rural Indian Women Practising Breast Self-Examination – a Community-Based Study from Southern India

Globally, breast cancer affects 2.5 million people annually. Younger women with advanced-stage cancers had a lower survival rate, but early detection enhanced survival chances by 27 to 47%. Breast self-examination (BSE) has led to early detection and higher rates of benign biopsies. Studies evaluating the psychosocial impact of BSE are few in India which has been attempted in the present study. The community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among rural women aged 30 years and above, who have done BSE at least once without present or prior breast abnormalities in the field practice area of Model Rural Health Research Unit, Tirunelveli. The research questionnaire was developed based on the findings of focus group discussion (FGD) on the same objective in the study area. Among 379 participants, 146 (38.5%) felt confident in their BSE knowledge, 28.2% (n=107) and 5.5% (n=21) of the respondents experienced anxiety and depression while practising BSE, respectively. There is a significant difference between the mean anxiety levels (p-value=0.002) and depression (p-value=0.013) of individuals who have detected anomalies during BSE and those who have not. Regular counselling has to improve knowledge about BSE, like the timing and method of examination, and decreases the anxiety and depression level.

Patient’s Perspective of Preoperative Anxiety and Need for SupportAn Observational Study

Introduction: Majority of the patients undergoing elective surgery generally experience anxiety. Preoperative anxiety causes emotional distress and needs support to cope. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing elective surgery and to examine association between the intensity of anxiety and need for assistance. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka, India on 100 participants. The inclusion criteria were - age &gt;18 years of either sex belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA)- Physical Status (PS) grade I or II and undergoing elective surgery. After obtaining informed consent, a questionnaire including both Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety Information Scale (APAIS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to measure anxiety was given to the patients in preanaesthetic evaluation clinic by anaesthesiology resident one day prior to the scheduled surgery. The questionnaire included a semi dichotomous scale (yes/no) for anxiety assessment; to quantify the intensity of anxiety levels the questions on APAIS were given on 5-item scale (not at all/ somewhat/moderate/moderately-high/extremely) and NRS on 4-item scale (no anxiety/mild/moderate/severe). Results: The prevalence of anxiety was 100%.The mean age was 43.3±11.9 years. The majority (53%) were females. According to NRS, majority of patients undergoing major surgeries had higher mean anxiety levels (6.95±1.96). APAIS anxiety about anesthesia was 4.78±2.1 and about surgery was 5.52±1.9. A cut-off of 13 on the APAIS anxiety scale had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 81.1%. A cut-off of 3.5 on the NRS scale had a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 65.2%. Conclusion: All the patients undergoing elective surgery should be subjected for preoperative anxiety assessment and those with higher anxiety levels requiring support should be addressed to have better postoperative outcomes. Grade of surgery had a significant role in causing anxiety. Hence both Anaesthesiologist and Surgeons should be involved in counselling the patient.

Anxiety and Depression of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Mothers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression of the mothers whose babies were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for any reason other than COVID-19 during the pandemic, and the effect of duration of NICU stay on mothers' anxiety and depression. Materials and Methods: The NICU mothers were divided into three groups according to duration of hospitalization of their babies. The duration of hospitalization of the babies was &amp;lt; 7 days for the first group of the mothers (G1), ≥ 7- &amp;lt;14 days for the second group (G2), and ≥ 14- &amp;lt; 30 days for the third group (G3). The anxiety level of the mothers was assessed with "State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)", and a cut-off score above 40 was used to define probable clinical levels of anxiety. Depression was evaluated with “Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS)”, and a cut-off score above 12 was considered as probable risk for presence of postpartum depression. Results: Among 150 mothers (in each group n=50), the STAI-State scores of all mothers were &amp;gt; 40, indicating clinical levels of anxiety. Seventy three (48.7%) of the mothers had a EPDS score &amp;gt; 12. The STAI-State scores of the mothers in G3 were higher than the mothers in G2 (p=0.029). Depression scores did not differ between the three groups. Conclusions: All the NICU mothers were found to be anxious and nearly half of them were depressive. Mean state anxiety levels were higher in mothers of babies who stayed longer in NICU.

The effect of dark chocolate and music on pain and anxiety in young women with primary dysmenorrhea: Randomized controlled trial

Music medicine and dark chocolate may be potentially effective in helping reduce pain and anxiety in primary dysmenorrhea (PD). The aim of the study was to determine the effects of music medicine and dark chocolate on primary dysmenorrhea related pain intensity and anxiety level in young women. This was was a non-blinded, three-parallel group randomized controlled trial. The study included 18–25-year-old nulliparous nursing students with PD having a regular menstruation cycle and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) severity of menstrual pain of 5 and over during the previous 6 months. Ninety nursing students were randomly allocated into one of the three groups; dark chocolate, music, or control. The study was completed with 84 nursing students because some participants did not want to continue the study and used analgesics. In the first month, 84 students (chocolate: 30, music: 25, control: 29) completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). In the second month, menstrual pain intensity and state anxiety were measured on the first day of menstruation using VAS and STAI, respectively, on 84 students. The dark chocolate group had dark chocolate for three days before menstruation and on the first day of menstruation in the third month. The music group listened to a song for the same four days. The pain scores and state anxiety were measured in all groups after the interventions. Mean menstrual pain intensity and mean anxiety level in the dark chocolate and music group decreased significantly after the intervention. No significant difference was observed in the control group. The difference between menstrual pain intensity and anxiety levels of the groups was tested by analysis of variance, and the standardized effect size calculated at 95% confidence level, and α = 0.05 was 0.35 and 0.42, respectively. Both dark chocolate and music medicine significantly reduced menstrual pain and anxiety in young women with primary dysmenorrhea. Further research is needed to draw stronger conclusions on their impact on controlling menstrual pain and anxiety in primary dysmenorrhea as a nursing intervention. clinicaltrials.gov. (Clinical Trial registration number: NCT04911673).

Quantifying burden of intravitreal injections: questionnaire assessment of life impact of treatment by intravitreal injections (QUALITII)

AimTo quantify the areas of burden experienced by patients requiring repeated intravitreal injections (IVI) in the management of exudative retinal diseases.MethodsThe validated Questionnaire to Assess Life Impact of Treatment by...

Anxiety in the adult population from the onset to termination of social distancing protocols during the COVID-19: a 20-month longitudinal study

The social distancing protocols (SDPs) implemented as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic may seriously influence peoples’ mental health. We used a sample of 4361 Norwegian adults recruited online and stratified to be nationally representative to investigate the evolution of anxiety following each modification in national SDPs across a 20-month period from the onset of the pandemic to the reopening of society and discontinuation of SDPs. The mean anxiety level fluctuated throughout the observation period and these fluctuations were related to the stringency of the modified SDPs. Those with a high initial level almost in unison showed a substantial and lasting decrease of anxiety after the first lifting of SDPs. A sub-group of 9% had developed a persistent anxiety state during the first 3 months. Younger age, pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis, and use of unverified information platforms proved to predict marked higher anxiety in the long run. In conclusion, individuals with a high level of anxiety at the outbreak of the pandemic improved when the social distancing protocols were lifted. By contrast, a sizeable subgroup developed lasting clinical levels of anxiety during the first 3 months of the pandemic and is vulnerable to prolonged anxiety beyond the pandemic period.