Mean Mental Health Scores Research Articles

Childbirth experience, maternal functioning and mental health: how are they related?

ABSTRACT Introduction Childbirth experience is shaped by the labor and delivery process. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between childbirth experience, subsequent postpartum maternal functioning and mental health. Methods A total of 483 mothers in the first 4–16 weeks postpartum participated in this cross-sectional study. The cluster random sampling method was used to select the participants. The Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience, Mental Health Inventory, and the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning were completed through interviews. Results The mean childbirth experience, mental health, and maternal functioning scores were 1.6 (0.4), 79.1 (15.0), and 97.4 (13.0), respectively. There was a significant correlation between the total mental health and maternal functioning scores and all its subscales with childbirth experience scores (P<0.001). Results from the general linear model pointed to a significant correlation between maternal functioning and childbirth experience (P<0.001), as well as between receiving support for infant care (P<0.001) and family income adequacy (P=0.006). Mental health was also significantly correlated with childbirth experience (P<0.001), complete life satisfaction (P<0.001), and receiving support for infant care (P=0.025). Conclusion Supportive care provision services may improve mothers’ birth experiences, which leads to enhanced postpartum maternal functioning and mental health.

Self-Reported Satisfaction to Treatment, Quality of Life and General Health of Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Inadequate Glycemic Control from North-Eastern Romania.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undermines health and quality of life (QoL). This cross-sectional study surveyed 138 consenting T2DM patients from North-Eastern Romania with regard to their satisfaction with treatment, diabetes-related impact on QoL, and general health. The Romanian versions of Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ), Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL-19), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires were used. Self-reports were analyzed in conjunction with clinical and metabolic profiling. The patients were 57.86 ± 8.82 years old, 49.3% men, treated with oral glucose-lowering drugs, presenting with inadequate glycemic control but without cardiovascular manifestations. The mean DTSQ and ADDQoL scores were 25.46 ± 0.61 and −2.22 ± 1.2, respectively. Freedom to eat, holidays, journeys, leisure, physical health, sex life, freedom to drink, and feelings about the future scored below average. The mean SF-36 physical and mental health scores were 47.78 ± 1.03 and 50.44 ± 1.38, respectively. The mean SF-6D score was 0.59 ± 0.04 (generated retrospectively using SF-36 data). Negative associations were significant between ADDQoL, age (r = −0.16), and body mass index (r = −0.23), p < 0.01. Overall scores did not correlate with diabetes duration (except DTSQ, r = −1.18, p = 0.02) or HbA1c. The results confirm other researchers’ findings in Europe and nearby countries. Our patients seemed satisfied with treatment despite glycemic imbalance and viewed diabetes as a burden on QoL and especially freedom to eat.

An Investigation of Mental Health and Its Association with Demographic and Clinical Variables in Psoriasis Patients Referred to the Rheumatology Clinic of Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz

Background: Psoriasis is a relatively common inflammatory skin disease characterized by red, scaly plaques in different parts of the body. Although the etiology of the disease is not fully understood, psychological stress is mentioned as a potential factor in developing the disease. Objectives: In this study, in response to the lack of sufficient information obtained from assessing the influence of psoriasis on mental health, an attempt has been made to evaluate the prevalence of mental health problems in a sample of patients with psoriasis. Methods: This study was conducted following an applied, descriptive-correlational study design. A total of 104 patients with psoriasis were selected using the census sampling method. Data were collected using the standardized Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) questionnaire. This self-administering questionnaire contains 90 items. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were confirmed. Results: The mean score of mental health was 177.51 ± 69.35, which indicates moderate psychiatric disorders. The positive symptom distress index (PSDI) was 0.22 ± 0.08. There was a significant association between all dimensions of mental health and the total score of mental health with gender (P &lt; 0.05). Also, a significant association was found between paranoid ideation and marital status (P = 0.024). There was no significant association between obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, and the total score of mental health with income level (P &gt; 0.05), but there was a significant association between other dimensions of mental health and income level (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Although in the present study, psychiatric disorders in patients with psoriasis were moderate, psychological counseling and psychiatric consultation are key to reduce the consequences of the disease and its progression.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health among individuals with primary immunodeficiency: results of a nationwide survey

The swiftly spreading COVID-19 pandemic may differentially affect individuals with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), who have variable infection risk, immune-dysregulation and report worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than the general population. Our objective was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare access, physical and mental health among adults with PIDs. Using data from the ongoing Immune Deficiency Foundation longitudinal surveys [April-June 2020 (IRB exempt)] on individuals with PIDs that opted-in [∼9% response-rate (2086/ 22,341 emails)], we included adults with available PROMIS global health/ HRQoL questions. New healthcare access problems during COVID-19 (immunoglobulin replacement (IgRT) delays, location/ product changes, medication issues or missed appointments) and resulting negative impact on physical/ mental health were analyzed using Chi-square (Fisher’s exact)/ t-tests/ Mann-Whitney tests. Of the 565 adults included (∼30% of adults that opted-in), majority were females [86% (485/561)] and antibody defects were the most common diagnosis [96% (543/565)]; 90% (507/565) on IgRT. While 63% (359/565) reported healthcare access problems, IgRT issues were infrequent [4% (23/565)]. Mean PROMIS global physical (39.6) and mental health scores (43.5) were below the national average (p <0.001) (longitudinal follow-up ongoing). Individuals with healthcare access problems more often reported a moderate-severe negative impact on their physical and mental health vs. those without access issues [84% (103/123) vs 58% (250/428), p< 0.01 and 70% (204/291) vs 57% (149/260), p< 0.01 respectively]. Healthcare access issues are common during COVID-19 and negatively impact physical and mental health among individuals with PIDs providing insight into potentially modifiable factors.

The effect of COVID-19 epidemic on the mental health of nurses' family members

BACKGROUND:The COVID-19 epidemic is a global health crisis that, in addition to physical health, has affected the mental health of all individuals, especially health-care workers, including nurses and family members. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 epidemic on mental health of nurses’ family members.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The present descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 year on family members of nurses working in Hajar Hospital for admission and hospitalization of patients with COVID-19, after obtaining the necessary permits and coordination. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory or contact droplets, a blog was designed to collect data using software. Participation in this study was voluntary. Data collection tools included consent, demographic questionnaire, and mental health questionnaire (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22.RESULTS:Findings of this study showed that out of 208 family members of nurses participating in this study, 96 were male and 112 were female and their mean age was 35.78 years, and 55.3% of the participants had university education. Their mean mental health score was 12.91 ± 3.75, so that 22.6% of people had mild depression, 71.4% of people had moderate depression, and 1.8% of people had severe depression. Independent t-test showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between mental health and gender and marital status (P < 0.001). Furthermore, one-way analysis of variance test showed that there is a significant relationship between mental health and age (P < 0.001); this test also showed that there is no relationship between education and mental health (P = 0.75).CONCLUSION:The results indicate that the mental health of nurses’ family members is affected by the challenges of COVID-19 epidemic time, so that many of them suffer from some degree of depression. Therefore, supporting this population requires urgent action.

Mental health of the people of northern Iran during the quarantine time of 2020 following the coronavirus epidemic.

BACKGROUND:Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious respiratory disease. Quarantine is often accompanied by unpleasant experiences for those who go through it. The aim of this study was to determine the mental health status of people during quarantine in northern Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted during the quarantine period of coronavirus. Conventional sampling was done from March 6 to April 6. Six hundred and forty-two individuals were included. Inclusion criteria were living in Sari and being home quarantined during the corona outbreak. Exclusion criteria included hospitalization history due to corona and unwillingness to participate in the study. In this study, the General Health Questionnaire-28 was used online to collect the required data. To analyze the data, descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test, analysis of variance, and correlation coefficient) were used.RESULTS:In this study, individuals were included in the investigation with a mean age of 38.74 ± 11.89 (ranged from 15 to 73). Most of the participants were female (72.85%) and married (71.34%). According to the results, 21.5% of the participants had poor mental health. Mean mental health scores have a statistically significant relationship with gender, marital status, education, occupation, quarantine period, patients with corona, and exposure to a patient with corona (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, a negative correlation coefficient was observed between age and mental health score (correlation coefficient = −0.31, significance >0.001).CONCLUSION:The average score of mental health has a significant relationship with gender, marital status, education, occupation, quarantine period, corona, and exposure to a patient with corona. Given the high prevalence of mental disorders in people during the COVID-19 epidemic, educating people and planning to reduce the psychological effects of the epidemic can be helpful.

Approach of the Health care providers towards COVID-19; Three months of Pandemic, Where do we stand now.

ABSTRACT:&#x0D; Background:&#x0D; COVID19 has been a disastrous pandemic infecting millions across the globe. Health care providers are the one who at an increased risk of contracting this infection due to their immense exposure.&#x0D; Our study aims to access the knowledge and mental status of HCPs after being through three months of this pandemic as they have witnessed the morbidities, mortalities and sufferings during this period.&#x0D; Method: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted including 309 Health Care Professional. They filled the self administered questionnaire which accessed the knowledge and mental health status. Categorical socio-demographic variables were measured by frequencies and percentages of occurrence while Numerical variables were measured as mean and standard deviations. Mean Knowledge and Mental health scores were calculated. Inferential statistics including Chi-square tests and T test which were applied to find the difference in responses by demographic characteristics. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between different variables.&#x0D; Results: Over all mean score for Knowledge was 10.18±1.7and Mean Mental health score were 12.4±3.89. Doctors had a higher mean Knowledge score (10.7±1.63) as compared to nurses (9.7±1.72 ) and paramedics(9.8±1.83). Among the Doctors, 84.9% had Good knowledge scores as compared to 60% and 61% of the nurses and paramedics respectively. Doctors had a lower mean Mental health score (11.51± 4.14) as compared to nurses (13.58±3.250) and paramedics (12.58±3.814) respectively. Females had a higher Mean Mental Health score as compared to males. (12.97±3.750 vs 11.81±3.967) Pearson Correlation analysis showed weak negative correlation between Knowledge and Mental health scores (r=-0.032, P value=0.57).&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Although it has been more than three months since COVID19 emerged to become a pandemic, there still remains a need to educate our health care professionals especially nurses and paramedics. Measures should be taken to alleviate the stress and depression of HCPs.&#x0D; &#x0D; Key Words: Health care professional, Knowledge scores, Mental health scores

Longitudinal increases in childhood depression symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown

ObjectiveThere has been widespread concern that so-called lockdown measures, including social distancing and school closures, could negatively impact children’s mental health. However, there has been little direct evidence of any...

The Quality of Life in Mothers of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Comparative Study in Tehran, Iran

Background &amp; Aim: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental health disorder among young children that affects the mothers’ lifestyles The aim of the present study was to consider the quality of life in Iranian mothers with ADHD children. Objective: In this comparative study, we compared the quality of life between mothers of ADHD children and mothers of normal children. Methods: In this descriptive study (2018-2019), a total of 75 mothers with ADHD children and 75 mothers with normal children, who were referred to referral educational hospital (Rasoul Hospital; Tehran, Iran) were evaluated. ADHD criteria were assessed by means of the SNAP-IV questionnaire, while the quality of life was evaluated by the SF-36 questionnaire. All data were analyzed by SPSS software. The environmental, mental, social physical, health and quality of life were compared between 2 groups. Results: The economic situation of mothers with normal children was average (73.3%) to good (16%), while in mothers with ADHD children the economic situation was average (45.3%) to poor (37.3%). Mothers’ employment in normal children group was 41.3%, but it was 14.6% in mothers with ADHD children. A significant difference was reported between two groups in the mean of environmental health score (p&lt;0.05), social relationships (p&lt;0.05), mental health (p&lt;0.05), physical health (p&lt;0.01) and quality of life (p&lt;0.01). The mean score of environmental health, social relationships, mental health, physical health and quality of life in ADHD mothers was significantly lower than mothers with normal children. Conclusion: The difficulties in the management of ADHD children negatively affect the quality of mothers’ lifestyles. Therefore, preventive, educational and therapeutic interventions are recommended to improve the mental health and the quality of life of mothers.

Happiness and Mental Health in Pre-Operative and PostOperative Transsexual People

Sex is one of the major social classes in any society. Gender identity as the most fundamental element of human life from beginning to end. While most people with behavior and attitudes appropriate to their physiological gender, but among them are also those sexual behaviors with their physical sex does not match, that say to this group transsexual people. The aim of this study was to investigate happiness and mental health in transsexual individuals before surgery and after surgery. This quasi-experimental study, consisted of 42 patients before surgery and after surgery inside Iran in 2016-2017. Snowball sampling method was selected. The instrument was Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) and Symptom Check List (SCL25). Data were analyzed using SPSS, t-test independent groups and oneway ANOVA. There was significant difference between transsexual individuals before surgery and after surgery in mean score of happiness (P<0.01) (t=-4/84). Moreover, there was significant difference between the two groups in mean score of mental health (P<0.01) (f=19/13). Transsexual individuals after surgery experienced more happiness and mental health than those before surgery.

A multicenter, prospective 2-year analysis of the Sidus stem-free shoulder arthroplasty system

BackgroundThe purpose of this multicenter, prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a stemless total shoulder arthroplasty compared with a traditional stemmed control.MethodsNinety-five shoulders were selected for participation in this Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption clinical trial and underwent stemless total shoulder arthroplasty. Subjects returned for follow-up at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 2 years postoperatively. Outcome measures included pain; range of motion; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder, and Short Form 12 scores; and radiographic review. Baseline data were compared with 2-year follow-up data to determine the rate of composite clinical success compared with the stemmed control.ResultsAll outcome assessments demonstrated significant improvements (P ≤ .007). The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 20 to 89 (P < .0001), and the mean shoulder pain score decreased from 8.3 ± 1.6 to 0.7 ± 1.5 (P < .0001). The mean Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder score decreased from 1443 ± 256 to 203 ± 267 (P < .0001). On the Short Form 12, the mean physical health score increased from 33 ± 7 to 48 ± 9 (P < .0001) and the mean mental health score increased from 50 ± 13 to 54 ± 8 (P = .007). Mean active forward elevation increased from 97° ± 27° to 143° ± 25° (P < .0001), and mean active external rotation increased from 21° ± 16° to 53° ± 18° (P < .0001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed an implant survivorship rate of 98% at 2 years. The composite clinical success rate was 87% compared with 85% for the stemmed control.ConclusionsThis study showed that a stemless rough-blasted humeral implant with metaphyseal bone fixation provides good clinical and radiographic outcomes and survivorship at 2 years, with outcomes comparable to a traditional stemmed implant.

The Relationship between Maternal Functioning and Mental Health after Childbirth in Iranian Women.

The postpartum period is critical for new mothers, in terms of performing maternal functions, which can be affected by physical or psychological complications. The purpose of the present study is to determine the relationship between maternal functioning and mental health in the postpartum period. This cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 530 eligible women who referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran in 2018. The participants were selected through randomized cluster sampling, and data were collected by using a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, Mental Health Inventory (MHI), and the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF). These assessments were collected between 1 and 4 months postpartum. The relationship between maternal functioning and mental health was determined by conducting bivariate analysis via Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis and the general linear model (GLM) in a multivariate analysis. The mean (SD) mental health score in women was 79.1 (15.0) in the obtainable score range of 18 to 108, and the mean (SD) BIMF score in women was 97.4 (12.9) in the obtainable score range of 0 to 120. Based on Pearson or Spearman correlations, mental health and its sub-domains had positive, significant correlations with infant care, mother–child interaction, mental well-being, social support, management, adjustment, self-care, and maternal functioning (p < 0.001). Based on the GLM, increased maternal functioning was associated with higher total mental health score, having a moderate income, and receiving support for infant care (p < 0.05). High levels of postpartum mental health can have a positive impact on maternal functioning. Additionally, having support with infant care tasks can also improve functioning.

Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral counseling on the mental health of premature infants’ mothers in neonatal intensive care unit

Introductionand Purpose: Mental health of mothers at the time of birth of premature infants is one of the important factors in the mental health of children and stability of their families. Maternal mental disorders impose heavy burdens on the second generation and the community. Due to psychological and emotional sensitivities, women are more susceptible than men to psychological injuries such as depression, anxiety, and other disorders during their children's sever problems. In such a situation, mothers can no longer establish a normal relationship with their children and the fear of taking care of premature hospitalized neonates leads to these disorders. Counseling with mothers at the time of hospitalization may help to improve their mental health. Therefore, the present study was done to investigate the effect of cognitive-behavioral counseling on the mental health of mothers with premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. MethodThis study was a clinical trial conducted on 50 mothers with premature infants in neonatal intensive care unit of Zeinabiyyeh Hospital of Shiraz in 2016-2017. Through purposive sampling, mothers who agreed to attend the sessions and fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to the control and intervention group. Goldberg-Hiller Questionnaire was used to measure their general mental health. The data were analyzed using SPSS Software Version 19. ResultsThe results showed that there was no significant difference between the control and intervention group before the counseling with regard to mean mental health scores and its subscales. After the intervention, a significant difference was observed between physical symptoms and anxiety/insomnia subscales and total mental health scores but no difference was observed with regard to social function and depression dimensions between two groups. ConclusionCognitive-behavioral counseling improved mental health and subscales of physical symptoms, anxiety/insomnia of mothers under study. This method can be used to improve the acute negative effects on the mental health of mothers with premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU)s.

The Association of Mental Health with Family Relationships and High-Risk Behaviors in Female Students of South-Eastern Iran

Objectives: The current study aimed at examining the association of mental health with family relationships and high-risk behaviors among female students in Iran. Methods: The current cross sectional study was conducted on 457 10th-grade students from four public female high schools in South-Eastern Iran. Information was collected using the General Health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) of mental health and Self-report questionnair of family relationships and high-risk behaviors with good content validity and reliability (α) 0.71. Data were analyzed by linear and binary logistic regression using SPSS version 15. Results: The mean scores of mental health and high-risk behaviors of the subjects were 31.06 ± 16.44 (of maximum 84), and 18.03 ± 3.72 (of maximum 78), respectively. The most prevalent problems were associated with social performance scale. Binary logistic regression showed a statistically significant relationship between mental disorders and communication with parents, as well as relationship with opposite gender and sleeping time. A significant correlation was also observed between mental health, family behaviors, relationship with opposite gender, nighttime sleep, being abused by parent, and high-risk behaviors (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The results suggest that parent the education and counseling programs should be designed and implemented to protect adolescents and prevent socio-mental problems and high-risk behaviors in them. Such program should also be used as a basis for healthy growth of students.

Sleep quality and health-related quality of life in workers of Kermanshah Industrial Town: A correlation study

Background:Sleep Quality (SQ) is one of the most important predictors of quality of life in individuals. This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of life and SQ of industrial male workers in Kermanshah.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 404 male workers selected by stratified sampling in the Kermanshah Industrial Town participated. The research questionnaires included demographic information checklist, the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed by SPSS18 software, using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and partial correlation tests.Results:The mean age of respondents was 35.33 ± 7.31; ranged from 20 to 62 years old. The mean score of mental health and physical health were 55.01 ± 21.62 and 54.96 ± 21.93, respectively. Out of all participants, 58.6% of participants had a score of 50 or less in terms of health-related quality of life (HRQL). Two dimensions of subjective SQ (1.48 ± 0.97) and sleep duration (1.48 ± 0.97) had the worst mean score, and sleep efficiency (0.05 ± 0.3) had the most favorable mean score. The results of the Pearson's correlation test showed that the total score of SQ had a negative and significant correlation with the main dimensions of quality of life (P < 0.001). The highest correlation was found between physical pain (r = 0.350) and mental health (r = 0.332) with SQ.Conclusion:This study showed that more than half of the workers reported poor HRQL. Besides, a considerable number of workers had some degree of sleep disorders. The results of the study showed that there is a moderate correlation between SQ and HRQL.

The effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy on mental health and quality of life among infertile couples: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION:Infertility by creating a disturbing and debilitating condition is considered as an important individual, public, and social health problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on mental health and quality of life in infertile couples.METHODS:In this randomized controlled trial, 54 infertile couples referring to the Sanandaj-Iran Infertility Clinic were assigned into two groups of counseling and control by random blocking with a 1:1 ratio. The consulting group received 8 weekly 90-min sessions of group counseling based on ACT. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and Fertility Quality of Life were completed before and 1 month after the completion of the intervention. Primary outcome measures were mean score of mental health and quality of fertility life. Independent t-test, ANCOVA, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to analyze data.RESULTS:There was no significant intergroup difference in demographic information (P > 0.05). One month after the end of the intervention, the mean overall mental health score in the couples of the counseling group was significantly less than the control group (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: −8.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −10.4–−6.4; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean overall score of quality of life in the counseling group couples was significantly more than the control group (aMD: 14.8; 95% CI: 11.8–17.9; P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Based on the effectiveness of counseling based on ACT on mental health and quality of life in infertile couples, it can be used in the infertility clinics. Health-care providers and counselors should train in the ACT courses to improve the mental health and quality of life of infertile couples.

The relationship between Life Style and mental health among medical students in Kermanshah.

INTRODUCTION:Given the close relationship between life style and mental health and the importance of students as valuable human resources, the present study aimed at determining the relationship between life style and mental health among medical students in Kermanshah.METHODS:This is a descriptive-correlational study that was conducted in 2018. The study involved 200 medical students. The sampling method was convenience sampling. Demographic questionnaire, general health questionnaire, and life style questionnaire were used for data collection. The data were analyzed Pearson's correlation test and regression analysis. The significance level was considered 0.05.RESULTS:The mean mental health score of the students was 25.43 ± 13.02 (2 points higher than the cutoff point of this test). The life style of 59.5 students was moderate. The results showed that all life style subscales had a negative significant relationship with the total mental health score and all its subscales (P < 0.05). Among the life style subscales, the highest relationship and predictive power to mental health were obtained for psychological health, social health, sport and fitness, and environmental health (R2 = 0.48, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:According to the results, the life style of most medical students in the final year of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences was moderate. Further, the students had a better life style, and they had higher mental health. Therefore, considering the vital role of medical students in providing and promoting community health, the need for more detailed planning and interventions to improve their life style and mental health is essential.

Perceived Health and Quality of Life in Patients With CKD, Including Those With Kidney Failure: Findings From National Surveys in France

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a major outcome measure increasingly used in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated the association between different stages of CKD and the physical and mental health domains of HRQoL. Cross-sectional study. 2,693 outpatients with moderate (stage 3, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], 30-60mL/min/1.73m2) or advanced (stages 4-5, estimated glomerular filtration rate<30mL/min/1.73m2, not on kidney replacement therapy [KRT]) CKD under the care of a nephrologist at 1 of 40 nationally representative facilities, 1,658 patients with a functioning kidney transplant, 1,251 patients on maintenance dialysis randomly selected from the national Renal Epidemiology and Information Network registry, and 20,574 participants in the French Decennial Health Survey, representative of the general population. Severity of kidney disease (moderate CKD, advanced CKD, maintenance dialysis as KRT, and functioning kidney transplant as KRT), compared with a sample of the general population. HRQoL scores assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey or the Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36 scale. Age- and sex-standardized (to the general population) prevalence of poor or fair health status was estimated for each study kidney disease group. Analysis of variance was used to estimate adjusted differences in mean physical and mental health scores between the kidney disease subgroups and the general population. Mean age was 67.2±12.6 (SD) years for patients with non-KRT-requiring CKD, 69.3±17.7 years for dialysis patients, and 55.3±14.2 years for those with functioning kidney transplants; 60% were men. Age- and sex-standardized health status was perceived as fair or poor in 27% of those with moderate CKD,>40% of those with advanced CKD or receiving dialysis, 12% with a functioning transplant, and 3% of the general population sample. HRQoL physical scores (adjusted for age, sex, education, obesity, and diabetes) were significantly lower in patients in all CKD subgroups than in the general population. For patients receiving dialysis, the magnitude of the difference in physical score versus the general population exceeded 4.5 points, the minimal clinically important difference for this score in this study; for both kidney transplant recipients and patients with advanced CKD, the magnitude of the difference was close to this threshold. For mental score, only dialysis patients had a score that differed from that of the general population by more than the minimal clinically important difference. Cross-sectional study design for each subpopulation. This study highlights the degree to which perceived physical health is lower in the setting of CKD than in the general population, even in the absence of kidney failure, and calls for greater attention to CKD-related quality of life.

Adherence to behavioral recommendations for weight loss and associated psychosocial factors among African American adults.

To identify patterns of behavioral adherence among 388 African Americans who participated in the Weight Loss Maintenance trial and examine associated psychosocial factors. Using repeated measures latent class analysis, we modeled patterns of adherence to recommendations regarding fruit and vegetable, total fat, and saturated fat intake and physical activity at baseline, 6, and 18months. Latent classes were compared on the SF-36 (mental health composite and vitality subscale), Perceived Stress Scale, and PHQ-8 at each time point. Three distinct latent classes emerged: Nutrition Adherers (n = 96); Physical Activity Adherers (n = 61); and Non-Adherers (n = 231). All groups showed initial improvement in psychosocial measures followed by relapse. Non-Adherers had significantly lower mean mental health and vitality scores and higher depression scores than adherers at 6 and 18months. Psychological well-being should be addressed with African Americans in weight loss treatment to enhance behavior change and improve weight loss outcomes.

Emotional Maturity and Mental Health Among New Couples Referred to Pre-Marriage Health Center in Karaj, Iran

Background: Emotional maturity and mental health are the foundation of a successful marriage and indeed emotional maturity is the key to a satisfying happy life. Objectives: This study aimed to assess emotional maturity and mental health among couples referred to pre-marriage health centers in the city of Karaj. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the main center of pre-marriage testing in Karaj from March 2012 to August 2012. Using randomized sampling method 547 couples participated and filled the questionnaires, including a demographic scale, emotional maturity scale (EMS), and Mental Health Inventory (GHQ 28). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, t student, Pearson, and Multiple Regression tests to assess the correlation between variables. Results: Results showed a significant positive relationship between emotional maturity and mental health of couples (r = 0.67; P < 0.05). There was an association between couples� emotional maturity and sex, religion, occupation, and previous marital history. Also, the relationship between mental health of couples and gender, place of birth, employment history and previous marital history wassignificant. Regression analysis also indicated that mental healthandhaving a permanent job were predictors of emotional maturity (P < 0.05). The mean score of emotional maturity was detected 91.3-21.6, which was interpreted as emotional instability, and the mean score of mental health was determined 16.2-9.9. Conclusions: The mental health and having a constant job can predict the level of emotional maturity. In addition, the results suggested that emotional maturity has a positive correlation with mental health. © 2019, Author(s).