Mean Perceived Stress Scale Score Research Articles

Stress and Anxiety Levels of International Nursing Students: Case of Northern Cyprus

Introduction: Stress is a multifaceted concept that focuses on changes in the interaction between people and their environment. Stress, which is increasing in developing and rich countries, is one of the biggest problems affcting the health sector, especially universities, and especially nursing practices. Aim: This study aimed to determine the stress and anxiety levels of undergraduate nursing students. Method: This descriptive study was conducted on 223 international nursing students studying at Near East University to determine the stress and anxiety levels of nursing students. Data were collected through online Google Forms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 Scale, Perceived Stress Scale and Sociodemographic questionnaire in December 2022 and January 2023. Results: Of the students participating in this study, 182 (81.6%) were female and 41 (18.4%) were male. Students' average Perceived Stress Scale score was 22.00 ± 8.52; Generalized Anxiety Disorder -7 Scale mean score were found to be 7.43 ± 6.43. Perceived Stress Scale average scores vary depending on students' grade point averages and alcohol/substance use while under stress. Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 Scale mean scores vary depending on alcohol/ substance use while under stress (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Educational programs should be organized to enable students to cope more effctively with the stressors they encounter. On the other hand, it is recommended to create learning environments that will help alleviate the stress and anxiety that students encounter during the education process.

Exploring the Experience of Academic Stress, Eating Behavior, and Food Choice among Black University Students

Introduction: Academic stress is a common problem faced by university students in the UK, and it tends to affect dietary practices. The study explored the experience of academic stress, eating behaviour and food choice among black university students. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. A convenience sampling technique was utilised. Validated outcome measures were used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Association between variables were considered significant at p< 0.050. IBM SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Result: The response rate was meagre (n=42). The mean perceived stress scale score was 20.49±6.71, depicting moderate academic stress. The mean food group diversity score (FGDS) was 9.32±1.16 in Nigeria and lesser (6.38±2.090) in the UK. Rate of Food group adequacy (FGA) was 36(97.3%) in Nigeria as compared to the UK 19(51.4%). Consumption of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – protective food groups (NCD protective) was higher (7.78±1.65) in Nigeria compared to the UK (4.35±2.41). However, consumption of food that predisposes to NCDs (NCD risk) was higher (7.73±1.84) in Nigeria, compared to the UK (5.16±3.59). Participants’ compliance with global dietary recommendations (GDR) was higher (9.054±2.449) in Nigeria compared to the UK (8.189±3.487). The differences between dietary indicators (FGDS, FGA, GDR, and NCD protective, NCD risk) scores in Nigeria and the UK were statistically significant as (p<0.01) in each case. Lastly, the academic stress level had a moderate negative significant correlation with their eating behaviour and food choices as measured by their GDR score (r=-.371, p=0.024). Conclusion: Stress level was moderate, which negatively affected their dietary quality suggesting the need to implement supportive measures and educational programmes that can contribute to better stress management and improved nutritional practices. Further studies should ensure usage of a large and more diverse sample to aid usability and generalizability of findings.

Relationship between Athletic Identity and Stress in Division II College Softball Players

Athletic identity (AI) can be defined as how an individual perceives themselves as an athlete. Although there are many resources for athletes when it comes to physical health, resources for mental health and balancing their AI with everyday life is sorely lacking. As a result, an athlete’s level of stress both inside and outside of their athletic career may increase. Stress that is related to high levels of AI can bring forth negative consequences, such as decreased concentration, focus, and poor academic performance, especially in the case of the student-athlete. The purpose of this study was to investigate stress in relation to AI in a Division II female softball team. Softball players (n = 27) completed the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The mean PSS score was 32.39 out of a 40-point scale. The AIMS mean only showed a moderate level of AI (45.61 of 70-point scale). Pearson correlational analysis demonstrated that only a minor association existed between AI and perceived stress, but this correlation was not statistically significant (r = .36, p = .093). Results and implications from this study are discussed as to optimize student-athletes’ mental well-being.

Perceived stress among Sri Lankans during the economic crisis: an online survey

Background: The Sri Lankan population's mental health was undoubtedly significantly impacted by the county’s economic crisis. This study investigated the prevalence of perceived stress and its socio-demographic predictor. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken in July-August 2022, using google forms. The respondents were assessed for socio-demographics, and the level of stress experienced over the previous month. Ten-item self-reported perceived stress scale (PSS) was used to assess stress levels analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used. Results: A total of 1214 respondents, aged ≥18 years were included in the survey. The majority were females (60%). The mean PSS score of this population was 21.95 ±6.09. More than half of the respondents reported moderate levels of stress (68.5%), while 23% registered high levels. A significant association was demonstrated between stress levels and variables age, gender, and residential area. Respondents below the age of 40 years (OR 1.936, 95% CI, 1.365-2.748, P<0.001) were more likely to report higher odds of having increased PSS scores, while men (OR 0.640, 95% CI, 0.491-0.835, P=0.001), and those without children (OR 0.556, 95% CI, 0.409-0.756, P<0.001) had significantly lower odds of reporting PSS. Conclusion: Respondents experienced moderate to high levels of stress during the financial crisis in Sri Lanka. Higher stress was predicted by younger age, female gender, and having children. The results highlight the urgent need for stress management interventions to boost resilience and improve psychological well-being in this situation.

Ağırlık Önemlidir: Belediye Otobüs Şoförlerinde Fazla Kilo ve Obezite Prevalansı ile Fiziksel Aktivite, Stres, Duygusal Yeme ve Diyet İlişkisinin İncelenmesi

Aim: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among municipal bus drivers in İstanbul province and
 explore the intricate relationships between weight status, physical activity levels, stress perception, emotional eating tendencies, and
 dietary patterns within this occupational group.
 Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 380 bus drivers. Data were collected through
 face-to-face interviews using a data collection tool consisting of an information form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
 Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Emotional Eating Scale (EES), and 24-hour Dietary Recall.
 Results: The findings revealed that 85.8% of the participants were overweight (52.6%) or with obesity (33.2%). The mean PSS score
 was 25.8±6.7, and the mean EES score was 29.3±10.8. The participants exhibited low physical activity levels (96.1%), with a mean
 of 246.2±165.4, signifying inactivity. Weak positive correlations were found between PSS and ESS scores. Dietary analysis showed a
 moderate energy intake of 1674.4±429.5 kcal. Individual variability in energy intake and nutrient consumption patterns was evident.
 Conclusion: The high prevalence of overweight and obesity among municipal bus drivers highlights the importance of targeted
 interventions for improved lifestyle and reduced health risks in this occupational group.

Correlation between levels for stress with level of empathy in undergraduate medical students.

To determine the correlation between levels of stress with level of empathy in all five years of undergraduate medical students of a private medical college in Pakistan. This descriptive correlation study was conducted at Al Tibri Medical College, Karachi from 15th June to 14th November 2021. Of the 500 students in the medical school, 408 participants filled out the questionnaires through online Google Forms. The student's version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE-S) estimated the self-reported student's empathy levels. At the same time, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was utilized to assess the student's levels of stress. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and correlation between empathy and perceived stress was calculated by Pearson's coefficient. A p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 408 participants, there were 217(53.2%) males, and 191(46.8%) females. The overall mean JSE-S score was 94.60±11.85, and the mean PSS score was 20.20 ±5.70. Empathy scores improved over the basic sciences years and then significantly decreased in the clinical years of medical college with a significant p-value of .019. The highest stress was present in third year medical students with a p-value of <.001. No statistically significant difference was present between empathy and stress levels (r = 0.04, p = .40). The study showed no statistically significant correlation between empathy and stress. Future research is needed to investigate other main factors for the decline in empathy among medical students.

Breath-centered virtual mind-body medicine reduces COVID-related stress in women healthcare workers of the Regional Integrated Support for Education in Northern Ireland: a single group study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers endured prolonged stress affecting their psychological well-being. Objectives: (1) Evaluate the effects of the Breath-Body-Mind Introductory Course (BBMIC) on COVID-related stress among employees of the Regional Integrated Support for Education, Northern Ireland, (2) Reduce the risk of adverse effects from COVID-related stress, and (3) Evaluate the effects of BBMIC on indicators of psychophysiological states and the consistency with hypothesized mechanisms of action. In this single group study, a convenience sample of 39 female healthcare workers completed informed consent and baseline measures: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Stress Overload Scale-Short (SOS-S), and Exercise-Induced Feelings Inventory (EFI). Following the online BBMIC 4 h/day for 3 days and the 6 week solo (20 min/day) and group practice (45 min weekly), repeat testing plus the Indicators of Psychophysiological State (IPSS) and Program Evaluation were obtained. Baseline (T1) mean PSS score was significantly elevated compared to a normative sample: PSS = 18.2 vs. 13.7 (p < 0.001) and improved significantly 11 weeks post-BBMIC (T4). SOS-S mean score declined from 10.7(T1) to 9.7 at 6 week post-test (T3). The SOS-S proportion of High Risk scores found in 22/29 participants (T1), dropped to 7/29 (T3). EFI mean subscale scores improved significantly from T1 to T2 and T3 for Revitalization (p < 0.001); Exhaustion (p < 0.002); and Tranquility (p < 0.001); but not Engagement (p < 0.289). Among RISE NI healthcare workers affected by COVID-related stress, participation in the BBMIC significantly reduced scores for Perceived Stress, Stress Overload, and Exhaustion. EFI Revitalization and Tranquility scores significantly improved. More than 60% of participants reported moderate to very strong improvements in 22 indicators of psychophysiological state, e.g., tension, mood, sleep, mental focus, anger, connectedness, awareness, hopefulness, and empathy. These results are consistent with the hypothesized mechanisms of action whereby voluntarily regulated breathing exercises change interoceptive messaging to brain regulatory networks that shift psychophysiological states of distress and defense to states of calmness and connection. These positive findings warrant validation in larger, controlled studies to extend the understanding of how breath-centered Mind-body Medicine practices could mitigate adverse effects of stress.

Stress and coping strategies among higher secondary and undergraduate students during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly affected lives around the globe and has caused a psychological impact among students by increasing stress and anxiety. This study evaluated the stress level, sources of stress of students of Nepal and their coping strategies during the pandemic. A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted during the complete lockdown in July 2020 among 615 college students. Stress owing to COVID-19 and the lockdown was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE) was used to evaluate coping strategies. To compare the stress level among participants chi-square test was used. The Student's t-test was used to compare Brief COPE scores among participants with different characteristics. The majority of study participants were female (53%). The mean PSS score was (±SD) of 20.2±5.5, with 77.2% experiencing moderate and 10.7% experiencing a high-stress level. Moderate to high levels of stress were more common among girls (92.6%) than boys (82.7%) (P = 0.001). However, there was a significant difference in perceived stress levels disaggregated by the students' age, fields and levels of study, living status (with or away from family), parent's occupation, and family income. The mean score for coping strategy was the highest for self-distraction (3.3±0.9), whereas it was the lowest for substance use (1.2±0.5). Students with a low level of stress had a higher preference for positive reframing and acceptance, whereas those with moderate to high levels of stress preferred venting. Overall, students experienced high stress during the lockdown imposed as part of governmental efforts to control COVID-19. Therefore, the findings of our study suggest stress management programs and life skills training. Also, further studies are necessary to conduct a longitudinal assessment to analyse the long-term impact of this situation on students' psychological states.

Perceived Stress and Hopelessness in COVID-19 Contacts

Aim: We aimed to determine the perceived stress and hopelessness levels in COVID-19 patient contacts.Materials and Methods: The study included all COVID-19 contacts who presented to a family health center in Niğde, Turkey between August and October 2020. The data were collected from contacts who were reached daily for a period of 14 days using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The data were analyzed using the SPSS package program, and p&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: While 55.8% of the participants were female, 71% were married, and 46.9% had a chronic disease. The mean age of the participants was 53.44 years. Their mean BHS and PSS scores were 4.40±3.33 and 25.07±5.98, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was found between the participants’ places of residence and occupations and their mean BHS loss of motivation subscale scores (p&amp;lt;0.05). Among the participants, homemakers, those living in districts, towns, or villages, and those with chronic diseases had significantly higher PSS total scale and.stress-distress subscale mean scores than the others. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the ages of the participants and their PSS total scale and stress-distress subscale scores (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: Although the hopelessness levels of the participants were found low, their stress levels were determined to be high, and most of them thought the pandemic was exaggerated. Due to the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic such as shock, denial, anxiety, worry, and stress in people, it is important to strengthen crisis and stress management efforts and increase awareness, coping and social support resources by prioritizing high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, women, the elderly, those with chronic diseases, and COVID-19 contacts.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors For Poor Sleep Quality Amongst Medical Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Undergraduate medical students have consistently been shown to have high prevalence of mental health disorders in comparison to their peers from non-medical backgrounds and sleep quality is a critical aspect for maintaining mental wellbeing. The aim of this study is to compile prevalence on poor sleep quality and analyze its potential risk factors. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University. Undergraduate medical students asked to fill out a self-reported questionnaire that was sent via email which included the 14-point Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). 302 students responded and the data was analyzed using chi square and logistic regression to determine their association with Sex, BMI, Year of Study and Academic Score. Results: The mean age of study participants was 21.58 + 1.41 years and majority were males (58%). The mean PSQI, ESS and PSS scores were 6.35 + 3.28, 7.72 + 4.58 and 28.38 + 7.81 respectively. 11.3% of participants reported poor sleep quality, which was significantly associated with female sex and academic performance. 28.5% of students had excessive daytime sleepiness, which was significantly associated with female sex and academic year (first year). “Stress” and “Overthinking/Anxiety” were the two most common self-reported reasons for Poor Sleep Quality. 85.4% of students were stressed with an average PSS score of 28.38 + 7.81. Conclusion: This study therefore shows a high prevalence of stress with moderate sleep disturbance prevalence, which was associated with female sex and academic performance.

Longitudinal study of mental health changes in residents affected by an initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China.

The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, and the world continues to work to defeat it. We designed this study to understand the longitudinal change in the mental health of residents who experienced the initial disease outbreak in China and to explore the long-term influencing factors. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered to the same sample four times: during the initial outbreak (T1), 1 month later (T2), 18 months later (T3), and 26 months later (T4). A total of 397 participants completed all of the follow ups. The mean PSS scores among the four time points showed significant differences (F = 183.98, P < 0.001), with the highest score at T1 (15.35 ± 7.14), a sharp decline at T2 (11.27 ± 6.27), an obvious rebound at T3 (15.17 ± 7.46), and finally a slight decrease at T4 (14.41 ± 7.99). Among the four mean GAD-7 scores, significant differences were also found (F = 242.0, P < 0.001), with the trend that from T1 (7.42 ± 6.03) to T2 (7.35 ± 5.88), the scores remained steady, while they showed an apparent decline at T3 (5.00 ± 5.30) and no obvious change at T4 (4.91 ± 4.81). There were no significant differences among the mean PHQ-9 scores (F = 1.256, P < 0.284). The long-term influencing factors differed for stress, anxiety and depression, but all three were influenced by a history of psychosis at T4, quarantine status and whether the participants' family members were infected during the initial outbreak. The survey revealed that repeated outbreaks in other areas also had an impact on those who experienced the initial outbreak, with a return of stress, a decline in anxiety, and no change in depression, which provides direction for interventions in the future.

PCR46 Assessing the Mental Health of Secondary School Students in the Light of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of high school students as well. Prolonged confinement, social isolation, fear of the disease, or the loss of a close family member are all experiences that students may have endured. Our aim was to assess students’ health and risk behaviours, relationships, and mental health after the fifth wave of COVID-19. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out between 2022.03.01. and 2022. 04.15. We selected Hungarian secondary school students between 15-20 years of age (N=150). Our self-administered questionnaire consisted of questions about socio-demographic factors, perceived health status, peer relationships, satisfaction with life and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The majority of our sample are girls, vocational students and were living in villages. The mean age is 16.85±1.51 years. Most of them spend two hours a day in front of the TV, and an additional three hours with other electronic tools in their free time. 20.8% of students have four, 19.8% have three, 18.8% have five close friends. 52.1% rate their health as “good”, 31.3% as “appropriate”. The mean score of their life satisfaction is 6.34±1.85. Average score of PSS was 31.74± 9.13. The mean PSS score of girls (33.07±9.07) are significantly higher than the boys’ (25.88±6.96; p=0.001). There is no relation between age and PSS score (p=0.161), or the type of school (p=0.412). The study showed significant stress and symptoms of mental problems, especially among girls. The information revealed allows for a better understanding of the health indicators and psychological characteristics of adolescents. Our results provide information for the development of prevention programs, thereby contributing to the reduction of adolescents’ behavioural disorders.

Changes in Perceived Stress of Pharmacy Students Pre- and Mid-COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine (1) the difference in perceived stress in first-year pharmacy students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) the difference in perceived stress among pharmacy students working different numbers of hours. Methods: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), via an electronic survey, was administered throughout 2016–2021 using Qualtrics. End-of-year PSS scores were compared between the pre-pandemic group (2016–2018) and mid-pandemic group (2019–2021) using independent t-test and ANCOVA. All analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistic Version 28.0. Results: A total of 209 first-year pharmacy students participated (response rate of 88%). No significant difference in mean PSS score was detected in the mid-pandemic cohort when compared to pre-pandemic. The mean PSS score was greater in those who worked greater than 10 h weekly compared to those who worked less. Those who did not work had an even greater mean PSS score than those who worked. Conclusions: No significant difference was observed in perceived stress between the pre-pandemic and mid-pandemic cohorts, and an increased perceived stress score was observed in pharmacy students who did not work in comparison to students who worked 1–9 h and 10–29 h.

The Effect of Working in A Hospital Offering Pandemic-Related Services on the Perceived Stress and Anxiety Levels of Nurses During Covid-19: A Case of Two Hospitals

This descriptive and comparative study analyzed the effect of working conditions on the stress and anxiety levels of nurses in hospitals treating patients affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study was performed with a total of 304 nurses working in one hospital that provided pandemic-related services and another one that did not. An introductory information form, perceived stress scale (PSS), and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) were used to collect data online. Before starting the study, ethics committee approval, institutional permission, and informed consent from the nurses included were obtained. The mean BAI scores of the nurses who worked in the hospital not offering pandemic-related services were similar to those of the nurses working in the hospital that did, whereas their mean PSS scores were significantly higher. There was a significant positive correlation between PSS and BAI (P &lt; 0.001).

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EATING DISORDERS AND STRESS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) primarily psychiatric conditions still under-reported in Saudi Arabia, especially among medical students who are mostly in the high-risk groups for their teenage period and exposure to stress. Therefore, this study evaluated the association between eating disorders and stress among medical students in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Tabuk University, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on medical students using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Pearsons correlation and chi-square test were used to correlate and compare variables with p&lt;0.05 for statistical significance. Results: We received 373 responses. Most respondents were aged 21-23 years (41.8%), 60.3% were female, 98.6% were single, 13.9% had medical conditions, 15.3% were smokers, and 47.5% reported rarely or never doing physical exercises. We found a mean EAT score of 15.28 ± 13.3 and a mean PSS score of 20.59 ± 4.7. Respondents at high risk of EDs were 27.9%, and 82.8% had moderate stress levels. Medical conditions (p=0.005) and physical exercises (p=0.035) significantly positively correlated with a high risk of EDs.High stress levels were associated with smoking (p=0.032), medical conditions (p=0.027), female gender (p=0.003) and poor academic performance (0.009). This study determined no statistically significant association between EDs and perceived stress levels (P=0.285). Conclusion: These findings indicate that EDs risks and stress levels are high among medical students, highlighting the need for addressing the issue. Though no significant association between EDs and perceived stress levels could be established, stress is predominant among the studied students and should be addressed to produce high-quality medical doctors.

A STUDY OF SHORT TERM EFFECT OF YOGA, PRANAYAMA AND DHYANA ON ANXIETY SCORE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Medical student is in a new state of challenging and stressful environment. Beyond certain levels, however, continuous exposure to stress may negatively impact their physical and mental health. Yoga is an ancient science and art of exercise, associated with a set of practices which are made to promote the health and well-being through the integration of the body, breath, and the mind and at spiritual level yoga creates happiness and peace with oneself. The following study was conducted in1st MBBS students of ACSR Government medical college to study the effects of short term yoga on anxiety score. Feedback in the form of proformawas takenfrom thestudents to know their attitude towards yoga and how it had been benefited them.60 students of First MBBS with in the age group of 17-19 yrs were voluntarily participated in this study. The students recruited for the study underwentthe following program for 1 hour, daily for 8weeks. The sessions included Yogasanas 40 min , Pranayama 15 min andDhyana 10 min. Data were collected using sociodemographic status that includes name, age, religion, level of education, address and two self reportedquestionnaires.Anxiety and stress were measured using Spielberger State‑Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaires, respectively. The mean PSS scores and STAI of the participants after intervention was reduced and were are statistically significant.

Stress, anxiety and depression levels in pregnancy: outpatient versus inpatient

Objective To compare stress, anxiety and depression levels among 3 groups of pregnant women: 1) low-risk outpatient (LRO), 2) high-risk outpatient (HRO), and 3) inpatient (IP). Methods This was a cross-sectional study using validated instruments. Inclusion criteria were pregnancies 23–37 weeks and maternal age > 18 years. The primary outcome was mean/median scores of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS). Secondary outcome was rate of abnormal scores. Results Among 190 women approached, 180 (95%) participated, with 60 (33%) in each group. Mean PSS scores (range 0–40) significantly increased from LRO (12.0, standard deviation [SD] 7.8) to HRO (14.7, SD 7.9) to IP (15.6, SD 8.2); p = .04. Mean STAI scores (range 20–80) also significantly increased from LRO (32.0, SD 11.1) to HRO (35.8, SD 11.9) to IP (40.9, SD 13.1); p < .01. Abnormal anxiety (STAI ≥ 40) was present in 40% of women and significantly higher among IP compared to LRO (56% vs 25%; RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.36–3.67; aRR 2.24, 95% CI 1.34–3.74). Conclusion Stress and anxiety scores significantly differ in LRO, HRO, and IP women. While depression screening is common postpartum, screening for stress, anxiety and depression prenatally may be beneficial.

The effect of pet therapy on the stress and social anxiety levels of disabled children: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivePet therapy is an effective method in reducing stress and anxiety levels in the treatment and care of children. This study aimed to determine the effects of pet therapy on the stress and social anxiety levels of physically disabled children. MethodThis study was a single-blind randomized controlled experimental study with a pre-test, post-test and follow-up design. The study was carried out between November 2019 and September 2020 in two separate Special Education and Rehabilitation Centers with a total of 44 physically disabled children, 23 in the control and 21 in the intervention group, who met the inclusion criteria. The NCT number of this study is NCT04231799. The data of the study were obtained through Personal Information Form (PIF), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Social Anxiety in Children Scale-Revised Version (SACS-R) and blood pressure measurements. A pet therapy program was applied to the intervention group. Apart from the standard training given in the rehabilitation center, no intervention was made on the control group ResultsAfter the pet therapy program intervention, it was found that there was a decrease in the mean PSS and SACS-R scores of the children in the intervention group, and this decrease was significant compared to the individuals in the control group (p<0.05). ConclusionIt was determined that the pet therapy program was an effective intervention in reducing the stress and social anxiety levels of the physically disabled children.

Perceived job stress and COVID- 19 pandemic related stress predictors among Nurses working in Saudi Arabia

Objective: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic hastens the global health care systems which take the lead to great psychological stress on health care professionals especially nurses with COVID-19 illness patient care. This study focused on perceived job stress and covid-19 pandemic related job stress predictors among nurses working in ministry of health hospitals and health centers in Muhayil Aseer town, Saudi Arabia during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study addressed to examine the prevalent perceived job stress and covid-19 related perceived job stress predictors among nurses. A web-based google form english questionnaire was designed in sections aimed at collecting socio demographic and job variables, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Covid-19 pandemic related job stress predictors questionnaire. The data were collected using convenient sampling technique.Results: 164 nurses have participated in this study among them, the overall nurses 97.57 % had experienced job stress during peak time of Corona virus spread and of them more than half (59.76 %) of the (98) nurses had moderate level of job stress and the mean PSS score 21.8 that represents moderate stress level. In multivariate regression analysis model, the perceived safety risk (LR= 95.53, χ² (6) = 27.91, P=.000), perceived worry (LR= 97.23, χ²(6) = 29.60, P=.000) and perceived work difficulty (LR= 100.92, χ²(6) = 33.29, P=.000) were found as significant predictors of perceived job stress during Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: This study revealed that job stress is a common prevailing problem among nurses and the COVID-19 pandemic related job stress predictors were perceived safety risk and perceived worry about health while covid-19 exposure and perceived work difficulty as overworked during pandemic. Although efforts were enhanced to support their psychological well-being, more attention should be paid to the mental health of nursing staffs. The study recommends that strong strategy improvements need to be held in the health care institutions to reduce nurses' stress and enable them to combat the ongoing and future occurrences of pandemic effectively.

Cognition improvement strategies, study behaviours and stress among medical students of Dow University of Health Sciences: A cross-sectional study.

To determine the effects of cognition improvement strategies on academic performance, stress and sleep quality of medical students. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from March 2019 to March 2020, and comprised medical students regardless of gender and academic year. Academic performance was assessed through grade point average, while stress and sleep were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 770 subjects, 748(97%) formed the final sample with mean age 20.32±1.49 years; 619(82.7%) females and 129(17.2%) males. Overall, there were 655(87.6%) consumers of cognitive enhancers and 93(12.4%) non-cunsumers. The mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of consumers was 6.05±3.306, while that of non-consumers was 5.80±3.701. The respective mean Perceived Stress Scale scores were 21.18±6.09 and 20.5±6.8. There was no significant association of consumption of cognitive enhancers with academic performance and stress levels (p>0.05), but it was significant with sleep quality (p<0.05). Majority of the students were found to be consuming cognitive enhancers, but no significant association of the stimulants was found with either academic performance or stress.