Mean Perceived Stress Score Research Articles

Stress and Self-Efficacy in Parents/Caregivers and Oral Health of Individuals with Down Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The family of individuals living with Down Syndrome (DS) often demonstrate high levels of stress associated with the demand for care and difficulties experienced in everyday life. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess perceived stress by parents/caregivers of individuals with DS and its association with general perceived self-efficacy and dental outcomes, considering the COVID-19 pandemic's impacts on family's daily activities and finances. A sample of 257 parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire with socioeconomic, dental, and behavioral variables and the short version of the Perceived Stress Scale and the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale. The sample was divided into three groups based on perceived stress levels. Associated variables were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression (level of significance 5%), adjusting for socioeconomic factors. The mean perceived stress score was 17.84 ± 5.75 (0-39). Medium stress (second tertile) was associated with finger/nail biting in individuals with DS (OR = 2.05; 95%CI 1.04-4.03; p = 0.038), difficulty in performing oral hygiene (OR = 2.39; 95%CI 1.23-4.65; p = 0.011) and medium and high self-efficacy (OR = 0.12; 95%CI 0.05-0.31; p < 0.001 and OR = 0.38; 95%CI 0.15-0.98; p = 0.046, respectively); high stress (third tertile) was associated with medium and high self-efficacy (OR = 0.25; 95%CI 0.09-0.67; p = 0.006 and OR = 0.05; 95%CI 0.02-0.15; p < 0.001, respectively) and negative impact of COVID-19 in family finances (OR = 3.00; 95%CI 1.39-6.44; p = 0.005). It was concluded that parents/caregivers' perceived stress was averaged and associated with self-efficacy, finger/nail biting, oral hygiene demands, and the financial impact of COVID-19.

Prevalence and Predictors of Stress Among Caregivers of Children with Developmental Disorders.

Medical care advances pose challenges with rising caregiving costs and fewer informal caregivers, shifting healthcare responsibilities to families. Healthcare systems adapt to technological changes, stressing person-centered care but lack support for caregivers. Addressing parental stress is crucial, given its impact on both parent and child well-being, highlighting the necessity for customized support. The study aimed to evaluate caregivers' perceived stress and its connection with socio-demographic factors and children's characteristics. Conducted at a Rehabiltation Institute's Psychology Outpatient Department, 200 mothers were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Ethical clearance was obtained, and demographic data were collected. The mean perceived stress score (PSS-10) was 31.94, indicating a positive correlation between stress and socio-demographic and disability-related variables. Significant differences in stress levels were observed between joint and nuclear family caregivers, p < .01, and those with daughters versus sons with disabilities < 0.001. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between perceived stress and caregiver p = < 0.001 and child age p = < 0.001, number of children p = < 0.001, and time since diagnosis p = < 0.001, with negative correlations with caregiver education p = < .001and income p = < 0.001. Multiple linear regression indicated that caregiver and child age, time since diagnosis, and the number of children positively predicted while income and education of the caregiver negatively predicted perceived stress. No significant association was found between other variables like family volunteers' education, disability type, and caregiver stress. Caregivers exhibited high perceived stress levels, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between child characteristics and parental stress, emphasizing the need for comprehensive family interventions.

Navigating Perceived Stress: Experiences of Nursing Students Completing Internships during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain.

Background: University students often experience psychological strains such as academic stress, particularly as they approach the transition into the workforce. This stress may have been heightened for nursing students who completed internships during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perceived stress levels of undergraduate nursing students. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted using the Spanish version of the PSS-10 scale, a validated reduction of the English version PSS-14, to evaluate perceived stress. The responses are Likert-type with a total score range of 0 to 40. Questionnaires were distributed electronically to nursing students across all academic years who were engaged in clinical practice. Participation was voluntary. Results: The study included 487 students, the majority of whom were women (78.4%) with an average age of 23.51 years. Most participants were in their third and fourth years (67%). The mean perceived stress score was 20.65 (SD = 5.62) out of a possible 40, indicating moderate stress levels. Statistically significant differences in perceived stress were found between genders, with women reporting higher stress levels than men (Mann-Whitney U = 15,380.000; p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between the overall perceived stress score and gender, as well as between specific items on the PSS-10 scale and gender, highlighting the importance of gender-specific stress management interventions. Conclusions: Nursing students reported moderate levels of perceived stress, with women experiencing higher stress levels than men. These findings highlight the need for targeted stress management interventions for nursing students, especially during health crises. Addressing gender-specific stressors and fostering a supportive educational environment will enhance students' well-being, academic success, and professional preparedness.

Interval life events are an important determinant of heterogeneity in outcomes in a randomised trial: a novel, simple method of assessment

ObjectiveAlthough life events are clearly important to health, most of the scientific focus has been on baseline life events that occur prior to a study. Life events that occur after...

The effects of a hospital-to-home care transition program on perceived stress and readiness for hospital discharge in mothers of children with congenital heart disease undergoing corrective surgery

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a hospital-to-home care transition (H2H-CT) program on perceived stress and readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) in mothers of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing corrective surgery. MethodsThis study used a quasi-experimental design and involved 78 mother-child dyads, 40 dyads in the intervention group and 38 dyads in the control group, who were affected by CHD undergoing corrective surgery. The participants received the H2H-CT program, which consisted of six face-to-face training sessions during hospitalization and six telephone counselling sessions. For perceived stress, data were collected at four intervals, including baseline, immediately, one month and three months after completion of the intervention. For RHD, data were collected at two times: baseline and immediately after the intervention. ResultsThe results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the mean perceived stress score in mothers of children with CHD in intervention group before, immediately, four weeks and eight weeks after H2H-CT (P < 0.001). The results also indicated a significant increase in the mean RHD score in the intervention group following H2H-CT (P < 0.001). ConclusionThe H2H-CT program was found to be an effective intervention in reducing perceived stress and increasing RHD in mothers of children with CHD who undergoing corrective surgery. Implications to practiceThe results can be used by the nursing planners, nursing instructors, and pediatric nurses to use the results to enhance the mental health of mothers and enable them to provide quality care at home.

Radiographers' workload and burnout on performance: an empirical study.

To assess the prevalence of burnout among radiographers, and whether demographic variables and work-related factors had any influence on burnout and perceived stress among them. A cross-sectional quantitative survey design is adopted in this study. The participants included radiographers from Saudi Arabia. Both Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used for data collection. Participation was voluntary, and the survey was conducted online, resulting in 322 final responses considered for the data analysis. The mean emotional exhaustion (EE) score achieved was 26.01, representing medium burnout risk. However, the mean depersonalization (DP: μ = 25.25) and personal accomplishment (PA: μ = 23.65) represented high burnout risk among radiographers. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the participants grouped by genders, age groups, nature of work type, and work experience. The mean perceived stress score for radiographers was identified to be 27.8, indicating high. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms within the radiology profession, particularly focusing on younger radiographers and those with extensive work experience.

Nutritional Status and Perceived Stress of Healthcare Professionals in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Background: The healthcare profession has been associated with stress which has been found to affect nutritional status. Purpose: This study was aimed at evaluating the perceived stress-nutritional status nexus of healthcare professionals in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 414 healthcare professionals. The study sample was obtained by using a two-stage cluster sampling approach. Data on socio-demographic and meal pattern was collected through a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) was obtained from height and weight measurements and classified as underweight (BMI&lt;18.5), normal weight (BMI=18.5-24.99), overweight (BMI=25.0-29.99), obesity (BMI≥30). Perceived stress was evaluated using the perceived stress scale version 10 (PSS-10). Data were analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26 and subjected to Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to establish relationship and predictors of perceived stress at 5% level of significance. The healthcare professionals’ age was 35.91±9.31 years with 86.2% being ≤ 45 years and 60% were females. Two meals a day were taken by 85.7%. BMI showed 49.3% to be overweight/obese. The mean perceived stress score was 15.02 with 47.6% having high perceived stress. Age (p=0.016), gender (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.001) and professional group (p=0.048) had significant relationship with perceived stress. The association between BMI and perceived stress was not significant (Chi-square = 0.562; p=0.905). Predictors of stress were gender (OR: 0.505, CI=0.308-0.830; p=0.007) and marital status (OR: 1.914, CI=1.143-3.208; p=0.014). Conclusion: The study showed high level of obesity and perceived stress. Nutrition education intervention is recommended.

Birth and early parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in the Austrian and German population

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, new mothers and their babies represent a particularly vulnerable group. This study investigates the effects of the pandemic on the pregnancy and childbirth experience, as well as on postnatal stress and depression levels. MethodsAn online survey was completed by 1964 Austrian and German mothers who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey included the Pregnancy Distress Questionnaire (PDQ), the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS), the Perceived Stress Score (PSS), and additional pregnancy- and pandemic-related questions. We conducted multilinear regression models in order to investigate which factors predict childbirth experience, stress and depression scores. FindingsThere was a high prevalence of depression symptoms (42%), though the mean EPDS score was 8·71 (SD = 5·70), below the cut-off for depression of 10. The prevalence of high stress scores was 9%, and the mean PSS score was 17·7 (SD = 6·64), which indicates moderate perceived stress. The pandemic reduced the time spent with grandparents, as well as the help received by the mother from relatives and friends. Not receiving help was associated with higher stress and depression scores. In the multilinear regression models, the most important predictor for a negative childbirth experience was a high-risk pregnancy, while the strongest predictors for high stress and depression levels were low social support and negatively perceived pandemic repercussions on financial, social or health aspects of family life. InterpretationThe results suggest that the pandemic had an impact on maternal mental health. While the perceived consequences due to the pandemic negatively affected the postnatal depression and stress levels, perceived social support acted as a protective factor.

Hypertensives versus Normotensives: Study on Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Determinants among Industrial Workers, Hyderabad, South India.

Establishing an association between the coping strategies, stress, and lifestyle determinants with blood pressure levels among industrial workers is very essential to incorporate in the management of hypertension. A cross-sectional study was undertaken at three factories located in Hyderabad on a camp-based approach which employed the usage of two standardized data collection tools-brief cope inventory scale and perceived stress scale along with other lifestyle determinants. There were 256 study participants consisting of 144 known diagnosed cases of hypertension and 112 normotensives. Overarching coping styles mainly emotion-focused and avoidant mean scores were found to be significantly higher among the hypertensive group compared to non-hypertensives with the following facets: planning, venting, self-distraction, substance use, and behavior disengagement having higher scores and low humor scores. Mean perceived stress score, increased mean body mass index, sedentary lifestyle, and family history of hypertension were found to be statistically significant with increased odds ratio among the hypertensives group. A need exists to target this group with psychological interventions of cognitive behavior therapy at the earliest to improve the coping strategies which can be incorporated into the management of hypertension.

The Effect of an Educational-Supportive Intervention on the Perceived Stress and Nutritional Status of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Background: Managing stress and improving the nutritional status of cancer patients can lead to better physical and mental conditions, more desirable treatment outcomes, and improved feelings and engagement in the treatment process. Objectives: This study sought to examine the effect of an educational-supportive intervention on the perceived stress and nutritional status of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 women with breast cancer admitted to Khatam Al-Anbia (PBUH) and Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS) hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2022. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly divided into 2 intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, participants attended 4 training sessions focusing on the patients’ common problems, proper nutrition, and prescribed treatment. The training session was performed at the patient’s bedside and lasted 45 - 60 minutes. In the control group, patients received no intervention except for hospital routine training. Data were collected from both groups before and 6 weeks after the intervention using the Perceived Stress Scale and patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 using the paired-samples t test, independent samples t test, and chi-square test. Data analysis was performed at a significance level of less than 0.05 (P &lt; 0.05). Results: The mean perceived stress scores were changed from 52.250 ± 2.284 to 32.125 ± 7.390 in the intervention group and 51.475 ± 2.773 to 48.425 ± 2.011 in the control group. The mean perceived stress scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, the mean scores of the nutritional status were changed from 7.005 ± 41.40 to 1.94 ± 19.95 in the intervention group and 7.561 ± 40.58 to 5.177 ± 49.65 in the control group. The mean nutritional status scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Given the positive effect of the educational-supportive intervention on reducing stress and improving nutritional status, these interventions can be incorporated into training and care programs to improve nutritional status and reduce stress in patients with breast cancer.

A Survey to Assess the Prevalence of Stress and Stressors among Medical Students

Background: Stress has an effect on the cognitive performance of medical students, which leads to poor health and burnout. Aim: To figure out how much stress medical students perceive and what the likely stressors are. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in medical colleges of Faisalabad. Study duration was 4 months (October 2021 to January 2022). A sample size of 380 was taken. The inclusion criteria included medical undergraduate students and who gave consent while those who didn’t give the consent and who were not medical students were excluded.Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used for collection of study participants. Data was collected from medical students. Time required to complete the questionnaire was 5 - 10 min. A questionnaire titled “The Perceived Stress Scale (14 items)” was used. Results: Majority of the students were having moderate stress. The mean perceived stress score of participants was 29.79±5.3. Mean perceived stress score of males and females was 29.56±5.41 and 29.94±5.18 respectively. Class 2nd year MBBS showed the highest mean of perceived stress score as 31.79±6.39 than other classes. Also, younger age group perceived more stress. Among the stressors, academic and psychosocial stressors played significant role as compared to environmental stressors. Conclusion: The perceived stress is higher among younger age group, class 2nd year MBBS students and females. Academic and psychosocial stressors were more common in participants than environmental. Personal and institutional initiatives are urgently required to keep medical students from becoming distressed. Medical students must be taught coping mechanisms and self-care practices. It is critical to underline that, in complement to teaching students, it is also critical to consider the students' well-being during their years of medical study. These things can be applied to community as well and with help of this study, their stress factors can be assessed and coping mechanisms can be advised. Keywords: Academic, psychological, medical, prevalence, students, stress, stressors

Indian diabetic risk score as a screening tool for assessment of diabetes in urban and rural areas in Andhra Pradesh

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in Andhra Pradesh and Indian diabetes risk score (IDRS) is a cost-effective tool for screening of undiagnosed diabetic individuals in the community. The objectives of this study were to assess the sensitivity and specificity of IDRS method as a screening tool in community as well as to determine the importance of stress scale in relation with diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to May 2022 among 18 years and above residing in select areas of Prakasam and Visakhapatnam districts. House to house survey was done for collecting data on IDRS with pretested questionnaire. Cohen's perceived stress scale was used to assess the level of stress. Results: Out of 200 study subjects, 53.5% were males, mean age was 40.13±15 years and 23% were illiterate. The overall prevalence of diabetes was 21.0%, as per IRDS, 20.5% were in low-risk category. 44.5% and 31.5% were in moderate and high-risk category respectively. No physical exercise- 45 (71.7%), consumption of non-vegetarian food- 43 (65%), low consumption of fruits- 47 (74.6%) among high-risk category. Sensitivity of IDRS was 50.6%, specificity 71.6%, positive predictive value 33.8% and negative predictive value 86.3%. Mean perceived stress score was found to be 19.5±4.03.Conclusions: This study estimated the usefulness of Indian diabetes risk score for identifying high risk diabetic subjects in Indian urban population so that proper intervention can be done to reduce the burden of disease. Stress may be included in the IDRS.

Prenatal Anxiety, Perceived Stress, and Coping Behaviour regarding Covid-19 among Pregnant Women at a selected Hospital, Kochi, South India

Background: The uncertainty brought about by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease threatens the mental well-being of pregnant women with stress and anxiety. Further, pregnancy is a period of mixed feelings, aggravated by hormonal imbalances. This study aimed to describe pregnant women’s prenatal anxiety, perceived stress, and coping behaviour. Method: The study (N=384) utilised a cross-sessional design. Respondents were recruited by consecutive sampling. Through online mode, a structured proforma was used to collect demographics. The “Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale” was used to measure the prenatal anxiety level. Perceived stress was examined by administering the “Perceived Stress Scale,” and the “Brief Cope Scale” was used to assess the coping behaviour among participants. The data were analysed to determine the level of Covid-19-related anxiety, perceived stress, and coping behaviour adopted by the participants. This was done by using SPSS software, IBM SPSS 20, and p&lt;0.05level of significance. Results: The majority of pregnant women, 210(55%), showed moderate anxiety. Their anxieties were related to Covid-19. The commonly found anxiety symptoms among pregnant women in this study were wobbliness in the legs, a feeling of hotness, numbness or tingling, faint or light-headedness, and hot or cold sweats. There was a moderate positive correlation (r=0.566, significant at p&lt;0.001) between perceived stress and prenatal anxiety. The Coefficient of Determination showed that 32% of prenatal anxiety was accounted for by the perceived stress of the mother. The mean perceived stress score was 16.88+6.218, with a range of 9, and the mean coping behaviour score was 57.99+20, with a range of 20. The degree of correlation between perceived stress and coping behaviour had a moderate positive correlation (r=0.444, significant at p&lt;0.001level). Conclusions: The study demonstrated increased anxiety and perceived stress that was related to Covid-19 amongst pregnant women.

The Effects of Online Stress Coping Course on Student Nurses' Perceived Stress and Automatic Thoughts

It is very important for nursing students to manage stress effectively, because of the stress caused by the individual problems and the negative consequences reflected in the interaction with the patient. This study analyzed whether the ‘coping with stress’ online course had any effect on the perceived stress levels and automatic thoughts of nursing students based on their behavioral patterns (A or B). This pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research was conducted with 90 students. Data were collected online, using a Personal Information Form, the type-A Personality Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and dependent samples t-test were used in the data analysis. Of the participants, 53.2% had type-A and 46.7% had type-B personalities. After the course, there were significant decreases in mean perceived stress scores of type-A and all nursing students and mean automatic thoughts scores of type-B and all nursing students (p

Exploring Perceived Stress in Mothers with Singleton and Multiple Preterm Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore mothers’ perceived level of stress one month after hospital discharge following the birth of singleton and multiple preterm infants. Design: A cross-sectional design was used to compare mother’s perceived stress in two groups of postpartum mothers and the relationship of the theoretical antecedents and these variables. Setting: A neonatal intensive care unit in a medical center in Taiwan. Participants: Mothers of 52 singletons and 38 multiple premature infants were recruited. One month after the infant was discharged, the participants completed a self-reported questionnaire that included demographic data about the mother and infant, the 21-item Social Support Scale, and the 15-item Perceived Stress Scale. This was returned by email or completed at the outpatient unit. Analysis: Descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: The mean social support scores were 76.6 and 76.5 (out of 105) for mothers with singleton and multiple birth infants, respectively. The most important supporter was the husband. The mean perceived stress scores of 25.8 and 31.0 for mothers with singleton and multiple birth infants, respectively, were significantly different (p = 0.02). Sleep deprivation and social support were predictive indicators of perceived stress in mothers with preterm infants. Conclusions: We suggest that the differences in stress and needs of mothers with singleton and multiple births should be recognized and addressed in clinics. The findings of this study serve as a reference for promoting better preterm infant care.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Empathy and its Association With Stress in Medical Students

Introduction: Empathy is the cornerstone of the doctor-patient relationship and a crucial quality associated with better patient compliance and clinical outcomes. This study aims to assess the level of empathy and its association with the level of stress in 3rd and 4th year medical students Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kathmandu Medical College after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee and informed written consent from all the participants. The respondents completed a structured questionnaire including demographic profile, Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Student Version, and Perceived Stress Scale. Data were entered and analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Results: A total of 255 questionnaires were obtained with a response rate of 85.2%. The mean empathy score was 101.79 (SD = 11.26) and the mean perceived stress score was 18.55(SD = 5.56). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between empathy and stress (p-value &lt;0.01) and similar negative correlations were seen in sub-group analysis. Female students had higher empathy scores compared to their male counterparts (p-value &lt;0.01). Fourth-year students reported lower empathy scores than third-year students (p-value &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Stress was found to be a significant determinant of empathy among medical students. Medical educators must be aware of this and should try to incorporate means to alleviate stress in medical education. Furthermore, effective stress management techniques to preserve empathy in medical students with a view to improve clinical competency and achieve optimum patient care needs to be studied.

Stress and its association with involvement in online classes: a cross-sectional study among undergraduate students of a medical college in South India

Background: With the implementation of lockdown and all students restricted to their houses, medical education has shifted towards the online mode. The objective of this study was to assess stress during the pandemic and the association between stress and involvement in online classes among students of a medical college in Mangalore, Karnataka, South India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 324 undergraduate students at a medical college in Mangalore, Karnataka, South India. The extent of stress was assessed using a perceived stress scale (PSS), and a questionnaire was used to identify different stressors and to understand the participant’s involvement in online classes. Results: In this study, the mean perceived stress score was 21.66 ± 4. Moderate stress was observed in 262 (85%) students. The main stressors noted were inability to focus (173 (56.4%)) and fear of exams (153 (49.8%)). A significant association was noted between stress and involvement in online classes. Conclusions: This study thereby highlights the need for more attention to the various stressors among students and for making online classes student friendly.

Stress and its association with involvement in online classes: a cross-sectional study among undergraduate students of a medical college in South India.

Background: With the implementation of lockdown and all students restricted to their houses, medical education has shifted towards the online mode. The objective of this study was to assess stress during the pandemic and the association between stress and involvement in online classes among students of a medical college in Mangalore, Karnataka, South India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 324 undergraduate students at a medical college in Mangalore, Karnataka, South India. The extent of stress was assessed using a perceived stress scale (PSS), and a questionnaire was used to identify different stressors and to understand the participant's involvement in online classes. Results: In this study, the mean perceived stress score was 21.66 ± 4. Moderate stress was observed in 262 (85%) students. The main stressors noted were inability to focus (173 (56.4%)) and fear of exams (153 (49.8%)). A significant association was noted between stress and involvement in online classes. Conclusions: This study thereby highlights the need for more attention to the various stressors among students and for making online classes student friendly.

The early Impact of stress related to COVID-19 Pandemic on physicians in Tunisia

IntroductionContagious disease outbreaks can have major repercussions on medical stuff. Doctors in Tunisia were requested to act as the first-line filter in managing active cases during the beginning of COVID19 pandemic.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess perceived stress in Tunisian doctors during COVID19 pandemic early stages and to identify factors associated to stress in order to guide prevention strategies.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted through an online survey, from April 18th 2020 to June 6th 2020. A 62-item semi-structured survey was created, consisting of 5 series of questions and scales. Linear regression models were performed to identify the associations between the study variables and the perceived stress score of the participants.ResultsWe included 203 physicians in this study. Stress levels were high among Tunisian doctors with a mean perceived stress score (PSS) of 28.6. One hundred fifteen participants (56.3%) scored for high PSS. This study identified vulnerable subgroups too stress. The female gender, working in the capital and working in critical medicine units were risk factors for high PSS. Managing COVID19 patients was not itself correlated to stress, however social isolation, stigma and luck of access to information were correlated to high stress levels.ConclusionsSeveral stressors can affect the well-being of doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can lead to adverse psychosocial outcomes. The findings of this study may guide decision-makers to implement early mental health interventions for doctors.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

The effect of hypnosis on perceived stress in women with preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND:Perceived stress is one of the causes of preeclampsia; one of the ways to manage mental stress is hypnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hypnosis on perceived stress in women with preeclampsia.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This randomized clinical trial was performed on 80 (40 people in each group) pregnant women 28–32 weeks with preeclampsia and hospitalized in two public hospitals in Mashhad in 2020. The Cohen Perceived Stress Questionnaire was first completed in two groups. Then, in the intervention group, three half-hour sessions of hypnosis were performed with an interval of 3 days (hypnosis consists of three sessions: each session is held for three consecutive nights). After each session, the intervention package, which included recording the dialogs of each session for posthypnotic suggestion, was delivered to the mothers on a CD to listen to every night before bed. The control group received routine care. Then, 2 weeks after the intervention, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire was completed by both groups. The results were analyzed by independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann–Whitney, Chi-square, Friedman and covariance tests, and by SPSS 16.RESULTS:At the beginning of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between demographic characteristics and the perceived stress score before the intervention between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the mean perceived stress score was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.005). Perceived stress after the intervention was significantly reduced in the intervention group, which was significant between the two groups.CONCLUSION:Perceived stress in mothers with preeclampsia is reduced by hypnosis.