Mean Anxiety Scores Research Articles

Comparing depression, anxiety, and quality of life in individuals with cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain.

Psychological factors are often overlooked as potential contributors to cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between depression, anxiety, and quality of life with chest pain origin. This cross-sectional study was performed from 2019 to 2020 and included participants from multiple medical centers across Shahrekord, Iran. Participants were recruited through advertisements in medical centers. Participants were divided into three groups: healthy control (n = 67), chest pain with cardiac origin (CCP) (n = 70), and chest pain with non-cardiac origin (NCCP) (n = 73). Data were collected using the Beck's Anxiety scale, Beck's Depression scale, and Short-Form Health Survey questionnaires. The chi-square, exact test, t-test, Kruskal-Wallis, and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. All analysis was performed using SPSS 26. The mean scores of depression and anxiety in the NCCP group (depression = 17.03 ± 11.93, anxiety = 17.18 ± 11.37) were significantly higher than those in the CCP (depression = 9.73 ± 5.76, anxiety = 8.77 ± 5.96) and healthy (depression = 7.00 ± 7.61, anxiety = 6.18 ± 7.63) groups (p < 0.05). The mean score of quality of life in the NCCP group (54.87 ± 12.66) was significantly lower than that in the CCP (76.31 ± 12.49) and healthy (80.94 ± 15.78) groups (p < 0.05). Patients with NCCP had higher odds of having depression (adjusted OR = 4.39, 95% CI: 1.25, 15.35) and lower odds for having mental quality of life scores than the CCP and health groups, respectively (adjusted OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.94). Our findings suggest that collaboration between psychiatrists and other specialists may be necessary to improve patients' health conditions and quality of life.

The effect of VR headsets used during burn dressing in children on satisfaction and anxiety level of their parents

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of virtual reality used during burn dressing in children on the satisfaction and anxiety levels of their parents. MethodsThe study, which was designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial, was carried out with the parents of children aged 5–10 years who visited the only burns unit of a hospital in the northern region of Turkiye between 5 July 2021 and 1 April 2022 for dressing. There were a total of 52 participants in the study, 26 in the control and 26 in the intervention group. ResultsThe mean age of the children was 7.31 ± 1.81 years in the intervention group and 7.08 ± 1.72 in the control group. After the dressing was applied to the children, the mean anxiety score of the parents of the children was found to be 0.09 ± 0.28 in the intervention group and 0.64 ± 0.53 in the control group. The mean nursing care satisfaction score of the parents in the intervention group was found to be 4.70 ± 0.50 while it was 2.80 ± 0.26 in the control group. ConclusionsIn the study, while the anxiety levels of the ones in the intervention group decreased after the dressing, their satisfaction levels with nursing care were found higher than the control group. Practice implicationsNursing interventions that would reduce the pain and anxiety experienced by children during medical procedures are also effective in reducing the anxiety of parents, and therefore, they should be included in distraction efforts with their children.

Social Risk Factors Contributing to Anxiety, Depression and Stress among Indian Healthcare Students during Lockdown

Background The increase in mental health disorders among the general population, healthcare workers and students during the pandemic was evident. There are scanty reports regarding the mental health status of students in the health care services from India during the pandemic lockdown. This study aims to find the risk factors of anxiety and stress among these students and to evaluate the adapting mechanisms to alleviate the same. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey was perfomed in students undergoing undergraduate courses in various healthcare services after institutional ethical clearance. The study tool was a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire in the google form. The link was shared in various WhatsApp groups to be shared among students with a brief description of the study after proper content validation. Results Of the 527 respondents, 291 (56%) were females, 385 (74%) were in MBBS Courses, and 178 (34%) were from government colleges. Prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress were 372 (70.6%), 360 (68.3%) and 262 (49.7%), respectively. The mean scores of anxiety, depression and stress were 14.33 ± 10.4, 17.24 ± 12.21 and 16.60 ±10.4, respectively. The presence of anxiety, depression and stress was not associated with age, course and year of study, type of Institutions in which they study, socioeconomic status and performance in the recent written examination. There was no association of gender with anxiety and depression, but females had more stress than males (p = .025). Extremely severe levels of anxiety, depression and stress were seen in 158 (30%), 124 (23.5%) and 43 (8%), respectively. A total of 296 (57%) of the students started a new hobby during the lockdown. Students who felt relaxed after talking to their teachers or mentors, students who shared talks with family members and friends, students whose parental fights were less, and students who opened up with parents were less likely to have anxiety and stress. Conclusion The prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress in healthcare students from our country was very high. Most of the students needed motivation during the pandemic lockdown. Proper psychological support to students of health care services is a necessity in such a crisis situation.

Association between dietary inflammatory index and mental disorders using multilevel modeling with GLIMMIX.

The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is a composite nutritional index that has gained significant attention in the past decade due to its association with physical and mental well-being. To accurately assess the precise effects of DII on health outcomes, the effects of nutrients and foods need to be adjusted. This study aimed to investigate the association between DII and mental disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) using multilevel modeling to minimize the bias of the previous methods. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using data from the initial phase of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences Employees' Cohort Study (TEC). Nutritional information was obtained through a dish-based semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (DFQ), while psychological data were collected using the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-42). The acquired data were analyzed using multilevel modeling in three levels (foods, nutrients, and DII, respectively) through GLIMMIX in the SAS software. A total of 3,501 individuals participated in this study. The results of the multilevel model demonstrated a significant statistical association between DII and mental disorders after adjusting for baseline characteristics, nutrients and foods. For each unit increase in DII, the mean scores for stress, anxiety, and depression increased by 3.55, 4.26, and 3.02, respectively (p < 0.001). Based on the multilevel model's findings, it is recommended to minimize the use of pro-inflammatory nutrients and foods to increase the mental health. Multilevel data analysis has also been recommended in nutritional studies involving nested data to obtain more accurate and plausible estimates.

Test anxiety and its determinants among health sciences students at Mattu University: a cross-sectional study.

Test anxiety is a particular type of anxiety that is marked by physical, cognitive, and behavioural symptoms when taking and performing tests. It is defined as "severe stress" before, during, and after exams and other assessments. Test anxiety could cause poor academic performance and increase dropout rates. This study aimed to determine the levels of test anxiety and its determinants among health sciences students at Mattu University. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 selected students from June 1 to June 30, 2021. The study utilized the Westside Test Anxiety, the Oslo Social Support Scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the Kessler Scale to assess test anxiety, social support, self-esteem, and psychological distress, respectively. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to STATA version 14.0 for analysis. A linear regression model was used to determine factors associated with test anxiety. The multiple regression assumptions were checked for each variable. Statistically significant effects were assumed for a p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval in the multiple linear regression analysis. A total of 416 (99%) participants were completed out of the 420 questionnaires administered. The mean score of test anxiety among participants was 25.3 (SD: ±5.51). Tobacco use (β: 1.028; 95% CI: 0.709-1.347), khat chewing (β: 0.115; 95% CI: 0.038-0.192), self-esteem (β: -0.049; 95% CI: -0.062-(-0.036)), psychological distress (β: 0.022; 95% CI: 0.017-0.027), and physical activity (β: -0.162; 95% CI: -0.224-(-0.099)) were shown to have a significant association with test anxiety. Test anxiety was common in the study area. Current substance use (tobacco use and khat chewing) and psychological distress were discovered to be factors that exacerbated test anxiety, whereas self-esteem and physical activity were discovered to be factors that alleviated test anxiety. Therefore, students and stakeholders need to work to discourage those factors that increase test anxiety while promoting factors that alleviate it.

The Effect of Virtual Reality On Pain and Anxiety Management During Pelvic Examination: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

It is important for health care professionals to address women's pain and anxiety during pelvic examinations. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) on pain and anxiety management during pelvic examinations. The study was a randomized controlled clinical trial reported in according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 Guidelines. The research was conducted with 128 women (64 intervention, 64 control) who received care at a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic between November 2021 and February 2022. The intervention group received VR application via virtual glasses during pelvic examination, while the control group received routine care. Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the pelvic examination, and the Visual Analog Scale was used to assess pain after the pelvic examination. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05545488). The mean anxiety scores of the women in the intervention and control groups were similar pretest (59.00 and 57.77). The mean anxiety score decreased after the pelvic examination to 36.53 in the intervention group and 47.55 in the control group. Results indicated a significant main effect for group assignment (F9.56; η2 = .071; P = .002), a significant main effect for time (F384.14; η2 = .753; P < .001), and a significant interaction between group and time (F53.95; η2 = .300; P < .001). Pain scores after the pelvic examination were lower in the intervention group (4.25) than in the control group (6.41; P < .001). VR was effective in the management of pain and anxiety during pelvic examination. Future studies should compare the effectiveness of VR with other methods in reducing pain and anxiety during a pelvic examination.

Treinamento em cuidados infantis e técnicas de auriculoterapia a mães de recém-nascidos prematuros: ensaio clínico duplo-cego

Abstract Objectives: this study aimed to investigate the effect of education and auriculotherapy on stress, anxiety, and depression, and coping responses in mothers with premature infants. Methods: this is a randomized clinical trial study at Bahar Hospital carried out with 90 mothers with premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Those eligible for hospitalization were included in the study and distributed into three groups before intervention: (30 ones in the control, training, and auriculotherapy groups, respectively). The mean stress, anxiety, depression, and coping responses in mothers were measured both at the beginning of the study and before neonatal discharge. Results: there was no statistically significant difference in terms of anxiety, stress, and depression scores between the three groups before the intervention. However, after the intervention, there was a significant statistical difference between these three groups, which was among the mean scores of anxiety, stress, and depression. In terms of coping responses, the mean emotional and problem-oriented score in all three groups before and after the intervention is statistically significant. Conclusions: educating mothers and auriculotherapy pressure therapy are simple and practical methods in reducing anxiety, stress, depression, and increase coping responses; consequently, they can be used in neonatal intensive care.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression and Anxiety Among Healthcare Workers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Nationwide Study in Korea.

A healthcare system's collapse due to a pandemic, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can expose healthcare workers (HCWs) to various mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the depression and anxiety of HCWs. A nationwide questionnaire-based survey was conducted on HCWs who worked in healthcare facilities and public health centers in Korea in December 2020. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to measure depression and anxiety. To investigate factors associated with depression and anxiety, stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. A total of 1,425 participating HCWs were included. The mean depression score (PHQ-9) of HCWs before and after COVID-19 increased from 2.37 to 5.39, and the mean anxiety score (GAD-7) increased from 1.41 to 3.41. The proportion of HCWs with moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) increased from 3.8% before COVID-19 to 19.5% after COVID-19, whereas that of HCWs with moderate to severe anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 10) increased from 2.0% to 10.1%. In our study, insomnia, chronic fatigue symptoms and physical symptoms after COVID-19, anxiety score (GAD-7) after COVID-19, living alone, and exhaustion were positively correlated with depression. Furthermore, post-traumatic stress symptoms, stress score (Global Assessment of Recent Stress), depression score (PHQ-9) after COVID-19, and exhaustion were positively correlated with anxiety. In Korea, during the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs commonly suffered from mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Regularly checking the physical and mental health problems of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial, and social support and strategy are needed to reduce the heavy workload and psychological distress of HCWs.

Factors associated with COVID-19 infection in pregnant women: Focusing on maternal anxiety.

Given the critical importance of maternal mental health for the well-being of both the mother and fetus, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on mental health. This study aims to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 infection and mental health, underscoring the necessity of effective mental health management for pregnant women. Data were analyzed from 97 pregnant women who visited Gachon University Gil hospital in South Korea. Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection status was categorized based on whether the infection occurred during pregnancy. Maternal anxiety, the dependent variable, was measured using the state anxiety scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between COVID-19 infection and anxiety. Among the 97 pregnant women, 50 (51.5%) experienced anxiety. Of those infected with COVID-19, 31 (64.6%) experienced anxiety. The mean anxiety score was significantly higher in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection compared to those without infection (Infected: Mean = 46.35, SD = 13.85; Non-infected: Mean = 39.59, SD = 10.58, p-value:0.008). Maternal depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder were significantly higher in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection, while fetal attachment showed no significant difference. Pregnant women infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy were more likely to experience anxiety compared to non-infected women (Adjusted OR = 9.37; 95% CI = 1.39-63.12). This study highlights that pregnant women infected with COVID-19 are more likely to experience elevated levels of anxiety, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing mental health among pregnant women. The insights from this study could provide valuable guidance for policymaking, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to manage mental health in pregnant women and mitigate the risk of adverse outcomes.

Differences in Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Relation to Changes in Living Conditions, Work Conditions, and Daily Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jordan.

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with numerous changes in daily life conditions that could affect the psychological response of individuals worldwide. The study aimed to describe and examine differences in depression, anxiety, and stress in relation to living conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design was used. Purposive snowball sampling was employed to include 642 participants. Arabic versions of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the data. The total mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were 12.26 (SD = 10.53), 9.04 (SD = 9.34), and 13.49 (SD = 10.72), respectively. Of the study sample, 122 (19.5%), 139 (22.2%), and 99 (15.9%) had severe to extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Significant differences were found in depression, anxiety, and stress in relation to age, chronic diseases, and house size. The findings showed an increased prevalence of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health practitioners need to recognize the impact of pandemics on youth, females, low-income populations, and individuals with chronic diseases. Preventive mental health services among these populations, such as screening and counseling, would help reduce the health risks.

Competitive Anxiety and Mood States in High-Performance Cuban Student Athletes

Background. The study of competitive anxiety and its relationship with mood states in high-performance athletes is relevant for predicting performance and enabling timely interventions to ensure successful outcomes in competitions. Due to the complex psychological demands arising from dual careers, the study of competitive anxiety and mood states contributes valuable insights into the emotional well-being of these student athletes. Objective. To examine and describe competitive anxiety and mood states in a sample of high-performance Cuban university athletes across different sports and genders. Design. A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted involving 46 Cuban student athletes from national teams across 16 sports and included both male and female athletes, with an average chronological age of 20.70 years and 6.98 years of experience in a high-performance sport. The Competitive Sport Anxiety Inventory and Brunel Mood Scale were administered in their Spanish versions. The data were examined using descriptive statistics analysis including the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results. Although no statistically significant differences were found in competitive anxiety and mood states in relation to gender and type of sport, female athletes tend to present higher mean scores in competitive anxiety and negative mood states. Additionally, female athletes in team sports experienced slightly more intense emotions. Anxiety shows positive correlations with tension, depression, and vigour, suggesting its influence on certain mood states. Conclusion. The results indicate that, in general, the intensity of certain moods in Cuban university student athletes is influenced by levels of competitive anxiety. An increase in anxiety during competition can lead to heightened tension, depression, and vigour, with no significant differences observed between female and male athletes or based on the type of sport practiced.

Influence of Perceived Academic related Stress on Academic Performance of Medical Students - A Cross Sectional Study

Background and Aims: Stress among medical students across the globe is a common phenomenon, they have been found to be at serious risk of mental stress and disorders with diminished life satisfaction. The present study was carried out with the objective to assess the academic stress in medical school along with it’s correlation and impact on academic performance. Methods: This study was carried out among the male and female students of College of Medicine and preparatory year, Majmaah University. The participants were selected by simple random sampling. The participants were asked to fill Perceived Mean Stress Score (PMSS) questionnaire and the data was analyzed by using SPSS version 25. The Mean and standard deviation for each response for PMSS was calculated. Appropriate statistical tests like ANOVA &amp; multi variable logistic regression were applied to assess the impact of academic stress on their performance. Results: 242 students participated in the study out of which there were 153 males and 89 females. Male and female students were tested for difference in Perceived Mean Stress Score for all 13 domains It was noted that the Overall a higher average PMSS scores were noticed with advancing courses and also the students developed more anxiety and depression in higher grades which was reflected on their Grade Point Average (GPA) scores. Conclusions: High mean scores for stress and anxiety necessitate early identification especially in initial years of medical school and integration of preventive mental health services in routine clinical services for medical students.

Burden of multiple genital warts on male sexual function

Background Anogenital warts are one of the many clinical symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a highly contagious sexually transmitted virus. Every year, genital warts (GWs) are detected in an estimated 3–4 million males across the world. Patients with GWs have been observed to experience elevated degrees of worry, sadness, and sexual dysfunction. Aims The goal of the current study was to assess the influence of numerous GWs on the erectile function of male patients. Patient and methods Forty male patients with numerous GWs and 40 age and sex-matched healthy controls participated in this case-control research. Each patient had their history taken and was given a physical examination. Blood samples were taken from the veins. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to assess testosterone and HbA1c concentrations in the serum (ELISA). Results There was a highly significant difference between cases and control regarding libido, it was present only in 62.5% of cases while was present in all controls (P value 0.001). There was a highly significant difference among patients and control regarding the presence of orgasm and ejaculation, it was present in 75% of cases but present in all controls (P value 0.001). Mean depression and anxiety score was significantly higher in cases than controls12.0±5.15 vs. 6.15±3.66 and 10.5±5.18 vs. 5.80±2.20, respectively (P value 0.001). 52.5% of cases had depression compared with only 10% in controls and 40% of cases had anxiety compared with only 2.5% of controls (P value 0.001). There was a significant relation between the Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score and number of warts, patients with more than 3 warts had an extreme effect on their quality of life (QOL) (P value 0.032). There was a significant relation between Dermatology life quality index score and size of warts, patients with large warts greater than or equal to 3 cm had an extreme effect on their quality of life (P value 0.038). Conclusions Multiple genital warts might hinder a person’s normal activities. As the condition progressed and recurrences occurred, the quantity and size of genital warts became increasingly significant. More often than not, males with genital warts experience erectile dysfunction. When comparing cases to controls, there was also a statistically significant decline in desire, orgasm, and ejaculation.

Anxiety and depression in pregnancy: associated variables during the covid-19 pandemic period

ObjectiveTo assess the association between age, parity, nationality, educational level, employment and partner support with depression and anxiety during pregnancy. To determine the impact of the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anxiety and depression levels of the participants. MethodCross-sectional descriptive correlational study carried out in the Osakidetza/Basque Health Service, Primary Care, Bizkaia (Spain). A total of 295 pregnant women between 8 and 41 weeks participated. The association between age, parity, nationality, educational level, employment, partner support and COVID-19 incidence rates during the study period and depression (measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and anxiety (measured with the State-Anxiety Inventory/STAI-S subscale) scores during pregnancy was measured. A logistic regression model was constructed and odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated. ResultsThe mean score was 18.75 points for anxiety (SD = 8.69) and 6.45 points for depression (SD = 4.32). Women expecting their second or later child had higher scores for depression (OR 2.51[95%IC: 1.26-5.01)) and anxiety (OR 1.98 [95%IC: 1.01-3.89]). Having completed university studies was associated with lower scores in depression (OR 0.28 [95%IC: 0.11-0.77]) and in anxiety (OR 0,2 [95%IC: 0.08-0.54]). A good relationship with the partner was associated with lower levels of anxiety (OR 0.45 [95%IC: 0.24-0.81]). The mean anxiety and depression scores are related to the incidence of COVID-19 cases; the anxiety score was significantly higher in periods of higher incidence. ConclusionsGreater emotional care for pregnant women with low educational level, multiparous and with weak support from their partner, would reduce anxiety and depression in pregnancy. Health emergency situations affect mental health during gestation.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Sleep Function of Hospital Staff Working With COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented a globally challenging situation for human physical and mental health. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are affected by increased levels of anxiety, stress, and insomnia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on HCWs anxiety, stress, and insomnia levels. This cross-sectional study employed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale 10, and Insomnia Severity Index to assess anxiety, stress, and insomnia among HCWs at 10 COVID-19 isolation and treatment hospitals/centers after the first COVID-19 wave in Jordan. A web-based survey was used to collect data from 183 participants. Statistical analysis of factors affecting the mean scores of anxiety, stress, and insomnia was carried using student t-test or ANOVA while factors associated with differences in anxiety, stress, and insomnia frequencies were tested using Chi-square/Fisher exact test. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors. Among participants, 97.3% reported moderate to severe levels of stress, 68% reported borderline to high abnormal levels of anxiety, and 32% had moderate to severe insomnia. The mean of anxiety total score was 9.8 ± 4.8, stress total score was 22.7 ± 4.5, and insomnia total score was 11.0 ± 7.1. Significant positive correlations were noted between anxiety, stress, and insomnia (P < .005). Female gender, migraine, less working years, increased time spent with patients, lower workforce, clinical insomnia and high stress were significant independent factors associated with anxiety (P < .05). Younger age, being single or divorced, heart disease, smoking, occupation (nurses), lower workforce, vaccination dose, and anxiety were significant independent factors associated with insomnia (P < .05). Increased time spent with patients, lower workforce, lower spouse and colleagues support, sadness due to isolation and anxiety were significant independent factors associated with stress. HCWs at COVID-19 centers had high levels of stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Appropriate interventions to maintain HCWs mental health are recommended.

Finnish nurses’ anxiety levels in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and 18 months later: A cross-sectional survey

It is extremely important to have an overall view of nurses’ well-being and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the well-being and working conditions of workers in optimal ways in future crises. The aim of the study was to describe changes in the anxiety levels of nurses from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to a time point 18 months later, and to describe how the working conditions, interactions between workers, psychological distress, and managers’ actions were associated with the anxiety of nursing staff. The repeated cross-sectional survey was distributed to nurses at two Finnish hospitals. The mean anxiety scores of nurses increased over the examined 18-month period, but still indicated mild anxiety at both time points. Working conditions, interactions between workers, and psychological distress were associated with anxiety. At both measurement points, the nurses who did not receive support from their manager had higher levels of anxiety compared to those who received support. Hospital organizations can take advantage of the results when preparing for new pandemics and producing concrete plans to support nurses’ mental health and coping at work.

Relationship Between Health Anxiety and Psychological Resilience Among Nursing Students and Predictors of Psychological Resilience in the Last Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The study aimed to determine health anxiety and psychological resilience and to investigate the relationship between health anxiety and psychological resilience among nursing students in the last period of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 507 students in Turkey. The questionnaires used in the study were a student nurse information form, the Health Anxiety Inventory, and the Resilience Scale for Adults. The mean age of the students was 20.70 ± 1.77 years. The health anxiety mean score was 36.19 ± 6.55, and the resilience scale mean score was 117.13 ± 16.00. There was a weak negative correlation between the students' psychological resilience and their health anxiety (r = -0.207, P < 0.001). Having an extended family and having good relationships with family and friends were the predictors of psychological resilience. Social support and psychological care services under a biopsychosocial model by the management of university or faculty should be implemented for university students in order to preserve their resilience and well-being, to cope with the pandemic.

The Effect of Education, Telephone Monitoring on Self-Efficacy and Shock Anxiety of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Patients

Objective: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), which are used in the treatment of fatal ventricular arrhythmias, have many life-saving benefits. On the other hand, it has negative effects in terms of physical, social and psychological aspects by commonly causing anxiety and depression. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of education and telephone monitoring on self-efficacy and shock anxiety in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation.&#x0D; Methods: 65 patients hospitalized for ICD insertion were randomly divided into intervention (n=33) and control (n=32) groups. The intervention group was given a training booklet prepared by one-on-one training about ICD. Telephone monitoring was performed once every two weeks for three months and then once a month. No intervention was applied to the control group. Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectation Scales, Florida Shock Anxiety Scale were applied in the third and sixth months after ICD implantation in both groups.&#x0D; Results: The self-efficacy scores at the sixth month were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p=.03). There was no difference between the shock anxiety scores at 3 months (p=.58) and 6 months (p=.64) between the groups. Shock anxiety mean scores of both groups in the 6th month are lower than the mean scores in the 3rd month (p

Enhancing Sleep Quality: Assessing the Efficacy of a Fixed Combination of Linden, Hawthorn, Vitamin B1, and Melatonin.

Sleep is essential for overall health, yet various sleep disorders disrupt normal sleep patterns, affecting duration, quality, and timing. This pilot study investigate the impact of a food supplement (SPINOFF®) on both sleep quality and mental well-being in 41 participants (mean age: 45.3 years). Initial assessments revealed sleep disturbances (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-PSQ-mean score: 8.2) and insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index-ISI- mean score: 12.7). Mental health assessments showed psychological distress (Dass-21 Depression mean score: 4.2, Anxiety mean score: 6.9, Stress mean score: 11.6, Total mean score: 22.7). This study assessed sleep continuity using Awakenings per Night (ApN) via a smartwatch (HELO HEALTH®) and conducted the study in two phases: baseline (T0) and after 30 days of treatment (T1) (Phase A). No placebo-control was used in this study. After 30 days (Phase B), 21 patients were selected for reassessment. Eleven continued treatment for another 30 days (T2), while ten discontinued. Following the intervention, we observed remarkable improvements in sleep quality and mental distress. The SPINOFF® supplement significantly reduced the PSQI scores (22.4%), indicating enhanced sleep quality. Additionally, there was a 19.6% decrease in ISI scores, demonstrating a reduction in insomnia symptoms. Moreover, overall psychological distress decreased by 19.5% signifying improved psychological well-being. In the second phase, participants who continued treatment experienced more substantial improvements, with a mean decrease of 0.8 points in PSQI scores (±0.9) and a mean decrease of 0.9 points in ISI scores. Our findings suggest that the SPINOFF® supplement has the potential to effectively address both sleep disturbances and psychological distress in our study population.

The burden of care among caregivers: a comparison between home care and palliative care

Introduction: We aimed to determine whether there is a difference in care burden, anxiety, and depression between caregivers of patients living at home and those in the palliative care unit. Methods: The study was cross-sectional in the palliative care and home health units. The study population consisted of 1,879 patients. Different from home care, caregivers in the palliative unit were educated by the nurses on patient care during their stay in the hospital. A total of 186 caregivers were enrolled in the study. Unlike those receiving home care, caregivers of the patients in the palliative care unit received training on patient care while they were in the hospital. The care burden, anxiety, and depression levels of the caregivers in both groups were measured using the Zarit Caregiver Burden and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.44±12.11 years. The caregivers' mean burden and anxiety scores were higher in palliative care compared to the homecare group. Both burden and anxiety scores were significantly higher in the palliative care group (p &amp;lt;0.001 and p =0.031, respectively). Conclusion: One of the distinguishing features of patients in the palliative care unit is the opportunity to provide ongoing medical support, social support, and education to the caregivers. However, the interventions at the palliative unit were not enough to compensate for the difference in the burden of care between the two groups.