Mean Trait Anxiety Research Articles

The Effect of Parental Presence on The Anxiety Level of Nurses During Intravenous Interventions in Children

<b>Aim:</b> The present study employed an analytical, cross-sectional, and pretest-posttest design to assess the impact of parental presence on the anxiety levels of nurses during intravenous interventions in pediatric patients.  <br /> <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The research was conducted in a public hospital in Istanbul between 01 September and 30 December 2021. The population of the research consisted of nurses working in the pediatric clinic of the hospital (N = 70),  and the sample consisted of 50 nurses who met the research criteria and agreed to participate in the research. Data were obtained through an information form and a state-trait anxiety inventory. Participants were first asked to fill out the information form and the trait anxiety inventory. The research was carried out in two phases with the same sample group. In the first phase, nurses were asked to fill out the state anxiety inventory immediately after intravenous interventions were administered to children while their parents were with their children. In the second phase, after a period of 15 days, a state anxiety inventory was applied to the nurses with the same sample group immediately after the intravenous interventions, without the participation of the family. The SPSS 26 package statistical program was used to evaluate the data.<br /> <b>Result and Conclusion:</b> It was determined that the mean trait anxiety scores of the participants were at a medium level and that the mean state anxiety scores of the nurses were statistically significantly higher (p<0.001) in the interventions in which the parents were included in the process compared to the interventions in which the parents were not included in the process. Continuous in-service training can be recommended for pediatric nurses to adopt family-centered care.

The midterm psychological effect of cast removal procedures in children.

This study aimed to compare the course of anxiety change in children who used headphones during cast removal with controls in midterm follow-up. Sixty-six patients who underwent forearm fracture treatment with closed reduction and long arm casting between June 2021 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of headphones (n=27; 21 males, 6 females; mean age: 8.0±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) or not (n=39; 27 males, 12 females; mean age: 8.9±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) during cast removal with an oscillating saw. Primary outcome measures included preprocedure, postprocedure, and six-month anxiety assessments with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. There was an acute increase in the mean state anxiety scores after the procedure, which returned to below baseline at the six-month follow-up in the headphone (31.4±8.3, 33.3±8.7, and 25.1±4.1, respectively) and control groups (34.9±11.1, 37.4±9.5, and 27.3±5.3, respectively). The mean trait anxiety scores before the procedure, after the procedure, and at six months remained similar in the headphone (33.6±3.0, 34.6±3.2, and 32.4±2.8; p>0.05) and control groups (34.1±2.7, 33.7±3.0, and 33.7±3.0, p>0.05). This study suggests that the acute anxiety during cast removal did not create anxiety sequelae in the sixth month regardless of headphone use.

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

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

An examination of cyberchondria's relationship with trait anxiety and psychological well-being in women of reproductive age: A cross-sectional study.

Online environments have become the main sources of health-related information. However, if used incorrectly, this can decrease the level of well-being. Cyberchondria corresponds to the hypochondria in the digital age. We aimed to investigate the relationship between cyberchondria and trait anxiety, psychological well-being, and other factors in women of reproductive age. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. Face-to-face questionnaires were administered to women aged 18 to 49. The sample size was formed and stratified according to the population of the 47 family health centers to reflect the entire population. The questionnaire included a sociodemographic information form, the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS). This study included 422 participants. The average daily use of the Internet was 2.14 ± 1.837 hours, while that of social media was 2.69 ± 2.027 hours. The mean CSS score was 89.42 ± 21.688; the mean trait anxiety score was 44.34 ± 8.791, and the mean PWBS score was 324.26 ± 35.944. Factors that interacted with the level of cyberchondria were the trait anxiety score, PWBS score, alcohol consumption, and average daily use of the internet and social media. Increased online time, alcohol consumption, trait anxiety levels, and psychological well-being increase cyberchondria levels. Improvements must be made in the accuracy of online information, which is unsupervised and easily accessible to society as a source of information. Future studies should focus on the prevention, detection, and treatment of cyberchondriasis. Identifying and improving the factors affecting women's and mothers' cyberchondria will also increase the chances of providing primary protection against certain diseases.

Anxiety among undergraduate Nursing students with mandatory curricular internship during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: to compare the average anxiety among undergraduate Nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: it was a cross-sectional study conducted with 101 undergraduate Nursing students. Data collection took place through WhatsApp®, by sending a link containing a consent form, a Google Forms® instrument and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The analysis was carried out through central tendency, absolute and relative frequency, and analytical tests. Results: trait anxiety and state anxiety presented medium (52.5%) and high (67.3%) levels, respectively, with mean state anxiety (48.1) higher than the mean trait anxiety (42.3) and positive correlation (r=0.479) between the two scales (p<0.000). They were high among students who lived with family members with risk factors for COVID-19 aggravation, underwent social isolation, without confirmatory tests for the disease, and performed an internship in internal medicine. Conclusion: significant percentages of anxiety levels were identified among undergraduate Nursing students in mandatory internship during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus revealing the need for preventive actions for this public. Contributions to practice: based on these findings, proposals to prevent mental health problems in this public can be developed seeking to change the current mental health scenario.

Study to Assess Level of Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Scheduled for Surgery.

Pre-operative anxiety is unpleasant state of tension or uneasiness that results from patient doubt and fear before an operation. This study aims at assessing level of state and trait anxiety and other associated factors among preoperative patient. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 195 patients above 18 years of age planned for elective surgery the following day in different departments in tertiary care center. State and Trait Anxiety Inventory and self-designed semi structured pro-forma was used to assess anxiety and patient particulars respectively. There were 195 patients in study among which 93(47.7%) underwent major surgery and 102 (52.3%) underwent minor surgery. The mean State Anxiety Score was 45.89±12.502. The mean Trait Anxiety Score was 43.17±9.342. State and Trait anxiety differed significantly in male and female patients. Trait Anxiety was associated with education and marital status. There was no significant difference in anxiety level in patient undergoing major and minor surgery. Male and female patients differed significantly in both State and Trait Anxiety.

565-P: Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Anxiety and Depression Status in Elderly People with Prediabetes: An Open-Label 12-Month Randomized Controlled Study

Background: The combination of prediabetes and depressive or anxiety symptoms is known to increase the risk of progression to diabetes. We aimed to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on anxiety and depression status among elderly people with prediabetes. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to a weekly dose of vitamin D3 of 25,000 IU (n=45) or nothing (n = 45) , in addition to lifestyle measures. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) tools were used to evaluate anxiety and depression levels, respectively, at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Results: Participants in the intervention and control group presented comparable baseline characteristics in terms of age (73.± 7.16 vs. 74.03 ± 7.64 years, respectively) , fasting glucose (103.4 ± 12.vs. 102.29 ± 12.82 mg/dl, respectively) and HbA1c values (5.87 ± 0.21 vs. 5.87 ± 0.22 %, respectively) . In the supplemented group, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations increased significantly at 6 (26.56 ± 8.64 ng/ml) and 12 months (28.71 ± 9.03 ng/ml) compared to baseline (19.98 ± 6.73 ng/ml, p<0.0 for both comparisons) . The mean trait anxiety scores were lower in supplemented individuals than the control group at 6 (38.02 ± 9.03 vs. 43.91 ± 7.18, respectively, p=0.003) and 12 months (32.35 ± 7.77 vs. 44.97 ± 7.78, respectively, p<0.001) . The same pattern was evident for state anxiety scores at 6 (37.± 7.88 vs. 43.20 ± 9.33, p=0.003) and 12 months (32.59 ± 6.45 vs. 44.60 ± 9.53, p<0.001) . Supplemented participants demonstrated lower mean PHQ-9 scores compared with controls at 6 (15.69 ± 6.15 vs. 19.77 ± 8.96, respectively, p=0.021) and 12 months (13.52 ± 5.vs. 20.20 ± 8.67, respectively, p<0.001) . Conclusion: In a high-risk population, a weekly vitamin D supplementation scheme was effective in reducing anxiety and depression levels. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relevant mechanisms. Disclosure E.Zaromytidou: None. M.Grammatiki: Research Support; Lilly. E.Manthou: None. I.S.Psarrakou: None. I.Iakovou: None. A.Gotzamani: None. K.Kotsa: Advisory Panel; Abbott, Novo Nordisk, Research Support; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Speaker's Bureau; AstraZeneca, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novartis AG, Sanofi. T.Koufakis: Advisory Panel; Novo Nordisk, Speaker's Bureau; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Lilly, Novo Nordisk. G.Dimakopoulos: None. D.Drivakou: None. G.Meristoudis: None. S.Konstantinidou: None. G.Karaliolios: None. E.Melidou: None. P.Rakitzi: None.

The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic stressor on the state-trait anxiety level.

To evaluate the effect that the coronavirus diseases-2019 pandemic will likely have on public and its impact on the state-trait anxiety level of the masses. The cross-sectional study was conducted from May 28 to June 5, 2020, in Turkey, with Kayseri province being the first ring of the chain, and comprised adult citizens of either gender living in Turkey during the pandemic period who could use online technologies. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised was used to determine the effects of the pandemic on the public, and the State Anxiety Inventory and the Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to determine the anxiety level of the public. Data was analysed using SPSS 25 and Stata 14. Of the 1507 subjects, 862(57.2%) were females and 645(42.8%) were males. The largest age group was 18-29 years with 573(38%) sucjects, while the smallest group was aged >60 years with 53(3.5%) subjects. The mean score of State Anxiety Inventory was 39.3±11.3 and mean Trait Anxiety Inventory score was 42.8±8.7, while the Impact of Event Scale-Revised mean score was 27.4±14.5. Each one unit increase in the Impact of Event Scale-Revised total score increased state anxiety score 1.10 times and trait anxiety score 1.07 times. Increasing age had a protective effect on state-trait anxiety. Consequently, an increase in Impact of Event Scale-Revised score led to an increase in the anxiety level.

KOVİD-19 Pandemisi Sürecinde Kronik Hastalığı Olan Kadınların Kaygı Durumlarının Belirlenmesi

This study was conducted to determine the anxiety status of women with chronic diseases during the coronavirus disease pandemic. This descriptive study was conducted in February-August 2021 within the internal medicine outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Individual Descriptive Questionnaire and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory forms were used to collect data. The mean state anxiety score of the participants was 46.40±10.46, and the mean trait anxiety score was 49.56±9.33. The trait anxiety mean scores of the participants who have a good relationship with the family and whose health status was not affected during the pandemic was found to lower statistically significant (p<0.05). The trait anxiety mean scores of the participants who have poor economic status was found to higher statistically significant (p<0.05). It was determined that women with chronic diseases had moderate anxiety and were negatively affected by the pandemic process. In line with this information, it comes to the fore that women with chronic diseases need more psychosocial support due to their increased anxiety and they are a group that should be handled with care. It is recommended that more descriptive studies be carried out on this subject.

Anxiety Levels among Polish and Turkish Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Working conditions, work-related stressors and high risk of infection, as well as the fear of contagion and spreading the disease to family members, may have influenced dentists’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiety levels among Polish and Turkish dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate any relevant predictors. The study was an anonymous online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that was conducted among dentists from two countries: Poland and Turkey. In total 400 dentists (200 from each country) participated in the study. The survey consisted of two parts: part 1 comprised demographic data, including age, gender, country of origin, COVID-19 infection history, place of work and lockdown history; part 2 was based on the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The mean trait and state anxiety levels of the Polish dentists was statistically significantly lower than that of the Turkish dentists (p = 0.000; p < 0.05). However, Polish dentists had higher state anxiety levels than trait levels, while both types of anxiety among Turkish dentists were almost at the same level. The number of dentists who suffered from COVID-19 was found to be statistically significantly higher in Poland (54%) than in Turkey (16%) (p = 0.000; p < 0.05). The percentage of dentists reporting anxiety was 51% in Poland and 95.5% in Turkey. Polish dentists reported a lower mean anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic than the dentists in Turkey but their anxiety levels were more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as they had a higher difference between their state and trait anxiety levels. The higher coronavirus infection rate and lack of governmental lockdowns of dental practices during the pandemic in Poland compared with those in Turkey may explain the difference in the state and trait anxiety levels.

Investigation of Anxiety Levels of Nursing Students Related to Intravenous Interventions and Factors Affecting the Anxiety.

This descriptive type study was conducted in order to determine the anxiety levels experienced by nursing students during IV intervention and the factors causing anxiety. The study was completed with a total of 260 students, 86 of whom were year-2, 72 were year-3, and 102 were year-4 students, who voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected online with a Google survey using the Personal Information Form and the Trait Anxiety Inventory. As per the study results, a total of 80.4% of the students were found to experience anxiety during IV interventions, and their trait anxiety (45.10±8.8) levels were moderate. A statistically significant difference was found between the achievement status of the students and their mean trait anxiety score (p<0.05). As a conclusion of the study, the students were found to experience moderate levels of anxiety during IV interventions and their level of anxiety decreased as their achievement levels increased. This was the first study on the subject in our country and new studies are needed.

Relationship Between Preoperative Anxiety and Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

Atrial fibrillation is a form of arrhythmia that frequently occurs after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Psychological factors may be involved in the development of atrial fibrillation, although the specific effect of anxiety remains unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between preoperative anxiety levels and atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This descriptive design study recruited a sample of 126 patients. The data were collected by the researcher using a patient information form and the State-Trait Anxiety Scale. Atrial fibrillation developed in 26.5% of the sample. Those who developed atrial fibrillation had a mean trait anxiety scale score of 40.2 ± 7.8, which is statistically significant. According to the results of logistic regression, it was observed that increased trait anxiety score, increased age, presence of comorbid disease, and noncompliance with respiratory physiotherapy increased the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Preoperative anxiety levels were shown to be a significant factor promoting the development of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The results support measuring anxiety levels in patients as a standard procedure before performing this surgical procedure.

Poorer Self-Reported Physical Health and Higher Anxiety Trait in Young Adults With Previous Coarctation Repair

Little is known about the impact of a coarctation repair on the functional outcomes of young adults. This study aimed to determine (1) the functional and mental health status in young adults with previous coarctation repair, and (2) the impact of late hypertension on their quality of life. A cross-sectional study using validated self-reported questionnaires (Short Form 36 version 2 [SF-36v2], Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) was performed in 54 patients aged 15-47 years with previous paediatric coarctation repair. Questionnaire scores were compared to healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Patients' previously published 24-hour blood pressure monitoring results were included. Late hypertension was present in 64% (34/54) at a mean of 29±8 years after coarctation repair. SF-36v2 mean physical component summary score was significantly lower in coarctation patients compared with controls (53.1±6.8 vs 56.0±4.7, p=0.02), but there was no significant difference in mean mental component summary score (p=0.2). SF-36v2 mean role emotional score tended to be associated with 10 mmHg increases in mean 24-hour systolic blood pressure (regression coefficient 4.3 p=0.06). STAI mean trait anxiety score tended to be higher in coarctation patients compared with controls (36.6±9.0 vs 33.5±7.8, p=0.06). There was no significant difference in BDI scores between patients and controls. Young adults with previous coarctation repair report poorer physical health and tended towards higher anxiety trait compared to healthy controls. Strategies to improve self-reported physical health and anxiety should be explored. Long-term assessment of quality of life outcomes in coarctation patients is warranted.

Koroner Arter Baypas Greft Cerrahisi Öncesi ve Sonrası Hastaların Kaygı Düzeylerinin Belirlenmesi: Tanımlayıcı Çalışma

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the preoperative and postoperative anxiety levels, and their causes, in patientswho underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Material and Methods: A total of 111 patients who underwent CABGsurgery in the cardiovascular surgery department of a state hospital in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus between August 1, 2019 and August 24, 2020 were included. The patient questionnaire prepared by the researcher and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used as data collection tools. Results: The mean preoperative state anxiety (pretest) score of the patients was 44.39±10.12, and the mean trait anxiety (pretest) score was 38.85±7.47. The mean state anxiety (posttest) score after surgery was 44.12±9.02, and the mean trait anxiety (posttest) score was 40.79±6.81. There were no statistically significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative state anxiety scale scores of the patients (p>0.05), and a significant difference was found between the trait anxiety scale scores (p<0.05), and the postoperative trait anxiety scores were found to be high. Conclusion: According to the research results, the patients' postoperative trait anxiety scale scores were found to be high. During the planning of nursing care process, it can be suggested to address the anxiety levels of the patients, and provide planned training to each patient, and make appropriate nursing interventions to reduce their stress.

The psycho-functional state of women with abnormal uterine bleeding and chronic stress

The objective: a study the levels of anxiety and stress in women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and chronic psycho-emotional stress. Materials and methods. We examined 100 women of reproductive age with AUB and chronic stress (basic group) and 50 patients with AUB without chronic stress (comparison group). 30 women without AUB and chronic stress were included in the control group. The AUB diagnosis according to the order No. 353 of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated April 13, 2016. The level of stress was assessed on Reeder stress scale, anxiety – scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.Results. It was found that the mean trait anxiety score in all groups of women corresponded to the middle level, however, in patients with AUB and chronic stress, this indicator (44.07±1.05 points) was significantly higher than in the other two groups (40.08±1.20 points – in the comparison group and 37.80±1.29 – control group). The level of state anxiety in patients with AUB and chronic stress was high (48.15±0.85 points) and significantly more (p&lt;0.001) relative to the patients with AUB without chronic psycho-emotional stress (42.42±1.21 points) and healthy women (39.80±1.43 points). The largest number of women with a high level of state anxiety was found in the basic group (58.00%, p=0.03) relative to the control group (33.33%). The mean of the stress level in patients with AUB and chronic stress was 2.11±0.05 points and was significantly less (p&lt;0.001) relative to healthy women (2.94±0.09 points) and patients with AUB without chronic stress (2.88±0.05 points). A high level of stress was found in more than one third of patients in the basic group (37.00%) versus absence of such persons in the control and comparison groups (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions. In women of reproductive age with AUB and chronic stress, there is an increase in the level of state anxiety and stress.

Determining the Anxiety Levels of Emergency Health Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: This study aimed to determine the anxiety levels of emergency healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted using face-to-face interviews with 153 healthcare workers in emergency service clinics who cared for patients suspected of COVID-19. Study data were obtained using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The mean state anxiety score of emergency healthcare workers was 42.76 +/- 10.06, the mean trait anxiety score was 42.11 +/- 8.22, and the total scale mean score was 84.88 +/- 15.11. No significant relationships were found between STAI scores and participants' descriptive characteristics (i.e., workplace, gender, marital status, age, profession, years of experience, and satisfaction with work conditions). Conclusion: This study revealed that emergency healthcare workers experienced anxiety at the panic level.

Does time change the anxiety and depression scores for pregnant women on Covid-19 pandemic?

ObjectivePost‐traumatic stress disorder, the tip form of stress disorder, is considered as delayed onset if the symptoms occur at least 6 months after the main effect. The aim of our study was to evaluate the severity of anxiety and depression in pregnant women during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, in addition to investigating the demographic and economic aspects affecting maternal anxiety and depression scores, 6 months after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsOur study was a cross‐sectional descriptive study. Pregnant women who had presented to the Akdeniz University, Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Pregnancy Outpatient Clinic, and Kepez State Hospital, Pregnancy Outpatient Clinic between September 2020 and October 2020 were included in the study. The Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to evaluate the state of anxiety, and the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) was used to assess the state of depression. Patients who had encountered any obstetric and/or fetal abnormality that could cause anxiety and depression during pregnancy follow‐up and pregnant women previously diagnosed with a psychiatric disease were not included in the study.ResultsA total of 322 pregnant women who agreed to participate in the study and fulfilled the study criteria within the afore‐mentioned timeframe were included in the study and the relevant forms were filled out. The mean age of the pregnant women was found to be 29 ± 5.64 years, the mean number of gravida was 1.84 ± 0.86, and the mean gestational age was 29.06 ± 9.80 weeks. The mean score of the state anxiety scale was 41.7 ± 5.56 and the mean trait anxiety score was 47.68 ± 5.85. The mean state–trait anxiety score was determined as 42.5 in primigravid women and as 41.1 in multigravid women. The State–trait anxiety score was statistically significantly higher in primigravid women compared to multigravid women (p = 0.027). The mean state–trait anxiety score did not demonstrate a significant difference according to the occupational status, having a chronic disease, educational level, and the income level. The mean trait anxiety score did not differ statistically and significantly according to the occupational status, having a chronic disease, being primigravid, educational status, and the income level. According to BDI‐II, 69.3% of pregnant women were evaluated to have minimal depression, 12.4% as mild depression, 12.4% as moderate depression, and 5.9% as severe depression.ConclusionAlthough more than 6 months have passed since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, pregnant women still have increased anxiety and depression scores. In addition, it should be kept in mind that pregnant women are at risk in terms of post‐traumatic stress disorder during the antenatal and the postnatal periods, and it should be considered that psychological and social support should be provided.

Subjective cognitive complaints at age 70: associations with amyloid and mental health

ObjectiveTo investigate subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in relation to β-amyloid pathology and to test for associations with anxiety, depression, objective cognition and family history of dementia in the Insight 46...

Anxiety during Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating a Specific One-on-One Procedure Announcement Provided by a Radiation Therapist.

Simple SummaryWhat is the influence of a one-on-one procedure announcement delivered by a radiation therapist before radiation therapy? In this trial randomizing 126 patients, no significant differences in mean trait or state anxiety scores measured before CT scan simulation, during the first and second sessions, or at the completion of radiotherapy were noted. Patients who benefited from the procedure announcement were significantly better informed of the treatment positioning and in vivo dosimetry. For patients, this specific procedure was not able to decrease their level of anxiety.Background: Anxiety impacts patient outcomes and quality of life in response to cancer diagnosis. A prospective phase 3 trial randomizing 126 patients was conducted to determine whether a specific one-on-one procedure announcement provided by a radiation therapist before CT scan simulation decreases anxiety for patients with breast cancer requiring radiotherapy. Material and Methods: Anxiety was measured using the STAI form, and the QLQ-C30 and BR-23 questionnaires were used to evaluate quality of life. Results: Mean trait or state anxiety scores before CT scan simulation, before the first and second sessions, and at the end of radiation treatment were not significantly different. We observed a decrease in the level of anxiety with time; however, no significant difference in mean state anxiety scores at any of the time intervals was detected. Factors, such as anxiety trait score, professional and marital status, age, and use of alternative therapy, did not significantly influence the evolution of anxiety status over time or the mean value. Anxiety was significantly influenced by the level of fatigue. Patients who benefited from the radiation therapists’ advice felt significantly better informed. Conclusions: The one-on-one program announcement occurring before CT scan simulation led to patients being more informed and greater satisfaction but did not decrease anxiety.

Media Influence on Anxiety, Health Utility, and Health Beliefs Early in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic-a Survey Study.

BackgroundThe psychological effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and response are poorly understood.ObjectiveTo understand the effects of the pandemic and response on anxiety and health utility in a nationally representative sample of US adults.DesignA de-identified, cross-sectional survey was administered at the end of April 2020. Probability weights were assigned using estimates from the 2018 American Community Survey and Integrated Public Use Microdata Series Estimates.ParticipantsUS adults 18–85 years of age with landline, texting-enabled cellphone, or internet access.InterventionSeven split-half survey blocks of 30 questions, assessing demographics, COVID-19-related health attitudes, and standardized measures of generalized self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, personality, and generic health utility.Main MeasuresState/Trait anxiety scores, EQ-5D-3L Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and demographic predictors of these scores.Key ResultsAmong 4855 respondents, 56.7% checked COVID-19-related news several times daily, and 84.4% at least once daily. Only 65.7% desired SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for themselves, and 70.1% for their child. Mean state anxiety (S-anxiety) score was significantly higher than mean trait anxiety (T-anxiety) score (44.9, 95%CI 43.5–46.3 vs. 41.6, 95%CI 38.7–44.5; p = 0.03), with both scores significantly higher than previously published norms. In an adjusted regression model, less frequent news viewing was associated with significantly lower S-anxiety score. Mean EQ-5D-3L VAS score for the population was significantly lower vs. established US normative data (71.4 CI 67.4–75.5, std. error 2 vs. societal mean 80, std. error 0.1; p < 0.001). EQ-5D-3L VAS score was bimodal (highest with hourly and no viewing) and significantly reduced with less media viewership in an adjusted model.ConclusionsAmong a nationally representative sample, there were higher S-anxiety and lower EQ-5D-3L VAS scores compared to non-pandemic normative data, indicative of a potential detrimental acute effect of the pandemic. More frequent daily media viewership was significantly associated with higher S-anxiety but also predictive of higher health utility, as measured by EQ-5D-3L VAS scores.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11606-020-06554-y.