Mental Status Research Articles

Diagnostic Challenges of Mucormycosis in a Patient with Diabetes: A Case Report

Mucormycosis is a rare and life-threatening fungal infection that predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Achieving an accurate diagnosis remains a significant challenge in clinical practice. We report a case of mucormycosis in a 25-year-old woman who presented with an altered mental status and a 5 × 2 cm necrotic lesion on the left nasal septum, characterized by indistinct borders, during admission. Prolonged diagnostic investigations ultimately led to the identification of nasal mucormycosis attributable to Rhizomucor pusillus, a rare species within the Mucorales order, which complicates the diagnostic process. Unfortunately, the patient's clinical condition rapidly deteriorated, resulting in her demise prior to the administration of systemic antifungal therapy. Although the comprehensive evaluations facilitated the identification of the causative agent, the time required for this process did not favor the patient's prognosis. The atypical symptoms, swift progression, and infrequent occurrence of mucormycosis underscore the critical importance of its timely and accurate diagnosis to ensure favorable patient outcomes. Proper identification of the pathogen and immediate administration of therapeutic interventions can considerably enhance the likelihood of patient recovery and survival.

The Influence of College PE Courses on Students Mental Health: An Empirical Study Taking Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology as an Example

By studying the physical education curriculum and students mental health status of Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, this paper discusses the influence of college physical education curriculum on students mental health. It is found that the physical education course plays a significant role in relieving students psychological pressure, improving self-confidence and promoting social skills. At the same time, the diversity of courses, the professional quality of teachers, the improvement of facilities and resources, the participation of students and the combination of psychological counseling are the important factors affecting these effects. Based on the results, this paper suggests that universities should pay attention to the setting and optimization of physical education courses so as to promote the development of students mental health.

The relationship between leukocyte telomere length and risk of depression and anxiety: Evidence from UK Biobank

BackgroundTelomere length is a cellular aging marker implicated in various health outcomes. A growing body of evidence suggests a link between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mental health outcomes. However, there have been no studies focused on the relationship between LTL and the future risk of depression and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the associations between LTL and depression/anxiety, examining both cross-sectional prevalence and prospective incidence. MethodsData from 364,331 UK Biobank participants were analyzed. LTL was measured at baseline, and mental health status was assessed through hospital records and online surveys. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were employed for cross-sectional and prospective analyses with appropriate adjustment, respectively. ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the subjects was 57.03 (13.34) years and follow-up duration was 8.80 (5.39) years. Cross-sectionally, shorter LTL was associated with increased odds of depression (OR: 1.401, 95 % CI: 1.291–1.521) and anxiety (1.347 (1.198–1.515)) at baseline, which remained significant after adjustment. Among those free of depression/anxiety at baseline, baseline shorter LTL was associated with a higher risk of incident depression (HR: 1.615, 95 % CI: 1.447–1.803) and anxiety (1.430 (1.293–1.581)) during follow-up period. These associations remained robust after adjusting for various covariates. ConclusionsOur findings indicated an association between shorter telomeres and an increased risk of prevalent depression/anxiety and shorter telomeres precede the onset of these mental health conditions. Considering the potential clinical implications, our study underscores the relevance of LTL as a predictive tool for identifying individuals at risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Job demands, control, social support and mental health in workers of thermal power plants and underground mines: A comparative study

This descriptive study was conducted to compare the job demands, job control, social support and mental health status of thermal power plant and underground coal mine workers. 158 workers in thermal power plant and 162 workers in underground coal mine participated in the study. The results unearthed that thermal power plant workers had 2.3 times better mental health (p < 0.001 OR = 2.3 CI = 1.50-3.74) and 3.0 times lower job demands (p < 0.001 OR = 3.0 CI = 1.91-4.92) than coal mine workers. In the study, it was determined that mental health was positively affected as job control and social support increased in both thermal power plant and underground mine workers (p < 0.05); there was no significant relationship between job demands and mental health (p > 0.05). These results indicate that underground mine workers are at higher risk in terms of mental health and job demands than thermal power plant workers.

Distinction of mental health between salesman and R&D in high-tech enterprise: a fNIRS study

Employees in enterprises face numerous challenges due to the severe employment situation and job pressure. Sales personnel and research and development (R&D) personnel in companies are particularly susceptible to mental health issues due to the unique nature and complexity of their work. This study aims to explore the psychological health issues among sales personnel and R&D personnel in high-tech enterprises. Twenty-four R&D personnel (23 males and 1 female) and twenty-six sales personnel (25 males and 1 female) were recruited. The participants’ psychological health conditions were assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and verbal fluency tasks combined with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (VFT-fNIRS), while their work stress level was evaluated using the Personal Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Personal Resources Questionnaire (PRQ). The results indicated significantly higher brain activities in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral Broca’s areas of the R&D group compared to the sales group. The R&D group had significantly lower scores in the total score and multiple dimensions of SCL-90, such as somatization, obsession-compulsion, depression, anxiety, hostility, and paranoia. In addition, the R&D group exhibited significantly lower psychological and physical tension reactions compared to the sales group in PSQ. Based on the PRQ, the R&D group obtained significantly higher scores in self-care compared to the sales group. In conclusion, the mental health status of the R&D group is better than that of the sales group, the difference in self-care may be the most important factor leading to the difference in work stress and mental health of the two groups, VFT-fNIRS might be used to assist in detecting the mental health status of employees.

Catatonia and neurocognitive disorder in the context of schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Background. Currently, researchers are aiming to establish the relationship between neurocognitive disorder and other clinical manifestations of endogenous diseases and functional indicators of the patient’s adaptation to social life. According to some data, the development of cognitive disorders is associated with the severity of catatonic disorders in the clinical picture of various diseases, in particular the presence of catatonic symptoms determines the worst indicators of cognitive functioning in the case of schizophrenia.The aim. To study the clinical and psychopathological features of catatonic syndrome in connection with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, as well as its connection with neurocognitive disorder manifestations among patients with endogenous disorders.Methods. From September 2022 to March 2024, we conducted a prospective, multicenter study of patients (n = 69) suffering from paroxysmal schizophrenia with primary catatonic symptoms in the structure of attacks. Mental status, the severity of catatonic symptoms using Bush – Francis Catatonia Rating Scale, neurocognitive profile using a number of validated scales (Montreal Cognitive Scale, Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, Frontal Assessment Battery) were assessed.Results. Neurocognitive disorder was revealed in all cases studied. It has been noted that, depending on the presence/absence of affective symptoms, various domains of the neurocognitive profile are affected. Thus, in patients without severe affective symptoms, auditory and verbal memory, attention, processing speed, and motor skills are impaired. In patients with pronounced affective disorders, processing speed, motor skills, and problem-solving behavior are affected.Conclusion. Based on the results of processing the material, it was revealed that the most pronounced neurocognitive disorders were found in case of the manifestation of paroxysmal paranoid schizophrenia in male patients with a relatively early onset of the disease and hypokinetic catatonic disorders. In the future, we are planning to compare these results with the results of control group of patients with endogenous diseases and without catatonia.

Exploring gender-specific mental health status and socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on slum dwellers in Khulna City corporation, Bangladesh

BackgroundCOVID-19 has devastated every aspect of life worldwide, where slum dwellers are particularly vulnerable due to persistent inequities. This study aims to explore the socioeconomic and gender-specific mental health impacts of COVID-19 on slum dwellers.MethodologyGeneralized ordered logistic regression with auto-fit was performed to identify predictors of socioeconomic and mental health conditions among the participants. Data analysis was conducted using Stata software, with a 95% confidence interval and p-value less than 0.05.ResultsThe study found that males who were smokers and lost their jobs during the pandemic were more prone to experience severe mental health problems. Over 60% of females experienced moderate mental health issues due to the use of unimproved sanitation facilities. Moreover, females who received support during the pandemic and lived in areas with fixed garbage disposal had less probability of experiencing severe mental health issues.ConclusionImplementing community-based initiatives that promote social integration, providing skill-building opportunities, and addressing economic vulnerabilities may significantly improve the mental well-being of this vulnerable community. Collaboration between the Government and stakeholders is essential to address critical needs, such as proper garbage disposal and gender-segregated sanitation facilities, to build a sustainable community.

Research on the Psychological Impact of the Policy Practice of Preventing Minors from Indulging in Online Games in China

With the expansion of online games, there is a relatively more severe issue involving minors excessive use of games. To this end, the Chinese government has issued several policy initiatives that are intended to stop minors from getting hooked on online games. This study aims to examine the psychological consequences of these policy practices on children. Through literature review, and case study, the changes in minors mental health status before and after the implementation of the policy were assessed, and the role of family, school and social environment in the implementation of the policy was also examined. This research identified that these policies have successfully limited the overuse of online games among minors to a certain extent but at the same time, it has introduced new psychological issues like anxiety and social isolation among the young people. Also, the issues that parents and educators encounter in the process of policy execution are also worth considering. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations, such as introducing flexible time limits and regular review of the policy, are made in order to enhance policy implementation towards the improvement of the mental health of minors.

Effect of sequential nursing care combined with communication intervention on visual recovery and pain after cataract ultrasound emulsification.

Cataracts are a common ophthalmic disease and postoperative vision recovery is crucial to patient quality of life. Rational and efficient care models play an important role in promoting vision recovery. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of procedural nursing care combined with communication intervention in vision recovery after cataract ultrasound emulsification. A randomized controlled study was conducted on 100 patients with cataracts who underwent ultrasound emulsification surgery. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received procedural nursing combined with Connect, Introduce, Communicate, Ask, Respond, Exit (CICARE) communication intervention, whereas the control group received conventional nursing. The effectiveness of the nursing model was assessed by comparing differences in vision recovery, pain scores, and mental health status between the two groups. It was found that over time the visual acuity of patients in both groups gradually recovered and patients in the experimental group had lower pain scores and superior mental health status than the control group (P < 0.05). Procedural nursing combined with CICARE communication intervention has positive effects on vision recovery in patients after cataract ultrasound emulsification.

A comprehensive assessment tool of acute-phase rehabilitation is associated with clinical outcomes in patients after cardiovascular surgery.

Perme intensive care unit (ICU) mobility score is a comprehensive mobility assessment tool; however, its usefulness and validity for patients after cardiovascular surgery remain unclear. We investigated the association between the Perme Score and clinical outcomes after cardiovascular surgery. We retrospectively enrolled 249 consecutive patients admitted to the ICU after cardiac and/or major vascular surgery. The Perme Score contains categories on mental status, potential mobility barriers, muscle strength and mobility level and was assessed within 2days after surgery. The outcomes of physical recovery were the number of days until 100-m ambulation achievement and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) at hospital discharge. The endpoint was a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and/or all-cause unplanned readmission. We analyzed the associations of the Perme Score with physical recovery and the incidence of clinical events. After adjusting for clinical confounding factors, a higher Perme Score was an independent factor of earlier achievement of 100-m ambulation (hazard ratio: 1.039, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012-1.066) and higher 6MWD (β: 0.293, P = .001). During the median follow-up period of 1.1years, we observed an incidence rate of 19.4/100 person-years. In the multivariate Poisson regression analysis, a higher Perme Score was significantly and independently associated with lower rates of all-cause death/readmission (incident rate ratio: 0.961, 95% CI: 0.930-0.992). The Perme Score within 2days after cardiovascular surgery was associated with physical recovery during hospitalization and clinical events after discharge. Thus, it may be useful for predicting clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Neurological Health Conditions Using a Machine Learning Approach.

Background: Over one billion people worldwide suffer from neurological conditions that cause mobility impairments, often persisting despite rehabilitation. Chronic neurological disease (CND) patients who lack access to continuous rehabilitation face gradual functional decline. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides a comprehensive framework for assessing these patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of a non-hospitalized neuromotor rehabilitation project for CND patients in Italy using the Barthel Index (BI) as the primary outcome measure. The rehabilitation was administered through an Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP), tailored by a multidisciplinary team and coordinated by a physiatrist. The IRP involved an initial comprehensive assessment, individualized therapy administered five days a week, and continuous adjustments based on patient progress. The secondary objectives include assessing mental status and sensory and communication functions, and identifying predictive factors for BI improvement using an artificial neural network (ANN). Methods: A retrospective observational study of 128 CND patients undergoing a rehabilitation program between 2018 and 2023 was conducted. Variables included demographic data, clinical assessments (BI, SPMSQ, and SVaMAsc), and ICF codes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regressions, and ANN to identify predictors of BI improvement. Results: Significant improvements in the mean BI score were observed from admission (40.28 ± 29.08) to discharge (42.53 ± 30.02, p < 0.001). Patients with severe mobility issues showed the most difficulty in transfers and walking, as indicated by the ICF E codes. Females, especially older women, experienced more cognitive decline, affecting rehabilitation outcomes. ANN achieved 86.4% accuracy in predicting BI improvement, with key factors including ICF mobility codes and the number of past rehabilitation projects. Conclusions: The ICF mobility codes are strong predictors of BI improvement in CND patients. More rehabilitation sessions and targeted support, especially for elderly women and patients with lower initial BI scores, can enhance outcomes and reduce complications. Continuous rehabilitation is essential for maintaining progress in CND patients.

Career women's mental wellbeing in the era of population decline: the effects of working environment and family environment on the mental wellbeing.

In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the population in many countries has been declining. China, which was previously the world's most populous nation and is often categorized as an emerging economy, officially entered an era of population decline in 2022. The advent of this era has make China's economic development more uncertain and aging of population more pronounced. To address the population decline, the Chinese government implemented the "Three-Child Policy" to encourage childbirth, aiming to reverse the negative population growth. However, this policy has not achieved the expected goals. Instead, it has increased the pressure on women to bear children, particularly for career women, where such pressure may conflict with their existing work and family environments, subsequently affecting their mental wellbeing. A survey was conducted to investigate the mental wellbeing status of career women in Changchun City, Jilin Province, Northeast China. It analyzes the impact of working and family environments on the mental wellbeing of these women. Based on the survey, this study draws five conclusions: A. The mental wellbeing status of career women varies across different ages, industries, and childbirth statuses. B. The perceived adverse impact of childbirth on the working environment may negatively affect the mental wellbeing of career women. C. The perceived adverse impact of childbirth on the family environment may negatively affect the mental wellbeing of career women. D. Career women are not satisfied with the effectiveness of current policies in protecting women's rights. E. Compared to working environments, there is a greater demand for career women in the family environments, particularly in reducing various family burdens. The pro-natalist policies introduced in response to negative population growth can worsen the mental wellbeing of career women, while the deterioration of their mental wellbeing could further accelerate population decline. Given the current challenges, this study suggests that effectively improving the mental wellbeing of career women requires building psychological resilience among childless career women, reducing the burden of family on career women, and continuously improving policies and regulations that protect the rights of career women.

Using a Community-Engaged Survey to Describe Prison Environments and Measure the Mental Health Status of Correctional Staff and Incarcerated Individuals

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Incarceration is associated with significant negative mental health implications for both the corrections staff who work in prisons and the individuals incarcerated in them. Despite their scale and impacts, prisons are one of the country’s least transparent and most understudied public institutions. Where research on prisons does exist, it is often focused on either the corrections staff population or the incarcerated population. Moreover, the perspectives of those most directly affected, incarcerated populations and correctional staff are rarely included in the process. In this study, we sought to focus on understanding the entire prison ecosystem, measuring the mental health status of corrections staff and incarcerated individuals, and describing potential interrelated factors in the prison environment that may affect these outcomes. We used a community-engaged process to develop a prison survey to measure the prison environment in a pilot facility in rural Vermont, incorporating the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Mental Health 2a instrument to measure the mental health status of the corrections staff and incarcerated individuals. Focus groups and interviews were conducted to inform survey development and understand factors affecting the mental health of these populations. Surveys were administered at three time points.

Effectiveness of the mom supports mom peer support intervention in treating antenatal mental health difficulties in women

ProblemUp to 75 % of at-risk perinatal women do not receive treatment in Czechia. BackgroundPregnant women with mental health difficulties are more likely to undergo less controversial nonpharmaceutical treatment during pregnancy, but structural and psychological barriers interfere with their capacity to seek professional help. AimWe tested the effectiveness of the telephone-based peer support intervention Mom Supports Mom (MSM) in Czech pregnant women at risk of mental disorder. MethodsThe Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess risk in women (EPDS ≥ 10). Women at risk were randomized into two groups; the intervention group received the MSM, while the control group received the care as usual, which did not contain any psychological support intervention. One month after completing the EPDS, the women's mental statuses were again measured and compared, this time with data before and after the intervention, using the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) to measure anxiety, the EPDS to measure depression, the Prenatal Psychosocial Profile (PPP) to measure stress, and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory – Revised (PAI-R) to measure attachment. The trial was registered under the name Pregnancy without psychosocial stress (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04853693). FindingsA total of 167 women were included in the study and randomized into two groups. Depressive symptoms did not decrease (Cohen´s d; 95 % CI = 0.48; 0.17–0.79; p = .002), but levels of anxiety (Cohen´s d; 95 % CI = 0.44; 0.13–0.75; p = .005) and psychosocial stress (Cohen´s d; 95 % CI = 0.55; 0.20–0.82; p = .002) were reduced in women in the intervention group compared with women in the control. In addition, prenatal attachment increased among intervened women (Cohen´s d; 95 % CI = 0.48; 0.17–0.79; p = .002). DiscussionThe telephone-based peer support intervention MSM is effective in reducing stress and anxiety and increasing prenatal attachment but does not reduce depression among high-risk women.

Mental and physical well-being among students in Germany: results from the StudiBiFra study

Abstract Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the mental and physical health status among higher education students in Germany and to analyse potential health differences according to gender and strictness of COVID-19 protective measures. Subject and methods In the cross-sectional “StudiBiFra” study, students at 13 higher education institutions in Germany participated in an online survey on their mental and physical well-being. Data were assessed between June 2021 and March 2023 using the “Bielefeld Questionnaire on Study Conditions and Mental Health”. Besides descriptive analyses, χ2-tests were conducted to analyse differences in health variables according to gender or strictness of COVID-19 measures. Results Out of the sample of 24,533 students, about two-thirds were under 26 years old, another two-thirds were female, and 1.8% identified as gender-diverse. Approximately half of the sample participated under strict COVID-19 measures (spring 2021 to spring 2022). A high percentage of students reported physical complaints and mental health symptoms, especially exhaustion and tiredness. For most health variables, female students felt more affected than male students and students who identified as gender-diverse were more affected than the other two groups. Participants generally felt worse when surveyed under strict COVID-19 measures than under loosened conditions. Conclusion The mental and physical health status among higher education students in Germany was found to be rather poor. The observed symptoms can have a substantial impact on students’ daily lives. By addressing these issues, preferably in a gender-sensitive way, higher education institutions can improve the mental and physical well-being among their students.

The relationship between addiction profile and parental attitudes in patients with opioid use disorder

ABSTRACT Background and objective We aimed to compare the perceived parental attitudes experienced by adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) with a healthy group and to examine its effect on the addiction profile. Methods Our study included 71 male patients diagnosed with OUD based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria and 71 male volunteers. Patients included in the study and healthy control group were subjected to the Sociodemographic Data Form (SDF), Young Parenting Inventory (YPI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Addiction Profile Index (API) after the psychiatric examination. Results Most YPI subscales were significantly higher in the OUD group compared to the healthy control group (p < .05). A multivariate regression analyses model was statistically significant (x2 = 81,969, p < .001) with a Nagelkerke R2 value of 0.58. Family history of alcohol use disorder/substance use disorder (AUD/SUD), YPI belittling/criticizing (mother), YPI overprotective/anxious (mother), YPI pessimistic/fearful (mother), YPI restricted/emotionally inhibited (mother), and YPI pessimistic/fearful (father) were found to be independent predictors of the risk of developing OUD. Conclusion Critical, overprotective, and withdrawn parental attitudes, along with a family history of AUD/SUD, may predict OUD risk. This suggests the potential value of integrating parental-focused therapy into OUD treatment.

Healthy Warrior Effect With Deployment to United Nations Peacekeeping Operation: A Longitudinal Study Among Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces.

The "healthy warrior effect" (HWE), in which deployed military personnel are healthier than those not deployed, is known to be associated with deployment. However, the HWE associated with deployment to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations (PKO) has not been examined. This study examined the HWE associated with deployment to UN PKO by examining the impact of pre-deployment mental health on the likelihood of deployment and whether this difference persisted after deployment. This retrospective cohort study included 2,712 Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces personnel from four engineering units who consented to participate in annual mental health checks conducted between August and October 2015. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) was used to assess general psychological distress before and after deployment. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and rank was conducted with deployment as the dependent variable and the pre-deployment K6 total score as the independent variable. Additionally, a mixed-effects model was performed with K6 total scores as the dependent variable, time and deployment as fixed effect factors, and the individual as the random effect factor. Of the participants, 254 were in the deployed group, and 2,458 were in the non-deployed group. The pre-deployment K6 total score was significantly lower (t = 5.2, P < .001) for the deployed group (0.67 ± 1.60) than for the non-deployed group (1.26 ± 2.41). Logistic regression analysis showed an odds ratio for the K6 total score before deployment as 0.87 (95% CI = 0.79-0.94). The mixed-effects model exhibited a significant negative main effect of being deployed (t = -5.1, P < .001) and a significant interaction effect between time and being deployed (t = -2.5, P = .012). Psychologically healthier personnel were more likely to be deployed for UN PKO and their better mental health status persisted after deployment, reflecting the HWE. However, personnel in good health may develop new mental health issues after their deployment, and more attention to health management will be essential before and after deployment.

How stress influences e-cigarette health message perceptions and intentions to abstain from vaping among young adults who vape

PurposeWhile most U.S. young adults attribute e-cigarette use (vaping) to stress coping, it is relatively unknown how young adults’ stress levels influence their e-cigarette health message responses and vaping abstinence intentions. MethodsIn an online crowdsourcing study, young adults who currently vape (N = 346, Mage = 25.24) were assessed for their past-30-day stress levels. Then, they saw a message about the health effects of vaping and were asked questions about the messages and their vaping abstinence intentions. We performed multiple regressions to examine the main effects of stress levels on message evaluation (message perceptions, effects perceptions) and intentions to abstain from vaping. We then examined the indirect effects of stress levels on abstinence intentions mediated by each message outcome, respectively. Models controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, mental health status, and past-30-day e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking. ResultsParticipants with higher stress levels reported more negative message evaluation (ps < 0.05). Additionally, participants with higher stress levels reported lower abstinence intentions via more negative message perceptions (b = -0.02, SE = 0.01, 95 % CI = -0.041, −0.004). Likewise, participants with higher stress levels reported lower abstinence intentions via more negative effects perceptions (b = -0.03, SE = 0.01, 95 % CI = -0.046, −0.008). ConclusionsHigher stress levels were associated with negative message evaluation among young adults who vape. Additionally, the association of stress levels and abstinence intentions was mediated by negative message evaluation. Public health officials may need to account for stress levels in young adults to increase the effects of e-cigarette health messages on their intentions to abstain from vaping.

Usability of an at-home tablet-based cognitive test in older adults with and without cognitive impairment

BackgroundMobile device-based cognitive screening has the potential to overcome the limitations in diagnostic precision and efficiency that characterize conventional pen and paper cognitive screening. Several mobile device-based cognitive testing platforms have demonstrated usability, but the usability of take-home mobile device-based cognitive screening in typical adult primary care patients requires further investigation.MethodsThis study set out to test the usability of a prototype mobile device-based cognitive screening test in older adult primary care patients across a range of cognitive performance. Participants completed the St. Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) and then used a study-supplied mobile device application at home for 5 days. The application presented 7 modules lasting approximately 15 min. Participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) after using the application.ResultsA total of 51 individuals participated, with a median (IQR) age of 81 (74–85) years. Cognitive impairment (SLUMS score < 27) was present in 30 (59%) of participants. The mean (95% Confidence Interval [CI]) SUS score was 76 (71–81), which indicates good usability. Usability scores were similar across ranges of cognitive impairment. A Lower SLUMS score predicted early withdrawal from the study with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI) of 0.78 (0.58–0.97).ConclusionTake-home mobile device-based cognitive testing is a usable strategy for many older adult primary care patients. Depending on patient preferences and abilities, it could be part of a flexible cognitive testing and follow-up strategy that includes mobile device-based testing in healthcare settings and pen-and-paper cognitive testing.

Anxiety, depression, and family dysfunction among COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital and isolation facilities in the Philippines

COVID-19 patients are prone to developing psychosocial distress during and after admission to healthcare facilities. This prospective cohort study determined the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and family dysfunction among COVID-19 patients discharged from health facilities in Metro Manila, Philippines. Data was collected through phone interviews with COVID-19 patients two weeks and eight weeks after discharge. The questionnaires were based on validated tools such as HADS-P for screening anxiety and depression symptoms and Filipino Family APGAR and SCREEM Family resources survey for the perceived family function and resource, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Factors associated with anxiety, depression, and family function were analyzed using logistic regression. Approximately 31.6% (23.8 – 40.2%) presented with anxiety symptoms, and 12.0% (7.3 – 18.4%) had depression symptoms two weeks after being discharged from COVID-19 infection. From two weeks after discharge, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms decreased to 19.8%, while depression increased to 13.5% eight weeks after discharge. The percentage of patients with a perceived moderate family dysfunction was 12.8% at two weeks and most inadequate resources for the patients. The patient's anxiety was associated with perceived moderate family dysfunction (p = 0.034) and moderately inadequate family resources (p = 0.034). Depression most inadequate resources for the patients. The patient's anxiety was associated with perceived moderate family dysfunction (p = 0.034) and moderately inadequate family resources (p = 0.034). Depression was associated with perceived moderate family dysfunction (p = 0.020) and low income (p = 0.036). This is one of the first studies to determine how COVID-19 infection affects the mental health status of Filipino patients. The study’s results highlight the importance of holistic care for COVID-19 patients and the need to include mental health in the management of COVID-19 patients.