Mental Well-being Of Individuals Research Articles

AIM AND MEANING OF BREATHING EXERCISES: INTERDISCIPLINARY LITERATURE REVIEW

Respiration is an indispensable aspect of life that significantly influences both the physical and mental well-being of individuals, depending on such factors as depth and rhythm. Exploring the distinctions between chest and abdominal breathing is crucial for understanding their profound impacts, and embracing appropriate breathing exercises has proven to be advantageous for short-term relief and long-term holistic health. While acknowledged for diverse therapeutic applications, such as mitigating vocal cord fatigue, a comprehensive exploration of breathing exercises remains essential. Sport scientists and coaches are encouraged to acquire a set of breathing exercises for future implementation in the training routines. This study strives to conduct an interdisciplinary literature review to shed light on the aims, meaning, and classification of breathing exercises. Employing a literature review methodology, were analysed peer-reviewed articles from PubMed and ScienceDirect published during the years from 2000 to 2023, focusing on such keywords as breathing exercises, deep breathing, nasal breathing, abdominal breathing, thoracic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, breathing control, and respiratory muscle training. The research findings illustrate the multifaceted definitions, components, aims, and classifications of breathing exercises. This study establishes a foundation for identifying distinct subtypes, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the significance and purpose of breathing exercises in enhancing overall well-being.

The Impact of Coping Styles on the Mental Health of Outstanding Physical Education Students in Shanghai During the Normalization Epidemic: The Chain Mediation Role of Meaning in Life and Prosocial Behavior.

The continuous spread of the epidemic has inflicted serious harm upon individual's mental well-being, and effective coping mechanisms are associated with positive mental health outcomes. Prosocial behavior and a sense of meaning in life can enhance individuals' subjective well-being, which can subsequently positively impact their mental health. Thus, in the context of epidemic prevention and control, this study investigates the relationship between the meaning in life, prosocial behavior, and coping styles of outstanding physical education students and the impact on their mental health. The study involved a questionnaire survey on 498 outstanding physical education students, consisting of 297 boys (mean age = 13.16) and 201 girls (mean age = 12.87 years). Subsequently, the data was analyzed using the mediating effect and Bootstrap tests. The coping style positively predicted the meaning in life (β=0.294) and prosocial behavior (β=0.293). Conversely, mental health was predicted in a negative direction (β=-0.494). Mental health negatively predicted prosocial behavior (β=-0.810), although prosocial behavior positively predicted meaning in life (β=0.644). Finally, prosocial behavior negatively predicted mental health (β=-0.513). Additionally, the interplay between prosocial behavior and meaning in life is established in terms of both the individual and chain mediating roles. This study demonstrates that coping styles during a normalized epidemic prevention and control situation directly impact the mental health of Shanghai's outstanding physical education students. Additionally, these coping styles indirectly influence mental health through the mediating effects of meaning in life and prosocial behaviors. Furthermore, meaning in life and prosocial behaviors act as chain mediators in this relationship.

Potential antidepressant effects of Traditional Chinese botanical drug formula Chaihu-Shugan-San and its active ingredients.

Background: Depression is a severe mental disorder that poses a significant threat to both the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals. Currently, there are various methods for treating depression, including traditional Chinese herbal formulations like Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), which have shown effective antidepressant effects in both clinical and animal research. Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence related to CSS, considering both preclinical and clinical studies, to uncover its potential multi-level, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms for treating depression and identify its active ingredients. Methods: A thorough search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Wanfang, using keywords such as "Chaihu Shugan" and "depression" to retrieve relevant literature on CSS and its active ingredients. The review process adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: This review consolidates the mechanisms underlying antidepressant effects of CSS and its active ingredients. It emphasizes its involvement in the regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, among other aspects. Conclusion: CSS exerts a pivotal role in treating depression through various pathways, including the monoaminergic neurotransmitter system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, synaptic plasticity, inflammation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and the brain-gut axis. This review facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the current state of CSS research, fostering an in-depth exploration of the etiological mechanisms of depression and the potential discovery of novel antidepressant drugs.

Understanding the Dynamic Relationship of Diabetes Distress and Glycemic Indicators in Foot Ulcer Patients: A Correlative Study.

Diabetes-related distress and glycemic indicators are the most common concerns for patients with diabetes mellitus and have a major impact on diabetic patients' lifestyle, mental well-being, and healthcare access. The principal aim of research in this field is to ascertain the correlation between distress associated with diabetes and glycemic indicators. this helps in developing interventions that can enhance the overall physical and mental well-being of individuals with diabetes. The objective is to assess the diabetes distress and glycemic indicators among patients with foot ulcers and to find the correlation between diabetes distress and glycemic parameters. A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 159 patients with foot ulcers who were admitted to the hospital by using a non-probability purposive sampling method. The severity of diabetes distress was evaluated utilizing the four-subscale Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17). Glycemic indicators are calculated through the assessment of random blood sugar, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The study revealed that most participants were above 60 years old and were male. Of the samples, 52% had moderate distress. All the subscales of diabetes distress are correlated to the overall DDS score. A negative correlation (r= -0.162, p < 0.041) was found between emotional burden and FBS which was statistically significant, whereas FBS is positively related to HbA1c (r=0.194, p=0.015). The significant correlation between DDS scores, the subscales of diabetes distress, and glycemic indicators highlights the criticality of incorporating diabetes distress management into comprehensive strategies for managing diabetes.Moreover, theresearch underscores the necessity of employing multidisciplinary strategies when attending to diabetic patients to prevent complications.

Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health

The problem addressed in this research is the increasing recognition of the complexity of mental disorders, and previous studies have indicated the positive potential of Equine Therapy in addressing various mental conditions. Neurobiological and hormonal changes associated with participation in equine therapy, providing a scientific basis for the clinically observed positive effects. On the other hand, as awareness of the complexity of mental disorders and the challenges in their treatment increases, attention to therapy involving interactions with animals, especially horses, is growing. The aim of this research is to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms and benefits of Equine Therapy as an innovative and effective therapy in enhancing individual mental well-being, by detailing previous research results to contribute further to our understanding. The research methodology used in this study is a literature review, involving a critical examination and review of knowledge, ideas, or findings in academically-oriented literature. The results of the study on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) have proven effective in addressing depression and anxiety in adolescents, as well as having the potential as a valuable addition to the treatment of PTSD in first responders and substance use disorders. Despite positive results in increasing self-confidence, social interaction, and well-being, limited public understanding poses a challenge to the recognition of this therapy. Further research is needed to strengthen empirical evidence and understand the positive impact of human-horse interaction in the context of animal-assisted therapy.

Psychological Issues of Disabilities and Existing Treatments

This study comprehensively examines and synthesizes the latest research findings on the mental well-being of individuals with disabilities. It delves into the psychological intricacies exhibited by this demographic, explores the factors that shape their mental health, and identifies the underlying causes that contribute to their unique challenges. Furthermore, this research goes beyond merely summarizing existing knowledge; it critically assesses the prevailing psychological treatment modalities available for individuals with disabilities. By comparing and contrasting these approaches, it sheds light on their limitations and provides valuable insights into how they can be improved. In addition to these insights, this study offers practical recommendations aimed at enhancing the overall mental health support for people with disabilities. By addressing the gaps in current treatments and highlighting areas for improvement, it aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for this underserved population.

Psychological well-being in Europe after the outbreak of war in Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has had devastating effects on the Ukrainian population and the global economy, environment, and political order. However, little is known about the psychological states surrounding the outbreak of war, particularly the mental well-being of individuals outside Ukraine. Here, we present a longitudinal experience-sampling study of a convenience sample from 17 European countries (total participants = 1,341, total assessments = 44,894, countries with >100 participants = 5) that allows us to track well-being levels across countries during the weeks surrounding the outbreak of war. Our data show a significant decline in well-being on the day of the Russian invasion. Recovery over the following weeks was associated with an individual’s personality but was not statistically significantly associated with their age, gender, subjective social status, and political orientation. In general, well-being was lower on days when the war was more salient on social media. Our results demonstrate the need to consider the psychological implications of the Russo-Ukrainian war next to its humanitarian, economic, and ecological consequences.

Mental wellbeing and ethnic brokerage in friendship networks of adolescents in German secondary schools

ABSTRACT Inter-ethnic brokerage between friends, i.e. having friends with different ethnic backgrounds who are not friends with each other, is essential to social integration processes in multi-ethnic societies. This study examines the relation between inter-ethnic brokerage in adolescent friendship networks and individual mental wellbeing in the school context. Using data on friendship networks from a large-scale study of more than 2,700 seventh-graders in German secondary schools, I analyse the interplay between triadic brokerage structures and ethnicity, combining network analytical methods with linear regression techniques. The results show that brokerage in general is associated with lower mental wellbeing. This negative association is stronger for brokerage between friends with different ethnic backgrounds than for brokerage between friends with the same ethnic background. Furthermore, the negative association is not stronger for inter-ethnic brokerage, where the broker has the same ethnic background as one friend, than for inter-ethnic brokerage, where all actors belong to distinct ethnic groups. The results indicate no differences between ethnic majority and minority students. Though inter-ethnic brokerage is vital to bridge ethnic divides, this study highlights the psychological challenges inter-ethnic brokers may face. It emphasises the relevance of investigating brokerage in inter-ethnic friendships and going beyond dyadic perspectives on inter-ethnic contact.

Insights from China: understanding the impact of community resilience and government trust in psychological resilience and anxiety during COVID-19.

COVID-19 has the potential to greatly impact an individual mental well-being. However, an individual's psychological resilience, combined with support from their community and government disaster relief efforts can aid individuals in confronting crises with a positive mindset. The purpose of this study is to investigate how individuals, across three dimensions of individual resilience perception, community resilience perception, and government trust perception, mitigate individual anxiety during COVID-19. This study employed an online survey method that was not restricted by geographical location. Data collection took place from January 2022 to June 2022, and the valid questionnaires covered all 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. The assessment of community resilience was conducted employing the Conjoint Community Resilience Assessment Measure-10 (CCRAM-10). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was also used to examine the relationship between community resilience, government trust, individual psychological resilience, and anxiety. The SEM results reveal that individual psychological resilience is significantly negatively correlated with anxiety (b = -0.099, p < 0.001), while there is a significant positive correlation between community resilience perception (b = 0.403, p < 0.001) and government trust (b = 0.364, p < 0.001) with individual psychological resilience. Furthermore, government trust perception enhances psychological resilience, consequently reducing anxiety (b = -0.036, p < 0.001). The results also revealed that women and increasing age had a mitigating effect on individual anxiety during COVID-19. Individual's mental state is influenced on multiple dimensions during COVID-19. Not only can individual psychological resilience better cope with anxiety, but support at the community and government dimensions has a significant impact on individual psychology. These resources can enhance the resilience of both individuals and communities, helping them better cope with stress and difficulties.

Psychological disorders among college going students: A post Covid-19 insight from Bangladesh

The COVID-19 pandemic has been found to result in adverse effects on both the physical and mental well-being of individuals. The adolescent population emerged as one of the most susceptible cohorts affected by the ongoing pandemic. They experienced significant adversity due to various mental health conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the present prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and internet addiction among college-going students in Bangladesh following the post-COVID period. The study involved a cohort of 7667 students. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the levels of depression, anxiety, and internet addiction among college-going adolescents. The assessment utilized the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) scales. The data was analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Participants averaged 15.3 years old and 64.3 % female. 63 % of students fulfilled the criterion for internet addiction, 37 % did not, 75 % met depression criteria, 25 % did not, and 60 % met anxiety requirements. Girls were more depressed and anxious than boys. Boys were more internet-addicted than girls. Social media usage from COVID-19, daily exercise, online courses, and financial concerns throughout the pandemic affected participants' mental health. Still, the students were suffering from internet addiction, depression, and anxiety after COVID-19. Early identification and intervention may lessen these difficulties' influence on adolescents' academic and personal lives. Colleges may provide mental health services, encourage healthy lives, and educate on mental health.

Animal-Assisted Interventions on a College Campus to Improve Wellness: Adventures With the Northern Michigan University Wildpups.

The prevalence of anxiety and stress among university students has been well established. However, limited studies document the effects of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on college campuses. An AAI program was created and implemented during the 2021-2022 academic year to study the effects on students' stress and anxiety. Five faculty dog and handler teams, called the "Wildpups," participated in events that allowed individuals to interact with registered therapy dogs. Nursing students assessed vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure before and after events. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory survey was used to assess pre- and postperceived anxiety, and a visual analog scale was used to assess pre- and postperceived stress. Participants' blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, and perceived stress and anxiety decreased significantly after events. Embedded AAI programs on college campuses positively affect the life and mental well-being of individuals. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(11):631-637.].

Change in the form of work of psychologists after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, and the subjective mental state of this professional group

Objectives. The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland in spring 2020 forced psychologists to fight the psychological consequences, which were triggered by drastic life changes among the entire population. This group of professionals had an incredibly difficult role to play in society; the level of their overload in studies was even compared to doctors treating COVID-19. This article aims to analyze the situation of both personal and professional psychologists in the first wave of the pandemic. Methods. During the study, 341 psychologists were surveyed using the snowball method (hybrid access). Data were collected between 12 March and 3 May 2020. The study is part of a large project from all waves of the pandemic. Results. In total, 82.7% of psychologists experienced moderate to high-intensity stress, and 61.29% switched to a remote or hybrid mode of working with patients. Subjectively depressed mood occurred in 16.13%, reduced drive in 27.57% and dyssomnia in 18.77%. A total of 61.58% had concerns about their professional and/or financial future after the pandemic. Conclusion. The challenges during, as well as after, the pandemic period require taking care of individual mental well-being for psychologists. This is a necessary condition for undertaking a committed job.

Pengaruh Expressive Arts Therapy terhadap Self-Acceptance Narapidana Kasus Narkoba

Drug abuse is a serious problem in many countries, including Indonesia. Drug convicts have a high risk of experiencing mental health problems and difficulties in accepting themselves, which can affect the rehabilitation process. Expressive arts therapy has been used as an additional therapy to improve individual mental well-being and can be an alternative choice to increase self-acceptance. This study aims to evaluate the impact of expressive arts therapy on the level of self-acceptance of prisoners who experience drug cases. Expressive arts therapy includes aspects of self-expression that can trigger positive emotions, reduce stress, and indirectly increase self-acceptance. This therapy is carried out in groups to strengthen social support, which is a key factor in increasing self-acceptance according to Ryff (2005). This study used a pretest posttest control group design with the participation of 50 drug convicts (25 participants as an experimental group and 25 participants as a control group). This study also used an adapted self-acceptance scale as a measurement instrument. Data analysis was performed using the t test using SPSS software version 22.0. The results show that there is an effect of expressive arts therapy on self-acceptance as indicated by the t test result of 0.034. Furthermore, based on the effectiveness test using the Cohen formula, it is known that expressive arts therapy has a role in the medium or medium category to increase self-acceptance in drug case convicts with an effect size score of 0.6. As a recommendation expressive arts therapy can be an effective alternative therapy to help drug convicts in their recovery process.

Mental Well-Being of Americans among Different Social Classes through the Great Recession: A Chronological Analysis of Economic and Political Events

While the economic consequences of the Great Recession are well-studied, the change in the emotions and mood of people from the event has been largely overlooked. Positive mental status, or happiness, is an essential factor beyond economic data to analyze the authentic prosperity of a country. This paper examines this aspect of the effect of the Financial Crisis of 2008. This paper gathered subjective surveys on personal feelings and objective economic data trends from credible databases to infer the individuals' mental status. Moreover, by connecting the change in those time trends to dates of specific governmental acts and programs and social-political events during the recession, this paper observes the nuance in changes in American individual mental well-being and the effects of political and social incidents. Since the condition of each social class differed, the extent of the harmful shock each experienced varied. According to the results, the upper class had the most severe damage yet the fastest recovery in terms of mental status from the recession. Furthermore, the government programs and acts vary in effectiveness: some mitigated the economic shocks but did not provide mental relief, and others vice versa. The impacts of such policies further differed among social classes. This paper provides conclusions that can help scholars better understand the full consequences of the US Great Recession on the lives of Americans and provide implications of effective governmental means to improve public mental well-being.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF ENHANCING STRESS RESISTANCE LEVELS IN ADOLESCENT CHILDREN DURING TIMES OF WAR

Relevance: The ongoing war within Ukrainian territory and the increasing prevalence of crisis phenomena in socio-political and economic processes have a significant impact on the mental well-being of individuals. Children, in particular, are experiencing heightened levels of stress due to complex social circumstances and events. The psychological effects of war on Ukrainian children, such as fear of death, concern for loved ones, and anxiety, are expected to leave lasting imprints and manifest in their adult lives. However, stress is a complex phenomenon, and its consequences are unpredictable. It may dissipate over time or give rise to various debilitating conditions such as trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, nervous breakdowns, other neurotic and mental disorders, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Professional psychological support from specialists can help address this issue and prevent potential negative consequences in the future. Objective: This study aims to review contemporary domestic and international theoretical and methodological foundations related to stress resistance in adolescent children, provide primary prevention strategies to mitigate stress among adolescent students, and foster constructive coping skills in challenging situations. Results: Through an analysis of existing theoretical and analytical studies, this work describes modern approaches to stress and stress resistance in adolescent children. It presents the findings from the psychodiagnostic phase, which explores the manifestation of stress in adolescent children. Additionally, it discusses the specificities of psychologists' work in enhancing stress resistance among adolescents. A program titled "Enhancing the Level of Stress Resistance in Adolescents" was developed to cultivate constructive coping skills among teenagers in challenging situations, particularly those occurring in military contexts. Moreover, recommendations are provided to parents for promoting stress resistance in their teenage children. Conclusions: Stress in children is a natural phenomenon, much like stress experienced by adults. It can dissipate naturally or lead to anxiety, nervous breakdowns, apathy, depression, and other related conditions. Stress resistance is a combination of personal qualities that enable individuals to withstand stressful situations, thereby avoiding negative consequences for their well-being and their environment. The components of stress resistance include psychophysiological qualities, motivation, emotional and volitional aspects, self-awareness, and intellectual capacity. Factors that trigger stress in teenagers were identified. The findings from stress assessment suggest that emotional stress is prevalent among teenagers; however, those who possess internal psychological resources or the ability to transform stressful situations into constructive search activities demonstrate greater resilience to stress. The developed and tested program for enhancing stress resistance in teenage children focuses on primary prevention and the cultivation of constructive coping skills in challenging situations. Furthermore, recommendations are provided for parents to enhance stress resistance in their teenage children, particularly in wartime conditions.

Effects of Digital Game-Based Learning on Students’ Cyber Wellness Literacy, Learning Motivations, and Engagement

The Internet has become an essential part of our daily life, but excessive Internet use may lead to a number of risks such as Internet addiction. In order to protect teenagers from the risks, it is important to guide them to use the Internet in a safe, responsible, and ethical way. Cyber wellness literacy, as the core issue of digital citizenship, plays a vital role in the physical and mental well-being of individuals and should be given high priority. While some studies have explored the integration of digital citizenship into school education through digital game-based learning (DGBL), the influence of digital games on teenagers’ learning outcomes, learning motivation, and engagement in the field of cyber wellness remains unclear. It is, therefore, a challenge to provide cyber wellness literacy learning activities that empower students to keep away from Internet addiction and maintain a happy, healthy, and safe digital life. This study addressed the issue of Internet addiction from the perspective of digital citizenship, and designed and implemented a digital game-based course in a middle school. The study then explored the potential impact of DGBL on improving students’ cyber wellness literacy, motivation, and engagement. The statistical results show that DGBL not only promoted the students’ cyber wellness literacy in preventing Internet addiction, but also enhanced their motivations and emotional engagement.

Respected but stigmatized: Healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are at increased risk of being stigmatized, which compromises their individual mental well-being and the quality of care they deliver. Stigma-reduction interventions may (partly) prevent this. However, there is a lack of in-depth understanding of the experiences and underlying causes of COVID-19 stigma among HCWs, which is needed to design such interventions. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews to assess COVID-19 stigma among COVID-19 HCWs in Ireland, Nigeria, The Netherlands, Pakistan, and The Philippines. We used a purposive and snowball sampling to recruit a total of 53 HCWs for online interviews (13 in Ireland; 15 in Nigeria; 6 in The Netherlands; 6 in Pakistan; and 13 in The Philippines (2021). After verbatim transcribing interviews, we used a thematic approach for data analysis. In all countries, stigmatization of COVID-19 HCWs is driven by fear of infection and the perception of HCWs being carriers of the disease amplified by them wearing of scrubs and personal protective equipment. There were differences between countries in the way stigma manifested in self- anticipated and experienced stigma like scolding, discrimination, avoidance, (self-) isolation, and exclusion in public, in the community, at work, and in the household. The stigma resulted in feelings of depression, loneliness, isolation, and the desire to quit one's job. COVID-19 HCWs from all countries experienced all forms of stigmatization related to their work as a COVID-19 frontliner. This affected their mental well-being, which in turn affects job performance and quality of care, there is a high need to develop stigma reduction tools for HCWs.

Linked generations: child’s transition into unemployment and parents’ mental well-being

Abstract Unemployment has a negative effect on the mental well-being of individuals who experience it. The well-being of the partners and children of these individuals is also negatively affected by this transition. Little is known, however, on the effect of the transition into unemployment on the mental well-being of the parents of unemployed people. This article analyses the association between child’s transition into unemployment and parents’ minor psychiatric morbidity, using the General Health Questionnaire score as a proxy. The effects of the length of the unemployment spell and the specific pathway into unemployment are investigated. Eventually, the moderating role of the national level of unemployment is also explored. Data from the British Household Panel Survey and Understanding Society are used. The results of the analyses indicate that child’s transition into unemployment has a small, statistically significant, negative effect on mothers’ mental well-being, whereas the effect on fathers’ distress is negligible. The association between mother’s mental well-being and child’s unemployment does not vary by the duration of the unemployment spell, or by the specific path into unemployment (from employment, studentship, or other inactive status). Differently, the negative effect of child’s unemployment on mother’s well-being is larger at higher levels of unemployment at the country level.

Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Their Families.

This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial impact of the pandemic in pediatric patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and their families and whether congenital adrenal hyperplasia imposes an additional burden compared to other endocrine disorders. Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (n = 38) and congenital hypothyroidism (n = 41) and their families were enrolled in the prospective longitudinal survey study. Questionnaires that were completed remotely in June 2020 and in July 2021 included Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, and purpose-built daily routine, parent, and child COVID information scores, factors affecting drug usage, and parents' thoughts about the pandemic. At the end of 1 year, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children were repeated in the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group and they were questioned about the incidence and severity of coronavirus infection. Median Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children scores were similar between the congenital adrenal hyperplasia and congenital hypothyroidism groups. In the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group, median purpose-built daily routine was higher in those who had a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State score above the threshold (P = .048), also Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Depression, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Anxiety, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Stress, Parent COVID Information Score were higher among parents who followed news/data because of chronic diseases/medications of the child (P = .010, P = .034, P = .044, P = .045, respectively), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State was higher among parents who believed "having chronic diseases" and "using medications" increase the risk of COVID-19 infection (P = .011, P = .016, respectively). In the second survey, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Anxiety, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Stress decreased significantly (P < .01, P = .009, P = .008, respectively). Three patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who reported positive nasopharyngeal swab tests revealed mild symptoms. The pandemic has negative consequences on the mental well-being of individuals with chronic diseases, albeit from different causes.

Prevalence of Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Undergraduate Dental Students in Malaysia

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among dental students and its association with factors such as gender, year of study, phase of the course, and ethnicity. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in a medical institute in Malaysia. Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was assessed by Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). A total of 351 students took part in the study with a mean age of 22.38 (+1.69) years. The overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress with varying severity among the study population was 60.4, 75.2, and 50.4%, respectively. The prevalence of symptoms of depression among the study population appears to be independent of gender, ethnicity, and academic year of study. Our results show that stress and anxiety may be influenced by gender with more prevalence in females. Early detection of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress is of great importance to take timely remedial action to keep the mental well-being of individuals. Maintaining the mental health of young medical professionals is a need of society in the present world. Further studies are suggested to recognize other factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among dental students. Considering the students who experience depression, anxiety, or stress during undergraduate schooling, appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure effective learning. Students who have shown higher scores shall be advised for further follow-up and treatment strategies or appropriate counseling programs.