Mild Anxiety Symptoms Research Articles

Efekat anksioznosti od Kovida 19 na seksualnu funkciju zdravstvenih radnika - anketa studije preseka

Objective. Coronavirus disease epidemic in 2019 (COVID-19) posed a big challenge to healthcare providers. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between coronavirus anxiety and the sexual function of healthcare providers. Methods. In this study, an online survey was used to explore the relationship between anxiety and sexual function in healthcare providers during COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire included Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS). Results. A total of 300 healthcare providers were investigated in this study. The estimated self-reported rates of mild anxiety symptoms were 49%, moderate 29.2% and severe were 29.9%. The total mean score of FSFI of healthcare providers were 19.1 (SD=4.4). The results showed that on the total scale, 40.9% of healthcare providers had mild anxiety. The results also indicated that female sexual function is inversely correlated with anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it was shown that anxiety during COVID-19 is inversely correlated with sexual functioning. Conclusion. This study presented the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and sexual function in healthcare providers. Therefore, psychological or sexual assistance may be beneficial.

Prevalence of anxiety symptoms among the general population of Latvia in 2019–2020

Background Anxiety is among the most common and disabling mental disorders. The aim of our study was to determine the point prevalence of at least mild anxiety symptoms and associated factors in Latvian general population Methods Computer assisted face-to-face interviews were carried out between November 2019 and March 2020 to gather information on a representative sample of the Latvian adult population (n = 2687). The participants were interviewed using the 7-item anxiety scale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); a score of ≥5 was defined as indicating the presence of at least mild clinically significant symptoms of anxiety. A score of ≥10 or greater was defined as cut point for identifying cases of generalized anxiety disorder. Binary logistic regression was applied. Results There were 1238 males (46.1%) and 1449 females (53.9%) recruited. The point prevalence of at least mild anxiety symptoms in general population was 14.8% with no statistically significant difference between genders. The point prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder according to GAD-7 was 4.1%. Self-evaluation of health state as low or moderate (p < 0.001) (vs. high), unfinished primary education (p = 0.002) (vs. university degree) and age below 65 (p < 0.001) (vs. 65+) were statistically significantly associated factors for anxiety. The odds of having anxiety symptoms were lower in urban dwellers (but not in capital city; vs. rural) (p = 0.01) and married participants or those living with partner (vs. divorced, widowed) (p = 0.04). Conclusions Young people, people with low self-esteem of health-state, those with lower level of education are at particularly significant risk of anxiety symptoms.

Distance Learning and Student Anxiety at Palangkaraya University

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the entire world, including the field of education. Students at the Faculty of Medicine experience anxiety due to distance learning. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the extent to which distance learning affects the anxiety level of students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Palangkaraya. The research was conducted using a descriptive quantitative design. The population for this study was comprised of all students at the University of Palangkaraya's Faculty of Medicine and 219 individuals. The modified Halmilton Anxiety Rating Scale was used as the research instrument (HARS). The findings indicated that the greatest challenge encountered during distance learning was the absence of direct practical work (39 %). According to the level of anxiety, 141 respondents (64.38%) reported experiencing no symptoms of anxiety, 48 respondents (21.91%) reported experiencing mild anxiety, 22 respondents (10.04 %) reported experiencing moderate anxiety symptoms, and eight respondents (3.67%) reported experiencing severe anxiety. When anxiety symptoms manifest, the behavioral response manifests the highest percentage of mild anxiety symptoms, at 43.83%; the cognitive response manifests at 29.22 %; and the physiological and affective responses manifest at the same rate, at 26.48 %. The moderate and severe anxiety levels indicated that cognitive responses accounted for the highest anxiety response, at 18.27 % and 8.19 %, respectively. The study's conclusion indicates that distance education has a variable effect on the emergence of anxiety in medical faculty students at the University of Palangka Raya. As a result, support from various stakeholders is required to pay attention to the impact of distance learning on students.

Depression, Anxiety and Sleep Disturbance in Primary Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: In Turkey, family physicians and family health nurses are among the groups fighting COVID-19 on the frontline. This study was aimed to determine depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders and related factor during the COVID-19 pandemic in FPs and FHNs working in Rize. Methods: Single-centered, a cross-sectional web-based survey study was conducted between July 21-31, 2020 in Rize, Turkey. Demographic characteristics and information related to the COVID-19 pandemic were collected from primary health care workers and depression, anxiety, and sleep quality were evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. A total of 109 primary health care workers were included in the study. Results: While 48 (44%) of the primary health care workers had at least mild depressive symptoms, 46 (42.2%) had the least mild anxiety symptoms. Sleep disturbance was also found in 48 (44%) of them. The frequency of psychological symptoms was higher in women, nurses, and those who thought that their protective equipment was insufficient. Sleep disturbances were more common in primary health care workers with psychiatric illness and who suspect they have had COVID-19 at any time. Conclusion: Primary health care workers had a high rate of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It would be beneficial to make special interventions to promote mental health for primary health care workers, who are among the frontline groups in the fight against COVID-19. Keywords: anxiety, COVID-19, depression, health care worker, sleep disorders

Long-term effects of COVID-19 on mental health: A systematic review

BackgroundAcute effects of COVID-19 can be life-threatening. Alterations in mental health during the active infection have been documented, but the long-term consequences are less clear. MethodA systematic review was undertaken to investigate the effect of COVID-19 infection on long-term mental health outcomes. Three databases [PubMed, Medline (Ovid) and Cochrane library] were searched between 1st October 2019 and 29th August 2021 with additional hand searching to identify all published studies reporting symptoms of generalised anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or sleep disturbance in participants at least one month after COVID-19 infection. The prevalence and mean symptom score of each were assessed. ResultsEight hundred and eighty five studies were found, of which 33 were included in the review involving a total of 6743 participants. The studies’ risk of bias were typically fair quality. The median study age of participants was 57.8 years (IQR 49.3–60.7), with 63.0% male (IQR 57.0%–73.0%). Participants typically experienced no or mild symptoms of long-term anxiety (GAD-7, STAI-S, HADS) and depression (PHQ-9, BDI, PHQ-2, HADS). Prevalence varied depending on the measurement tool. Sleep disturbances (primarily insomnia) were most commonly reported as mild. PTSD prevalence was similar to anxiety and depression. ConclusionThe overall effect of the pandemic has been linked with worsening psychiatric symptoms. However, the long-term effect from direct COVID-19 infection has been associated with no or mild symptoms. Studies exhibited the long-term prevalence of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disturbances to be comparable to general population levels.

Psychological Distress Among the First Quarantined Community in the United States: Initial Observations From the Early Days of the COVID-19 Crisis.

This study assesses distress and anxiety symptoms associated with quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure among the first quarantined community in the United States and identifies potential areas of intervention. All participants were directly or peripherally related to "patient 1,"-the first confirmed community-acquired case of COVID-19 in the New York Area. As such, this is a historically significant sample whose experiences highlight a transitional moment from a pre-pandemic to a pandemic period in the United States. In March 2020, an anonymous survey was distributed to 1,250 members of a NYC area community that was under community-wide quarantine orders due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Distress was measured using the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) and symptoms of anxiety were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A variety of psychosocial predictors relevant to the current crisis were explored. Three hundred and three individuals responded within forty-eight hours of survey distribution. Mean levels of distress in the sample were heightened and sustained, with 69% reporting moderate to severe distress on the SUDS and 53% of the sample reported mild, moderate, or severe anxiety symptoms on the BAI. The greatest percentage of variance of distress and anxiety symptoms was accounted for by modifiable factors amenable to behavioral and psychological interventions.

A Pilot Feasibility Open Trial of an Interpretation Bias Intervention for Parents of Anxious Children

Interpretation bias is a transdiagnostic mechanism underlying anxiety. Theoretical models highlight the role of parental interpretation bias in predicting and maintaining child anxiety. However, very few studies have examined parent interpretation bias as a treatment target. The current pilot study tested the feasibility and acceptability of an interpretation bias intervention delivered by a smartphone app, called HabitWorks, in parents of anxious children who self-reported at least mild symptoms of anxiety and negative interpretation bias.Parents of anxious youth (ages 8 to 16) were recruited from the waitlists of three child anxiety clinics. They were asked to complete interpretation modification exercises via the HabitWorks app 3 times per week for 1 month. Participants completed assessments at pre- and post-intervention and 1-month follow-up to assess changes in interpretation bias, anxiety symptoms, and overall perceptions of HabitWorks.Participants (N = 14) (Mage = 44.36; 14.29% men, 85.71% women) completed an average of 13.29 exercises out of the 12 prescribed. Acceptability ratings were high. Interpretation bias, as measured by an assessment version of the intervention exercise, significantly improved from pre- to posttreatment, and these improvements were maintained at the 1-month follow-up. Anxiety symptoms significantly improved from the “mild” severity range to the “none to minimal” range.In this pilot feasibility study in parents of anxious youth, HabitWorks was a feasible and acceptable low-intensity intervention. These preliminary results support a future controlled trial of HabitWorks for parents. Future studies are also needed to test whether targeting interpretation bias in parents has downstream effects on maladaptive parent behaviors and ultimately, child interpretation bias and anxiety.

Evaluation of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder among the Pharmacy Students during Examinations

Aim: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the generalized anxiety disorder among the pharmacy students during examinations in the Indian scenario. Materials &amp; Methods: This was a prospective study conducted among the pharmacy students by using the GAD-7 questionnaire which was circulated by means of Google form to various Pharmacy colleges located in Andhra Pradesh, India. Students from pharmacy colleges with both the gender of all age groups were included. Students other than the pharmacy stream were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 240 study participants were involved in the study and among them 71 (29.6%) were found to be males and 169 (70.4%) were found to be females. Among 240 study participants, 30 (12.5%) were observed with minimal anxiety, 105 (43.8%) were observed with mild anxiety, 78 (32.5%) were observed with moderate anxiety and the remaining 27 (11.2%) were observed with severe anxiety. Conclusion: Most of the study participants were observed with mild anxiety symptoms followed by moderate anxiety symptoms during the examinations. Usually, whenever the students were going to appear for their examinations, the minimal anxiety is most commonly seen in them. But, the abnormal scores among some of the students may negatively impact their academic performance of the students. Parents and as well as the teaching faculty should provide some moral support for the students and in case of severe anxiety conditions, students must go for counseling sessions which may benefit them in a positive way in dealing with the academics.

Knowledge, Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Quality Among Medical Staff in Central South Areas of China During the Break of COVID-19: Does the Level of Hospitals Make a Difference?

Purpose: To evaluate the knowledge, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality toward COVID-19 among Chinese medical staff from tertiary and basic-level hospitals in central south areas of China.Method: A structured questionnaire was composed of Demographic and clinical characteristics of medical staff, Knowledge toward COVID-19 including epidemiology and clinical manifestations, The Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). It was administered to medical staff from tertiary hospitals (Group A) (n = 407) and basic-level hospitals (Group B) (n = 388) during February 2020 and May 2020.Results: Medical staff in group A had a stronger knowledge toward COVID-19 than group B (23.69 ± 5.83 & 18.15 ± 6.35, p < 0.001). Mild anxiety symptoms were found in both groups. The SAS scores (Mean ± SD) of group B were 58.87 ± 10.17, which was significantly higher than that of group A (52.59 ± 12.09, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in CES-D scores between the two groups (p = 0.981). The mean score of total PSQI in group B (8.41 ± 3.03) was statistically higher than that of group A (7.31 ± 3.74, p < 0.001). Additionally, the scores of sub-components of group B, including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disorder, sleeping medication use and daytime dysfunction, were significantly higher compared to Group A (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our study showed greater anxiety, more severe depression and poorer sleep quality among medical staff in central south areas of China during the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, compared to the tertiary hospital group, medical staff from basic-level hospitals had poorer knowledge toward COVID-19 and worse mental health conditions. In addition, residence, specialty, title and education level may also be factors of knowledge of COVID-19 and psychiatry problems. In light of this information, more attention should be paid to early identification and intervention of symptoms of anxiety and depression in susceptible medical staff from the basic-level hospitals.

Mental health and factors related to life satisfaction in nursing home and community-dwelling older adults during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.

BackgroundThe geriatric population is supposed to be at high risk for psychological distress as well as adverse outcomes and mortality during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the levels of depression, anxiety, death anxiety and life satisfaction levels and factors related to life satisfaction in individuals aged 65 years and older during the pandemic and to compare these variables between nursing home (NH) and community‐dwelling older adults.MethodThis study has a cross‐sectional and descriptive design, and a total of 133 nursing NH and community‐dwelling older adults were enrolled in the study. Turkish death anxiety scale (TDAS), life satisfaction scale (SLS) and depression anxiety stress scale‐21 (DASS‐21) were used for the assessment.ResultsThe majority of the older adults had no or mild depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in spite of the prolonged confinements, and were slightly satisfied with their lives. However, depression, anxiety, stress and TDAS levels were higher in participants aged 80 years and older. Residents of NHs had higher TDAS, depression and anxiety levels and lower SLS levels than community‐dwelling older adults. Participants who were meeting their children and/or grandchildren less than 2 h a week, were found to have significantly lower SLS and higher depression scores. The increase in depression and TDAS scores predicted a decrease in SLS scores in older adults.ConclusionsAs NH resident older adults have higher psychological distress and decreased life satisfaction due to the social isolation caused by the prolonged confinements, NH staff should be regularly informed on both preventive measures and mental health consequences of the pandemic, and should be trained for basic therapeutic interventions. Older adults should be supported to use telecommunication technologies to contact their families and friends, and participate in safe and accessible person‐centred activity programs.

Prevalence of Symptoms of Anxiety Among Residents of Kabul During Pandemic of COVID-19: A Report from Capital of Afghanistan.

PurposeThis study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety among residents of Kabul during the present COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional, community based survey was conducted in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from July 11, 2020, to July 16, 2020. A bilingual (Dari and English) questionnaire was used for data collection. The first section of the questionnaire collected sociodemographic information of the respondents and the second comprised a self-report standardized scale, i.e. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess symptoms of anxiety. The survey form was distributed through online platforms. All residents of Kabul who used social apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook were eligible to participate in the study and participation was voluntary and non-commercial.ResultsAltogether 1135 complete responses were received. The majority of them were males and aged 18–34 years. Almost 18% were healthcare workers. Overall, 28.2% of the respondents reported symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety, 38.8% reported symptoms of mild anxiety, and nearly one third of the respondents reported no symptoms. Female participants reported significantly higher levels of anxiety compared with males (39.7% versus 25.6%; p = 0.0001). No significant association was noted between anxiety levels and age groups, occupations, and healthcare workers versus non-healthcare workers.ConclusionThe findings suggest that a gender-specific psychosocial protocol needs be integrated into the public health emergency plans to fight against the current pandemic.

A Review Article on the Relation between Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety depression is the commonest phenomena in preponderant population. Many individuals might have experience it and still not know, very often in a state of constant denial and negligence with the fact knowingly. The causes can vary from psychological, physiological and traumatic past experiences. This article incorporate studies of anxietydepression and their relationship and causes. Anxiety depression are the most common psychological disorder. Their relationship is very baffling, their symptoms overlaps with each other. There are many causes for it physiological, psychological, behavioural, insomnia, or due to past trauma. Physical exercise reduces the symptoms of mild anxiety and depression.

Prevalence and predictors of poor mental health among pregnant women in Wales using a cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of self-reported mental health problems in a cohort of women in early pregnancy.To describe the relationship between poor mental health and sociodemographic characteristics, self-efficacy and support networks.To assess if participants were representative of the local antenatal population. Research design and settingThe UK government has pledged money to provide more support for women with perinatal mental health issues. Understanding the prevalence and predicting women who may need support will inform clinical practice. This paper reports part of the larger ‘Mothers Mood Study’, which explored women's and midwives’ experience of mild to moderate perinatal mental health issues and service provision. Routinely collected population level data were analysed and a smaller cross-sectional survey design used to assess predictors of poor mental health in early pregnancy in one health board in Wales. ParticipantsRoutinely collected data were extracted for all women who registered for maternity care between May 2017 and May 2018 (n = 6312) from the electronic maternity information system (pregnant population). Over a three month period 302 of these women completed a questionnaire at the antenatal clinic after an ultrasound scan (participants). Eligible women were aged ≥18 years, with sufficient spoken and written English to complete the questionnaire and a viable pregnancy of ≤18 weeks’ gestation. The questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic status, self-efficacy and support networks, self-reported mental health problems. Current anxiety and depression were assessed using the General Anxiety Disorders Assessment and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. FindingsAmong the pregnant population 23% (n = 1490) disclosed a mental health problem during routine questioning with anxiety and depression being the most common conditions. Participants completing the detailed questionnaire were similar in age and parity to the pregnant population with similar levels of depression (15.6%; n = 15.6 v 17.3%, n = 1092). Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and General Anxiety Disorder 7 scores identified 8% with symptoms of anxiety (n = 25) or depression (n = 26) and a further 24.2% (n = 73) with symptoms of mild anxiety and 25.2% (n = 76) with mild depression. Low self-efficacy (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12–1.45), a previous mental health problem (OR 3.95, 95% CI 1.37–11.33) and low support from family (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.00–1.27) were found to be associated with early pregnancy anxiety and/or depression. Key conclusions and implications for practiceAround one in five women who register for maternity care may have a mental health problem. Mild to moderate anxiety and depression are common in early pregnancy. Services need to improve for women who do not currently meet the threshold for referral to perinatal mental health services. Assessment and active monitoring of mental health is recommended, in particular for pregnant women with risk factors including a history of previous mental health difficulties, poor family support or low self-efficacy.

Anxiety disorder and psychological dependence on smoking in adults from two communities in the State of Mexico

Introduction: Smoking is a public health problem associated with chronic degenerative diseases. The coexistence of tobacco consumption and anxiety disorders was detected, which represent the most frequent psychiatric illnesses around the world. Objective: Analyze the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and their severity as a consequence of tobacco dependence in young adults from two communities in the State of Mexico. Material and methods: This is a descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study. The measurement instrument was a survey consisting of the Fagerström test, the Glover-Nilsson test, and Beck anxiety inventory. Prior informed consent applied to adults aged 18–35 years from the municipalities of Huixquilucan and Atlautla, State of Mexico with a calculated sample of 300 subjects. The analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics, with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: 50.2% of the population were active smokers and 15.8% showed high suspicion of anxiety disorders independent of smoking. In smokers, 15.1% had scores for an anxiety disorder while more than 60% showed mild anxiety symptoms and 18.9%, moderate anxiety. A high prevalence of moderate dependence on nicotine was found in those smokers whose age of initiation of consumption was 16–19 years and who also had previous failure to abandon consumption. Conclusion: Anxious symptoms were found in 66% of those surveyed. This is relevant since mental illnesses have shown a significant increase, generating long-term problems in the overall health of adults.

Prevalence and predictors of anxiety, depression and stress among university students during the period of the first lockdown in Germany.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the risk for mental health issues of university students. The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress among university students during the period of the first lockdown in Germany, and the associations of possible risk and protective factors with all three outcome variables.MethodsA total of 2.548 university students were included in the study. The study took place during the period of the first lockdown in Germany. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to explore the role of demographic variables, personality traits, psychological capital variables, mindfulness, COVID-19 related variables, and coping strategies on anxiety, depression and stress.ResultsResults showed on average mild depressive and anxiety symptoms, and moderate perceived stress among the students. Alarmingly, 35.9% of the students showed a moderate-to-severe level of depression, 27.7% reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety, and 25.1% perceived high stress. Mindfulness and optimism were the most relevant protective factors against depression, anxiety and stress, whereas COVID-related stressors (e.g., worries about study and financial problems, being stressed by the Corona-pandemic and media reporting, quarantine experience) as well as personal characteristics (e.g., neuroticism, older age, being female) were risk factors for increasing mental health issues and/ or stress.ConclusionThe pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of students. The results emphasize the importance of both professional help for students with mental health problems and effective prevention programs on university campuses that promote coping skills, and mental health during the current pandemic.

Anxiety levels during COVID 19 pandemic in primary and secondary doctors in UK

AimsThe study aims to examine the severity of anxiety in primary and secondary doctors in the UK during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.MethodAn online General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD7) survey was distributed during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic (April-May 2020) to doctors in primary and secondary care in the UK. Seven closed-ended questions were included in the questionnaire. Respondents were to indicate how frequently they experienced specific issues in the previous fortnight: Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge; being unable to stop or control worrying; worrying too much generally; trouble relaxing; being so restless that it's hard to sit still; becoming easily annoyed or irritable, feeling afraid of something awful happening. Participants were required to tick one of four choices for each of the seven parameters - not at all (0), several days (1), more than half the days (2) and nearly every day (3). A person with minimal or no anxiety will score less than 5. The survey was anonymous and circulated in professional online doctors' forums. Participation was voluntary and no incentives were given.Result273 completed surveys were received; 120 doctors were in primary care and 153 were in secondary care. Average GAD7 score was 6.4 in primary care and 7.9 in secondary care. 57% of primary care doctors and 66% of secondary care doctors reported score of 5 or more, representing at least mild anxiety symptoms. 22% doctors in primary care and 31% doctors in secondary care reported GAD7 score of 10 or more, indicating moderate to severe anxiety. One in ten doctors in both primary and secondary care reported severe anxiety due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionThe finding of more anxiety in secondary care doctors might be because general practitioners could resort early in the pandemic to remote consultations along with inadequacy of resources, greater exposure to suffering/deaths of patients and colleagues in hospital and perceived risk of catching COVID-19 infection.Results are limited due to relatively low numbers and it would be useful to replicate this study on a larger scale. Doctors are less likely to acknowledge their mental health difficulties due to stigma associated with mental health.Many employers have psychological support systems in place for their staff, but it is questionable if affected individuals are willing to receive this support. This paper; therefore, calls for creating open anonymous platforms for professionals to get access to appropriate support to address their anxiety.

Anxiety and depression in patients who receive anti-VEGF treatment and the usability and feasibility of e-mental health support: the E-PsEYE pilot study.

PurposeE‐PsEYE is an internet‐based, guided self‐help course, following the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, to reduce anxiety and depression in patients with retinal exudative diseases who receive anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and related factors of anxiety and depression in this population and evaluate the usability and feasibility of E‐PsEYE.MethodsSymptoms of anxiety and depression and related factors were determined in 90 patients (mean age 77 years, 58% female), based on multiple logistic regression analysis. Five patients with mild to moderate depression/anxiety tested the usability of E‐PsEYE. They were asked to think aloud while completing two modules of the intervention and freely explore system features. The feasibility of the total E‐PsEYE intervention was tested in 14 patients with mild to moderate depression/anxiety, based on a single arm pre‐post study with a follow‐up of three months: fidelity, acceptability, feasibility of study methods and potential effectiveness were explored.ResultsFifty‐three percent of the total study population experienced at least mild anxiety and/or depression symptoms. Especially female patients (odds ratio (OR) 3.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–11.40), those who experienced limitations in daily life activities due to vision loss (OR 9.67; 95% CI 3.18–29.45) and those who experienced loneliness (OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.14–10.95) were more likely to have anxiety/depression. The usability study raised several possibilities for improvement, based on which E‐PsEYE was improved. The feasibility study showed adequate fidelity and acceptability. Most participants were satisfied with the results (79%). There was a high response rate, no loss to follow‐up and mental health problems decreased in more than half of the patients. The Wilcoxon signed rank test indicated lower post‐test ranks compared to pre‐test ranks (depression Z −1.34, p = 0.18; anxiety Z −1.45, p = 0.15).ConclusionsMental health problems are prevalent in patients who receive anti‐VEGF treatment. Healthcare providers should recognise these problems and related factors in order to refer patients to appropriate care in a timely manner. Outcomes on the usability and feasibility of E‐PsEYE are promising as a prelude to performing a randomised controlled trial, which will shed more light on its (cost‐)effectiveness.

Reliability, Validity, and Measurement Invariance of the General Anxiety Disorder Scale Among Chinese Medical University Students.

Background: Medical students are affected by high levels of general anxiety disorder. However, few studies have specifically focused on the applicability of universal anxiety screening tools in this sample. This study was aimed to evaluate the psychometric property of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) among Chinese medical university students.Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,021 medical postgraduates from six polyclinic hospitals. Internal consistency and convergent validity of the GAD-7 were evaluated. Factor analyses were used to test the construct validity of the scale. An item response theory (IRT) framework was used to estimate the parameters of each item. Multi-group confirmatory analyses and differential item function analyses were used to evaluate the measurement equivalence of the GAD-7 across age, gender, educational status, and residence.Results: Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.93 and the intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.71 to 0.87. The GAD-7 summed score was significantly correlated with measures of depression symptoms, perceived stress, sleep disorders, and life satisfaction. Parallel analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor structure of the GAD-7. Seven items showed appropriate discrimination and difficulty parameters. The GAD-7 showed good measurement equivalence across demographic characteristics. The total test information of the scale was 22.85, but the test information within the range of mild symptoms was relatively low.Conclusions: The GAD-7 has good reliability, validity, and measurement invariance among Chinese medical postgraduate students, but its measurement precision for mild anxiety symptoms is insufficient.

A Cross Sectional Study on the Mental Health Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic in a Sample of Nigerian Urban Dwellers

Aim: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a new type of corona virus first discovered in China in 2019; hence the name COVID-19. Some of its symptoms include cough, fever, and breathing difficulty. In severe cases the disease can lead to death. This study looked at the mental health impacts of COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of Nigerian urban dwellers.&#x0D; Study Design: This is a descriptive cross sectional design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Enugu metropolis between the months of January and February 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), The Short Screening Scale for Post traumatic stress disorder, The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2) this study investigated the mental health impacts of COVID-19 pandemic among 520 Nigerian urban dwellers.&#x0D; Results: Results shows that 29.2%; 13.1% and 1.9% had mild, moderate and sever depressive symptoms respectively. Equally 21.9%, 13.3% and 5.4% had mild, moderate and severe anxiety symptoms respectively. Furthermore 37.3% showed signs of psychological distress just as 24.8% manifested symptoms of PTSD. Results further revealed significant associations between psychological distress and gender; PTSD and gender as well as anxiety and gender respectively. &#x0D; Conclusion: Following the high level of mental health impacts of Covid-19 pandemic noticed among the subjects who took part in the study, it was therefore recommended that psychological testing and psychotherapy be included in the routine testing and management of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

A Comparative Study to Assess the Level of Anxiety among Primi Gravida Mothers Planned for Normal Vaginal Delivery and Caesarean Section in the Selected Hospital, Agartala, West Tripura

A comparative study was conducted among 100 primi gravida mothers (50 mothers in each group) from MCH clinic and IPD of IGM hospital, Agartala, West Tripura, who had planned for normal vaginal delivery and caesarean section. Research approach used was non experimental quantitative approach and research design was descriptive comparative design. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw the sample. Socio demographic data and modified Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale were used to collect data from the samples through interview method. Analysis revealed that 52% of the primi gravida who had planned for caesarean section and 44% mothers who had planned for normal vaginal delivery had mild symptoms of anxiety. Mean anxiety score of the mothers who planned for caesarean section and normal vaginal delivery was 27.3 and 19.7 respectively, median 28.855 and 18.915 respectively and SD 7.0715 and 8.038 respectively. The mean difference was 7.6 and unpaired ‘t’ value was 5.0198, which was significant at p&lt;0.05. Analysis of variance result showed that there was significant association between the level of anxiety of the primi gravida mothers who had planned for caesarean section with their selected socio demographic variable ‘occupation of husband’. The calculated ‘F’ value was 3.33 at p&lt;0.05. The researcher concluded that the primi gravida mothers who had planned for caesarean section had more anxiety than the mothers who had planned for normal vaginal delivery and the anxiety level of the mothers who had planned for caesarean section was dependent on selected demographic variable occupation of the husband. Keywords:Anxiety, primi gravida, normal vaginal delivery, caesarean section.