Perceived Social Support Scale Research Articles

The mediating role of hope in the relation between uncertainty and social support with self-management among patients with ESKD undergoing hemodialysis

BackgroundSelf-management behaviours are critical for patients requiring regular hemodialysis (HD) therapy. This study aimed to test the relationship between social support, uncertainty and self-management among HD patients and to explore whether hope plays a mediating role.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 212 HD patients from two hospitals completed the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), Short form Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (SF-MUIS), and hemodialysis Self-Management Instrument (HD-SMI). Data were analysed using structural equation modelling.ResultsThe main finding indicated that social support positively affected self-management (β = 0.50, t = 4.97, p < 0.001), and uncertainty negatively affected self-management (β =-0.37, t=-4.12, p = < 0.001). In mediational model analysis, the effect of social support on self-management was fully mediated [(β = 0.12; 95% BC CI (0.047, 0.228)] by hope. Also, the effect of uncertainty on self-management was fully mediated [(β=- 0.014; 95% BC CI (-0.114, -0.003)] by hope.Conclusions“Considering factors influencing self-management in HD patients is crucial for improving quality of life. Receiving support and informational resources can not only foster hope but also reduce their uncertainty, thus aiding in enhancing clinical outcomes, quality of life, and reducing complications. “Health care providers, especially nurses were advised to accept the existence of uncertainty, help patients make optimal use of support resources, and give more importance to disambiguation to reassure them. Therefore, well-designed interventions that enhance social support and hope and reduce uncertainty may help improve self-management behaviour in HD patients.

Prevalence and correlates of sleep disturbance among adolescents in the eastern seaboard of China

BackgroundSleep disturbances are serious public health issues that warrant increased attention, especially in adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with sleep disorders among urban adolescents in China.MethodsThis study utilized an online survey to assess the demographic characteristics and mental health status of secondary school students in Lianyungang City. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate sleep disturbances in adolescents. The seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) assessed anxiety symptoms, and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) was used to measure perceived social support.ResultsAmong 3443 adolescents, the prevalence of sleep disorders were 10.8%, with significantly higher proportions of sleep disorders (13.7% VS 8.3%, P < 0.001) among female adolescents when compared to males. Binary regression analysis revealed that anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.305, 95% CI: 1.269–1.342, P < 0.001) was risk factor for sleep disturbances, and significant other support (OR = 0.944, 95% CI: 0.896–0.994, P = 0.028) and good annual household income (OR = 0.616, 95% CI: 0.394–0.963, P = 0.034) were protective factors. Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex, and anxiety symptoms were associated with an elevated risk of experiencing more frequent sleep disturbances (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsWe have found that 10.8% of adolescents experience sleep disorders, and it is evident that various factors can influence healthy sleeping. These results underscore the significance of addressing these factors to enhance sleep health among this population.

The mental health consequences of COVID-19 on a sample of health professions students: a mixed methods study

Objective: To assess and examine how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the mental health of a sample of health professions students (HPS) using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Participants: Participants included 41 HPS enrolled in a co-curricular interprofessional education (IPE) program. Measurements: Measures included the CES-D scale, PSS scale, and the GAD scale. Qualitative description was used to explore the experiences of these HPS. Results: The HPS explained that fear of acquiring COVID-19, transmitting the virus to loved ones, and dying as a result of the disease negatively influenced their mental health. The HPS revealed that there were some beneficial outcomes resulting from the pandemic, including the strengthening of family bonds and the cultivation of resiliency. Conclusions: The pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of these HPS. It is essential that these students receive support for their mental health in order to provide optimal care to the population they serve.

The Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Bullying Behavior in Nursing Education among Nursing Students: The Mediating Role of Positive Psychological Capital

Purpose. To examine the mediating role of positive psychological capital in the relationship between nursing students’ perceived social support and bullying behavior in nursing education. Design and Methods. In May 2021, a sample of 1196 nursing students majoring in nursing at a medical college was conveniently selected as the study population. A set of questionnaires, including a General Information Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PPQ), and Bullying Behaviors in Nursing Education Scale (BBNE), were utilized to examine and analyze the relationships among the variables. Findings. The scores of nursing students’ PSSS, PPQ, and BBNE were 68.19 ± 11.90, 123.97 ± 18.74, and 13.31 ± 9.24, respectively. There was a negative correlation (r = −0.421, P&lt;0.01) between perceived social support and bullying behaviors in nursing education among nursing students. Positive psychological capital partially mediated the relationship between perceived social support and bullying behaviors in nursing education, accounting for 19.88% of the total effect. Further analysis revealed that self-efficacy, resilience, optimism, and hope in positive psychological capital each played a partial mediating role in the impact of nursing students’ perceived social support on bullying behaviors in nursing education, with the ratio of indirect effect to total effect being 5.38%, 7.74%, 6.09%, and 5.34%, respectively. Practice Implications. The impact of perceived social support on bullying behaviors in nursing education is substantial among nursing students, and it can indirectly influence bullying behaviors through positive psychological capital. Nursing educators should pay attention to nursing students with lower levels of social support, and they can decrease the occurrence of bullying behaviors by enhancing social support and fostering higher levels of psychological capital.

Factors influencing discharge readiness among patients with mild-to-moderate ischemic stroke: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective To describe discharge readiness and determine whether self-efficacy, social support, and the quality of discharge teaching can predict discharge readiness among patients with mild-to-moderate ischemic stroke. Methods A total of 120 patients with mild-to-moderate ischemic stroke were recruited using simple random sampling. Five instruments, namely, the Demographic Data Questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS_C), the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SES6), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS), were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and standard multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results The mean score of discharge readiness among patients with mild-to-moderate ischemic stroke was at a moderate level (M = 7.6, SD = 0.92), and 75.8% of the participants felt ready for discharge. Standard multiple linear regression revealed that self-efficacy (β = 0.62, P &lt; 0.001) and the quality of discharge teaching (β = 0.28, P &lt; 0.001) were the influencing factors. However, social support could not predict discharge readiness significantly. All the factors combined explained 64.9% of the variance in discharge readiness. Conclusions Intervention programs aimed at improving self-efficacy and the quality of discharge teaching may be helpful in promoting discharge readiness in patients with mild-to-moderate ischemic stroke, especially in coping ability.

The effect of social support, diabetes management self-efficacy, and diabetes distress on resilience among patients with type 2 diabetes: a moderated mediation analysis

BackgroundDiabetes can result in distress. Improving Resilience is important in managing these conditions. It is also important to consider the mediating role of diabetes management self-efficacy (DMSE) between diabetes distress (DD) and Resilience. Likewise, understanding how social support (SS) buffers the impact of diabetes distress on Resilience is equally important.MethodsThe present study used a cross-sectional design and included 403 participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study was conducted in the south of Iran. The participants were selected through convenience sampling from July 2022 to January 2023. Self-reported questionnaires, namely the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMSE), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and Resilience Scale, were used for data collection in the present study. Structural equation modelling was used for moderated mediation analysis.ResultsThe results of the Pearson correlation analysis were indicative of a significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) between diabetes distress and diabetes management self-efficacy (r = − 0.607), social support (r = − 0.417), and Resilience (r = − 0.552). The findings further revealed that diabetes management self-efficacy had fully mediated the correlation between diabetes distress and Resilience. Moreover, the results indicated that social support had a moderating role in the DD-resilience link.ConclusionsThe present study’s findings offer a new theoretical framework for T2DM that can benefit intervention designers. The results further suggest that promoting diabetes management self-efficacy can be an effective strategy to enhance Resilience and decrease diabetes distress. Also, nurses and other healthcare providers must pay close attention to support resources to improve the patients’ Resilience and evaluate the distress associated with diabetes.

Depression, anxiety, lower sleep quality and social support in square cabin hospitals during Shanghai's COVID-19 lockdown, China.

To investigate and compare the associated factors of depression, anxiety, and other psychological differences between patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 quarantined in square cabin hospitals (SCH) and isolation wards (IW) in China. Cluster sampling method was performed during Shanghai's Two-Month Lockdown in 2022. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Depression subscale (HADS-D), 7-tiem Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) were used to investigate psychological differences. The HADS-D and GAD-7 scores of SCH patients were significantly higher than those in IW (p < 0.001; p = 0.0295). Sleep latency (SCH-IW = -3.76, p < 0.001), sleep duration (SCH-IW = -2.22, p < 0.05), habitual sleep efficiency (SCH-IW = -4.11, p < 0.001), sleep disturbance (SCH-IW = -3.59, p < 0.001) and use of sleep medication (SCH-IW = -5.18, p < 0.001) of SCH patients were significantly worse. Depression was the main emotional problem of quarantined patients. Patients in SCH had lower social support. Sleep disorders and the lowest oxygen saturation ≤ 93% were risk factors for depression, while social support and child status were protective factors. Myalgia and constipation were risk factors for anxiety, while marital status was the protective factor. Patients quarantined in SCH had higher risks of depression and anxiety, lower sleep quality and social support. Somatic discomfort and sleep disorders exacerbated depression and anxiety, which could be ameliorated by social support and taken into consideration in future SCH construction.

Subtypes of nursing students' volunteer motivation in COVID-19: a latent profile analysis

BackgroundOne factor that influences nursing students' decision to engage in volunteer activities is volunteer motivation. It is important to understand the motivations of nursing students to volunteer. However, the majority of current studies have concentrated on the present level of nursing students' motivation to volunteer.ObjectivesTo identify subgroups of nursing students' volunteer motivation and its influential factors.MethodsFrom January to February 2022, a cross-sectional online study was conducted, and 2569 nursing students from 10 provinces in China were recruited. Participants completed the General Information Questionnaire, Volunteer Functional Inventory (VFI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). We explore the categories and characteristics of volunteer motivation using latent profile analysis. Then, we determined factors that affect undergraduate nursing students' volunteer motivation using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsThe volunteer motivation score of the nursing students was 77.65 (15.22). The study found that volunteer motivation could be divided into three categories: low-low protective volunteer motivation group (9.3%), general-high career values volunteer motivation group (37.5%), and high volunteer motivation group (53.2%). Perceived social support scale score, perceived stress scale score, gender, and grade significantly influenced the volunteer motivation of nursing students in different categories (both P < 0.05). Women were more likely to have higher motivation to volunteer than men, and fourth-year nursing students were more likely to be in general-high career values volunteer motivation group.ConclusionsThe study highlights the significant heterogeneity in volunteer motivation among nursing students. Higher volunteer motivation was associated with higher perceived social support and lower perceived stress. In addition, gender and academic year were significant influencing factors. Nursing educators should develop targeted volunteer management plans based on the typological characteristics of the population to motivate nursing students to volunteer and promote the development of individual physical and mental health and social well-being.Trial registrationThe survey was approved by the Biomedical Ethics Committee of the Department of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University (No. 2022–0006).

Effect of Pratimarsha Nasya (Nasal Instillation of oil) and Yoga based Protocol (Omkar chanting, Bhramari Pranayam, and Relaxation Technique) in reducing Geriatric stress with reference to Manas Swasthya (Mental Welbeing): A Randomized Control Trial – A study Protocol

Today age-related cognitive decline stands as a major public health issue, with high societal costs and few preventative options. Geriatric age group is very prone to the age related psychological disturbances. This study will provide cost effective and easily acceptable solution for geriatric stress if proved positive. Aim: To Study effect of Pratimarsh nasya and yoga based protocol - (Omkar chanting, Bhramari Pranayam, and relaxation technique) to relive stress in geriatric Patients w.r.t manas swasthya Primary Objective:1) To study the effect of Pratimarsha Nasya and yoga based protocol in mental stress of geriatric patients. 2) To assess the effect by assessment criteria (WHO QOL and PSS Scale) Secondary Objective: 1) To study and develop a Yoga based protocol 2) To study the geriatric problems related manas swasthya 3) Standardization of Nasya drug (Bramhi Siddha Tail) 4) To prepare an audio for Relaxation technique 5) To study the WHO QOL and PSS Scale as an assessment criteria for relieving geriatric stress. Methodology: This study will be carried out on 132 subjects of geriatric stress, One group will undergo Bramhi tail nasya and other will undergo Nasya and the yoga based protocol for 3 months. Assessment: Assessment will be done based upon PSS Score and WHO –QOL Score with appropriate statistical tests. Conclusion: Conclusion will be drawn on the basis of Observations, Data analysis, test for significance. Keywords: Pratimarsha Nasya, Yoga based Protocol, Geriatric stress, Manas Swasthya.

Comparison of the Mental Health Status of Left-Behind Children Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To investigate and discuss the mental health status of left-behind children in Anhui Province before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze its influencing factors. A total of 82 left-behind children studying in grades 4 to 6 in Anhui Province, China were investigated by using the Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and Self-Esteem Scale (SES). Differences in the mental health status, perceived social support, and self-esteem of left-behind children before and after the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed using the independent sample t-test. The relationship between mental health, perceived social support, and self-esteem before and after the pandemic was determined using the Pearson product-moment correlation test, and the factors influencing mental health before and after the pandemic were identified using regression analysis. The SCL-90 scores of left-behind children during and after the pandemic were 134.45 ± 23.17 and 114.52 ± 22.56, respectively, indicating that the SCL-90 score during the pandemic was significantly higher than that after the pandemic. The perceived social support scores of left-behind children during and after the pandemic were 58.99 ± 12.45 and 65.57 ± 11.76, respectively, indicating that the score during the pandemic was significantly lower than that after the pandemic. The self-esteem scores of left-behind children during and after the pandemic were 25.04 ± 4.95 and 28.39 ± 3.84, respectively, indicating that the score during the pandemic was significantly lower than that after the pandemic. The SCL-90 scores before and after the pandemic were significantly negatively correlated with perceived social support and self-esteem. The regression analysis results showed that self-esteem and perceived social support together could explain 25% of variations in the SCL-90 score during the pandemic and 34% of variations in the SCL-90 score after the pandemic. The mental health level, perceived social support, and self-esteem of left-behind children improved after the pandemic compared with those during the pandemic. Good perceived social support and self-esteem can effectively promote the mental health of left-behind children.

Self-stigmatization of high-school students seeking professional psychological help: the chain-mediating effect of perceived social support and optimism.

Research has shown that stigmatization of professional psychological help-seeking is an important factor influencing attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH). However, how perceived social support (PSS) and optimism have a mediating role is not clear. Examine the associations between ATSPPH, self-stigmatization of seeking help, PSS, and optimism in a cohort of Chinese high-school students (HSSs). An offline survey was conducted in three high schools in Chongqing (China) from 20 February to 20 May 2023. Participants were HSSs recruited through their teachers. A total of 2,159 HSSs completed a survey on demographic information as well as the Self-Stigmatization of Seeking Help (SSOSH) score, ATSPPH, Perceived Social Support Scale (PASS), and Life Orientation Test (LOT). Mediation analyses were conducted using the "Process" macro in SPSS 26.0 to estimate the direct and indirect effects of self-stigmatization of seeking psychological help on ATSPPH. Self-stigmatization of seeking psychological help was significantly and negatively related to ATSPPH among HSSs. Self-stigmatization of psychological help-seeking influenced ATSPPH through three pathways: (a) separate mediating effect of PSS (effect = -0.029); (b) separate mediating effect of optimism (effect = -0.069); (c) chain-mediating effect of PSS and optimism (effect = -0.017). These data suggested that self-stigmatization of psychological help-seeking could influence ATSPPH directly and indirectly through PSS and optimism. PSS and optimism mediated the relationship between self-stigmatization of seeking help and ATSPPH. Improving the ability of HSSs to perceive social support and cultivating optimism could help improve the self-stigmatization of help-seeking and promote a positive attitude toward professional help-seeking.

Relationship between perceived social support and mental health among Chinese college football athletes: a moderated mediation model

Previous researches have confirmed that perceived social support has a profound effect on individuals’ mental health. However, the effects and potential mechanisms of perceived social support on mental health of college athletes are still largely unknown, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived social support and mental health in college football athletes, and to evaluate whether hopelessness and psychological pressure affected this relationship. A sample of 672 Chinese college football athletes (37.9% girls; Mage = 20.43 years; SDage = 1.68) were investigated with the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Surveys were voluntary and anonymous. The findings revealed that, after adjusting for demographic factors, hopelessness mediated the relationship between Chinese college football athletes’ perceived social support and their mental health. Furthermore, psychological pressure moderated the negative association between perceived social support and hopelessness, and the association was stronger for them with high-level psychological pressure. These results underline the need for focused strategies in the prevention and treatment of mental health issues among Chinese college football athletes.

Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among residents of Shanghai standardized training programs during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have increased the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depressive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among healthcare workers. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of PTSD and its risk factors among residents in the standardized residency training programs (SRTPs) in Shanghai during the COVID-19 outbreak. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 17, 2021, and January 7, 2022, among SRPT residents from 15 hospitals in Shanghai, China. Questionnaires comprising general information, medical-related traumatic event experiences, the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), and the perceived social support scale (PSSS) were distributed to the participants using the online Questionnaire Star electronic system. We included 835 valid responses for the analysis. In total, 654 residents (78.3%) had experienced at least one traumatic event, and 278 residents (33.3%) were found to have PTSD symptoms. The age 26-30 years old, female sex, and increased resident working hours were identified as the risk factors for PTSD (p < 0.05), and perceived social support had a significant negative association with PTSD (p < 0.05). During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a high prevalence of PTSD among SRTPs residents in Shanghai. The age 26-30 years old, female sex, and increased resident working hours were identified as risk factors for PTSD, while perceived social support was identified as a protective factor against PTSD. The present findings can be applied in STRPs management and provide useful information for designing special interventions and protocols for SRTPs residents.

Subjective Well-Being and Its Relationship With Personality Traits, Irrational Beliefs, and Social Support: A Model Test

Background: Considering the change in the life situation during the student period, attention to their health, especially the subjective well-being of students, is of particular importance. Social support is very important in this era and the aim of this study is to examine a model between subjective well-being and personality traits and irrational beliefs with the mediation of social support. Methods: The statistical population included all the students of Hacettepe University in Turkey, and 296 people were selected as a sample using a multi-stage random method. To measure subjective well-being, social support, personality traits and irrational beliefs, Subjective Well-Being Scale (Tuzgöl Dost, 2005a); Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) (Yıldırım, 2004); Adjective-Based Personality Test (Bacanlı, İlhan, &amp; Aslan, 2009) and the Irrational Beliefs Scale Short Form (Türküm, 2003) scales were used, respectively, which were psychologically conducted in Turkey for Turkish samples and had good validity and reliability. Results: The model test through structural equations showed that there is a significant relationship between neuroticism and conscientiousness both directly and indirectly through social support and subjective well-being. In this model, the indirect relationship of agreeableness with subjective well-being through social support was significant, but extroversion, interpersonal communication, and relational self-perception could not show a significant relationship through the mediation of social support on subjective well-being. Conclusion: Neuroticism and conscientiousness are both directly and indirectly related to subjective well-being through social support. The indirect relationship of agreeableness with subjective well-being was confirmed through social support, but extroversion and interpersonal communication and self-view showed a direct relationship with well-being and the mediation of social support was not confirmed in their case.

Supportive care needs and related factors among colorectal cancer patients with stoma in the postoperative rehabilitation period from a bio-psycho-social perspective: a cross-sectional study.

This study investigated the biomedical, psychological, and social behavior factors for supportive care needs in colorectal cancer patients with a stoma, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of targeted interventions. This cross-sectional study included 175 colorectal cancer patients with a stoma. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic and disease-related data on patients. The M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Gastrointestinal Cancer (MDASI-GI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) were used to assess patients' symptom distress, anxiety and depression status, and social support, respectively. The Supportive Care Need Survey Short Form (SCNS-SF34) was used to evaluate supportive care needs. The total score of supportive care needs of patients with colorectal cancer stoma was 87.75±17.34 points. The multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that younger age and a higher total score on symptom distress, depression, and anxiety were independent risk factors for supportive care needs. Patients with colorectal cancer stoma with higher supportive care needs can be identified early from the bio-psycho-social perspective. Younger patients have more symptom distress, are depressed and anxious, have lower social support, and have higher supportive care needs. Closer monitoring of patients with symptom distress, early detection of depression and anxiety, and improving patients' social support can meet supportive care needs and improve patients' quality of life.

Analysis on the current situation of twin breastfeeding and its influencing factors.

Studies have found that exclusive breastfeeding can not only promote the growth and development of infants, but also increase the emotional communication between mothers and infants, and reduce the incidence of maternal breast diseases. To analysis the current situation and influencing factors of breastfeeding twins. A total of 420 twin mothers delivered in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were selected to investigate the situation of breastfeeding within 6 months after delivery. An electronic questionnaire was conducted, and clinical information were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to analyze the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was 21.90%; in the exclusive breastfeeding group, the age <35 years old, bachelor degree or above, rural areas, no nipple depression or flat, no breast distension, no postpartum depression, adequate breast milk, participation in health education during pregnancy, husband support for breastfeeding, no infant feeding difficulties, infant diarrhea, lactose intolerance and return to milk were 96.74%, 53.26%, 65.22%, 80.43%, 76.09%, 80.43%, 73.91%, 63.04%, 69.57%, 71.74%, 65.22%, 70.65%, and 66.30%, respectively. It was significantly higher than that in the non-exclusive breastfeeding group (P < .05). The score of Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was (8.08 ± 1.03) in the exclusive breastfeeding group, which was significantly lower than that in the non-exclusive breastfeeding group (P < .001), while the score of Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) was (67.32 ± 9.92), which was significantly higher than that in the non-exclusive breastfeeding one(P < .001). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level, nipple depression or flat, breast tenderness, postpartum depression, breast milk volume, health education training during pregnancy, husband support for breastfeeding, PSSS score, infant diarrhea, lactose intolerance, and delectation were the influencing factors of exclusive breastfeeding (P < .001). Our findings suggest that various factors were associated with a low rate of exclusive breastfeeding in twin births, such as age, educational level, and social support. Corresponding measures should be formulated for intervention to promote exclusive breastfeeding.

Chronic conditions and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: Roles of perceived social support and area of residence

BackgroundMany studies have shown that having noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) is strongly associated with depressive symptoms in elderly people; however, the mechanisms of this association are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate whether perceived social support (PSS) mediates the effect of NCDs on depressive symptoms and whether these relationships differ depending on where middle-aged and elderly people live. MethodsThe study population was from the psychology and behavior investigation of Chinese residents (PBICR). A total of 8732 people aged 45 and older were included in the hypothetical modulated model. Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate PSS and depressive symptoms. ResultsNCDs were positively related to depressive symptoms (β = 0.81, p < 0.01) and indirectly mediated through PSS (β = 0.08). Residency moderated the relationship between NCDs and PSS (β = −0.16, p < 0.01) and between NCDs and depressive symptoms (β = 0.29, p < 0.01). Specifically, the effect of NCDs on PSS and depressive symptoms was greater in rural middle-aged and older adults. ConclusionsNCDs raise the risk of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older Chinese, with PSS playing a partially protective role. In addition, the area of residence moderated the connection between the number of NCDs and PSS, NCDs, and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults.

Effect of Psychological Stress on Salivary Cortisol and Periodontitis

Objective: The progression of periodontitis, induced by polymicrobial dysbiosis, can be modified by systemic or environmental factorssuch as stress or anxiety that affect host response. This study evaluates the potential associations between psychosocial stress, salivary cortisol and periodontitis.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 adult participants (41 males and 39 females) aged 20-45 years were included. Participantscompleted a stress self-assessment using a PSS scale questionnaire. Samples of saliva were collected for testing cortisol levels byELISA. The participants were then divided into four groups established on periodontal parameters (plaque index (PI), bleeding onprobing (BOP), probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level), and stress levels: Group 1 (healthy periodontium without stress),Group 2 (periodontitis without stress), Group 3 (healthy periodontium with stress), and Group 4 (periodontitis with stress).Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between the values detected in the four experimental groups for PI, BI, PD,and CAL (p≤0.05). The highest means of cortisol level were revealed in the stressed healthy group and stressed with periodontitisgroup, at 39.7 and 40.5, respectively. Hence there were statistically significant differences overall across the four groups (p≤0.05).Conclusions: This study demonstrates that psychosocial stress is a risk factor for periodontal diseases, and in cortisol, as one of theelements that enhance periodontal damage, increases were recorded for all four clinical parameters, BI, PI, PD, CAL, which are usedas diagnostic tools for periodontitis.

The nutritional literacy of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and its association with treatment self-regulation and perceived social support.

Chemotherapy can lead to malnutrition and post-menopausal recurrence among breast cancer (BC) patients, who need to achieve nutritional literacy (NL) to cope. The objective of this study was to explore the NL level in Chinese BC patients receiving chemotherapy and its predictors including both internal motivation and the external environment. A total of 326 BC female patients from three hospitals were enrolled. Participants completed the Nutrition Literacy Measurement Scale for Chinese Adult (NLMS-CA), Chinese version from the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ-C), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) to assess NL, treatment self-regulation, and social support. Stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to identify the main factors of NL. The total NL score was 151.31 ± 16.85, the "knowledge understanding" dimension had the lowest score. In the final regression model, patients with higher scores for "autonomous motivation" and "introjected regulation" on the TSRQ-C and "family support" and "other support" on the PSSS, higher educational levels and average monthly household incomes and endocrine therapy had higher NL levels (adjusted R2 = 66.7%, p < 0.05). The overall NL score among Chinese BC patients receiving chemotherapy was satisfactory, but the knowledge understanding score was low. Higher autonomous motivation, introjected regulation, family support and other support scores, higher educational and household income levels, and endocrine therapy were predictors of NL in female patients. Interventions should be designed according to the specific performances and predictors of NL in female patients.

Analysis of Status and Influencing Factors of Psychology Resilience Level in Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

Objective: To analyse the status and discuss influencing factors of the psychology resilience level of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and to provide evidence for clinical rehabilitation intervention. Methods: A total of 320 patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy who were hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology and Tangshan Worker’s Hospital in China from September 2022 to November 2022 were selected as the research subjects. The surveys were conducted using the general information questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Scale (CD-RICS), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale (PSQI). Results: The psychology resilience score of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy was 64.23 ± 15.20, lower than the average level of resilience of adults in China (70.50 ± 13.48) and American adults’ normal value (80.4 ± 12.8). Perceived social support was 58.13 ± 14.04 and positively correlated with the level of psychology resilience (r = 0.210, P &lt; 0.05). Sleep quality was 10.57 ± 4.85, which showed most people have sleep quality disorder and was negatively correlated with the level of psychology resilience (r = –0.200, P &lt; 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, education level and disease stage were the main influencing factors in the level of psychological resilience in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The level of psychological resilience of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy is at a low level, and there are many influencing factors. Targeted medical care should be carried out according to the factors affecting the level of resilience to promote the mental health of patients.