Levels Of Perceived Stress Research Articles

The role of resilience in the potential benefits of cognitive-behavioural stress management therapy during pregnancy

ABSTRACT Purpose Stress during pregnancy has many negative repercussions on maternal and foetal health. It is therefore important to understand which therapies are effective in reducing stress levels and which variables influence the outcomes of these therapies. In this line, psychological resilience could play a key role. Thus, the aim of the study was to check whether pregnant women with different levels of resilience have different benefits in reducing cortisol levels, perceived stress, pregnancy worries, stress vulnerability, anxiety or depression through Cognitive Behavioural Stress Management Therapy. Method The total sample consisted of 56 pregnant women: one group of pregnant women with high levels of resilience (n = 35); and another group with low levels of resilience (n = 21). Participants’ cortisol concentration levels, perceived stress, pregnancy concerns, stress vulnerability, anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed before and after therapy. Linear mixed models were performed to compare the two groups, which showed a group x time interaction for perceived stress. Results The low resilience group showed a reduction in their perceived stress levels with a medium effect after the intervention compared to the high resilience group, but no reduction was found in this group. No differences were found between the two groups on the other variables. Conclusion Knowing which variables have a differential effect on the results of psychological therapy would allow delimiting the groups that obtain greater benefits from the therapy. This may lead to more efficient implementation of effective intervention programmes.

Investigating pedestrian crossing decision with autonomous cars in virtual reality

With the development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, understanding how pedestrians interact with AVs is of increasing importance. In most field studies on pedestrian crossing behavior when encountering AVs, pedestrians were not permitted to physically cross the street due to safety restrictions. Instead, the physical crossing experience was replaced with indirect methods (e.g., by signalizing with gestures). We hypothesized that this lack of a physical crossing experience could influence the participants’ crossing behavior. To test this hypothesis, we adapted a reference study and constructed a crossing facility using a virtual reality (VR) simulation. In a controlled experiment, the participants encountered iterations of oncoming AVs. For each interaction, they were asked to either cross the street or signify their crossing decisions by taking steps at the edge of the street without crossing.Our study reveals that the lack of a physical crossing can lead to a significantly lower measured critical gap and perceived stress levels, thus indicating the need for detailed analysis when indirect methods are applied for future field studies.Practical Relevance: Due to safety requirements, experiments will continue to measure participants’ crossing behavior without permitting them to physically walk in front of an oncoming vehicle. Our study was the first attempt to reveal how this lack of crossing could potentially affect pedestrians’ behavior, and we obtained empirical evidence in support of our hypothesis, thus providing insights for future studies.

Perceived Stress and Impact on Role Functioning in University Students with Migraine-Like Headaches during COVID-19

Two identical cross-sectional surveys were sent to students in Fall 2019 and Spring 2021 at a mid-sized university in the U.S. The students were queried on the headache impact scale (HIT-6) and perceived stress scale (PSS-10). Associations between the migraine-like headaches, severity of the headaches, stress levels, and headache impacts on the individuals' role functioning were analyzed. The average age of the respondents (n = 721) was 20.81 ± 4.32 years in 2019 and (n = 520) 20.95 ± 3.19 years in 2021. A difference (p = 0.044) was found in the HIT-6 score <49 category. The other categories of the HIT-6 and the PSS-10 were not significant. During COVID-19, more students answered that their migraine-like headaches had lower impacts on their role functioning, thus suggesting that the students were having less severe migraines. A trend was seen for student's stress levels, indicating a decrease from 2019 to 2021. Furthermore, our results showed that the impact of headaches and stress levels slightly declined throughout the pandemic.

The effect of laughter yoga applied before simulation training on state anxiety, perceived stress levels, self-confidence and satisfaction in undergraduate nursing students: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial

AimThis study aimed to examine the effect of laughter yoga applied before simulation training on state anxiety, perceived stress levels, self-confidence and satisfaction in undergraduate nursing students. BackgroundClinical simulation-based teaching implied a revolution in nursing education. Along with the many opportunities that simulation offers, some disadvantages, such as anxiety and stress experienced during simulation scenarios, could affect students’ satisfaction and self-confidence in learning. Therefore, laughter yoga could be an alternative method that reduces students' anxiety and stress levels and increases their self-confidence and satisfaction with simulation training. DesignThe study was designed as a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. SettingThis study was conducted at a university in Turkey. ParticipantsA total of 88 undergraduate nursing students were randomized to the intervention group (n = 44) or control group (n = 44). MethodsThe intervention group participated in the laughter yoga sessions just before the clinical simulation scenario, while the control group only performed the simulation training. The researchers examined the effect of laughter yoga on state anxiety, perceived stress levels, self-confidence and satisfaction in learning before and after the intervention. Data were collected between January - February 2022. ResultsThis study showed that the mean scores of state anxiety, perceived stress, mean pulse rate and arterial pressure of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, there was also a significant group*time interaction between the groups on state anxiety, perceived stress, pulse, respiratory and mean arterial pressure scores (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mean scores of student satisfaction and self-confidence in the learning of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe findings showed that laughter yoga helped nursing students reduce their state anxiety and perceived stress levels related to simulation training and improved their self-confidence and satisfaction with learning. Additionally, it enhanced the students' vital signs (including mean pulse rate and mean arterial pressure). These positive results are promising for using LY as an easy, safe and effective method to reduce undergraduate nursing students’ stress and anxiety levels and to improve their learning satisfaction and self-confidence levels in clinical skills training such as simulation training.

Bird Sounds Psychological Restorative Effect on The Visitors of Bogor Botanical Garden

Stress can be defined as psychological and physical tension caused by physical, emotional, social, economic, and occupational, events, or experiences that are difficult to manage or endure. Bird sounds can be a potential solution to reduce stress levels. This study aimed to analyze the effect of bird sounds as a stress restorative on Bogor Botanical Garden visitors. A survey of 100 visitors of Bogor Botanical Garden was conducted based on the Perceived Stress Scale and Perceived Restorativeness Soundscape Scale. Data on respondent characteristics were analyzed using descriptive analysis, the relationship between stress levels and perceived stress restorative effect of bird sound was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. The analysis showed that 78% of respondents had moderate to high perceived stress levels and 98% of respondents rated the degree of restoration from bird sounds to be moderate to high. The correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between the stress level and bird sounds' perceived restorative effect. The older the respondents and the more frequently they visited Bogor Botanical Garden, the higher the perceived stress restorative effect from bird sound.

A Self-Help Virtual Therapeutic Experience Intervention for Overcoming Psychological Distress Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From the European Multicentric COVID Feel Good Trial.

The general objective of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of a novel self-help virtual therapeutic experience (specifically, the COVID Feel Good intervention) in lowering the psychological burden experienced during the COVID-19 lockdowns in four European countries. We focused on participants recruited from June 2020 to May 2021 in the context of a European multicenter project including four university/academic sites. The total number of participants in the longitudinal studies was 107 (study 1, N = 40; study 2, N = 29; study 3, N = 38). The randomized controlled trial (study 4) included 31 participants in total, 16 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group. Primary outcome measures were depression, anxiety, stress symptoms, perceived stress level, and perceived hopelessness. The secondary outcome was experienced social connectedness. Using separate linear mixed-effects models, the most consistent result across countries was a reduction in perceived stress after the participation in the COVID Feel Good intervention. By pooling the results of the models using a random-effects meta-analysis, we found that after the COVID Feel Good intervention, participants reported a decrease in perceived general distress (mean standardized effect size for general distress in the treatment groups compared with the control conditions was -0.52 [ p = .008, 95% confidence interval = -0.89 to -0.14]) and an increase in the perceived social connection (mean standardized effect size for social connection using COVID Feel Good compared with the control conditions was 0.50 [ p ≤ .001, 95% confidence interval = 0.25 to 0.76]). Findings of this study indicate that a virtual self-help intervention is effective in reducing psychological distress. These results contribute to the growing literature supporting the use of digital psychological therapies to relieve psychological distress among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.Trial Registration : ISRCTN63887521.

Validation of online mindfulness-enhanced course for stress reduction in teachers.

Mindfulness-based interventions have gained popularity as a means of reducing stress and increasing resilience among the preclinical population. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of an online mindfulness-enhanced course on stress reduction in teachers, especially since online learning and teaching have been frequently applied to respond to emergencies such as COVID-19-relevant school suspension. The study consisted of two phases. Phase 1 aimed to explore the relationship between teachers' perceived stress and mindfulness traits. In total of 6,252 teachers completed assessments of stress symptoms using the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS) and occupational stress sources, as well as mindfulness using the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Phase 2 aimed to examine the effectiveness of the online mindfulness-enhanced course. In total of 132 teachers were randomly assigned to either receive a 3-week online mindfulness course specifically designed for stress reduction and emotion regulation (N = 66) or a matched active control group (N = 66) and their pre-training and post-training self-reported states (e.g., perceived stress, mindfulness level, practice time) were measured. The detection rate of Health Risk Stress (≥26 scores) was as high as 61.72%, and a negative association between the score of FFMQ and perceived stress level was found. Importantly, compared to the control group, the mindfulness training group showed a significant decrease in perceived stress and negative emotion, as well as an increase in understanding of the core mechanisms of mindfulness after training. Additionally, individual improvement in FFMQ scores was predicted by practice time. The study showed a high percentage of teachers experiencing stress, and the data supported the reliability and validity of the brief online mindfulness-enhanced course designed to reduce stress and regulate emotion for frontline teachers.

Alarming signals: Worsening obesity, physical inactivity and high perception of stress in first-year medical and dental students in Chile

The high prevalence of obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity in Chile despite government-sponsored measures and campaigns, along with others in the last 30 years, suggests additional reinforcement of these efforts at the primary care level. To determine if lifestyles and modifiable health risk factors in first-year students from the University of Chile Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, potential future promoters of healthy lifestyles, show changes throughout their first academic year. In a randomized stratified sample of 388 students according to sex and chosen career weight, height, waist circumference, waist circumference-weight ratio, food consumption, smoking prevalence and dependence, alcohol use, perceived stress level, and physical activity were measured at the first week, 3 and 6 months after their admission. The Cochrane test assessed dichotomic variables, and the Friedman test was used for nonparametric values. 253 students (186 women) completed the follow-up. A significant worsening of obesity (general and abdominal) and physical inactivity, persistent moderate and high-stress perception, and smoking prevalence were documented throughout the study period. The progressive obesity and physical inactivity, high-stress perception, and persistent smoking prevalence in the first year of academic life suggest considering measures in the curricular academic structure that facilitate adjustments in the student's lifestyles. Future follow-up of this cohort, increasing participants, and assessing students' mental health are planned.

A dynamic perspective on the evolution of perceived stress levels in Switzerland: drivers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a major socio-historical event affecting different aspects of life, the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to study how different population groups adapt. We investigate the impact of this crisis on the evolution of perceived stress in the short and medium term in Switzerland, using data of the Swiss Household Panel from 2016 to early 2021, which include annual measures of perceived stress and a study between waves, conducted in May and June 2020 at the end of the first semi-lockdown. Using the longitudinal structure of the data with pre-crisis measurements, we estimate pooled OLS, fixed effects and first difference models, which include socio-demographic variables, life events, socio-economic status, work-related variables, stress-reducing resources and restrictions in place. Results for the overall population show a continuous increase in stress levels between 2016 and 2019 and a stress reduction right after the first semi-lockdown followed by a return to pre-pandemic levels. Privileged groups with higher levels of stress before the pandemic were most likely to reduce perceived stress. Characteristics related to more favourable trajectories include stable or improved financial situations and high levels of education (short-term effects), and high-pressure jobs and working hours (short- and medium-term effects). Our analyses reveal the importance of resources, such as social relations and work-life balance, to individuals' management of the effects of the pandemic. Our results show that the effects of the pandemic on perceived stress are context-specific. They underline the importance of longitudinal analyses to understand the complexity of vulnerability and adaptation processes.

Health changes during Covid-19: a nationwide study with dental students.

To assess the changes in stress levels, social behavior, dietary and parafunctional habits, oral hygiene, among other conditions perceived by dental students in Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic and evaluated the correlations between stress level and other variables. An online questionnaire was developed and validated. Undergraduates enrolled in private and public dental schools were recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected on the perceived changes regarding stress levels, financial and social characteristics, dietary habits, oral hygiene, health conditions, and parafunctional habits. Quantitative variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Wilcoxon test evaluated comparisons between perceived changes, and correlations between changes in stress levels and other variables were analyzed by Spearman correlation (α = 0.05). A total of 638 dental students, mean age of 22.95 ± 4.10 years, participated in the study. During the pandemic, the reported stress levels increased while household income decreased (p < 0.05). Late dinners and mindless eating increased in frequency, whereas oral hygiene decreased (p < 0.05). Most of the health conditions and parafunctional habits assessed changed (p < 0.05). Perceived stress levels showed poor negative correlations with household income (rS = -0.14), poor positive correlations with the pressure to contribute financially in the household (rS = 0.19), and poor positive correlations with food choice frequency (rS = 0.15) (p < 0.05). Dental students reported perceived changes in stress levels, dietary habits, oral hygiene, health conditions, parafunctional habits, and social behavior. Moreover, the results showed poor correlations, as students with higher stress levels tended to have the lowest household income, feel pressured to contribute financially in the household, and present a high meal intake frequency.

Pozitif/Negatif Duygular-Zihinsel Dayanıklılık İlişkisinde Algılanan Stresin Aracı Rolü

The main purpose of this research is to identify the mediator function performed by perceived stress level in the relationship between positive and negative emotions and mental toughness. 383 athletes voluntarily participated in the research, 252 (65.7%) male and 131 (34.2%) female. The athletes’ ages are between 15 and 55 (19.41±5.57). As part of the convenience sampling approach, data were collected from 40 of Turkey’s 81 provinces online (using a web-based Google form). The questionnaire consists of two parts. In the first part, there are questions about the demographic characteristics of the athletes. In the second part, some questions measure perceived stress, positive/ negative emotions, and mental toughness information in sports. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to understand whether the scales were suitable for the sample group and to increase the reliability of the mediator model. In the study, the effect of negative and positive emotions on mental toughness was tested with Simple Linear Regression Analysis. The mediating function of perceived stress in the relationship between positive and negative emotions and mental toughness was evaluated using the SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 4; Hayes, 2018). The direct effect of negative emotions on mental toughness was statistically significant (β=-0.2629; p&amp;lt;0.05). In addition, the direct effect of positive emotions on mental toughness was statistically significant (β=0.3720; p&amp;lt;0.05). Increased negative emotions in athletes were associated with increased perceived stress, predicting lower mental toughness. Once again, increased positive emotions in athletes were associated with a partial effect with reduced perceived stress, predicting relatively higher mental toughness.

Adolescents’ perceived stress of COVID-19 and self-compassion in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesWorldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health challenges for adolescent populations. The current study aims to examine the levels of perceived stress of COVID-19 and self-compassion and their relationship among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional online survey of adolescents from secondary schools in Asir, Saudi Arabia. Instruments that we distributed online included the modified Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), in addition to demographic and health-related questions. A total of 500 adolescents completed the survey. ResultsAdolescents in the study reported an average moderate perceived stress level of 18.6 (SD = 6.67) and an average moderate self-compassion level of 3.22 (SD = 0.53). A significant correlation is also found between the two variables (r = −0.460, P < 0.001). This negative correlation indicates that lower levels of perceived stress are significantly correlated with higher levels of self-compassion. ConclusionThe study results show that the perceived stress of COVID-19 is inversely correlated with self-compassion in Saudi adolescents. Further research is needed to explore how to enhance adolescents’ self-compassion. School nurses’ role should be given full play in this area.

Effect of psychosocial stress and coping strategies on non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with generalized stage III/IV periodontitis: a longitudinal intervention study

ObjectivesThe aim of this longitudinal intervention study was to assess the impact of psychosocial stress and coping response strategies on the clinical outcomes in periodontitis patients treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).Materials and methodsAfter the administration of psychological questionnaires, patients diagnosed with generalized stage III–IV periodontitis were categorized into different groups depending on their stress levels (10-item perceived stress level (PSS-10)) and coping response strategies (coping responses inventory (CRI)). Clinical data were collected 1 week before and 3 months after the completion of NSPT.ResultsOf the 90 patients included at baseline, 27 presented major and 63 minor stress levels, while 40 had avoidance and 50 approach coping behavior. All clinical parameters were similar at the baseline across different categories. At re-evaluation, full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), mean probing pocket depth (PPD), and number of residual pathological pockets were significantly superior in groups with higher stress levels (p <0.001, p =0.001, and p =0.020, respectively), while higher full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS) and FMBS were found in patients with avoidance coping strategies (p =0.009 and p <0.001, respectively). When jointly evaluated, an added detrimental effect of coping styles on allostatic load was observed. Multivariate analysis confirmed a significant effect of stress levels and coping strategies on final FMBS, but not of coping on mean PPD.ConclusionPsychosocial stress and avoidance coping strategy seem to negatively influence the clinical outcomes of NSPT at short term (NCT04739475; 9/1/2017).Practical implicationsBased on these findings, patients reflecting these psychological profiles should be considered at greater risk for poor NSPT response and may benefit from complementary stress management strategies.

Validation of sociocultural attitudes towards appearance questionnaire and its associations with body-related outcomes and eating disorders among Chinese adolescents.

The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 Revised (SATAQ-4R) has been widely used in Western countries to link body appearance that is related to eating disorders and body dissatisfaction being commonly reported by adolescents. However, a comprehensive psychometric validation of the SATAQ-4R in Chinese adolescent samples is still lacking. To this end, the aim of the current study was to validate the gender-appropriate SATAQ-4R in a sample of Chinese adolescents, following by an investigation of its associations with body-related outcomes and eating disorder symptoms. Two gender-specific studies were conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the SATAQ-4R-Female and SATAQ-4R-Male respectively among adolescent girls (Study1, N=344, with 73 participants at retest) and boys (Study2, N=335, with 64 participants at retest). Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to examine the factor structure and their test-retest reliability, the internal consistency and convergent validity were subsequently examined. For the SATAQ-4R-Females, the seven-factor model has a reasonable fit, with Chi-square =1112.769 (p < 0.001), CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.071, SRMR = 0.067. For the SATAR-4R-Males, an acceptable seven-factor model with Chi-square = 982.92 (p<0.001), CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR= 0.06 was observed. With respect to test-retest reliability, the internal consistency for 7 subscales was rated as good (Cronbach's alpha =0.74 to 0.95) among female adolescents, likewise the internal consistency of the seven subscales was also rated as good (Cronbach's alpha =0.70 to 0.96) among male participants. Good convergent validity was observed, reflected by associations of the subscales of the gender-specific SATAQ-4R with muscularity-related attitude, body image-acceptance, body appearance, perceived stress level, symptoms of eating disorder and self-esteem. For women and men, the original 7-factor structure was validated among Chinese adolescents, internal reliability coefficients for the seven subscale scores were good and test-retest reliability was acceptable. Our results also confirmed the convergent validity of the two different gender-appropriate scales.

Evaluation of burnout and stress perception levels of Turkish dental laboratory technicians according to affecting factors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused healthcare professionals to face unequal acute workplace stress and burnout. This study aimed to analyze the potential impact of COVID-19 on the burnout and associated emotional stress conditions of Turkish dental technicians. Methods A 20-question demographic scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Sense of Coherence-13 (SoC-13), and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) were used to obtain data. A total of 152 participants answered these surveys directly and reported their stress burnout levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Of all participants who agreed to participate in the survey, 39.5% were females and 60.5% were males. Regardless of demographic variables, the MBI-total (37.2 ± 11.71), SoC-13 total (53.81 ± 10.29), and PSS-10 total (21.25 ± 5.5) scores indicated moderate burnout, SoC, and perceived stress levels. According to sub-scores of the MBI; mean emotional exhaustion and depersonalization indicate low-level burnout, and mean personal accomplishment indicates moderate burnout. Long working hours increase burnout. No significant differences were observed according to demographic variables, except for work experience. A positive correlation was found between perceived stress and burnout. Conclusions The findings showed that dental technicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic are influenced by emotional stress due to the outcomes of the pandemic. One reason for this situation might be the long working hours. Working arrangements, under-controlled disease risk factors, and lifestyle changes may improve stress levels. Key Messages COVID-19 outbreak exposed psychological returns to the general population, and especially to healthcare workers. Questionnaire method was applied to evaluate the burnout and stress levels among dental laboratory technicians during COVID-19 outbreak. Moderate levels of burnout and stress perception were detected. Long working time was one of the effective factors.

THE EFFECT OF PERCEIVED STRESS OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS ON SERVANT LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS IN THE COVID-19 PERIOD: NMRT EXAMPLE

Aim: The research aims to determine the effect of servant leadership behaviors on the perceived stress levels of healthcare professionals during the COVID 19 pandemic.&#x0D; Method: The population of the study is 1107 health employees (NMRT - National Medical Rescue Team) in Ankara region. The sample consists of 215 people. Pearson correlation analysis was applied in the study. Simple linear regression test was implemented for the relation level of the sub-dimensions. In the correlation analysis, a medium strong positive correlation was determined between the dependent and independent variables. &#x0D; Results: In regression analysis for perceived stress sub-dimensions and servant leadership sub-dimensions, strengthening, courage, trust, and realism dimensions (b = 0.27, p 0.05). &#x0D; Conclusion: It can be stated that there is a moderate positive correlation between the dimensions of strengthening, courage, trust, and realism. The model established for the correlation between the stress / discomfort perception dimension and the inadequate self-efficacy perception dimension, and the servant leadership dimensions was determined as significant. When health workers (NMRT) exhibit servant leadership behaviors, their stress perception levels decrease.

Perceived Stress Is Directly Associated with Major Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages among Public University Students.

Stress is a condition that has been related to the development of risk behaviors for health such as sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption. The aim of this study was to examine the link between SSBs consumption and perceived stress level in university students. This was an observational, cross-sectional and single-time-point study where the subjects were recruited as a non-probabilistic sample of first-year university students. The students reported their SSBs consumption through a validated questionnaire, as well as their perceived stress level, evaluated through the Cohen scale. Comparisons were made between the means of all variables. Factorial analysis of variance was conducted to explore the effect of the variables' interaction on the stress level. One-way analysis of variance was performed to assess differences between the sexes. Men consumed more SSBs (6101.17 ± 3772.50 mL/week) compared to women (4294.06 ± 3093.8 mL/week). However, women had higher scores of perceived stress and showed a strong association of stress with the SSBs consumption pattern (r and p-value). This study shows for the first time the association that exists between stress and SSBs consumption and indicates that it is related to sex in the young population.

Association between smoking and vaping usage and perceived stress levels of undergraduate nursing students in Manila, Philippines

Background: Nursing students have used cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (ECs) to cope with stress, but such behaviors appear to worsen issues in mental health. Descriptive data are necessary to inform interventions that will strengthen the health-promoting behaviors of the students, which can influence their well-being and professional nursing roles. This cross-sectional study assessed the association between cigarette smoking and EC use and perceived stress levels (PSLs) among nursing students.

Occupational Risk Factors for Physical and Mental Health in Primary Healthcare Providers: A National Cross-Sectional Survey from 62 Urban Communities in China.

To understand the physical and mental health status of primary healthcare providers (PHPs) including physicians, nurses and other staff and the workplace risk factors for depression, anxiety and intention-to-leave. In December 2021, a national cross-sectional survey was conducted from 62 urban communities in China, and all PHPs were invited to complete a standardized questionnaire. Information on demographic, health-related lifestyle, cardiovascular risk factors and physical health status, occupational stress and intention-to-leave was collected. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety/Depression Scale (SAS/SDS). A total of 4901 PHPs were included. 67.0% males currently drank alcohol vs 25.3% in females; 36.0% males currently smoked cigarettes vs 1.4% in females. Notably, more than half males were overweight or obese, but this proportion was 24.2% in females. The prevalence of chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gout, and disease clustering were higher in males than in females. The prevalence of depression and anxiety were high, 50% had depression, of whom 15.6% had moderate/severe depression. Over 15% participants had varied levels of anxiety, and approximately 4% had moderate/severe anxiety. PHPs who aged 18-29 (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.05-1.64), were males (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.14-1.57), with lower professional title (comparing with staff with senior title, the ORs of the intermedium, junior and none were 1.83, 2.18 and 2.49, respectively), took charge in nursing (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.20-1.65), with higher perceived stress level (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.41-2.34), and suffering from severe fatigue (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.99-3.27) were more likely to have depression. Likewise, PHPs who were younger, with intermedium professional title, had higher perceived pressure level, and higher fatigue levels were more likely to have anxiety. The mental health of PHPs is worrisome, with a high burden of chronic diseases and occupational risk factors. Younger PHPs, nurses, and those with higher levels of work pressure and fatigue are more vulnerable to psychological problems. The high prevalence of intention-to-leave calls for strategies that relieve the workplace stress and enhance the human resource capability.

Psychological stress and its related factors among Moroccan nursing students: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study was performed to evaluate the prevalence and related factors of perceived stress among nursing students at Fez High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Technics in Morocco. MethodA cross-sectional study was used to determine the perceived stress levels and stress-related factors among nursing students enrolled at Fez High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Technics in Morocco. The Perceived Stress Scale 10, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale, and Academic Competence, Test Competence, Time Management, and Strategic Studying scale were used to collect data from 405 students enrolled in nursing courses. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20. ResultsOf the 437 nursing students, 405 (105 men and 300 women) completed the survey. A low prevalence of perceived stress (17%; N = 69) was found, with a mean stress score of 17.174,15. The stress level of the students was significantly associated with the year of study of the students, the practice of professional extracurricular activities, the monthly income of the family, and the use of public transportation. In addition, the stress level was associated with the subjective quality of the sleep of the students, sleep latency, diurnal dysfunction, and usual sleep efficiency. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between "time management" scores and "test adaptation skills" scores. However, no significant association was observed between stress scores with the age and gender of the students. ConclusionConsidering these results, national universities should employ preventive interventions by disclosing and controlling the associated factors of stress. Thus, the results of this investigation could be effective to determine stress-related factors to provide adequate intervention to this subset of the population.