Perceived Stress Scale-10 Scores Research Articles

Psycho-emotional stress and its impact on the intestine before and after artificial abortion

This study explores the psycho-emotional stress and related intestinal symptoms among women of fertile age who underwent an artificial abortion, utilizing a well-defined point-based questionnaire for stress levels and the revised version of the questionnaire for healthcare professionals to evaluate intestinal symptoms. The cohort consisted of 400 participants, with stress levels categorized as low (0–30 points), medium (31–70 points), or high (71+ points) according to the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS). Further, perceived helplessness and perceived self-efficacy were evaluated via negative and positive PSS items, respectively. Findings indicated that most (65.5 %) women experienced high, and 27.5 % — medium stress before an abortion. Notably, pre-abortion stress levels were generally higher compared to those after an abortion. Concurrently, the frequency of bowel symptoms declined after an abortion. A significant relationship was found between pre-abortion bowel symptoms and higher post-abortion PSS scores, and an increase in the perceived helplessness subgroup (p = 0.051, R2 = 0.156; p = 0.029, R2 = 0.138, respectively). Furthermore, higher perceived helplessness scores were linked with increased pre-abortion intestinal symptoms (p = 0.043, R2 = 0.341). The study, however, found no significant correlations between bowel symptoms and the perceived self-efficacy subgroup. These results suggest an association between pre-abortion psychological factors (lower self-efficacy and higher stress levels) and the incidence of intestinal symptoms, thus shedding light on the intersection of psychological and physical well-being in reproductive health contexts. Further research is needed to explore these mechanisms and develop effective support strategies.

Assessment of burnout level among clinical dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak has caused especially health workers to face mental and physical problems all over the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate burnout, stress perception and perceived social support levels of clinical (the fourth and fifth year) dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe Sociodemographic Information Form (SIF), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Sense of Coherence-13 (SoC-13), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for data. Questionnaires were answered directly or online by the participants.ResultsA total of 211 participants, 67.8% were female, 32.2% were male. Of these, 96.2% were aged 20–24 years, 84.4% were nuclear family, 11.8% were extended family, and 3.8% were blended family, and 91.5% were willingly for dentistry choice. Based on the results; the total burnout score indicated moderate burnout (41.99 ± 9.94), the SoC-13 scale indicated a strong sense of coherence (55.24 ± 7.21), the PSS-10 score (22.44 ± 3.44) indicated moderate perceived stress and the MSPSS score (65.92 ± 13.22) indicated high perceived social support. A positive correlation was found between perceived stress and burnout. Based on the personal accomplishment subscale; females, those living in extended family, and those who unwillingly choose dentistry among the clinical dental students had higher intense burnout (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings demonstrated that clinical dental students were affected by the emotional stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic conditions. In the education of dentistry faculties, it would be appropriate to carry out comprehensive studies on adaptation to the changing living conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic and taking the necessary measures for the psychological distress caused by the difficulties experienced.

COVID-19 Pandemisi Sırasında Bir Grup Adölesanda Algılanan Stresin Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the Perceived Stress (AS) effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on a group of adolescents by using the Turkish version of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (ASÖ-10) in the first period of the pandemic. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify, among a group of adolescents, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Perceived Stress (PS) using Turkish version of Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) at initial period of pandemic. Materials and Metods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to adolescents aged 14–18 years who were invited to participate in the online survey via the Google Docs platform.The analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 1.0.0.1347 (IBM, New York, USA).Chi-squared tests were used to analyze the categorical variables of the demographic data, and the t-test was used to compare the differences between the groups for the independent samples. Results:A sample of 316 adolescents were enrolled in the study.The study population reported moderate levels of PS (19.91±3.54).Boys scored significantly higher than girls (p=0.046). The higher family income group showed a significantly higher PS than low income groups (p&amp;lt;0.05; F=5.144). Participants who reported mother’s and father’s job were health care workers (HCWs) had higher PS compared with participants who reported mother’s and father’s job wasn’t related HCWs. Multiple linear regression analysis showed the higher family income increased their PSS-10 scores by 1.71 (p=.016). Conclusion:We aimed to draw attention to adolescents in this study because we thought that they should receive support to help them cope with pandemic-related stress and get them through this period with a healthier spirit. The PSS-10 was user friendly and can be only applied in a few minutes providing a quick measurement especially during pandemic.

Differences in Perceived Stress and Depression among Weight (Dis)Satisfied Midwestern College Students during COVID-19

Background: Stress and depression are common mental health concerns among college students. Factors related to weight status and stigma are associated with poor mental health outcomes. We sought to describe the prevalence of weight dissatisfaction in relation to stress and depression among college students (n = 551). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted via a convenient sample between December 2020 and February 2021. Mean differences in the Perceived Stress Scale-10 scores and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores were examined using a one-way analysis of variance. Associations between stress, depression, and weight dissatisfaction were measured by logistic regression. Results: Weight dissatisfied (75.1%) students had significantly higher mean depression scores compared to weight satisfied. The weight dissatisfied students were 1.05 times more likely to be depressed compared to those who were weight satisfied. Significant mean differences in stress and/or depression were found for weight dissatisfied students by gender, race, parental status, marital status, residence, and U.S. citizenship. Weight dissatisfaction was higher than that reported in the literature, possibly due to the influence of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Strategies to reduce the prevalence of weight dissatisfaction for improved mental health should be explored, particularly efforts to reduce weight stigmatization and expand access to mental health care.

Abstract 720: Implementation and evaluation of a mental health app with comedy content for women living with advanced cancer

Abstract Introduction: Metastatic cancer patients report elevated stress levels and unique stressors compared to other adults. This study tested the feasibility and efficacy of a mental health app with comedy content delivered to women living with advanced cancer (WLAC). Methods: The mental health platform Neolth was used as a self-guided intervention for WLAC, ages 18+ years. WLAC were recruited by The Comedy Cures Foundation through a press release, social media posts, an email newsletter, and a video call for participants on the foundation’s website. No compensation was provided to participants. After using the Neolth platform, which included watching comedy content for eight weeks, researchers evaluated engagement, and stress levels using The Perceived Stress Scale -10 (PSS-10), self-efficacy using The New General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and anxiety and depression using The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D). Results: 54 WLAC (M = 52.2 years, R = 31-74) from 10 countries and 24 states participated by completing the baseline questionnaire. 20.5% identified as BIPOC and 33.0% had previous experience with a mental health app. 57.4% (N=31) completed the study surveys at Week 4 and Week 8. At Week 8, HADS-D scores decreased 18.1%, PSS-10 scores decreased 15.1%, HADS-A scores decreased by 9.7%, and GSES scores increased 7.6%. Participants spent an average of 116 minutes per week on Neolth with an average of 3.15 logins per week. 43.6% of time spent was completing self-guided relaxation practices and 17.2% watching Comedy Cures Foundation videos from cancer survivor Saranne Rothberg. The 30-day retention on Neolth was 100%, with 60-day retention 83%. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ability of a mental health app with comedy content to engage and support the mental health of WLAC, presenting a cost-effective intervention. Further examination with a larger sample size is needed to conduct multivariate analyses for enhanced understanding of the role of mobile apps and comedy content in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression for WLAC. Citation Format: Saranne Rothberg, Katherine B. Grill, Claire Wheeler. Implementation and evaluation of a mental health app with comedy content for women living with advanced cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 720.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis and perceived stress in the perinatal period

Perinatal perceived stress can contribute to worse health outcomes for the parent–child dyad. Given the emerging relationship between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and stress, this study sought to elucidate connections between bowel symptoms and the gut microbiome in relation to perceived stress at three time points in the perinatal period: two during pregnancy and one postpartum. Ninety-five pregnant individuals participated in a prospective cohort study from April 2017 to November 2019. Researchers assessed Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS); bowel symptoms (according to the IBS Questionnaire); psychiatrist assessment of new onset or exacerbated depression and anxiety; and fecal samples analyzed for alpha diversity (measures of gut microbiome diversity utilizing Shannon, Observed OTUs, and Faith’s PD) at each timepoint. Covariates included weeks of gestation and weeks postpartum. PSS scores were divided into “Perceived Self-Efficacy” and “Perceived Helplessness.” Increased gut microbial diversity was associated with decreased bowel symptoms, decreased overall perceived stress, increased ability to cope with adversity, and decreased distress in the postpartum period. This study found a significant association between a less diverse microbial community, lower self-efficacy early in pregnancy, and greater bowel symptoms and perceived helplessness later in the perinatal period, relationships that may ultimately point to novel diagnostic methods and interventions for perceived stress based on the microbiota-gut-brain axis.Graphical

Mental health evaluation in senior year medical students

IntroductionMedical studies are known for being difficult and hard. They require a lot of dedication and hard work from students. This takes a toll on their mental health over the years.ObjectivesDetect signs of anxiety, depression, and stress levels in 5th-year medical students.MethodsThis study was cross-sectional through a self-administered pre-established questionnaire for medical students during September and October 2022. We used the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). The satisfaction level with the choice of the medical field as a career was assessed on a scale ranging from 1 to 10.ResultsOur population consisted of 54 5th-year medical students. The average age was 22.94±0.78 and 64.8% were female. All our population were singles. Active smokers represented 9.3% and alcohol consumption was reported by 9.3% of the participants. More than half of the population (51.9%) had a regular leisure activity. Most of the students had no medical history (72.2%) or psychiatric history (94.4%). The mean satisfaction level from choosing the medical field was 7.43±1.84. The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were respectively 3.50±3.80 and 4.70±4.42. The PSS-10 score had a mean of 14.07±5.29. Five students (7.4%) presented self-harm thoughts. Students who were less satisfied with their choice of the medical field as a career had significantly higher scores of PHQ-9 (p&lt;0.001), GAD-7 (p=0.004) and PSS-10 (p=.042).ConclusionsMedical studies are the first step for these young doctors in their professional careers, which presents further psychological stressors. More attention towards the mental health of this population is needed to properly prepare them for their future.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Impact of the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

IntroductionThe lockdown period due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Spain probably had a significant emotional impact on chronic patients and hence on those who are suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their high risk of emotional disorders. The aim of this study was to learn how COVID-19 influenced patients suffering from IBD during the quarantine period, focusing in particular on psychological distress through the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and also the impact of the pandemic on therapeutic adherence using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Patients and methodsA prospective, single-centre and analytical observational study was carried out in the IBD unit in August 2020. Patients were contacted and interviewed by phone. A descriptive analysis was carried out and subsequently the factors associated with the loss of therapeutic adherence and higher-moderate levels of stress were analyzed through logistic regression multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 426 patients were included with a median PSS-10 score of 12 (10–16). A higher level of stress was reported by those who were not married, women and those who experienced an increase in IBD-related symptoms. Adherence to treatment was not associated with stress based on the PSS-10 questionnaire.ConclusionsAlthough the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic has probably had a significant emotional impact on Spaniards with IBD, IBD patients in general had lower PSS-10 scores.

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IntroductionIndia has a prevalence of bipolar disorder of 0.1 percent. Spouses of patients experience substantial amount of stress handling this illness. Stress has been associated with lower degree of sexual satisfaction in normal couples. So sexual satisfaction of the spouse under considerable stress is likely to be impaired. In India, expression of sexual satisfaction is less in women, suppressing their stand on and problem over this matter, leading to significant hampering of their well-being. Few studies have examined the stress among partners of patients with BPAD and sexual satisfaction in this population.MethodsWives of twenty-five BPAD clients were interviewed using the perceived stress scale-10 (PSS) and sexuality scale (SS) to determine the levels of stress and degree of sexual satisfaction. Socio-demographic data and data regarding the illness and marriage was also collected for analysis.ResultsAverage age of 34.08 and SD of 7.62, max age 57, min age 24. Max family income 60000, min income 3000. TDI avg 113, SD 88.03, max 360 m, min 3 m. Duration of cohabitation- avg 195, SD 92.10, max 432 m, min 48 m. avg duration of caregiving 96.78, SD 70.08, max 240, min 3 m. Majority hindu.The correlation coeff between SS and PSS scores was indicating moderate level of relationship of sexual satisfaction with life events.ConclusionsPrimary partners of BPAD clients undergo considerable stress and have lower levels of sexual satisfaction as compared to normal populations. Physicians must interview and offer interventions if required.

The association of gratitude with perceived stress among nurses in Korea during COVID-19 outbreak

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses might experience added emotional stress. This study examined the relationship between gratitude and psychological stress to explore effective psychological support among nurses. MethodsA cross-sectional survey assessed the level of psychological distress in 646 nurses in Gwangju, South Korea, using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), Gratitude Questionnaire-6 (K-GQ-6), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS). Sociodemographic factors and COVID-19-related experiences were also examined. A linear regression model was used to determine the factors influencing perceived stress. ResultsThe mean PSS-10 score was 19.0 ± 4.4. Linear regression analyses revealed that the MBI-GS-Exhaustion, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scores were positively associated with perceived stress, while the MBI-GS-Professional efficacy score was inversely associated with perceived stress. Gratitude disposition using the K-GQ-6 score negatively predicted PSS-10 (β = 0.829, p < 0.001). ConclusionsPsychological interventions that help cultivate gratitude and professional efficacy among nurses can help promote stress resilience throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health Outcomes Among British Healthcare Workers-Lessons From the First Wave of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Objective:To ascertain the level of psychological distress, using validated psychology tools, among British National healthcare workers (HCW) during the first wave of the Covid-19 crisis.Methods:A multi-centre, anonymized, all-comer staff survey across 3 hospitals in Lancashire, England during the Covid-19 first wave (April to June 2020), consisting of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Impact of Events Scale (IES-6).Results:Among 1113 HCW, median (IQR) PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSS-10, and IES-6 score was 7 (3 to 11), 6 (3 to 11), 19 (13 to 24), and 9 (5 to 14), respectively. Potential predictors of higher levels of psychological distress included living alone, disabled dependents, history of depression/anxiety, and being female.Conclusions:The study indicates a high prevalence of psychological distress during the acute Covid-19 period among HCW, identifies groups at risk and areas of future research.

P641 Impact of lockdown period due to COVID-19 pandemic in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BackgroundThe lockdown period due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Spain was established from 16th March to 21th June 2020. Therefore, the authorities controlled personal movements and private and public non-essential activities were cancelled. It has probably had an important emotional impact on chronic patients and hence in those who are suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) due to their high risk of emotional disorders.The aim of this study is to know how COVID 19 influenced to the patients suffering from IBD during the quarantine period, focusing heavily on the psychological distress through the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and also the impact of the pandemic on therapeutic adherence using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).MethodsThis is an unicentric and analytical observational study carried out in IBD unit of a large public teaching Hospital (University Hospital “Lozano Blesa”) during August 2020. Patients were contacted and interviewed by phone by two trained researchers not involved in the patient′s medical care. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years old and confirmed diagnosis of Crohn′s Disease (CD), Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Indeterminate Colitis. A descriptive analysis was carried out and, subsequently, the factors associated with the loss of therapeutic adherence and higher-moderate levels of stress were analyzed through Logistic regression multivariate analyses.ResultsOf the 426 patients included, 217 (50.9%) were women, 249 (58.4%) had UC and 177 (41.6%) had EC. During the Spanish lockdown period, most of patients did not have symptoms related to their IBD (302; 72.1%). Among those who had symptoms, the most frequent was diarrhea and abdominal pain (11.5%). Most of subjects were not diagnosed of SARS-CoV2 infection (93%), whereas 2.1% suffered confirmed infection and 4.9% had compatible symptoms without test confirmation. Regarding economic situation of patients, most of them did not have economic difficulties (87.6%). Moreover, 74.4% of participants referred a very good physician-patient relationship and 21.8% a good relationship.People who participated in the study had a median PSS-10 score of 12 (10–16). A higher level of stress was reported between those who were not married, women, and those who experimented an increase of IBD related symptoms. Adherence to treatment was not associated with stress level based on PSS-10 questionnaire.ConclusionAlthough the lockdown period due to COVID-19 pandemic has probably had an important emotional impact on Spanish population, IBD patients had in general lower PSS-10 scores. It could be due to a good patient-physician relationship, which contributed to maintaining a good adherence to medications in those patients.

Plant-based dietary indices and stress in female college students: a cross-sectional study.

Only a few studies have investigated the association between psychological stress and the healthfulness of plant-based diets while accounting for variances in age groups and regions. In light of this, this study aimed to identify the food groups that contribute the most to the relationship between the healthfulness of plant-based diets and psychological stress in female students in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study, which included 401 female college students aged 19-35 years, collected data on blood, anthropometric indices, the perceived stress scale-10 (PSS-10) and diet using the Saudi food frequency questionnaire. An overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthy PDI, and an unhealthy PDI (uPDI) were defined. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to examine the associations between PSS-10 and PDI and hPDI and uPDI. No associations between the PSS-10 score and the overall PDI or uPDI scores were found; however, a six-point higher hPDI score was associated with a 0·16-point lower PSS-10 score (95 % CI, -0·24, -0·08) after controlling for lifestyle factors. Moreover, adjustments for healthy food groups, including vegetables and fruits, attenuated the association between the hPDI and PSS-10. In conclusion, healthy plant-based diets are associated with lower psychological stress in young Saudi women. This finding highlights the importance, especially for female students, of following diets that are not only plant-based but are also healthy and rich in fruits and vegetables.

Impact of the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

IntroductionThe lockdown period due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Spain probably had a significant emotional impact on chronic patients and hence on those who are suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their high risk of emotional disorders. The aim of this study was to learn how COVID-19 influenced patients suffering from IBD during the quarantine period, focusing in particular on psychological distress through the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and also the impact of the pandemic on therapeutic adherence using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients and methodsA prospective, single-centre and analytical observational study was carried out in the IBD unit in August 2020. Patients were contacted and interviewed by phone. A descriptive analysis was carried out and subsequently the factors associated with the loss of therapeutic adherence and higher-moderate levels of stress were analyzed through logistic regression multivariate analyses. ResultsA total of 426 patients were included with a median PSS-10 score of 12 (10–16). A higher level of stress was reported by those who were not married, women and those who experienced an increase in IBD-related symptoms. Adherence to treatment was not associated with stress based on the PSS-10 questionnaire. ConclusionsAlthough the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic has probably had a significant emotional impact on Spaniards with IBD, IBD patients in general had lower PSS-10 scores.

Depression, anxiety and self-esteem in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective of the study was to evaluate the depression, anxiety and perceived stress level in adolescent girls with diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as well as to assess their body and self-esteem and its impact on emotional status. In 27 adolescent girls with confirmed diagnosis of PCOS (study group) as well as 27 healthy, regularly menstruating, age and BMI matched girls (control group) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Body-Esteem Scale (BES) containing three subscales (sexual attractiveness, weight concern, physical condition) were performed. There were no significant differences between PCOS group and control group in depression and PSS-10 scores, but the anxiety score was significantly higher in control than in PCOS group (9.6 ± 3.0 vs 7.3 ± 3.9, p = 0.02). Moreover, in BES subscales' scores there were no significant differences between the groups, whereas RSES score was significantly higher in PCOS group (25.0 ± 7.1 vs 28.3 ± 4.6, p = 0.04). In PCOS group anxiety score was related to PSS-10 score (r = 0.56, p = 0.005). Moreover, we found that obesity was negatively related to anxiety (rƴ = -0.4, p = 0.04), depression (rƴ = -0.48, p = 0.02), PSS-10 (rƴ = -0.59, p = 0.004) and physical condition scores (rƴ = -0.44, p = 0.04). In girls with PCOS the more severe depression the worse weight control (rƴ = -0.56, p = 0.04). We conclude that in adolescent girls PCOS is not related to anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as poor self-esteem.

Psychometric Properties of the General Anxiety Disorders-7 Scale Using Categorical Data Methods: A Study in a Sample of University Attending Ethiopian Young Adults.

BackgroundFew studies have investigated the psychometric validation of the General Anxiety Disorders-7 Scale (GAD-7) using appropriate data assumptions. This study examined the reliability, factorial validity, divergent validity, and item analysis of the GAD-7 using categorical data methods in a sample of Ethiopian young adults.MethodsA sample of 270 students in the age group (18–20 years) was recruited during February-May of 2017 in this cross-sectional study using simple random sampling. The participants completed a tool for socio-demographic details, the GAD-7, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10).ResultsThe cumulative variance rule (> 40%), the scree test, Kaiser’s criteria (Eigenvalues > 1), and the parallel analysis found a 1-factor model for the GAD-7 (factor loadings, 0.38 to 0.63). Fit indices suggested a 1-factor model: the tests applied included the weighted root mean square residual (0.030), comparative fit index (1.000), the goodness of fit index (1.00), root mean square error of approximation (0.037) and the non-normed fit index (1.00). McDonald’s Omega (0.772) implied that the scores had adequate internal consistency. Divergent validity was supported by significant but weak correlations that were found between the GAD-7 and PSS-10 scores (r = 0.11 to 0.25, p<0.05).ConclusionThe psychometric validity of the GAD-7 in Ethiopian university attending young adults was supported by the categorical data method.

Predictors of the maximal oxygen consumption in adult patients with type1 diabetes treated with personal insulin pumps.

Aims/IntroductionRegular physical activity for adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) and quality of life. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical and biochemical features that might be associated with CF in a homogenous group of adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus who are all treated with a personal insulin pump (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion).Materials and MethodsWe assessed CF in 62 patients (74.2% of whom were men) who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. To determine maximal oxygen consumption, the march‐running test on the treadmill was carried out. Two hours before the test, the patients consumed a defined meal covered by a dose of rapid acting insulin analog that was reduced by 25% from their regular dose. Basal insulin infusion was reduced by 50% for an hour. Additionally, the Perceived Stress Scale‐10 questionnaire was used to measure the perception of stress.ResultsThere was no episode of severe hypoglycemia during or after the test. In the final model, independent predictors of maximal oxygen consumption were sex, body fat percentage, lactate at 20 min after CF test and Perceived Stress Scale‐10 score. Of interest, neither short‐term (continuous glucose monitoring) nor long‐term (glycosylated hemoglobin) metabolic control parameters were predictors of CF.ConclusionsIn our selected homogenous group of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with personal insulin pumps, higher CF was associated with a lower percentage of body fat, male sex, higher lactate level after the CF test and the Perceived Stress Scale‐10 score. The proposed protocol in our cohort proved to be safe with regard to glycemic control.

Psychosocial stress and ovarian function in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

Is psychosocial stress associated with ovarian function in reproductive-aged survivors of cancer diagnosed as adolescents and young adults (AYA survivors)? We observed no association between self-reported and biomarkers of psychosocial stress and ovarian function in AYA survivors. Psychosocial stress suppresses hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, resulting in ovulatory dysfunction, decreased sex steroidogenesis and lower fertility in reproductive-aged women. Many cancer survivors experience high psychosocial stress and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation. The menstrual pattern disturbances and infertility they experience have been attributed to ovarian follicle destruction, but the contribution of psychosocial stress to these phenotypes is unknown. A cross-sectional study was conducted estimating the association between perceived stress, measured by self-report and saliva cortisol, and ovarian function, measured by bleeding pattern, dried blood spot (DBS) FSH and LH, and saliva estradiol. We included 377 AYA survivor participants. AYA survivor participants were ages 15-35 at cancer diagnosis and ages 18-40 at study enrollment, had completed primary cancer treatment, had a uterus and at least one ovary, did not have uncontrolled endocrinopathy and were not on hormone therapy. Recruited from cancer registries, physician referrals and cancer advocacy groups, participants provided self-reported information on psychosocial stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10)) and on cancer and reproductive (fertility, contraception, menstrual pattern) characteristics. DBS samples were collected timed to the early follicular phase (cycle Days 3-7) for menstruating individuals and on a random day for amenorrheic individuals; saliva samples were collected three time points within 1 day. FSH and LH were measured by DBS ELISAs, cortisol was measured by ELISA and estradiol was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The median age of participants was 34.0 years (range 19-41) at a median of 6.0 years since cancer diagnosis. The most common cancer was breast (32.1%). Median PSS-10 score was 15 (range 0-36), with 5.3% scoring ≥26, the cut point suggestive of severe stress. Cortisol levels followed a diurnal pattern and cortisol AUC was negatively correlated with PSS-10 scores (P = 0.03). Neither PSS-10 scores nor cortisol AUC were associated with FSH, LH, estradiol levels or menstrual pattern. Waking and evening cortisol and the cortisol awakening response also were not related to ovarian function measures. Our analysis is limited by its cross-sectional nature, heterogeneity of cancer diagnosis and treatments and low prevalence of severe stress. The lack of association between psychosocial stress and a variety of ovarian function measures in female AYA cancer survivors suggests that psychosocial stress does not have a significant impact on the reproductive axis of AYA survivors. This finding is important in counseling this population on their menstrual pattern and family building plans. NIH HD080952, South Korea Health Industry Development Institute HI18C1837 (JK). Dr A.D. works for Bluebird Bio, Inc., Dr D.Z. works for ZRT Labs and Dr P.M.S. works for Ansh Labs, which did not sponsor, support or have oversight of this research. Other authors report no competing interests. N/A.

Development and validation of a screening instrument for borderline personality disorder (SI-Bord) for use among university students

BackgroundThe screening instrument for borderline personality disorder (SI-Bord) consists of a 5-item self-reported questionnaire on the key features of BPD from the DSM-5 using a 5-point Likert scale. This study investigated its validity and reliability in screening for BPD in university students.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of university students in Thailand between November and December 2019. An online assessment gathered demographic data and results from the SI-Bord, the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Participants whose SI-Bord scores were ≥ 1 were randomly selected to be interviewed and assessed for a BPD diagnosis by four psychiatrists using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID-II) as a reference point. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.925 (95% CI, 0.805–0.979) ensured inter-rater reliability between the four psychiatrists. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the SI-Bord, as compared to that of the SCID-II, were determined to indicate the cut-off score. The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) was analyzed to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy.ResultsThe study included 342 students aged 18–25 years (the mean age was 20.25 ± 1.4 years), 80.4% of whom were female. Among the 68 participants selected for an online interview, 16 were diagnosed with BPD. The cut-off score of the SI-Bord was > 9, as suggested by the Youden index, yielding a sensitivity of 56.3% and a specificity of 92.3%. It had a positive predictive value of 69.2% and negative predictive value of 87.3%. The SI-Bord had adequate discriminative power between cases and non-cases of BPD, with the area under the ROC curve being 0.83. Cronbach’s alpha for the SI-Bord was 0.76, indicating acceptable internal consistency. The SI-Bord score was positively correlated to PHQ-9 and PSS-10 scores (r = 0.67 and r = 0.69, p < 0.001, respectively) and negatively correlated to MSPSS (r = − 0.50, p < 0.001). The prevalence of BPD in the sample was 6.4%, according to the cut-off score > 9.ConclusionThe SI-Bord demonstrated good reliability and validity for screening BPD in university students. However, a study in non-Thai and other population groups should be warranted.

Perceived Stress and Associated Factors in Russian Medical and Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in North-West Russia.

The aim was to assess perceived stress (PS) and factors associated with PS in Russian medical and dental students. A total of 406 medical and 283 dental students aged 18–25 years that attended the Northern State Medical University in Arkhangelsk, North-West Russia participated in this cross-sectional study. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic and socioeconomic factors, oral health (OH) behavior, and self-reported OH. All students were clinically examined to assess dental caries, oral hygiene, and gingiva. PS was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10). Of the students, 26.0%, 69.1%, and 4.9% reported low, moderate, and high PS, respectively. Female sex (b = 2.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–3.18), dental faculty (b = 1.74, 95% CI: 0.94–2.54), low subjective socioeconomic status (SES) (b = 1.71, 95% CI: 0.91–2.51), and irregular dental visits (b = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.72–2.58) were associated with higher PSS-10 score. These factors were assumed to be clinical meaningful, given that minimal clinically important difference of PSS-10 fell between 2.19 and 2.66 points. The majority of the medical and dental students reported moderate PS. Based on statistical significance and clinical meaningfulness, socio-demographic factors (sex, faculty), subjective SES, and OH behavior (regularity of dental visits) were associated with PS.