Perceived Stress Scale Research Articles

Prevalence and Impact of Stress in the Indian Population: A Retrospective Survey Analysis

Post-COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are experiencing various forms of stress. This study assessed the prevalence of stress among Indian adults, examined its physical and psychological impacts, and investigated stress management strategies, aiming to fill existing gaps in research. This retrospective observational study utilized an online survey from March 16, 2023, to July 30, 2023, using snowball sampling to target the Indian population. Respondents aged ≥18 years participated in the study. The survey collected data on demographic information, self-reported stress levels, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores. The chi-square test was applied for statistical analysis, and results with a p-value under 0.05 were considered significant. Among 1,479 respondents (638 males, 841 females; mean age: 23.7±7.7 years), 76.0% of respondents resided in Karnataka. Out of 1,479 respondents, 9.6% experienced mild stress, 84.9% experienced moderate stress, and 5.5% experienced severe stress according to the PSS. Females experienced significantly higher stress levels when compared with males (p=0.047), but both experienced moderate stress levels. Financial problems (20.7%) and studies (36.4%) were the most common stressors among respondents. They most frequently manage stress through personal strategies, such as sleeping and listening to music. The present study's findings indicate that, following the COVID-19 health crisis, moderate levels of stress are significantly prevalent in the Indian population, primarily due to academic and job-related pressures.

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression During Pregnancy: A Survey Among Antenatal Women Attending Primary Health Centers

Background/Objectives: Maternal mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) in antenatal women are major public health challenges. This study aimed to determine the levels of SAD in antenatal women and associate the selected variables with them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected primary health centers (PHC) in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The pregnant women were selected using systematic randomization, and their SAD levels were assessed using the perceived stress scale (PSS), the state anxiety scale (SAS), and the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Linear regression was used to associate factors related to stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: Out of 346 antenatal women, 4% had a high level of stress and 27.2% had a moderate level of stress. Regarding the level of anxiety, 2.6% of them had high anxiety, and 32.9% had moderate anxiety. Around 32 (9.2%) women had moderate depression, and 4 (1.2%) had severe depression. The mean score of SAD was 11.99, 28.88, and 4.73, respectively. A linear regression proved that there was an association between stress and age, occupation, gestational age (GA), gravida, para, abortions, and social support (SS) (p < 0.05). Anxiety was associated with age, GA, gravida, para, abortions, past obstetrical complications, and SS (p < 0.05). Depression was related to age, education, occupation, para, abortions, past obstetrical complications, and SS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Due to the prevalence of SAD in pregnancy, the screening of these conditions and awareness creation about the associated factors can help to identify potential risks earlier and prevent maternal and fetal complications.

Biomechanics intervention promotes college students’ English vocabulary acquisition and mental health

The ability to access and use vocabulary effectively is critical to academic performance. Strong English vocabulary is important for college students because they will not only understand course material but also engage in discussion and writing activities, and interact with colleagues and teachers. However, the word order learning can be difficult, often leading to dissatisfaction and decreased desire students. The effectiveness of biomechanical intervention college students improves their mental health and develop vocabulary in English. A total of 145 college students participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to group A, which received a biomechanics-based exercise program, and group B, which received a traditional physical activity (PA) program. Participants completed validated questionnaires to measure mental health indicators, including anxiety, stress, and overall well-being. The questionnaires used included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a well-established tool in psychological research. This research conducted tests that assessed various aspects of vocabulary knowledge, including word recognition, meaning, and usage in context. The data was analyzed using statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. ANOVA was to analyze connections between two groups. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 29 software. The results showed that it significantly improved English vocabulary acquisition and cognition health in Group A. These students also reported well, if low, mental health levels of stress and anxiety increased well-being in general. This study emphasizes biomechanics, which can be incorporated into language learning, showing increased PA. Vocabulary acquisition and positively influence mental health. The results showed that significantly improved English vocabulary acquisition and cognition health in Group A. These students also reported good, if low, mental health levels of stress and anxiety and increased well-being in general.

Exploring the use of the perceived stress scale for children as an instrument for measuring stress among children and adolescents: a scoping review

Exploring the use of the perceived stress scale for children as an instrument for measuring stress among children and adolescents: a scoping review

Smartphone-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Customized Sound Therapy for Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of a smartphone-based application providing tinnitus-specific cognitive behavioral therapy and customized sound therapy for tinnitus. In a prospective randomized controlled trial, the treatment group participated in daily sound therapy and weekly interactive CBT modules, and the control group did not receive the program (waitlisted). Outcome measures after 8 weeks included the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Ninety-two patients (mean age = 57.2 ± 11.9 years) were included. The treatment (n = 47) and control (n = 45) cohorts had similar TFI, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSS, and PSQI scores at presentation (all P > .05). Treatment-group patients had significantly higher improvements than controlled patients in their TFI (16.7 ± 14.9 vs 1.9 ± 10.8, P < .001), PHQ-9 (1.9 ± 4.2 vs -0.7 ± 3.4, P = .002), GAD-7 (1.1 ± 3.6 vs -0.9 ± 3.3, P = .009), and PSQI scores (2.5 ± 3.2 vs -1.1 ± 2.1, P < .001). Treatment-group subjects also significantly improved in 7 of the 8 TFI domains (all P < .05). TFI improvements of ≥20 occurred in 18 (38.3%) treatment subjects. Of the 9 treatment-group patients presenting with moderate-severe depression, 4 (44.4%) improved to minimal depression. Of the 4 treatment-group patients with moderate-severe anxiety, 2 (50.0%) improved to minimal anxiety. Of the 17 treatment-group patients with moderate-severe sleep difficulties, 10 (55.6%) had considerable sleep improvement. This novel smartphone application providing cognitive behavioral therapy and customized sound therapy was effective in reducing symptom severity and improving anxiety, sleep, and mood for tinnitus patients.

Addressing mental health challenges in college students: A biomechanical approach to mitigating stress and cognitive load through physical intervention strategies

The main objective of this investigation is to find out how biomechanical actions, such as physical activity programs, balanced adjustments, and mindfulness-based posture correction, are successful at reducing Cognitive Load (CL) and levels of stress among college students. Mechanical adjustments decreased stress, physical activity reduced CL, and mindfulness-based posture correction improved Mental Health (MH), according to a long-term experiment with 28 students from four distinct educational fields. Investigators examined students’ stress, CL, and BH levels monthly. The outcome results dealt with all three predictions. A student’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score dropped from 24.66 to 18.10 (mean difference = 6.56, t = 4.82, p = 0.0001) after experiencing practical changes, demonstrating a significant decrease in stress levels. Following the exercise support, CL, as determined by the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), dropped from 65.38 to 54.23 (mean difference = 11.15, t = 5.29, p = 0.00005). Ratings for BH increased significantly after exercising mindfulness-based posture correction (from 78.63 to 85.13; mean difference = −6.50, t = −4.92, p = 0.00007). The median variation in PF (VO2 Max) went from 40.46 to 45.11 (t = −3.78, p = 0.0012), and the difference in value was −4.65.

Stress in Family Caregivers of Children with Chronic Health Conditions: A Case–Control Study

Objectives: This study analyzed the stress experienced by family caregivers of children with special healthcare needs and identified associated factors. Methods: A case–control study was conducted with the “cases” being caregivers of children with chronic conditions and the “controls” being caregivers of healthy children. Recruitment was carried out via social media and complemented by snowball sampling. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale were applied, with four saliva samples collected in one day (at 8:00 am, 30 min later, and 4 and 12 h later). The Area Under the Curve for total daily cortisol production was calculated using the log-trapezoidal method. The Wilcoxon test and repeated-measures ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: In total, 100 caregivers participated, with 50 in the “case” group and 50 in the “control” group. Significant differences in stress scores and salivary cortisol levels were observed between the groups, with the other variables constant. In both groups, cortisol levels followed a typical circadian pattern. Family income was associated with perceived stress. Caregiver age significantly explained perceived stress (p = 0.0098) and total cortisol production. Caregiver occupation also influenced cortisol results. Conclusions: Caregivers of children with chronic conditions showed higher perceived stress and lower cortisol production compared to those of healthy children. Family income, occupation, and caregiver age were associated with stress.

Integrative Medicine Elective for the Wellbeing of Pharmacy Students

ObjectiveTo describe the impact of an integrative medicine elective on the wellbeing of pharmacy students at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and examine the relationship between perceived stress and happiness. MethodsStudents completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) prior to and three months after taking the course. Our study compared the outcomes of each composite score from the PSS and SHS before and after course participation to detect any difference. The interpretation of single composite scores was analyzed similarly. The correlation of the PSS and SHS was checked to determine their relationships, and the correlation between the change in PSS and the time the students spent practicing their identified integrative modality was also analyzed to detect whether any association existed. ResultsA total of 49 students completed both the pre and post wellness inventories over three offerings of the class (2020, 2022 and 2023). There was a decrease in PSS of 0.8 that was not statistically significant with most students reporting moderate perceived stress on both the pre-PSS and post-PSS. The average SHS was 4.7. There was a strong negative correlation between the PSS and SHS. There was a moderate negative correlation between the time practicing the integrative medicine modality and post-course PSS. ConclusionThis practical, hands-on experience will add non-pharmacologic tools to the pharmacy student tool kit, which could be used in both patient care and pharmacy student wellness.

A Descriptive Study To Assess The Job Stress And Satisfaction, Among Operating Room Nurses Working At Multi Specilty Hospital Of Vellore, Tamil Nadu

We use the word "stress" when we feel that everything seems to have become too much - we are overloaded and wonder whether we really can cope with the pressures placed upon us. Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a stress. More than 60% of nurses say they have suffered the side-effects of workrelated stress, such as physical or mental health problems in the past year. according to the findings from our latest annual survey on the state of nursing. “l am nearly on my knees with the level of work l have. l am beyond exhausted and have gone off with stress today”. Job satisfaction is defined as the affective feeling an employee has towards their job. A descriptive study was conducted to assess the job stress, and job satisfaction among the staff nurses working in the Operating Room of Multi-specialty Hospital Vellore in Tamil Nadu. All the nurses working in the OR who fulfilled the inclusion criteria was selected using total enumerative sampling technique. The data was collected by administering the self-administered questionnaire for job stress and the job satisfaction. Instrument: The job stress will be assessed by using the perceived stress scale which is a free standardized tool. The investigator developed a tool to assess the job satisfaction. The instrument had three parts. Part I Demographic data, Part II job satisfaction The investigator prepared the 5 point Likert scale under the headings of patient care. Interpersonal relationship, professional development. Personal development and the ward management which got 25 questions with the description of highly dissatisfied, dissatisfied, neither dissatisfied nor satisfied, satisfied, highly satisfied. and Part III was to assess the job stress. Perceived stress scale which has got 10 questions with the description of 0 to 4. 0=Never, 1= almost never, 2= sometimes, 3= fairly often, 4= very often, used to assess the Job stress Scoring: The sum of the score was added up and the total score was 125 for the job satisfaction &lt; 25 was considered as Highly dissatisfied, 26-50 was Dissatisfied 51- 75 neither dissatisfied nor satisfied 76- 100 Satisfied and 101- 125 was Highly satisfied. To get a total score for the Job stress each item was added up. Individual scores on the PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress. 0-13 was considered low stress. 14-26 was considered as moderate stress and 27-40 was considered high perceived stress.

The Relationship Between Coping and Stress Levels in Students from The Class of 2020 at The Faculty of Medicine, Palangka Raya University, During Their Thesis Preparation

Introduction: Academic stress is prevalent among final-year students, with thesis preparation being a significant source of this stress. Coping are essential as they effectively represent the body’s conscious adaptive responses to reduce stress through self-adaptation. This research determines the relationship between coping and stress levels in students from the class of 2020 at the Faculty of Medicine, Palangka Raya University, during their thesis preparation. Methods: The study employs a quantitative analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. Simple random sampling was utilized for participant selection. The research instruments comprised coping questionnaires and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Data were analyzed using Charles Spearman’s correlation analysis with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: Out of all 96 respondents, 49 individuals (51%) had good coping skills, and 80 individuals (83.3%) experienced moderate stress levels. Notably, among the 49 participants exhibiting good coping, a majority (42 individuals or 85.71%) experienced moderate stress levels. The Charles Spearman test findings revealed a significant value of 0,013 (p &lt; 0.05) with a weak correlation and the opposite direction (r = -0.252). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between coping and stress levels in students from the class of 2020 at the Faculty of Medicine, Palangka Raya University, during their thesis preparation.

Correlates of perceived stress with anxiety symptoms sleep quality and academic performance among Moroccan students

IntroductionThe main objective of this study was to verify the association of perceived stress with anxiety, sleep quality, and academic performance among Moroccan medical students. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 222 students enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Fez in Morocco. An online self-administrated questionnaire, for the sociodemographic characteristics, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Test Anxiety Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire were used for the assessment. A descriptive and correlational design was used in this investigation. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-two students completed the survey. A high level of stress was found. A significant positive correlation was observed between the stress level among our population and their levels of anxiety. Stress was also positively correlated with the decrease of students’ sleep quality and academic performance. ConclusionThe results of this investigation present worthy data that highlight the need for this subset of students to anti-stress programs that must be integrated into their curriculum to help them to better manage this psychological issue.

Validation of the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) in adults with cystic fibrosis.

A primary palliative care model for cystic fibrosis (CF) recommends using the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) for screening. Validation of the IPOS is needed. This secondary analysis utilized baseline data from a multisite trial of the palliative care model, Improving Life with CF. Adults with CF completed the IPOS, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-CF (MSAS-CF), the CF Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). IPOS structure was assessed using Cronbach α coefficients and a factor analysis. Construct validity was evaluated through bivariate relationships between IPOS scores and other questionnaire scores, and linear regressions assessing the extent to which the IPOS explains variance in quality-of-life domains. The sample comprised 256 adults with complete IPOS data. α coefficients were .86 for the IPOS total score, .81 for the Physical Symptoms subscale, .79 for the Emotional Symptoms subscale, and .63 for the Communication/Practical Issues subscale. A two-component factor structure best aligned with the current subscales. IPOS scores were significantly associated with other measures; associations with MSAS-CF and CFQ-R subscales differentiated the IPOS Physical and Emotional subscales. The IPOS total score provided unique information about the variance in the CFQ-R Physical Functioning and Respiratory Symptoms domain scores. In adults with CF, the IPOS has acceptable internal consistency and there is evidence of construct validity. These findings support adoption of the IPOS in the primary palliative care model for CF.

Effect of Psychological Resilience on Posttraumatic Growth Among Midwives: The Mediating Roles of Perceived Stress and Positive Coping Strategies.

To explore the relationship between midwives' psychological resilience and posttraumatic growth, and the mediating role of perceived stress and positive coping strategies. A multicentre cross-sectional survey was used. Data were conducted among 339 midwives from 24 Grade III A hospitals in Sichuan Province from April to July 2023, using the Chinese version of the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, Chinese version Perceived Stress Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Chinese-Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and General Demographic Data Questionnaire. A descriptive statistical approach, Pearson's correlation analysis and the Mplus 8.3 were used to analyse the available data. There was a significant correlation between psychological resilience, perceived stress, positive coping strategies and PTG. Psychological resilience could have a direct positive impact on PTG of midwives, but it could also indirectly affect PTG of midwives through three pathways: the mediating effect of perceived stress, the mediating effect of positive coping strategies and the chain mediating effect of perceived stress and positive coping strategies. Results suggest that nursing managers should help to improve the psychological resilience of midwives and to reduce individual stress perception, enhance coping abilities and achieve positive growth. Prior to data collection, we obtained approval from the nursing department of each hospital. Midwives who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria gave informed consent and invited to participate in this study. This study was guided by STROBE. During the data collection phase, 349 midwives took the time to carefully answer the questionnaire items related to this study.

BDNF methylation associated with stress in women: Novel insights in epigenetics and inflammation

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene plays an important role in modulating the stress-response axis and inflammation, which can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. BNDF methylation has been associated with stress-related psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. Previous studies have reported that stressful events are involved with long-lasting alterations in DNA methylation (DNAm) of the BNDF exon IV promoter, suggesting that glucocorticoids and inflammatory cytokines can regulate this process. We previously found that perceived psychological stress is modulated by inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and IL-10, and IL-12p70, suggesting their role in mediating the stress response. However, the epigenetic mechanism mediating this response has yet to be fully understood. In this study, we propose that high perceived stress and high serum levels of inflammatory cytokines may correlate with specific methylation sites within the BNDF exon IV promoter. To address these questions, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 82 adult women teachers working in basic education in Brazil. The perceived stress scale was used to assess stress and blood samples were collected for the measurement of inflammatory markers and BNDF methylation through flow cytometry assay and DNA pyrosequencing, respectively. We detected differentially methylated CpG sites in the BNDF gene, where 5 CpG sites were directly correlated with high stress levels. However, 4 CpG sites showed inverse effects, indicating that changes in methylation levels in those sites could lead to a protective effect on perceived stress. About inflammatory markers, IL-6 and IL-8 were associated with high perceived stress. However, only IL-8 and IL-10 showed simultaneous modulation of perceived stress, while IL-10 and IL12p70 correlated with DNAm. We found that higher levels in IL-10 and IL-12p70 serum decrease methylation in CpG11. A direct relationship was also found to IL-12p70, where higher levels in serum increase methylation in CpG5 and 13, respectively. Taken as a whole, our findings reinforce the hypothesis regarding stress-sensitive regions within the BDNF gene, mainly for CpG5, 11, and 13. In addition to these results, CpG7 and 9 may be regarded as stress-protective regions. Our data suggest that BDNF DNAm in the blood may represent a novel biomarker for early detection of adverse effects of chronic exposure to stress in healthy individuals.

Assessment of Acceptability, Usage, and Impact on Caregivers of Children With Autism's Stress and Mindfulness: Multiple-Method Feasibility Study of the 5Minutes4Myself App's Mindfulness Module.

Caregiver wellness programs need to be easily accessible to address caregivers' constraints to participation. We aimed to assess the feasibility of 5Minutes4Myself app's mindfulness module (usability, usage, and impact on caregivers' levels of mindfulness and perceived stress). Before and after participation in the 5Minutes4Myself program, 15 participants were asked to complete the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Data on the usage of app-delivered meditations were collected electronically via the app, and app usability was rated on the Modified System Usability Scale. Analyses assessed participants' frequency of use of app-delivered meditations, app usability, and changes in participants' stress and mindfulness post intervention. Overall, participants completed 10.9 minutes of mindfulness meditations per week and rated the app 76.7, indicating above-average usability. Related samples t tests (2-tailed) found that group PSS (t10=1.20, P=.26) and FFMQ (t10=-1.57, P=.15) pre- or postintervention mean scores were not significantly different. However, a visualization of pre- and post-PSS and mindfulness scores suggested there was a group of responders who had decreased stress with increased mindfulness. This was confirmed via an individual change analysis. The effect size of the FFMQ scores (d=0.47) suggests there may be treatment effects with a larger sample. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis examined the degree mindfulness impacted perceived stress; 20% of the variance in participants' perceived stress could be attributed to increases in self-rated mindfulness (P=.04) when controlling for preintervention stress levels. Caregivers found the app highly usable and on average used low-dose levels of mindfulness meditations (10 min/wk). For responders, increased mindfulness was related to stress reduction to population-based levels.

Long-term hair cortisone and perceived stress are associated with long-term hedonic eating tendencies in patients with obesity

IntroductionLong-term biological stress, reflected in hair cortisol and cortisone levels, predicts future weight gain and metabolic deterioration. This is likely at least partially mediated by glucocorticoid-induced increases in hedonic overeating. Yet, the relationship between long-term biological stress and long-term hedonic eating tendencies remains to be elucidated. MethodsWe included N=108 adults with lifestyle-induced obesity (91 women, median body-mass-index=38.4 kg/m2) for our primary analysis investigating cross-sectional associations between long-term biological stress (hair cortisol and cortisone measured in the first 3 cm of scalp hair using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) and self-reported long-term hedonic eating tendencies (emotional and external eating, ‘Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire’, and trait food craving, ‘Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait’). In secondary analyses, we investigated the moderating role of long-term psychological stress (Perceived Stress Scale-14 score) on the relation between hair glucocorticoid levels and hedonic eating tendencies. ResultsHigher hair cortisone levels, but not higher hair cortisol levels, were associated with more food cravings after adjustment for sex and age (p<0.05). The association remained significant after additional adjustment for psychological stress (p<0.05). Psychological stress correlated positively with food craving and hedonic eating (p<0.05), and, in trend, with external eating (p<0.1). Stratification of stress groups (high vs. low psychological stress in addition to high vs. low biological stress) showed food cravings and emotional eating to be highest in the group with both high psychological-stress and high hair-cortisone (p<0.05), suggesting potential additive effects of different stress measures. ConclusionLong-term psychological and biological stress correlate with hedonic eating tendencies with potentially adverse additive effects on weight management and clinical features of obesity.

Prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depression and stress among mothers of preterm and low birthweight infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Accra, Ghana.

To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum stress (PPS) and identify associated risk factors among mothers of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from 255 mothers with preterm and LBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. A standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire collected data on maternal, pregnancy, birth, and infant characteristics. The questionnaire also included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4) to assess PPD and PPS, respectively. Simple and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PPD and PPS. The prevalence of moderate to moderately severe PPD was 3.9%, and that of PPS was 43.5%. The multivariable linear regression analysis showed that an increased number of prenatal care visits (β-estimate = 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.43; P < 0.01) was positively associated with higher scores on the PHQ-9, whereas gestational age at birth (β = -0.21; 95% CI -0.40 to -0.03; P = 0.02) was inversely associated with PHQ-9 scores. Moreover, a longer gestational period at the first prenatal care visit (β = 0.25; 95% CI 0.05-0.45; P = 0.01) and following the Islamic religion were associated with elevated scores on the PSS-4 (β = 0.95; 95% CI 0.11-1.80; P = 0.011). Our findings underscore the presence of moderate PPD levels and high PPS levels among mothers. Active screening, diagnosis, and treatment for mothers at risk of mental health disorders during the peripartum period could enhance coping mechanisms for mothers navigating the challenging NICU environment and transitioning to the home environment.

Validity, Reliability, and Cultural Adaptability of the Arabic Cognitive Flexibility Scale (Ar-CFS) Among Saudi Arabians: A Two-Cohort Investigation

Background/objectives: Cognitive flexibility is the mental skill that allows a person to shift between different ideas or concepts and think about several concepts simultaneously. A commonly used tool to assess cognitive flexibility is the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS). This study focused on translating and validating the CFS into Arabic, given the lack of existing Arabic tools for assessing cognitive flexibility. Methods: Conducted at King Saud University, Riyadh, between April and June 2024, the study employed random sampling and involved 529 participants, including 419 students and 110 patients. Results: The average participant age was 25.8 years, with females making up 56.9% of the sample. Participants completed the Arabic CFS, along with the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), at two time points 3–6 weeks apart. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.8) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82). Item analysis indicated that removing any single item did not significantly impact overall reliability, and inter-item correlations were strongest between items 4 and 6 (0.55) and items 6 and 7 (0.51). Validity was assessed through face, content, and construct validity, with factor analysis revealing a dominant single component accounting for 34.4% of the variance, confirming the scale’s unidimensionality. Content validity indices for all items exceeded 0.9 in terms of relevance, importance, simplicity, and clarity. The Arabic CFS demonstrated good construct validity, showing significant correlations with the ERQ’s reappraisal and suppression dimensions and the PSS. Conclusion: In conclusion, the Arabic version of the CFS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing cognitive flexibility in Arabic-speaking populations. This tool will be valuable in both clinical and research settings within Saudi Arabia, offering a robust instrument for evaluating cognitive flexibility.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Effect of Stress on Short-Term Heart Rate Variability and Muscle Strength Among Construction Site Workers

This cross-sectional study investigates the immediate impact of occupational stress on short-term heart rate variability (HRV) and muscle strength among 200 construction workers in Chennai. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was employed to assess stress levels, while HRV was measured using a portable ECG device, focusing on time-domain (RMSSD) and frequency-domain (HF Power) parameters. Muscle strength was evaluated using a MicroFET 2 dynamometer. Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analyses were applied to determine the associations between stress, HRV, and muscle strength, adjusting for confounding factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and work duration. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between perceived stress and both HRV indices (RMSSD: r=-0.45, p&lt;0.01; HF Power: r=-0.50, p&lt;0.01) as well as muscle strength (r=-0.40, p&lt;0.01). Higher stress levels were associated with reduced HRV and diminished muscle strength. Regression analyses confirmed that stress independently predicted lower HRV (RMSSD: ?=-0.35, p&lt;0.01; HF Power: ?=-0.42, p&lt;0.01) and decreased muscle strength (?=-0.32, p&lt;0.01). These findings suggest that elevated stress negatively impacts both cardiovascular and muscular functioning, potentially increasing the health risks among construction workers. The study highlights the importance of implementing stress management interventions to improve both the physical well-being and productivity of workers in the construction industry.

The Effect of Sleep Quality on Stress Levels in Night Shift and Non-night Shift Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

The sleep–wake cycle, which is regulated by the endogenous circadian rhythm, is disrupted by night-shift work. Altered sleep patterns owing to shift work have been associated with irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, and nervousness. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of sleep quality on stress in night shift workers and non-night shift workers. A cross – sectional study was conducted in 30night shift and 30 non-night shift workers of Railway Mail Service and Postal Department, Thrissur, Kerala. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and stress was assessed using Perceived Stress Scale. The findings revealed that a majority of night shift workers reported poor sleep quality, with a significant correlation observed between sleep quality and shift work. Furthermore, stress levels were markedly higher among night workers with poor sleep quality. Regression analysis indicated a positive association between impaired sleep quality and elevated stress levels.