Perceived Stress Scale Scores Research Articles

Breath-centered virtual mind-body medicine reduces COVID-related stress in women healthcare workers of the Regional Integrated Support for Education in Northern Ireland: a single group study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers endured prolonged stress affecting their psychological well-being. Objectives: (1) Evaluate the effects of the Breath-Body-Mind Introductory Course (BBMIC) on COVID-related stress among employees of the Regional Integrated Support for Education, Northern Ireland, (2) Reduce the risk of adverse effects from COVID-related stress, and (3) Evaluate the effects of BBMIC on indicators of psychophysiological states and the consistency with hypothesized mechanisms of action. In this single group study, a convenience sample of 39 female healthcare workers completed informed consent and baseline measures: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Stress Overload Scale-Short (SOS-S), and Exercise-Induced Feelings Inventory (EFI). Following the online BBMIC 4 h/day for 3 days and the 6 week solo (20 min/day) and group practice (45 min weekly), repeat testing plus the Indicators of Psychophysiological State (IPSS) and Program Evaluation were obtained. Baseline (T1) mean PSS score was significantly elevated compared to a normative sample: PSS = 18.2 vs. 13.7 (p < 0.001) and improved significantly 11 weeks post-BBMIC (T4). SOS-S mean score declined from 10.7(T1) to 9.7 at 6 week post-test (T3). The SOS-S proportion of High Risk scores found in 22/29 participants (T1), dropped to 7/29 (T3). EFI mean subscale scores improved significantly from T1 to T2 and T3 for Revitalization (p < 0.001); Exhaustion (p < 0.002); and Tranquility (p < 0.001); but not Engagement (p < 0.289). Among RISE NI healthcare workers affected by COVID-related stress, participation in the BBMIC significantly reduced scores for Perceived Stress, Stress Overload, and Exhaustion. EFI Revitalization and Tranquility scores significantly improved. More than 60% of participants reported moderate to very strong improvements in 22 indicators of psychophysiological state, e.g., tension, mood, sleep, mental focus, anger, connectedness, awareness, hopefulness, and empathy. These results are consistent with the hypothesized mechanisms of action whereby voluntarily regulated breathing exercises change interoceptive messaging to brain regulatory networks that shift psychophysiological states of distress and defense to states of calmness and connection. These positive findings warrant validation in larger, controlled studies to extend the understanding of how breath-centered Mind-body Medicine practices could mitigate adverse effects of stress.

Psychological stress and quality of life among infertile women: A mixed methodology study at a tertiary health center

Background: A strong correlation exists between infertility, psychological stress, and quality of life (QoL) among women, and hence, emphasis must be made on improving the psychological context and incorporating psychological counseling as a part of infertility evaluation and management. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Modified FertiQoL tools are used to measure the stress perceived by an individual and to assess the impact of fertility problems on the QoL of women, respectively. Objectives: The objective was to assess the psychological stress and QoL among the infertile women using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Modified FertiQoL (Core) instruments, respectively, to find the correlation between psychological stress and QoL among the study participants and to find the experiences of women who received prior infertility treatment. Materials and Methods: A mixed methodology study was conducted by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radiodiagnosis and Psychiatry on infertile women attending ESIC Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, between December 2020 and August 2021. A total of 274 participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the quantitative study and 10 participants for the qualitative study. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation), comparisons (Student’s t-test), and correlations (Pearson: r-value) were used for quantitative data analysis and thematic content analysis for the qualitative data. Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.17 years (range 22–39 years) with a mean duration of infertility of 6.17 years. The results showed that the mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score among the participants was higher (21.07 ± 4.350) with the low mean Core FertiQoL scores (49.20 ± 7.232). It was also found that there was a significant negative correlation between PSS and total Core FertiQoL scores. The study showed a significant negative correlation between the PSS scores and total FertiQoL, emotional, and mind–body subscales (P &lt; 0.01 significant). It was found that there was a significant negative correlation between PSS scores and subscales of total FertiQoL, in women aged &gt;30 years and those with a duration of infertility of &gt;5 years. Content analysis of in-depth interviews with the women treated for infertility revealed the difficulties the women faced while seeking treatment. Conclusion: The study showed that infertility-related stress was affecting the QoL of women. Based on the recommendations, a holistic approach to the management of infertile women was made, and counseling sessions, yoga, and meditation were started for infertile women.

Remote delivery of a mindfulness-based intervention to decrease stress levels and promote coping among health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

11007 Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant stress amongst everyone around the world. Healthcare workers (HCW) in particular, experience substantial stress in these challenging environments. In an effort to find supportive interventions for radiation oncology providers, while respecting the requirements of physical distancing, we proposed the remote delivery of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI). The primary aim of this study is to determine the association of this intervention with a reduction of perceived stress. Secondary aims are to evaluate the impact on coping and burnout amongst HCW in the Radiation Program (RP). Methods: This is a single-centre, single-arm, pilot study. All HCW associated with the RP were eligible. This was a voluntary effort. The intervention - manualized, mindfulness-based group for HCW, entitled Mindfulness-Based Resilience and Well-Being Training, consisted of four 1-hour sessions per week for 4 weeks. From Nov 2020 to Dec 2021, 6 consecutive closed groups MBI were delivered remotely using Zoom. Each group consisted of 5-12 participants and one professional with a background in mindfulness facilitation. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), The Maslach Burnout Inventory and the BriefCOPE questionnaire were collected pre-intervention, and at 1, 4 and 12 weeks post-intervention. Linear mixed effect models with a random intercept to account for the repeated measures were used to assess the change of outcomes over time. Results: Amongst 43 HCWs who expressed initial interest, 33 completed the study. At 1-, 4- and 12-weeks post-intervention 25, 24 and 21 participants provided completed questionnaires respectively. Time constraint was the main reason for withdrawal and missing data. There was a significant decrease in perceived stress at week 1, 4 and 12 when compared to baseline [mean baseline PSS score: 22.5 (SD = 4.6), week 1: 18.4 (4.9), p= 0.002, week 4: 16.8 (6.5), p&lt; 0.001, week 12: 16.3 (6.8), p&lt; 0.001]. Overall, 7 (21%) participants reported high PSS (27-40) at baseline while none reported high levels at 1 and 12 weeks. Problem focused coping( p= 0.02), and active coping ( p= 0.009) were significantly higher at 1 week but not at 4 and 12 weeks. Conclusions: The remote delivery of a MBI is feasible and effective to reduce perceived stress levels and to promote coping across HCWs. These findings need to be validated in a larger cohort. Time was a major constraint preventing the participation of interested HCWs. It would be extremely valuable for departments to support such interventions and programs to help HCWs cultivate skills to meet the demands related to working in healthcare environments throughout and beyond this crisis.

0743 Maternal Experiences of Gender Discrimination Are Associated with Worse Postpartum Sleep

Abstract Introduction Many new mothers experience poor sleep postpartum, which has been found to increase the risk of negative cardiovascular health and mental health outcomes. A few studies have found that experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination are associated with poor maternal sleep, but less is known about the effect of discrimination in other domains. Previous studies have also not accounted for the effect of infant sleep on maternal sleep, which is known to be a major influence in the first year after birth. This study aims to investigate the association between gender discrimination (GD) and postpartum maternal sleep, controlling for infant sleep. Methods The cohort comprised 506 mother-child dyads from the customer base of the Nanit Smart Baby Monitor. At 6–12 months postpartum (Mean±SD: 9.2±1.8), maternal experiences of GD (Everyday Discrimination Scale), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), and subjective sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were assessed. Objective measures of infant sleep were obtained using the Nanit Smart Baby-Monitor. Logistic and linear regressions estimated the associations between maternal experiences of GD and maternal sleep, controlling for PSS, household income, infant age and sex, and objective infant sleep duration and wakings. Results 34.6% of mothers reported experiencing GD. The average PSS score was 15 (± 6.7). Infants had an average sleep duration of 10h (± 1.2) and an average of 3.1 (± 1.4) nighttime sleep wakings. Maternal experiences of GD were associated with shorter sleep duration (OR=1.67, CI=1.07-2.64) and more sleep disturbances (β = 0.77, CI= 0.04-1.49). The PSS was associated with more sleep disturbances (β = 0.11, CI= 0.05-0.16). Objective infant sleep duration was associated with subjective maternal sleep duration (OR=0.57, CI=0.47-0.69). Conclusion Maternal experiences of GD are associated with worse postpartum maternal sleep, suggesting that sleep could serve as a biological pathway relating GD and postpartum health. Future research is needed to investigate the long-term implications of maternal experiences of GD on maternal-fetal health. Support (if any) This research was supported by the Developmental Psychobiology Parent Infant Award and Nanit

Effects of the Noise Reduction and Communication Management Headset System SLOS on Noise and Stress of Medical Laboratory Workers.

To investigate the effects of the Silent Laboratory Optimization System (SLOS), a technical-noise reduction and communication-management system, on noise load and stress among medical-laboratory workers. We conducted a quasiexperimental field study (20days with SLOS as the experimental condition, and 20days without SLOS as the control condition) in a within-subjects design. Survey data from 13 workers were collected before and after the shift. Also, a survey was conducted after the control and experimental conditions, respectively. Noise was measured in dBA and as a subjective assessment. Stress was operationalized via a stress composite score (STAI and Perkhofer Stress Scale), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), an exhaustion score (Leipziger StimmungsBogen in German [LSB]), and salivary cortisol values in µg/L. SLOS users perceived significantly less noise (V=76.5; P =.003). Multilevel models revealed a stress reduction with the SLOS on the composite score, compared with a stress increase in the control condition (F[1, 506.99]=6.00; P=.01). Alower PSS score (F[1,13]=4.67; P=.05) and a lower exhaustion level (F[1, 508.72]=9.057; P=.003) in the experimental condition were found, whereas no differences in cortisol (F[1,812.58.6]=0.093; P=.76) were revealed. The workers showed reduced noise perception and stress across all criteria except cortisol when using SLOS.

Evaluation of chronic idiopathic tinnitus and its psychosocial triggers.

The tinnitus susceptibility patterns in relation to different psychological and life stressors are unknown in different cultures. To determine the comorbid psychosocial factors and behaviors associated with tinnitus and the predictors for the increase in its severity. Participants were 230 adults (males = 70; females = 160; mean age = 38.6 ± 3.3). They underwent audiograms, speech discrimination and masking testing, and neuropsychiatric evaluation. Measures used for assessment included tinnitus handicap inventory, depression anxiety stress scale 21 (DASS-21), perceived stress scale (PSS), and insomnia severity index (ISI). Patients had mean duration of tinnitus of 11.5 ± 2.5 mo. They had intact hearing perception at 250-8000 Hz and 95 (41.3%) had aggravation of tinnitus loudness by masking noise. Decompensated tinnitus was reported in 77% (n = 177). The majority had clinically significant insomnia (81.3%), somatic symptoms (75%) other than tinnitus and perceived moderate (46.1%) and high (44.3%) stress to tinnitus. The severe/extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were reported in 17.4%, 35.7% and 44.3%, respectively. Patients with decom-pensated type had significantly higher scores for ISI (P = 0.001) and DASS-21 (depression = 0.02, anxiety = 0.01, stress = 0.001) compared to those with compensated tinnitus. Psychiatric interviewing showed that 35.7% had non-specific anxiety disorder, 17.4% had major depression, and 19.6% fulfilled the criteria of somatization disorder. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent predictors for tinnitus severity were the duration of tinnitus [odd ratios (OR) = 0.832, 95%CI: 0.640-1.158; P = 0.001] and PSS (OR = 0.835, 95%CI: 0.540-1.125; P = 0.001) scores. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in our culture to evaluate the causal relationship between psychological factors and tinnitus onset, severity and persistence. Tinnitus could be the earliest and dominant somatic symptom induced by life stressors and psychological vulnerabilities. Therefore, multidisciplinary consultation (psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists) is important to acknowledge among the audiologists and otolaryngologists who primarily consult patients.

Leveraging Mindfulness to Reduce Stress and Improve Quality of Life Among Pharmacy Students

ObjectiveMethods to improve stress and well-being for health profession trainees are limited. Mindfulness, elevating awareness to the present moment experience with compassion, has been shown to demonstrate effectiveness to enhance well-being. This research leverages techniques from mindfulness to develop and evaluate a credit-bearing longitudinal mindfulness elective, designed to teach mindfulness to improve stress and quality of life (QoL). MethodsA mindfulness elective was created for pharmacy students. A longitudinal, case-control, survey-based design was used to compare stress and QoL between mindfulness participants and nonparticipant controls. Stress was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and QoL by the SF-12 v2 Health-Related QoL Scale (SF-12 v2 QoL). ResultsFour weeks after course completion, the average PSS score was lower among participants compared to controls (18.58 SD 5.85 vs 20.79 SD 6.31, Cohen’s d = 0.36). The Mental Health Component score of SF-12 v2 QoL was higher among participants versus controls (41.94 SD 8.58 vs 36.93 SD 9.59, Cohen’s d = 0.55). The Physical Health Component score of SF-12 v2 QoL was lower among participants than the control group (46.13 SD 5.48 vs 48.62 SD 6.53, Cohen’s d = 0.41). ConclusionThe results indicate small to moderate effect sizes associated with participation in a mindfulness elective, reducing stress and improving mental QoL among pharmacy students. The structure and potential benefits of the course can be extrapolated to other institutions. By offering course credit for mindfulness practice, health profession schools can support student wellness.

Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of yoga to improve maternal mental health and immune function during the COVID-19 crisis (Yoga-M2 trial): a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Women are vulnerable during pregnancy as they experience multiple physical and psychological problems which can lead to stress and poor quality of life ultimately affecting the development of the fetus and their health during and after pregnancy. Prior evidence suggests that prenatal yoga can improve maternal health and well-being and can have a beneficial effect on immune system functioning. To date, no study has been conducted in a rural, low-resource setting in India to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a yoga-based intervention on perceived stress, quality of life, pro-inflammatory biomarkers, and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. To address this gap and assess whether a yoga-based intervention could improve maternal mental health and immunity during the COVID-19 crisis (Yoga-M2 trial), a single-blind individual randomized parallel group-controlled pilot trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio was implemented. We randomly allocated 51 adult pregnant women, with gestational age between 12-24 weeks in the Yoga-M2 arm (n = 25) or the enhanced usual care arm (EUC) (n = 26). Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using the process data and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with the trial participants and yoga instructors. Multiple linear regression was used to compare follow-up scores for quantitative outcomes. A three-month follow-up assessment was completed for 48 out of 51 participants (94.12%). We did not find any statistically significant difference between both arms in total Perceived Stress Scale scores, quality of life (Eq-5D-5L index), and serum C Reactive Protein levels at the three-month follow-up assessment. The critical barriers to practicing yoga were lack of knowledge about the benefits of yoga, lack of 'felt need' to practice yoga, lack of time to practice, lack of space, lack of transport, and lack of peer group to practice yoga. Despite this, women who regularly practiced yoga described the benefits and factors which motivated them to practice regularly. The learnings from this trial will help design the explanatory trial in the future and the study findings can also be used by the primary health care system to deliver yoga-based interventions in the newly created health and wellness centers. This trial was prospectively registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India on 25 January 2022. https://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid1=65173&EncHid=&userName=CTRI/2022/01/039701. Trial registration number: CTRI/2022/01/039701.

Does Weaning of Buprenorphine in Pregnancy (in Outpatient Setting) Improve Neonatal and Maternal Outcome? [ID: 1369357

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy is challenging. There are reports of successful weaning in OUD in pregnancy, even though professional bodies maintain the recommendation of nonweaning during pregnancy. METHODS: It was a prospective, nonintervention study after the local IRB's approval. We have a university group of obstetrician providers who will wean buprenorphine during pregnancy after contracting with pregnant women while providing counseling and social services. Many women choose to wean, while many continue not to wean and get their obstetric care at university but their substance use disorder care at other medical-assisted treatment centers. Women in the weaning group consented at the prenatal clinic, while the nonweaning group consented to the study at the hospital when they presented for the delivery. Women were given questionnaires in the postpartum period for the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Demographics for mothers and neonates were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: There were 34 pregnant women in the weaning group, with 13 women in the nonweaning group. Polysubstance use and low-birth-weight infant were excluded from neonatal outcome measures for the length of neonatal stay in hospital analysis for obvious reasons. The mean buprenorphine dose in the weaning group was significantly lower (1.9 versus 11.7 [mean] with P&lt;.0001 [T test]). Also, the length of neonatal stay was significantly lower (4.9 versus 7.2, P&lt;.05) and a trend towards higher birth weight (3,137 versus 3,018 g) and decreasing morphine requirement (62 versus 249 doses) in weaning group. PSS and EPDS scores did not show statistically significant differences with lower scores in the weaning group. CONCLUSION: Our results show that weaning of buprenorphine in OUD women during pregnancy in an outpatient setting is possible and improves outcomes for neonates and mothers.

An Experimental Prospective Study on Effectiveness of Brief Heartfulness-Based Start ‘U’p Program on Anxiety and Perceived Stress in Allied Health Students

Abstract Aim and Objectives Health care education is an important issue in the development of countries. Stress and anxiety among health care students and workers are an area of increasing concern worldwide. Meditative practices have been shown to improve overall wellness. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and feasibility of a brief Heartfulness-Based Start ‘U’p program to reduce anxiety and perceived stress in allied health students of Mahatma Gandhi Mission School of Biomedical Sciences (MGMSBS), Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences (MGMIHS), Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The objective of this study was first to study the prevalence of anxiety and perceived stress in allied health students of MGMSBS, MGMIHS, Navi Mumbai, and then to study the effect of heartfulness meditation on measures of said emotional wellness. Methods Seven sessions of Start ‘U’p Heartfulness Meditation of 2-hour duration once in every week was held over the course of 7 weeks. Two hundred and three participants enrolled for the heartfulness intervention. Changes in stress levels, anxiety levels, and mindfulness skills were assessed. Three self-reporting questionnaire tools—Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ)—were used to determine the categorical scales (low, medium, and high) for anxiety and stress among students from baseline to post-intervention. Results Our study revealed an improvement in anxiety and perceived stress post-intervention of brief Heartfulness-Based Start ‘U’p Program. Out of 203 students in this study, 75.86% were female and 24.14% were male. Students' BAI scores dropped an average of 2.91 points, whereas PSS scores dropped an average of 1.61 points. The largest increase in mindfulness was seen for nonjudging, with an average increase of 2.1 points (p ≤ 0.05) in categorical data from pre- to post-intervention based on the FFMQ tool. Conclusion Our results indicate that heartfulness meditation practice offers an accessible and efficient method by which students' anxiety and stress can be improved. This may also improve their engagement in learning-oriented approaches and class activities.

TO STUDY STRESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN MOTHER OF INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED CHILDREN IN RURALAREA: A CROSS SECTIONAL OBSERVATION STUDY

Introduction: Intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) is a developmental impairment that has no known treatment. Children with intellectual disabilities are typically abandoned and excluded from society as a whole. The wellbeing of a family is inuenced by the mental and physical health of the parents, especially the women who are the centre of the family. They are the ones who must deal with issues related to their child's disability, such as delayed development, a higher incidence of child psychopathology, behavioural issues, and decisions about whether to seek out-of-home care for the child and therapeutic services while simultaneously maintaining the household. current study was conducted to determine stress and psychological well-being in mother of intellectually disabled children Materials and Methods: Present cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 50 Caregiver mothers of intellectual disability (ID) child from rural area to determine their stress and psychological well-being. Children were classied into mild (IQ-55 to 79), moderate (IQ 35 to 54) and severe (IQ 20 to 35) intellectual disability (ID) based on IQ. Stress was assessed by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and wellbeing by psychological wellbeing scale. Observations and Results: PSS score low (0 to 13), Moderate (14 to 26) and High (27 to 40) was found in 18 (36 %), 18 (36 %) and 14 (28 %) cases respectively. Result was statistically signicant (P=0.032). PWB score Very Low (50 to 58), Low (58 to 83), Moderate (83 to 217), High (217 to 242) and Very High (242 to 250) was found in 7 (14 %), 9 (18 %), 11 (22 %), 11 (22 %) and 12(24 %) cases respectively. Result was statistically signicant (P=0.034) Conclusion: Parents of intellectually disabled children should engage in therapies including psychotherapy, relaxation, and stressreduction strategies to improve their psychological health. Proper counselling services also assist the parent in leading a healthy life and in maintaining their psychological health

Nicotine Dependence and Perceived Stress during the Pandemic

Background The development of COVID-19, which continues to increase in Indonesia, impacts the Indonesian people and causes stress due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior studies in several countries have shown that stress affects smokers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It affects smokers in two different ways, either they increase smoking or decrease smoking. This study aimed to determine the effect of Nicotine, smoking history, and changes in smoking habits during the COVID-19 pandemic on stress in smokers. Methods We conducted an online survey among active smokers in one of the villages in the South Lampung district, Indonesia November 2020 (n = 150). The survey includes sex, marital status, age of smoking initiation, duration as a smoker, changes in smoking frequency, questionnaire for nicotine dependence (the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence questionnaire) and The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Data were analyzed with Chi-square&lt;0.05). Results The results showed that the PSS score had a significant association with changes in smoking frequency (p=0.004) and nicotine dependence (p=0.001). Conclusions The study concluded that variations in nicotine dependence and changing smoking habits impacted perceived stress in smokers during the pandemic. There is a significant relationship between age at starting to smoke, number of cigarettes per day, duration of smoking habits, degree of smoking habits, and changes in smoking habits with stress levels in smokers in the COVID-19 pandemic era, and there is no relationship between types of cigarettes consumed, and stress levels in smokers in COVID-19 pandemic era.

On the Frontlines in Shanghai: Stress, Burnout, and Perceived Benefit Among COVID-19 Testers and Other Personnel During the Omicron Wave Lockdown.

COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease-19) control measure stringency, including testing, has been among the highest globally in China. Psychosocial impact on pandemic workers in Shanghai and their pandemic-related attitudes were investigated. Participants in this cross-sectional study were health care providers (HCPs) and other pandemic workers. A Mandarin online survey was administered between April and June 2022 during the omicron-wave lockdown. The Perceived Stress Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory were administered. Eight hundred eighty-seven workers participated, of which 691 (77.9%) were HCPs. They were working 6.25 ± 1.24 days per week for 9.77 ± 4.28 hours per day. Most participants were burned out, with 143 (16.1%) moderately and 98 (11.0%) seriously. The Perceived Stress Scale score was 26.85 ± 9.92 of 56, with 353 participants (39.8%) having elevated stress. Many workers perceived benefits: cohesive relationships (n = 581 [65.5%]), resilience (n = 693 [78.1%]), and honor (n = 747 [84.2%]). In adjusted analyses, those perceiving benefits showed significantly less burnout (odds ratio, 0.573; 95% confidence interval, 0.411 to 0.799), among other correlates. Pandemic work, including among non-HCPs, is highly stressful, but some can derive benefits.

A PROSPECTIVE, OPEN-LABEL, NON-RANDOMISED STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ZERO TENSION TABLETS IN PATIENTS WITH STRESS, ANXIETY AND INSOMNIA DISORDERS

Introduction: Passiflora incarnata, Valeriana wallichii and Withania somnifera are known to have psychotropic effects. These plants have been reported to alleviate stress, anxiety, and insomnia. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Zero Tension tablets in patients with mild to moderate stress, anxiety, and insomnia disorders. Methods: This study was a prospective, open-label, non-randomised study on patients (n = 100) with mild to moderate stress, anxiety, and insomnia disorders. All participants received two tablets with lukewarm water daily at night for 56 days. Primary outcomes were changes in the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A), perceived stress scale (PSS), insomnia severity index, general health scores, serum levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) from day 0 to day 56. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects, changes in vital signs, haematological parameters, and serum biochemistry. Datasets were analysed at different assessment points using a t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), as applicable. Results: Consumption of Zero Tension tablets significantly (p&lt;0.001) reduced HAM-A, PSS, insomnia severity, and general health scores. Most participants experienced reduced stress, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms after 56 days of treatment. The serum cortisol and DHEA levels were also mildly reduced. No significant adverse effects or changes in vital signs, haematological, or blood biochemistry parameters were observed. Conclusion: The results suggested that the Zero Tension tablet is safe and could be an effective alternative to improve stress, anxiety and sleep disorders.

Food insecurity among New York City taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers.

New York City's (NYC's) taxi/for-hire vehicle (FHV) drivers have occupational and demographic characteristics associated with food insecurity (low income, comorbidities, minority race/ethnicity). To analyze food insecurity rates in a sample of NYC drivers and to identify associated factors. At health fairs, we recruited a cross-sectional sample of licensed taxi/FHV drivers willing to receive study text messages. Most lacked a primary care provider. Food insecurity prevalence and associations with health and economic indicators were analyzed. Of 503 participants who completed a 2-item food security screener, 39.2% were food insecure. Significantly fewer food insecure than food secure drivers reported a doctor visit within the past year (48% vs 25%; P < .001). Food insecure drivers had greater weekly traffic ticket expenditure ($34 vs $24; P = .02) and were more likely to report insufficient household income (61% vs 39%; P < .001) and history of depression (14% vs 7%; P = .02), to have elevated (>200) measured total cholesterol (50% vs 37%; P = .02), and to have Perceived Stress Scale scores indicating greater stress than food secure drivers (14 vs 11; P = .002). In a binary logistic regression analysis, drivers who reported that their total household income was enough to meet their basic needs had significantly lower odds of being food insecure (0.695 odds ratio; P = .016). Food insecurity was high in this group of taxi/FHV drivers. Food insecurity interventions are needed and could be occupationally based, with worksite screening and resource navigation. Policies should address improving wages and healthcare access.

Relationship between hedonic hunger and subjectively assessed sleep quality and perceived stress among university students: A cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study examined the relationship between hedonic hunger (HH), sleep quality, and stress levels among university students in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain. MethodsWe used a cross-sectional design with participants (N = 565) recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected with a self-administered, standardized, and validated online questionnaire. HH was assessed with the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS) and Power of Food Scale (PFS), sleep quality and sleep components were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), stress was evaluated with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and physical activity was examined with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to assess the relationship between HH and sleep quality and perceived stress. ResultsThere were positive associations between total PSQI scores and total PEMS (β = 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06–0.25, P = 0.001) and PFS (β = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.45–1.04, P < 0.001). The likelihood of poor sleep quality increased by 8% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08, P = 0.020) and 43% (OR = 1.43, P < 0.001) for each one-unit increase in PEMS and PFS scores, respectively. We also found positive associations between PSS scores and total PEMS (β = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.26–0.63, P < 0.001) and PFS (β = 0.23, 95% CI: 1.04–2.22, P < 0.001) scores. ConclusionReducing HH and stress levels may help to enhance sleep quality among university students. Conversely, improving sleep quality and reducing stress levels could improve HH in this population.

Shirodhara and Abhyanga for better sleep, reduced mental stress, and improved heart rate variability: A case report

Abstract: Mental stress and insomnia are very common complaints nowadays among young individuals. Stress not only impacts mental well-being but it is also responsible for poor cardiac activity. A 32-year-old male patient having mental stress, anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia was managed with Ayurvedic External Therapy Module (AETM) having Shirodhara (~therapeutic oil streaming over the scalp), Sarvanga abhyanga (~therapeutic massage), and Sarvanga swedana (~sudation therapy) sessions of one hour duration daily for ten days. The patient was evaluated for cardiovascular and autonomic changes in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) by HRV camera smartphone application, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Score for mental stress. The results found excellent changes in HRV time domain and frequency domain, a decrease in low-to-high frequency ratio suggesting parasympathetic activation, a 46.15% reduction in global PSQI score, and a 55.56% reduction in PSS score. This case study suggests that AETM sessions are not only effective in decreasing mental stress and improving sleep quality, but it also improves cardiac parameters.

Social capital, perceived stress, and mental health of men who have sex with men in China: A cross-sectional study.

Mental health problems are prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). Social capital and perceived stress may affect the mental health of MSM. The purpose of this study was to understand the current status of mental health, social capital, and perceived stress among MSM and to explore which variables are influential factors of mental health. This study adopted a convenience sampling method and posted recruitment information through online social platforms (Blued, QQ, and WeChat) from January 2022 to June 2022 to recruit participants. The questionnaire included a demographic questionnaire, Social Capital Questionnaire (SCQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20). Descriptive analyses of demographic characteristics, social capital, perceived stress, and mental health were conducted using percentages, median, interquartile range, means, and standard deviations. One-way ANOVA and independent-samples t-test were used to test the relationship between demographic characteristics and mental health, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze which variables were influencing factors of mental health. SPSS 24.0 was used for data analysis, and significant differences were found at p < 0.05. A total of 546 MSM participated in this study. Total social capital score was 18.59 ± 2.62, cognitive social capital, social participation, and social network scores were 6.53 ± 1.05, 4.15 ± 0.97, and 7.91 ± 1.57. PSS score was 26.91 ± 6.44, and SRQ-20 score was 7.5 (3, 11). Education level, relationship status, employed information, monthly income, sexual orientation, perceived stress, and three dimensions of social capital were included in the multiple linear regression based on the results of One-way ANOVA, t-test, and correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that relationship status (in a relationship), sexual orientation (heterosexual, bisexual, other), perceived stress, social participation, and social network had a significant effect on mental health. Sex with men have poorer mental health. Relationship status, sexual orientation, perceived stress, social networks, and social participation are important factors influencing mental health. The general public should be called upon to treat them with a more tolerant attitude, improve the social environment, and promote their identification with their sexual orientation, thereby reducing perceived stress and promoting the mental health of this population. In addition, from the perspective of social capital, promoting MSM social participation and expanding social networks may also be an important way to promote MSM mental health.

The dynamic changes of psychosomatic symptoms in three waves of COVID-19 outbreak and fatigue caused by enduring pandemic in China

BackgroundTwo years have passed since the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported. The persistent pandemic might lead to severe psychosomatic problems and fatigue. In addition, the recent rapid rising COVID-19 cases in China have become a trending issue. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes in psychosomatic problems at the initial and current stages of the pandemic. MethodsThree waves of cross-sectional online survey were conducted during the initial COVID outbreak in China. The psychosomatic symptom scale (PSSS), perceived stress scale (PSS), and pandemic fatigue scale (PFS) were used to assess the psychosomatic problems, stress, and fatigue. Results4317, 1096, and 2172 participants completed the first, second, and third surveys. The prevalence of psychosomatic disorder was 22 %, 28 %, and 39 %, respectively. The network structure of PSSS symptoms has not significantly changed as the pandemic progresses. However, the global strength of the PSSS networks, indicating the overall connectivity, in the third wave was significantly higher than in the first wave (s = 0.54, P = 0.007). The most central symptoms in the first and third wave networks were depressed mood and tiredness. The PFS score was higher in the people concerned with indirect impact than those concerned with health (P < 0.001). PFS has positive relationships with PSSS and PSS score (R = 0.41, P < 0.001 and R = 0.35, P < 0.001, respectively). ConclusionsThe persistence of the pandemic caused critical psychosomatic issues, stress, and indirect burden over time, leading to inevitable fatigue. People endured needing immediate attention to prevent or reduce psychosomatic disorders.

Association of Stress With Cognitive Function Among Older Black and White US Adults

Perceived stress can have long-term physiological and psychological consequences and has shown to be a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer disease and related dementias. To investigate the association between perceived stress and cognitive impairment in a large cohort study of Black and White participants aged 45 years or older. The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study is a national population-based cohort of 30 239 Black and White participants aged 45 years or older, sampled from the US population. Participants were recruited from 2003 to 2007, with ongoing annual follow-up. Data were collected by telephone, self-administered questionnaires, and an in-home examination. Statistical analysis was performed from May 2021 to March 2022. Perceived stress was measured using the 4-item version of the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale. It was assessed at the baseline visit and during 1 follow-up visit. Cognitive function was assessed with the Six-Item Screener (SIS); participants with a score below 5 were considered to have cognitive impairment. Incident cognitive impairment was defined as a shift from intact cognition (SIS score >4) at the first assessment to impaired cognition (SIS score ≤4) at the latest available assessment. The final analytical sample included 24 448 participants (14 646 women [59.9%]; median age, 64 years [range, 45-98 years]; 10 177 Black participants [41.6%] and 14 271 White participants [58.4%]). A total of 5589 participants (22.9%) reported elevated levels of stress. Elevated levels of perceived stress (dichotomized as low stress vs elevated stress) were associated with 1.37 times higher odds of poor cognition after adjustment for sociodemographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.37; 95% CI, 1.22-1.53). The association of the change in the Perceived Stress Scale score with incident cognitive impairment was significant in both the unadjusted model (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.46-1.80) and after adjustment for sociodemographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression (AOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.22-1.58). There was no interaction with age, race, and sex. This study suggests that there is an independent association between perceived stress and both prevalent and incident cognitive impairment. The findings suggest the need for regular screening and targeted interventions for stress among older adults.