Perceived Stress Scale Research Articles

Correlation of Stress and Oral Inflammatory Burden in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis in a Sample Population From Bhopal: A Randomized Clinical Study.

Introduction Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of tooth-supporting structures. Psychological stress is a potential risk factor for periodontitis, potentially exacerbating inflammation and impairing treatment outcomes. This study aims to explore the correlation between chronic stress and oral inflammatory burden, as measured by the Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA), in a sample population from Bhopal, India. Methods This randomized clinical study included 1,250 participants, divided into three groups: Group A (control, n=250), Group B (chronic periodontitis, n=500), and Group C (post-treatment chronic periodontitis, n=500). Participants underwent a comprehensive periodontal examination, including the calculation of PISA, and completed the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) to assess stress levels. Statistical analysis included Pearson's correlation to assess the relationship between PSS-10 scores and PISA, with comparisons among groups using analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results Group B exhibited significantly higher periodontal parameters and PSS-10 scores than Group A and Group C (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Group C showed significant improvements in both periodontal parameters and PSS-10 scores following treatment (p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between PSS-10 scores and PISA in Group B (r=0.62, p<0.001), indicating that higher perceived stress was associated with increased oral inflammation in untreated chronic periodontitis. This correlation persisted after adjusting for confounders, including age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions Chronic stress is significantly associated with increased oral inflammatory burden in patients with chronic periodontitis, suggesting that stress may act as an independent risk factor for disease progression. Periodontal therapy reduces oral inflammation and alleviates psychological distress. Integrating stress management into periodontal treatment plans may enhance patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to periodontal care.

Risk factors of type II diabetes among bankers of Kathmandu Metropolitan city: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Identifying the risk factors of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among the most vulnerable people is crucial as it helps to prevent complications and improve health outcomes. The job of bank employees is both sedentary and accompanies high levels of mental stress, making them more susceptible to non-communicable disease like diabetes. This study aims to identify the prevalence of risk factors of T2DM among bank employees. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 348 bank employees from selected banks of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the largest and capital city of Nepal from October to December 2020. Pre-tested, self-administered structured questionnaire based on the WHO STEP Instrument and Perceived Stress Scale was used for the data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 software. Results: The mean age of respondents was 34.8±8.9 years. At least, one risk factor was present among all the respondents, whereas 22.4% having had over four risk factors. The most common risk factor was improper dietary habits (99.4%). Similarly, 84.2% of the respondents had moderate to high levels of perceived stress. Factors like age, gender, level of education, marital status, socio-economic status, and family history were associated with the risk factors of T2DM. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that bankers were at high risk of T2DM. This study showed an urgent need to bring the attention of the concerned authorities to promote a healthy lifestyle, create a stress-free work environment, and awareness about the risk of T2DM among bankers, coming up with public health strategies for its prevention.

Psychological impact of peri-implant fractures: A cross-sectional study.

Peri-implant fractures (PIFs) are uncommon yet critical complications following orthopedic surgery. These complications can significantly impact a patient's psychological well-being and overall quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the psychological effects of PIFs. This was a cross-sectional study that involved 136 patients who underwent surgery for PIFs between 2018 and 2022. We utilized various validated scales and questionnaires such as Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and Brief COPE Inventory (BCI) to assess their psychological state. The results revealed that patients with PIFs experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress compared to the general population. Additionally, they reported lower physical and mental health. Factors such as the number of surgeries, treatment delay, post-operative pain levels, and complications significantly influenced their psychological outcomes. Notably, acceptance, positive reframing, and seeking emotional support were the most common coping mechanisms employed by these patients. Conversely, denial, substance use, and self blame were the least employed strategies. This study suggests that psychological interventions could significantly benefit patients with PIFs, potentially reducing their distress and improving their quality of life.

The effect of structured psychoeducation for caregivers of ALS patients on perceived stress, psychological resilience and self-compassion.

Patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) become dependent on caregivers to meet their daily needs and perform personal care activities. For this reason, ALS is a disease that can challenge both the patient and the caregiver physically, mentally and socially. Supporting the caregiver indirectly affects the patient's quality of care and mental well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of a structured psychoeducation program on coping with stress, psychological resilience and self-compassion in caregivers of ALS patients. This quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test control group was conducted with caregivers of 62 ALS patients in Türkiye. The study was conducted between July 2023 and February 2024. A psychoeducation program was applied to five different groups via zoom application for 6 weeks each. The survey form, Perceived Stress Scale, Brief Resilience Scale and Short Form of Self-Compassion Questionnaire were used as measurement tools. The chi-squared test and paired samples t-test were used to analyze the data. While there was no significant difference between the intervention group and the control group in the pre-test in terms of their mean scores on the coping with stress inventory, short psychological resilience scale and self-compassion scale, at the post-test, psychological resilience and self-compassion scores were significantly higher in the intervention group. This study revealed that psychoeducational programs that support caregivers are effective in increasing psychological resilience and self-compassion.

Impact of Six Months of Three Different Modalities of Exercise on Stress in Post-Treatment Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Extensive evidence suggests that exercise is physically and mentally beneficial for cancer survivors. This study reports on changes in self-reported stress, physiological biomarkers for stress (salivary cortisol), and HR-QOL constructs for fifty breast cancer survivors participating in one of three different exercise programs over 6 months. Methods: Fifty post-treatment breast cancer survivors were randomized to either therapeutic yoga-based exercise (YE), comprehensive exercise (CE) (aerobic, resistance, flexibility), or choosing (C) their own exercise activities. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36® (SF-36), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Five samples of salivary cortisol were collected on two consecutive days. The 10 samples were used to calculate the diurnal rhythm slope. Outcome measures were repeated after six months. Results: All groups improved in HR-QOL measures of PSS; PSQI sleep quality components of latency and daytime functioning; and five of the ten SF-36 scales (Mental Component Scale, Social Functioning subscale, Mental Health subscale, Physical Component Scale, Physical Functioning subscale). Although the CE group observed the most favorable change in cortisol (−0.183), where cortisol slope changes approached significance (p = 0.057), but no significant decrease in cortisol between groups were noted. Conclusion: Our results suggest that it is the engagement of, rather than the specific type of exercise, which is associated with improved HR-QOL. However, longer-term studies with better adherence monitoring and larger sample sizes are needed to better determine clinical impact.

Health of Family Members of Road Transport Workers: Evaluation of Perceived Stress and Family Effectiveness

The health of road transport workers is affected by working conditions and life. However, there is a lack of studies on the level of stress and health of the families of these workers. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived stress level and family effectiveness of family members of road transport workers. A quantitative study was carried out with the family members of road transport workers in the southern region of Brazil. For data collection, a sociodemographic form, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Evaluation of Family Effectiveness Strategies were used. The data were analyzed by simple frequency, Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) (p &lt; 0.05), and descriptive analysis from the perspective of Systemic Organization. The sample was composed of 49 family members of road transport workers. Perceived stress was higher in family members who had more than nine years of education (p = 0.0403). Family members who scored higher in Family Effectiveness scored high on the targets of Control (p = 0.0353) (Control aims to reduce anxiety and prevent and eliminate events that threaten family stability) and Growth (p = 0.0360) (represented by attitudes that promote new roles in response to critical situations experienced by families, which require re-adaptation processes and adjustments). The Control target was significant (p = 0.0353) in families that had more than three people. The Coherence dimension (concerning self-esteem, body image, personal identity, self-confidence, and sexual identity) presented positive significance (p = 0.0244) in families with health problems and whose income was less than USD 792.00 per month (p = 0.0072). The Individuation dimension (including functions and responsibilities, where talents are reinforced, as well as initiatives that allow for the incorporation of knowledge to assume behaviors against personal/family and environmental pressures), was significant (p = 0.0138) in families with incomes over USD 792.00. The Maintenance System (strategies for decision-making, problem negotiation, ritual and traditional roles, communication patterns, standards, financial management, and approaches to maintaining family harmony) presented positive significance (p = 0.0151) in families where drivers worked as intercity drivers, as did the Stability target (p = 0.0196) (concerning the continuity of routines, structure, organization, traditions, and values assumed by the family and transmitted from generation to generation, which promote unity and the development of values, attitudes, and beliefs). In conclusion, social factors, such as education, income, diseases, type of worker activity in road transport, and number of people in the family, influenced perceived stress and family effectiveness, which demonstrates the need to increase the promotion of health care for the families of road transport workers.

Comparison of embryologist stress, somatization, and burnout reported by embryologists working in UK HFEA-licensed ART/IVF clinics and USA ART/IVF clinics.

What is the prevalence of occupational stress, somatization, and burnout reported by UK and US, embryologists and the impact of work conditions on these well-being outcomes? Surveyed UK and US embryologists reported moderate perceived stress, low somatic symptom severity, high levels of burnout, and overall stressful work conditions, but with differences that could be due to country-specific occupational and employment characteristics. Spanish, UK, US, and international surveys have identified high levels of occupational stress, somatization, burnout, and occupational health issues among embryologists. These issues have been attributed to embryologists' occupational challenges and work conditions. A cross-sectional web-based survey was sent to 253 embryologists working in UK ART/IVF clinics and 487 embryologists working in US ART/IVF clinics. Participants self-reported their stress levels, somatization, burnout, and work conditions. Proportions across the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15), Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), a single-item work unit grade (A-F), and customized occupational and sociodemographic questionnaires were calculated using descriptive statistics. Welch's t-test was utilized to compare PSS and PHQ-15 scores between groups. Risk ratios were calculated using log-binomial regression for all models except for levels of anxiety related to performing cryostorage tasks, for which Poisson models were used. In total, 50.6% (128) of the embryologists in the UK and 50.1% (244) in the US completed the survey. Both groups self-reported moderate PSS and low PHQ-15 scores, although fewer UK embryologists scored high on the MBI cynicism dimension than their US colleagues (43% UK vs 60% US embryologists, P < 0.05). The UK and US embryologists did not differ on the MBI exhaustion dimension with both scoring high for exhaustion (59% UK vs 62% US). Although 81% and 80% of UK and US embryologists, respectively, reported working overtime, more embryologists in the UK reported being adequately compensated. Increasing levels of anxiety-related to cryostorage showed a dose-dependent increased risk of burnout on at least two MBI-GS dimensions only in the UK group, and, a dose-dependent likelihood of higher PSS and PHQ-15 scores in both groups. Since the two groups were surveyed 9 months apart and were self-reporting, the study is limited by the differences in responsibilities, scheduling, and workload specific to the time of year. Work-related health issues and occupational challenges shared by UK and US embryologists could be addressed by organizational enhancements and technology. Lower levels of stress and burnout among UK embryologists might be due to the HFEA-provided structure/certainty. This study was supported without any external funding by TMRW Life Sciences Inc., which is developing and commercializing an automated platform for embryology. M.G.C. and M.S.L. are full-time employees and stockholders/shareholders with TMRW Life Sciences, and A.M. of Novavax, Inc. was an employee of TMRW Life Sciences. G.P. is a consultant for TMRW Life Sciences. The remaining authors declare no conflict of interest. NCT05326802; NCT05708963.

Global, psychological, and visual quality of life after evisceration/enucleation surgery (QOLAE study): A descriptive case series.

To describe the early health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients who have undergone an eye removal surgery. A descriptive monocentric study was conducted. Patients with a surgical indication of eye amputation were enrolled. Three standardized surveys were given to each patient 1-3 months after the surgery. The following standardized questionnaires were used: National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25) (range: 0-100), Short Form-36 (SF-36) (range: 0-100), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) (range: 0-40). Between January 2021 and January 2022, in the Ophthalmology Department of the University Hospital of Besançon (France), 20 patients who were going to undergo an eye removal surgery were included. The population comprised a majority of men (12 men vs. 8 women) with a mean age of 70 (±16.2) years. The underlying conditions leading to the eye amputation were varied: three infections (15%), three retinal detachments (15%), three chronic uveitis (15%), 11 traumas (55%), three tumors (15%), and five chronic high intraocular pressures (25%). The surgical procedure consisted of an evisceration in 15 cases (75%) or an enucleation in five cases (25%). On average, the composite NEI VFQ-25 scored 68.7 (±22.4). Regarding the SF-36 score, the physical composite score was 63.1 (±15.4), and the mental composite score was 64.7 (±14.4). The overall PSS-10 score was 12.3 (±8.7). The patients who had undergone an eye amputation had an early reduction in their HRQoL in all its domains, especially in the vision, mental, and physical specific quality of life. These patients need personalized preparation before the surgery. These findings need to be assessed in the long term.

Effect of Relaxation-Based Virtual Reality on Psychological and Physiological Stress of Substance Abusers Under Detoxification: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Substance abuse is a widespread problem, with high rates of treatment dropout. Stress plays a crucial role in this problem, so innovative interventions with stressed patients can assist them in completing treatment. This study is a randomized controlled trial with 60 participants who have substance abuse disorder undergoing detoxification at a residency facility in Tehran, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: watching a 360° video of nature, a 360° video of a city environment, or no virtual experience. The intervention was performed only for one session. Psychological stress was measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Perceived Stress Scale before and after the intervention. Physiological stress was assessed through respiratory rate, skin conductance, and heart rate recordings during the virtual reality (VR) experience. Data analysis was performed using R software (version 4.2). Paired t-test results indicated significant psychological differences before and after virtual nature experiences, but not in the control and city groups. The repeated measure ANOVA showed a significant reduction in skin conductance (p<0.01) and respiratory rate (p<0.01) scores in the nature group. The findings suggest that VR relaxation could be a potentially beneficial intervention for reducing stress in patients during detoxification.

Impact of yoga and naturopathy on stress, anxiety, heart rate variability, and quality of life of a patient with social anxiety disorder

Abstract: A 32-year-old male diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD) visited our hospital with complaints of avoiding social events due to fear of negative judgment, difficulty in conveying thoughts, embarrassment, and overthinking. He also struggled to initiate conversations and experienced agoraphobia, which made him feel anxious in crowded places. He underwent a 23-day comprehensive yoga and naturopathy intervention. Compared to the baseline, the postintervention assessment showed a reduction in Perceived Stress Scale score and Hamilton Anxiety Rating scores and improvement in heart rate variability (HRV) and Short Form (SF)-36 healthy survey. It suggests that yoga and naturopathy might be beneficial in decreasing stress and anxiety and in enhancing HRV and quality of life of people with SAD. However, as this is a single case report, more studies are recommended to validate the findings of this study.

The effect of laughter yoga’s on perceived stress and anxiety levels in nursing students: Randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNursing education is a dynamic process that involves theoretical and applied teaching. The intense stress and anxiety experienced by students in this process negatively affect the learning processes and increase the likelihood of making mistakes. Non-pharmacological techniques have been widely used in recent years in the management of this stress. Laughter yoga is one of the new methods that are starting to be used to reduce stress and anxiety levels. PurposeThis study was conducted to determine the effect of laughter yoga on perceived stress and anxiety levels in nursing students. MethodsThe research is a randomized controlled trial with pre-test-post-test control group. This study was conducted in January-June 2022 at the Faculty of Nursing of a university in eastern Türkiye. The population of the study consisted of all students studying in the first year of the nursing faculty. The sample consisted of 103 students determined by simple random sampling method. Students were assigned to the experimental and control groups by simple randomization method. Students in the experimental group were given laughter yoga for 2 sessions per week (every 3 days, eight sessions in total), and the control group did not have any intervention. We used the “Perceived Stress Scale for Nursing Students” and “Condition Anxiety Scale”. Statistical analysis of the data of the research was performed using the IBM SPSS 22 package program. Statistical methods used to evaluate data: t-test in independent groups was used to compare the mean scores of the experimental and control groups, and paired sample t-test was used for intra-group comparisons. ResultsAfter the laughter yoga intervention, the post-test measurements of the intervention group and the control group showed a significant difference, and there was a significant decrease in perceived stress (p<0.001) and anxiety scores (p<0.001) before and after the laughter yoga intervention compared to the control group. ConclusionsLaughter yoga was found to be effective in reducing the levels of perceived stress and anxiety students perceived. Therefore, laughter yoga can be used as one of the effective strategies in reducing students' nursing education stresses.

Association of Perceived Stress with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Matched Case Control Study

Background Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. While traditional risk factors for ACS are well studied, the role of perceived stress remains underexplored in our context. Hence, we aimed to find the association of perceived Stress with Acute Coronary Syndrome.MethodsA hospital based case control study, matched with age and gender was conducted at Birat medical College teaching Hospital from 1st July to 28th November2023. Consecutive sampling techniques was employed to enroll 50 cases and 50 controls from the hospital. Data on demographics and risk factors were collected, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) was used to measure stress in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent association of PSS-10 with ACS.ResultsPerceived stress had no statistical significant association with ACS (P=0.069, OR= 0.918, CI 0.837-1.007) when adjusting for other risk factors. However, hypertension (P=0.004, OR=4.59, CI=1.61-13.09), smoking (P=0.004, OR=8.48, CI=2.09-34.38), and a family history of cardiovascular disease (P=0.028, OR=4.97, CI=1.19-20.75) showed statistically significant associations with ACS, while controlling for other factors.Conclusions The study found higher perceived stress in ACS patients, but it wasn't an independent predictor of ACS. Significant associations with hypertension, smoking, and family history emphasize the need for comprehensive risk factor management in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Development of prediction model for risks of musculoskeletal chronic lumbopelvic pain in Indian women

Chronic lumbopelvic pain (CLPP) and its associated disabilities significantly affect women's social, professional, and personal lives. However, the specific factors contributing to CLPP in women remain unclear. To address this gap, this prospective cross-sectional study aims to identify the risk factors predicting CLPP in women and develop a prediction model that can predict CLPP in women. The study was conducted across Delhi, India, where free health camps were held, and 2400 women were assessed. Among the assessed individuals, the study revealed a high prevalence rate of CLPP among Indian women, standing at 70.4%. Seven risk factors namely, hamstring muscle tightness (> 20° on passive knee extension test), increased lumbar lordosis (> 11.5 cm of the lumbar lordotic index), reduced hip flexibility (> 15 cm on bent knee fallout test), altered foot posture (≥ 20 on foot posture index score), increased perception of psychological stress (> 25 on cohen’s perceived stress scale-10 score), reduced physical activity level (< 475 metabolic/minute on international physical activity questionnaire) and reduced performance of transversus abdominis muscle (≤ 5 on deep muscle contraction scale score) strongly predict the risks of CLPP in women. Identifying these risk factors is crucial for effectively preventing and managing CLPP symptoms, especially considering its high prevalence among Indian women. Health professionals should prioritize raising awareness about CLPP and its causative factors, as well as implementing strategies for early detection and intervention.

The effect of psychological stress on the menstrual cycle among medical students.

To assess the prevalence of menstrual abnormalities among medical students, and to explore its association with stress levels. TThe cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18 to May 28, 2021, in Baghdad, Iraq, after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, and comprised female medical students in Baghdad. Data was collected using simple random sampling technique and employed an online questionnaire that was distributed through e-mail. The questionnaire had 3 domains: demographic and anthropometric data, menstrual history, and psychological stress. The psychosocial stress levels was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. There were 397 subjects with mean age 20.84±1.621 years (range: 17-24 years). Mean age of menarche was 12.65±1.399 years, mean body mass index was 22.71±6.369kg/m2 and the mean stress score was 22.71±6.016. Dysmenorrhoea was seen in 369(92.9%) cases, and premenstrual symptoms in 391(98.5%). Dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome and heavy bleeding were significantly associated with stress level (p<0.05). Most students had heavy bleeding and dysmenorrhoea, which were severe enough to require analgesics. There was a significant association between high stress levels and the occurrence of menstrual abnormalities.

Personal characteristic differences among Doctor of Physical Therapy students with unique sociodemographic factors

BackgroundThe Association of American Medical Colleges suggests an Experiences-Attributes-Metrics framework for holistic review, but there is minimal research on demographic and personal characteristic attributes and the interplay between these Attributes subcategories. Understanding how personal attributes may vary among students considered represented and those considered underrepresented in one or more categories is critical to avoid unintentionally perpetuating practices that favor represented groups. This study explored differences in six personal characteristics either consistently related to academic performance or deemed positive professional traits based on diversity characteristics (categories of underrepresentation), age, and sex.MethodsThree cohorts of first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students at a single institution were invited to participate in this prospective, observational study. Participants completed six surveys: PROMIS® General Self-efficacy, PROMIS® Anxiety, 12-item Grit Scale, Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and PROMIS® Positive Affect. T-tests and ANOVAs (or nonparametric equivalents) were used to examine differences in these measures by number of diversity characteristics, age, and sex. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine if diversity characteristics explained additional variance in each of the personal attribute scores after controlling for age and sex.ResultsOne Hundred and Forty Five students participated (80.7% female, 77.9% < 25 years old, 51% 0 diversity characteristics). Students with more diversity characteristics and males reported higher self-efficacy and resilience (p’s < 0.05). Females reported higher anxiety (p’s < 0.01). Diversity characteristics explained additional variance in self-efficacy (3.3%, p = 0.02) and resilience (2.5%, p = 0.05) after controlling for age and sex. Grit, perceived stress, and positive affect did not show any group differences.ConclusionsUnderrepresented students demonstrated higher self-efficacy and resilience than their represented peers, qualities that may be important to overcome challenges prior to and during graduate school. Males exhibited higher self-efficacy and resilience, but lower anxiety than females which is generally consistent across higher education. Grit, perceived stress, and positive affect were similar across all students and may be less useful to create a diverse learning environment. Further studies should investigate differences in attributes among admitted and unadmitted students and the relationship to future performance for admitted students.

Correction of professional burnout of health workers in the process of mindfulness-based training

Background. The article reviews the problem of testing the in-person version of the burnout reduction program "OsNOVA" for health workers.The aim of the work. To present the results of the program immediately after its completion and to study the sustainability of the effect.Materials and methods. As part of the program testing, 49 doctors and nurses were interviewed. The following methods were used: Maslach Burnout Inventory; Lazarus and Folkman Inventory of Coping Strategies; Beck Depression Inventory; Perceived Stress Scale 10; Short Form 12 questionnaire; mindfulness questionnaires.Results. It was found that when implementing a program to reduce the level of professional burnout in medical workers, held in-person, there is a statistically significant decrease in those subjects whose burnout was initially high. This is accompanied by an increase in mindfulness (primarily such components as Non-judgmentalism, Observation and Awareness of Actions), productive coping strategies. Health workers with a relatively low level of burnout had an improvement in a number of indicators reflecting the burnout level, as well as an increase in the quality of life. The effect achieved by the program persisted for at least three months after the end of its active part.Conclusion. The "OsNOVA" program in an in-person format can be used to prevent professional burnout of health workers. Additional work is planned for its further improvement.

The Effect of Zikr Meditation on Anxiety, Stress Levels and Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients

Background: Hypertension, a prevalent chronic condition, poses significant health risks when left untreated. Psychological factors like stress and anxiety are known contributors to high blood pressure. Effective management of hypertension may benefit from non-pharmacological interventions that address these psychological elements. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the impact of Zikr meditation, a spiritual mindfulness practice, on reducing anxiety, stress, and blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 hypertensive patients, randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in 20-minute Zikr meditation sessions for four weeks daily, while the control group engaged in a placebo activity. Anxiety and stress levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), respectively. Blood pressure readings were taken before and after the intervention. Results: Participants in the Zikr meditation group showed a significant reduction in anxiety and stress levels compared to the control group. Additionally, there was a notable decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure among those practicing Zikr meditation. Conclusions: Zikr meditation effectively reduces anxiety and stress, leading to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. These findings suggest that incorporating Zikr meditation into standard hypertension management could offer a valuable, non-pharmacological approach to improving cardiovascular health. Further research is recommended to examine Zikr meditation's long-term effects and broader applicability in hypertension care.

The Effects of Laughter Therapy on Perceived Stress and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Women with breast cancer experience various symptoms secondary to chemotherapy that reduce their quality of life and increase their stress levels. To evaluate the effects of laughter therapy on perceived stress levels and quality of life in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy using a parallel-group randomized controlled pilot trial. Forty-two women were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 40 minutes of laughter therapy twice a week for 8 weeks. The control group received routine treatment. The women in both groups completed the Perceived Stress Scale and SF-12 Health Survey at baseline, week 5, and week 9 after randomization. There was a significant decrease in the mean Perceived Stress Scale scores in the intervention group compared with those in the control group at weeks 5 and 9 compared with baseline, and the difference between groups by measurement week was significant (P < .001). Women in the intervention group had higher Physical Component Summary-12 and Mental Component Summary-12 scores in weeks 5 and 9 compared with those in the control group, and there was a significant difference between groups in terms of change in the Physical Component Summary-12 and Mental Component Summary-12 mean scores over time (P < .001). Laughter therapy is possible to use as a nursing intervention to reduce the perceived stress levels and increase the quality of life of women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Nurses can apply laughter therapy in the symptom management of women receiving chemotherapy.

In the Shadow of the Pandemic: Examining Therapists' Perceptions of Work-Related Stress in the Late Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany.

The previous literature has identified increased work-related stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzes work-related perceived stress experienced by therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany to identify potential for supporting this crucial group of HCWs in future health crises. Survey data on stress, measured through the Perceived Stress Scale 4, among HCWs (therapists n = 612, nurses n = 501, and doctors n = 461) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and data from four semi-structured interviews and seven focus group discussions with therapists were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Data were collected from March to September 2022. Therapists reported similar stress levels to other HCWs, with the reporting of perceived stress differing between work contexts. Eight stressors were identified through the thematic analysis: (1) concerns about maintaining the quality of care, (2) uncertainty about the future, (3) workload, (4) interactions with colleagues and patients, (5) PPE, (6) the risk of infection, (7) insufficient information flow, and (8) the lack of public and political recognition. This study emphasizes the distinct challenges that therapists experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. By identifying the factors that contributed to the stress experienced, the study can inform targeted support strategies which can enhance therapists' work, ultimately contributing to sustaining essential healthcare services during public health crises.

Perceived stress and prenatal depression symptoms among couples with gestational diabetes mellitus: The mediating role of dyadic coping

ProblemNo studies have been conducted to examine the relationships between perceived stress, positive/negative dyadic coping, and prenatal depression symptoms in Chinese couples with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). BackgroundGDM is a stressful event for pregnant women and their partners, which may result in clinically significant prenatal depression symptoms in couples. AimThis study aims to examine the relationships and differences in perceived stress, positive/negative dyadic coping, and prenatal depression symptoms between Chinese pregnant women with GDM and their partners and to explore the mediating role of positive/negative dyadic coping. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, from January to October 2021. 402 pairs of GDM couples completed the questionnaires, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Chinese version of the Dyadic Coping Inventory, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Dyadic data was analyzed using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model. Findings37.6 % of pregnant women with GDM and 24.6 % of their partners experienced clinically significant prenatal depression symptoms. Depression symptoms in couples mutually influence each other. Perceived stress was directly or indirectly related to their and partners’ prenatal depression symptoms in GDM couples, with negative dyadic coping acting as a mediator. Maternal negative dyadic coping was also a partner-mediator. DiscussionThe findings of the present study may provide healthcare professionals with a better understanding of the effect of the interpersonal interaction between the couples as a dyad on prenatal depression symptoms in Chinese context. ConclusionThere were intrapersonal and interpersonal associations among perceived stress, negative dyadic coping, and prenatal depression symptoms in pregnant women with GDM and their partners. It suggests a need for screening clinically significant prenatal depression symptoms and decreasing perceived stress and negative dyadic coping among couples with GDM with a focus on pregnant women with GDM.