Personal Resource Questionnaire Research Articles

Mental health and resilience quotient of patients in primary care units during the widespread COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand: a cross-sectional study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic impacted both the physical and mental health of individuals. The resilience quotient (RQ) is an important factor that decreases mental health problems. This study aimed to explore mental health problems and RQ in patients who visit Primary Care Units (PCU). A cross-sectional study was conducted on participants aged 18 to 60years who visited the PCU of Songklanagarind Hospital from May 1, 2022, to June 31, 2022. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on baseline characteristics and the Primary Care Assessment, Personal Resource Questionnaire, satisfaction with life scale, Thai RQ, PHQ-9, and GAD-7, and the results were analyzed by descriptive, logistic regression, and Spearman's rank correlation. Among the 216 participants, 72.2% were female, and the median age was 39 (24,51) years old. Most of them had normal RQ levels (61.1%). Of these, 4.2% and 12.1% exhibited moderate to high levels of depression and anxiety, respectively. This study found that sex (OOR 1.93; 95% CI 1.01-3.74), age (OOR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06), moderate and high social support levels (OOR 9.51; 95% CI 3.36-28.85), and a high life satisfaction level (OOR 4.67; 95%CI 1.75-13.25) were associated with RQ. Moreover, the results showed that ≥ 3 times visiting PCU (β 1.73; 95% CI 0.39-3.08), BMI (β 0.13; 95% CI 0.04-0.23) and experiencing stressful events (β 2.34; 95% CI 1.32-3.36) were positively associated with depression. Finally, experiencing stressful events (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.09-15.47) significantly affected anxiety, however, moderate and high life satisfaction levels acted as a protective factor against anxiety (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07-0.54 and OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.01-0.16, respectively). Although there were a few patients with moderate to severe levels of depression and anxiety, most of them had normal RQ levels. However, there were some patients with low RQ levels which correlated to a high risk of psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety. Healthcare providers should focus on interventions that enhance resilience in both proactive and defensive strategies to reduce negative mental problems during these formidable times.

Predictors of Academic Success in Students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Considering that academic success is one of the most important topics for medical sciences schools and faculty members, this study was conducted to determine the predictors of academic success in students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. This cross-sectional study was performed on 542 students of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The sampling method was stratified at random. The socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, Multiple Intelligences Profiling Questionnaire (MIPQ), College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES), Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ-85-PART2), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS 16 software. The General Linear Model (GLM) was used to determine the predictors of academic success. According to the Pearson correlation test, there was a significant positive correlation between academic grade point average (GPA) and social support (r=0.10, P=0.048), academic self-efficacy (r=0.36, P<0.001) and there was a significant negative relationship between GPA and total mental health score (r=-0.14; P=0.003) and its subdomains including anxiety (r=-0.10, P= 0.027), depression (r = -0.15, P = 0.002), and social dysfunction (r=-0.12; P=0.010). According to GLM, the variables of academic self-efficacy, and level of education were among the predictors of academic success, so the GPA increased significantly with academic self-efficacy (β:0.02, P<0.001). The GPA was greater in bachelor's students than in professional doctorate students (β:0.76, P<0.001). The significance level was considered at P<0.05. Due to the significant relationship between academic self-efficacy, and educational level with academic success, the promotion of self-efficacy is necessary for all students of all educational levels.

Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite concentration in urine and occupational stress in underground coal miners in China: propensity score and bayesian kernel machine regression.

This study intends to examine the association of urinary monohydroxyl PAHs (OH-PAHs) concentration and occupational stress in coal miners. We sampled 671 underground coal miners from Datong, China, assessed their occupational stress using the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised edition (OSI-R), and categorized them into the high stress miners and controls based on that. We determined urinary OH-PAHs concentration using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and analyzed its association with occupational stress using multiple linear regression, covariate balancing generalized propensity score (CBGPS), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). The low molecular weight (LMW) OH-PAHs in quartile or homologue was significantly positively associated with Occupational Role Questionnaire (ORQ) and Personal Strain Questionnaire (PSQ) score, but was not associated with Personal Resources Questionnaire (PRQ) score. The OH-PAHs concentration was positively associated with ORQ and PSQ scores in coal miners, particularly the LMW OH-PAHs. Non-association was found in the OH-PAHs with PRQ score.

Hierarchical multiple regression investigating factors associated with depressive symptoms in the middle-aged and elderly undergoing haemodialysis

BackgroundDepressive moods are commonly seen in patients who receive haemodialysis. This can cause a lack of compliance in their treatment procedures and increase the rate of hospitalization. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and degree of depression in middle-aged and elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis and the predictors of depressive symptoms.MethodsA cross-sectional correlational study was designed with a structured questionnaire survey. Patients over 40 years of age were included from five haemodialysis centres. Measures embraced a demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Personal Resource Questionnaire 2000. Statistical analysis was performed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis.ResultsA total of 179 patients over 40 years of age were included from five haemodialysis centres in the analysis. The mean CES-D score was 19.0(12.3); the majority of participants (60.3%) had a CES-D score ≥ 15, indicating likely depressive status. The mean PRQ2000 score was 75.7(15.9). The proportional mean of the PRQ2000 was 72.11%, indicating moderate social support for participants in this study. Data disclosed that marital status, number of comorbidities, exercise behaviour, and social support could significantly predict depressive symptoms; total explanatory variance was 31.3%.ConclusionHealth care professionals should identify those at high risk of depressive symptoms when they provide care to the middle-aged and elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis. These findings may lead to greater insights into the nursing and rehabilitative care of patients treated by chronic maintenance haemodialysis.

Resilience and Influencing Factors Among Youths Undergoing Substance Abuse Treatment in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Resilience aids rapid recovery from substance abuse, prevents the likelihood of relapse, and improves the quality of life of the youths with substance abuse. This study aimed to assess the resilience level and related factors predicting resilience among youths undergoing substance abuse treatment in Thailand. A descriptive cross-sectional design with a simple random sampling technique was used. A total of 430 young substance abusers undergoing treatment were recruited from ten treatment centers in Eastern Thailand from April to June 2021. Data were collected using nine questionnaires: demographic form, resilience questionnaire, Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire, psychological flexibility for substance abuser questionnaire, cognitive fusion questionnaire, substance abuse self-stigma scale, family connectedness scale, friendship intimacy questionnaire, and personal resource questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression were used to analyze data. The results showed a high level of resilience (89.30%) among the youths undergoing substance abuse treatment. The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the significant factors associated with resilience include self-esteem (β = 0.260, p < .001), psychological flexibility (β = 0.222, p < .001), social support (β = 0.209, p < .000), and family connectedness (β = -0.194, p < .001). All the variables collectively explained 26.9% of the variance for resilience among the youths with substance abuse (R 2 = .269, p < .001). Determining resilience and its related factors among the youths undergoing substance abuse treatment is significant as it guides the formulation of the substance abuse treatment programs, improves mental health and quality of life, and prevents relapse.

Immigrant Parents' Perceived Social Support and Their Children's Oral Health Behaviors and Caries Experience.

This study examined the associations between immigrant parents’ perceived social support (PSS) and their children’s oral health behaviors (OHB) and caries experience. We recruited immigrant parents and children aged 2–12 years. Data were collected on the sociodemographic and OHB information of the children. The parents’ total PSS score and its dimensions were measured using the validated Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ2000). Dental examinations determined the children’s caries experience using the DMFT/dmft index. A total of 336 parents and children were included in the study. Household income predicted the parents’ PSS (B = −5.69; 95% CI −9.077, −2.32). Children of parents with higher PSS reported ≥2 toothbrushing/day (p ≤ 0.05). Among the PSS domains, parental education level predicted their social integration (B = −0.16; 95% CI −0.30, −0.02) and nurturance (B = −0.24; 95% CI −0.43, −0.06). Family income predicted social integration (B = −0.17; 95% CI −0.33 −0.01), worth (B = −0.23; 95% CI −0.39 −0.06), and assistance (B = −0.22; 95% CI −0.42 −0.01). Parents with higher scores of intimacy and social integration were more aware of their children’s oral health (p = 0.01). The parental social integration mean scores were significantly higher among parents whose children consumed ≥1 sugary snack/day (p = 0.02). All five domain scores were significantly higher among parents of children who reported ≥2 toothbrushing/day compared with children who brushed <2/day (p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that parents’ PSS only improved their children’s toothbrushing frequency. Compared to other domains, social integration was significantly associated with children’s OHB. Neither parental PSS total score nor domains were associated with DMFT/dmft.

Abstract 5881: The efficacy of a technology-based support program on survivorship experience: Asian American breast cancer survivors

Abstract Purpose: A technology-based intervention without face-to-face interactions could work better for many women from cultures where breast cancer is still a stigmatizing experience. Also, a technology-based intervention could meet the necessity of information and support without time and/or geographical restrictions. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a technology-based support program for Asian American breast cancer survivors (TICAA) in enhancing the women’s breast cancer survivorship experience. Methods: This was a randomized controlled intervention with repeated measures (pretest [Time Point 0; T0], post 1-month [T1], and post 3-months [T2]). A total of 199 Asian American breast cancer survivors were recruited/retained through online and offline settings and included in the data analysis. While the intervention group was requested to use the TICAA and the American Cancer Society (ACS) website on breast cancer for 3 months, the control group was requested to use the ACS website for 3 months. Multiple instruments were used: the Cancer Behavior Inventory (CBI), the Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ), the Perceived Isolation Scale (PIS), the Support Care Needs Survey-34 Short Form (SCNS), the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Breast Cancer (FACT-B). The data were analyzed using growth curve models, fitted within the framework of mixed effects modeling, and mediation analyses. Results: Within the mixed-effect model, there were significant decreases in the needs for help scores (SCNS scores) from T0 to T2 (β = -3.0236, p = .005) and the symptom distress scores (MSAS scores) from T0 to T1 and T2 (β = -2.8131, p &amp;lt; .001; β = -3.0356, p &amp;lt; .001). Yet, the change over time in the quality-of-life scores (FACT-B scores) was not statistically significant although the fixed effect of time was significant (β = -1.0476, p = .004). All the theory-based mediators (attitudes, self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and social influences) had statistically significant mediating impact on all outcome variables (needs for help, symptom distress, and quality-of-life; all p &amp;lt; .001), but there were differences in the mediating effects among different individual outcome variables. Conclusions: The findings supported the efficacy of the technology-based program in reducing the need for help and symptoms of Asian American breast cancer survivors. Further studies are needed on the differences in the effects of theory-based mediators on different outcome variables. Citation Format: Eun-Ok Im, Wonshik Chee, Sudeshna Paul, TICAA Research Team. The efficacy of a technology-based support program on survivorship experience: Asian American breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5881.

Peran Modal Psikologis dan Dukungan Sosial terhadap Kesiapan Kerja Mahasiswa Universitas X

In order to compete with other job seekers, a university graduate should have adequate provisions. In addition to knowledge and skills, they also need to possess readiness to enter the workplace, which is known as work readiness. Work readiness is characterized by having a number of skills, knowledge, basic attitudes, and practical understanding that enable an individual to work productively and to achieve the goals of the organization. Work readiness is influenced by individual internal and external factors. In this study, the internal factor studied is psychological capital, namely an individual’s positive psychological state of development characterized by self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience. Furthermore, the external factor studied is social support, namely the perception or actualization of care  or assistance  from a  social network. This research implemented a non-experimental quantitative method, by distributing the Work Readines Inventory developed by Brady (2010), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire developed by Luthans et al. (2007), and the Personal Resources Questionnaire (PRQ2000) developed by Weinert (2003) to 124 students of University X in Jakarta, Indonesia. The results showed that work readiness of the students of University X is significantly influenced by psychological capital (F= 131.291; p&lt; 0.000) and social support (F= 67.007; p&lt; 0.000).

Health-Related Quality of Life and Social Support of Elderly Lung and Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.

IntroductionIncreasing life expectancy has led to a higher incidence of cancer in the elderly, thus making them vulnerable and worsening their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and their need for support.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the HRQoL and social support in elderly Greek lung and gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsThis was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 104 elderly cancer patients, who were receiving chemotherapy in the outpatient department and inpatient ward of a General Hospital in Athens. The data were collected using purposive sampling between December 2019 and May 2020, and included demographic and clinical characteristics, the HRQoL questionnaire, Short Form 36 (SF36), and the Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ-2000).ResultsThe participants' median age was 72 years; the majority were male (62.5%) and had lung cancer (57.7%). The SF36 data revealed a relatively moderate (42.7–62.61) HRQoL in most subscales. The “Pain” subscale recorded the highest score (75.0), and the “social function” subscale the lowest (42.79). The PQR-2000 indicated a satisfactory level of social support (81.65), with values ranging between 48 and 105; married patients with higher education scored more highly (p < .05). Patients aged 65–75 years reported better HRQoL and greater social support than older patients. In addition, patients with their own family and a relatively high income reported better HRQoL and social support compared to single individuals, with low income, who were cared for by their children. Positive and statistically significant (p < .05) correlations were found between the SF36 subscales of role functioning/physical, vitality, general health, emotional well-being and the PRQ-2000.ConclusionThe HRQoL and social support of elderly cancer patients positively affect the course of their health. Healthcare systems and social services should address the multiplying needs of these patients with targeted interventions to support their well-being.

Characteristics of Asian-American Breast Cancer Survivors Retained in a 3-Month Technology-Based Intervention.

Technology-based intervention programs are known to be effective in approaching socially excluded groups or racial/ethnic minorities, including this specific population. However, the retention of participants in technology-based intervention studies is far more complicated and challenging compared with conventional studies targeting racial/ethnic minorities. This study aimed to identify the complex characteristics of the groups within Asian American breast cancer survivors who were successfully retained in a 3-month technology-based intervention study. This secondary analysis of the data from a larger ongoing intervention study included 155 Asian American breast cancer survivors. Major variables were measured using multiple instruments including the questions on characteristics of the participants, the Personal Resource Questionnaire, perceived isolation, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, Cancer Behavior Inventory, 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Breast Cancer. Data analyses were done through χ2 tests, t tests, and decision tree analyses. The retention rates differed by subethnicity (P = .025), immigration age (P < .001), and stage of breast cancer (P = .003). The decision tree indicated four groups with the highest probability of retention: (a) those who were diagnosed with stage II, III, or IV breast cancer, (b) those who immigrated to the United States after turning 31 years old, and (c) those who had high perceived barriers. This study provides directions for future retention strategies for technology-based interventions among Asian American breast cancer survivors. Participants' characteristics need to be considered in developing retain strategies for technology-based interventions among Asian American breast cancer survivors.

Sub-Ethnicity and Survivorship Experience: Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors.

The purpose of the study was to explore the associations of sub-ethnicity to the survivorship experience of Asian American breast cancer survivors and identify the multiple factors that influenced their survivorship experience. This was a secondary analysis of the data among 94 Asian American breast cancer survivors from a larger ongoing study. Instruments included: questions on background characteristics, the perceived isolation scale, the Personal Resource Questionnaire, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer. Data were analyzed using hierarchical logistic and multiple regression analyses. After controlling for other factors, being a Japanese American (ref. = being a Chinese American) was significantly associated with pain scores (odds ratio [OR] = -0.32, p < .01), symptom distress scores (β = -0.27, p < .01), and the quality of life scores (β = 0.22, p = .03). Sub-ethnic variations in cultural attitudes, values, and beliefs need to be considered in future research/practice with Asian American breast cancer survivors.

The Effects of Patients' and Caregivers' Characteristics on the Burden of Families Caring for Stroke Survivors.

Background: Vascular strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability for adults. They impose high levels of burden on the patient, the family, and national healthcare systems worldwide. This study aimed to assess the effects of patients’ and caregivers’ characteristics on the perceptions of burden in families caring for a loved one living with stroke in Greece. Methods: Using purposive sampling, 109 dyads of patients and their respective caregivers were recruited from the Attica region. Patients completed a questionnaire that included personal characteristics and the Barthel Index, while caregivers completed a set of questionnaires—personal characteristics, revised Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS), Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ 2000), and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D). Results: Caregiving burden was linked to both patients’ and caregivers’ characteristics. A patient’s educational level, the number of family members living in the same house, the existence of equipment and facilities in the house, and the duration of provided care were associated with perception of greater burden. Regarding caregivers’ characteristics, those in good health had a significantly lower perception of burden. Higher PRQ 2000 scores were significantly associated with higher BCOS scores (less burden), and higher CES-D scores were significantly associated with lower BCOS scores (more burden). Conclusion: Caring for a loved one affected by stroke places a considerable burden on the caregiver. Systematic assessment and intervention strategies can help to identify caregivers at risk so that suitably targeted assistance may be provided.

Clusters by Menopausal Symptoms: Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors.

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine the clusters of Asian American breast cancer survivors by the severity scores of menopausal symptoms and to explore the characteristics associated with the identified clusters. The data from an ongoing study among 94 survivors were used. The instruments included the Perceived Isolation Scale, the Personal Resource Questionnaire, and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form. The data analysis was conducted using hierarchical cluster analyses and multinomial logistic analyses. Three clusters were identified: "the cluster with high severity scores of total, psychological, physical, and psychosomatic symptoms (Cluster 1)," "the cluster with moderate severity scores of total, psychological, physical, and psychosomatic symptoms (Cluster 2)," and "the cluster with low severity scores of total, psychological, physical, and psychosomatic symptoms (Cluster 3)." The clusters had significant differences in the level of acculturation, perceived social isolation, and perceived social support (p < 0.05).

Perceived social support and discrimination and oral health behaviors in adolescents.

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to examine the associations between perceived social support and oral health behaviors among adolescents and if this perception had a protective effect against the influence of perceived racial discrimination on oral health behaviors in this population.Material and methodsParticipants of this cross‐sectional study were adolescents aged 12–18 years recruited from University dental clinic. They completed a questionnaire comprising three sections: demographics (14 items), oral health behaviors (6 items), and validated Personal Resource Questionnaire (25 items). Perceived discrimination was evaluated by a question asking if the adolescent had ever experienced discrimination based on their race.ResultsOf 252 participants, mean (SD) age of 14 (1.8) years, 60% were girls, 56% were self‐identified as White, and 81% were born in Canada. Discrimination was reported by 21%. Frequency of toothbrushing and self‐rated oral health were significantly associated with increased levels of perceived social support. Sugar consumption was significantly different for participants with and without perceived racial discrimination (p‐value = 0.002). Perceived social support did not act as a buffer against perceived racial discrimination for sugar consumption (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98–1.01).ConclusionsAdolescents' perceived social support affected some aspects of their oral health but did not moderate the influence of perceived racial discrimination.

A population-based study of health-promoting behaviors and their predictors in Iranian males, 2019

BackgroundHealth-promoting lifestyle (HPL) is any measure taken to maintain a person’s health. The most important and influential factor in maintaining and enhancing health are health-promoting behaviors (HPB). This study aimed to determine HPB and their predictors among Iranian men.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 783 Iranian men, living in Tehran, were selected, using multistage cluster sampling. The employed questionnaires, namely the sociodemographic questionnaire, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), and the second part of the Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ 85-Part 2), were completed through interviews. The relationship between the dependent variables (HPLP-II and its subdomains) and independent variables (sociodemographic characteristics and social support) was investigated using the adjusted General Linear Model (GLM).ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation of the total HPLP-II score was 2.72 ± 0.44 in the range of 1–4. Among the six dimensions of the HPB, the participants achieved the highest score (3.00 ± 0.52) and lowest score (1.96 ± 0.56) in spiritual growth and physical activity, respectively. The Pearson test showed that the perceived social support was significantly correlated with HPLP-II (r = 0.23; p < 0.001) and all of its subdomains (r = 0.09–0.24; p < 0.001). Based on the adjusted general linear model, social support, age, job, and income adequacy were the predictors of HPL in men and could explain 30.9% of the variance of the HPL score.ConclusionsThe research findings confirmed the importance of social support and modifying variables (social and personal) in the incidence of HPB in men.

A technology-based information and coaching/support program and self-efficacy of Asian American breast cancer survivors.

Women's self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer is one of the key factors that lead to successful breast cancer survivorship. Due to the cultural stigma linked to breast cancer (e.g., breast cancer is a genetic disease), Asian Americans are known as a high-risk group within breast cancer survivors. However, healthcare providers are challenged to promote women's self-efficacy while considering their cultural beliefs and attitudes. In this study, the efficacy of a technology-based information and coaching/support program was examined in improving self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer among Asian American survivors. A randomized repeated measures control group study was conducted with 67 Asian American breast cancer survivors. The questions on background characteristics, the Personal Resource Questionnaire, the Perceived Isolation Scale, the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34, and the Cancer Behavior Inventory were used. The data were analyzed using repeated measurement analyses, χ2 tests, and decision tree analyses. There were significant increases in the self-efficacy scores of both control and intervention groups over time (p = .017). However, the increase in the control group's self-efficacy scores was only up to post 1 month, and there was a decrease in the scores by post 3 months. When the participants were divided into high and low-change groups based on the changes in their self-efficacy scores for 3 months, the intervention group had more participants who belonged to the high-change group (p = .036). The technology-based intervention was effective in improving self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer among Asian American breast cancer survivors.

The Predictor Role of Perceived Social Support and Spiritual Intelligence in Hope Among Thalassemia Patients.

BackgroundThalassemia is a prevalent chronic blood disorder, which is accompanied with a wide range of challenges. This study aimed to determine the predictor role of perceived social support and spiritual intelligence in hope among thalassemia patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 thalassemia patients. The data were collected using Miller hope scale, spiritual intelligence scale, and personal resource questionnaire. The data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that the mean score of hope was 173.38 (standard deviation [SD] = 24.6). Besides, 86.7% of the patients showed high levels of hope. The mean score of spiritual intelligence was 134.66 (SD = 18.07). In addition, 91.7% of the patients showed moderate levels of spiritual intelligence. The mean score of social support was 127.87 (SD = 20.19) and the patients showed high social support levels. The results revealed a significant association between hope and perceived social support (r = 0.65, P < 0.001) as well as between hope and spiritual intelligence (r = 0.63, P < 0.001). Moreover, perceived social support (b = 0.43, P < 0.001) and spiritual intelligence (b = 0.37, P < 0.001) were the predictors of hope among thalassemia patients.ConclusionConsidering the study results, in addition to common treatments for thalassemia, policymakers’ are recommended to pay attention to spiritual intelligence and more importantly social support to enhance thalassemia patients’ hope.

Predictors of Low-Level Disease-Specific Knowledge in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

BackgroundDisease-specific knowledge is associated with outcomes of patients, but the knowledge level of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is known to be low.ObjectiveWe measured the level of disease-specific knowledge and defined factors associated with poor disease knowledge in COPD patients.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed in five hospitals in South Korea. At enrolment, all patients completed the Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire (BCKQ), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ), St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The data were analyzed via linear regression to identify factors associated with low-level knowledge of COPD.ResultsA total of 245 COPD patients were enrolled in this study. The mean total BCKQ score was 28.1 (SD, 7.4). The lowest scores were seen for items exploring knowledge of “Oral steroids” and “Inhaled steroids”. In univariate analysis, higher level of education (r = 0.17), low income (r = 0.13), the post-bronchodilator FEV1, % predicted (r = −0.24), the post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio (r = −0.13), SWLS (r = 0.15), PRQ (r = 0.16), SF-36 MCS (r = 0.13), HADS-A (r = −0.17), and HADS-D (r = −0.28) scores correlated with the BCKQ score (all p < 0.05). FEV1 (r = −0.25, p < 0.001) and HADS-D score (r = −0.29, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the total BCKQ score in multivariate analysis.ConclusionOur Korean patients with COPD lacked knowledge on oral and inhaled steroid treatments. In particular, patients with higher-level lung function and/or depressive symptoms exhibited poorer disease-specific knowledge; such patients may require additional education.

Social support is a strong determinant of life satisfaction among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are frequently compromised in terms of social life and functional capacity, triggering reduced in life satisfaction (LS). We investigated the level of LS among elderly patients with COPD and factors associated with LS. This was a prospective cross-sectional survey enroling a sample of 160 COPD subjects aged 65 y or older. At enrolment, all patients completed measures of LS (the Satisfaction with Life Scale; SWLS) and social support (Personal Resource Questionnaire; PRQ). The health-related quality of life (HRQL) was measured using St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). About 30.6% of the patients reported that they were satisfied or highly satisfied with their lives. In univariate analysis, post-bronchodilator FEV1, percentage predicted was significantly associated with SWLS score (r=0.205, P=.009). Age (r=0.207), diabetes (r=0.209), osteoporosis (r=-0.190), PRQ (r=0.388), SGRQ total (r=-0.291), SF-36 PCS (r=0.233), SF-36 MCS (r=0.274), HADS-A (r=-0.291) and HADS-D (r=-0.352) were also associated with SWLS score (all P<.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that FEV1 (r=0.223, P=.04) and PRQ (r=.244, P=.002) were independently associated with SWLS score. Less than one-third of older adults with COPD reported that they were satisfied with their lives. Better lung function and greater social support were independently associated with high LS.

Current status of occupational stress among medical staff in Shenzhen, China and related influencing factors

Objective: To investigate the current status of occupational stress in medical staff in Shenzhen, China, and to provide a reference for developing health administrative policy and reducing occupational stress in medical staff. Methods: From January to June, 2018, a cross-sectional survey was performed in 992 medical workers who were selected from 2 municipal hospitals and 2 district hospitals by stratified random sampling. General information was collected, Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised Edition was used to investigate occupational stress, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed based on a descriptive analysis of related results. Results: For the medical staff in Shenzhen, the scores of Occupational Role Questionnaire, Personal Stress Questionnaire, and Personal Resources Questionnaire were 185.67±17.55, 108.45±15.56, and 122.74±16.56, respectively. Age, degree of education, type of work, job title, professional title, and permanent or temporary job were influencing factors for occupational task (P<0.05) ; age, working years, type of work, and night shift were influencing factors for personal stress response (P<0.05) ; working years, type of work, professional title, and weekly working hours were influencing factors for personal coping resources (P<0.05) . Conclusion: There is a high degree of occupational stress among medical staff in Shenzhen, and it is recommended to improve medical resources in Shenzhen, reduce occupational stress among medical staff, and increase coping resources.