Poor Coping Research Articles

Updating the theoretical aspects and practical background of work stress and its assessment in teachers

Introduction: Work stress is described as a series of physical and psychological reactions that occur when workers must cope with occupational demands.Objective: to update the state of the art of the theoretical aspects and practical background of work stress and its assessment in teachersMethod: a narrative review of the updated bibliography was carried out using recognized databases.Development: Stress is a natural reaction to the body; however, constantly remaining under that pressure can severely affect health. Mental stress is defined as that which is produced by anguish, worries in many cases of an economic or emotional nature, problems at work, among others: work stress, anxiety, depression, maladaptive beliefs, demotivation, work pressure, poor coping, etc.Conclusions: The assessment of work stress in teachers is crucial to identify factors that affect their well-being and performance. The theoretical aspects highlight the importance of adequate measurement methods, the relationship between stress and mental health, and the need to implement intervention strategies. Understanding these elements can improve working conditions and educational quality in the teaching field

Level of work stress in teachers from several schools in the province of Santo Domingo

Introduction: Stress is a condition that is currently common in the workplace, being a physiological reaction to difficult or demanding situations.Objective: to determine the level of work stress in teachers from several schools in the province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, 2021Methods: quantitative, applied research, the sample consisted of 120 teachers from different schools who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria; the ED-6 scale was applied, which consisted of 6 dimensions and 27 questions related to anxiety, depression, pressure, discouragement, etc.Results: they indicated that stress is found in a high rate among teachers, correlating physiological responses, psychosocial and emotional factors to mental and physical demand, therefore, it was found that 39% of the respondents suffer from tension at work corresponding to the anxiety dimension, being only surpassed by the dimension of stress due to poor coping with a percentage of 51%.Conclusions: teachers have normal stress levels due to anxiety and poor coping, and low levels due to depression, maladaptive beliefs, pressures and demotivation. Although stress can affect their adaptation to changes, the work environment is positive, which suggests that it does not significantly impact their performance or general well-being.

Caregivers’ awareness regarding the care of dementia and the coping strategies among the caregivers of people with dementia: a cross-sectional study in Udupi District, Karnataka

Abstract Objectives To assess the awareness and coping skills of the informal and formal caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD). Dementia is a condition, which leads to memory loss and gradual deterioration of cognitive abilities in the affected person. The lack of awareness regarding the care of people with dementia and the caregivers’ poor coping strategies can negatively impact caregivers’ experiences. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the 80 caregivers of PLWD from the psychiatric units of the selected hospitals of Udupi district, Karnataka, India. The baseline data were collected by a self-reported sociodemographic questionnaire. The “Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale” was used to gauge participants’ awareness of the care of people with dementia, while the “Brief COPE inventory,” a 28-item questionnaire, was used to gauge carers’ coping mechanisms. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analysis using Jamovi (2.3.24), a graphical user interface for R programming, and Microsoft Excel. Results Most of the caregivers (n = 68, 85%) had lesser awareness regarding the care of people with dementia. The mean coping strategies score was 60.9 ± 7.71. There was a positive correlation between the awareness and the coping strategies scores among the caregivers (r = 0.659, P < 0.05). Conclusions The caregivers of people with dementia often lack awareness about dementia and hence experience poor coping due to their high workload and stress. The frontline healthcare professionals and nurses need to provide appropriate interventions to the caregivers to improve their awareness about dementia and its care.

A dyadic analysis of family adaptation among breast cancer patients and their spouses based on the framework of family stress coping theory.

The active coping strategies of family members can help breast cancer patients better handle the crisis, and family adaptation is a manifestation of the family's active coping with the crisis. In the study of breast cancer, a disease that predominantly affects women, we explored the influence of spouses on patients' family adaptation. This aspect has not been explored in previous studies. In recent years, with the development of family stress coping theory, cancer coping styles have shifted from an individual focus to a whole-family approach. This shift has the potential to help families of cancer patients adapt to the crisis. This study aimed to explore the correlation between dyadic coping, family adaptation, and benefit finding in couples with breast cancer. Using convenience sampling, the study included 325 pairs consisting of breast cancer patients and their spouses who attended breast surgery, oncology, and chemotherapy sessions between April and November 2023. The survey utilized the General Information Questionnaire for patients and spouses, the Dyadic Coping Scale, the Benefit Finding Scale, and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0 and Amos 24.0 software. In the actor effect of dyadic coping on family adaptation, the benefit finding of patients and their spouses played a mediating role. Regarding the partner effect (B = 0.019, 95% CI = 0.003-0.045, P < 0.05), the dyadic coping of spouses indirectly affected the family adaptation of patients through the benefit findings of patients. The patient's dyadic coping can directly affect the spouse's family adaptation. The spouse's dyadic coping can influence the patient's benefit finding. There is a partial interaction between breast cancer patients and their spouses' dyadic coping, benefit finding, and family adaptation. Therefore, clinical staff should promptly identify patients and spouses with poor coping abilities and provide them with positive psychological interventions to enhance the dyadic coping abilities of both partners and assist them in overcoming the problems encountered during the treatment process, ultimately helping them better cope with family crises.

Risk and protective factors of deliberate self-harm among individuals with substance use disorder: A qualitative study in Pakistan.

This study aimed "To identify the factors which increase the vulnerability of self-harm behavior among individuals with substance use and factors which buffer that risk". The present qualitative study was hosted by National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. It took seven months, from October 2021 to April 2022 to conduct the study. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted in rehabilitation centers of two different cities. The sample of the study included (N = 26) participants, 21 individuals with substance use disorder (with/without deliberate self-harm), and five experts (experienced in dealing with the target population). All the interviews were recorded and transcribed for reflexive thematic analysis. A brief survey was also used to get information about demographics and self-harm behaviors. The analysis helped to develop nine themes (six risk factors & three protective factors), including separate subthemes for each. The themes were named as a spectrum of adverse experiences, maladaptive personality traits, poor methods of dealing with stressors, chaotic emotions and thoughts about self, internalizing and externalizing problems, and self-harm-related specific factors. Additionally, themes generated for the protective factors were supportive social ties, adaptive coping strategies, and promoting personal resources. Specific familial, social, and personal factors increase the likelihood of self-harm by causing negative self-evaluation, poor coping skills and psychological distress. This vulnerability ends with self-harm, when combined with conducive environmental situations for the risky behavior. However, the risk can be decreased by providing social and emotional support and encouraging positive mental attitudes.

A psychological reaction of higher education students to the new national exit exam in the case of Dilla University, 2023.

Test anxiety is an emotional state characterized by physiological and behavioral responses linked to the fear of poor exam results. It can result in a significant impact in the overall academic achievement of students. Addressing the contributing factors of the problem is better to intervene in the academic challenges of students and create a conducive learning environment. Thus, this study investigated the association between test anxiety and the newly implemented national exit exam program among prospective graduate students at Dilla University in 2023. A community-based cross-sectional design was employed, involving 357 participants recruited from August 15 to September 14, 2023. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires combined with interviews. The Westside Test Anxiety Inventory (WTAI) assessed test anxiety levels. Epi Info version 7 facilitated data entry, with subsequent analysis conducted using SPSS version 25. A p < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance in the multivariate logistic regression model. The prevalence of test anxiety associated with the national exit exam among prospective graduates at Dilla University was 68.9% (95% CI: 63.9-73.7%). The analysis identified significant associations between test anxiety and several factors: non-formal educational background of parents (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 2.12-4.65), moderate social support (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12-0.46), and poor coping mechanisms (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI: 2.45-5.67). This study revealed a substantial prevalence of test anxiety among graduating students about the national exit exam. The findings suggest that factors such as limited social support and inadequate coping mechanisms contribute to test anxiety. Targeted interventions, including social support programs, counseling services, coping mechanism training, parental education, and support for students with lower academic performance, may be beneficial in mitigating test anxiety.

Psychological morbidity and quality of life of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is associated with psychological distress, poor coping, deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQL), and stigma. However, these issues have never received sufficient attention as a part of routine care. The healthcare workers and physicians of primary contact are not sensitized to use discrete screening questionnaires to identify and address these issues. A longitudinal study was hence conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry. 75 microbiologically confirmed 'new' pulmonary TB patients were enrolled. Socio-demographic and clinical details were noted. The patients were then evaluated for psychological distress using the General Health Questionnaire-12-Hindi version (GHQ-12) and Patient Distress Thermometer (PDT); coping strategies using the Coping Strategy Check List-Hindi Version (CSCL); HRQL using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief-Hindi version (WHOQOL-Bref), and stigma using the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue-affected persons Stigma Scale (EMIC-SS), at the start of treatment. Those having a GHQ-12 score ≥3 were labeled as 'screen positive' for psychological distress and referred to a consultant psychiatrist for detailed psychological assessment. Treatment was given by the psychiatrist if diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. All those without the diagnosis of a psychiatric illness were counseled by a pulmonologist. All patients were called for a follow-up visit and repeat assessments on the 15th day at the end of the intensive phase, using the same instruments employed at baseline. The patients already on treatment by the psychiatrist were again evaluated for their psychiatric illness. 32 (42.7%) patients had psychological distress (GHQ-12≥3) at baseline. 20 of them (26.7%) were diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. However, only 2 (2.7%) patients had psychological distress and psychiatric illness at follow-up (p<0.001). Mean scores of GHQ-12, PDT, CSCL, WHOQOL-Bref-26, and EMIC-SS at baseline were 3.000±1.9590, 2.333±1.2980, 3.480±2.2017, 311.63±30.201 and 5.267±1.8478, respectively. All the scores improved significantly at follow-up (p<0.001). The scores of the various instruments used in the study significantly correlated with each other. Comprehensive screening for psychological distress and assessment of HRQL should be part of routine TB care. The healthcare workers under the program should be sensitized to use the various screening tools on a day-to-day basis to identify patients who require expert psychiatrist care. The majority of the patients with distress, but without a psychiatric illness, can be handled well with dedicated counseling sessions by the healthcare workers themselves. The ancillary staff should be encouraged and trained to meet the demands in resource-constrained settings. A multidisciplinary approach, with close integration of TB programs with mental health services, is urgently required to eliminate TB.

Young adults’ perceptions of adverse childhood experiences as context and causes of mental health conditions: Observations from the United States

BackgroundThe relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health later in life has been well-established. However, first-person qualitative narratives describing how ACEs negatively impact mental health of young adults are rare. ObjectiveQualitative data explores how young adults with serious mental health conditions (SMHC) describe childhood adversities and relate those experiences to their mental health conditions. Participants and settingYoung adult participants (n = 55; ages 25–30) who self-reported being diagnosed with an SMHC were recruited from one state in United States. In-person interviews were conducted to gather narratives related to mental health, education, training, and employment. MethodsYoung adults with lived experience actively participated in the research process. Iterative coding and thematic analysis were employed to assess ACEs reported and analyze how participants described those experiences as influential. ResultsMost participants identified as White, non-Hispanic women. Major depression and anxiety disorders were the most prevalent diagnoses. Over 80% reported experiencing trauma, familial mental illness, or substance use challenges. Young adults connected their ACEs to fear and anxiety, emotional processing difficulties, poor coping behaviors, delayed help-seeking, and later negative interpersonal relationships. ConclusionsThis study is the first to qualitatively describe how young adults with SMHC describe ACEs and relate those experiences to their own mental health conditions. Future research should seek similar first-hand accounts in vulnerable populations and consider the unique impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings and future research can inform policy, practice, and mental health treatment for young adults who have experienced ACEs, especially in the post-pandemic era.

Drug-Related Violence, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Challenges in a Southeastern American Indian Tribe: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Background Drug-related violence [DRV] and substance abuse impact the mental health of economically challenged minority community members. DRV challenges to mental health promotion are exacerbated in American Indian [AI] communities. Purpose To investigate psycho-social and environmental factors influencing DRV, substance abuse, and mental health challenges within the Lumbee, a southeastern American Indian Tribe. Methods In-depth, one-on-one interviews with 37 Lumbee Tribal Members and Key Leaders were conducted. Results Findings align with existing research, revealing the influence of poor socioeconomic conditions, poor coping strategies, broken family structures, and failed federal policy. The substantial influence of local Christian churches on beliefs, attitudes, and practices of the Lumbee community vis-à-vis DRV and mental health was recognized. Discussion Findings indicated that social-environmental factors, seemingly independent of drug use/violence prevention and treatment, play important roles in the Lumbee community’s ability to recover from mental health consequences of DRV. Identifying barriers to, and facilitators of, prevention and treatment are critical to improving the welfare of tribal communities. Translation to Health Education Practice Major competencies associated with this research apply to Areas I & II, Assessment of Needs/Capacity and Planning. Identification of DRV and mental health education, prevention and treatment barriers are critical to quality-of-life improvement in tribal communities.

A latent profile analysis on adolescents' Non-Suicidal Self-Injury related to intrapersonal and interpersonal factors

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents continues to be a significant public health concern worldwide. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that the global prevalence of NSSI in adolescents aged 12–18 years was 17.2%, with higher rates reported among females (19.7%) than males (14.8%). This behavior has been linked to several negative outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. The present study aimed to classify adolescents based on intrapersonal and interpersonal factors associated with NSSI proposed in Nock’s (2009) integrated model of NSSI, to identify distinct clusters targeting specific risk factors. This encompassed negative cognition, emotional vulnerability, poor coping skill, peer-victimization, family adaptability, and perceived stress. A total of 881 adolescents aged 11–16 years in South Korea completed self-reported questionnaires on automatic thoughts, depression, emotional regulation, peer victimization, family adaptability and perceived stress. Latent profile analysis (LPA) revealed three distinct classes: “the severe group”, “the moderate group”, “the mild group”. Class 3 (“severe group”: N = 127) exhibited greater severity related to NSSI, including negative cognition, emotional vulnerability, poor coping skills, peer victimization, and perceived stress, with weaker levels of factors that can prevent NSSI compared to class 1 (“mild group”: N = 416) and class 2 (“moderated group”: N = 338). The present study emphasizes the importance of considering both intrapersonal (e.g., negative automatic thoughts & emotional dysregulation) and interpersonal factors (i.e., peer victimization) when understanding NSSI - among adolescents. These findings can be utilized to develop interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence and severity of NSSI among adolescents.

Depression and anxiety among K-12 teachers in the United States: A systematic review.

Teachers experience high levels of stress and burnout; however, it is less clear whether teachers also experience high levels of depression and anxiety. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the literature examining depression and anxiety among K-12 teachers in the United States, with a focus on (a) identifying factors that may be associated with and (b) describing interventions aimed at improving depression and/or anxiety among teachers. A literature search was conducted in January 2022 using APA PsycInfo, ERIC, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PubMed. Studies were eligible if they (a) measured U.S. K-12 teachers as an outcome; (b) measured teacher depression or anxiety; (c) were available in English; and (d) were published between 2000 and 2021. Two coders extracted key study information and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force checklist for clinical trials. This review included 19 studies (10 cross-sectional, four longitudinal, and five interventions). Studies indicated that teachers may experience greater levels of depression and anxiety than the general population. High perceived stress, poor coping skills, more student problem behaviors, and poor school climate were associated with greater depression and anxiety among teachers. Interventions achieved small to large reductions in depression and anxiety. This review suggests that several factors are related to depression and anxiety among teachers and is limited by the few studies that met the inclusion criteria. Interventions that use multilevel approaches to improve teacher mental health may be needed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

How to build resiliency in autistic individuals: an implication to advance mental health

IntroductionIndividuals on the autism spectrum (ASD) often experience poor mental health and coping strategies compared to their peers due to social exclusion and co-occurring conditions. Resiliency has been identified as a key factor in preventing adverse outcomes and promoting mental health. Therefore, it is important to determine what strategies can be used to build resiliency among autistic individuals. The current paper is one of the first studies that aims to collect information from autistic individuals and their caregivers on potential strategies to enhance resiliency.MethodsWe interviewed 18 participants from various provinces in Canada, comprising of 13 autistic individuals and 5 parents. We used thematic analysis to identify patterns in the data.ResultsThematic analysis revealed three themes to indicate strategies that could be used to enhance resiliency, including: (a) self-reliant strategies, (b) using community-based facilities, and (c) contextual and individual characteristics.ConclusionAlthough the body of literature on resiliency is evolving, this paper provides a unique perspective as it is one of the few studies that considers the experiences of individuals on the spectrum. In addition, this study focuses on identifying and describing specific strategies that can be used to enhance resiliency and mental health, which consequently can help address the existing gaps in knowledge and practice.

The Role of Psychological Factors in Noncardiac Chest Pain of Esophageal Origin.

Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) of esophageal origin is a challenging clinical problem of diverse etiology that affects more than 80 million Americans yearly. We assess the prevalence and impact of psychological disorders on NCCP of esophageal origin, describe possible mechanisms associated with this condition, and review psychological therapy options. Online search using PubMed and Medline from January 1, 1966, to April 30, 2023. Psychological disorders have been reported in up to 79% of patients with NCCP of esophageal origin. Several psychological disturbances have been identified with this condition, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive and somatoform disorders. It is unclear whether the psychological disorders trigger the chest pain or vice versa. Multiple psychological mechanisms have been linked to chest pain and may contribute to its pathogenesis and severity. These mechanisms include cardiophobia, poor coping strategies, negative social problem solving, stress and perceived control, hypervigilance to cardiopulmonary sensations, altered pain perception, and alexithymia. Psychological therapies for NCCP of esophageal origin include cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, physical and relaxation training, breathing retraining, and alternative medicine. Among the therapeutic options, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for NCCP of esophageal origin. This review raises awareness about the high prevalence of psychological disorders in NCCP of esophageal origin and highlights the need for clinical trials and trained therapists to address the management of this taxing clinical problem.

Determining the Burden of Dysmenorrhea on Women's Quality of Life: The Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference Scale

OBJECTIVE: Dysmenorrhea negatively impacts a woman's quality of life. The lack of proper awareness results in poor coping mechanisms in females. This study aims to determine the association of dysmenorrhea with quality of life using the Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference (DSI) Scale and the management choices of females. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted among females studying at various universities in Karachi from March 2023 to May 2023. The calculated sample size was 270. A non-probability, convenience sampling technique was applied. A web-based, structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS: 278 females completed the survey. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score (1–10) indicated the degree of dysmenorrhea. The majority of the females, 40.6% (n=113), had moderate dysmenorrhea. Quality of life was measured according to the DSI Score (maximum score=5). The mean DSI score recorded was 2.75. Most participants (27%; n=75) were found in the mood component of DSI. Most of the females used lifestyle modifications, followed by home remedies and medications. A significant positive correlation between the NRS score and the DSI score (p&lt;0.001) suggests that an increased degree of dysmenorrhea led to a significant decline in the quality of life. CONCLUSION: We conclude that dysmenorrhea is associated with a decreased quality of life and the DSI Scale is a valid tool for assessing its impact on quality of life. There is a general lack of knowledge about adequate pain management.

Coping strategies, challenges and potential interventions among adult patients with HIV and mental illness comorbidity in southwestern Uganda

ABSTRACT HIV and mental illness comorbidity presents significant healthcare challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare systems often address individual conditions rather than comorbidities. This results in poor coping, increased vulnerability and diminished health-related quality of life. This study investigated coping strategies, challenges and potential interventions for individuals with HIV-mental illness comorbidity in Southwestern Uganda. The study included purposively selected people with HIV and mental illnesses seeking care in health facilities across Southwestern Uganda. Data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and entered into ATLAS.ti-7 for analysis. Thematic analysis was employed, generating codes from the transcripts to develop themes. The data revealed three categories: coping strategies, challenges and potential interventions. Three key coping strategies emerged: conscious avoidance of emotional stressors, maintaining emotional stability through social interactions and reliance on prayer. Challenges included social isolation, financial crises, vulnerability to abuse and medication management issues. Respondents recommended scaling up mass educational programmes to increase awareness of causes, preventive measures and association between the two comorbidities, together with implementing financial aid initiatives as viable interventions. These findings highlight the importance of addressing comorbidities together for improved emotional stability and underscore the value of the proposed potential interventions for healthcare systems and policymakers.

The measured healthy lifestyle habits among Saudi university females in Medina, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Lifestyle plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's health outcomes, we aim to calculate the prevalence of lifestyle habits among female populations in the College of Medicine, Taibah University including poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity (PA), poor coping with stress, and impaired sleep patterns and to find factors that are correlated to them. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi females at the College of Medicine, Taibah University, from January 1 to June 1, 2023. Data were collected through interviewing them using validated questionnaires assessing 5 different lifestyle domains. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0. A total of 263 cases were interviewed. The mean age was 22 ± 8.4 years old. The average sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index of 2.6 ± 1.1, suggesting relative difficulty in sleep quality. A total of 68.6% participated in moderate PA. Dietary habits indicated a high prevalence of consumption of sweets, and fast meals, alongside low intake of fruits and vegetables. Emotional well-being, as assessed by the World Health Organization-5 questionnaire, yielded an average score of 7.8 ± 5.7, 58.9% moderate stress, and 8% high perceived stress. Adequate sleep quality is crucial for well-being, necessitating lifestyle modifications, particularly weight management, to address sleep disorders. Varied PA levels (46% meeting recommendations) highlight the need for standardized guidelines and tailored interventions. The high prevalence of unhealthy dietary habits underscores the importance of targeted nutritional interventions. Stress prevalence (40%) emphasizes the need for individualized stress management strategies.

A cross-sectional study on psychiatric comorbidity, coping strategies, and quality of life in women diagnosed with breast and cervical cancers attending a tertiary care center in South India

Background: Breast and cervical cancers pose significant health challenges for Indian women, impacting their psychological well-being and quality of life. Aim: To compare psychiatric morbidity, explore coping strategies, and evaluate quality of life among women with these cancers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study among women aged 18 years and above attending a tertiary care hospital Oncology unit diagnosed first time with breast or cervical cancer, providing informed consent, were recruited by purposive sampling between September 2019 and August 2020. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, sociodemographic and clinical details were collected. Participants were interviewed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) version 6, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Coping Checklist, and WHOQOL-BREF. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. A P value of &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Sixty-eight participants (34 in each group) were recruited from a tertiary care hospital’s Oncology unit between September 2019 and August 2020. Comorbid psychiatric illnesses were found in 41.2% of cervical and 32.4% of breast cancer participants. Major depressive disorder (20.6% cervical; 8.8% breast) and generalized anxiety disorder (8.8% each) were common. Emotion-focused coping was prevalent, while negative distraction was least used. Quality of life was lowest in social relationships, physical health, and psychological health domains, with no significant intergroup differences. Conclusion: The high prevalence of psychiatric morbidities, poor coping strategies, and impaired quality of life imply that healthcare providers need to be culturally sensitive and integrate mental health screening and support services into routine cancer care.

A Comparative Study to Assess the Occupational Stress, Coping Strategies and Quality of Life among Governoment and Private Intermediate College Lecturers working in selected colleges at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

The research is on comparative study of occupational stress, coping strategies and quality of life among teaching staff of Intermediate college lecturers working in Guntur. Concept of occupational stress has been of great debate among employers in different organizations and higher institutions since the last decades. Causal-comparative research design was adopted in the study and population comprised of lecturers in four Intermediate colleges in Guntur. the research hypotheses and questionnaires used as research instrument showed that there is significant difference between level of occupational stress to the coping strategies and quality of life among Private Intermediate colleges in Guntur. Percentage count table and Chi- square statistics was used to analyzed the questionnaire and hypotheses. Method: A Comparative study with Descriptive test design was used the simple random technique in which lottery method was used to select the samples for this study. Objectives: The design was adapted To assess, compare and to find the correlation of the level of occupational stress, coping strategies and quality of life among intermediate college lecturers working in the Government College and private college. Also to associate the occupational stress, coping strategies and quality of life with their selected demographic variable among them. Results: Mean, Standard deviation and Independent “t” test value of level of occupational stress, level of coping strategies and quality of life of intermediate college lecturers of government and private college lecturers In Government College the mean score in occupational stress was 33.02 with standard deviation of 14.39 where as in private college the mean score was 41 with standard deviation of 22.77. The calculated “t” test value was 2.094 which is statistically significant at the level of 0.05. In the level of coping strategies the mean score in Government College was 73.84 with standard deviation 11.2 and in private college the mean score was 80.1 with standard deviation of 12.9. The obtained independent “t” test value was 2.59 which is statistically significant the level of 0.05. The obtained mean score of quality of life in Government College was 15.3 with standard deviation 9.48 and in private college the mean score was 15.4 with standard deviation 12.8. The estimated independent “t” test value was 0.044 which is statistically not significant at 0.05 level. Conclusion: From the data of statistical findings, the occupational stress, poor coping strategies and low quality of life is effecting more in Private intermediate college lecturers than Government Intermediate college lecturers who were working in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Stress and exhaustion among medical students: a prospective longitudinal study on the impact of the assessment period on medical education

BackgroundStress significantly affects both the physical and emotional health of individuals, particularly students in health-related fields. Medical students in Brazil face unique challenges due to the demanding nature of their studies, especially during assessment periods, which heighten academic pressure. These pressures often lead to poor coping strategies and mental health concerns. It is crucial to understand the complex dynamics of stress within medical education to develop strategies that improve student well-being and promote a healthier academic environment. This study aims to investigate the intricate relationship between assessment periods and stress levels among medical students. It seeks to understand how academic demands and sociodemographic factors contribute to stress dynamics during these periods.MethodsAn online observational, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted from February to October 2022. Medical students were recruited through snowball sampling and participated in surveys administered via Google Forms at two timepoints: before (T1) and during (T2) assessment periods. The surveys collected sociodemographic data and stress symptoms using Lipp’s Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (LSSI).ResultsThe transition from T1 to T2 was defined by a rise in the prevalence of stress from 59.6 to 84.2% (p = 0.001) and a decline in symptom-free students from 40.4 to 15.8% (p = 0.001). There was a significant increase in exhaustion, from 12.3 to 31.6% (p = 0.0001). Higher stress levels were notably more prevalent among younger students (≤ 24 years), females, those from wealthier families, students without scholarships, those without prior degrees, and those in the clinical phase of their studies. However, non significant correlations were found between these sociodemographic and academic factors and the increase in stress.ConclusionThe findings highlight significant concerns regarding the mental health of medical students during assessment periods, marked by increased stress and exhaustion levels. These results emphasize the need for proactive interventions to manage stress effectively in medical education, considering its profound impact on students’ well-being.

Prediction Model for Delayed Behavior of Early Ambulation After Surgery for Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremity: A Prospective Case-Control Study

ObjectiveTo analyze influencing factors and establish a prediction model for delayed behavior of early ambulation after surgery for varicose veins of the lower extremity (VVLE). DesignA prospective case-control study. SettingPatients with VVLE were recruited from 2 local hospitals. ParticipantsIn total, 498 patients with VVLE were selected using convenience sampling and divided into a training set and a test set. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresWe collected information from the selected participants before surgery and followed up until the day after surgery, then divided them into a normal and delayed ambulation group. Propensity score matching was applied to all participants by type of surgery and anesthesia. All the characteristics in the 2 groups were compared using logistic regression, back propagation neural network (BPNN), and decision tree models. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) values of the 3 models were compared to determine the optimal model. ResultsA total of 406 participants were included after propensity score matching. The AUC values for the training sets of logistic regression, BPNN, and decision tree models were 0.850, 0.932, and 0.757, respectively. The AUC values for the test sets were 0.928, 0.984, and 0.776, respectively. A BPNN was the optimal model. Social Support Rating Scale score, preoperative 30-second sit-stand test score, Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP) grade, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire score, and whether you know the need for early ambulation, in descending order of the result of a BPNN model. A probability value greater than 0.56 indicated delayed behavior of early ambulation. ConclusionsClinicians should pay more attention to those with lower Social Support Rating Scale scores, poor lower limb strength, a higher CEAP grade, and poor medical coping ability, and make patients aware of the necessity and importance of early ambulation, thereby assisting decision-making regarding postoperative rehabilitation. Further research is needed to improve the method, add more variables, and transform the model into a scale to screen and intervene in the delayed behavior of early ambulation of VVLE in advance.