Prevalence Of Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Association between handgrip strength and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study from a single Chinese center

BackgroundThe relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and depression in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) was unknown. Therefore, we aimed to clarify this association in a cohort of patients.MethodsHGS was used as a representative indicator of muscle strength and was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A multivariable logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to assess the relationship between HGS and depression.ResultsThe prevalence of depression in our study was 34% in 568 Chinese patients undergoing HD. Compared with patients in the lowest tertiles of absolute and weighted HGS, patients in the highest tertiles of HGS had an approximately 59% lower [odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24–0.68; OR = 0.41, 95%CI = (0.24–0.69)] prevalence of depressive symptoms after multivariate adjustments. Besides, the risk of depression in hemodialysis patients decreased by 33% (OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.53–0.85) and 32% (OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.54–0.85) for each standard deviation increase in absolute HGS and weighted HGS, respectively. The prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased with both increasing absolute HGS and weighted HGS after multivariate adjustments (p for trend < 0.05). Furthermore, a linear dose-response relationship was observed between absolute HGS and weighted HGS and the prevalence of depressive symptoms (pnonlinearity>0.05).ConclusionsThis study suggests that lower handgrip strength, a simple and modifiable parameter, is associated with a higher prevalence of depression in Chinese patients undergoing HD. Considering that depression is often unrecognized or underdiagnosed in HD patients, lowered muscle strength should be an important indicator and incentive for medical staff to screen for depression.

Devastating Wildfires and Mental Health: Major Depressive Disorder Prevalence and Associated Factors among Residents in Alberta and Nova Scotia, Canada.

Background: Since March 2023, hundreds of fires have burned from coast to coast throughout the country, placing Canada on track to have the worst wildfire season ever recorded. From East to West, provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and British Columbia have been particularly affected by large and uncontrollable wildfires. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression symptoms and predictors among residents living in extreme climate conditions during the Canadian wildfires of 2023 in Alberta and Nova Scotia and to update the literature with data related to those wildfires. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted in this study. REDCap was used to administer an online survey between 14 May and 23 June 2023. Through the Text4Hope program, participants subscribe to receive supportive SMS messages daily. As part of the initial welcome message, participants were invited to complete an online questionnaire, containing demographic information, wildfire-related information, and responses to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression assessment. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were employed. Results: A total of 298 respondents completed the survey out of 1802 who self-subscribed to the Text4Hope program in Alberta and Nova Scotia and received a link to the online survey, producing a response rate of 16.54%. Most of the respondents were females (85.2%, 253), below 40 years of age (28.3%, 84), employed (63.6%, 189), and in a relationship (56.4%, 167). A historical depression diagnosis (OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.39-7.14) was a significant predictor of moderate to severe MDD in our study. The unemployed individuals were two times more likely to report moderate to severe symptoms of MDD than employed individuals (OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.06-5.67). Among the total sample population, the moderate to severe MDD prevalence was 50.4%, whereas it was 56.1% among those living in areas affected by wildfires. Conclusion: Based on our study findings, unemployment and a history of depression diagnosis were independently significant risk factors associated with the developing moderate to severe MDD symptoms during wildfire disasters. Further research is required to identify robust predictors of mental health disorders in disaster survivors and provide appropriate interventions to the most vulnerable communities and individuals.

Perspective View of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Pregnant Women: A Review

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in pregnant women tends to be most pronounced during the initial trimester and thereafter diminishes over the course of pregnancy, reaching its lowest point during the postpartum phase. This review examines the frequency, determinants, and physiological and psychological consequences of stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy. This highlights the need to understand mental health in expectant women and the unique characteristics of anxiety and depression, and also examines the interaction between hormonal, biological, psychological, and environmental components, as well as the potential influence of previous trauma on mental health during pregnancy and the physiological impact of stress on the mother’s body and the development of the fetus, emphasizing the possible outcomes for both the mother and the unborn child. The significance of the psychological consequences of anxiety and depression is underscored, emphasizing the imperative for timely identification and management. The review highlights the need to screen and evaluate stress, anxiety, and depression in expectant mothers, highlighting the necessity for a complete approach to maternal mental healthcare.

Prevalence and predictors of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a persistent inflammation of the sinuses. As a result of long-term discomfort, patients may experience symptoms of common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. This...

Trajectory of anxiety/depressive symptoms and sleep quality in individuals who had been hospitalized by COVID-19: The LONG-COVID-EXP multicenter study

ObjectiveTo apply Sankey plots and exponential bar plots for visualizing the evolution of anxiety/depressive symptoms and poor sleep in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. MethodsA sample of 1266 subjects who were hospitalized due to a SARS-CoV-2 from March–May 2020 were assessed at 8.4 (T1), 13.2 (T2) and 18.3 (T3) months after hospitalization. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to determine anxiety (HADS-A) and depressive (HADS-D) symptoms. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) evaluated sleep quality. Clinical features, onset symptoms and hospital data were collected from medical records. ResultsSankey plots revealed that the prevalence of anxiety symptomatology (HADS-A ≥ 8 points) was 22.5% (n = 285) at T1, 17.6% (n = 223) at T2, and 7.9% (n = 100) at T3, whereas the prevalence of depressive symptoms (HADS-D ≥ 8 points) was 14.6% (n = 185) at T1, 10.9% (n = 138) at T2, and 6.1% (n = 78) at T3. Finally, the prevalence of poor sleep (PSQI≥8 points) decreased from 32.8% (n = 415) at T1, to 28.8% (n = 365) at T2, and to 24.8% (n = 314) at T3. The recovery curves show a decrease trend visualizing that these symptoms recovered the following years after discharge. The regression models did not reveal medical records associated with anxiety/depressive symptoms or poor sleep. ConclusionThe use of Sankey plots shows a fluctuating evolution of anxiety/depressive symptoms and poor sleep during the first years after the infection. In addition, exponential bar plots revealed a decrease prevalence of these symptoms during the first years after hospital discharge. No risk factors were identified in this cohort.

Anxiety and Depression Among Patients Who Had Cardiac Intervention in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: This research examines the effects of depression and anxiety on patients' recovery and quality of life following cardiac intervention, highlighting the frequent occurrence of these psychological conditions after ICU stays and intensive rehab, emphasizing the need for addressing pain perception and providing patient education and counseling. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used, and the research was conducted in Saudi Arabia from April 2023 to September 2023. All participants were from Saudi Arabia and had cardiac intervention. Questionnaires collected data: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) questionnaire. Results: Among the 543 patients included who underwent cardiac intervention, 61.3% (n=333) were males, and 38.7% (n=210) were females. The most common types of intervention were percutaneous coronary intervention (30.8%, n=167) and coronary artery bypass grafting (26.7%, n=145). Notable comorbidities included arrhythmia (22.1%, n=120), diabetes (42.7%, n=232), high cholesterol (41.8%, n=227), hypertension (52.3%, n=284), a sedentary lifestyle (37.8%, n=205), and smoking (33.1%, n=180). Patients with depressive and anxiety symptoms were further categorized into different levels of severity based on their PHQ and GAD-7 scores, respectively. Conclusion: Our study indicated a high prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in this population. Factors such as comorbidities, demographics, and intervention characteristics were associated with the presence and severity of these symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological well-being and implementing targeted interventions to improve the mental health outcomes of cardiac intervention patients in Saudi Arabia

Association between the perceived value of adopting new behaviors and depressive symptoms among older adults.

Early preventive measures against depression have become important with unprecedented global aging. Increase in one's perceived value (PV) may correspond to better mental health outcomes. This cross-sectional observation study aimed to clarify whether the PV of adopting new behaviors is associated with depressive symptoms. The participants were 5266 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65years. We developed a questionnaire to measure the PV of adopting new behaviors, specifically activities beneficial for preventing depressive symptoms (physical, cognitive, and social activities) in older adults. The questionnaire asked whether adopting the ten selected behaviors was valuable. The scores were added, and the total score ranged from -20 to 20. The odds ratios (OR) of depressive symptoms were calculated using binomial logistic regression according to the PV score quartiles. Depressive symptoms were reported by 595 (11.3%) participants. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher quartiles of PV scores were significantly associated with lower prevalence of depressive symptoms: vs Q1; Q2 OR 0.76 (95% confidence interval: 0.59-0.97); Q3 0.67 (0.51-0.87); Q4 0.54 (0.40-0.73) (P for trend < .001). Having a higher PV of adopting new behaviors may prevent depressive symptoms among older adults. Healthcare professionals need to pay attention to poor value orientation among older adults.

Effect of weight on depression using multiple genetic instruments.

A striking global health development over the past few decades has been the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. At the same time, depression has become increasingly common in almost all high-income countries. We investigated whether body weight, measured by body mass index (BMI), has a causal effect on depression symptoms in Finland. Using data drawn from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (N = 1,523, mean age 41.9, SD 5), we used linear regression to establish the relationship between BMI and depression symptoms measured by 21-item Beck's Depression Inventory. To identify causal relationships, we used the Mendelian randomization (MR) method with weighted sums of genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) as instruments for BMI. We employ instruments (polygenic risk scores, PGSs) with varying number of SNPs that are associated with BMI to evaluate the sensitivity of our results to instrument strength. Based on linear regressions, higher BMI was associated with a higher prevalence of depression symptoms among females (b = 0.238, p = 0.000) and males (b = 0.117, p = 0.019). However, the MR results imply that the positive link applies only to females (b = 0.302, p = 0.007) but not to males (b = -0.070, p = 0.520). Poor instrument strength may explain why many previous studies that have utilized genetic instruments have been unable to identify a statistically significant link between BMI and depression-related traits. Although the number of genetic markers in the instrument had only a minor effect on the point estimates, the standard errors were much smaller when more powerful instruments were employed.

Reproductive late effects and testosterone replacement therapy in male childhood cancer survivors: A population-based study (the Fex-Can study).

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk of various endocrine late effects affecting their quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of endocrine and reproductive outcomes in young adult survivors. A secondary aim was to assess possible associations between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and other endocrine, cardiovascular and psychosocial late effects. This nationwide study comprised 1212 male childhood cancer survivors aged 19-40 years, identified through the National Quality Registry for Childhood Cancer in Sweden. Median age at diagnosis during 1981-2017 was 7 (range 0-17) and at study 29 (19-40) years. The study combined self-report survey data with cancer treatment data from the national registry. Hormone-induced puberty was self-reported by 3.8% of the survivors and ongoing TRT by 6.0%. In separate logistic regression analyses, these treatments were associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cranial radiotherapy. Hormone-induced puberty was additionally associated with younger age at diagnosis. Men with TRT had a higher prevalence of other endocrine deficiencies, cholesterol medication, depressive symptoms and fatigue as well as a lower probability of living with a partner, having a biological child or current occupation. In the total male cohort, 28.2% reported having a biological child. Reassuring reproductive outcomes after less intensive therapies and low frequency of TRT were observed in young adult male childhood cancer survivors treated in the most recent treatment era. However, men with TRT suffered from several other endocrine, cardiovascular and psychosocial late effects, indicating a need for long-term monitoring of this high-risk group.

Psychological Disorders and Coping among Undergraduate College Students: Advocating for Students' Counselling Services at Kuwait University.

Objectives: The objectives of the current study are twofold. First, it aimed to explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms (i.e., psychological disorders) among Kuwait University students. Second, it sought to identify and quantify the associated risk factors as well as the students' coping strategies utilized to address these psychological disorders. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study at Kuwait University and selected students using a multistage stratified cluster sampling design among the 15 faculties of Kuwait University. To serve the study purposes, two cross-cultural and validated instruments were used, including the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and the Brief-COPE scale. Descriptive statistics, as well as logistic regression analysis, were used to analyze the study findings. Results: A sample of 1142 students from various faculties participated in this study. We found that 681 (59.6%), 791 (69.3%) and 588 (51.5%) of the participants had depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, respectively. The highest coping strategies for stressors and challenges faced were moderate and high emotion-based coping strategies (n = 1063, 93.1%). Students from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences as well as students from the Faculty of Engineering had significantly higher stress levels compared with students from other faculties (p < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that family problems were consistently a significant predictor of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among Kuwait University students (p < 0.05). We further found that students who presented with stress and anxiety symptoms and those who practiced avoidant-focused coping strategies were substantially more likely to experience depression (ORs ≥ 2.7, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings inferred that the majority of Kuwait University students have a remarkably high prevalence of mental health problems, mainly anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms along with inconsistent coping strategies toward the faced challenges during their studies. Therefore, the most important recommendation of the current study is the establishment of counselling centers in all faculties at Kuwait University. In turn, doing so facilitates the integration of wellness programs and the provision of comprehensive educational seminars, specialized training sessions and self-management techniques for Kuwait University students, leading to desired academic outcomes.

Exploring the relationship of perinatal depression regarding body image dissatisfaction, intuitive eating, and gestational and social factors in high-risk pregnancy

To assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors (i.e.: intuitive eating, body image dissatisfaction, and gestational and sociodemographic factors) in high-risk pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 139 pregnant women, assisted by high-risk prenatal care in a university hospital in northeastern Brazil between January and May 2021. Self-report instruments were used to evaluate depressive symptoms, body image dissatisfaction, and intuitive eating (i.e.: Beck Depression Inventory, Body Shape Questionnaire, and Intuitive Eating Scale-2). Depressive symptoms were found in 33.09% of the sample, especially among women with lower education. Depressive symptoms, body image dissatisfaction, and intuitive eating were correlated (p&lt;0.001; depression and body image dissatisfaction r=0.53; depression and intuitive eating r=-0.32; body image dissatisfaction and intuitive eating r=-0.39). Women presenting more depressive symptoms made more choices based on emotional reasons and with less attention to body-food congruence. This study has unveiled a notable occurrence of depressive symptoms within the examined group of high-risk pregnant women, particularly among those with limited educational backgrounds. The findings also highlight that positive eating behaviors, such as intuitive eating, and body image satisfaction are less displayed when there are high levels of depressive symptoms. These results emphasize the critical necessity for understanding of depression correlations with behaviors capable of exerting an influence on, or exacerbating, clinical conditions among high-risk pregnant individuals remains imperative.

Patterns of unhealthy lifestyle and their associations with depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese young adults: A latent class analysis

BackgroundThere is little evidence on the association between patterns of unhealthy lifestyle and mental health among young adults. MethodThis study included a total of 28,978 young adults aged 18 to 44 years old in Guangdong province in south China, which was conducted from September to December in 2022. We used latent class analysis to classify the patterns of unhealthy lifestyle among young adults and used multiple logistic regression to explore their associations with depressive and anxiety symptoms. ResultThe weighted prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were 28.0 % and 19.5 %, respectively. The cumulative effect of unhealthy lifestyles on depressive and anxiety symptoms was significant. Five patterns of unhealthy lifestyle were classified. Compared to the relatively healthy lifestyle class, the class with more unhealthy lifestyles (OR = 6.54, 95 % CI: 5.70–7.51) and insufficient sleep (OR = 6.16, 95 % CI: 4.92–7.70) had higher risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Meaningfully, having adequate mental health literacy could reduce the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms from unhealthy lifestyle by half. LimitationsThe cross-section design study limited causal inferences, and the self-report information may lead to recall bias. ConclusionsUnhealthy lifestyles have a negative impact on depressive and anxiety symptoms through independent, cumulative and combined effects, and they could be interrelated. Unhealthy lifestyle patterns differed in younger population by socio-demographic characteristics and mental health literacy. Health-care professionals and policymakers may provide programs to intervene multiple unhealthy lifestyles and improve mental health literacy by integrating healthy lifestyle education to promote youngers' mental health.

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Patients With Cancer in Najran, Saudi Arabia.

Depression and anxiety are associated with poor health consequences in patients with cancer, and these mental health issues may affect cancer treatment. They are frequently triggered by stress, and cancer is among the most stressful conditions experienced by a person. Depression and anxiety are related to several sociodemographic variables in patients with cancer. However, only a few studies have examined the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with cancer in Saudi Arabia. To detect the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among patients with cancer at the Najran Oncology Center in Najran, Saudi Arabia, and determine the risk factors associated with these symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, on a convenience sample of patients diagnosed with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy at Najran Oncology Center, King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia, and who agreed to participate in the study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used. Data on the demographic characteristics of the patients were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Moreover, medical data were collected from the medical records of the patients. In total, 92 patients with various cancer diagnoses were recruited in this study. Among them, 51 and 41 were women and men, respectively. Moreover, 81 were married and 11 were either single, widow, or divorced. The mean age of the participants was 51.24 ± 15.15 years. The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety were 42.4% and 23.9%, respectively. There were significant associations between depression and marital status in patients with cancer-associated pain and those with a current history of chemotherapy. Furthermore, the association between anxiety and cancer-associated pain was significant. However, marital status was not associated with anxiety.Age, sex, family history of mental disorders, cancer duration, current cancer stage, and surgical interventions were not associated with the prevalence of depression and anxiety. Our findings underline the importance of identifying depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. Marital status, presence of pain, and current chemotherapy history were significantly associated with depression and pain with anxiety. Further studies with a higher number of patients with cancer should be conducted in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. Screening for depression and anxiety symptoms should be a part of the comprehensive evaluation of patients with cancer. Appropriate treatment interventions must be provided to patients with cancer who present with mental disorders.

Factors associated with mental health in medical students at UFAL/Arapiraca

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among medical students at the Federal University of Alagoas, Arapiraca campus. This was a cross-sectional study carried out between September and December 2022. The final sample consisted of 145 volunteers, 53.1% of whom were male. The results showed that 34.5% had depressive symptoms and 16.55% had suicidal ideation, with these conditions being associated with each other. In addition, students who declared themselves to be atheist/agnostic had more suicidal ideation compared to the others [p&lt;0.01]. These results indicate a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in the sample investigated, pointing to the need to develop public policies that ensure the mental and physical integrity of medical students.

Depressive symptoms and their correlates among predoctoral dental students in the United States.

To investigate the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms among predoctoral dental students in the United States and examine potential correlates. A survey was emailed to all 66 dental schools in the United States, inviting them to distribute it to their predoctoral students. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data collection occurred from February to April 2020. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations between demographic variables and depressive symptom severity category, adjusting for potential confounding. Of an estimated 25,000 predoctoral dental students at the 66 schools, 631 students from 21 schools completed the survey. A total of 24.1% were categorized as having minimal or no depressive symptoms, 33.6% as having mild depressive symptoms, and 42.3% as having moderate, moderately severe, or severe depressive symptoms. Gender (p=0.015) and race/ethnicity (p=0.002) were significant predictors of severity, adjusting for other variables. Students identifying as female had higher odds of self-reporting greater depressive severity symptoms compared with students identifying as male. Students identifying as African American/Black (non-Hispanic) and Asian/Pacific Islander had higher odds of self-reporting greater depressive severity symptoms compared with students identifying as White. There is evidence of a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among predoctoral dental students in the United States. Demographic variables may be risk indicators within this population. Approaches to reduce depressive symptoms among US predoctoral dental students are needed.

Associations between joint lifestyle behaviors and depression among children and adolescents: A large cross-sectional study in China

BackgroundLifestyles in children and adolescents are associated with mental health, yet the combined effects of diet-related joint lifestyles on depression are unclear. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2020 in primary and secondary schools in Shanghai, China, with 6478 participants in the analysis. Lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, sleep duration, screen time, and diet quality) and depressive symptoms were measured using validated questionnaires. A series of multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between lifestyle behaviors and their combinations and depression. ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms 12.2 % (n = 788). Compared to those considered physically active, physically inactive individuals showed higher odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.206). Similarly, insufficient sleep duration (aOR = 1.449), long screen time (aOR = 1.457) and poor diet quality (aOR = 1.892) were all associated with higher odds of depression. Compared to participants with behaviors meeting all guidelines, the odds of depression increased as the number of behaviors not meeting guidelines increased in a dose-response relationship, with an average increase in depression odds of 49 % on average for each additional unhealthy behavior. Moreover, different combinations of behaviors not meeting guidelines showed varied odds of depression. ConclusionsOur research suggests that lifestyle behaviors not meeting guidelines in children and adolescents are associated with poorer mental health, and the risk varies with the number and specific combination of behaviors not meeting guidelines. Diet-related joint behaviors may be overlooked, and practical measures targeting joint lifestyles are needed to prevent and alleviate mental health problems among children and adolescents.

Factorial validity and gender invariance of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in student-athletes

Background/purpose Depressive symptoms are prevalent in student-athletes. Evidence for the factorial validity of measures assessing depressive symptoms in student-athletes is presently absent from the literature. This study examined the best fitting factorial structure and invariance across sexes of the PHQ-9. Methods Data were collected from 1,524 student-athletes from institutions in the North-Eastern United States. Confirmatory factor analyses of 4 factorial structures of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were conducted, followed by invariance analyses across sexes. Results All tested models showed an excellent fit for all tested models and a unidimensional model of the PHQ-9 was chosen for further analyses. Metric and scalar invariance for the identified model across sexes was supported. The participants in this study reported an unusually low (3.13%) prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms, which may indicate underreporting of symptoms. Conclusion Using a unidimensional, composite score via the PHQ-9 is a valid assessment of depressive symptoms in male and female student-athletes.

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, along with their associated factors, among Eritrean refugees in Dabat town, northwest Ethiopia, 2023

BackgroundRefugee populations are forcibly displaced from their homes as a consequence of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Eritreans, initially displaced to the Maiayni camp within the Tigray region, have faced further relocation to Dabat town due to the conflict between the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopian government forces. Subsequently, another conflict has arisen between the Amhara Popular Force (Fano) and Ethiopian government forces in Dabat town, disrupting its stability. These collective challenges in the new environment may contribute to the development of symptoms such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Currently, there is a lack of available data on these symptoms and their associated variables in Dabat Town. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, along with associated factors, among Eritrean refugees in Dabat town, northwest Ethiopia. This will provide significant evidence for developing and implementing mental health intervention strategies that specifically address the particular difficulties faced by refugees.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from July 25 to September 30, 2023, in the Eritrean refugee camp in Dabat town. A systematic random sampling method was employed to select a total of 399 Eritrean refugees with 100 response rate. Data were collected using the standard validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire, which included socio-demographic characteristics. Summary statistics such as frequency and proportion were utilized to present the data in tables and figures. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors, and variables with a p-value (p ≤ 0.05) were considered statistically significant factors.ResultThe findings of this study indicated that 45% (95% CI: 35.6-48.23), 33.6% (95% CI: 31.66–37.45), and 37.3% (95% CI: 35.56–40.34) of the participants had symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, respectively. Sex, age, employment status, lack of food or water, experience of torture or beating, and imprisonment emerged as statistically significant predictors of depression. Employment status, murder of family or friends, rape or sexual abuse, torture or beating, and lack of housing or shelter were statistically significantly associated with anxiety. PTSD was found to be significantly associated with sex, length of stay at the refugee camp, lack of housing, shelter, food, or water, experience of rape or sexual abuse, abduction, employment status, and murder of family or friends.Conclusions and recommendationThe results of this study revealed that more than one-third of Eritreans living in the refugee camp in Dabat town had symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This prevalence is higher than the previously reported studies. Various factors, including age, gender, monthly income, unemployment, experiences of rape or sexual abuse, witnessing the murder of family or friends, being torched or beaten, imprisonment, and deprivation of basic needs such as food, shelter, and water, were identified as contributors to the development of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This research underscores the need for both governmental and non-governmental organizations to secure the provision of essential necessities such as food, clean water, shelter, clothing, and education. This study also suggested that Eritrean refugees be legally protected from rape, sexual abuse, arson, detention without cause, and kidnapping. Moreover, the study calls for health service providers to develop a mental health intervention plan and implement strategies to deliver mental health services at healthcare facilities for Eritrean refugees in the Dabat town Eritrean refugee camp.

(349) Shining a Light on Women's Sexual Health: Insights from Patients Presenting with Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract Introduction Sexual health is an essential component of overall health and wellbeing, and its importance in women's lives has often been neglected in clinical practice due to cultural, social, and educational barriers. Fortunately, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness and emphasis on women's sexual health, with increasing research attention dedicated to addressing this issue. Objective In this context, this study aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on women's sexual health by examining the characteristics of women who present for treatment of sexual dysfunction. Methods Women who presented with sexual dysfunction to our clinic from July 2022 to June 2023 were enrolled in this study and administered the PHQ-9 and FSFI surveys. In addition, hormone levels, demographic data, and pertinent medical history were collected at this time. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with presentation for treatment. Results A total of 26 women with a mean age of 52 (SD=2.4) participated in this study. 10 (38.5%) women presented with low estradiol levels, and 4 (15.4%) women with low testosterone, although mean levels thereof were 53.7 (SD=18.9) and 72 (SD=16.8), respectively. Most women (15, 57.7%) reported mild to moderate depressive symptoms on PHQ-9 with a mean score of 7.53 (SD=1.08), but only 2 reported a formal diagnosis of depression. Somewhat expectedly, 24 (92.3%) women report an FSFI score less than 26 (mean=17.9, SD=1.63), corroborating their subjective experience. Additionally, logistic regression demonstrates that depressive symptoms have a strong relationship (R=0.63) with increased pain during intercourse (p=0.014) and decreased sexual satisfaction (p=0.002). Conclusions These results provide valuable insights into the characteristics of women who present for treatment of sexual dysfunction. The findings suggest that low hormone levels, particularly estradiol, may be a contributing factor to sexual dysfunction in some women. The high prevalence of depressive symptoms reported in our study highlights the need for clinicians to recognize and address the mental health concerns of these patients as well. It also underscores the importance of comprehensive sexual health assessments, including hormone level evaluations and mental health screenings, in the management thereof, though our findings are limited by a small sample size and lack of follow up and further studies are still needed. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: AbbVie, Marius, Tolmar, Endo, Petros, Boston Scientific, Coloplast.

Prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Depressive Symptoms (DS) are a serious condition that negatively impacts the features of being and survival rates of people with advanced Breast Cancer (BC). Among the most common types of cancer that affect women globally is BC. Despite substantial improvements in identification and treatment, BCS often deals with various medical, psychological, and emotional difficulties. The overall health and quality of life of Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) are negatively impacted by DS, becoming a serious issue. To ascertain the Prevalence and Predictors (PAP) of DS among BCS and identify relevant variables related to the development, this study intended to present a Systematic Review (SR) and Meta-Analysis (MA). To find research from January 2005, a thorough systematic search of Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar (GS), Pub Med, Web of Science (WS), American Doctoral Dissertations (ADD), and Open Grey Databases (OGD) was carried out. These 1220 participants were evaluated in 10 qualifying trials for depressive symptoms; 460 patients satisfied the requirements. The PMP of depression was 37%, as per the random-effects model. DS was more common in patients with metastatic stage than recurrent BCP. The developed BCP includes a sizeable PAP of DS. As BCPs begin getting treatment from their initial diagnosis and receive continuing assistance and counseling to meet their Mental Health (MH) needs, it is crucial to build psychological preventative measures to minimize the PAP of depression.