Prevalent Stressor Research Articles

Study of Clinical Profile and Short-term Outcome of Dissociative Disorder in Children and Adolescents—An Observational Study

Introduction: Dissociative disorder is a common and distressing condition seen in children and adolescents, especially in the Indian population. It is associated with impairment in routine functioning, school absenteeism, and a significant distress and economic burden on the caregivers. There is scarcity of outcome studies in the Indian population. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical profile of children and adolescents with dissociative disorder and find the outcome with treatment as usual at the end of one month. Methods: This was an observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital over a period of one year. Fifty-one children and adolescents with mean age 14.2 years (± 2.050) with dissociative disorder (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision [ICD-10]) were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical details were assessed using semi-structured proforma and Children Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) were used to assess baseline functioning. After one month of treatment, as usual, outcome was assessed either face-to-face or through telecommunication using CGAS, CGI-S scales. Results: Dissociative stupor (37.3%) was the most common type of presentation followed by dissociative convulsions (21.6%). Most prevalent stressor was familial (39.2%) and parenting style was authoritative (19.6%). Slow-to-warm-up temperament was most frequent (39.2%) in study subjects. At the end of one month of treatment as usual on CGAS, the percentage of subjects with obvious or serious problems reduced to 7.9 from 35.3% which was statistically significant ( P <.05). On CGI-S 56.8% of the participants significantly improved on follow-up ( P < .05). On CGI-I, 51% had much improvement, 19.1% showed very much improvement from baseline, whereas, 31.4% had minimal improvement. Conclusion: Dissociative disorders are common in adolescent age and most commonly associated with familial stressors and authoritative parenting in our study. We found a significant number improved at the end of one month with treatment as usual indicating good short-term outcomes.

A Review of Psychological and Moral Challenges Faced by Medical Staff in High-Stress Environments

Healthcare professionals often operate in high-stress environments that expose them to significant psychological and moral challenges. This review examines the prevalent stressors impacting medical staff, including burnout, anxiety, depression, and moral distress, as well as the coping mechanisms and institutional supports that mitigate these pressures. In exploring psychological factors, such as emotional exhaustion, and moral challenges, like ethical dilemmas and moral injury, this article highlights the compounded toll on staff well-being and patient care quality. Evidence suggests that these pressures negatively impact healthcare outcomes, leading to increased errors, higher turnover rates, and diminished staff retention. The review further discusses strategies to support healthcare workers, including peer support, institutional programs, ethics training, and resilience-building initiatives, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to foster a sustainable, compassionate healthcare environment. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring high-quality patient care and a resilient healthcare workforce.

Transactional experiences of discrimination, depressive symptoms, and ethnoracial socialization in Mexican-origin families.

Racial-ethnic discrimination is a prevalent stressor for Mexican-origin individuals that potentiates health inequities in depressive symptoms. However, existing research has primarily focused on individual-level associations between discrimination and depressive symptoms, neglecting the interdependent nature within family systems. Little is known about how one family member's discriminatory experiences relate to the depressive symptoms of others. Although ethnoracial socialization may disrupt the link from discrimination to depressive symptoms, how different ethnoracial socialization practices operate and influence parents themselves have not been examined. This study examines the associations among discriminatory experiences, depressive symptoms, and ethnoracial socialization among 604 Mexican-origin adolescents and their parents from low-income families. The findings revealed intraindividual and interindividual discrimination-depressive symptoms associations. Parental ethnoracial socialization's role in the link varied over time, individuals, and practices. Mental health research and services should consider shared and nonshared experiences among family members and adopt personalized approaches to support different family members. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

INVESTIGATION OF DIFFERENT STRESSORS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS DURING CLINICAL TRAINING IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS PESHAWAR

Background: Clinical training is a critical component of education for health sciences students, often accompanied by various stressors that significantly affect their academic and clinical performance. Understanding these stressors is crucial for improving student outcomes and well-being. Objective: This study aims to identify the diverse stressors encountered by students in clinical training and evaluate their impact on both academic and clinical performance. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires to collect data from clinical training students. The data was analysed using SPSS software to identify prevalent stressors and assess their correlation with students' performance metrics. Results: The analysis revealed that students are primarily impacted by role conflicts and discourteous staff behaviour, leading to decreased academic and clinical performance. A significant percentage of students reported high levels of both physical (62%) and emotional exhaustion (59%). Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in Allied Health Sciences programs to address stressors and enhance student performance. Implementing strategies to reduce these stress factors and increase resilience could substantially improve educational and clinical experiences for students.

Future impacts of reduced freshwater inflow and sea level rise on forage fish and their predators in Apalachicola Bay, Florida

Estuarine ecosystems often support large populations of forage fish, but these small-medium sized fish and the predators they feed may be affected by multiple climate change and human-induced stressors. In the Apalachicola Bay estuary, Florida, USA, reduced freshwater inflow and sea level rise are two prevalent stressors, and little is known about how these environmental changes might impact the forage fish species who inhabit the estuary. This study uses a food web model for Apalachicola Bay to simulate the impacts of future changes in water temperature and salinity on forage fish and predator species who inhabit the estuary. Water temperature and salinity conditions were based on previously developed simulations of reduced freshwater inflow and sea level rise in Apalachicola Bay from 2020 to 2049. These simulated environmental changes were applied as forcing functions in the food web model to drive shifts in species biomasses over time. This study centered on changes in biomass for two highly abundant forage fish species, juvenile silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura) and juvenile pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), as well as their major predators, spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) and inshore lizardfish (Synodus foetens). These changes were assessed at both 10- and 30-year time intervals relative to 2019, along with an examination of forage fish consumption by their predators. Juvenile silver perch biomass increased across all scenarios and time scales, while juvenile pinfish biomass decreased. Consumption of juvenile silver perch by spotted seatrout increased across all scenarios and time scales, and consumption of juvenile pinfish by inshore lizardfish decreased, in concordance with the trends in prey biomass. Both spotted seatrout and inshore lizardfish biomasses decreased across future scenarios, though the high biomass of juvenile silver perch may have played a role in stabilizing the decline of spotted seatrout. Changes in forage fish biomasses and their impacts on predator species as a result of reduced freshwater inflow and sea level rise have implications for ecosystem productivity and the fisheries of the region.

Denial for Advanced Heart Failure Therapies Due to Psychosocial Stressors: Who Comes Back?

BackgroundPsychosocial evaluations to assess candidacy for advanced heart failure therapies are not standardized across institutions, potentially contributing to disparities in approval for advanced therapies. Remediation rates of psychosocial stressors among patients with advanced HF and reconsideration for advanced therapies have not been well-described. Methods and ResultsWe performed a retrospective, single-center study of 647 adults evaluated for heart transplant and ventricular assist device implantation between 2014 and 2020, of whom 89 (14%) were denied for psychosocial stressors, including caregiver, substance use, housing, financial, or mental health concerns. Later reevaluation occurred in 32 patients (36%), of whom 23 were then approved. Patients initially declined were mostly male (76%), White (74%), and urban (79%). Reevaluation occurred in more women than men (43% vs 34%), Black patients than White (43% vs 37%), and urban patients than rural (39% vs 28%). Patients had fewer psychosocial stressors at reevaluation (median 0.5) than at initial denial (median 2.0). Caregiver and substance use concerns were the most prevalent stressors in patients never returning for or subsequently denied at reevaluation. ConclusionsCaregiver and substance use concerns were common in patients denied for psychosocial reasons. Future efforts should focus on early screening for these stressors and the implementation of a systematic reevaluation process.

Perceived Stressors and Coping Mechanisms of Selected First-Year Psychology Students Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Method

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant and diverse stressors on first-year psychology students in the Philippines. This research explored into various coping mechanisms employed by these students to navigate the stressors. Employing a descriptive-evaluative design, the study aimed to comprehend the stressors experienced by the students and utilized a phenomenological approach to explore their coping mechanisms. Upon analyzing the data, the researchers categorized the stressors and coping mechanisms according to their prevalence. The most prevalent stressor identified was the Psychosocial Environment, encompassing issues such as School-Related problems, Family-Related problems, and financial difficulties. Leisure activities emerged as the most frequently adopted coping mechanism. Chronic and Acute Burdens, Biological Environment, and Psychosocial Environment were all identified as significant stressors perceived by the respondents. However, the Psychosocial Environment stood out as the primary stressor among the three, supported by both quantitative findings and qualitative analysis, which highlighted School-Related problems as the foremost perceived stressor by students. Conversely, the results indicated that leisure activities were the coping mechanism most commonly utilized by respondents, garnering 28.9% of the responses. This underscores the importance for schools to consider the volume of extracurricular activities they mandate and for family members to regularly check in on their children. Lastly, the study recommends conducting in-person interviews and expanding the sample population to obtain more comprehensive insights.

Intimate partner violence, depression, and chronic low-grade inflammation among middle-aged women in Cebu, Philippines.

Recent discussions in human biology have highlighted how local ecological contexts shape the relationship between social stressors and health across populations. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been proposed as a pathway linking social stressors to health, with evidence concentrated in high-income Western contexts. However, it remains unclear whether this is an important pathway in populations where prevalence is lower due to lower adiposity and greater infectious exposures. To investigate this further, we tested associations between multiple types of intimate partner violence (IPV), a highly prevalent stressor and health crisis globally, and C-reactive protein (CRP), a commonly used measure of chronic low-grade inflammation, in Cebu, Philippines. For reference, we compared results for CRP to depression, a well-established and consistently observed health outcome of IPV. Data came from 1601 currently partnered women (ages 35-69 years) as part of the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. IPV exposures included physical, emotional, and controlling behavior. Depression scores were measured using a modified version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale for this population, whereas plasma CRP was measured from overnight-fasted morning blood samples. All three types of IPV were associated with a higher depression score. However, none of the IPV measures were associated with CRP. In a post hoc interaction test, emotional IPV became positively associated with CRP as waist circumference increased above the mean. Our results suggest a complex relationship between social stressors and chronic low-grade inflammation, which is likely dependent on the population-specific context of lifestyle and environmental factors.

Navigating Work-Related Stress: Strategies for IT Professionals in the Tech Industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of the technology industry, work-related stress has become an omnipresent challenge for IT professionals. This study aims to empower individuals in the tech sector by providing a comprehensive guide on navigating work-related stress through effective strategies. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of stressors in the tech industry, this research defines clear objectives, including the identification of prevalent stressors, evaluation of coping mechanisms, and the examination of their impact on job satisfaction and mental well-being. Drawing from a thorough review of existing literature, this study leverages the collective wisdom of past research to inform the strategies outlined. The research employs rigorous participant selection techniques to ensure diverse representation across job roles, experience levels, and organizational contexts within the tech sector. Data collection adopts a mixed-method approach, encompassing surveys, interviews, and observational techniques. Ethical considerations are paramount, with strict adherence to informed consent and participant confidentiality. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods are integrated to provide both statistical insights and a profound understanding of the nuanced experiences and perceptions of IT professionals. Comparative analyses are employed to uncover patterns and distinctions across various subgroups within the tech industry. Furthermore, the study suggests a proactive approach to stress management, emphasizing the importance of continuous self-assessment and the utilization of effective stress-coping strategies. It provides recommendations for individuals and organizations to foster a healthier work environment and promote employee well-being. With a longitudinal perspective, the research examines how stress and coping strategies evolve over time in response to industry changes and shifts in work practices. By shedding light on these dynamics, the study equips IT professionals with tools to thrive in the tech industry while managing the challenges of work-related stress effectively. In conclusion, this study serves as a valuable resource for IT professionals, tech organizations, and policymakers alike, offering actionable strategies and insights to alleviate work-related stress and enhance the overall quality of work life in the fast-paced world of technology.

Examining technology use and mental health among parents with newborns in the intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between pandemic-related stressors, mental health, and technology use among parents of hospitalized infants during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 47 participants who had an infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the pandemic was completed. Participants ranked several statements on a Likert scale to assess mental health, technology use, and COVID-19-related stress during their infant's stay in the NICU. ResultsMental health wellness scores were negatively associated with COVID-19-related stress (rs − 0.40, p = .015). The most prevalent stressor was hospital visitation restriction. Higher COVID-19-related stress was associated with greater use of text and video chat [(rs0.35, p = 0.016) and (rs0.33, p = .025)]. Enjoyment of technology use and access to technology were positively associated with higher mental health wellness scores [(rs0.42, p = .003) and (rs0.38, p = .009)]. ConclusionsSocial uses of technology were valuable in a cohort of parents with infants hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic. InnovationTechnology is a tool that can help parents cope with the stress of having a hospitalized infant. Digital literacy and technology access should be promoted in the post-pandemic landscape to help parents of infants in the NICU attain more benefit from these resources.

Linking Thermal Indices, Productivity, Phenotypic Traits, and Stressors for Assessing the Health of Centennial Traditional Olive Trees

Centennial olive trees, integral components of traditional Mediterranean agroecosystems, hold immense value as repositories of biodiversity and cultural heritage due to their physiological attributes and life history, making them crucial for the conservation of High Nature Value ancient olive orchards. However, they are increasingly confronted with physiological challenges exacerbated by various biotic and abiotic stressors jeopardizing their health and productivity, underscoring the urgency for ongoing monitoring and conservation measures to secure their long-term existence. To monitor these challenges, in recent years, the adoption of non-invasive techniques like infrared thermography (IRT) has become prevalent. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the health state of traditional centennial olive trees, with a particular focus on their productivity. To achieve this, we monitored 44 centennial olive trees from a traditional olive grove on the island of Naxos, Greece, a representative location for Mediterranean olive groves, during the period from 2017 to 2020. We established connections between a set of trunk and canopy thermal and humidity indices, phenotypic traits, and the two most prevalent stressors affecting olive trees not only within the context of the island but also more broadly in similar Mediterranean environments worldwide: the olive leaf spot disease (OLS) and crop water stress, assessed through the crop water stress index (CWSI). To evaluate their interrelationships, we initially assessed intraspecific thermal and humidity pattern variations, and we developed linear and logistic regression models to gain insights into the factors influencing olive tree productivity, water stress, and the OLS presence. Results indicated that combining thermal and humidity indices can substantially explain olive tree productivity, water stress, and OLS, providing a valuable tool for assessing and monitoring the health and overall state of centennial olive trees, while offering a comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interactions shaping traditional olive grove dynamics. By identifying key indicators such as tree thermal patterns and water stress levels, olive growers and conservationists can make informed decisions to enhance the vitality and longevity of these culturally and ecologically significant trees.

Work burnout and organisational commitment of medical professionals

While psychological, emotional, and physical exhaustion has contributed to unproductivity across various dimensions of work life, how work burnout has shaped the organisational commitment of medical professionals who are at the forefront of health and well-being remains underexplored and less understood. This study offers new and insightful perspectives on work burnout and variations in the commitment of medical professionals in Ogun State, Nigeria. This study evaluated the correlation and relative effect between work burnout, family commitment, and organisational commitment and optimal productivity using the product moment correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) estimation procedures. Items in the questionnaire were developed in line with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, organisational commitment questionnaire, family commitment inventory questionnaire, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment, Employment Absence and Productivity Scale, and employee performance questionnaire. Findings revealed that handling multiple tasks simultaneously, shortage of staff, inadequate facilities or equipment, poor appraisal, lack of recognition and autonomy, and work overload are the most prevalent stressors to medical professionals (medical laboratory scientists, nurses, pharmacists, and technicians). The result further revealed that the effects include fatigue, frequent headache, sleeplessness and the lingering cold, low motivation, anxiety, and decreased output, among other symptoms. This study suggests that work burnout and work–family conflict are positively associated with high productivity at work and increased organisational commitment. The gender dimensions of the result revealed that females experience more work burnout and work–family conflict than males. Thus, policies and management practices should be implemented to mitigate their effects in the health sector for efficient patient care.

Association between academic pressure, NR3C1 gene methylation, and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents: a nested case-control study

BackgroundAcademic pressure is a prevalent stressor among Chinese adolescents and is often linked to anxiety symptoms, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between NR3C1 gene methylation, academic pressure, and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents.MethodsThis nested-case control study included 150 adolescents (boys: 38.7%; baseline age: 12–17 years) from a school-based longitudinal study of Chinese adolescents. Cases (n = 50) were defined as those with anxiety symptoms at both baseline and follow-up, while controls (n = 100) were randomly selected from those without anxiety symptoms at both timepoints. The cases and controls were 1:2 matched by age. Academic pressure, anxiety symptoms, and potential covariates were measured using a self-report questionnaire. Peripheral whole blood samples were collected from each participant for the detection of cortisol level (i.e., morning serum cortisol level) and DNA methylation. The methylation analysis included a total of 27 CpG units at the NR3C1 promoter region.ResultsThe final adjusted models showed that students with heavy academic pressure at baseline were at a higher risk of anxiety symptoms at follow-up compared to those with mild academic pressure (β estimate: 6.24 [95% CI: 3.48 ~ 9.01]). After adjusting for covariates, the methylation level of one CpG unit (NR3C1-16 CpG10) in NR3C1 differed significantly between cases and controls (F = 6.188, P = 0.014), and the difference remained significant after correction for multiple testing (P < 0.025). The adjusted regression models showed that moderate (β estimate = 0.010 [95% CI: 0.000 ~ 0.020], P = 0.046) and heavy (β estimate = 0.011 [95% CI: 0.001 ~ 0.020], P = 0.030) academic pressure were significantly associated with the methylation level of NR3C1-16 CpG 10. Further mediation analysis demonstrated that the association of academic pressure and anxiety symptoms was significantly mediated by the methylation of NR3C1-16 CpG 10 (β estimate for indirect effect = 0.11 [95% CI: 0.005 ~ 0.32]; indirect/total effect = 8.3%).ConclusionThe present study suggests that NR3C1-16 CpG 10 DNA methylation might be a potential mechanism that partially explains the lasting effects of academic pressure on subsequent anxiety symptoms among adolescents. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to replicate this finding.

Stress, coping, and quality of life in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While research has widely explored stress, coping, and quality of life (QOL) individually and the potential links between them, a critical dearth exists in the literature regarding these constructs in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aims to identify the salient stressors experienced, describe the coping strategies used, and examine the relationships between stressors, coping, and QOL among individuals during the pandemic. Data are from a sample of 1,004 respondents who completed an online survey. Key measures included stressful life events (SLEs), coping strategies, and the physical and psychological health domains of QOL. Staged multivariate linear regression analyses examined the relationships between SLEs and the two QOL domains, controlling for sociodemographic and pre-existing health conditions and testing for the effects of coping strategies on these relationships. The most common SLEs experienced during the pandemic were a decrease in financial status, personal injury or illness, and change in living conditions. Problem-focused coping (β = 0.42, σ = 0.13, p < 0.001 for physical QOL; β = 0.57, σ = 0.12, p < 0.001 for psychological QOL) and emotion-focused coping (β = 0.86, σ = 0.13, p < 0.001 for psychological QOL) were significantly related to higher levels of QOL, whereas avoidant coping (β = -0.93, σ = 0.13, p < 0.001 for physical QOL; β = -1.33, σ = 0.12, p < 0.001 for psychological QOL) was associated with lower QOL. Avoidant coping partially mediated the relationships between experiencing SLEs and lower physical and psychological QOL. Our study informs clinical interventions to help individuals adopt healthy behaviors to effectively manage stressors, especially large-scale, stressful events like the pandemic. Our findings also call for public health and clinical interventions to address the long-term impacts of the most prevalent stressors experienced during the pandemic among vulnerable groups.

Stressful Life Events in Children Aged 3 to 15 Years During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Latent Class Analysis

Although several studies have reported an increase in psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of stressful life events on Spanish children and adolescents using a person-oriented statistical approach and the relationships between the profiles and emotional and behavioral symptoms have not yet been examined. The present study aims to identify profiles of Spanish children and adolescents, considering life-threatening stressful events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 252 parents of children aged 3 to 15 years old who completed an online structured questionnaire that collected information about stressful life events related to the pandemic and its impact on their children's welfare. Through Latent Class Analysis (LCA), four profiles of children and adolescents were found according to the stressful events experienced: "COVID infection, social confinement", "economic loss", "reduced social contact" and "parental stress", with no significant age or gender differences. Reduction in social contact was the most prevalent stressor. Comparisons of psychological symptoms across latent classes were analyzed. The findings increase our understanding of how stressful life events during the COVID-19 situation impacted young people's psychological welfare and highlight the need to promote strategies to prevent emotional problems during a pandemic considering the identified profiles.

Early risk factors for joint trajectories of bullying victimisation and perpetration

Bullying victimisation is a prevalent stressor associated with serious health problems. To inform intervention strategies, it is important to understand children’s patterns of involvement in bullying victimisation and perpetration across development, and identify early risk factors for these developmental trajectories. We analysed data from the Millennium Cohort Study (N = 14,525; 48.6% female, 82.6% White), a representative birth cohort of British children born in 2000–2002 across the UK. Bullying victimisation and perpetration were assessed via child, mother, and teacher reports at ages 5, 7, 11, and 14 years. Early risk factors (child emotional, cognitive, and physical vulnerabilities, and adverse family environments) were assessed at ages 9 months, 3, and 5 years. Using k-means for longitudinal data, we identified five joint trajectories of victimisation and perpetration across ages 5, 7, 11, and 14: uninvolved children (59.78%), early child victims (9.96%), early adolescent victims (15.07%), early child bullies (8.01%), and bully- victims (7.19%). Individual vulnerabilities (e.g., emotional dysregulation, cognitive difficulties) and adverse family environments (maternal psychopathology, low income) in pre-school years independently forecast multiple trajectories of bullying involvement. Compared to victims, bully-victims were more likely to be male, have cognitive difficulties, and experience harsh discipline and low income. Interventions addressing these risk factors (e.g., via accessible mental health care, stigma-based interventions, or programs to support low-income families) may help to prevent bullying involvement and its associated sequelae.

The Association Between Possible Stressors and Mood Outcomes in Older Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities.

IntroductionResilience incorporates the presence of a positive response to some type of stressor. To properly explore resilience, it is important to systematically identify relevant stressors. We aimed to identify (combinations of) stressors with the strongest relationship with observer-reported and self-reported mood outcomes in older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in The Netherlands.Materials and MethodsWe included 4,499 older (≥60) residents of 40 LTCFs who participated in the Dutch InterRAI-LTCF cohort between 2005 and 2018. The association of possible stressors (single stressors, number of stressors, and combinations of two stressors) in this population with observer-reported (Depression Rating Scale) and self-reported mood outcomes was analyzed using multilevel tobit models and logistic regressions.ResultsMajor life stressor [“experiences that (threatened to) disrupt(ed) a person's daily routine and imposed some degree of readjustment”] and conflict with other care recipients and/or staff were most strongly associated with both mood outcomes. Furthermore, conflict was a particularly prevalent stressor (24%). Falls, fractures, and hospital visits were more weakly or not associated at all. Overall, the associations were similar for the mood outcomes based on observer-report and self-report, although there were some differences. Multiple stressors were more strongly associated with both mood outcomes than one stressor.ConclusionMajor life stressor and conflict emerged as important stressors for resilience research within the psychological domain in LTCF residents. Further (longitudinal) research is necessary to determine the directionality and relevance of the strong association of conflict with mood for LTCF practice.

The impact of COVID-19 stressors on psychological distress and suicidality in a nationwide community survey in Taiwan

COVID-19 stressors and psychological stress response are important correlates of suicide risks under the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19 stress, its impact on mental health and associated risk factors among the general population during the outbreak of COVID-19 in July 2020 throughout Taiwan. A nationwide population-based survey was conducted using a computer-assisted telephone interview system with a stratified, proportional randomization method for the survey. The questionnaire comprised demographic variables, psychological distress assessed by the five-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale and independent psychosocial variables including COVID-19 stressors, loneliness, suicidality, and health-related self-efficacy. In total, 2094 respondents completed the survey (female 51%). The COVID-19 stress was experienced among 45.4% of the participants, with the most prevalent stressors related to daily life and job/financial concerns. Higher levels of suicidality, loneliness, and a lower level of self-efficacy had significantly higher odds of having COVID-19 stress. The structural equation model revealed that COVID-19 stress was moderately associated with psychological distress and mediated by other psychosocial risk factors. The findings call for more attention on strategies of stress management and mental health promotion for the public to prevent larger scales of psychological consequences in future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

School Sanitation-Related Psychosocial Stressors among Nigerian Students.

Psychosocial stressors are indicative of challenges associated with the social and environmental conditions an individual is subjected to. In a bid to clearly understand the present gaps in school sanitation, this cross-sectional study aimed to identify the sanitation-related psychosocial stressors experienced by students in a Nigerian peri-urban community and their associated impacts. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 400 students from 10 schools. The students to toilet ratio were 1,521:0 and 1,510:0 for the public-school boys and girls, respectively, and 74:1 and 70:1 for the private-school boys and girls, respectively. Furthermore, public-school students had a significantly higher average stress level (P < 0.001, η2p = 0.071) and a significantly higher proportion of students experiencing school absenteeism (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.7-8.2), missed classes (P < 0.001; OR = 5.8; CI = 2.8-12.0), long urine/fecal retention time (P < 0.001; OR = 2.9; CI = 1.8-4.7), open defecation practice (P < 0.001; OR = 4.2; CI = 2.5-7.1), and open defecation-related anxiety (P < 0.001; OR = 3.6; CI = 2.0-6.5). Moreover, the inability to practice menstrual hygiene management was significantly associated with student-reported monthly school absence among girls (P < 0.001; OR = 4.5; CI = 2.2-9.4). Overall, over 50% of the respondents had reportedly been subjected to at least 14 of the 17 stressors outlined. The most prevalent stressors identified were concerns about disease contraction, toilet cleanliness, toilet phobia, privacy, and assault/injury during open defecation/urination. In conclusion, results show that the absence of functional sanitation facilities purportedly has a grievous effect on the mental, physical, social, and academic well-being of the students. This was clearly seen among public-school students. Subsequent sanitation interventions need to be targeted at ameliorating identified stressors.

Adverse childhood experiences—household stressors and children’s mental health: a single centre retrospective review

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of reported ‘household stressor’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in families of children presenting with neurodevelopmental, behavioural or emotional difficulties and to determine whether family vulnerabilities, individually...