Prevalence Of Symptoms Research Articles

A cross-sectional study examining the pattern of acute poisoning among patients admitted to a governmental hospitals in Sana'a City, Yemen

IntroductionAs in other countries, acute poisoning cases in Yemen are a public health problem that causes a high level of morbidity and mortality. Understanding the general aspects of this issue helps in reducing its severity. ObjectivesThe general goals of this study are to identify patterns of acute poisoning in Yemen, with a focus on poison type and sociodemographic variables. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted on 177 cases of acute poisoning in the emergency units of three government hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen. Information was collected using a questionnaire that included all sociodemographic and medical data related to each case. ResultsCases of acute poisoning were more common in males (56.5 %) than females(43.5 %), and concentrated in the age group of 21–30 years. Approximately 66,1 % of cases occurred in individuals residing in rural areas. The percentage of non-educated individuals (53.7 %) was higher than educated ones(46.3 %). The study indicated that poisoning incidents were either intentional or non-intentional. Regarding intentional poisoning, it was categorized into homicidal or suicidal acts. The most common toxic substances involved were pesticides(30.5 %), followed by household poisoning (22.0 %), food poisoning(20.9 %), and medications(16.9 %). The most prevalent symptoms accompanying poisoning were nausea and vomiting. With regard to loss of consciousness, the percentage of those who lost consciousness was (28.8 %), and most of the cases were those who were exposed to medicines. ConclusionsCases of acute poisoning are mostly caused by exposure to pesticides, followed by household poisoning incidents and food poisoning. Awareness about the risks of pesticides and how to handle them is crucial, especially since most poisoning cases occur in rural areas among non-educated individuals.

Peri-ictal psychiatric manifestations in people with epilepsy: An umbrella review.

We aimed to conduct an umbrella review to summarize the existing evidence regarding the prevalence of peri-ictal psychiatric manifestations (PM) in people with epilepsy (PWE) including pre-ictal, ictal, and postictal stages. Databases were searched up to June 2023 for systematic reviews (SR) of observational studies that included patients with epilepsy peri-ictal PM. Data selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (with the AMSTAR-2 instrument) were performed by two independent reviewers. We performed a narrative synthesis using previous guidelines. We used a self-developed decision table according to the GRADE system adapted for narrative outcomes if the certainty of outcomes was not determined by systematic review authors. Four SRs were included comprising 66 primary studies (n = 10 217). Three SRs evaluated one period (pre-ictal, ictal, and postictal), and one did not determine it. During the pre-ictal period, the more prevalent symptom was confusion, although with a low certainty (due to the heterogeneity and serious risk of bias). One systematic review that only included case reports evaluated the ictal period, finding mood/anxiety disorders, psychosis, and personality changes. The postictal period included the most PM (anxiety: 45.0% and depressive symptoms: 43.0%), with very low certainty, due to risk of bias, potential publication bias, heterogeneity, and failure to report the confidence intervals. With very low certainty, epileptic periods are characterized by a wide spectrum of PM, being postictal symptoms the most prevalent, predominantly anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Further understanding of these PM of epilepsy could improve the attention of the people with epilepsy. In this review of reviews, we summarize the frequency in which psychiatric manifestations occur in relation to an epileptic seizure. A total of 10 217 patients were reported in the reviews. The most common manifestations included symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as changes in the normal behavior of the patient. These manifestations occurred most frequently right after the seizure finished.

Assessment of prevalence and determinants of anxiety and psychological distress symptoms in Ebola child and adolescent survivors and orphans in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundTo date, only three studies investigated the mental health of youth affected by Ebola virus disease (EVD). None explored anxiety and psychological distress symptoms in survivors or orphans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of anxiety and psychological distress symptoms among survivors and orphans of the 2018–2020 Ebola epidemic in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA representative sample of 416 participants (mean age = 13.37, SD = 2.79, 51.20 % girls, 146 survivors, 233 orphans, and 34 orphan-survivor participants) completed measures evaluating anxiety, psychological distress, exposure, resilience, stigmatization related to Ebola and COVID-19. Results55.88 % and 55.96 % of survivors and orphans experienced severe symptoms of anxiety and psychological distress. Participants who were both survivors and orphans presented higher prevalence of anxiety and psychological distress (94.12 % and 100 %) compared to survivors (74.03 % and 81.82 %) or orphans (37.99 % and 33.33 %), χ2 = 70.63, p < .001; χ2 = 113.50, p < .001. Ebola and COVID-19 related stigmatization were the most important determinants of anxiety (B = 0.40, p < .001; B = 0.37, p < .001) and psychological distress (B = 0.48, p < .001; B = 0.44, p < .001). Resilience was negatively associated with both anxiety and psychological distress. The final regression models explained 49 % and 85 % of the variance of anxiety and psychological distress. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design used prevents to establish causal link. ConclusionsEbola Children and adolescents' survivors and orphans are at major risk of experiencing anxiety and psychological distress in Eastern RDC affected by years of armed conflict. Massive resources are needed to develop and implement programs to reduce stigma and support mental health.

Association of dietary flavonoid intake with the prevalence and all-cause mortality of depressive symptoms: Findings from analysis of NHANES

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the relationship between flavonoids intake and the prevalence and all-cause mortality of depressive symptoms in American adults. MethodsAnalyzing 2007–2008, 2009–2010, and 2017–2018 NHANES data, we examined the association between dietary flavonoid and depressive symptoms, including specific subclasses assessment and mortality outcomes tracking until December 31, 2019. Our methodology included weighted multivariate logistic regression, weighted cox proportional hazards regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models, supported by stratified and sensitivity analyses. ResultsAmong the 12,340 participants in total, 1129 exhibited depressive symptoms. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant reduction in total flavonoid and subclass intake in individuals with current depressive symptoms. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the highest quartiles were 0.69 for anthocyanidins and 0.63 for flavones. Interaction effects emerged in non-hypertensive, higher-income, and normal-weight groups for flavones intake. The RCS model indicated an L-shaped association between depressive symptoms and total flavonoid intake, with inflection points at 346 mg/day. During a median follow-up of 119 months, 148 deaths occurred among patients with depressive symptoms. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality showed a significant positive correlation between total flavonoid intake and survival in model 1 (HR = 0.56), with an optimal intake range of 45.2–948.3 mg/day according to the RCS model. LimitationsThe study relied on U.S. population survey data, potentially limiting generalizability. Unmeasured confounding factors may exist, and genetic factors were not considered. ConclusionsAdequate intake of flavonoids, especially anthocyanidins and flavones, is associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms. Additionally, optimal intake ranges of flavonoid intake for mental health benefits were observed for all-cause mortality in population with depressive symptoms.

Morbidity burden of imported chronic schistosomiasis among West African migrants

Past exposure to schistosomiasis is frequent among migrants from endemic countries, and chronic untreated infection may lead to long-term morbidities. We carried out a prospective population-based cross-sectional study among migrants from endemic Sub-Saharan countries living in Barcelona, Spain. Participants had not been previously diagnosed or treated for schistosomiasis. Clinical signs and symptoms were scrutinised through a systematic revision of electronic medical records and an on-site standardised questionnaire, and blood and urine samples were screened for Schistosoma. We recruited 522 eligible participants, 74.3% males, mean age 42.7 years (SD=11.5, range 18-76), Overall, 46.4% were from Senegal and 23.6% from Gambia. They had lived in the European Union for a median of 16 years (IQR 10-21). The prevalence of a Schistosoma-positive serology was 35.8%. S. haematobium eggs were observed in urine samples in 6 (1.2%) participants. The most prevalent symptoms among Schistosoma-positive participants were chronic abdominal pain (68.8%, OR=1.79; 95%CI 1.2-2.6), eosinophilia (44.9%, OR=2.69; 95%CI 1.8-4.0) and specific symptoms associated with urinary schistosomiasis, like self-reported episodes of haematuria (37.2%; OR=2.47; 95%CI 1.6-3.8), dysuria (47.9%, OR=1.84; 95%CI=1.3-2.7) and current renal insufficiency (13.4%; OR=2.35; 95%CI=1.3-4.3). We found a significant prevalence of gender-specific genital signs and symptoms among females (mainly menstrual disorders) and males (erectile dysfunction and pelvic pain). Individuals typically presented with a multitude of interconnected symptoms, most commonly chronic abdominal pain, which are often disregarded. Despite the lack of urine parasite identification, the high incidence of clinical signs and symptoms strongly correlated with a positive schistosomiasis serology suggests the existence of a heavy clinical burden among long-term West African migrants living for years/decades in the study region. More research is urgently required to determine whether these symptoms are the result of long-term sequelae or a persistent active Schistosoma infection.

Outcomes of Mechanical Resection of Endometrial Polyps and Submucosal Fibroids Through TruClear™ Hysteroscopy.

To assess the efficacy of mechanical resection through TruClear™ hysteroscopy in patients with endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids. Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from June 2018 to 2022. Patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids confirmed by abdominal or transvaginal ultrasonography were included. Patients having a history of congestive cardiac failure, chronic kidney disease, and bleeding diathesis were excluded from the study. Data about the complete removal of pathology (endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids), mean operating time, and postoperative complications such as bleeding and perforation were extracted. The follow-up was set up to 6 months after the procedure. The average age of the 45 patients was 35.62 ± 7.46 years. Heavy menstrual bleeding was the most prevalent symptom, seen in 73.3% of cases, followed by irregular vaginal bleeding (IVB) in 11.1% of cases. The most frequent disease identified by sonography was a polyp in 21 (47%) instances, followed by submucosal fibroids in 12 (27%) cases, mixed pathology in 10 (22%), and malignancy in 2 (4%) cases. The overall average operative time was 36.46 ± 24.94 minutes. A hundred percent removal of lesions was observed in this study. Persistent symptoms were observed in 13% of patients after the surgery so they were treated with other interventions. The most common intervention was an intrauterine hormonal device. Intraoperative bleeding was observed in only one patient and was managed by intraoperative intrauterine balloon insertion. The recurrence rate was 8.9% (4/45). TruClear™ hysteroscopy showed a major advantage in the successful and complete removal of the pathology, low operation time, and complications. Fibroids, Hysteroscopy, Polyps, Endometrial resection, Menstrual bleeding.

Affective processing in aphantasia and potential overlaps with alexithymia: Mental imagery facilitates the recognition of emotions in oneself and others

We investigated affective processing in aphantasia (= absent or reduced vividness of mental imagery), considering a possible overlap with alexithymia (= deficits in identifying and describing emotions), as reduced vividness of mental imagery is also reported in alexithymia. Study 1 assessed physiological reactions and self-reported sympathy in n = 30 individuals with aphantasia and n = 75 controls when confronted to visual and verbal material showing people in distress. Results demonstrated that individuals with aphantasia show reduced emotional responses, especially to verbal stimuli. This is of particular importance given the higher prevalence of alexithymic symptoms in aphantasic participants, notably in externally-oriented thinking and difficulties in describing feelings. An additional mediation analysis confirmed that vividness of visual imagery mediated the association between alexithymia and self-reported sympathy. Study 2 extended our exploration to the recognition of emotions in others using the same sample. Despite accurate recognition of emotions, individuals with aphantasia exhibited significantly slower response times, suggesting less efficient strategies that do not involve mental imagery. Our findings highlight the crucial role of mental imagery in the interplay of cognitive functions and affective processes, demonstrating how conditions such as aphantasia and alexithymia can affect sympathy and, more generally, emotions.

Prospective Teacher's Voice Questionnaire (PTVQ): Development of a Questionnaire to Assess Training-Related Voice Symptoms Among Prospective Teachers

AimTo develop and validate a self-administered population-specific survey, available in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, which investigates the prevalence of voice symptoms and perceptions of risk factors associated with training among prospective teachers. MethodsThe present study had three stages: The first stage included a literature review and content validation by experts that supported the survey development. From this phase, we defined six aspects of the PTVQ: (1) target population, (2) research objectives, (3) questions to be included, (5) scales for the answers, and (6) relevance, comprehensiveness, clarity and understandability of the questions. This process was performed in parallel for the three languages (Spanish, Portuguese, and English). The second stage included pilot testing. This involved administering the first draft of the survey to a group of 120 students to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the survey instrument, identify any potential problems with the survey, and refine the instrument based on feedback from the pilot participants. The third stage includes the restructuring of the questionnaire's voice quality section to eliminate redundant questions. Through PCA, multicollinear variables were condensed, facilitating the removal of redundant items, and ensuring that the final questionnaire comprised only the most relevant and discriminative questions. Results and DiscussionThe final version of the survey, available in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, consists of four sections with a total of 57 questions. The development of the PTVQ represents a significant step toward better understanding and addressing voice disorders among prospective teachers. Future research could further refine the questionnaire and explore its predictive validity in identifying individuals at risk of voice disorders early in their teaching careers. Additionally, interventions based on the findings from the PTVQ could be developed to support the voice health and well-being of prospective teachers, ultimately improving teaching quality and job satisfaction in educational settings.

Physiological presentation and risk factors of long COVID in the UK using smartphones and wearable devices: a longitudinal, citizen science, case–control study

The emergence of long COVID as a COVID-19 sequela was largely syndromic in characterisation. Digital health technologies such as wearable devices open the possibility to study this condition with passive, objective data in addition to self-reported symptoms. We aimed to quantify the prevalence and severity of symptoms across collected mobile health metrics over 12 weeks following COVID-19 diagnosis and to identify risk factors for the development of post-COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID). The Covid Collab study was a longitudinal, self-enrolled, community, case-control study. We recruited participants from the UK through a smartphone app, media publications, and promotion within the Fitbit app between Aug 28, 2020, and May 31, 2021. Adults (aged ≥18 years) who reported a COVID-19 diagnosis with a positive antigen or PCR test before Feb 1, 2022, were eligible for inclusion. We compared a cohort of 1200 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 with a cohort of 3600 sex-matched and age-matched controls without a COVID-19 diagnosis. Participants could provide information on COVID-19 symptoms and mental health through self-reported questionnaires (active data) and commercial wearable fitness devices (passive data). Data were compared between cohorts at three periods following diagnosis: acute COVID-19 (0-4 weeks), ongoing COVID-19 (4-12 weeks), and post-COVID-19 (12-16 weeks). We assessed sociodemographic and mobile health risk factors for the development of long COVID (defined as either a persistent change in a physiological signal or self-reported symptoms for ≥12 weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis). By Aug 1, 2022, 17 667 participants had enrolled into the study, of whom 1200 (6·8%) cases and 3600 (20·4%) controls were included in the analyses. Compared with baseline (65 beats per min), resting heart rate increased significantly during the acute (0·47 beats per min; odds ratio [OR] 1·06 [95% CI 1·03-1·09]; p<0·0001), ongoing (0·99 beats per min; 1·11 [1·08-1·14]; p<0·0001), and post-COVID-19 (0·52 beats per min; 1·04 [1·02-1·07]; p=0·0017) phases. An increased level of historical activity in the period from 24 months to 6 months preceding COVID-19 diagnosis was protective against long COVID (coefficient -0·017 [95% CI -0·030 to -0·003]; p=0·015). Depressive symptoms were persistently elevated following COVID-19 (OR 1·03 [95% CI 1·01-1·06]; p=0·0033) and were a potential risk factor for developing long COVID (1·14 [1·07-1·22]; p<0·0001). Mobile health technologies and commercial wearable devices might prove to be a useful resource for tracking recovery from COVID-19 and the prevalence of its long-term sequelae, as well as representing an abundant source of historical data. Mental wellbeing can be impacted negatively for an extended period following COVID-19. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, UK Research and Innovation, and Medical Research Council.

A detailed methodology for estimating health-related hazards of workplace exposure to indoor formaldehyde vapours

A comprehensive risk assessment method was applied to examine the risks associated with airborne formaldehyde occupational exposure among hospital laboratory staff. The method assessed exposure levels and health impacts by integrating area and personal air sampling, biological monitoring, and self-reported health data. Samples were collected from 74 workplaces across various departments using NIOSH method 3500 and were analyzed via UV-vis spectrophotometry. The data showed significant differences in exposure levels between departments (p≤0.05) and confirmed the efficacy of the method in identifying risk differences. Despite average personal exposure levels being measured lower than occupational limits, individual assessments indicated that some participants surpassed these limits, emphasizing the necessity of personal monitoring for workers with higher risks. The high prevalence of respiratory symptoms, such as cough and wheezing among staff, indicated the need for further investigation and targeted interventions. Although estimated cancer and non-cancer risks were within safe thresholds, the study emphasized the importance of continuous exposure monitoring and the implementation of effective control measures in hospital laboratory departments with formaldehyde emission. This integrated method improved the reliability and generalizability of formaldehyde exposure risk assessments and aided in the development of safe occupational health practices."• The method integrated personal and area sampling with advanced calibration for precise occupational exposure evaluation in laboratories.• The method used of biomarkers to assess formaldehyde absorption in the body estimating both cancerous and non-cancerous health risks associated with occupational exposure.• Addressed traditional method limitations and integrated risk components to improve data reliability for workplace safety and health risk management.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD in eating disorder treatment-seekers: Prevalence and associations with symptom severity.

Although childhood trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been well-researched in eating disorder epidemiology, prevalence rates are unavailable for complex PTSD (CPTSD). Under recently introduced ICD-11 criteria, individuals with CPTSD have both PTSD symptoms and additional disturbances in self-organization (DSO). Using ICD-11 criteria, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD and DSO symptoms, diagnostic rates of PTSD and CPTSD, and childhood trauma exposure in eating disorder treatment-seekers. Participants (N = 217) were individuals attending residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient services who completed measures of eating disorder- and trauma-related symptoms and childhood adverse experiences. One third of participants reported PTSD symptoms, and over half reported DSO symptoms, with probable ICD-11 diagnostic rates of 3.8% for PTSD and 28.4% for CPTSD. CPTSD was significantly more prevalent than PTSD and more common in higher levels of care. Both PTSD and DSO symptom severity were positively correlated with eating disorder symptoms and impairment, rs =.285-.642. DSO symptom severity was a significant and unique explanatory factor of eating disorder severity and impairment. The findings highlight the prevalence of CPTSD in eating disorder populations and the association between DSO symptoms and eating psychopathology independent of PTSD symptoms. Implications are discussed for adjunct treatment approaches for individuals with comorbid eating disorders and PTSD or CPTSD.

Effect of physical exercise on negative emotions in Chinese university students: The mediating effect of self-efficacy

ObjectiveThis study investigates the impact of physical activity on negative emotions among university students and examines the mediating influence of self-efficacy, aiming to furnish empirical insights and a theoretical framework to enhance and optimize the mental health of this population comprehensively. . MethodsUsing the cluster random sampling method, 5,341 university students were selected from three universities. The questionnaire included demographic information about university students, physical exercise behaviors, expressions of negative emotions such as depression and anxiety, and self-efficacy in physical exercise. The types of questionnaires included the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). Results76.877% of university students had low exercise. The detection rates of depression, anxiety and stress in negative mood were 77.041%, 64.276% and 47.931%, respectively. There were significant differences in physical exercise and negative mood scores among university students of different genders and grades. University student. Negative emotions were significantly correlated with physical exercise and self-efficacy (P<0.001). According to the regression model, physical exercise can significantly predict negative emotions and self-efficacy. The mediating effect of self-efficacy is evident. ConclusionPhysical exercise among university students typically comprises light workouts, associated with a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms. Self-efficacy acts as a mediator in the effects of physical exercise on negative emotions within this group..

Contrast Hysterosonographic Evaluation of Niche Prevalence Following a Standardized Suturing Technique for Caesarean Sections.

After caesarean section a uterine niche can be detected in 42-84% of all women and in 11-45% large defects with a residual myometrium <2.2mm occur. If the niche compromises >50% of myometrial thickness, risk of uterine rupture during birth increases. The suturing technique might contribute substantially on pathogenesis of niches. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the suturing technique on niche prevalence by using a standardized two-layer surgical technique. Women with one previous caesarean section were examined within 6-23 months after caesarean section using contrast medium-supported transvaginal sonography regarding the prevalence, sonomorphological aspect and clinical symptoms of a uterine niche. The surgical technique used was: dilatation of the cervix, interrupted suture of the first layer (excluding the endometrium), continuous closure of the visceral and parietal peritoneum. Using native vaginal sonography, no niches were visible in the whole cohort. In three cases, there was a small niche detectable with a depth between 2.3 and 3.9mm by contrast hysterosonography. Regarding the total myometrial thickness, the niche depth compromised less than 50%. All patients were symptom-free. In our study population, there were only three cases (9.1%) with a small uterine niche. Residual myometrium and niche percentage on myometrial thickness were excellent in all three cases. Thus, our results show that the uterotomy closure technique used in the study cohort might be superior with respect to the development of uterine niches compared with the expected prevalence.

Preserving pulp vitality for teeth with post-vital pulp therapy symptoms by retrying pulp-preserving procedures: A retrospective clinical study

Background/purposeThe occurrence of post-vital pulp therapy (VPT) symptoms is perplexing for dentists, and root canal treatment (RCT) is preferred for such conditions. Furthermore, managing post-VPT symptoms, rather than performing RCT, would preserve pulp vitality and enhance VPT outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of VPT retrials in preserving pulp vitality and substituting RCT in teeth with post-VPT symptoms. Materials and methodsVPT was performed on the exposed pulp during caries removal in symptomatic and asymptomatic teeth. VPTs were repeated in teeth with post-VPT symptoms. This study screened multi-time-practiced VPT cases from a VPT-performed data pool. The presence of vital pulp tissue after minimized pulp resection (MPR) was a prerequisite for substituting RCT with VPT retrials. A total of 22 cases from 19 patients were included in this study. MPR was introduced to maximize the preservation of the vital pulp. ResultsAfter performing VPT, post-VPT symptoms occurred in pre-VPT asymptomatic teeth, or pre-VPT symptoms were modified in teeth with pre-VPT symptoms. The rate of pre-VPT irreversible pulpitis (IP), comprising symptomatic/asymptomatic IP, was 81.68%. The most prevalent post-VPT symptom was heightened sensitivity to thermal stimuli (68.2%), followed by spontaneous pain (45.5%). The post-VPT IP was 63.6%. VPT retrials resolved 90.9% of cases with post-VPT symptoms. ConclusionVPT retrials using MPR could enhance VPT outcomes and be a viable alternative to RCT for teeth with post-VPT symptoms.

Secular Trends in Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents in Yunnan, Southwest China From Before COVID-19 to During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal, Observational Study.

Yunnan province borders Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, giving it one of the longest borders in China. We aimed to determine the trends in prevalence and impact of COVID-19 on depressive symptoms among adolescents (12-18 years) from 2018 to 2022 in Yunnan, southwest China. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on adolescents' mental health, with the aim of reducing the effect of psychological emergency syndrome and promoting healthy, happy adolescent growth. This longitudinal, observational study used Students' Health Survey data on adolescents' depressive symptoms from 2018 to 2022 (before and during COVID-19) in Yunnan. We used multistage, stratified sampling in 3 prefectures in 2018 and 16 prefectures from 2019 to 2022. In each prefecture, the study population was classified by gender and residence (urban or rural), and each group was of equal size. Depressive symptoms were diagnosed based on Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) scores. We used ANOVA to assess the differences in mean CES-D scores stratified by gender, age, residence, grade, and ethnicity. Chi-square tests were used to compare depressive symptoms by different variables. For comparability, the age-standard and gender-standard population prevalences were calculated using the 2010 China Census as the standard population. The association between COVID-19 and the risk of a standardized prevalence of depressive symptoms was identified using unconditional logistic regression analysis. The standardized prevalence of depressive symptoms for all participants was 32.98%: 28.26% in 2018, 30.89% in 2019, 29.81% in 2020, 28.77% in 2021, 36.33% in 2022. The prevalences were 30.49% before COVID-19,29.29% in early COVID-19, and 36.33% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with before COVID-19, the risks of depressive symptoms were 0.793 (95% CI 0.772-0.814) times higher in early COVID-19 and 1.071 (95% CI 1.042-1.100) times higher than during COVID-19. The average annual increase in depressive symptoms was 1.61%. During the epidemic, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in girls (36.87%) was higher than that in boys (28.64%), and the acceleration rate of girls was faster than that of boys. The prevalences of depressive symptoms and acceleration rates by age group were as follows: 27.14% and 1.09% (12-13 years), 33.99% and 1.8% (14-15 years), 36.59% and 1.65% (16-18 years). Prevalences did not differ between Han (32.89%) and minority (33.10%) populations. However, the acceleration rate was faster for the former than for the latter. The rate for senior high school students was the highest (34.94%). However, the acceleration rate for vocational high school students was the fastest (2.88%), followed by that for junior high school students (2.32%). Rural residents (35.10%) had a higher prevalence and faster acceleration than urban residents (30.16%). From 2018 to 2022, there was a significant, continuous increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents in Yunnan, China, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents an emergency public health problem that should be given more attention. Effective, comprehensive psychological and lifestyle intervention measures should be used to reduce the prevalence of mental health issues in adolescents.

The caregiving role influences Suboptimal Health Status and psychological symptoms in unpaid carers

Abstract Background Suboptimal Health Status (SHS) is the physical state between health and disease. This study aimed to fill in the knowledge gap by investigating the prevalence of SHS and psychological symptoms among unpaid carers and to identify SHS-risk factors from the perspective of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (PPPM). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 participants who were enrolled from Australia, including 203 unpaid carers as cases and 165 individuals from the general population as controls. SHS scores were measured using SHSQ-25 (Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire-25), whilst psychological symptoms were measured by DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21). Chi-square was used to measure SHS and psychological symptom prevalence. Spearman correlation analysis was utilised to identify the relationship between SHSQ-25 and DASS-21 scores. Logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results The prevalence of SHS in carers was 43.0% (98/203), significantly higher than the prevalence 12.7% (21/165) in the general population (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, suboptimal health prevalence was higher in female carers (50.3%; 95/189) than females in the general population (12.4%; 18/145). Logistic regression showed that the caregiving role influenced SHS, with carers 6.4 times more likely to suffer from SHS than their non-caring counterparts (aOR = 6.400, 95% CI = 3.751–10.919). Conclusions Unpaid carers in Australia have a significantly higher prevalence of SHS than that in the general population and experience poorer health. The SHSQ-25 is a powerful tool that can be utilised to screen at-risk individuals to predict their risk of chronic disease development, an essential pillar for shifting the paradigm change from reactive medicine to that of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (PPPM).

Does mistreatment during institutional childbirth increase the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms? A prospective cohort study in Nepal

ABSTRACT Background Postpartum depression is associated with low socioeconomic status, adverse birthing processes, and life stress. Increasing evidence of mistreatment during childbirth, negative birth experiences, and poor quality of maternal care is of global concern. Objective To assess the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms among postpartum women exposed to mistreatment during institutional birthing in Nepal. Method We conducted a prospective cohort study from 29 March to 19 August 2022. Of 1629 women who gave birth in a hospital in Nepal, 1222 were assessed for mistreatment during childbirth and depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. We used binomial generalized linear mixed model to examine the risk ratio of postpartum depressive symptoms in women exposed to mistreatment during childbirth. Results The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms was 4.4%. Women exposed to mistreatment during childbirth were almost fifty percent more likely to have postpartum depressive symptoms (cRR 1.47; 95% CI 1.14, 1.89; p = 0.003) compared with the unexposed group. Furthermore, adolescent mothers exposed to mistreatment during childbirth had a seventy percent increased risk of depressive symptoms (aRR 1.72; 95% CI 1.23, 2.41; p = 0.002). Similarly, women who gave birth to female infants were thirty percent more likely to experience postpartum depressive symptoms (aRR 1.32; 95% CI 1.01–1.74; p = 0.039). Conclusion We observed an association between postpartum depressive symptoms and mistreatment during institutional births in Nepal. The implementation of appropriate respectful maternity care during childbirth and also routine screening for depressive symptoms is critical to improving perinatal mental health and well-being.

Correlates of multidimensional sleep in premenopausal women: The BioCycle study

PurposeTo identify sleep dimensions (characteristics) that co-occur in premenopausal women. The second aim was to examine associations between multiple dimensions of sleep and a set of demographic, lifestyle, and health correlates. The overarching goal was to uncover patterns of poor-sleep correlates that might inform interventions to improve sleep health of women in this age group. MethodsThe BioCycle Study included 259 healthy women aged 18–44y recruited between 2005 and 2007 from Western New York. Participants reported sleep data through daily diaries and questionnaires that were used to create five sleep health dimensions (duration, variability, timing, latency, and continuity). We used multivariate analysis – canonical correlation methods – to identify links among dimensions of sleep health and patterns of demographic, psychological, and occupational correlates. ResultsTwo distinct combinations of sleep dimensions were identified. The first - primarily determined by low variability in nightly sleep duration, low variability in bedtime (timing), greater nocturnal awakening, and less sleep onset latency – was distinguished from the second – primarily determined by sleep duration.The first combination of sleep dimensions was associated with older age and higher parity, fewer depressive symptoms, and higher stress level. The second combination of sleep dimensions was associated with perception of longer sleep duration as optimal, lower parity, not engaging in shift work, older age, lower stress level, higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, and White race. ConclusionAmong premenopausal women, we demonstrated distinct patterns of sleep dimensions that co-occur and vary by demographic, health, and lifestyle correlates. These findings shed light on the correlates of sleep health vulnerabilities among young women.

Prevalence and impact of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in dental students and faculty.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect individuals undergoing increased stress, for example, dental professionals. No study to date has compared dental students and faculty in TMD manifestation. This cross-sectional study compared prevalence, risk factors, and impact on daily activities of self-reported TMD signs/symptoms between dental students and faculty at a predoctoral dental school, and between preclinical (first- to second-year) and clinical (third- to fourth-year) students. A REDCap survey was sent to dental students and faculty, assessing TMD signs/symptoms (TMD Symptom Questionnaire), pain intensity (Chronic Graded Pain Scale), jaw function (Jaw Function Limitation Scale), parafunctions (Oral Behavioral Checklist), previous TMD treatments, anxiety/depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and sleep quality (RU-SATED Scale). Outcomes were compared between groups using chi-square and t-tests, adjusting for covariates with analyses of covariance (ANCOVA). Data derived from N=145 participants (N=108 students, N=37 faculty). Dental students reported significantly higher prevalence (90.1% vs. 75.7%, p=0.020) and greater number of TMD signs/symptoms (5.3±3.5 vs. 3.0±2.7, p<0.001) compared to faculty. Students reported significantly more parafunctional activities (p=0.000), jaw-strain episodes (prolonged mouth opening, p=0.007), higher stress level (p=0.008), and lower sleep quality (p=0.002) than faculty. Difference in number of TMD signs/symptoms was maintained after adjusting for stress, sleep quality, and parafunctional/jaw-strain activities. Clinical students utilized significantly more often evidence-based TMD treatment compared to preclinical students. High prevalence of self-reported TMD was observed among dental students and faculty, with students reporting higher prevalence and impairment despite working in the same environment. Findings underscore the importance of education on preventive measures early in dental training to address contributing factors and TMD management.

Cognitive disengagement syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: An examination of relationships with alexithymia and emotion regulation difficulties

Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) and ADHD are considered distinct but interrelated constructs. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of elevated CDS symptoms and increased ADHD risk in the general population, and their relationships with emotion regulation difficulty (ERD) and alexithymia. Out of 1166 participants, 142 with known psychiatric conditions were excluded, resulting in 1024 participants. Participants completed various scales including Adult ADHD Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5 (ASRS-5), Barkley Adult Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form (DERS-16), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Four groups were formed based on Barkley and ASRS-5 scores: Group 1) No elevated CDS symptoms and Low risk of ADHD, Group 2) No elevated CDS symptoms and Increased risk of ADHD, Group 3) Elevated CDS symptoms and Low risk of ADHD, Group 4) Elevated CDS symptoms and Increased risk of ADHD. Elevated CDS symptoms was found in 10% of participants, and increased ADHD risk in 9.2%. Among probable ADHD cases, 40% had elevated CDS symptoms, while 60% of elevated CDS symptoms cases had increased ADHD risk. Group 4 (elevated CDS symptoms and increased risk of ADHD) had the highest ERD and alexithymia scores, while Group 1(no elevated CDS symptoms and low risk of ADHD) had the lowest. Regression analyses showed that CDS scores predicted ERD (47%) and alexithymia (32%) better than ADHD scores (ERD: 36%, alexithymia: 23%). CDS and ADHD appear as significant concepts that could be involved in the etiology of ERD and alexithymia.