Profile Of Mood States-Short Form Research Articles

Sleep Treatment Education Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (STEP-YA): Protocol for an Efficacy Trial.

Young adult cancer survivors (YACS) are at elevated risk for chronic insomnia, even years after completing treatment. In addition to potential health consequences, insomnia can interrupt social, educational, and vocational development just as they are trying to "make up" for time lost to cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is recommended as first-line treatment for insomnia but remains largely unavailable to YACS due to several barriers (ie, shortage of trained providers, geographic limitations, financial limitations). Traditional CBTI has not been adapted to meet YACS' unique developmental and circadian challenges. To improve availability of effective behavioral insomnia treatment for this population, we developed the Sleep Treatment Education Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (STEP-YA), a low-intensity educational intervention delivered virtually online. In this phase 2 "proof of concept" trial, primary aims are to test the efficacy of STEP-YA to improve insomnia symptoms and mood in YACS and assess the utility of individualized coaching to improve treatment effects. A secondary aim will explore participant variables associated with clinically significant response to STEP-YA. This 2-arm randomized prospective trial will enroll 74 off-treatment YACS aged 20 years to 39 years with clinically significant insomnia. Each participant completes the STEP-YA intervention in a 1-on-1 synchronous online session led by a trained interventionist following a structured outline. The 90-minute intervention presents educational information on the development of insomnia after cancer and offers specific suggestions for improving insomnia symptoms. During the session, participants review the suggestions and develop a personalized sleep action plan for implementing them. After the session, participants are randomized to either the coaching condition, in which they receive 2 telephone coaching sessions, or the no-coaching condition, which offers no subsequent coaching. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the Profile of Mood States: Short Form (POMS-SF) are assessed at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks postintervention. Enrollment began in November 2022, with 28 participants currently enrolled. We anticipate recruitment will be completed in 2024. The primary endpoint is a change in ISI score from baseline to 8 weeks postintervention. The secondary endpoint is change in mood symptoms (POMS-SF) from baseline to 8 weeks postintervention. Change scores will be treated as continuous variables. Primary analyses will use ANOVA methods. A within-subjects analysis will examine if the STEP-YA intervention is associated with significant changes in insomnia and mood over time. A 2-way ANOVA will be used to evaluate the utility of coaching sessions to improve treatment effects. Chronic insomnia has significant negative effects on YACS' medical, educational, and psychological functioning. STEP-YA aims to address their needs; study results will determine if the intervention warrants future effectiveness and dissemination studies and if individualized coaching is necessary for adequate treatment response. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05358951: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05358951. DERR1-10.2196/52315.

The Mediating Role of Sleep Quality in the Association Between Negative Affect and Cognitive Function Among Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma After Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy

Cognitive function impairment is a severe yet largely unrecognized adverse reaction among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) following radiotherapy. The aims of this study were to examine the level of cognitive function, explore the influencing factors of the cognitive function of NPC after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and identify the mediating role of sleep quality between negative affect and cognitive function. In total, 200 patients with NPC after IMRT were recruited from a tertiary cancer center in Southern China between September 2020 and March 2021. Participants completed the demographic and disease-related questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, Profile of Mood States-Short Form, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale scores were 24.42 after adjustment, with 54.5% of patients having cognitive function impairment. Education level, income, seeking rehabilitation knowledge, radiation dose, sleep quality, and negative affect entered the final regression model and explained 82.6% of cognitive function variance. The total and direct effects of negative affect and indirect effects via sleep quality on cognitive function were significant (P < .05). Clinicians should pay close attention to patients with poor educational levels, low income, and having difficulties seeking rehabilitation knowledge and patients who accept higher radiation doses. Improving their sleep quality and positive affect may contribute to preventing or reducing cognitive function impairment. Clinical nurses should pay more attention to cognitive function among NPC patients after IMRT and take effective measures or interventions to prevent and reduce their cognitive function impairment.

Subjective Cognition is Related to Patient-Reported Symptom Distress and Work Productivity Among Liver Transplant Recipients.

Cognitive decline may prevent liver transplant (LT) recipients from staying healthy and independent. This study examined associations of objective and subjective, rated by LT recipients and caregivers, cognitive decline with patient-reported physical and psychological symptom distress, ability to perform household tasks, and workplace productivity among LT recipients. Sixty pairs of LT recipients and caregivers participated in this cross-sectional study. Subjective cognition was measured by the Everyday Cognition. Objective cognition was assessed with four cognitive tests, including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed with the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist-Modified, Profile of Mood States-Short Form, Creative Therapy Consultants Homemaking Assessment, and Work Limitations Questionnaire. Linear regression analyses related objective and subjective cognition to the patient-reported outcomes. While objective cognitive decline was not associated with any patient-reported outcomes, subjective cognitive decline was significantly associated with the outcomes. Higher LT recipient self-rated cognitive decline was associated with higher physical symptom distress ( = 0.30, p = 0.006) and workplace productivity loss ( = 14.85, p < 0.0001). Higher caregiver-rated cognitive decline was associated with lower household tasks performance ( = -18.55, p = 0.015). Findings suggest to consider subjective cognition when developing an individualized post-transplant care plan.

Do Healthy, Young Adults With Current Feelings Of Anxiety Have Impaired Balance? An Exploratory Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in balance between individuals with self-reported anxiousness compared to those with no self-reported anxiousness as assessed by the Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS-SF) METHODS: Participants (n = 87) completed the testing in a single session. Self-reported feelings of anxiety were measured using the POMS-SF and the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) was used to assess balance in 4 conditions (eyes open (EO), feet on ground (FI), eyes closed (EC) FI, EO foam surface (FO) and EC FO). Participants were grouped into anxious (A) (n = 36, age = 23.31 ± 3.69 yrs, height = 174.13 ± 9.76 cm, weight = 74.86 ± 14.26 kg, male = 14), and not anxious (NA) (n = 51, age = 25.20 ± 4.24, height = 174.13 ± 9.76 cm, weight = 73.00 ± 15.83 kg, male = 21). There was no significant difference (p > .05) in height, weight and sex distribution between groups, however, age was significantly different (p < .05). An ANCOVA, using age, sex, height, weight as covariates was used to determine differences in balance. RESULTS: Significant findings reported in table. CONCLUSION: In general, individuals that have anxiety are associated with reduced incidence and intensity of postural sway, the exception being with EC on a FO. Findings suggest that having anxiety significantly impacts balance in healthy, young adults. The findings of this study suggest that further investigation is required in the role of anxiety as it relates to changes in balance and injury risks in young adults. A = Anxious, NA = Not Anxious, EO = Eyes Open, EC = Eyes Closed, FI = Firm surface, FO = Foam Surface

Manifestations Of Anxiety In Gait

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to employ machine learning (ML) in order to identify individuals who currently report feelings of anxiety using self-paced walking gait and balance assessments. METHODS: Participants (n = 87) completed the testing in a single session. Self-reported feelings of anxiety were measured using the Profile of Mood States- Short Form (POMS-SF), the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) was used to assess balance in 4 conditions (eyes open (EO), feet on ground (FI), eyes closed (EC) FI, EO foam surface (FO) and EC FO) and a self-paced 2-minute walking gait around a 6 m track was measured using the APDM mobility monitors. Participants were grouped into anxious (A) (n = 36, age = 23.31 ± 3.69 yrs, height = 174.13 ± 9.76 cm, weight = 74.86 ± 14.26 kg, male = 14), and not anxious (NA) (n = 51, age = 25.20 ± 4.24, height = 174.13 ± 9.76 cm, weight = 73.00 ± 15.83 kg, male = 21). The models were trained using classifiers with all features and top 5 features (using a 0.024 cut-off for feature importance). The models were trained in a 10-fold cross-validation manner in order to avoid problems such as overfitting or selection bias. Data was then randomly split into training set (90%) and test set (10%) and ran through each of the ML models 10,000 times. RESULTS: The top model was a Random Forrest with the top 5 features. The median accuracy of that model was 75% and the mean was 69.7%. Approximately 3% of the models had 100% accuracy. The top five features were mean angles of turns, variance of neck bending in the frontal plane, variance in arm swing speed, movement of the lumbar region in the sagittal plane and the maximal lumbar rotation in the transverse plane. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that gait variables are the most important variables in identifying individuals who report feelings of anxiety. The median accuracy of the models suggests that studies with a larger pool of subjects may yield significantly better models in order to identify individuals who feel anxious when using walking gait analysis.

The effects of group keyboard music making on the mood states of college students

Our pilot study explored the effects of a new, five-session group keyboard music-making protocol on the mood states of non-musician college students. Twenty-five math and engineering students participated in a keyboard music-making program without the expectation or need for extensive technical preparation or regular music practice. To assess changes in mood states before and after music-making activities, we administered the Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS-SF) questionnaire. Here, we show significant and lasting improvements in participant’s negative and positive mood states, which were more robust than mood improvements reported with other Recreational Music Making (RMM) protocols, suggesting a strong therapeutic potential of our group keyboard music-making program.

Negative effect of anger on chronic pain intensity is modified by multiple mood states other than anger: A large population-based cross-sectional study in Japan.

To investigate whether mood states other than anger can modify the association between anger and pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain. We analysed 22,059 participants with chronic pain, including 214 participants with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who completed a questionnaire. The Profile of Mood States short form (POMS-SF) was used to assess six dimensions of mood states (anger-hostility, tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, confusion, fatigue, and vigour). A numerical rating scale (NRS) assessed pain intensity. We examined the association between anger-hostility and the NRS and the relationship between POMS-SF components. Moderation analyses were used to investigate whether the five mood states other than anger-hostility modified the effect of anger-hostility on the NRS. Anger-hostility contributed to pain intensity. Although increased mood states other than vigour were associated with increased pain intensity, these increased mood states appeared to suppress the effect of anger-hostility on pain intensity. Increased vigour was associated with decreased pain intensity and increased the effect of anger-hostility on pain intensity. Mood states other than anger may influence the association between anger and pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain. It is important to focus on complicated mood states and anger in individuals with chronic pain, including RA.

Evidence that feelings of energy and fatigue are associated differently with gait characteristics and balance: an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Balance and gait assessments are commonly implemented to screen for injury risks and function by clinicians. Recent evidence in older adults suggests that feelings of energy and fatigue influence gait and balance however, there is limited evidence on the influence of these moods on gait and balance in young adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of self-reported feelings of fatigue and energy on characteristics of gait and balance in healthy young adults. Participants (n = 97) completed the experimental procedure in a single testing session. Feelings of energy and fatigue were measured using the 30-item Profile of Mood States-Short Form. Participants were fitted with inertial sensors then completed a modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction and Balance to assess balance and walked for 2 minutes around a 6m track. Backwards multiple linear regression models were used to test associations between selfreported fatigue and energy with balance and gait characteristics. The backwards regression models with gait characteristic predicted 9.1% and 20.0% variance for fatigue and energy, respectively. Feelings of fatigue significantly impacted balance variables only when subjects stood on a firm surface with their eyes open however, feelings of energy significantly influenced balance variables when eyes were open both on firm and a foam surface. Neither mood influenced balance in either of the vision occluded conditions. Findings suggest that feelings of fatigue and energy uniquely impact gait characteristics and balance of healthy young adults, furthering our understanding of energy and fatigue as separate moods.

Comparing online support groups with psychoeducation versus psychoeducation alone for distressed breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: Online support groups are one forum that can help breast cancer survivors cope with negative mood states, but little is known about their effects compared to self-administered psycho-educational interventions. This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of synchronous, text-based professionally led online support groups (OSGs) plus a psychoeducational coping skills training program, called Nucare, versus Nucare alone in distressed survivors of breast cancer. Methods: Consented participants were randomized to an OSG (90-minute once-weekly session for 12 weeks) plus home-based Nucare or a self-directed home-based Nucare intervention alone. The primary outcome was the Profile of Mood States-Short Form – Total Mood Disturbance score (POMS-TMD). Secondary outcomes included measures of anxiety, depression, coping, illness intrusiveness, and loneliness. Outcomes were measured before and after the intervention, and 3 months post-intervention (follow-up). Results: One hundred twenty-five stage I–III breast cancer survivors enrolled with a mean age of 53 years (OSG plus Nucare [n = 68]; Nucare alone [n = 57]). There was a significant improvement in POMS-TMD scores among the entire study sample during the intervention period (Cohen's d = 0.25, P = .002), which was maintained over follow-up. The group × time interactions on POMS-TMD over the intervention and follow-up periods were not significant (all Ps &gt; .05), indicating neither group outperformed the other. Group x time interactions on three coping domains (positive reframing, use of instrumental support, self-blame) favored Nucare alone over OSG plus Nucare during the intervention period (Cohen's d ranged from 0.40 to 0.48), while group x time interactions over the follow-up period favored OSG plus Nucare over Nucare alone on loneliness (Cohen's d = 0.34) and one coping domain (self-blame) (Cohen's d = 0.58). Anxiety, depression, and illness intrusiveness were not significantly different between groups at any time point (all Ps &gt; .05). Conclusion: OSGs plus Nucare were not found superior to Nucare alone in improving mood disturbance. Mood improvement among the entire sample indicates that regular use of either Nucare alone or in combination with OSGs may have the potential to ameliorate negative mood states in breast cancer survivors.

Effect of a narrative intervention on individual-level abortion stigma: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a narrative intervention on individual-level abortion stigma in patients undergoing abortion.Study designThis randomised controlled trial examined individual-level abortion stigma and psychological distress among patients undergoing...

Initial Evidence of Variation by Ethnicity in the Relationship between Vitamin C Status and Mental States in Young Adults.

Higher fruit and vegetable intake has been associated with improved mood, greater vitality, and lower stress. Although the nutrients driving these benefits are not specifically identified, one potentially important micronutrient is vitamin C, an important co-factor for the production of peptide hormones, carnitine and neurotransmitters that are involved in regulation of physical energy and mood. The aim of our study was to investigate the cross-sectional relationship between blood plasma vitamin C status and mood, vitality and perceived stress. A sample of 419 university students (aged 18 to 35; 67.8% female) of various ethnicities (49.2% European, 16.2% East Asian, 8.1% Southeast/Other Asian, 9.1% Māori/Pasifika, 11.5% Other) provided a fasting blood sample to determine vitamin C status and completed psychological measures consisting of the Profile of Mood States Short Form (POMS-SF), the vitality subscale of the Rand 36-Item Short Form (SF-36), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Participants were screened for prescription medication, smoking history, vitamin C supplementation, fruit/juice and vegetable consumption, kiwifruit allergies, excessive alcohol consumption and serious health issues, and provided age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status information, which served as covariates. There were no significant associations between vitamin C status and the psychological measures for the sample overall. However, associations varied by ethnicity. Among Māori/Pasifika participants, higher vitamin C was associated with greater vitality and lower stress, whereas among Southeast Asian participants, higher vitamin C was associated with greater confusion on the POMS-SF subscale. These novel findings demonstrate potential ethnicity-linked differences in the relationship between vitamin C and mental states. Further research is required to determine whether genetic variation or cultural factors are driving these ethnicity differences.

Examining Sleep and Mood in Parents of Children with Sleep Disturbances.

ObjectiveThe current study examined sleep and mood associations in parents of children with sleep disturbances across a sample of typically developing children and children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The mediating effect of children’s sleep on the relationship between parents’ sleep and mood was also assessed. The study explored differences in parents’ sleep based on whether 1) the child had a sleep disturbance, and 2) the child was typically developing or had a neurodevelopmental disorder.MethodsA total of 293 parents of children aged 2–12 years completed an online questionnaire. Parental sleep was examined using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale and the Pre-sleep Arousal Scale, and mood was assessed using the Profile of Mood States-short form. Measures for children included the Child’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.ResultsAcross the overall sample, children’s sleep disturbances were associated with parents’ sleep disturbances, accounting for 22% of the change in parental sleep quality. Children’s sleep partially mediated parents’ sleep and mood. Significant differences were observed for sleep and mood outcomes in parents of children with sleep disturbances (CSHQ scores ≥41). However, no significant differences were reported for children’s sleep disturbances and parents’ sleep quality based on whether the child was typically developing or had a neurodevelopmental disorder.ConclusionParents of children with sleep disturbances experience poor sleep and high pre-sleep arousal, indicative of insomnia. Given that these parents experience cognitive arousal and insomnia, it is recommended that parents’ sleep problems are addressed and treated in clinical settings.

Initial psychometric testing of the Head and Neck Cancer Patient Self-Management Inventory (HNC-PSMI).

Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment are associated with significant symptom burden and functional impairment. HNC patients must engage in intensive and complex self-management protocols to minimize acute and late treatment effects. Self-management among HNC patients is understudied due to the limited availability of disease-specific self-management measures. This article describes the initial psychometric testing of the HNC Patient Self-Management Inventory (HNC-PSMI), an instrument that characterizes self-management tasks in the HNC population. A cross-sectional survey design was used. One hundred HNC patients completed the HNC-PSMI, the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Cancer Symptom Survey plus General Symptom Survey, and the Profile of Mood States-Short Form. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the HNC-PSMI, the relevance of items, internal consistency of domain item responses, and the direction and strength of associations between domain scores and other measures were examined. There was variability both in the number of self-management tasks performed overall and in each domain as well as in the reported difficulty completing those tasks. Kuder-Richardson values for domains with > 3 items ranged from 0.61 to 0.86. Hypothesized associations were supported. Overall, the psychometric properties for the HNC-PSMI were acceptable. The HNC-PSMI can be used to advance an understanding of self-management requirements and challenges in HNC patients.

Fear of cancer recurrence promotes cancer screening behaviors among family caregivers of cancer survivors.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) has been associated with cancer screening behaviors among cancer survivors, but to the authors' knowledge, the question of whether the same is true for caregivers is unknown. The current study investigated the extent to which FCR among caregivers predicted their cancer screening behaviors years after their relatives' cancer diagnosis. A total of 813 caregivers (67% of whom were female, mean age of 56years, and 92% non-Hispanic white) completed surveys 2years (T1) and 8years (T2) after their patients' cancer diagnosis. FCR, anxiety (Profile of Mood States-Short Form [POMS-SF]), and general mental health (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [MOS SF-36]) were reported at T1; caregivers' engagement in screening for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers because of the patients' diagnoses were reported at T2. Caregivers were found to engage in cancer screening at rates similar to those of the national average. Controlling for covariates, hierarchical logistic regression modeling for each type of cancer screening demonstrated that greater FCR was linearly related to a higher likelihood of undergoing colorectal cancer screening (odds ratio [OR], 1.15) and maintaining prostate cancer screening (OR, 1.34), but a lower likelihood of maintaining breast cancer screening in an age-appropriate manner (OR, 0.27). Examining curvilinear effects demonstrated that moderate levels of FCR were associated with a higher likelihood of maintaining age-appropriate colorectal cancer screening (OR, 1.48). The overall FCR among caregivers uniquely promotes their engagement in cancer screening behaviors. The role of caregivers' FCR in other types of cancer preventive behaviors and ways to channel FCR concerns into promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors should be investigated.

Using a cultural dance program to increase sustainable physical activity for breast cancer survivors—A pilot study

BackgroundStudies have shown that physical activity can reduce the risk of mortality for female breast cancer patients and improve quality of life, reduce weight, and alter circulating biomarker levels. We conducted a pilot trial to determine the feasibility of increasing physical activity through a cultural dance intervention to achieve similar benefits. MethodsConducted a pilot trial implementing a cultural dance intervention to increase and sustain physical activity for breast cancer survivors, which consisted of a six-month group-based intervention of Hula Dance. Anthropometric measures, fasting blood draws, and self-reported questionnaires to assess physical activity, mood, and quality of life, were completed at baseline, at the end of the 6-month intervention (time point month-6), and at two additional post-intervention time points (month-12 and month-24) to assess sustainability. ResultsA total of 11 women with a median age of 63 years were enrolled in the intervention trial. Eight of the 11 (73%) completed the trial to month-12 and demonstrated an overall significant increase in weekly moderate exercise. There were no significant changes in intra-individual body mass index (BMI). However, there was a sustained post-intervention reduction in waist circumference and significant changes in circulating biomarker levels. For the self-reported measures, there was a significant increase in vigor/activity (p < 0.001; Profile of Mood States-Short Form). ConclusionOur intervention pilot trial demonstrated that a cultural dance program could achieve a sustainable increase in physical activity for breast cancer survivors, with potential to improve quality of life, increase vigor, and decrease levels of circulating cytokines associated with obesity and inflammation.

Application of "treatment-care and four linkage combination" integrated care model for out-hospital care of patients with advanced liver cancer

Objective To explore the application effect of treatment-care and four linkage integrated care model for out-hospital care of patients with advanced liver cancer. Methods By convenience sampling, 42 patients with advanced liver cancer who received treatment and got discharged from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January of 2015 to April of 2016 were selected and assigned into the control group receiving the conventional transitional care. A total of 44 patients with advanced liver cancer who received treatment and got discharged from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August of 2016 to December of 2017 were assigned into the observation group and received treatment-care and four linkage care. After six months of continuous intervention, the two groups were compared in terms of the change of their scores in Profile Of Mood States-Short Form (POMS) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) . Results Before intervention, there was no significant statistical difference in each dimensional score of POMS and SSRS between the two groups (P>0.05) . After intervention, the scores of tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, confusion-bewilderment and fatigue-inertia in POMS in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group with statistical differences (P<0.05) ; the scores of objective and utilization of in the SSRS scale of the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusions The treatment-care and four linkage integrated care model can effectively improve the mood of out-of-hospital patients with advanced liver cancer and improve their social support, which has good application value. Key words: Liver neoplasm; Treatment-care and four linkage combination integrated care; Out-hospital care; Negative psychology; Social support

Application of six-step standard communication process in nursing communication with elderly lung cancer patients

Objective To explore the application effect of six-step standard communication process in nursing communication with elderly patients with lung cancer. Methods A six-step standard communication process training was conducted for 38 nurses in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to June 2017 selected by purposive sampling. Nurses' Clinical Communication Competence Scale (NCCCS) was used to evaluate the changes of nurses' communication ability with patients before and after training. A total of 38 elderly patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer in Thoracic Surgery Department from January to December 2016 were enrolled as the control group, and during their in-hospital period of time, the nurses had not received the training and their communication was in the conventional way; a total of 35 elderly patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer in Thoracic Surgery Department from July 2017 to June 2018 were enrolled as the observation group, and during their in-hospital period of time, the nurses had already completed the training and their communication mode was based on the six-step standard communication process. The two groups were compared in terms of their scores in Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS) 24 hours after getting newly diagnosed (before intervention) , 24 hours before operation (after intervention) , and their nursing satisfaction degree upon discharge. Results After training, nurses' communication ability in difficult situations, emotional perception ability, emotional support ability, basic language communication ability and basic non-verbal communication ability were significantly improved with statistical differences (P 0.05) ; after intervention, the observation group had lower scores in dimensions of depression-dejection , tension-anxiety , anger-hostility , confusion-bewilderment , and fatigue-inertia than the control group with statistical differences (P<0.05) . The observation group had higher nursing satisfaction degree upon discharge than the control group with statistical differences (P<0.05) . Conclusions For elderly patients with lung cancer in Thoracic Surgery Department, the application of six-step standard communication process can effectively improve the nursing communication efficacy, improve patient's bad mood and improve nursing satisfaction. Key words: Lung neoplasms; Aged; Six-step standard communication process; Communication ability; Patient satisfaction

The Effects of a High Fiber Beta Glucan Talbina Meal on Emotional Well-being Among Syrian Refugees in Metropolitan Detroit (P08-076-19)

ObjectivesThe on-going Syrian War has affected Syrians’ mental health, causing anxiety, depression, stress, and mood disturbances. Barley β- glucan is a soluble fiber and its benefits for mental health have been reported in the literature. This study was designed to assess the possible therapeutic effects of β-glucan supplementation as a natural remedy for emotional disturbance control/prevention using a traditional Islamic homestyle meal, “Talbina”, a semi-solid meal made from ground whole grain, hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare). MethodsA single-blind randomized crossover design was conducted in free-living, stressed Syrian refugees using barley flour (active, AC) for 28 days and rice flour (placebo, PL) for 14 days as part of a breakfast. Subjects (14 females and 9 males, mean age: 41 ± 10 yrs) with normal-to-mild depression and anxiety scores were recruited from the Islamic Center of Detroit. More than 60% of the subjects self-rated their general health as good or very good. Only 4.3% reported poor mental health, and nearly 60% of the subjects reported having at least one non-communicable disease. Arabic validated self-administered questionnaires: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and The Profile of Mood States-short form (POMS-SF) were used to measure anxiety and depression states, stress, and mood, respectively. Body weight and height data were also collected. ResultsSubjects without depression showed a reduction in body mass index (BMI) at the end of the AC phase compared to the PL phase while depressed subjects showed an increase in BMI. The difference between these groups was significant (−.5 ± .5 kg/m2 vs .2 ± .8, P = 0.04). The results showed no differences in anxiety, depression, stress and mood scores between the AC and PL phases. ConclusionsThe findings of this study showed no significant improvement in emotional well-being, depression, or stress levels by eating Talbina. But the subjects with anxiety were benefited significantly by taking part in this study regardless of the key ingredients of their meals. These findings suggest that refugee communities need further social support. Future studies should be conducted with a higher dosage of β-glucan for a longer duration and with a larger sample size to examine the beneficial effects of β-glucan. Funding SourcesThe Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Wayne State University and the Department of Clinical Nutrition at Umm Al-Qura University.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote youthful vigor, enhance muscle strength and endurance, and improve overall health. In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, its effects on fatigue, vigor, and steroid hormones in aging men were investigated. Overweight men aged 40–70 years, with mild fatigue, were given a placebo or an ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads, delivering 21 mg of withanolide glycosides a day) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Profile of Mood States, Short Form (POMS-SF), Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire, and salivary levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol. Fifty-seven participants were enrolled, with 50 people completing the first 8-week period of the trial and 43 completing all 16 weeks. Improvements in fatigue, vigor, and sexual and psychological well-being were reported over time, with no statistically significant between-group differences. Ashwagandha intake was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S (p = .005) and 14.7% greater increase in testosterone (p = .010) compared to the placebo. There were no significant between-group differences in cortisol and estradiol. In conclusion, the intake of a standardized ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads) for 8 weeks was associated with increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone, although no significant between-group differences were found in cortisol, estradiol, fatigue, vigor, or sexual well-being. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to substantiate the current findings.

Impact of patient symptoms and caregiving tasks on psychological distress in caregivers for head and neck cancer (HNC).

To determine the association of caregiving task burden and patient symptom burden with psychological distress among caregivers of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Adults with HNC and their primary caregivers were included. Patient symptom burden was assessed with the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey-2.0. Caregiving task burden was quantified as task number and task difficulty/distress using the HNC Caregiving Task Inventory. Psychological distress was measured with the Profile of Mood States-Short Form. Two-step clustering analysis was conducted for patient symptom burden, caregiving task burden, and psychological distress. Associations of the resultant clusters of task burden and patient symptoms with caregiver distress were tested using logistic regressions. Eighty-nine HNC caregivers and 84 patients were included. Among patients, two clusters of symptom burden were found (51% mod-high, 49% low). Among caregivers, two clusters of caregiving task burden (40% mod-high, 60% low) and caregiver psychological distress (40% mod-high, 60% low) were found. Caregivers with mod-high task numbers and task difficulty/distress reported higher levels of psychological distress. After controlling for caregiver number of tasks, respective difficulty/distress, and patient symptom burden, caregiver perceived task difficulty/distress had the strongest association with caregiver psychological distress (adjusted OR=3.83; 95% CI, 1.0-14.64; P=0.049). Psychological distress in HNC caregivers is associated with caregiving task burden, with caregivers experiencing high task difficulty/distress at greatest risk. Further study of the caregiver and task characteristics leading to psychological distress should inform supportive interventions for HNC patients and caregivers.