PSS Score Research Articles

Stress experienced by final year medical students of LSMU during the Covid-19 pandemic: stress level, health symptoms and their correlation with the stressor – Covid-19 pandemic in the world and personal life

Dominyka Šilaitė 1, Lolita Šileikienė 2, Augustė Šilaitė 1 1 LSMU Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine 2 LSMU Faculty of Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute of Cardiology, Laboratory of Population Studies Abstract Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the psychological state of medical students. Difficult online studies, anxiety about the future, and quarantine restrictions affected academic performance and also caused a lot of stress. The aim of this study is to find out the stress level of LSMU medical final year students, its interaction with the symptoms of health disorders, to investigate the influence of COVID-19 on students’ lives and the relationship with the experienced stress level. Methodology. The epidemiological cross-sectional study was performed. We analyzed the data obtained from LSMU 6th year medical students who responded to the anonymous online survey. This study assesses the level of stress experienced by students (using PSS) and manifestation of stress, analyses health symptoms and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a stressor. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0.1.0.0 compilation and analysis software and MS Excel 2016 program. Results. 65 LSMU 6th year medical students were studied. The average PSS score was 23,32±6,91. 49.2% of students experience COVID-19 stressor “very often” and “often”. There was a positive correlation between the frequency of experienced COVID-19 stressor and stress (p=0.003, rs=0.366). 47.7% of students experience anxiety “very often” and “often”. There were statistically significant (p <0.05) positive correlations between stress level and health symptoms, the strongest relationship is between anxiety and stress (rs = 0.711, p <0.001). Conclusions. The level of stress experienced by LSMU final year medical students is average. Many students experience anxiety during the pandemic. 49.2% of students experience stress due COVID-19 “very often” and “often”. The more frequently COVID-19 stressor is experienced, the higher stress level is determined (p=0.003, rs=0.366). 47.7% of sixth-year students experienced anxiety “very often” and “often”. Anxiety had the strongest effect on stress levels compared to other health symptoms (rs = 0.711, p <0.001). Keywords: stress, medical students, COVID-19.

Effect of Health Education Vis Digital Media during COVID-19 Pandemic in India

Objective: The main purpose of the study to evaluate effect of digital media education by various medical professionals to population who are frightened and misinformed during lock down. Methods: This was an observational data collection survey study by using digital media. Any patients who are habituated to use social media or having system like android mobile or a computer to be connected digitally and also confused or misguided regarding COVID-19 pandemic and look forwards for a guidance from medical experts were included in this study. A verbal questionnaire were used to understand the need of the patients followed by a short intensive yet public friendly lectures by various medical professionals and at the end another verbal questionary used to understand the effect of the lecture. Results: Total 1000 participants were evaluated in this study. Table 1 depicted the participants’ demographic characteristics. The average mean age of the participants were 37.8 ± 18.6 years. 43% of the participants were male and rest 57% were female. 21% patients were having smoking history. Majority of co-morbidity among the participants were diabetes (74%), followed by dyslipidemis (51%) and hypertension (48%). he mean PSS score for the 1000 participants was 18.6 ± 4.9, indicating moderate perceived stress in the month prior to the interview. Participants indicated negative impacts (either mild, moderate, or severe) of COVID-19 related mental issues like concern for health, difficulties of concentration, concern on hygienic parameters, change in living environment and as well as depressive thoughts. Before the initiation of lectures and post lectures, there was a significant statistical difference in the knowledge of COVID-19 among the study participants. Conclusion: A combines effort by multiple consultants on distant digital platform is useful in not only helping population getting the right education during pandemic but also help them to fight against removing negative thoughts and implementing positive ones.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on psychological health and quality of sleep: An online survey from Kolkata

Background: As a preventive measure to combat COVID-19 pandemic, India has undergone “lockdown” since March 25, 2020. The pandemic and lockdown can impose a psychological impact in the form of fear, anxiety, stress and insomnia etc. Aims and Objective: The aim of the current study is to assess the magnitude of anxiety, depression, stress and poor sleep quality among the adult population of Kolkata, West Bengal amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: By this online survey using Google forms, a total of 435 responses were received. The online questionnaire comprises of Socio-demographic characteristics, COVID—19 Anxiety Scale (CAS), Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS 4), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ 9) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results: COVID-19 related anxiety were almost similar across age groups, sex, marital and educational status. PSS score was found higher in ≤25 years and &gt;40 years age group, those not currently married, students and homemakers. Patient Health Questionnaire scores were found significantly different across all background characteristics categories except for the level of education whereas Insomnia Severity index Scale scores were found significantly more among subjects not currently married and among subjects who were working from home. Conclusions: The current study provides evidence towards the negative psychological impact of the pandemic and reminds us about the need for widespread psychiatric services during and after pandemic.

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Parents of Pediatric Cancer Patients.

The changes and general alarm of the current COVID-19 pandemic have amplified the sense of precariousness and vulnerability for family members who, in addition to the emotional trauma of the cancer diagnosis, add the distress and fear of the risks associated with infection. The primary objectives of the present study were to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the parents of pediatric cancer patients, and the level of stress, anxiety, and the child’s quality of life perceived by the parents during the COVID-19 epidemic. The parents of 45 consecutive children with solid and hematological tumors were enrolled. Four questionnaires (Impact of Event Scale-Revised – IES-R; Perceived Stress Scale – PSS; Spielberger State – Trait Anxiety Inventory – STAI-Y; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory – PedsQL) were administered to the parents at the beginning of the pandemic lockdown. A 75% of parents exhibited remarkable levels of anxiety, with 60 subjects in state scale and 45 subjects in trait scale having scores that reached and exceeded the STAI-Y cut off. The bivariate matrix of correlation found a significant positive correlation between the IES-R and PSS scores (r = 0.55, P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the PSS and PedsQL (emotional needs) scale (P < 0.001) and a negative correlation between IES-R and STAI-Y (P < 0.001). The results confirm that parents of pediatric cancer patients have a high psychological risk for post-traumatic symptoms, high stress levels, and the presence of clinically significant levels of anxiety.

Prevalence Of Perceived Stress, Due To COVID-19 Among Faculties Of Government Dental Colleges In Kerala, India

The purpose of this cross-sectional web-based study was to assess the prevalence of perceived stress among dental faculties of Government Dental Colleges across the state of Kerala, India, during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has a huge impact on both physical and psychological well-being of persons all over the world. Human transmission of this disease occurs mainly through droplet inhalation and hence, direct contact with mucous membranes and saliva is considered risky. The study was conducted using a five-point scale PSS10 (Perceived Stress Scale) questionnaire. Comparison between study groups (gender and age group) with continuous variables (PSS score) was done using independent t test. The chi-square test was used to compare the age group and gender with PSS categories; low, moderate and high. The mean PSS score of the respondents was 17.43 ± 6.45 with a range from 2 to 35 with women having higher mean stress scores (18.15 ± 6.54) compared to men (16.46 ± 6.24). Participants aged 40 years and less reported higher PSS scores (18.60 ± 6.40) compared to the older age group (16.14 ± 6.30). Since varying amounts of stress are present in different groups, etiology of perceived stress and measures to control it may be investigated in the future so as to avoid stress-related crisis in the health sector. Effective stress management measures like mindfulness are highly recommended.

Assesment of relationship between perceived stress and knowledge among oral health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross- sectional study

The lack of knowledge and stress towards COVID-19 can lead to unfavorable dentist’s attitude towards the practice making them reluctant and fearful in dental operatory. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and perceived stress among dental practitioners during current COVID-19 outbreak. : In this study, a total of 459 dental practitioners involving both general practitioners and specialists from different types of practice completed a questionnaire for assessment of knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and stress perceived by them. The association of perceived stress for gender, age, designation and type of practice was analyzed using Chi-square tests with Statistical significance set at 5% level. total of 459 individuals participated in study with 51.0% males and 49.0% females, of them 54.7% were specialists and 45.31% general dental practitioners, working at different types of practices. More than 90% were aware of mode of transmission and were following current guidelines. Similar results were observed for attitude towards COVID-19. Majority of participants had total PSS scores in the study sample ranged from 0-38, with total mean scores of 17.08 (±7.8), Men demonstrated significantly lower values PSS scores when compared to females (p&amp;#60;0.05), similar results were observed for age. Covid-19 pandemic has led to increased level of stress among dental practitioner’s despite of possessing high level of knowledge and positive attitude.

Clinical use of the poisoning severity score in acute pediatric poisoning

To make an accurate diagnosis of poisoning and determine the severity of poisoning quickly without losing time are critical for managing the patient's medical treatment and predicting the prognosis. This study aimed to investigate PSS and Glasgow Coma Scale Score (GCS) effectiveness in predicting outcomes in acute pediatric poisoning. We retrospectively reviewed the data of intoxicated patients aged under 18 years who were admitted to the pediatric emergency service of Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine Clinical Research and Practice Hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. Two hundred twenty-two patients were admitted to our pediatric emergency department (ED) after drug ingestions. Of the patients enrolled in the study, 148 (66.7 %) were female, and 74 (33.3%) were male. The mean age was 105.8±75.3 months, and the median age was 65 (12-213) months. 96 (43.3%) poisoning cases were in the age range of 12-18 years. According to Poisoning Severity Score, it was found that 84 cases (37.4%) were asymptomatic (PSS score=0), 86 cases (38.7%) were minor (PSS score=1), 48 cases (21.6%) were moderate (score=2) and four cases (1.8%) were severe (PSS score=3). Combined using the Poisoning Severity Score with the patient's biochemical and physiological values may help improve an accurate diagnosis of poisoning and determine the severity of poisoning more accurately.

English

BACKGROUND Nurses and medical social workers’ (MSW’s) stress has an impact on health, which ultimately has an effect on quality care of the patients. Stress problems are one of the leading causes of sleep disturbance. We wanted to evaluate the association of quality and pattern of sleep with work stress levels in nurses and medico-social workers in this study. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on nurses and MSW’s of Tertiary Care Hospitals of Wardha city using questionnaire, containing 24 questions. A total of 513 Nurses and 36 MSW’s of Tertiary Care Hospitals were taken in this study, sampling was done by simple random sampling method. The stress was evaluated using 10 items “Global perceived stress scale” (GPSS) and for sleep quality “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index” (PSQI) of total 14 items was used. The variables were compared in unpaired t test and Pearson correlation test to know the level of significance of determinacy which was set at less than 0.05. RESULTS The overall PSS scores in nurses (12.57 ± 3.7) and MSWs (12.87 ± 3.1) were almost similar and were statistically significant. Subjective sleep quality score of MSWs (2.19 ± 0.66) was higher than that of nurses (2.00 ± 0.19) and was statistically insignificant according to the specialization. The statistically relevant sleep duration was greater in MSWs (13.50 ± 03.56) than in nurses (12.16 ± 02.73). Moderate positive correlation between perceived stress severity and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was observed. CONCLUSIONS Certain characteristics of work shift among nurses and MSW’s is directly affected by the stress and sleep quality and indirectly affects the patient care and treatment. The study indicates that work characteristics may influence sleep quality and stress among nurses and MSW’s. We needed to improve work shift schedule in order to provide good health and well-being of nurses and MSW’s which would further improve the quality of patient care. KEY WORDS Nurses, MSW’s, Sleep Quality, Stress

Effect of Perceived Stress on the Differential Leucocyte Count among Young Adults

Exposure to any form of stress causes an increase in ACTH secretion by the anterior pituitary, followedby increased secretion of Cortisol, which decreases eosinophils, basophils and lymphocytes in blood andincreases the number of neutrophils.With the above background, the present study was carried out todetermine the changes brought on by perceived stress in the leukocyte profile of young adults.37 healthy,young adults participated in the study. Perceived stress was measured using the 10-item Perceived StressScale (PSS-10) and leukocyte profile was studied by performing a differential leukocyte count.A positivecorrelation was found between PSS score and percentage of neutrophils, monocytes and N:L ratio. A negativecorrelation was found between PSS score and percentage of lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils.Stressidentification and management is an important component in the welfare of young adults. Differential countof leukocytes can provide a reliable method to study the response to stress.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder and the main cause of infertility in women of reproductive age. Affected women suffer from insulin resistance and present with an intense stress response. Treatment with insulin sensitizers alone and in combination is used to ameliorate the signs and symptoms associated with the disease. This study was designed to compare the endocrine and metabolic parameters as well as subjective and objective measures of stress in women with PCOS before and after treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and metformin plus pioglitazone. A total of 147 women with PCOS were randomly assigned into two groups: the combo group (n = 72) received a combination of metformin, pioglitazone, and ALC (500mg, 15mg, and 1500mg, respectively), twice daily; the Met + Pio group (n = 75) received metformin plus pioglitazone (500mg, 15mg, respectively) and placebo (citric acid plus calcium carbonate), twice daily for 12weeks. Medications were discontinued when pregnancy was confirmed. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS14) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were employed as subjective measures of stress. The endocrine and metabolic functions of women with PCOS were assessed by measuring insulin, leutinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and adiponectin levels in fasting blood samples. Insulin resistance was calculated by Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Women at baseline had significantly elevated circulating concentration of insulin and low level of adiponectin. Treatment decreased insulin in both groups; however, the combo group showed a significant decrease (p = 0.001). Serum adiponectin level was raised significantly after treatment in both groups (p < 0.001). HOMA-IR also decreased in both groups (both p < 0.001). Testosterone, FSH, and LH significantly improved in both groups. LH also decreased in both groups; however, the change was significant only in the combo (metformin plus pioglitazone plus ALC) group (p = 0.013). Interestingly, there was a significant improvement in body circumference (p < 0.001) in the combo group. The PSS scores of the patients improved significantly (p < 0.001) in the combo group. Interestingly, regular menstrual cycles were found (97.2%) in the carnitine group, but in only 12.9% of the other group. We conclude that addition of ALC therapy is superior to metformin plus pioglitazone in ameliorating insulin resistance, polycystic ovaries, menstrual irregularities, and hypoadiponectinemia in women with PCOS. Trial registration: clinicalTrial.gov NCT04113889. Registered 3 October, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04113889 .

Coping with stress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic by Turkish people with Multiple Sclerosis: The relationship between perceived stress and quality of life

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease and acute exacerbations are also a part of the clinical course. The presence of the disease and relapses cause stress in people with MS (pwMS). For this reason, stress coping strategies of the patients are important in reducing perceived stress. Our aim in this study is to evaluate which strategies pwMS use during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of the strategies on perceived stress, their relationship with relapses and their role on quality of life (QoL). MethodsAn online form including Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; 10 items), Coping with Experienced Problems Scale (Brief-COPE; 28 items) and SF-12 were sent to 340 pwMS under our follow-up. ResultsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, we found that the patients used the strategies of turn to religion, planning and acceptance at a high rate. PSS score was high in 23 (11.2%) of the patients. The patients with low perceived stress used the acceptance strategy more (P=0.008). We found a negative correlation between physical component summary (PCS) of SF-12 and denial (r=-0.2, p<0.001) and distraction (r =-0.1, p=0.04). A negative correlation was found between mental component summary (MCS) of SF-12 and behavioral disconnection (r=-0.2, p=0.006). There was a positive correlation between MCS and humor (r=0.1, p=0.04), use of instrumental support (r=0.2, p=0.009), planning (r=0.1, p=0.04), and positive reframing (r=0.2, p=0.002). ConclusionPwMS have been successful in coping with stress in the first half of the pandemic with the combination of emotional and problem-focused strategies. Acceptance strategy was highly adopted by patients with low PSS, and the tendency to use the active coping strategy together with the acceptance strategy was high in patients without relapses. Adoption to emotional strategies may have prevented the severe deterioration in QoL in this study group in the early period of Covid-19 pandemic.

The Associations of Perceived and Oxidative Stress with Hypertension in a Cohort of Police Officers.

PurposeAssociations between perceived stress and oxidative stress marker and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components were investigated in a cohort of police officers.MethodsCross-sectional data from a cohort of non-diabetic subjects (n=233; 19F), median [interquartile range] age 50 [37–44] years, were analysed. MetS was construed in line with International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and perceived stress with Cohen’s 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. Plasma oxidative stress marker (free 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α; 8-iso-PGF2α), presence of coronary plaque, carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), and physical activity level were also determined.ResultsObesity was established in 100 (42.92%), hypertension in 111 (47.64), whereas MetS was identified in 104 (44.63%) of the study subjects. A significant difference (p=0.003) in plasma 8-iso-PGF2α level, depending on the MetS components status, was noted. The associations of perceived stress with plasma 8-iso-PGF2α level and the select study variables were gender-specific. In multivariate analysis (adjusted for age and current smoking), positive associations of plasma 8-iso-PGF2α levels with PSS score (B=0.108, 95% CI [0.008, 0.209], p=0.03) and systolic blood pressure (B=0.029, 95% CI [0.003, 0.057], p=0.02) in men only were established. Both the perceived stress (OR 1.101, 95% CI [1.001–1.202], p=0.03) and plasma 8-iso-PGF2α levels (OR 1.223, 95% CI [1.046–1.432], p=0.01) impacted the prevalence of hypertension. Out of the MetS components, the effect of waist circumference (OR=1.138, 95% CI [1.064–1.218], p=0.0001) and glucose (B=2.696, 95% CI [1.081–6.725], p=0.03) were also encountered. No such associations were noted in women, though, neither in univariate nor in multivariate analyses. The prevalence of coronary plaque (0.001), obesity (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001) and median cIMT value (p=0.005), as well as leisure-time (p=0.04) and total walking physical activity (p=0.03), differed significantly between the subgroups stratified by MetS components status.ConclusionBoth the perceived and oxidative stress were found instrumental in promoting hypertension in a cohort of police officers under study, whereas all study outcomes were conclusively gender-related.

Mentes Positivas en Acción: A Randomized Feasibility Study of a Promotor-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management Program for Low-Income Spanish-Speaking Latinos.

Purpose: Although psychological distress is common among Latinos in the United States, they underutilize mental health services. We describe a community-based program to manage stress and reduce depressive symptoms among low-income Spanish-speaking Latinos.Methods: Mentes Positivas en Acción (MPA) (Positive Minds in Action) is an 8-week group program, delivered by trained promotores in community settings and evaluated through a randomized feasibility study. Participants were randomly assigned to an immediate MPA treatment group or a delayed-intervention control group. Outcomes assessed at baseline and 8 weeks included stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9); higher scores indicate worse health. Repeated-measures analysis of variance examined group×time interaction effects for group differences in change from baseline to 8 weeks. The control group offered the program after the 8-week assessment, completed an additional assessment at the end of the program (16 weeks); t-tests assessed within-group changes.Results: Most participants were female, born in Mexico, and spoke only Spanish. Group×time interaction effects were significant for both outcomes. Mean PSS scores improved in the treatment group but not the control group (−0.80 vs. +0.10; p<0.014). Mean PHQ-9 scores improved more in the treatment group than the control group (−5.7 vs. −0.3; p<0.011). Within-group analyses of the control group found significant improvements in stress (−0.8; p<0.000) and depressive symptoms (−3.9; p<0.002).Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of a community-based promotor-delivered program to manage stress and reduce depressive symptoms among vulnerable underserved Latinos in the United States.

Perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among the tunisian population

IntroductionDocumenting Tunisian’ stress responses to an unprecedented pandemic is essential for mental health interventions and policy-making.ObjectivesTo describe the perceived stress generated by the Covid-19 epidemic and confinement among the Tunisian people.MethodsParticipants had to fill out a questionnaire including epidemiological data and the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS10), which is the most widely used psychological instrument for measuring the stress perception. Individual scores can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.Results Our study included 121 subjects, of which 70.6% were women.They had an average age of 36.52 years and a history of psychiatric disorders in 13.1% of cases, such as anxiety disorders (10.4%), depressive disorders (5.9%) and obsessive compulsive disorders (2.3%). More than one in two participants (61.4%) reported the presence of sleep disorders. Regarding medical history, participants declared having asthma (5%), diabetes (1.8%), high blood pressure (3.6%), and a chronic disease with corticosteroid treatment (5%). The mean PSS score was 16.96. This last was correlated to age (p&lt;0.001), female gender (p&lt;0.001), primary or secondary school level (p=0.03), a history of anxiety (p&lt;0.001) and depressive disorders (p&lt;0.001), and to sleep disorders (p&lt;0.001).Conclusions The stress level among the Tunisian people during the Covid-19 pandemic was very close to that observed in other countries, deserving special attention especially among vulnerable populations.

Intimate Partner Violence, Depression, and Anxiety Are Associated With Higher Perceived Stress Among Both Young Men and Women in Soweto and Durban, South Africa.

Objectives: Psychological stress is an important determinant of health, including for mental well-being and sexual health. However, little is known about the prevalence and psychosocial and sexual health correlates of perceived stress among young people in South Africa, where elevated life-stressors are an important driver of health inequities. This study examines the association between intimate partner violence (IPV), psychosocial and sexual health, and perceived stress, by gender, among South African adolescents and young adults.Methods: Using baseline survey data from AYAZAZI, a cohort study enrolling youth (16–24 years) from Durban and Soweto, we used the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to measure the degree to which an individual perceives their life situations as unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded. Possible scores range between 0 and 40; higher scores indicating higher perceived stress. Crude and adjusted gender-stratified linear regression models examined associations between sexual health factors, experiences (young women) and perpetration (young men) of IPV, anxiety (APA 3-item Scale, ≥2 = probable anxiety), and depression (10-item CES-D Scale, ≥10 = probable depression) and perceived stress. Multivariable models adjusted for age, income, sexual orientation, and financial dependents.Results: Of the 425 AYAZAZI participants, 60% were young women. At baseline, 71.5% were students//learners and 77.2% earned ≤ ZAR1600 per month (~$100 USD). The PSS-10 had moderate reliability (α = 0.70 for young women, 0.64 for young men). Young women reported significantly higher mean PSS scores than young men [18.3 (6.3) vs. 16.4 (6.0)]. In adjusted linear regression models, among young women experiences of IPV (β = 4.33; 95% CI: 1.9, 6.8), probable depression (β = 6.63; 95% CI: 5.2, 8.1), and probable anxiety (β = 5.2; 95% CI: 3.6, 6.8) were significantly associated with higher PSS scores. Among young men, ever perpetrating IPV (β = 2.95; 95% CI: 0.3, 5.6), probable depression (β = 6; 95% CI: 4.3, 7.6), and probable anxiety (β = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.1, 5.8) were significantly associated with higher perceived stress.Conclusion: We found that probable depression, anxiety, perpetration of IPV among young men, and experiences of IPV among young women, were associated with higher perceived stress. Critical efforts are needed to address the gendered stressors of young men and women and implement services to address mental health within violence prevention efforts.

Analysis of patients' and caregivers' psychosocial functioning in colorectal conditions: comparison of diagnosis, gender, and developmental functioning.

To evaluate the psychosocial functioning of caregivers and patients with anorectal malformation (ARM), Hirschsprung disease (HD), spinal conditions, and idiopathic constipation (IC) during the beginning of participation in bowel management program (BMP). In this retrospective study, Parent Stress Scale (PSS, parent-report) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, parent-proxy; SDQ-S, self-report for 11years and older) were used to evaluate parental stress levels and behavioral functioning, respectively. Descriptive and comparative statistical approaches were applied to summarize thedata and todetermine differences in scores between diagnoses, gender, and developmental functioning. Two hundred patients and caregivers participated in BMP during the study period. PSS scores were significantly higher for caregivers of patients with IC than ARM. Statistical differences in SDQ were found for patients with IC versus those with ARM, male versus female patients, and patients with developmental delays versus those without delays. No significant differences were found in SDQ-S scores between these groups. Key findings suggest that level of parental stress and behavioral concerns were significantly influenced by diagnoses, and partly by gender and presence of developmental delay. Thus, psychosocial support may need to be tailored based on these findings to provide optimum quality of care for patients and families.

Variations in perceived stress among Syrian refugee parents resettled through different sponsorship programs in Canada

BackgroundLittle is known about the perceived stress level of Syrian Refugee (SR) parents residing in Canada specifically in relation to different sponsorship programs. This study aims to assess the relationship between the different sponsorship programs [Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR), Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR) and Blended Visa Office-Referred refugees (BVOR)] and perceived stress among SR parents, with at least one child under the age of four, who resettled in the Greater Toronto area after 2015. MethodsA convenience sample of 155 Syrian Refugee (SR) parents was recruited. Perceived levels of stress were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the independent relation between several types of sponsorship programs and PSS adjusting for demographic, economic and social factors. ResultsThe overall average PSS score was found to be 12.5 ± 7.2 with BVORs presenting the highest level of moderate stress when compared to GARs and PSRs (75.0% compared to 39.5% and 35.2% respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the mean PSS was significantly higher among BVORs when compared with GARs (Adj β = 4.8; 95% CI 0.4, 9.2). No significant difference in PSS levels was reported when PSRs were compered to GARs. Increased PSS scores were found to be associated with worse family functioning (Adj β = 4.2; 95% CI 1.0, 7.4), while decreased PSS scores were associated with increased age (Adj β = -0.4; 95% CI -0.6, -0.1). ConclusionA better understanding of the various underlying factors associated with elevated stress is essential for improving the quality of life for SRs in Canada. Results of the study may help tailor more effective preventative measures or government interventions dedicated to reducing stress levels among this population.

Mental Health during the First-Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining Perceived Stress among Qatar University Students

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had a global impact on many different levels including but not limited to economic, morbidity, social… and mental health. Hence, a lot of focus was given to research mental health aspect of the pandemic especially among young adults and university students. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess whether or not students at the Qatar University perceived stress significantly experienced an increase in mental health signs and symptoms such as depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted among the Qatar University students, using three questionnaires: 1) Sociodemographic questionnaire; 2) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS, to assess perceived stress); and the 3) DASS-21 (to assess symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress). Results: Our results show that perceived stress was a predictor of anxiety, depression and stress following the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic among University students in Qatar. There were no significant differences in the mean scores of depression, anxiety, stress or PSS score between genders, different nationalities, having children, and the university year. Similarly having mental health issues, having a family member with mental health issue, testing positive for COVID-19 and eating habits did not correlate with any of the mental health outcomes (depression, stress, perceived stress and anxiety); only lack of exercise was significantly correlated with depression and anxiety. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study sheds light on the effect of perceived stress on depression, anxiety and stress among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also supports the evidence that University students had high levels of mental health issues during the pandemic and therefore there is a need to develop awareness along with interventions to promote mental wellbeing.

COVID-19 and subsequent lockdown: Adverse effects on psychological health of Indian women.

Context:COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown have led to adverse psychological outcomes in general population. Stress is mounting at an unbelievable pace and one gender is taking the brunt more than the other. While it’s easy to understand the predicaments of working women and how stressful they are during the lockdown, what escapes the notice is the condition of homemaker women who face a lot of challenges as their workload has increased due to lack of house help. Hence the study was conducted to assess anxiety and stress related to problems arising out of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown among Indian women.Methods and Material:Cross-sectional study was carried out among women across India using snowball sampling technique. Data was collected by a semi-structured online questionnaire based on GAD-7 and PSS scales. It was done using STATA 10.1 and Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Kendall’s Tau, etc., were applied.Results:Majority of study participants mentioned either improvement or no change in their personal relations. Anxiety was present in 55.97% and moderate stress in 90.53% of the female participants. Mean GAD and PSS scores were 5.91 and 21.91 respectively. Anxiety and stress were found to be significantly related to getting help in the household work and occupational status. Watching movies and trying different recipes were the main destressors.Conclusions:More than half of the women are having anxiety and almost all have some form of stress due to COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.

Factors determining psychological stress among Indian adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 outbreak

Background: Strict isolation measures imposed during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have confined families in their homes, interrupted functioning of schools and colleges, and disrupted play and exploration time. Aim: The aim was to analyze psychological stress and its determinants among Indian adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A cross-sectional, observational study design was adopted. A semi-structured survey including demographic details, COVID-19 awareness, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and coping methods was distributed among 12–24 year olds, and analyzed to study the determinants of stress. Results: Out of a total of 235 (112 males; 19.4 ± 4.0 years) participants, nearly half of the participants (53%) reported moderate stress; low stress was perceived by 42.3% and severe stress was observed in 4.7%. The mean PSS score was 13.4 ± 8.9. Higher PSS score was associated with age (r = 0.194, P = 0.003), female gender (mean rank = 132.0, P = 0.001), higher education (mean rank = 154.5, P = 0.006), salaried occupation (mean rank = 143.79, P = 0.047), dissatisfaction with the available information (mean rank = 155.64, P = 0.009), and accessing information multiple times a day (mean rank = 133.51, P = 0.041). On multivariate linear regression analysis, age, gender, dissatisfaction with the available information, and higher frequency of accessing information were identified as significant correlates of mean PSS-10 score. Conclusion: Stress was highly prevalent among the Indian adolescents and young adults during the pandemic. Older age, female gender, higher education, salaried job, dissatisfaction toward the available information, and a tendency to view updates frequently were associated with higher stress levels.