PSS Score Research Articles

Qualification of postgraduate programs in Dentistry on the perceived stress and QoL of faculty members and students

The objective of the present study was to compare the perceived stress and quality of life (QoL) between Brazilian graduate students and faculty members and to evaluate the influence of the CAPES qualification grade on these outcomes. Self-administered questionnaires were sent to faculty members and students of the CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior) accredited institutions in Brazil. A total of 348 faculty members and 707 students answered the questionnaires, from all parts of the country. Students had fewer hours of sleep and presented lower scores (p<0.05) in the four domains of the QoL (physical, psychological, social, and environment) when compared to faculty members, also higher PSS scores (p<0.05). When the students were compared between them, students from CAPES grade, 3 programs presented the highest perceived PSS scores and CAPES grade 7 programs presented the lowest. For the QoL results CAPES grades 3 and 6 programs students reported the lower scores and grade 7 the highest. Faculty members working in CAPES grade 6 programs reported the highest PSS scores. As for the QoL results, faculty members of CAPES recognized grade 5 programs reported the lowest scores in three domains: Social, physical, and psychological, while grade 7 faculty members reported the highest in the four domains. This study showed that students had higher levels of PSS and lower QoL and there was a difference in these outcomes considering the CAPES qualification grade mainly among students.

Differential patterns of association between resting-state functional connectivity networks and stress in OCD patients

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder that is characterized by its complex pathophysiology and heterogenous presentation. Multiple studies to date have identified a variety of factors that are involved in the development of symptoms, but little is known about how these affect brain function. In this study, we have tried to understand how stress, one of the most studied risk factors for OCD, may influence resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) by comparing resting brain activity of OCD patients with healthy control subjects, while assessing self-reported levels of perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10).Seventy-five OCD patients and seventy-one healthy matched control subjects were enrolled in this study, where we used a data-driven, independent component analysis approach. Our results show differences in connectivity between patients and healthy controls involving the dorsal attention (DAN) and lateral visual networks, with patients presenting increased rsFC within the DAN and decreased rsFC within the lateral visual network. Moreover, connectivity in the anterior default mode (aDMN), dorsal attention and basal ganglia networks was associated with PSS scores in OCD patients. Specifically, rsFC within the DAN and aDMN was positively correlated with PSS scores, while the opposite was observed for the basal ganglia network.This study is the first to report such association between rsFC alterations and self-reported stress levels. Our findings are relevant in the context of OCD pathophysiology given evidence of functional dysconnectivity involving the same networks in previous OCD studies and the possible involvement of these changes in the generation of obsessions.

A Study on Perception of Stress Among First-Year Medical Undergraduates During Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: Medical students have been reported to suffer from a higher degree of perceived stress compared to the age-matched population doing other courses. Stress caused by the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, lockdown, and the consequent shift of teaching methods to digital format has further compounded the stress associated with pursuing the medical curriculum. Aims and Objectives: Our study aimed to assess perceived stress among first-year MBBS students during COVID-19 induced lockdown using a self-administered Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A total of 108 first-year MBBS students in the 18–25 years age group of both sexes were administered a 10-item questionnaire: PSS-10 during 2 months from June-July 2021and depending on their scores of PSS were divided into three groups Group A, B, and C signifying mild, moderate, and severe stress perceived by them, respectively. The continuous variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation and the categorical variables as proportions. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the data between continuous variables in the three groups. Result: There was a statistically significant difference in the PSS scores between the three groups when a comparison was done (P < 0.05). A larger segment of the first-year medical students undergoing medical curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic were found to be moderately (63%) to severely (4%) stressed. Conclusion: Our study suggested that the stress induced by the pandemic in addition to the stressors associated with undertaking medical courses creates a highly stressful environment for the medical students predisposing them to significant psychological morbidity.

Effect of Relaxation Therapy on Anxiety Level and Breast Milk Production in Pregnant and Postpartum Mothers: Systematic Literature Review

Anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women can affect the condition of the mother and baby. Psychological stress can influence the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to secrete Adrenocorticotropic Hormone to produce cortisol. The amount of cortisol is high, resulting in inhibited milk production. Relaxation therapy is able to stimulate the milk ejection reflex more efficiently than standard practice in health care facilities which only focus on optimizing body functions, without involving the mind and soul. This review conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effect of interventions using Relaxation Therapy in increasing breast milk production. A literature search was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines including studies of relaxation therapy interventions during the pregnancy and postpartum period. Using a literature keyword search strategy, 718 studies related to relaxation therapy in pregnant and postpartum women were found and 25 studies were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. A total of 10 studies on anxiety in pregnant women, 5 studies on anxiety in postpartum mothers, 3 studies on cortisol hormone levels, 5 studies on breast milk production and 2 studies on prolactin hormone levels. These studies were conducted in Malaysia, France, England, Greece, Korea, Turkey, America, Taiwan, Iran, Indonesia, Spain, Denmark and India. The samples analyzed were 1,608 pregnant women and 1227 postpartum women. Based on the results of a review, Relaxation Therapy in the form of Hypnobreastfeeding and Music Therapy is effective in stimulating the production of breast milk and prolactin hormones in postpartum mothers. Hypnosis, Music Therapy and Benson's relaxation technique were associated with a significant reduction in anxiety levels as indicated by an increase in PSS scores and a decrease in salivary cortisol.

Effect of Relaxation Therapy on Anxiety Level and Breast Milk Production in Pregnant and Postpartum Mothers: Systematic Literature Review

Anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women can affect the condition of the mother and baby. Psychological stress can influence the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to secrete Adrenocorticotropic Hormone to produce cortisol. The amount of cortisol is high, resulting in inhibited milk production. Relaxation therapy is able to stimulate the milk ejection reflex more efficiently than standard practice in health care facilities which only focus on optimizing body functions, without involving the mind and soul. This review conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effect of interventions using Relaxation Therapy in increasing breast milk production. A literature search was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines including studies of relaxation therapy interventions during the pregnancy and postpartum period. Using a literature keyword search strategy, 718 studies related to relaxation therapy in pregnant and postpartum women were found and 25 studies were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. A total of 10 studies on anxiety in pregnant women, 5 studies on anxiety in postpartum mothers, 3 studies on cortisol hormone levels, 5 studies on breast milk production and 2 studies on prolactin hormone levels. These studies were conducted in Malaysia, France, England, Greece, Korea, Turkey, America, Taiwan, Iran, Indonesia, Spain, Denmark and India. The samples analyzed were 1,608 pregnant women and 1227 postpartum women. Based on the results of a review, Relaxation Therapy in the form of Hypnobreastfeeding and Music Therapy is effective in stimulating the production of breast milk and prolactin hormones in postpartum mothers. Hypnosis, Music Therapy and Benson's relaxation technique were associated with a significant reduction in anxiety levels as indicated by an increase in PSS scores and a decrease in salivary cortisol.

Early and midterm results of radiofrequency ablation (Rafaelo® procedure) for third-degree haemorrhoids: a prospective, two-centre study.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating third degree haemorrhoids, with a follow-up over 2 years.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, two-centre study to assess RFA of third-degree haemorrhoids in an outpatient setting. Treatment was performed under local anaesthesia, optionally in combination with sedation. The primary endpoint was analysis of a proctological symptom score ([PSS] bleeding, itching, pain, soiling) and proctological examination to detect recurrence at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. The secondary endpoints were postoperative complications, incidence of postoperative pain, including administration of analgesics and time to return to daily routine.ResultsNinety-eight patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 49.1 ± 10.9 (mean ± SD). 83 patients (84.7%) were male and 15 patients (15.3%) were female. The follow-up involved 100% (1 month), 95% (6 months), 86% (12 months) and 74% after 24 months. The individual symptom scores and overall PSS score decreased significantly in comparison to the initial score at each time point assessed. Prolapsed haemorrhoids decreased in comparison to the initial situation (100%) to 7.2% (1 month), 3.5% (6 months), 13.1% (12 months) and 13.7% (after 24 months). Thirteen patients (12.7%) required repeat haemorrhoid therapy during the 2-year follow-up period. The mean maximum pain score after the procedure was 2.5 ± 2.7 (determined with the visual analogue scale), while 33 (33.7%) patients reported having no pain. 59 (60.2%) patients did not take analgesics after the procedure. Eleven patients (11.2%) experienced minor complications (bleeding, fever, cramps, diarrhoea, anal venous thrombosis) but did not require additional treatment. Eight cases (8.2%) of major complications (infection, bleeding, severe pain) required treatment with antibiotics, a second intervention, analgesics or hospitalization.ConclusionsRFA is safe and effective for treatment of third-degree haemorrhoids. The main advantages of this new method are its use on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, a very low level of postoperative pain and significant control of haemorrhoid symptoms over 2 years.

기혼 여성의 주관적 신체활동 및 체력 수준에 따른 우울 및 스트레스 지표 비교

The purpose of this research is to compare and analyze the depression and stress indexes according to the level of subjective physical activities and physical fitness of married women. The research studied forty-four women in their 30’s to 40’s, who are not restricted to participating in physical activities. The subjective physical activity was measured based on the IPAQ that the subjects completed. Muscle strength was measured with grip strength and cardiorespiratory fitness was measured with the YMCA-step test. Based on the results measured and the standards, the subjects were categorized into three groups: subjective physical activity, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness. Then their depression and stress indexes(CES-D, PSS, cortisol, ACTH, serotonin) were compared. As the result, the group that showed the high level of subjective physical activity and muscle strength showed signigficantly less CES-D scores and PSS scores compared to the group with the lower level. The group with the high level of cardiorespiratory fitness showed significantly lower CES-D scores compared to other groups. Therefore, understanding the level of subjective physical activity, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness can be used as useful indexes for recognizing the symptoms of depression and stress and predicting the onset of depression. It is assumed that the improvement of muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness through regular physical activities is important in improving depression and stress.

The Efficacy of a Smartphone-Based App on Stress Reduction: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundStress management in the workplace is essential for a healthy mental and physical state. Due to technological advancements, individually tailored therapy and online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are on the rise.ObjectiveThis study analyzed the efficacy of a smartphone app based on third-wave CBT tailored to an individual.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted with 126 participants who were divided into 2 groups. The intervention group used the smartphone app BetterLife for 10 weeks, while the control group was placed on a waiting list for the same duration. The Perceived Stress Scale–10 (PSS), Korean Utrecht Work Engagement Scale–9 (UWES), World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL), Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered at baseline and after 10 weeks to both groups.ResultsOf the 126 participants, 11 dropped out during the trial. A 2-way repeated measure analysis of covariance was conducted, controlling for baseline BDI. There were greater improvements in PSS (F=24.33, P<.001, η2=0.17) and UWESK scores (F=8.32, P=.0046, η2=0.06) in the intervention group than in the control group. WHOQOL scores exhibited statistically significant improvement in the intervention group in the overall quality of life (F=8.19, P=.0049, η2=0.06), physical health (F=8.87, P=.003, η2=0.07), psychological health (F=13.32, P<.001, η2=0.10), social relationships (F=19.43, P<.001, η2=0.14), and environmental domains (F=10.14, P=.002, η2=0.08) but not overall health (F=1.68, P=.20). BDI (F=7.17, P=.008, η2=0.06) and BAI (F=6.00, P=.02, η2=0.05) showed a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group, but this significance did not survive the Bonferroni correction (P<.005).ConclusionsThese results provide evidence that smartphone-based CBT is a viable option for reducing stress in the workplace.Trial RegistrationClinical Research Information Service KCT0003231; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/15137

Perceived stress, sources of stress and coping strategies among undergraduate medical students of Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Background: Medical students are subjected to various stressors throughout their training, which has a considerable impact on their physical and mental health. Some students have positive ways of coping, while others take to maladaptive coping measures. This study aims to assess severity, sources of stress, and coping strategies among medical students of a non-Western low-income country from South Asia. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out. Demographic variables were collected and stress level was assessed using PSS 14 (Perceived Stress Scale 14). The sources of stress were assessed using MSSQ (Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire) and coping strategies were evaluated using the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced 28. Results: The response rate was 95%. The mean PSS score was 27.85. Overall, 55% of students were stressed (male 52%, female 60%), the difference among gender was not significant. Basic science students perceived higher levels of stress than clinical clerkship students. Academic related stressors caused higher stress, whereas other variables caused moderate stress. The major stressors were examinations, inadequate time to study, poor marks, extensive amount of learning content, and the need to performing well in the exam. The five most common coping strategies used were active coping, acceptance, planning, self-distraction, and instrumental support. The least common coping mechanism was substance use. All MSSQ domains positively correlated with the total PSS score. Students with higher PSS scores were likely to use behavioral disengagement, venting, and self-blame as the primary coping strategies. Conclusions: Stress level among the medical students is high and mainly in relation to academia. Inadequate guidance from teachers contributed significantly. Stressed students were likely to use maladaptive coping strategies. Strategies to enhance teacher-student communication and adaptive coping measures should be implemented. Further studies should be done to evaluate the effects of stress on the academic outcomes of students.

Mental stress in health care professionals during COVID-19 outbreak.

BackgroundIn December 2019, an outbreak of novel corona virus pneumonia occurred in Wuhan City, China, and spread throughout the whole of country in a short period. Figures from China’s National Health Commission show that more than 3300 health care workers have been infected as of early March. In Italy, 20% of responding health care professionals was infected, and some have died. Health care professionals are exposed to different types of stress both physical and psychological in response to this serious infectious public health event.Research aimsThe aim of this study is to measure the degree of mental stress among front line health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.MethodsWe conducted the study through online survey questionnaire after obtaining the ethics approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Galway University Hospital in Ireland (Ref: C.A. 2355). All personal information of the medical staff involved in the survey has been kept confidential.ResultsThree hundred nine health care members (209 male and 97 female) have agreed to participate in our survey from different hospitals and different specialties all over the world. Overall PSS Score: mean 19.42 (Standard Deviation ± 5.876, range 1–33). Frontline health care workers working in University Hospitals and tertiary referral centres had lower levels of stress compared to those working in peripheral hospitals (P = 0.007, Kruskal Wallis).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most stressful events that a health care worker may face during his life time. Most of the participants in the survey developed a moderate degree of stress.

Effectiveness of Online Mindfulness Training for People Experiencing Mental Illness

Background: Evidence has shown that self-guided web application mindfulness training can improve mental health. In this study, the “Be Mindful” online-based mindfulness training software application was offered through a United Kingdom (UK) universal community healthcare provider to patients with a mental illness diagnosis. Be Mindful is an online course providing instruction on mindfulness theories and practice training, progress tracking, integrated guidance/feedback, and motivational emails. Objective: The aim of this paper is to present feasibility findings and outcomes on anxiety, depression, and stress of an intervention offering Be Mindful. Participants were adults who had a mental illness diagnosis and were under the care of community mental health services. Methods: Open-label patient cohort design, with no control group. Pre- and post-intervention assessment using participant self-report measures: Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10); and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; a measure of depression severity). Results: Two hundred and seventy-four started and thirty-one patients completed the Be Mindful programme and outcome measures. PSS scores at baseline significantly improved from 24.6 (1.79) to 18.7 (2.05) at the end (p p 0.354. PHQ-9 scores at baseline significantly improved from 13.7 (1.42) to 9.09 (1.76) to 9.81 (1.77) at end (p 0.378. Limitations: There was no control group, and the intervention was adjunct to existing treatment. Conclusions: Be Mindful can be offered through a UK community NHS Trust and can have a significant impact on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with experience of mental illness. Roll-out through community mental health providers to people with experience of mental illness is justified. Well-designed and sufficiently powered randomised controlled trials of theory-driven online mindfulness training for mental illness patient populations are required.

Emotional distress, stress, anxiety, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early- to mid-career women in healthcare sciences research.

The main objective of this study was to report stress and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic on early- to mid-career women researchers in healthcare sciences research and determine the associated factors. A 50-item self-administered internet questionnaire was developed using a mix of Likert-type scales and open-ended response questions. The survey was distributed June 10-August 3, 2020. Anxiety and stress as well as personal/family demands were assessed through validated measures (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS]-Anxiety Short Form and Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]) and open-ended responses. One hundred and fifty-one early-career women in healthcare sciences research completed the survey; mean respondent age was 37.3 ± 5.2 years; and all had a college degree or higher, 50.3% holding a PhD and 35.8% MD. Race and ethnicity were reported in 128; the majority were White (74.0%). One-third (31.2%) reported being "very much" concerned about reaching their research productivity goals and 30.1% were "very much" concerned about academic promotion and tenure. Fifty percent reported a "moderate" PROMIS anxiety score and 72.1% reported a "moderate" PSS score. For the open-ended responses, 65.6% reported a worry about their professional goals because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Major concerns revolved around finances, childcare, and job security. Throughout the pandemic, early- and mid-career women in healthcare sciences research have reported moderate to high overall stress, anxiety, and worries. These concerns appear related to household settings, additional responsibilities, financial concerns, and reduced research productivity. Institutions and funding agencies should take these concerns into consideration and offer support.

Prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, and perceived stress and their relation with resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, a cross-sectional study.

Background and aimsHome quarantine and physical distancing at the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) had a severe effect on the mental health of the populations. Resilience has been reported previously to be a protective factor against anxiety, stress, and depression. This study evaluates the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, stress, and perceived stress and their relation with resilience associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic among a sample of the general population in Southern Iran.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional web‐based survey, from April 12 to May 13, 2020, stress, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and resilience were measured using the Persian version of Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐14), and Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC). Statistical analyses were carried out using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) and frequencies were used to describe demographic data. Independent sample t‐test, Spearman correlation, and the Pearson correlation coefficient were performed to examine anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience.ResultsAmong a total of 538 participants, the overall prevalence of moderate‐to‐extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress was found to be 26.1%, 33.2%, and 5.8%, respectively. The overall median PSS and resilience score were 30 and 70, respectively. There was a significant association between higher age and perceived stress. Male and high income were related to higher resilience scores. Perceived stress positively correlates with resilience, whereas depression significantly correlates with anxiety and stress. Individuals with underlying disease demonstrated significantly higher scores for depression and anxiety. Also, perceived stress had a significant but weak, positive correlation with age and the number of quarantine days.ConclusionThe occurring COVID‐19 pandemic could be the culprit of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression of large population quantities. Our results showed a subordinate overall resilience in the general Iranian population during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

THE EFFECT OF PARENTS’ STRESS LEVELS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON DIGITAL PARENTING AWARENESS, IN TURKEY

Aims: The research was conducted to determine the effect of parents' stress levels related to the COVID-19 pandemic on digital parenting awareness. Materials: This descriptive study was conducted between November 2020-January 2021 with 452 parents residing in Turkey, whose children attended primary school. The data were collected online with a data collection tool consisting of the PSS and the DPAS. Results: It was found that the variables of occupation and number of children of the parents participating in the research are influence the mean scores of DPAS, while the variables of occupation, age, income perception, adaptation to the pandemic process, time spent with the child and the way the relationship with family members are perceived are influence the mean scores of PSS. It was found that, among the characteristics of using digital tools, the parent's phone/tablet usage time, the parent's daily phone/tablet usage time, and the child's status of having his/her own tablet were effective on the mean DPAS score; the variables of parents not knowing their children's use of smart phones/tablets for playing games, homework or educational purposes and not knowing the usage for what purpose were effective variables the mean PSS score. The total mean score of DPAS was determined to be 45.13±9.06, and the mean total score of PSS was determined to be 13.82±2.82. Conclusion: As a result of the research, it was determined that the stress levels perceived by the parents had an effect on digital parenting awareness.

A cross sectional study to assess the psychological impact of covid 19 on family medicine specialists and residents in Kerala.

To study the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on family physicians and residents in Kerala. 1. To evaluate mental health outcomes among family physicians and residents in Kerala involved in the COVID-19 response. 2. To quantify the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. 3. To assess the potential risk factors associated with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress. Health care professionals dealing with COVID-19 are under increased work pressure and experience high rates of anxiety and depression. This is even more in family physicians as they are the frontline workers and may contract the disease themselves. So, it is imperative to assess and grade the psychological impact of COVID-19 on family physicians. The study population included 80% of the family physicians and residents working in Kerala. This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in the month of January 2021 with the help of a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Sample size: 120. Depression and anxiety were measured using a 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS: 0-21). Stress was computed using Perceived Stress Scale. The data were analyzed statistically by Chi-square and simple proportions. A total of 80% were directly involved in treating/dealing COVID-19 patients. A total of 55.83% had an economic impact due to COVID-19. A total of 95% agreed to be anxious about spreading the disease to people at home. The increased stress was mostly attributed to change in social habits/lifestyles. Residents had a higher PSS score compared to temporary and permanent employees. Compared to other age groups, borderline or abnormal depression scale was seen in the age group of 31-40 years and 21-30 years. Compared to males, more proportion of females had anxiety and depression scores. It is imperative that we evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on family physicians in order to ensure their mental wellbeing and better productivity.

Impact of COVID-19 related stressors on mental health in junior medical students

Introduction: Concern for mental health consequences in general population world­wide has been apparent since the start of the actual pandemic. Aim of the study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 related stressors on mental health in junior medical students during December 2020 COVID-19 related lockdown. Material and methods: The investigation included 275 second-year medical students aged 19-28 years, from the Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje during December 2020. Self-administered questionnaire containing standardized instruments for assessment of parameters of psychological distress (BAI, BDI and PSS) were used. COVID-19 related attitudes questionnaire for assessment of status of COVID-19 testing and infection, self-perceived levels of concerns related to academics [COVID-19-AA (academic apprehensions)] and those related to the self and family/friends [COVID-19-GA (general apprehensions)] were included. Results: The prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress was 74.9%, 43.3% and 78.9%, respectively. Almost 29% of students reported high anxiety, 6.2% had severe depression and 21.45% reported high levels of perceived stress. There was a significant positive correlation between COVID-19 GA score and BAI, BDI и PSS scores (p&lt;0.05). Correlations between the COVID-19 AA scores and scores on BAI, BDI and PSS scales were also statistically significant (p=0.0000). Academic apprehension was found a predictive factor for high anxiety, depression and high stress (R2 = .12, F (1,273) = 38.79, p &lt; .001. β = 1.12, p &lt; .001). Conclusion: General and academic apprehension related to COVID-19 have negative effects on mental wellbeing in second year medical students.

Physical fitness, but not physical activity, is associated with mental health in apparently healthy young adults.

The prevalence of mental health disorders is rising globally. Despite the popularity of exercise as a strategy to improve mental health in individuals with anxiety or depression, there is a paucity of literature on this topic in apparently healthy young individuals who are free from mental illness. We characterized relationships between actigraphy-derived physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O<inf>2max</inf>; via maximal graded exercise testing), with mental health assessed using psychometric questionnaires (POMS and PSS) in apparently healthy young adults (26±4.3yrs; 22 women and 26 men). In women and men combined, relative V̇O<inf>2max</inf> (33.5±8.1 mL/kg/min) was associated (P<0.01) with POMS (r=-0.454) and PSS (r=-0.510) scores, and relationships between fitness and POMS were preserved (P<0.05) after controlling for body fat (27.2±9.9%). Additionally, V̇O<inf>2max</inf> was associated (P<0.05) with numerous POMS subcomponents (tension, anger, fatigue, depression, confusion; all P<0.05). No relationships (P>0.05) were observed between physical activity profiles (sedentary time, light intensity time, moderate-vigorous intensity time, total steps, counts per day) with POMS or PSS scores, and only total steps was associated with relative V̇O<inf>2max</inf> (r=0.331; P=0.021). Relationships between relative V̇O<inf>2max</inf> and POMS scores were also observed in men (r=-0.407, P=0.039) and women (r=-0.490; P=0.021) individually, but V̇O<inf>2max</inf> and PSS relationships were exclusive to men (r=-0.516, P=0.007). Independent of body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, but not actigraphy-derived physical activity, is associated with mental health in apparently healthy young men and women. To maximize mental health benefits, exercise training interventions are advised to focus on eliciting improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Stress and Maladaptive Coping of Italians Health Care Professionals during the First Wave of the Pandemic.

Stress during the pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs). However, little is known about coping and “maladaptive” coping behaviours of this population. This study investigates “maladaptive” coping behaviours and their correlation with stress, anxiety and insomnia of Italian HCPs during the pandemic. It reports on a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study based on a survey of 1955 Italian HCPs. Overall participants reported increases in cigarette smoking, time spent online and video playing. Overall reported alcohol consumption decreased but increased in those reporting drinking more than once a week. Those reporting starting smoking during the pandemic were found to have higher SAS and PSS scores. Those reporting being online for 3 or more hours were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing video games were found to have higher PSS, ISS and SAS scores whilst nurses who reported playing video games were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing for longer than one hour had higher PSS scores. Online behaviours may be a coping behaviour of HCPs affected by the pandemic. However, this is an underexplored area for the wellbeing of HCPs. These deficits need to be addressed going forward.

Stress prediction using micro-EMA and machine learning during COVID-19 social isolation.

Accurately predicting users’ perceived stress is beneficial to aid early intervention and prevent both mental illness and physical disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the existing perceived stress predicting system needs to collect a large amount of previous data for training but has a limited prediction range (i.e., next 1–2 days). Therefore, we propose a perceived stress prediction system based on the history data of micro-EMA for identifying risks 7 days earlier. Specifically, we first select and deliver an optimal set of micro-EMA questions to users every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for reducing the burden. Then, we extract time-series features from the past micro-EMA responses and apply an Elastic net regularization model to discard redundant features. After that, selected features are fed to an ensemble prediction model for forecasting fine-grained perceived stress in the next 7 days. Experiment results show that our proposed prediction system can achieve around 4.26 (10.65% of the scale) mean absolute error for predicting the next 7 day’s PSS scores, and higher than 81% accuracy for predicting the next 7 day’s stress labels.

Well-being, Perceived Stress and Their Relations with Health-Relevant Behaviours Among Italian Medical Students: a Cross-Sectional Study at Sapienza University of Rome

Medical education is widely known to be demanding and stressful, with elevated levels of anxiety and depression among medical students. This study aims at examining well-being, perceived stress and quality of life in a sample of Italian first-year medical students in order to investigate the relations between these variables and individual characteristics and behaviours. An anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to a sample of 407 Italian first-year medical students. Psychological well-being, perceived stress and quality of life were assessed using standardised questionnaires PGWBI, PSS, SF-12. Data were analysed with multivariate statistical methods. Significant differences in PGWBI, PSS and SF-12 scores were found between males and females (with poorer scores for females), between smokers and non-smokers (with poorer scores for smokers) and between students who reported cannabis use in their lifetime and students who did not (with poorer scores for those who smoked cannabis). Logistic regression showed that gender (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24–0.61), reported cannabis use (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.07–3.09) and regular physical exercise (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34–0.86) were significant predictors of distress. In summary, this study shows that female medical students and students who reported negative health behaviours and sporadic drug use reported lower psychological well-being and quality of life and higher stress, while positive health behaviours might prevent distress.