Differences In Psychological Distress Research Articles

P0646 Significant mental health and fatigue burden found in tertiary paediatric IBD service in Australia

Abstract Background Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are well-documented in the literature1,2. Aim: We reviewed the cohort within our new IBD psychology service, to establish the prevalence of anxiety and depression in the Australian paediatric setting. Methods 213 outpatients aged 5-18 attending the outpatient IBD service at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia were recruited from April to October 2024. They completed a validated self-report tool, PROMIS Paediatric Profile v2.0 – Profile 25, which measures anxiety, depression, mobility, fatigue, peer relationships, pain interference, and pain intensity. Clinical disease data, including PUCAI/PCDAI scores and biochemical markers (faecal calprotectin, ESR, and CRP) were collected for the same visits. Demographic data included age, sex, disease type (Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis), and age at diagnosis. Results Moderate to severe levels of anxiety, depression, and fatigue were reported by 28.7%, 20.2%, and 26.7% of participants, respectively. There was a significant difference in psychological distress (combined anxiety and depression) across different groups when stratified on age of diagnosis (i.e. ages 0-5, 6-12, and 13-18; F(2, 208)=5.37, p=.005). Psychological distress positively correlated with clinical disease severity (PCDAI: r=.244, p=.007; PUCAI: r=.317, p=.004), and pain interference (r=.600, p<.001) and intensity (r=.461, p<.001); negatively correlated with mobility (r=-.514, p<.001) and peer relationships (r=-.437, p<.001). A hierarchical regression was conducted to assess predictors of psychological distress among participants. Fatigue emerged as the strongest predictor in the final model, significantly explaining additional variance in distress levels (F(1, 164)=79.34, p<.001). Additionally, mobility and sex also emerged as significant predictors of psychological distress (ps=.049 and .017, respectively), while age, biochemical markers, and disease severity were non-significant. This model explained 57.3% of the variance in psychological distress. Conclusion Paediatric patients with IBD experience significant burden from anxiety, depression, and fatigue. The strong association between fatigue and psychological distress mirrors findings in the adult IBD population3, suggesting that fatigue and psychological factors significantly influence each other, independent of the disease state. These results underscore the importance of targeted screening and management of psychological symptoms to improve IBD care and improve quality of life in paediatric patients.

Socio-economic and Gender Disparities in Psychological Distress and Marital Adjustment Among Spouses of Hepatitis C Patients: A Quantitative Assessment

The present study examines differences in psychological distress and marital adjustment between spouses of Hepatitis C patients based on socioeconomic and gender status, specifically addressing dissimilarities in emotional and couple functioning due to economic and gender disparities. Hepatitis C is a chronic and progressive disease, and there is a substantial caregiver burden required, which should increase stress and negatively impact marital quality. With the data collected from 200 spouses of Ayub Medical Complex and Combined Military Hospital Abbottabad Pakistan, this research investigates the moderating effects of economic resources and gender roles on psychological distress and other factors pertinent to marital satisfaction, such as affection expressing marital adjustment and dyadic cohesion. Results identified by the study show that compared to spouses with higher SES, participants with lower SES have significantly elevated levels of psychological distress and reduced marital adjustment, indicating the role of economic stress in caregiver stress. The female spouses continue to display higher levels of distress and lower marital satisfaction and cohesiveness than male spouses, replicating the usual female gender role expectations of the traditional caregiver. Also, gender and economic level cross-tabulations show differences in coping and support seeking and, hence, mental health and relationship quality. These results indicate the further imperative of targeting specific psychological and social support for economically disadvantaged and female carers to alleviate their specific known burdens, providing a foundation for developing policies dealing with marital stress in chronic illness situations, among other proposals.

Psychological Distress Changes During COVID-19: A Belgian Cohort Study On Psychosocial Factors

Abstract Longitudinal studies have identified an increase in psychological distress across the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the trajectories of mental health outcomes exhibit variations, suggesting potential associations with psychosocial individual factors. This paper identifies the factors of this individual trajectory of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five waves of a prospective cohort survey were conducted with a convenience sample of the general population in Belgium between March 2020 and November 2021 (n = 4,550). Psychological distress was measured using the GHQ-12. Individual covariates included socioeconomic factors (age, gender, level of education), psychological factors (loneliness, social support, and social activities), and factors related to the virus and the lockdown measures (exposure to COVID-19 and survey wave). Multilevel models were used for analysis. Women and young people experienced more pronounced fluctuations in their risk of psychological distress across study waves, experiencing both increases and decreases. We found that individual variance in psychological distress breaks down into two components, respectively 43% for psychosocial factors (time-invariant) and 57% for the survey waves (time-variant) variation. A significant share of the time-invariant difference in psychological distress over COVID-19 is associated with loneliness, social support, and social activities. Loneliness emerged as the most important interpersonal factor associated with psychological distress. The change in psychological distress was mainly associated with psychosocial factors rather than with pandemic-related dynamics (e.g. survey waves). These findings suggest that mitigation policies aiming at controlling the pandemic should focus more on addressing specific individual vulnerabilities rather than solely responding to the fluctuations within pandemic waves to decrease their detrimental impact on mental health.

Lifestyle behaviors and mental health outcomes in sexual and gender minority graduate students

Objective There are well-documented health disparities among sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) individuals generally, but there is limited research investigating the disparities in health-related lifestyle factors and mental health among LGBTQ+ graduate students, which is a group that may be especially vulnerable. Participants This project was a secondary analysis of data from the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment’s (NCHA) Fall 2019 wave, which included 7,766 graduate students. Methods Students self-reported engagement in health-related lifestyle factors and psychological distress. Welch’s independent samples t-tests were used to compare differences in psychological distress and lifestyle behaviors and multiple linear regression models were used to test lifestyle factors as predictors of LGBTQ+ psychological distress. Results LGBTQ+ graduate students reported worse lifestyle profiles compared to their peers and greater psychological distress. Sleep quality had the strongest association with psychological distress among LGBTQ+ graduate students. Conclusions These findings have important implications for policies and interventions to improve health and decrease suffering in LGBTQ+ graduate students.

Trends in loneliness in 17 European countries between 2006 and 2015: A secondary analysis of data from the European Social Survey.

The present study analysed changes in loneliness between 2006 and 2015 and associated factors using publicly available data (N = 128,718) from the European Social Survey from 17 countries. The study protocol was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/eq63j/). Loneliness-weighted prevalence (and mean) decreased from 30% to 27% over time. The decreasing trend was significant for both sexes. Young and old age groups reported a decline in loneliness over time while other age groups did not. Loneliness did not demonstrate a significant decline - but rather a stable trend - in persons with disability and first- and second-generation immigrants. Sociodemographic characteristics, social factors, well-being and psychological distress were associated with loneliness. These findings update those from previous studies indicating that loneliness trends and differences between European regions might be better explained by differences in psychological distress.

COVID-19, lockdowns, and the mental wellbeing of LGBTQ people in Australia

LGBTQ communities around the world entered the COVID-19 pandemic with generally high rates of poor mental health and faced additional challenges including stigma, discrimination, and barriers to care. This study sample was drawn from a survey of 3135 LGBTQ adults residing in Australia during the pandemic. Regression analysis was used to explore individual differences in psychological distress and perceived change in mental wellbeing since the onset of the pandemic as well as the impact of lockdowns, by taking advantage of a natural experiment comparing the states that experienced more extensive lockdowns (Victoria and New South Wales) to the rest of Australia. The burden of mental health was found to vary across gender, sexual orientation, age, and area of residence. While no impact of lockdowns on psychological distress was observed, participants living in the states of Victoria (β = −0.15; 95% CI = −0.23, −0.07) and New South Wales (β = −0.13; 95% CI = −0.21, −0.05) self-reported a more negative impact of the pandemic on their mental wellbeing compared to the rest of the country. The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the mental wellbeing of LGBTQ populations, particularly among those who experienced extensive lockdowns and highlight the need for increased efforts to enable access to mental health supports during times of crisis.

Impact of COVID-19 restriction on weight, physical activity, diet and psychological distress on people with polycystic ovary syndrome

People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher weight gain and psychological distress compared to those without PCOS(1). While COVID-19 restrictions led to population level adverse changes in lifestyle, weight gain and psychological distress(2), their impact on people with PCOS is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions had on weight, physical activity, diet and psychological distress for Australians with PCOS. Australian reproductive-aged women participated in an online survey with assessment of weight, physical activity, diet and psychological distress. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to examine associations between PCOS and residential location with health outcomes. On adjusted analysis, those with PCOS gained more weight (2.9%; 95% CI; 0.027–3.020; p = 0.046), were less likely to meet physical activity recommendations (OR 0.50; 95% CI; 0.32–0.79; p = 0.003) and had higher sugar-sweetened beverage intake (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.10–2.75; p = 0.019) but no differences in psychological distress compared to women without PCOS. People with PCOS were more adversely affected by COVID-19 restrictions, which may worsen their clinical features and disease burden. Additional health care support may be necessary to assist people with PCOS to meet dietary and physical activity recommendations.

Long-term impact of resilience and extraversion on psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal investigation among individuals with and without mental health disorders.

Over the past years, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in daily routines. Although the pandemic has affected almost everyone, it has been particularly challenging for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Therefore, this study investigated the long-term impact of resilience and extraversion on psychological distress in individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders (MHD) compared to the general population. In addition, possible gender-specific differences were investigated. 123 patients with pre-existing MHD and 343 control subjects from Austria and Italy participated in three online surveys that had been conducted after the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (t0), during the second lockdown in both countries (t1), and one year thereafter (t2). Participants completed standardized questionnaires on psychological distress (Brief-Symptom-Checklist), resilience (Resilience Scale), and extraversion (Big Five Inventory). A mediation model was employed to test the primary hypothesis. Possible gender-specific differences were analyzed using a moderated mediation model. The prevalence of psychological distress was consistently higher in patients compared to controls (t0: 37.3% vs. 13.2%, t1: 38.2% vs 11.7%, t2: 37.4% vs. 13.1%). This between-group difference in psychological distress at the first follow-up was fully mediated by baseline resilience scores (65.4% of the total effect). During the second-follow up, extraversion accounted for 18% of the total effect, whereas resilience slightly decreased to 56% of the total effect. Gender was not a significant moderator in the model. Next to showing that people with MHD were particularly affected by the pandemic, these findings indicate that higher degrees of resilience and extraversion are related to less long-term psychological distress. Our findings stress the relevance of strengthening resilience and extraversion and to provide mental health support in times of crises, both to patients with MHD and the general population.

Influence of initial check, information exchange, final accuracy check, reaction information nursing on the psychology of elderly with lung cancer.

As one of the fatal diseases with high incidence, lung cancer has seriously endangered public health and safety. Elderly patients usually have poor self-care and are more likely to show a series of psychological problems. To investigate the effectiveness of the initial check, information exchange, final accuracy check, reaction (IIFAR) information care model on the mental health status of elderly patients with lung cancer. This study is a single-centre study. We randomly recruited 60 elderly patients with lung cancer who attended our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022. These elderly patients with lung cancer were randomly divided into two groups, with the control group taking the conventional propaganda and education and the observation group taking the IIFAR information care model based on the conventional care protocol. The differences in psychological distress, anxiety and depression, life quality, fatigue, and the locus of control in psychology were compared between these two groups, and the causes of psychological distress were analyzed. After the intervention, Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety and the HADS for depression, Revised Piper's Fatigue Scale, and Chance Health Locus of Control scores were lower in the observation group compared to the pre-intervention period in the same group and were significantly lower in the observation group compared to those of the control group (P < 0.05). After the intervention, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30), Internal Health Locus of Control, and Powerful Others Health Locus of Control scores were significantly higher in the observation and the control groups compared to the pre-intervention period in their same group, and QLQ-C30 scores were significantly higher in the observation group compared to those of the control group (P < 0.05). The IIFAR information care model can help elderly patients with lung cancer by reducing their anxiety and depression, psychological distress, and fatigue, improving their tendencies on the locus of control in psychology, and enhancing their life qualities.

Mental health and substance use among elite para-athletes: An cross-sectional survey

Objective The scientific studies on the mental health and substance use among elite para-athletes are rare (Lardi et al., in preparation; Lüdi et al., 2023). However, the shows similarities as well as differences to the regular elite athletes’ populations (Rice et al., 2016; Swartz et al., 2019). The aim of this study was to investigate the mental health and substance use of para-athletes (PAs) from their perspective, in order to gain an overview of the situation in elite para-sport and to potentially create a basis for prevention campaigns and, if necessary, interventions. Methodology An online survey (SoSciSurvey) was used to create a questionnaire, which was translated into eight languages to reach PAs internationally. In addition to socio-demographic and sports-specific (Para-Sport, PS) variables, psychological and physical factors, as well as substance use, were assessed using standardized instruments. Results (CAVE: at the time at submission preliminary since the survey ends by the end of November/The final results will be presented at the congress): The PAs (N = 82) showed different prevalences regarding mental disorders compared to data from the general population and regular elite athletes, with disorder-specific deviations. There were significant gender differences in psychological distress (K-10, p &lt; .001), depression severity (PHQ-9, p &lt; .001), and anxiety severity (GAD-7, p &lt; .001). The majority of PAs reported good or very good mental (69.51%) and physical (64.63%) health, and these results significantly correlated (p &lt; .001) with a strong effect size. PAs were more likely to disclose and seek support in professional than in private settings. 51.22% of the PAs felt disadvantaged in everyday life, and in PS, it was 29.27%. The BA and K-10 did not correlate significantly (p &gt; .05), but there was a significant correlation (p &lt; .001) between discrimination in PS and the K-10. The results of discrimination in everyday life and in PS both significantly correlated with the WHODAS-12 (p &lt; .01, and p &lt; .001), with a weak and moderate effect size, respectively. Regarding substance use, 41.46% of PAs reported alcohol, 7.32% nicotine, and 8.54% cannabis use. The AUDIT-C did not significantly correlate with the K-10 or the WHODAS-12 (p &gt; .05), and there was no significant gender difference (AUDIT-C, p &gt; .05). Conclusions Based on the results, prevention should occur in the disorder-specific area and refer to the professional services, social support, focusing more on discrimination, and include substance use (alcohol and cannabis). It is important to consider that PAs are a vulnerable population and research gaps still exist.

Coping Profiles and Differences in Psychological Distress and Quality of Life in Clients Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Techniques: A Latent Profile Analysis.

Receiving assisted reproductive technology is stressful due to its long-lasting process, which might pose negative impacts on clients' psychological well-being and quality of life. This study was to investigate coping profiles among couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology and examine their associations with psychological distress and quality of life. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the IVF center of a specialized hospital in Shanghai, China. Of 502 eligible clients completed a structured, online survey of socio-demographic information, Dyadic Coping Inventory, Kessler Psychological Stress Scale, and Fertility quality of life. Coping profiles were identified using latent profile analysis and differences between identified profiles on psychological distress and quality of life were examined using analyses of covariance. A three-profile solution was supported: low dyadic coping group (n = 168, 33.50%), moderate dyadic coping group (n = 241, 48.00%), and high dyadic coping group (n = 93, 18.50%). Significant differences between those groups were found in psychological distress and quality of life. The findings of this study have revealed dyadic coping profiles in clients undergoing assisted reproductive technology, which are differentially associated with psychological distress and quality of life.

Sexual Assault Among College Women: The Role of Survivor Acknowledgment, Rape Myth Acceptance, Weight Bias, and Body Appreciation.

Approximately one in five college women experience a sexual assault (SA), though a meaningful percentage of survivors do not acknowledge or label their experience as such. Research indicates that acknowledgment status is often influenced by how closely SA incidents align with the "real rape" script and degree of survivor rape myth acceptance (RMA). However, studies evaluating acknowledgment paired with other attitudes and health outcomes among survivors is sparse. The current study examined the relation between acknowledgment status, RMA, weight-related constructs, and psychological well-being among three groups of college women (N = 584): non-survivors, unacknowledged survivors, and acknowledged survivors. Findings indicate that, among survivors, acknowledged compared to unacknowledged SA is significantly associated with diminished body appreciation, self-esteem, and increased internalized weight bias, though no differences in psychological distress were found.

How personality functioning relates to psychological distress and behavioral attitudes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Functional aspects of personality are crucial for experiencing and handling emotional distress. With the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus and the subsequent installation of mitigation rules of social distancing, severe psycho-social challenges were posed upon people. Research has shown that individuals react differently to these challenges. This study aimed to investigate the role of dimensional aspects of personality during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, we examined how personality functioning, defense mechanisms, and narcissism were related to psychological distress and cognitive and behavioral attitudes towards the rules of social distancing. In a non-clinical sample (N = 254), Level of Personality Functioning Scale, Inventory of Personality Organization, Defense Style Questionnaire, Pathological Narcissism Inventory, and three single questions regarding emotional distress and behavioral attitudes towards the pandemic were used. Structural equation models with reference and residual factors were calculated. Impairments in personality functioning and vulnerable narcissism showed significant positive relationships, adaptive defense mechanisms significant negative relationships with psychological distress during the pandemic. Residual factors for aggression and low moral values showed distinct negative relationships with psychological distress related to social distancing. Amongindividualswho chose to ignore the rules of social distancing, greater impairment in personality organization was found. Personality functioning may elucidate individual differences in psychological distress and compliance with the mitigation rules during the pandemic. Limitations of measures are carefully considered in all interpretations.

AGE DIFFERENCES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AFTER MULTIPLE DISASTER EXPOSURES: EFFECT OF NEGATIVE COVID-19 IMPACTS

Abstract This study examined how older adults differed from their younger counterparts in psychological distress following exposures to tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic; and how the multidimensional negative COVID-19 impacts contextualized the above age differences. Data used were from a two-wave panel study of tornado victims during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 554). Latent class analysis was first conducted to explore the underlying patterns of negative COVID-19 impacts at T1 (October 2020-August 2021). Negative binomial regressions were performed to examine the age differences in psychological distress at T2 (May-August 2022), as well as the moderating effect of the identified latent classes, with baseline psychological distress and covariates controlled. Three latent classes were identified: class 1 “low overall impacts” (39.24%), class 2 “moderate overall impacts with high emotional distress” (47.71%), and class 3 “severe overall impacts” (13.05%). Individuals aged 65+ reported lower psychological distress at T1 relative to those aged 18-34, 35-49, and 50-64, and their advantages in mental health over people under 50 can be maintained over time. However, compared to people aged 18-34, 35-49, and 50-64, those aged 65+ reported the greatest increases in T2 psychological distress if they had experienced moderate or severe overall COVID-19 impacts at T1. These findings highlighted the resilience and vulnerability of older adults in post-disaster recovery. As the frequency and intensity of cumulative disasters increase across the globe, there is a pressing need for mental health interventions that are tailored to multi-disaster scenarios and age-related differences in long-term disaster recovery.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students and young physicians in Germany: Gender-specific results of an online survey

BackgroundHealthcare workers and medical students faced new challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Processes within many hospitals were completely disrupted. In addition, the face to face teaching of medical students was drastically reduced. Those at risk of developing mental health problems appear to be younger health care workers and women. ObjectiveTo investigate potential COVID-19 pandemic-related gender differences in psychological distress among medical students and physicians in their first years of practice. Design and settingAn anonymous survey was carried out online between December 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, at the Mannheim Medical Faculty and the Würzburg Medical Faculty, Germany, after obtaining informed consent. Primary outcome measures were changes in anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and changes in participants' current quality of life using the WHO Quality of Life BREF. ResultsThe results show wave-like courses for perceived anxiety and burden overlapping with the course of the COVID-19 incidence. In comparison to men, women showed a significant higher increase in HADS (p = 0.005) and a reduced life quality (p = 0.007) after COVID-19. Both sexes showed different frequencies of the factors influencing quality of life, with the presence of a previous mental illness and mean anxiety having a significant higher negative impact in women. ConclusionFuture and young female physicians reported a disproportionate higher burden during COVID-19 compared to their male colleges. These observations suggest an increased need for support and prevention efforts especially in this vulnerable population.

The Evolution of Psychological Distress Levels in University Students in Spain during Different Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk and Protective Factors.

The present study assesses the evolution of stressful events and psychological distress in male and female students over three different time periods of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: the initial "lockdown", with no face-to-face teaching; the "new normality" period, when classes were resumed; and two years after the first wave of the pandemic. The participants were 1200 Spanish university students who were assessed for psychological distress, COVID-19-associated stressful events, social support, and self-esteem. Female students reported more stressful events and higher levels of psychological distress than male students during the "lockdown" and "new normality" time periods of the first wave of the pandemic. However, these differences disappeared in the third period tested, two years after the first wave of the pandemic, with female and male students showing no differences in psychological distress or in the number of stressful events. The main risk predictors of psychological distress during the first wave of the pandemic were lower self-esteem and having suffered a high number of stressful events. The last variable, number of stressful events associated with COVID-19, lost most its effect two years later, when only self-esteem presented a strong and highly significant predictive role.

Age group differences in psychological distress and leisure-time exercise/socioeconomic status during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis during 2020 to 2021 of a cohort study in Japan

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the association between psychological distress and leisure-time exercise/socioeconomic status by age group, using data from a cohort study in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among participants in the ME-BYO cohort, aged 20–85 years, living or working in Kanagawa, Japan. A questionnaire was disseminated to 1,573 participants (51.7% men) between December 2020 and March 2021. The questionnaire items included psychological distress (using the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K6]), leisure-time exercise, and socioeconomic status. Multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression analysis for each age group.ResultsWe found that 47.4% of 20–39-year-olds, 40.6% of 40–64-year-olds, and 28.3% of 65–85-year-olds experienced psychological distress (K6: ≥5 points). For those aged 20–39 years, leisure-time exercise (odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval) = 0.45 (0.28–0.73)) and higher annual household income [0.53 (0.32–0.90)] were associated with less psychological distress. For those aged 40–64 years, older age was associated with less psychological distress, while full-time work [1.98 (1.05–9.71)] was associated with more psychological distress. In the 65–85-year age group, higher education and higher annual income tended to be associated with less psychological distress. For those over 40 years of age, living with other(s) was associated with reduced psychological distress.ConclusionIn the general population of Japan, not engaging in leisure-time exercise and low income affect psychological distress among young adults. Further detailed studies are needed to consider overall physical activity, job type, and work style.

Housing instability and psychological distress in African American cancer survivors: findings from the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors study.

As health care systems seek to screen for and address housing instability in patient populations, robust evidence linking unstable housing to patient-reported outcomes is needed. Housing instability may increase psychological distress in cancer survivors, potentially more so among African American cancer survivors who are also likely to experience disproportionate burden of housing instability. The purpose of this analysis was to estimate associations between housing instability and psychological distress in African Americans diagnosed with cancer. We included survey responses from 2875 African American cancer survivors in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) study. We examined how housing instability at enrollment, using an item adapted from the Health Leads Screening Toolkit, related to psychological distress at enrollment, using Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS) 4-item anxiety and depression short forms. Linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic factors were used to estimate associations overall and stratified by stage at diagnosis. Approximately 12% of participants reported being unstably housed. Housing instability was associated with significant differences in PROMIS scores for both anxiety (difference: 6.79; 95% CI: 5.57-8.01) and depression (difference: 6.16; 95% CI: 4.99-7.34). We did not find meaningful differences stratifying by disease stage. Housing instability was experienced by over a tenth of this cohort of African American cancer survivors and was related to statistically and clinically meaningful differences in psychological distress even following adjustment for sociodemographics. These findings provide evidence supporting screening of housing instability in cancer survivors, especially those from medically underserved populations.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Canadian Adults: to what Extent Might Social Support Subdomains and Negative Social Interactions Predict Psychological Distress?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may involve persistent and unwarranted anxiety, fear, and rumination, combined with various somatic symptoms (e.g., fatigue, dizziness, muscle tension, and nausea) which may compel many to withdraw socially. While studies report an inverse relationship between social support and psychological distress among adults with GAD, those that assess the distinct influence of negative social relations, particularly by sex are limited. The primary aims of this study were to (a) assess and compare respondents with a lifetime of GAD in terms of levels of perceived social support (using the Social Provisions Scale - 10 Items (SPS-10) Scale), negative social interactions (using the Negative Social Interaction (NSI) Scale) and psychological distress (using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)), and (b) determine whether SPS-10 subdomains and NSIs predict psychological distress. Compared with a matched sample without GAD, respondents with GAD were more likely to be single, divorced, and have lower incomes. Respondents with GAD also had lower overall SPS-10 scores, and lower scores for each subdomain (i.e., 'guidance', 'reliable alliance', 'reassurance of worth', 'attachment', and 'social integration'), and higher NSI and K10 scores. Although no difference in psychological distress was observed between men and women with GAD, men had lower SPS-10 scores (overall and for each subdomain), while women had higher NSIs scores. A subsequent hierarchical regression for respondents with GAD revealed that 'social integration' and 'reassurance of worth' predicted lower psychological distress, while higher NSI scores predicted higher psychological distress. Finding implications and future research are discussed.

Lifetime classic psychedelic use is associated with greater psychological distress in unemployed job seekers

AbstractBackgroundDespite recent research linking lifetime classic psychedelic use to positive mental health outcomes, little work has explored the role played by classic psychedelics in healthy users' ability to cope with ordinary, yet stressful, life situations.AimsThis study begins to fill this gap by exploring whether lifetime classic psychedelic use is associated with attenuated or exacerbated psychological distress in unemployed job seekers.MethodsDrawing on openly-available data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2013–2019) on 208,136 adults in the United States, this study tests whether lifetime classic psychedelic use interacts with employment status to predict differences in respondents' psychological distress experienced in the last 30 days.ResultsAfter adjusting for sociodemographics, health factors, and other substance use, unemployed job seekers with lifetime classic psychedelic use are found to report greater psychological distress relative to unemployed job seekers without lifetime psychedelic use. No differences in psychological distress based on lifetime classic psychedelic use were found in employed individuals.ConclusionThis study suggests that lifetime classic psychedelic use (of indoleamines specifically) may exacerbate stressful phases of life and provides context to previous studies linking lifetime classic psychedelic use to predominantly positive mental health outcomes in healthy populations.Declaration of interest/fundingThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Furthermore, the author declares that there is no conflict of interest.