Psychological Distress Status Research Articles

Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychological Distress Status in Survivors of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychological Distress Status in Survivors of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Delayed Access to Medical Care and Psychological Distress among Chinese Immigrants in Canada during the Pandemic.

The psychological impact of medical care accessibility during the pandemic has been widely studied, but little attention has been given to Asian immigrants in Canada. This study aimed to fill this literature gap by using a cross-sectional survey, which aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Chinese immigrants in North America during the second wave of the pandemic. The study focused on Chinese immigrants aged 16 or older in Canada. Covariates included sociodemographic variables, delayed access to medical care (i.e., treatment or health assessment), and other COVID-19 related variables. We used logistic LASSO regression for model selection and multivariate logistic regression models to evaluate the association between delayed access to treatment/health assessment and psychological distress outcome, as measured by the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). Missing data were handled using multiple imputation. Our study included 746 respondents, with 47.18% in the normal CPDI group and 36.82% in the mild-to-severe CPDI group. Most respondents were originally from Mainland China and residing in Ontario. Over half have stayed in Canada for at least 15 years. The multivariate logistic regression models identified significant risk predictors of psychological distress status: delayed access to medical care (OR = 1.362, 95% CI: 1.078-1.720, p = 0.0095), fear of COVID-19 (OR = 1.604, 95% CI: 1.293-1.989, p < 0.0001), and social loneliness (OR = 1.408, 95%CI: 1.314-1.508, p < 0.0001). Sociodemographic variables and other COVID-19-related variates did not significantly impact the study's outcome. Our findings shed light on the importance of timely medical care access to psychological well-being among Chinese Canadians. Reliable health information, mental health support, and virtual care tailored to immigrants should be considered to mitigate this impact and promote their overall health and well-being.

Physical activity may attenuate psychological distress associated with different types of sedentary behaviors: a cross-sectional study of 10972 Chinese students.

The aim of the study was to investigate independent and joint associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior with psychological distress. In this cross-sectional study, all participants underwent a physical examination and questionnaire survey, including physical activity, sedentary behavior, and psychological distress. The rank-sum test was used to compare the distribution of psychological distress status among students with different characteristics, physical activity levels, and sedentary time. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the independent and joint association between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and psychological distress, stratified by age. The results of the rank sum test and logistic regression showed that students with more sedentary behavior and less physical activity were associated with higher psychological distress generally, but physical activity may attenuate the psychological distress relevant to non-screen-based sedentary behavior on weekdays in middle and high school students and screen-based sedentary behavior on weekends in all participants.

Z-Drug Use and Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among LGB Populations: The Role of Psychological Distress.

Z-drugs (hypnotics such as zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon) and benzodiazepines (BZDs) are sedative medications with misuse liability. The goals of this study are to report the (1) prevalence of past-year any Z-drug use, any BZD use, and any BZD misuse by sexual identity category and psychological distress; (2) associations among these 3 categories between sexual identity and past-year psychological distress; (3) associations among these 3 categories with sexual identity by past-year psychological distress status. Data were collected from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (years 2015-2019 [n = 210,392]), a yearly representative national household survey of the American population. We report prevalences of any Z-drug use, any BZD use, and any BZD misuse by sexual identity and past-year psychological distress status. We ran logistic regressions with complex survey design with the 3 dichotomous variables described above as the dependent variables, stratified and not-stratified by psychological distress. Prevalence of any Z-drug an BZD use and any BZD misuse were higher among LGB (lesbian/gay/bisexual) populations, especially gay men and bisexual women. Psychological distress was positively associated with any Z-drug and BZD use and any BZD misuse. Women were at higher risk of Z-drug (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.37) and BZD use (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.55-1.73), but lower risk of BZD misuse (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76-0.88). When stratifying by psychological distress, differences between LGB and heterosexuals were more pronounced among those without past-year psychological distress, especially gay men and bisexual women. The presence of psychological distress attenuates the disparities between LGB and heterosexual individuals in Z-drug use and BZD use and misuse.

Relationship of psychological stress with oral health status in commercial sex workers in Makassar City

&#x0D; Background : Depression can have a negative influence on dental health and increase the chance of engaging in high-risk sexual behavior. This study aims to determine the relationship between psychological stress with oral health status in commercial sex workers in Makassar&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods : This study is an analytic observational study using a cross-sectional design, was conducted in January 2022. The population in this study was 36 commercial sex workers in Makassar City, using total sampling technique. Exclusion criteria consisted of commercial sex workers who experienced cognitive impairment and commercial sex workers who did not complete the questionnaire. Psychological distress status was assessed using the General Health Questions (GHQ), and Depression syndrome using DSM-IV criteria. Oral health status was assessed using OHI-S and DMF-T. &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Results : Based on the OHI-S score, the sample had an average value of 5.45 ± 6.70, the DMF-T index, the sample had an average value of 7.76 ± 5.18, the mental health score for psychological pressure had an average of 20.72 ± 8.46 and depressive symptoms had an average of 10.52 ± 6.86.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Discussion : This study found a significant relationship between psychological stress with oral health status in commercial sex workers in Makassar. Sex workers often feel they do not need oral health services and most of the pressure is always on sexually transmitted infections (STIs)&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclussion : There is a significant relationship between psychological distress and depressive symptoms, with oral health status in commercial sex workers in Makassar City.&#x0D;

Association of psychological distress with arm morbidity symptoms in breast cancer survivors: outcomes from the use of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires.

Although higher survival rates of breast cancer are achieved these days, breast cancer survivors are challenged with unwanted side effects from treatment or management that affect physical, functional, and psychological well-being of an individual. This study aimed to assess psychological distress status in Malaysian breast cancer survivors and factors that affected the condition. A cross-sectional study design was conducted on 162 breast cancer survivors from various breast cancer support groups in Malaysia. Psychological distress status was assessed based on depression and anxiety scores by applying the Malay version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Both instruments were self-administered along with a set of questionnaires comprising demographic, medical history, quality of life, and upper extremity function assessment. Outcomes from the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were analyzed for severity level of psychological distress, and its association with relevant variables, arm morbidity symptoms, as well as the duration of cancer survivorship. The univariate analysis showed that breast cancer survivors with arm morbidities after breast surgery had a higher score of depression (5.0 vs 4.0, p = 0.011) and anxiety (3.0 vs 1.0, p = 0.026) than those who did not. Besides that, receiving fewer post-rehabilitation treatments (p = 0.049) and having a family history of cancer (p = 0.022) were correlated with higher anxiety level. The level of depression and anxiety was inversely proportionate with quality of life and positively correlated with greater disability of the arm function (p < 0.05). Subsequent analysis showed that arm morbidity symptoms including difficulties in finding a t-shirt that fits and pain in the arm area after breast cancer surgery were positively associated with ahigher level of psychological distress. Our study demonstrated the association between psychological distress with arm morbidities in breast cancer survivors. Given that arm morbidities can affect not only physical, but psychological well-being, continuous or serial assessment on both aspects during cancer treatment may effectively help to address mental health issue experienced by this cancer population.

Well-being and Psychological Distress Status during Covid-19 Pandemic; Nursing Students' Experience from a Saudi Arabian University

Well-being and Psychological Distress Status during Covid-19 Pandemic; Nursing Students' Experience from a Saudi Arabian University

Health and related behaviours of fly-in fly-out workers in the mining industry in Australia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFly-In Fly-Out (FIFO), which entails travelling mostly from the urban areas to stay and work in remote areas for designated periods and travel back home to spend designated days of leave, has become a common work arrangement in the mining sector globally. This study examined the mental and physical health of FIFO workers and described their health-related behaviours during on-and off-shift periods.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with FIFO workers (N = 216) in the mining industry in Australia who completed an online survey. Paired t-test and McNemer’s analysis examined the differences in health-related behaviours during workers’ on-and off-shift days. Logistic regression examined the predictors of physical health and psychological distress status of FIFO workers.ResultsWorkers reported longer sleep duration (7.5 ± 1.5 h vs 6.3 ± 1.2 h, p < 0.001) and better sleep quality (78.2% vs 46.3%, p < 0.001) during off-shift nights than on on-shift nights. Smoking prevalence was 26.4%, and workers reported smoking a similar number of cigarettes per day during on-and off-shift days. Most workers reported drinking alcohol (86.1%) and more often at risky levels during off-shift than on-shift days (57.9% vs 34.3%, p < 0.001). Fruits and vegetable consumption was low but with higher vegetable intake during off-shift days (2.8 ± 1.4 vs 2.3 ± 1.3 serves, p < 0.001). Workers had good physical health status (91.2%), but 71.4% were overweight/obese and 33.4% indicated high levels of psychological distress. Working on long shifts (OR 6.63, 95% CI 1.84–23.91) and smoking (OR 7.17, 95% CI 2.67–19.26) were linked to high psychological distress.ConclusionsThe prevalence of psychological distress and risky health behaviours was high. Interventions should aim to reduce psychological distress and support multiple behaviour changes, considering FIFO work-related characteristics including long shift hours.

How does social support modify the association between psychological distress and risk of suicide death?

Social support (SS) has been reported as a factor preventing suicide death, but whether this association is independent of mental status is unclear. The present study examined the effect modification of SS on the association between psychological distress status and risk of suicide death. Follow-up data for 43,015 subjects participating in a prospective cohort study were analyzed. At baseline, the subjects were asked about SS and mental status with the Kessler six-item Distress (K6) Scale. A Cox model was used to estimate the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of suicide death according to two levels of psychological distress (K6 ≤ 4, K6 ≥ 5). The HRs in each SS subtype (emotional and instrumental) were also calculated. There was a significant association between SS and a lower risk of suicide death in the stratum of K6 ≥ 5, with an HR of 0.58 (95% confidence interval,0.35-0.96). On the other hand, the association with the K6 ≤ 4 strata was not significant. SS appears to be associated with a lower risk of suicide death only among participants with moderate or severe psychological distress. These results imply that early detection of psychological distress and provision of SS is important for preventing suicide death.

An analysis of health inequalities depending on educational level using nationally representative survey data in Japan, 2019

BackgroundIn recent years, socioeconomic differences in health statuses and behaviors have not been investigated from the nationally representative survey data in Japan. In this study, we showed differences in representative health behaviors and statuses depending on educational level using a nationally representative survey data in Japan.MethodsAggregated (not individual level) data from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in 2019 were used to examine the association between educational level and outcome status of psychological distress (K6 scores > = 5), self-rated health, smoking, alcohol drinking, and cancer screening participation (stomach, lung, colorectal, breast, and uterine cancers). Data of 217,179 households in Japan were aggregated by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare in the survey, and the data of the estimated number of household members and persons corresponding to each response option for the questions in all of Japan were used. Five-year age groups from 20 to 24 to 80–84 years and over 84 years were analyzed, and the prevalence or participation rate by educational level were calculated. In addition, the age-standardized prevalence or participation rate according to educational level were also calculated by sex. Moreover, a Poisson regression model was applied for evaluating an association of educational level with the outcomes.ResultsAs a result, a clear gradient by educational level was observed in almost all the age groups for the prevalence of psychological distress, poor self-rated health, and smoking and participation rates in cancer screening, and high educational level were associated with better health-related behaviors and statuses. Conversely, drinking prevalence was shown to be higher rather in highly educated people. In addition, a statistically significant association of educational level with all the outcomes was observed.ConclusionIt was shown that disparities in health behaviors and statuses still persisted in recent years, and the findings suggested that further measures should be taken to tackle this disparity.

Screening for psychological distress on Indonesian type 2 diabetes: A validation study.

This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of a four-item patient health questionnaire as a psychological distress screening tool for patients with type 2 diabetes in Indonesia. This cross-cultural adaptation study was applied in five public health-care centres in Indonesia in August-October 2018 using a four-item patient health questionnaire. The content, convergent and factorial validity were assessed, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was the reliability indicator. A total of 147 participants were involved. Content validity resulted in acceptable outcomes (item and scale content validity indexes were 0.95 and 0.75, respectively). Anxiety and depression were associated with total score and psychological distress status (P < 0.001), supporting the convergent validity outcomes. Principal component analysis using varimax rotation revealed two factors, explaining 76.14% of variance (P < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha coefficients for anxiety, depression and total score were 0.780, 0.500 and 0.713, respectively. The study demonstrated adequate validity and reliability for the Indonesian version of a four-item patient health questionnaire among patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is applicable as a screening tool for psychological distress in this population.

Psychological Distress and Its Association With Quality of Life in Organ Transplant Recipients During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have an impact on the psychological distress of organ transplant recipients. We aimed to assess the status of psychological distress and its association with quality of life (QoL) in organ transplant recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 305 organ transplant recipients during March 30 and April 2, 2020, in Wuhan. Psychological distress comprised depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index, and Impact of event scale-revised. QoL was assessed using the Chinese version of the short Form 36-item health survey.Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD in organ transplant recipients was 13.4, 6.9, 11.8, and 30.5%, respectively. Organ transplant recipients with depression had significantly lower scores in all eight dimensions of QoL compared with participants without depression (all p < 0.05). Lower scores on the QoL dimensions of role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, role emotional, and mental health were found in organ transplant recipients with anxiety, insomnia, or PTSD compared with their counterparts without the respective disorder (all p < 0.05).Limitation: The cross-sectional study design limited us to make causal conclusion and the influence of potential confounders cannot be ruled out.Conclusions: Psychological distress was prevalent in organ transplant recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those with depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD had poorer QoL. Therefore, timely psychological counseling, COVID-19 related health education, and essential community medical services should be provided to organ transplant recipients to relieve their psychological distress, and to improve their QoL.

A cross sectional study: The association between sleeping quality and stress among second and third medical students at the University of Jordan.

Medicine is considered one if not the most stressful educational field. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of stress and poor sleeping quality among medical students and the association between them. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Jordan on second- and third-year medical students. The questionnaire consisted of: 1) Demographics; 2) The assessment tools which were Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index (PSQI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Status (K10). Binary logistic regression, chi-square and linear regression were used to investigate the association between PSQI, K10, and their determinants. The mean for PSQI score was 6.76 ± 3.32. PSQI scores interpretation revealed that 61.7% of the 282 participants of this study were poor sleepers. Logistic regression results showed that only the category of not napping at all from the napping hours variable was significantly associated with sleeping quality. Furthermore, the mean of K10 scores was 24.5 ± 8.5. K10 scores revealed that 66.3% of the participants were stressed. Logistic regression results showed that gender and regular exercise were significantly associated with psychological distress. Additionally, chi-square test, logistic regression and linear regression showed that PSQI was significantly associated with K10 (P <0.01). Stress and poor sleeping quality in medical students at the University of Jordan were highly prevalent and strongly associated. What determined PSQI was daytime napping, and for K10 were regular exercise and gender. Further investigations into stress and sleep quality in the Arabian region are needed.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and associated factors: a cross-sectional study in community psychiatry

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a relevant public health issue due to its consequences on physical and mental health (mainly depression and post traumatic stress disorder) and then on the healthcare system. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and consequences of IPV in a sample of women admitted to an outpatient clinic for anxiety and depression (VADEMECUM). We conducted a cross-sectional study with 150 patients who entered the aforementioned outpatient clinic of the ASST San Gerardo Hospital in Monza (Italy) during the period October 2016-May 2017. All participants completed a screening questionnaire investigating IPV and the K6 questionnaire as index of psychological distress. Among 150 women, 36 (24%) were victims of IPV: 35 with emotional abuse, 23 with physical abuse, and 7 with sexual abuse. In the "abused" group, 80% of women had psychic and physical health consequences, whilst 53% requested help from relatives/friends and/or healthcare staff. Conjugal status (p=0.024), voluntary pregnancy interruptions (p=0.015), anxiety episodes history (p=0.028), previous or current psychological treatment (p=0.001 and p=0.036, respectively), (K6) levels of psychological distress (p=0.0004) and child abuse (p=0.012) were significantly associated with IPV. "Abused" women have positive psychiatric history of anxiety, greater demand for psychological care, child abuse and worst psychological distress status compared to "not abused". This evidence as well as the high IPV prevalence found in our study suggest the need for appropriate screening and specific treatment pathways in psychiatric services.

Predictors of Psychological Distress and Mental Health Resource Utilization among Employees in Malaysia.

We sought to examine predictors of psychological distress among employees as well as the level of awareness and usage of available mental health resources by employees through their own organizations. The Malaysian Healthiest Workplace survey cross-sectional dataset was used to explore the association between psychological distress, a range of health conditions, as well as mental health resource awareness and usage in a sample of 11,356 working Malaysian adults. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine predictors of high psychological distress. Comorbid illnesses that were associated with psychological distress were mental illness (OR 6.7, 95% CI 4.39–10.14, p = 0.001), heart conditions (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.18–3.99, p = 0.012), migraines (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.33–1.90, p = 0.001), bronchial asthma (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.11–1.85, p = 0.006), and hypertension (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07–1.88, p = 0.016) compared to individuals with no comorbid conditions. A total of 14 out of 17 comorbid medical illnesses were associated with elevated levels of psychological distress among employees. Awareness and usage of support services and resources for mental health were associated with lower psychological distress. These findings extend the literature by providing further evidence on the link between chronic illness, occupational type, as well as awareness and use of mental health resources by psychological distress status.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Psychological Distress Among Secondary School Students in Mekelle City, Tigray Region, Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundPsychological distress is defined as a state of emotional suffering characterized by the combination of symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is more prevalent in school adolescents than in the general population. There are no published studies that reflect the current status of psychological distress among Ethiopian school adolescents. So, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among secondary students in Mekelle Town, North Ethiopia.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was done among 782 from May 15 to June 15, 2018. Stratified multistage sampling procedure was used to select study subjects. Data were collected using a pretested and structured self-administered questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was used to declare the statistical significance between psychological distress and associated factors.ResultsA total of 845 students were enrolled in the study, with a response rate of 92.54%. The mean age of the participants was 16.24 years (SD=±1.17). Prevalence of psychological distress among the study participants was 34.9%. Being female [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: (1.28, 4.12)], current alcohol use [AOR = 3.08; 95% CI: (1.64, 5.77)], physical fight [AOR = 2.99; 95% CI: (1.69–5.28)], contact sexual abuse [AOR=2.37; 95% CI: (1.23, 4.55)], non-contact sexual abuse [AOR = 1.91; 95% CI: (1.04, 3.49)], and being bullied [AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: (1.03, 3.29)] were significantly associated with psychological distress.ConclusionThe prevalence of psychological distress in this study was high. Therefore, it is recommended to strengthen the activities that help to reduce or ameliorate the major causes of psychological distress.

Abstract MP41: Cost-related Medication Nonadherence by Psychological Distress Status Among Adults With Hypertension in the US

Objectives: Medication adherence is a major factor determining the effectiveness of hypertension management. Financial cost and psychological distress (PD) may influence medication adherence, but research in this field is lacking. This study investigated cost-related medication nonadherence (CRMN) and cost-reduction strategies (CRS) by PD status in US adults with hypertension. Methods: The study population included adults aged 18 years and older with self-reported hypertension (n=15,778) from the 2017 and 2018 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative health survey. CRMN was defined as persons having skipped medication, taking less medication than prescribed, or delaying a medication refill in the past 12 months to save money. CRS was defined as persons having asked a doctor for lower cost medication, bought prescription drugs from another country, or used alternative therapies in the past 12 months to save money. PD was based on a 6-item scale of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale classified as no/low, mild/moderate, and severe distress. We calculated adjusted percentages of CRMN and CRS for each PD level. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of both CRMN and CRS by PD status for overall and sub-population groups by age and sex. We controlled for race/ethnicity, education level, insurance status, household income, and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Among the adults with hypertension, 10.4% reported CRMN, 24.0% reported CRS, 11.9% had mild/moderate and 6.0% had severe PD. Adjusted percentage of CRMN increased from 7.3% for no/low to 19.0% for mild/moderate and 28.7% for severe PD status (p&lt;0.001); and adjusted percentage of CRS increased from 21.1% to 35.0% and 39.8%, respectively (p&lt;0.001). These patterns hold for age and sex group with a higher percentage for younger (18-64 years) than for older (65 and older) age groups. Compared with patients with no/low PD, patients with mild/moderate and severe PD were more likely to report CRMN with an AOR of 2.81 (95% CI: 2.34-3.37) and 5.12 (4.17-6.30), respectively; and for CRS, the AOR was 1.93 (1.70-2.19) and 2.30 (1.91-2.76), respectively. These patterns were consistent for each age and sex group while the younger age group and women experienced more CRMN and CRS. Conclusions: The positive relationships between CRMN and PD, as well as CRS and PD suggest that uncontrolled PD could play a disruptive role in hypertension management. Addressing behavioral health among adults with hypertension may be important to achieving hypertension control goals.

Why are our elderly distressed? A cross-sectional study in a rural community of West Bengal.

Context:Population across the globe are aging rapidly due to demographic transition. More than 50% of the elderly in India suffer from one or more chronic diseases and psychological distress is one of the most common morbidities among them.Aims and Objective:This study was conducted with the objective to assess the status of psychological distress among the elderly.Settings and Design:A community based, cross-sectional study among 347 elderly aged 60 years and above.Methods and Materials:This study was done in 30 villages (clusters) in Singur block of West Bengal. A predesigned and pretested schedule was used to collect data.Statistical Analysis:Data were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses.Results:The mean (± SD) age of the elderly was 67.67 (± 7.15) years, majority (67.4%) were in the 60–69 years age group. Most (62.8%) of the elderly were suffering from psychological distress which is significantly associated with below primary education level [AOR (95% CI)] = [25.09 (11.88-52.96)], living without spouse and child [AOR (95% CI) =7.88 (3.90-15.89)], financial dependence [AOR (95% CI) =20.23 (7.58-54.00)], dependent functional activity (assessed by ADL) [AOR (95% CI) =3.84 (1.25-11.76)], and decision for healthcare taken by others [AOR (95% CI)] = [3.84 (1.25-11.76)].Conclusions:Alarmingly, the proportion of psychological distress was found to be high among the elderly of this rural area. Therefore, all steps must be taken with special focus on the mental health of the old people so that they may continue to contribute to the upliftment of the society.

Association between Noise Exposure and Sensitivity and Psychological Distress

Background: Noise pollution is considered as a major threat to human society that may affect life quality, efficiency, physical and mental health. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the effects of noise exposure and noise sensitivity on psychological distress in an automobile parts manufacturer's employees. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 325 employees of an automobile parts manufacturer who were exposed to different noise levels in seven groups were investigated. Daily personal noise exposure for each group was measured using calibrated sound level meter (SVANTEK-971) based on ISO-9612 standards. Then employees' mental disorder and noise sensitivity were determined using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS), respectively, and data was analyzed using SPSS v. 23. Results: Mean psychological distress was significantly different between noise sensitivity and noise exposure groups (P-value &lt;0.05). Based on the results of multiple regression analysis among four variables including age, work experience, noise exposure and noise sensitivity, noise exposure and noise sensitivity had significant effect on psychological distress and could explain 0.36 and 0.25 of variance of response variable, respectively. Age and work experience at the level of 5% error had no significant effect on psychological distress status. Conclusion: It can be argued that the worsening of psychological distress in these employees is often due to noise exposure and noise sensitivity. As an individual variable, noise exposure has the greatest effect on increase of psychological distress compared to noise sensitivity level and demographic characteristics studied.

Social determinants of psychological distress in Hpb cancer patients

Background: The diagnosis of hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) cancers can cause patients significant distress. Psychological distress has been shown to negatively impact cancer treatment, recovery, and ultimately, survival. Multiple factors may place patients at increased risk for psychological distress. Identification of factors placing patients at high risk for distress will enable care teams to pre-emptively intervene to improve the course of cancer care. Herein, we investigate the association of biopsychosocial factors with psychological distress of patients with HPB malignancies. Methods: A validated forty-eight item electronic distress screen was administered to new patients in the medical and surgical oncology clinics of a large cancer center from 2009 to 2015. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale from 1, indicating no problem, to 5 indicating a very severe problem. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze factors that impacted the psychological distress status of patients. Results: A total of 1027 patients participated in biopsychosocial screening at a single institution from 2009-2015 of which 324 (31.5%) were HPB malignancies. The median age at screening was 65. Forty-eight percent of patients were female and 61% were Caucasian. Thirty-six percent of patients had at least a college degree. On univariate analysis, BMI ≥25 (OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.19–0.90, p = 0.03), male gender (OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.38–0.97, p = 0.03), and tobacco use (OR 5.17, 95%CI 1.35–19.70, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with an increased level of overall psychological distress. However, age, race, income, non-English primary language, and level of education were not associated with increased psychological distress. On multivariate analysis, BMI ≥25, gender and tobacco use all remained significantly associated with increased psychological distress, fearfulness and anxiety (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that it is feasible to identify HPB cancer patients at high risk for psychological distress. HPB patients with a BMI ≥25, male gender, and tobacco users are more likely to experience this distress. Identifying these patients will allow for early intervention and potentially improved cancer recovery and survival.