Psychological General Well-Being Index Research Articles

Sarcopenia Prevalence among Hospitalized Patients with Severe Obesity: An Observational Study.

Background: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is the combination of excess fat, skeletal muscle and muscular strength/function deficit. The ESPEN/EASO have proposed new diagnostic criteria, but the SO prevalence in patients with severe obesity remains to be established. The aim of this study was to establish the SO prevalence in a large cohort of inpatients with obesity, considering sex, age, BMI, type, and number of concomitant diseases. Methods: Patient data of both genders aged between 18 and 90 years with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 underwent hospital evaluation including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and handgrip strength (HS). QoL scores were obtained by the Psychological General Well-Being Index questionnaire. The study was approved by the institutional Ethic Committee. Results: Among the 3858 patients, 444 (11.51%) exhibited a strength deficit, while 3847 (99.71%) had skeletal muscle mass deficit. The prevalence of SO was then 11.48%, with higher rates in women (12.39%), in individuals aged >70 years (27%), and in those reporting a 'poor' QoL (12.6%). No significant difference in SO prevalence was found when stratifying by BMI (30-40 kg/m2 vs. >40 kg/m2, p = 0.1710). In SO patients, osteoarticular diseases (57%), hypertension/heart failure (38%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (34%), and obstructive sleep apnea (32%) were the more frequent comorbidities. Conclusions: The application of ESPEN/EASO-SO criteria in a cohort of inpatients with severe obesity revealed 11.48% SO prevalence, which was associated with age (particularly > 70 years), gender (women), but not BMI, as determinants. Disease staging and QoL screening may improve the identification of SO high-risk patients.

USING THE METHOD OF PSYCHOCONSTITUTIONAL THERAPY IN THE EARLY ACUTE PERIOD OF POST-TRAUMATIC DISORDER

In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of psychoconstitutional therapy (PCT) in the early acute phase of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within a biopsychosocial framework, considering individual psychological and constitutional differences. Participants were categorized into "Flowers," "Pots," and "Gardeners" based on their stress response behaviours and received tailored interventions aimed at modulating amygdala activity and revising maladaptive stress responses. The results showed statistically significant improvements in stress response behaviours, PTSD symptomatology across various clusters, and overall psychological well-being, as measured by the Psychological General Well-Being Index. This study highlights the potential of psychoconstitutional therapy not only to reduce PTSD symptoms but also to enhance general mental health. It supports the inclusion of this therapy in current psychiatric practices and aligns with the growing trend towards personalized treatment approaches, offering new hope for effective PTSD management

A cross-sectional study of stressful life events and quality of life among FGID and non-FGID patients

ABSTRACT Background: Gastrointestinal disorders, both non-functional and functional, are prevalent among the general population, and understanding these in relation to psychological factors is crucial for clinicians to design effective management strategies. Psycho-social factors, including stressful life events, significantly impact disease outcomes and quality of life (QOL). Limited research has explored these factors in the context of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and non-functional gastrointestinal disorders (non-FGIDs), especially in culturally diverse populations. Aim: To investigate the relationship between QOL and stressful life events in patients with FGID and non-FGID. Materials and Methods: This study involved 200 participants diagnosed with FGID using ROME IV criteria and non-FGID clinically. The research utilized a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Psychological General Well-Being Index (QOL), and the Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES). Results: Among FGID patients, functional dyspepsia was the common diagnosis, while erosive gastritis was more prevalent among non-FGID patients. A significant association in QOL was observed between FGID and non-FGID (P < 0.001), with FGID patients exhibiting lower scores. Overall, a mild negative correlation was found between QOL and PSLES (r = -0.20, P = 0.003). Stressful life events contributed to 13% variance of QOL in non-FGID patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of stressful life events on QOL in both FGID and non-FGID patients. While FGID patients experienced poorer QOL, non-FGID also showed QOL reductions with recent life events. Understanding these associations can aid clinicians in comprehensive patient care, emphasizing the importance of addressing psycho-social factors alongside clinical symptoms. Cultural nuances influencing stress perception and its relation to gastrointestinal disorders merit further investigation.

Dental surgery assistant trainees’ perceptions of mental well-being and working in the dental clinic

Introduction: An online survey was conducted on 16 National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (NITEC) Dental Surgery Assistant (DSA) trainees in National Dental Centre Singapore to find out their perceptions and understanding of mental well-being. Methods: The 43-item survey included (i) Psychological General Well-being Index (PGWB) with 22 items based on 6 domains (anxiety, depression, positive well-being, self-control, general health, and vitality); (ii) 5 items on mental health knowledge; (iii) 4 items on lifestyle; and (iv) 12 items on perceptions of mental well-being and working in the dental clinic. Responses were collated for descriptive analysis and Cronbach’s alpha analysis was done for internal consistency for Likert scale items. Results: The average PGWB score was 61.5 (range 18-89). Fourteen trainees (75%) indicated they were feeling depressed and 31.2% of trainees felt under stress in the past month. The majority (81.3%) of trainees recognised the role of exercise in maintaining mental health and 75% of trainees were able to differentiate between sadness and depression. However, 56.3% and 87.5% of the trainees incorrectly answered that mental and psychological disorders are not preventable conditions and mental disorders are caused by a wrong way of thinking respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha on PGWB ( = 0.87) and trainees’ perception of working in the clinic ( = 0.76) revealed good internal consistency. Conclusion: The PGWB scores and survey analysis indicate there is a knowledge gap about mental health and the need to improve mental well-being in this cohort of NITEC DSA trainees. Keywords: Mental Well-being, Dental Surgery Assistant Trainee, Psychological General Well-being Index

Long-term quality of life, psychological distress, and caregiver burden in octogenarians with LVAD: A single-centre experience.

With the general population aging, both life expectancy and the number of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantations in elderly patients are growing. Nevertheless, their perceived long-term quality of life, including psychological aspects, coupled with the respective caregiver's burden, remain under-reported. In light of the rising number of octogenarians with LVAD who necessitate broader healthcare provider involvement, we assessed the long-term quality of life, as defined by both the 36-item short-form health (SF-36) survey and the EuroQol 5 dimensions, 5-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)-including the visual analog scale-in octogenarian LVAD patients who had received treatment at our institution. Additionally, we evaluated the psychological health of octogenarian LVAD patients using the psychological general well-being index (PGWBI), alongside their caregivers' well-being through the 22-item version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Of 12 octogenarian LVAD patients, 5 were alive and willing to answer questionnaires. Mean age at implant was 74 ± 2 years. Median follow-up was 2464 (IQR = 2375-2745) days. Although variable, the degree of health and psychological well-being perceived by octogenarian patients with LVAD was "good." Interestingly, the burden of assistance reported by caregivers, though relevant, was greatly varied, suggesting the need to better define and address psychological long-term aspects related to LVAD implantation for both patients and caregivers with a broad-spectrum approach.

Resilience improvement through a multicomponent physical and cognitive intervention for older people: the DanzArTe emotional well-being technology project

BackgroundResilience is a crucial component of successful aging. However, which interventions might increase resilience in older adults is yet unclear.AimsThis study aims to assess the feasibility and the physical and psychological effects of a technology-based multicomponent dance movement intervention that includes physical, cognitive, and sensory activation in older people living in community-dwelling and nursing home.MethodsDanzArTe program consists of four sessions on a weekly basis, using a technological platform that integrates visual and auditory contents in real time. 122 participants (mean age = 76.3 ± 8.8 years, 91 females = 74.6%) from seven nursing homes and community-dwelling subjects were assessed, before and after the intervention, with the Resilience Scale-14 items (RES-14), the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI-S), and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used for statistical analyses.ResultsAt baseline significant differences in MPI and RES-14 between community-dwelling and nursing home residents were observed (p < 0.001 for both analyses). After the intervention, resilience significantly increased in total sample (RES-14 mean T1 = 74.6 Vs. T2 = 75.7) and in the nursing home residents (RES-14 mean T1 = 68.1 Vs. T2 = 71.8). All participants showed high overall satisfaction for DanzArTe program (CSQ-8 mean = 23.9 ± 4.4). No differences in MPI and PGWBI-S were observed.DiscussionDanzArTe was a feasible intervention and high appreciated by all older adults. Nursing home residents revealed improvements in resilience after DanzArTe program.ConclusionThe DanzArTe technology-based multi-component intervention may improve resilience in older people living in nursing homes.

Effect of sleep disordered breathing severity in children with Down syndrome on parental wellbeing and social support

IntroductionSleep disorders, particularly sleep disordered breathing (SDB), are common in children with Down syndrome (DS). We investigated the relationship between SDB severity and parental psychological wellbeing and their perception of social support. Methods44 children with DS (3–19 years) underwent overnight polysomnography and were categorised into three groups: primary snoring, Mild and Moderate/Severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Parents completed questionnaires about their child's behaviour (Child Behavior Checklist), sleep symptoms (Pediatric Sleep Survey Instrument) and SDB-related quality of life (OSA-18), together with the DUKE-UNC Functional Social Support (DUKE) and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaires for themselves. 34 children completed a follow-up study after 2 years. ResultsThere were no significant differences between SDB severity groups for parental perceived social support or psychological wellbeing. Total scores on the DUKE were below average and PGWBI scores were indicative of moderate psychological distress in all three groups. Reduced perceived levels of social support were significantly correlated with externalising child behaviour and sleep disturbance. Diminished parental psychological wellbeing was also significantly correlated with increased sleep disturbances and reduced quality of life in children. At follow-up there were no significant changes in any questionnaire outcome, however parents of children with improved SDB severity had improved PGWBI vitality scores. ConclusionThe degree of parent-reported sleep disturbance in children with DS was linked to suboptimal perceived parental social support and poor psychological wellbeing. Our results emphasise the need for enhanced awareness of the detrimental effects of sleep problems in children with DS on parental wellbeing.

Studying the effects of stress, mental health and psychological well‐being on wound healing rates after oesophageal varices ligation in liver cirrhosis patients

AbstractIt is of utmost importance to comprehend the impact that psychological factors have on physical rehabilitation, specifically in regards to wound healing following ligation of oesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. The present study investigated the correlation between wound recovery rates and psychological well‐being, stress and mental health. From January 2022 to September 2023, 148 patients from were evaluated as part of this cross‐sectional observational study. The psychological well‐being of participants was evaluated utilizing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Psychological General Well‐Being Index (PGWBI). The rates of wound recovery were assessed following ligation. The mean duration for wound recovery was 28.37 ± 9.65 days. The mean wounds healing time of patients who obtained higher PSS scores (18.55) was marginally longer. On the contrary, there was a moderate reduction in healing time associated with higher HADS scores (mean 14.10). On average (68.88), PGWBI scores indicated a negligible effect on wound healing. The variance in healing durations between Child‐Pugh classifications A, B and C (mean values of 28.65, 26.90 and 29.57 days respectively) suggested that the severity of liver disease has an impact. As a result of ligation of oesophageal varices, the study demonstrated that psychological factors and wound recovery in patients with liver cirrhosis are intricately intertwined. There seems to be the substantial and intricate relationship between stress, mental health and wound recovery. The results of this study supported the notion that psychological evaluation and support should be incorporated into the management of patients with liver cirrhosis.

Development and validation of an art-inspired multimodal interactive technology system for a multi-component intervention for older people: a pilot study

IntroductionThe World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the presence of a significant body of research on the positive effects of the arts on health, considering a variety of factors including physical well-being, quality of life, and social and community impact. The model that underlies cultural welfare puts the performing arts, visual arts, and cultural heritage at the service of people personal and societal well-being. The potential connections between movements of the body and artistic content have been extensively studied over time, considering movement as a non-verbal language with a universal character.MethodsThis pilot study presents the results of the validation of an innovative multimodal system, the DanzArTe-Emotional Wellbeing Technology, designed to support active and participative experience of older people providing physical and cognitive activation through a full-body physical interaction with a traditional visual work of art of religious subject. DanzArTe supports a replicable treatment protocol for multidimensional frailty, administered through a low cost and scalable technological platform capable of generating real-time visual and auditory feedback (interactive sonification) from the automated analysis of individual as well as joint movement expressive qualities. The study involved 45 participants, 23 of whom participated in the DanzArTe program and 22 who were included in the control group.ResultsThe two groups were similar in terms of age (p = 0.465) and gender (p = 0.683). The results showed that the DanzArTe program had a positive impact on participants' self-perceived psychological health and well-being (Mean Psychological General Well-Being Index—Short T1 = 19.6 ± 4.3 Vs. T2 = 20.8 ± 4.9; p = 0.029). The same trend was not observed in the control group (p = 0.389).DiscussionThe findings suggest that such programs may have a significant impact particularly on the mental and social well-being of older adults and could be a valuable tool for promoting healthy aging and improving quality of life.

The impact of the war in Ukraine on the psychological well-being of students

Background and Aim of Study: The war in Ukraine affects the psychological state and life activities of university students. Aim of the study: to identify the state of psychological well-being of students and the peculiarities of students’ use of coping strategies in overcoming life crises on their own. Material and Methods: The study was conducted among 323 Ukrainian university students aged 20-35 in October 2023. According to the impact of the hostilities on them, the respondents were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 – 111 persons living in the area of active hostilities; Group 2 – 104 persons living in the areas where missiles and drones were fired; Group 3 – 108 persons living on the territory of Ukraine, where there were no hostilities and shelling, and in the EU countries. The Psychological General Well-Being Index, PGWBI, and the Coping Strategies Inventory, CSI, were included in an online survey. Both techniques were found to have adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha was 0.928 and 0.759, respectively). Results: Respondents in all groups are moderately distressed. The highest level of distress (the lowest level of PGWBI) was found among students in Group 1 (55.1 points). Students in Groups 2 and 3 had lower scores (60.1 and 63.5 points, respectively), which corresponds to moderate distress. Students use a variety of coping strategies in stressful situations. However, the coping strategy of cognitive restructuring was used more often (9.8 points in Group 3, 9.5 points in Group 1). This was due to a general rethinking of the meaning of life, of attitudes toward oneself and others because of the war. Coping strategies of social support (8.9 points) and self-criticism (8.7 points) were also important for Group 1. This was due to the importance of social support, reassessment of one’s own behavior and thinking in the war. Conclusions: The obtained data indicate that the war in Ukraine has a negative impact on the psychological state of students. The level of impact was higher the closer the students were to the active combat zone. This influence determined the students' choice of coping strategies in dealing with life crises on their own.

Effect of Ayurvedic Formulations on Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (Asrigdara): A Prospective Uncontrolled Multicenter Clinical Study

IntroductionAsrigdara in Ayurveda simulates the dysfunctional type of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and is a common gynaecological complaint. It negatively affects the quality of life and is associated with the poor health of women. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ayurvedic formulations, Pushyanuga churna (PC) and Usheerasava (UA) in managing AUB. MethodsA multicenter, single-arm clinical study was conducted on 80 diagnosed patients of AUB. PC 3 g and UA 20 ml were given twice daily for 90 days. Clinical assessment was done at baseline, every 15th day for the initial 3 months, and on 120th day. Pictorial blood loss assessment chart score, visual analogue scale, and Psychological General Well-being Index were utilised to measure the outcome parameters. The safety of formulations was evaluated by reporting adverse drug reactions and changes in liver function tests and renal function tests at baseline and on 90th day. ResultsSixty-eight participants completed the trial. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28.0. The mean age of the participants was 31.7 ± 6.3 years and majority (73.5%) were multiparous. The most typical presentation was heavy menstrual bleeding in 92.6%, followed by frequent bleeding (52.9%). At baseline, 94.2% participants had a pictorial blood loss assessment chart score >100, which decreased to 30.7% at the end of the study. Highly significant changes (P < 0.001) were observed in frequent, prolonged bleeding and psychological general well-being index score. No adverse drug reactions and significant changes in safety parameters were found. ConclusionsPC and UA are effective, well-tolerable, and safe in managing AUB.

Changes in hair cortisol concentration in intrauterine device initiators: A prospective cohort study

ObjectivesPrior studies found increased hair cortisol concentration (a surrogate marker for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation) in users of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG 52 mg IUD). We evaluated change in hair cortisol and psychometric tests in women initiating a copper (CuT380 IUD) or LNG 52 mg IUD. Study designWe prospectively enrolled healthy women initiating an LNG 52 mg IUD or CuT380 IUD. Participants provided hair and blood samples and completed psychometric inventories (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Psychological General Well-Being Index) after IUD insertion and at 6 and 12 months. We used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to measure hair cortisol concentrations. We compared hair cortisol concentrations and psychometric test changes from baseline to 6 and 12 months using independent two-sample t tests. ResultsWe enrolled 39 of our targeted 86 participants (LNG 52 mg IUD 26, CuT380 IUD 13). Thirty-eight subjects (LNG 52 mg IUD 25, CuT380 IUD 13) completed 6 months of follow-up. We found no difference between cohorts in the mean change in hair cortisol concentrations at 6 months (LNG 52 mg IUD n = 21 [−0.01 pg/mg (95% CI −1.26, 1.23); CuT380 IUD n = 13 [−1.31 pg/mg (−3.36, 0.73)]). While psychometric inventory results remained within normal ranges, LNG 52 mg IUD users reported a trend toward more favorable changes over time. ConclusionsWe did not find clinically important differences in hair cortisol concentrations following initiation of a CuT380 IUD or LNG 52 mg IUD; psychometric inventories demonstrated no adverse effect of hormonal IUDs on mood. ImplicationsOur findings of similar hair cortisol concentrations following the initiation of either the LNG 52 mg IUD or CuT380 IUD suggest that hormonal IUDs do not increase cortisol concentrations or alter stress reactivity, and favorable effects on psychometric inventories provide further reassurance that the LNG 52 mg IUD has no adverse impact on mood. Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov NCT03499379

Benefits of Telerehabilitation for Patients With Severe Acquired Brain Injury: Promising Results From a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Using Nonimmersive Virtual Reality.

In neurorehabilitation, the use of innovative technologies offers many opportunities to monitor and improve the health status of patients with severe acquired brain injury (SABI). Telerehabilitation allows for continuity of service through the entire rehabilitation cycle, including assessment, intervention, consultation, and education, affording early reintegration and positively enhancing the quality of life (QoL). The main purpose of this multicenter randomized controlled trial was to test the effectiveness of advanced training provided using a nonimmersive virtual reality rehabilitation system (ie, the VRRS HomeKit device) in improving functional outcomes in patients with SABI. In total, 40 patients with SABI and their 40 caregivers visiting 2 Italian rehabilitation centers were enrolled in the study protocol and randomized into 2 groups. Of the 40 patients, 20 (50%) underwent the experimental training using the VRRS HomeKit (teleneuro-VRRS group), whereas the other 20 (50%) were administered usual territorial rehabilitative treatments (UTRTs; control group). To investigate motor and neuropsychological functioning, patients with SABI were evaluated before (T0) and at the end of (T1) each training session by a multispecialist team through a complete clinical and psychometric battery: the Barthel Index (BI), the Tinetti Scale (TS), the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). In addition, the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) was administered to each caregiver to investigate the emotional burden status. The teleneuro-VRRS group achieved a statistically significant improvement in both general and motor outcomes, as well as psychological well-being and QoL, compared to the control group. In particular, the BI (P<.001), FAB (P<.001), and BDI-II (P<.001) were the outcome scales with the best improvement. The burden of caregivers also significantly improved in the teleneuro-VRRS group (CBI; P<.004). Between-group analysis showed statistical differences in the anxiety (effect size [ES]=0.85, P<.02) and self-control (ES=0.40, P<.03) subtests of the PGWBI and in the social role functioning (ES=0.85, P<.02) subtest of the SF-36, confirmed by quite medium and large ESs. Our results suggest that the VRRS is a suitable alternative tool or complementary tool or both to improve motor (level of functional independence) and cognitive (frontal/executive abilities) outcomes, reducing behavioral alterations (anxiety and depression symptoms) in patients with SABI, with a beneficial impact also on the caregivers' burden distress management, mitigating distress and promoting positive aspects of caring. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03709875; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03709875.

Italian validation of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly - Screening version (HHIE-S-It).

Validate the Italian version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly - Screening version (HHIE-S-It). After translation, psychometric properties and attributes were analysed by administering the HHIE-S-It to 167 elderly outpatients together with the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.908 for the total score, and 0.832 and 0.816 for its two subscales. Significant test-retest reliability was observed (p < 0.001). Moderate to high correlations were found between HHIE-S-It and pure tone average in the better ear (p < 0.001). The ANOVA test confirmed the significant difference in HHIE-S-It scores across groups according to the degree of hearing loss (p < 0.001). Only very low and low significant correlations were observed between HHIE-S-It and PGWBI. The criterion HHIE-S-It > 11 was observed as the best cut-off with highest sensitivity (86.4%), specificity (72.4%), positive predictive value (52.8%), negative predictive value (93.7%) and likelihood ratios (3.12 and 0.19). Since the HHIE-S-It presented acceptable psychometric properties, its adoption is justified for both clinical and research purposes. Acceptable diagnostic attributes allow its use as a screening tool for age-related hearing loss.

Young para-athletes display more hedonic well-being than people with disabilities not taking part in competitive sports: insights from a multi-country survey.

Hedonic well-being relates to how individuals experience and rate their lives. People with disabilities due to their pathology may more frequently suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders than their able-bodied counterparts. Sports participation is an essential way to cope with disability. On the other hand, compared with their able-bodied peers, para-athletes undergo a unique series of stressors. Little is known in terms of hedonic well-being in this specific population. We present the results of a multi-country survey of self-perceived hedonic well-being by para-athletes of different sports disciplines and a control group (disabled individuals not playing competitive sports), using the "Psychological General Well-Being Index" (PGWBI). We included 1,208 participants, aged 17.39 years, 58.4% male, 41.6% female, and 70.3% para-athletes. Para-athletes exhibited higher well-being than disabled people, for all domains of the PGWBI scale. The nature of disability/impairment was significant, with those with acquired disability reporting lower well-being. Those taking part in wheelchair basketball, para-athletics, and para-swimming competitions had a higher likelihood of reporting well-being, whereas those engaged in wheelchair rugby exhibited lower well-being compared with controls. This large-scale investigation can enable a better understanding of the self-perceived hedonic well-being of disabled people.

Fear of COVID-19 and future anxiety among Polish university students during a pandemic

BackgroundThe pandemic poses a threat to human health and life, and anxiety is the most common psychological problem occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to establish the differences in the fear of COVID-19 infection and the future anxiety experienced by students during the pandemic by gender, field of study, place of study and paid em-ployment, and their relationships to psychological well-being.Participants and procedureThe study involved 1294 university students aged 18-30. The Future Anxiety Scale and short version of the Psychological General Well-Being Index were used. In addition, students stated whether they were concerned about the possibility of con-tracting the coronavirus and falling ill with COVID-19.ResultsOne-third of respondents stated that they felt fear of contracting the coronavirus. Women experienced a significantly stronger fear of COVID-19 and future anxiety than men. The observed interaction effects show that female students of medical faculties experienced a higher fear of COVID-19 than women studying fields of study related to physical activity and working students experienced a slightly higher future anxiety. A positive, but weak correlation between fear of COVID-19 and future anxiety was found. Psychological well-being correlated poorly with fear of COVID-19 and moderately with future anxiety.ConclusionsBecause future anxiety was stronger in women, medical students, some master’s students and working people, preventive measures should be taken to prevent excessive anxiety and to promote mental health in these groups.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Well-Being of Firefighters

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic represented a unique stressful event that affected the physical health and psychological well-being (PWB) of individuals and communities. Monitoring PWB is essential not only to clarify the burden on mental health effects but also to define targeted psychological-supporting measures. This cross-sectional study evaluated the PWB of Italian firefighters during the pandemic. MethodsFirefighters recruited during the pandemic period filled out a self-administered questionnaire, the Psychological General Well-Being Index, during the health surveillance medical examination. This tool is usually used to assess the global PWB and explores six subdomains: anxiety, depressed mood, positive well-being, self-control, general health, and vitality. The influencing roles of age, gender, working activities, COVID-19, and pandemic restrictive measures were also explored. ResultsA total of 742 firefighters completed the survey. The aggregate median PWB global score was in the “no distress” range (94.3 ± 10.3), which was higher than that observed in studies conducted using the same tool in the Italian general population during the same pandemic period. Similar findings were observed in the specific subdomains, thus suggesting that the investigated population was in good PWB condition. Interestingly, significantly better outcomes were detected in the younger firefighters. ConclusionOur data showed a satisfactory PWB situation in firefighters that could be related to different professional factors such as work organization and mental and physical training. In particular, our results would suggest the hypothesis that in firefighters, maintaining a minimum/moderate level of physical activity (consisting of even just going to work) might have a profoundly positive impact on psychological health and well-being.

COVID-19 related stress, quality of life, and intrinsic religiosity among college students during the global pandemic: A cross-sectional study

The purpose of this correlational, cross-sectional design study was to examine the relationships between COVID-19-related stress, quality of life (QOL), and intrinsic religiosity of university students during the pandemic. Data were collected using the Psychological General Well-being Index, Impact of Events Scale-Revised, and Duke University Religiosity Index and analyzed using Pearson’s r, bivariate analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis. For the sample of 422 participants, COVID-19-related stress was negatively associated with QOL, while religiosity was positively associated with participants’ QOL. Religiosity, however, did not moderate the relationship between stress and QOL. Institutions of higher education should consider providing additional mental health support and self-care initiatives to improve student stress responses. Understanding the effects of religiosity on student stress responses and QOL would allow faculty and institutions to prioritize holistic care, including spiritual care in conjunction with religiosity.

Quality of life and patient-reported symptoms in a Phase 4, real-world study of tildrakizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: Week 28 interim analysis

BackgroundTildrakizumab is an anti–interleukin-23 p19 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Little real-world evidence is available regarding the effects of tildrakizumab on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient-reported symptoms.ObjectiveThis real-world study of tildrakizumab evaluated changes in HRQoL and clinical symptoms in patients with psoriasis.Materials and methodsIn this Week (W)28 interim analysis of a 64-week Phase 4 study (NCT03718299), patients received tildrakizumab 100 mg at W0, W4, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Endpoints were improvement from baseline in Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Itch-, Pain-, and Scaling-Numerical Rating Scale scores through W28.ResultsOf 55 patients enrolled, 53 were assessed at W28. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) total PGWBI score improved from baseline to W28 (change, 3.7 [12.4]; p = .033), as did the positive well-being (1.0 [2.9]; p = .018) and general health (1.5 [2.2]; p < .001) domain scores. Mean (SD) DLQI score improved by −3.9 (4.3) at W4 and by −7.6 (5.1) at W28 (p < .001). Patient-reported symptoms improved starting at W4 (p < .001).ConclusionTildrakizumab treatment improved HRQoL and patient-reported symptoms in patients with psoriasis in a real-world setting. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03718299

SYNBIO® Probiotic and Antioxidant Dietary Supplementation: Clinical Trial Evaluation of Potential Effects on Airline Flight Crew Members' Well-Being.

The irregular lifestyle of airline crew members, wide/adverse job-related exposures, and the impact of temporary hypoxia on gut microbiota well-being have increased concern about the daily recommended dose of certain nutrients among flight crew. The aim of this study was to determine if daily consumption of a SYNBIO® probiotics-elderberry extract supplement (ACTIVE) may contribute to the well-being of flight attendants. Forty healthy crew members enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study consumed one ACTIVE capsule/day or placebo for 30 days. Bowel well-being, health-related quality of life, and gastrointestinal tolerance were assessed by validated questionnaires. Saliva and fecal samples were analyzed to determine secretory immunoglobulin-A (sIgA) levels and to characterize gut microbiota composition, respectively. ACTIVE subjects presented a physiological improvement and a statistically significant higher Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) global score compared to PLACEBO subjects. The ACTIVE subjects showed significantly increased levels of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria compared to the PLACEBO group, while a significant increase in lactobacilli and a significant reduction in Enterobacteriaceae were registered when compared with the beginning of supplementation, confirming the persistence of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract and the direct antagonism and competitive exclusion effects. Additionally, sIgA levels were significantly higher in the ACTIVE group compared to the baseline and to the PLACEBO group at the end of supplementation. The ACTIVE supplementation might be beneficial to airline crew members, improving their physiological state, their immune defenses, and the strength and efficiency of their gastrointestinal tract when responding to stressful conditions.