Psychological General Well-Being Research Articles

The impact of distance education on the socialization of college students in the Covid-19 era: problems in communication and impact on mental health

BackgroundThe problems of students’ social interaction and psychological well-being associated with online learning dependent on self-directed learning have become an important topic of research in recent years worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting their Social Emotional Learning. This paper aimed to compare the students’ loneliness, social anxiety, social interaction, and general psychological well-being at different stages of online learning (at the beginning and the height of the pandemic), considering their criteria (presence/absence of a job and own family).MethodsFor this, the researchers conducted an electronic survey of students (n = 320) twice, in February and May 2020, using four questionnaires: UCLA loneliness scale-3, Social Anxiety Scale for E-Learning Environments, Social Interaction Scale, and Brief Adjustment Scale. The responses at different stages of online learning were compared using Student’s t-test. Differences between employed and unemployed students with or without their own families were determined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsThe findings showed that unemployed students without their families suffered the most from loneliness. Social interaction online was rated higher by students with their own families; psychological well-being at the beginning of the distance period and social anxiety at the height of the distance period were higher among unemployed students.ConclusionsThis research can become a theoretical basis for a phase-by-phase study of social predictors for the psychological well-being of higher education students and is of practical value for teachers and administrators of online learning aimed at students’ socialization. In addition, it provides education officials with information about how students perceive psychological well-being, anxiety, social interaction, and loneliness during distance learning, which can help officials direct their decisions and reforms to improve interaction in the online environment.

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.

Post-COVIDmental health of librarians in Vietnam

This study aims to measure the mental well-being levels of librarians in Vietnamin the new normal context after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are expected to advocate for future policy interventions regarding mental health carefor staffin Vietnam’s librariesand information centerssince the pandemic has made coping with crises recognised globally as an integral part of life. On this ground, a survey was designed and administered online for librarians across Vietnam to self-rate their 5 dimensions of psychological generalwell-being using the WHO-5 [1]together with the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) [2],and Strahan-Gerbasi’s 1972 short version of the Marlow‐Crowne Social Desirability Scale [3].The survey shows despite the low mid-COVID mental health, there was a statisticallysignificant increase in mental health scores in the new normal. There are abouttwo-thirds of the surveyed librarians areinfected with COVID-19. For either the mid-or post-COVIDmental health, there was a statistically significant difference in scores between the infected and uninfected ones. Threeindependent-samplet-tests on genders, marital and parenthood statuses only found statistically significant differences in mid-and post-COVIDmental health scores between different marital and parenthood statuses, with the unmarried and the ones with no children scoring higher on both mid-and post-COVIDmental health over their counterparts. Eight one-way between-groups ANOVA tests conducted on a wide range of demographics (geographical area, library type, library size, age, seniority, position, specialization, and qualification) only showed statistically significant differences in mid- 2and post-COVIDmental health scores between different age groups, seniority levels, and types of position.

Updating the Montreal walking exoskeleton satisfaction and perspectives questionnaire (MWESP-Q) following a 16-week walking program with the use of a wearable robotic exoskeleton

BACKGROUND: Physical activity as one of the major lifestyle-related health determinants is partially addressed by the Montreal Walking Exoskeleton Satisfaction and Perspectives-Questionnaire (MWESP-Q). OBJECTIVE: To document satisfaction of people with chronic spinal cord injury after the completion of a 10 to 16 weeks of the wearable robotic exoskeleton-assisted walking program, with the MWESP-Q updated to a context of health promotion. METHODS: Following a walking program (10–16 weeks), wheelchair users with chronic SCI completed the MWESP-Q online. Modification of the original questionnaire was conducted with 4 experts to ensure its content validity with a human framework to promote physical activity for health. RESULTS: Ten wheelchair users completed the questionnaire (men = 6; 45.8 ± 13.4 years, SCI duration: 10.1 ± 5.8 years). Participants strongly agreed to be satisfied with the overall program; agreed to be satisfied towards exoskeleton, motivation to engage in physical activity, learnability and program attributes; rated “medium effort” for physical and cognitive exertion during training; reported light improvements for health benefit domain, but light to moderate improvements for general endurance (mean 5.5 /7, SD 1.4) and psychological well-being (mean 5.7 /7, SD 1.3). CONCLUSIONS: The updated MWESP-Q is now better equipped to measure physical and cognitive efforts in physical activity and changes in body and organic systems and in capabilities (health promotion). The updated MWESP-Q has 54 statements (14 additional statements and 1 deleted) organized around seven domains. The original measure was replaced by three 7-point Likert scales, one regarding agreement level (40 statements), level of effort (12 statements), and level of change (2 statements).

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.

Is mental regulation related to self-esteem? Testing a basic metacognitive model

AbstractIndividual differences in global self-esteem are associated with general psychological functioning and well-being, and lower self-esteem could be a target for prevention and treatment interventions. Traditionally, self-esteem is assumed to be influenced by the content of self-beliefs, but the metacognitive model of psychological disorders presents an alternative. It emphasizes mental regulation over the content in self-beliefs and suggests a role for metacognitive beliefs and corresponding metacognitive strategies. Thus, the metacognitive model has the potential to advance our understanding of self-esteem and provide new treatment interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test a basic metacognitive model of self-esteem. In a cross-sectional design, 522 participants from a convenience sample completed a battery of self-report questionnaires. A metacognitive model where metacognitive strategies mediated the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and self-esteem was tested using structural equation modelling. Stronger endorsements of dysfunctional metacognitions were associated with more use of unhelpful metacognitive strategies, which further was significantly related to lower self-esteem. These relationships held even when controlling gender, age, anxiety, and personality traits as covariates. The results suggests that there is a role for dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and strategies in self-esteem of which metacognitive strategies are the most proximal influence. This observation indicates that individual differences in mental regulation are relevant to understanding and possibly improving self-esteem. Interventions which effectively lead to metacognitive change are likely to have a positive effect on self-esteem.

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.

Can extended health communication improve newly settled refugees' health literacy? A quasi-experimental study from Sweden.

Structural and contextual factors such as limited work and housing opportunities negatively affect the health and well-being of newly settled refugee migrants in receiving high-income countries. Health promotion initiatives aiming at strengthening health and integration have been tried out within the Swedish Introduction program for refugee migrants. However, longitudinal evaluations of these interventions are rare. The aim of the current study was to compare the effectiveness of a regular and an extended civic orientation course with added health communication and examine whether the latter would improve self-rated health and psychological well-being, health literacy and social capital among newly settled refugee migrants in Sweden. Pre- and post-assessment questionnaires were collected from the intervention group receiving the extended course (n = 143) and a control group receiving the regular course (n = 173). Linear mixed models and chi-square analyses showed a significant increase with a small effect size (0.21) in health literacy in the intervention group. However, there were no significant changes in emotional and practical support, general self-rated health or psychological well-being. The findings indicate that added health communication provided embedded in the civic orientation course can increase health literacy. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the sustainability of the observed effect and examine whether these short-term improvements in health literacy translate to long-term advances in health and integration.

Brain changes following mindfulness: Reduced caudate volume is associated with decreased positive urgency.

Mindfulness training has been shown to improve psychological health and general well-being. However, it is unclear which brain and personality systems may be affected by this practice for improving adaptive behavior and quality of life. The present study explores the effects of a 5-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) at the neuroanatomical level and its relationship with dispositional mindfulness and impulsivity. Sixty-six risky drivers were quasi-randomly assigned to a mindfulness training group (MT) or a control group (N). Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging and completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the UPPS-P impulsivity scale twice, at baseline and after receiving the MBI. We observed that MBI changes dispositional mindfulness in the non-reactivity and observing facets. Further, we observed that the magnitude of change in impulsivity was associated with the change in dispositional mindfulness. Whole-brain voxel-wise analysis revealed that the volume of the right caudate nucleus of the MT group (n=27) showed a reduction compared to that of the control group (n=33), which increased in terms of the pre-post measurement (MT=-1.76mm3; N=6.31mm3). We also observed that reduced caudate nucleus volume correlated with decreased positive urgency in the MT group. Taken together, our results show that MBI improves the skills of observing and non-reactivity to inner experience, while producing changes in the structure of the caudate nucleus. These structural changes are associated with a reduction in impulsivity levels, decreasing the tendency to act rashly in situations that generate positive emotions and thus facilitating more adaptive behavior.

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.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health: a cross-sectional study on eating disorder patients and their unaffected siblings

BackgroundAdolescence has emerged as a particularly vulnerable phase during the COVID-19 pandemic, with eating disorders (EDs) representing a prominent psychopathological challenge linked to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Emerging evidence suggests that not only individuals with EDs but also their healthy siblings (HS) may experience unique psychological effects in this context. However, the existing literature on this topic remains limited. This study seeks to examine and compare the effects of the pandemic on adolescents and adults, with a specific focus on the impact of containment measures, disruptions in daily routines, and alterations in life trajectories, for both individuals with EDs and their HS.MethodsWe enrolled 273 individuals, including those diagnosed with EDs and their HS. Among the participants, 120 were under the age of 19. Multiple self-report questionnaires were administered to assess the psychological impact of 1 year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These assessments covered a range of psychological constructs, including posttraumatic symptoms, general psychopathology, and eating-related concerns.ResultsNotably, adolescent patients with EDs demonstrated the highest psychopathological scores within our sample. They were the sole subgroup to surpass clinical cutoffs, exhibiting more pronounced issues concerning eating-related concerns and general psychological well-being. Our findings also shed light on the unique experiences of HS during the pandemic.ConclusionOur findings highlight the specific psychological burden endured by adolescents with EDs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the vulnerability of this demographic. Moreover, the experiences of HS, often overlooked in the literature, warrant increased attention in future health programs and interventions.

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 Relationship of Financial Worries and Psychological Distress among Psychology Students

This study focuses on the relationship between psychological suffering and psychological distress among National University – Baliwag psychology students. In this study, 78 college students who are enrolled in psychology programs were used as a sample, and the potential relationship between financial concerns and psychological distress was investigated. The Kessler Psychological suffering Scale (K10) is used to measure psychological distress, whereas the APR Financial Distress Scale is used to quantify financial worries. Regression analysis and correlation were employed to interpret the collected data. The findings indicated a strong correlation between psychological distress and financial concerns, particularly for female and third-year psychology students. This study also discovered that students’ psychological suffering is influenced by financial concerns, particularly those who experience depression. The results imply that in order to lessen financial worries and its detrimental effects on general psychological well-being, publicly-supported financial counseling services and public health intervention initiatives are required, with special emphasis paid to students in universities.

Assess the Psychological General Well-Being among Adolescent with Obesity in Selected Schools at Pokhara: A Descriptive Study

INTRODUCTION Childhood Obesity, is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents whose BMI at or above the 95th percen- tile for children and teens of the same age and sex. It is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems. Childhood obesity associated with psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Low self-esteem and lower self-reported quality of life. Social problems such as bullying and stigma. The aim of the study was to assess the level of psychological general well-being of adolescent with obesity and to find out the association between the level of psychological general well-being and selected socio-demographic variables of adolescent with obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Shishu Niketan and Triveni public schools of Pokhara, Nepal from 28/02/2023 to 27/03/2023 adolescents with BMI of 95th or more than 95th percentile was enrolled in the study from 10-19 age in years group after obtaining assent and consent from parents, child, and school authority. RESULTS Out of 65 sample, 20% had moderate, 75% had good and only 4.6% had high level of psychological general well-being. Place of residence is significant P=0.001. CONCLUSION Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or well-being which affects psycholog- ical well-being of children, leads to anxiety, low self-esteem. Schools play a large role in preventing childhood obesity by providing a safe and supporting environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors as well as parents.

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.

OGBN O03 Quality of life of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: findings from a systematic literature review

Abstract Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affecting over a billion people worldwide, is associated with significant impairment and productivity loss. Understanding the quality of life among GERD patients may provide important clinical relevance to treatment management and highlight the patient perspective. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of GERD and quality of life, including any potential effects on treatment management. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials, case-control, and cohort studies published in English from 2013 to 2023. Eligible studies included adult GERD patients with quality of life data from a disease-specific or generic instrument. Data analysis contained a narrative synthesis of pre- and post-procedural total scores. Results Eight trials and 34 observational studies were included. The disease-specific instruments GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) (n = 35) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) (n = 4) had baseline mean scores ranging from 13.3 to 37.1 and 72.0 to 96.3, which changed to 1.3 to 31.6 and 94.8 to 119.8 post-treatment, respectively. Besides the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) (n = 3), EQ-5D, Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB), SF-36, and GastroEsophageal Reflux Symptom Score (GERSS) were only used by single studies to evaluate the quality of life among GERD patients. In general, these results indicated an improvement post-treatment. Conclusions As a general finding, patients with GERD have poor quality of life and active treatment seems to influence and improve GERD patients’ quality of life, considering the pre-post results of GERD-HRQL and GIQLI scores. As expected, generic quality of life instruments are seldom used.

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