Psychological General Well-Being Research Articles

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.

The 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 employment, and their relationships to psychological well-being. The 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 contracting the coronavirus and falling ill with COVID-19. One-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. Because 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.

From economic difficulties to psychological maladjustment in Italian women during the Covid-19 pandemic: does marital dissatisfaction moderate or mediate this association?

The empirical study about the negative impact of economic difficulties due to Covid- 19 on the psychological well-being of Italian women by considering perceived stress and marital satisfaction is an area worthy of investigation. The study explored these variables by hypothesizing that marital satisfaction (DAS) could moderate or mediate the links between economic difficulties, perceived stress (PSS), and psychological maladjustment (PGWBI). A total of 320 Italian women completed an online survey about the study's variables during the lockdown period. Women's perceptions of economic difficulties due to COVID- 19 restrictions were detected through an ad-hoc specific question. Perceived stress, marital satisfaction and psychological maladjustment were assessed by standardized questionnaires (Perceived Stress Scale 10, Dyadic Satisfaction Scale and Psychological General Well-being Inventory). 39.7% of women who answered the online survey said that the Covid-19 significantly impacted their family income. Results indicated that marital satisfaction did not moderate the associations investigated. Conversely, data showed how economic difficulties (X) predicted lower psychological maladjustment through the mediation of perceived Stress (M1), which, in turn, was associated with higher levels of marital dissatisfaction (M2). The results of the present study confirm the significant role of marital dissatisfaction in explaining the indirect effects of economic difficulties on psychological maladjustment in women. In particular, they indicated a significant spillover effect which transmitted strains experienced in one domain (economic difficulties) to another (the dissatisfaction of the couple), which in turn affected the psychological maladjustment.

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.

Anonymity as a Moderator of the Relationship Between FoMO (Fear of Missing Out) and Psychological Well-Being.

With the increasing use of technology, different psychological effects of social media emerge. These psychological effects can be negative as well as positive, and in general psychological well-being and different psychological variables related to social media can affect the daily life of individuals. Also, new constructs associated with social media, such as anonymity, have begun to show up as people seek protection of their identities online. This study aims to determine the moderating role of anonymity in the relationship between FoMO and psychological well-being. The sample of this study consisted of 232 participants (69.8% female) between the ages of 18-59. Two different scales were used in this study: Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Psychological Well-being. In addition, to measure anonymity, participants were asked a single question about whether they use anonymous accounts on social media. The analysis of the study found a positive and significant relationship between FoMO and anonymity as well as a negative and significant relationship between psychological well-being and anonymity. Moreover, the results indicated that anonymity moderated the relationship between FoMO and psychological well-being. That is, FoMO was negatively associated with psychological well-being for individuals with anonymous accounts, while there was no significant relationship between FoMO and psychological well-being for those without anonymous accounts. The limitations and contributions of the study were discussed in line with the relevant literature and suggestions for future research were presented.

After the first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions, experiences, and effects on well-being in Italian people.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent measures of containment, multiple studies have been conducted aimed at assessing the impacts on people's psychophysical well-being; however, few studies have investigated the general population's perceptions, experiences, and effects by adopting a mixed-method approach. A total of 855 Italian participants completed an online survey, conducted in the period following the first lockdown in Italy. Psychological well-being, perceived stress and COVID-19-related fears were assessed by standardized questionnaires (Psychological General Well-Being Index-Short version, Perceived Stress Scale 10, and Multidimensional Assessment of COVID-19-Related Fears). The process of sense-making of the experience during the lockdown period was also evaluated by means of an open-ended question. Participants reported a lower level of general well-being, and a higher level of both perceived stress and COVID-19-related fear during the lockdown period compared to the time of the survey (1 month after the resumption of activities). The thematic analysis of responses to the open-ended question revealed two factors and five clusters, which explain the thematic variance among the narratives: the first factor refers to the type of experience (emotional states and feelings vs. objective descriptions of daily activities), while the second concerns positive or negative connotations of the experiences reported. This study explored the psychological impact of the first lockdown on people's well-being, and described the process of making sense of the experience during the lockdown 1 month after going back to previous habits. Results highlighted the effectiveness of the mixed-method approach for an in-depth and exhaustive investigation of people's psychological condition during and after the first lockdown.

The Scrooge Group Therapy: A Meaning-Centered Group Therapy for Outpatients Following CBT

Perceiving one’s own life as meaningful is associated with mental health and well-being. Yet, psychotherapeutic interventions to enhance the experience of meaning have not been sufficiently evaluated in the context of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of this study was to pilot a group therapy to increase meaning and to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness. A small ( N = 8) study was conducted with patients after or near the end of their CBT treatment. The intervention was evaluated with a mixed-methods design that utilized qualitative interviews as well as quantitative questionnaires (Satisfaction with Life Scale, Well-being Scale) at pre- and post-treatment as well as after 8-week follow-up. Additional measures (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Positive Mental Health Scale, and the existential subscale of the McGill Quality of Life Scale) were administered after each session. Findings indicate that the group therapy was feasible and effective. Participants benefited from the therapy to a moderate to high extent, both in terms of symptom reduction and in terms of an improvement in general psychological well-being. Participants reported positive emotional and behavioral changes. Based on our findings, we conclude that existential interventions are meaningful extensions to CBT.

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.

A hierarchical cluster analysis of the psycological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian severe asthma patients

Introduction In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, a consistent medical concern raised among severe asthma patients, though the studies excluded an increased risk of severe disease as well as an increased susceptibility. The aim of the study was to apply the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaire to severe asthmatics during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate the data with a hierarchical cluster analysis. Methods 114 severe asthmatics were asked to respond anonymously to the PGWBI questionnaire. The patients underwent a lung functional test, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement, Asthma Control Test (ACT), and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ6). A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using an agglomerative approach and complete linkage to evaluate the results. Results The study population predominantly included female (60%), middle-aged patients, with normal lung function parameters, mild signs of airway, and satisfactory asthma control. The PGWBI score (82.46 ± 16.53) of the study population showed a good state of psychological well-being and was similar to that of a representative sample of healthy adult Italian subjects. Thus, Hierarchical cluster analysis identified 3 groups of patients: Cluster 1 (32%), Cluster 2 (64%), and Cluster 3 (4%). Whilst the Cluster 2 patients’ PGWBI score fell within the normal range, the Cluster 1 patients had a significantly lower total score (68.57 ± 7.2; p < 0.05), suggesting moderate distress. The Cluster 3 patients presented a total score markedly low. Conclusion Although the majority of the severe asthma patients studied demonstrated good mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, some did indeed show moderate to severe psychological distress.

Psychosocial factors of psychological maladaptation in female patients of a cosmetology clinic

Introduction. In the field of aesthetic medicine, there is a lack of psychological research despite the obvious impact of cosmetic defects on the emotional state and social functioning of a person. Only a few studies indicate psychological maladaptation in patients of a cosmetology clinic, which is reflected in the frequency of the occurrence of anxiety, depression and personality disorders exceeding their levels in population. The objective was to identify psychosocial factors associated with the risk of psychological maladaptation in female patients of the cosmetology clinic. Methods and materials. To achieve the goal, female patients (n=161, mean age was 39.53±0.86 years) were studied using the author’s structured interview and 7 psychodiagnostic methods: «Neuropsychic Adaptation Test» (NPA), «Social Frustration Level» (SFL), «Visual Analogue Self-Esteem Scale» (VASES), «Semantic Time Differential» (STD), «Perceived Stress Scale» (PSS-10), «Well-Being Index» (WHO-5), «Quality of Life Satisfaction Questionnaire» (QOL). Groups of female patients without psychological maladaptation (group 1, n=74) and those with psychological maladaptation (group 2, n=87), selected on the basis of the final NPA test score were compared. Results. The results showed a statistically significant predominance in group 2 compared to group 1 of the frequency of emotionally neutral relationships with their own children, of living alone, as well as dissatisfaction in significant areas of life, especially in the material economic sphere, in the sphere of self-accepting as a personality and one’s physical «Ego», in the sphere of attitude to past and present life. In group 2, higher rates of perceived stress and frequency of psychotraumatic situations in anamnesis as well as lower rates of general psychological well-being and satisfaction with the quality of life were revealed. Conclusion. The factors influencing the psychological maladaptation in female patients of the cosmetology clinic were identified. The prospects of the study associated with the determination of the most informative factors for the prognosis of psychological adaptation based on the analysis on not only psychological but also individual and personal characteristics in female patients of the cosmetology clinic were indicated.

Metacognition, emotional dysregulation, psychosocial functioning and subjective well-being after 6 months of CBT treatment in pharmacologically stabilized schizophrenic patients

IntroductionPsychoses represent serious psychiatric disorders in which an individual perceptions, thoughts, mood and behavior are significantly altered. Each person who develops a psychosis lives a unique set of symptoms and experiences that may widely vary depending on life circumstances. Although cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) for psychosis is recommended by main international guidelines, its effectiveness in real-world is still a subject of controversy.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate, in an Italian outpatient clinical setting, eventual improvements induced by a 6 months intensive CBT specific programme focused on metacognition and emotional regulation and its consequences on psychosocial functioning and subjective well-being in pharmacologically stabilized psychotic patients.MethodsEight patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (DSM-V), clinically and pharmacologically stabilized, were included in a 6-month program of weekly CBT sessions with focus on metacognition, emotional dysregulation, social functioning and subjective well-being. Patients were assessed with the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Heinrichs Quality of Life Scale, The Psychological General Well-Being Index, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at baseline and at 3 and 6 months, to verify any improvement on these specific domains and, possibly, on general psychopathology.ResultsIn this study CBT showed to be effective on all domains evaluated, most notably for younger patients with a short history of disease (&lt;5 years). Metacognitive capacity was the dimension with most evident improvements, followed by the ability to modulate emotions and the consequent improvement in psychosocial functioning and perceived subjective well-being. During the 6 months follow-up none of the enrolled patients experienced symptoms exacerbation or psychotic relapses.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the 6-month CBT treatment showed to be effective for stabilized psychotic patients, improving metacognitive functions, emotional regulation, psychosocial functioning, and subjective well-being. In addition, insight, adherence and the therapeutic alliance improved. The absence of psychotic relapses is not attributable with certainty to the effect of CBT since, for this purpose, longer duration studies on larger case series and with RCT methods are required. However, it is plausible that the improvement obtained in disease awareness and adherence may be a facilitating factor in relapse reduction.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Did the mental health and well-being of young people increase after the COVID-19 vaccination campaign period? A cross-sectional multicentre study in Austria and Turkey

In 2019, the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and associated prevention measures affected the mental health and psychological well-being of young people with and without a migratory background. The present study aimed to compare the mental health and psychological well-being of migrant and non-migrant young people before and after the COVID-19 vaccination campaign period in two countries which had different policies to deal with the pandemic. The “Psychological General Well-being” of young people and their experiences during the pandemic were investigated using an anonymous online survey during two pandemic waves before the vaccination campaign and 6 months after its start. A majority of the 6154 participants (aged between 15 and 25 years in all study groups) reported a decrease of mental health from the time period before the vaccination (BV) to after the vaccination (AV) campaign (b = 0.27, p < .001). This association was higher in females (b = 0.04, p = 0.008) and in youth with financial problems (b = 0.13, p < .001). Furthermore, this decrease was more pronounced in people ≤17 years old (40% to 62%) than in those >17 years (59% to 67%). Contrary to expectation, vulnerable groups such as the economically disadvantaged, younger, and female participants did not experience a significant easing of the pandemic’s psychological burden AV. Vaccination campaigns should continue emphasizing the beneficial effects of COVID-19 vaccination on general well-being, but with an acknowledgement that the road to recovery is still a long one. Concurrently, free access to psychological treatment and financial support should be offered, especially for vulnerable groups.

A Study of Psychometric Instruments and Constructs of Work-Related Stress among Seafarers: A Qualitative Approach.

Due to unpredictable and demanding working circumstances and the significant potential for dangers and accidents, seafaring has been characterised as one of the world's riskiest and stressful vocations that lead to physical and mental health problems. However, very few instruments measure work-related stress, particularly in a seafaring context. None of the instruments are psychometrically sound. Therefore, a valid and reliable instrument to measure seafaring work-related stress is indispensable. This study aims to review work-related stress instruments and to explore the work-related stress construct among seafarers in Malaysia. This study uses a systematic review and semi-structured interviews across two phases. In Phase 1, we conducted a systematic review of several databases: Academic Search Ultimate, Emerald Journal Premier, Journal Storage (JSTOR), ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Taylor and Francis Online, and Wiley Online Library based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). In 8975 articles, only 4 (four) studies used psychological instruments and 5 (five) studies used survey questionnaires to measure work-related stress. In Phase 2, we conducted a semi-structured interview with 25 (twenty-five) seafarers, online due to COVID-19 restrictions. The semi-structured interview indicated 6 (six) themes, namely, physical stress, personal issues, social living onboard, technostress, work factors, and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, the present study has identified three psychometric instruments for measuring work-related stress among seafarers: The Psychological General Well-Being Index, Perceived Stress Scale, and Job Content Questionnaire. We also found psychometric elements in some of the instruments are questionable, such as theoretical basis, construct development, and inadequate internal consistency value. In addition, this study also found that work-related stress is a multidimensional construct that needs to be studied based on work contexts. The findings of this study can contribute to the body of knowledge of a work-related stress construct in a seafaring context and could help to inform policy makers in the maritime industry. This study suggests a psychological instrument to measure work-related stress among seafarers in future studies.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Sexual Satisfaction in Couples

Sexual satisfaction is an important concept in relationships contributing to psychological general well-being. The present study examined dyadic associations between mental health variables, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress, and sexual satisfaction. Using data of 102 heterosexual married couples from Turkey (mean age = 30.06 years), we sought to investigate whether a person’s depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with his or her own as well as the partner’s sexual satisfaction. Actor-Partner Independence Model (APIM) analysis revealed that husbands’ anxiety and stress were associated with their own sexual satisfaction and husbands’ depression was associated with both their own and the wives’ sexual satisfaction. Wives’ depression and stress were associated with their own sexual satisfaction but not with the satisfaction of their husbands. Additionally, wives’ anxiety was not neither associated with their own nor their husbands’ sexual satisfaction.

Sleep Quality, Daytime Sleepiness and Mental Health in Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Introduction: Sleep deprivation is a growing problem, especially among medical students who must meet high academic standards, as well as, their parent’s expectations. Since poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness have important consequences in the mental health of medical undergraduate students the management of these problems would begin with and be guided by assessment of these sleep-related and mental health parameters. Aim: To evaluate the sleep quality and effects of sleep deprivation on the psychological well-being and mental health of undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted by Department of Psychiatry, G.S. Medical College and Hospital Pilkhuwa, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, India, on undergraduate students, for a period of a month in May 2022. Four hundred medical undergraduate students from 1st, 2nd, 3rd part 1 and 3rd part 2 Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery (MBBS) years, who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were enrolled in the present study after their informed consent was taken. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EPSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) were used to assess the participants. Sleep quality and sleepiness were correlated with anxiety depression, stress, and subjective general well-being using Spearman’s coefficient with significance at 0.05 and 0.001 levels. Results: The study participants were in the age group of 17-24 years and majority of the students (n=130, 32.5%) were 20-yearold. Females accounted for near half of the study participants (n=190, 47.5%). Most of the students in the participant group had poor sleep quality with a mean of 6.75±1.811 and issues of daytime sleepiness (10.68±3.481). The DASS-21 revealed severe anxiety (15.5±2.473) and moderate stress (22.89±3.396) levels. Significant positive correlation was seen between the anxiety (r=0.110; p-value &lt;0.05) and stress (r=0.452; p-value &lt;0.01) index with EPSS. A significant positive correlation was found between anxiety (r=0.118, p-value &lt;0.05), stress (r=0.410; p-value &lt;0.01) and psychological well-being (r=0.119; p-value &lt;0.01) and PSQI score. Conclusion: The study revealed that, many undergraduate medical students in different semesters slept insufficiently and struggled with daytime tiredness. Among the students, higher stress and anxiety levels, along with a low level of subjective psychological well-being were discovered. Additionally, the study revealed higher levels of anxiety and stress in medical undergraduates, who had poorer sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. Also, students with poor quality of sleep had lower psychological general well-being.

General health, psychological well-being and need for guidance in physical and psychological area among sports students and non-sports students

The aim was to study the general health, psychological well being and need for guidance in physical and psychological area among sports students and non-sports students. The study was conducted on female students aged between 18-21 years pursuing their under graduation course in government colleges. The sample was selected from 3 different government colleges in Bangalore. A between group design with purposive sampling was opted for the study. One group of female college students who were involved in physical sports and representing the college at least at the intercollegiate level from past one year at least and are regularly participating in any one sports event either individual or group were considered for the study. The other group of individuals were those students who were not involved in any kind of physical sports and not involved in even in daily walking. The sample was administered General Health Questionnaire, Psychological Well-Being Questionnaire and Guidance Need Inventory. The results were analysed by computing ‘t’ test to identify the difference between the two groups on general health, psychological well being and need for guidance in physical and psychological area between sports students and non-sports students. As reviews have indicated any physical activity or sports will have positive impact both physically and psychologically. This study confirmed the same indicating that participating in sports activity has positive impact on health. The study also showed that students involved in sports needed less guidance in terms of physical and psychological aspects.

Effects of Adapted Sports on Quality of Life in People with Physical Disabilities: A Brief Review

Regular physical activity (PA) improves overall health, reduces the risk of many diseases, strengthens muscles and bones, lowers blood pressure, slows resting heart rate, increases lung capacity, and improves the immune system, balance, and coordination of movement in the general population and in people with physical disabilities. Adapted sports allows people who cannot otherwise participate in personal activities, to engage in regular PA. The literature collected in this brief review suggests that involvement in adapted sports improves several areas of quality of life for people with physical disabilities. The majority of people with physical disabilities have poorer general health, limited social integration, and lower quality of life. In our literature review, we found that participation in adapted sports is an effective way to improve different domains of quality of life in people with physical disabilities. PA and sport have been shown to be very important factors in maintaining general health, social inclusion, and psychological well-being.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Physical and Psychological Well-Being among Older Adults during COVID-19 Outbreak

Background: The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus is an international health crisis that has the potential to have major repercussions for public health, including both physical and mental health. There is a lack of epidemiological information about the COVID-19 outbreak, which makes elderly people more susceptible to the stress it causes. The goal of the study is to evaluate older persons’ physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Mixed method, embedded design was adopted. Fifty older adults were selected through purposive sampling technique from the selected village. Qualitative approach was used to measure physical well-being by interview and quantitative approach was employed to assess psychological well-being by modified psychological general well-being index. Qualitative data analyzed by thematic analysis and quantitative data analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study findings revealed that, in physical well-being, maximum older adults reported, the daily schedule was totally changed, did not get enough time for doing pleasurable activities, changed their food pattern, sleep was fully disturbed, daily habits were changed by following COVID appropriate behavior, and many discomfort faced in maintaining health during COVID-19 outbreak. The finding of psychological well-being shows, maximum 34 (68%) having moderate level of psychological distress, the domain self-confidence 3.1 ± 30.68 was mostly disturbed. There was a significant association found between the age, education, occupation, performance of basic activity, and vaccination status with the selected demographic variables at P ≤ 0.05 levels. Conclusion: The older adults were considered as vulnerable people as they need more attention in maintaining health during COVID-19 outbreak.

Presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in IgA nephropathy: a cross-sectional study

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in end-stage kidney disease. Mounting evidence indicates that the intestine plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). However, no studies have addressed the obvious question; do IgAN patients suffer from GI symptoms? Presence of GI symptoms and health-related quality of life were evaluated using the validated Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) questionnaires in 104 patients with kidney biopsy-verified IgAN and in 147 healthy controls. A person was regarded to experience 'increased GI symptoms' if the GSRS score exceeded plus 1 standard deviation of the mean of the corresponding score in the healthy controls. According to the GSRS total score, the IgAN patients had more GI symptoms than the healthy controls (2.0 vs. 1.7, p < 0.001). Female IgAN patients had higher GSRS total score than male patients (2.2 vs. 1.7, p = 0.001). More IgAN patients with preserved kidney function (eGFR > 60ml/min/1.73m2) suffered from increased symptoms of diarrhoea (76 vs. 25%, p = 0.028), constipation (81 vs. 19%, p = 0.046) and reflux (85 vs. 15%, p = 0.004) than did IgAN patients with reduced kidney function (eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73m2). IgAN patients and especially female IgAN patients experienced more GI symptoms than healthy controls. More prevalent GI symptoms were already observed before kidney function was clearly reduced. Systematic enquiry of GI symptoms might increase the standard of care among IgAN patients. Moreover, GI symptoms may provide clues for future studies that examine the pathophysiology of IgAN.