Psychosocial Challenges Research Articles

Diagnosis and Intervention Strategies to Address Neurodevelopmental and Psychosocial Challenges in School-Aged Children With Congenital Heart Disease.

Diagnosis and Intervention Strategies to Address Neurodevelopmental and Psychosocial Challenges in School-Aged Children With Congenital Heart Disease.

Normalcy Among Individuals Living With Long-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

To explore descriptions of normalcy among individuals who have lived with mechanical circulatory support for a long time. Reflexive thematic analysis was used for this qualitative research. A parent study, utilising constructivist grounded theory, was conducted to explore the experiences of advance care planning among mechanical circulatory support individuals. Participants spontaneously shared their experiences of normalcy, which was outside the scope of the primary study. Thus, a secondary analysis using reflexive thematic analysis was performed to explore experiences of normalcy among individuals living with mechanical circulatory support for long-term use. Twelve transcripts were purposively sampled and analysed. Three major themes were derived from the data: acquiescence, adapting to the device and restructuring family roles. Normalcy continued to evolve years after device implantation because individuals were not prepared to face ongoing psychosocial challenges. Clinicians and researchers must address the complex emotional and social needs related to changes in goal therapy and unanticipated transplant delays. This includes the development of support groups that are aligned with the various stages of the MCS trajectory. Clinicians need to engage patients in conversations about disruptions to their perceived 'normal' lifestyle and how they plan to adapt to complex changes. Future support groups can be organised according to individuals' duration of implantation and goal therapy to reduce social withdrawal. Additionally, clinicians should assess bridge to transplant individuals' attitudes before connecting them with transplanted volunteers. Finally, clinicians can support resilience by recognising and discussing the ongoing work required to adapt to the complex changes throughout the mechanical circulatory support trajectory. Perceptions of normalcy among mechanical circulatory support individuals are subject to ongoing change. Findings will inform clinicians of the social, emotional and familial challenges that require ongoing support and resources for long-term mechanical circulatory support individuals. Reporting adhered to the COREQ checklist. Participants contributed to this study by sharing their experiences of normalcy after living with mechanical circulatory support for 2 years or more.

Clinical and social characterization of patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation using Machine Learning tools

Objective: This study aims to employ machine learning (ML) tools to cluster patients hospitalized for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on their diverse social and clinical characteristics. This clustering is intended to facilitate the subsequent analysis of differences in clinical outcomes.Methods: We analysed a cohort of patients with severe COPD from two Pulmonary Departments in north-western Spain using the k-prototypes algorithm, incorporating demographic, clinical, and social data. The resulting clusters were correlated with metrics such as readmissions, mortality, and place of death. Additionally, we developed an Intelligent Clinical Decision Support System (ICDSS) using a supervised ML model (Random Forest) to assign new patients to these clusters based on a reduced set of variables.Results: The cohort consisted of 524 patients, with an average age of 70.30 ± 9.35 years, 77.67% male, and an average FEV1 of 44.43 ± 15.4. Four distinct clusters (A-D) were identified with varying clinical-demographic and social profiles. Cluster D showed the highest levels of dependency, social isolation, and increased rates of readmissions and mortality. Cluster B was characterized by prevalent cardiovascular comorbidities. Cluster C included a younger demographic, with a higher proportion of women and significant psychosocial challenges. The ICDSS, using five key variables, achieved areas under the ROC curve of at least 0.91.Conclusions: ML tools effectively facilitate the social and clinical clustering of patients with severe COPD, closely related to resource utilization and prognostic profiles. The ICDSS enhances the ability to characterize new patients in clinical settings.

Improving Quality Of Life Through Prosthodontic Intervention In Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Case Report

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a rare inherited disorder that affects ectodermal tissues such as hair, nails, teeth, and skin. Dental symptoms often include missing (anodontia) or reduced (hypodontia) primary and permanent teeth, conical teeth, and underdeveloped alveolar ridges. These orofacial issues frequently lead to psychosocial challenges, making the restoration of appearance and function particularly demanding. Hypohidrotic (anhidrotic) ED and hidrotic ED are the two most common syndromes in this group. The most prevalent form of ectodermal dysplasia is hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), which occurs in approximately one in every 100,000 infants. The primary symptoms of HED include hypohidrosis (reduced ability to sweat), hypotrichosis (sparse hair), and partial anodontia (missing teeth). Common facial features of ED include frontal bossing, sunken cheeks, saddle nose, thick everted lips. Treatment options for ED include removable, fixed, or implant-supported prostheses, either alone or in combination. This report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with ED, focusing on improving both function and aesthetics

Psychosocial Challenges of Ukrainian Healthcare Professionals in Wartime: Addressing the Need for Management Support

Psychosocial Challenges of Ukrainian Healthcare Professionals in Wartime: Addressing the Need for Management Support

Biopsychosocial Health Considerations for Astronauts in Long-Duration Spaceflight: A Narrative Review.

Long-duration spaceflights beyond low-Earth orbit, including missions to the Moon and Mars, pose significant health risks. Although biomedical approaches commonly appear in the literature, considering psychological and social factors alongside physiologic health offers a more holistic approach to astronaut care. Integrating the biopsychosocial (BPS) framework into medical planning addresses complex spaceflight challenges and aids in developing mitigation strategies. This review examined health risks associated with long-duration spaceflight within a BPS framework. Sources included governmental space agencies, academic textbooks, and relevant publications from multiple databases. Considering the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Human Research Program's 5 main hazards, a conceptual model was developed to highlight the multifactorial BPS effects of spaceflight. In space, astronauts face unique environments and biological adaptations, including fluid shift, plasma volume loss, bone density loss, and muscle atrophy. Noise and the absence of natural light disrupt circadian rhythms, causing sleep disturbances and fatigue, which affect physical and mental health. Studies on crews in isolated and confined extreme environments reveal psychosocial challenges, including impaired mood and cognition, interpersonal tension, and miscommunication. International collaboration in spaceflight introduces differences in communication, problem solving, and social customs due to diverse cultural backgrounds. Upcoming long-distance missions likely will amplify these challenges. This review emphasizes BPS health considerations in long-duration spaceflight. It highlights the interplay among psychological, social, and biological factors, advocating for multidisciplinary teams and a holistic approach to astronaut health and mission planning and the potential added value of BPS perspectives in considering countermeasures.

Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of Hospitalization for COVID-19: Insights from Patient Experiences

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has severely tested the organizational structure and operational effectiveness of healthcare systems. We aimed to explore the experiences of patients who have been hospitalized due to COVID-19. Methods Employing purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted covering eight topics: 1) the experience of COVID-19 diagnosis, 2) the most difficult moments during hospitalization, 3) difficulties related to hospital conditions and safety protocols, 4) interactions with healthcare professionals, 5) received support, 6) social stigma, 7) concerns about the future, and 8) post-COVID and long COVID syndrome. Twelve individuals (six women and six men; mean age 57.5 (SD = 13) years; mean length of stay 18.1 (SD = 3.1) days) participated. The data analysis was carried out using the phenomenological method according to Colaizzi. Results Patients reported a spectrum of emotions including loneliness, isolation, abandonment, disappointment, insecurity and fear of death. Interactions with healthcare professionals revealed a dichotomy: experiences of respectful, reassuring care contrasted with encounters lacking psycho-emotional support within an impersonal healthcare setting. Conclusions This study sheds light on the experiences of patients on the nursing wards and their psychosocial burden. Most of them reported negative emotions such as loneliness, isolation, sadness, fear and anxiety rather than positive experiences such as hope, interpersonal connectedness, self-identity, empathy, caring and safety. Key messages • The study highlights psychosocial challenges for COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the urgent need for robust support systems. • The study provides insights for future similar situations and highlights the need for adaptable care models based on principles such as empathy, safety and personalized approaches.

Awareness and acceptability of assisted reproductive technology among non-medical tertiary students in a low-resource setting

BackgroundAssisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) have significantly advanced infertility treatment worldwide. However their availability and use in sub-Saharan Africa, remains limited although infertility is highly prevalent, with significant psycho-social challenges including stigma. This study assessed the awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of ART among non-medical tertiary students in Ghana.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among non-medical students in tertiary institutions in Ghana. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to both post-graduate and undergraduate students after obtaining informed consent. Ethical approval was obtained from the Review Board at Community Health Department of the University of Ghana Medical School. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS (version-27) and the results presented using frequency tables, graphs, and charts. significance was P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOverall, 196 participants from the two largest universities and other tertiary institutions in Ghana took part in this study. Majority (63.5%) of respondents demonstrated awareness on ART services, but 60.3% showed poor knowledge of the types of ART. Males generally exhibited lower knowledge of ART services compared to females, and knowledge of ART services showed an inverse relationship with age. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) was the most widely recognized and recommended ART technique, known by 65.1% of respondents who were aware of the types of ART. Most participants expressed reluctance to accept or recommend gamete donation due to religious reasons, fear of complications, and a preference for conventional means of procreation.ConclusionThe majority of tertiary students in Ghana are aware of ART for infertility treatment however, many are hesitant toward donor-gamete treatment protocols. Fear of complications and related costs pose major barriers to considering ART among the respondents. Participants unanimously suggested government subsidies and the inclusion of ART under the national health insurance coverage package.

“You really shouldn’t be here”: using social identity theory to explore under-represented ethnic minority (UREM) students experiences of belonging in a UK dental school

There is tacit acknowledgment that the psycho-social and educational challenges experienced by under-represented ethnic minorities in medical school are likely to be similar to those experienced by ethnic minorities in dental school. However, dental scholarship is not as expansive or comprehensive by comparison to confirm if this is the case. This paper addresses this research gap by presenting the findings of a small-scale exploratory study into the experiences of nine dental undergraduates from a variety of ethnic backgrounds studying at one UK dental school. A social identity theoretical framework was applied to the analysis of semi-structured interview data. The study reveals that dental school is a racialised educational space, where whiteness and white privilege are the norm and students from ethnic minority backgrounds occupy ‘out-group’ status through a process of depersonalisation and stereotyping. Their experiences reveal the existence of a climate of everyday racism perpetuated by students and faculty alike. This research calls on dental schools, and the dental profession more generally to address the lack of inclusivity as a pressing concern requiring immediate action.

The Psychosocial Wellbeing of Children with Disabilities in Inclusive Secondary School Education Settings

Purpose. This study examined the psychosocial wellbeing of children with disabilities in inclusive secondary school education setting in Tanzania. The study particularly aimed to explore the psychosocial challenges which children with disabilities face in inclusive secondary school settings, leading to psycho-social impacts on their learning and wellbeing. Methodology. The study employed a mixed methods approach, adopting a case study design. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from 49 students with special needs, 7 special needs education teachers, and 35 regular teachers. Results. The study findings revealed that teachers had low expectations on the academic performance of the students with disabilities, consequently rendering them little support in inclusive classrooms. Additionally, discrimination, stigmatisation were issues faced by students with disabilities in inclusive education settings which adversely affected their psychosocial wellbeing. The study recommends awareness creation among the students and regular teachers about the learning needs of children with disabilities in inclusive schools. Conclusions. The study recommends providing regular teachers who are not knowledgeable about the academic needs of students with disabilities in inclusive education settings with training and providing psychosocial support to students with special needs in inclusive education contexts.

60 Exploring clinician perspectives on the utility and impact of psychosocial assessment on the management of hospitalized paediatric patients

Abstract Background A substantial number of paediatric inpatient, medical admissions may involve underlying psychosocial challenges. However, patients’ in-hospital care will focus on patients’ acute medical needs, despite growing evidence that holistic care incorporating patients’ broader psychosocial needs could improve physical health outcomes and health-related quality of life. Psychosocial assessment tools may facilitate clinicians’ ability to identify and address underlying mental health needs. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether clinicians perceive these tools, and the clinical information they generate, as adding value to patient care planning. Objectives This study determines to explore the clinician-perceived views on the MyHEARTSMAP tool report and whether this report has impacted their patient care, and if so, how. Design/Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey sub-study, within a larger randomized control trial at BC Children’s Hospital, sampling from nine inpatient specialties: general paediatrics, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, orthopaedic surgery, urology, and general surgery. The survey was designed, validated, and administered using the Modified Dillman’s approach. Automated reminders were sent to participants if they did not respond to the survey after completing the consent form. . Eligible clinicians were asked to provide their perceptions towards the MyHEARTSMAP report through an online survey. Eligibility screening and consent retrieval were obtained prior to clinicians completing the survey. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of survey responses were conducted, summarizing proportions and counts of closed-ended responses and a content analysis of open-ended items. Results A total of 65 clinicians enrolled into our study (88% women, 85% nurses). Most clinicians (92%) found that patient-reported psychosocial assessment was beneficial for establishing patient-clinician relationships and providing information about the patient’s mental health that may not have been previously queried about. Of the clinicians who had read and used the MyHEARTSMAP screening report in their practice, a majority (84%) found it helpful for their patient care. Most clinicians felt that the MyHEARTSMAP screening report facilitated clinician-patient communication (87%) and patient involvement in the care process (90%). About half of the clinicians (52%) felt the screening report’s interface and design could be improved to allow for ease of use. Currently, the paper screening report is placed in the patients’ physical chart for clinicians to assess, but they would prefer it to be implemented onto the digital charting system used at BC Children’s Hospital. Conclusion Clinicians' perceptions towards the MyHEARTSMAP report showed acceptability amongst those who had previously encountered it. While clinicians believe psychosocial screening is beneficial, exploring options for better accessibility to the screening results is necessary to increase utilization.

Core psychosocial insights, challenges, and opportunities in the orthopedic surgery care of children and adolescents.

This is the second phase in an investigation of the psychosocial impact of orthopedic surgery on adolescents. What are the core psychosocial factors that shape the experience of adolescent patients aged 11-18 who are undergoing orthopedic surgery? Two 43-question surveys (preoperative and postoperative) were developed as modified versions of the survey used in phase 1. The preoperative survey was administered 2 weeks before surgery. The postoperative survey was administered 6 weeks later. Responses were collected from free-response and Likert-scale questions exploring patient-physician relationships, office visits/hospital stays, family, peers, academics, sports, and surgical expectations. The survey was administered prospectively to patients aged 11-18 undergoing limb lengthening/reconstruction, pediatric, spine, sports, or hand/upper extremity orthopedic surgery. In all, 135 patients were identified; 105 were enrolled and completed both surveys. There were some statistically significant changes in responses to questions regarding office visits/hospital stays, patient-physician relationships, friends/community, academic performance, and expectations for surgical experience throughout the perioperative period. There were no statistically significant changes in responses to questions regarding the role of parent/family and sports. There was no statistically significant difference between the female and male genders or between age groups in any of the domains. Overall statistical significance in this study did not consistently correlate to clinical significance. Adolescents require psychosocial support from their surgeons, caregivers, and peers in addition to respect for their independence and personal needs. Level II.

Introducing the ELPIS scale: a novel tool for measuring emotional empathy toward cancer patients.

Empathy, defined as the ability to understand and share another person's feelings, is crucial in the healthcare setting, particularly for patients with cancer who face significant psychosocial challenges. We aimed to develop a novel tool, the Empathy, Life with Cancer, and Psychosocial Skills (ELPIS) Scale that prioritizes emotional and cognitive components in order to determine the reflection of the negative stigmatization of cancer in societies on individuals, excluding the behavioral and ethical dimensions of empathy. The study was conducted using a quantitative research design with a sample of first- and second-year medical students in Türkiye. An initial pool of 48 items was developed based on an extensive review of the literature and existing empathy scales. Following expert review and pilot testing, the scale was refined to 24 items. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to establish the scale's factor structure and validate its reliability and validity. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure comprising "emotional empathy," "sympathetic responses," and "realistic approaches," with a total of 20 items after refinement. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the model fit, with the scale demonstrating high internal consistency across all three dimensions. The scale's reliability was further supported by high Cronbach's alpha values. The results suggest that the ELPIS Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring emotional empathy toward cancer patients. It offers a nuanced approach by separately assessing emotional, sympathetic, and realistic components of empathy, making it a valuable tool for both educational and clinical applications. Future research should explore the scale's application in diverse populations and settings, as well as its utility in tracking empathy development over time. In conclusion, the ELPIS Scale, which focuses on the emotional and cognitive components of empathy, a multifaceted construct, fills a critical gap in the measurement of empathy in the context of cancer care and provides a comprehensive tool that can improve both patient care and the education of healthcare providers.

Promoting a culture of respect in cardiothoracic surgery: navigating challenges in understanding unethical behaviour

Unprofessional behaviour in the workplace, such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination, remains common in the cardiothoracic surgery unit. Despite its prevalence, there is little consensus on what constitutes unprofessional behaviour in the workplace of a cardiothoracic surgeon. In this review, we aim to narrow down the definition of unprofessional behaviour among cardiothoracic surgeons, identify its prevalence and the factors contributing to it, as well as explore potential preventive and support measures. We searched the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases (2000-2022), focusing on publications within psychology, medicine, general surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery for inclusion in a focused review. The current review identified 89 papers that highlight the complexity of defining unprofessional behaviour and its prevalence in cardiothoracic surgery units. Psychosocial professional challenges, hierarchical relationships within the medical team, and a high-stress environment may prompt unprofessional behaviour, which can manifest in both overt and covert actions. Such behaviour negatively mpacts medical services for patients, the psycho-emotional state of employees, and the overall functioning of the medical institution. The most effective support measures are characterized by being proactive, anticipating potential problems before they occur. Unprofessional behaviour should be considered an organizational concern, not merely an issue between individual team members. This perspective is essential for fostering a healthy work environment. The leaders of cardiothoracic surgery, given their high status and authority, play a pivotal role in this regard; their focus on inclusiveness of employees with lower status or responsibility is crucial for promoting a culture of psychosocial safety. This culture should be characterized by trust, honesty, and mutual respect, ensuring that every team member feels valued and respected. By prioritizing these values, leaders can minimize the risk of unprofessional behaviour, ultimately leading to an improvement in the quality of medical services for patients, an improvement in the psycho-emotional state of employees and the functioning of the organization as a whole.

Psychosocial Factors and Quality of Life of Portuguese Adolescents With Chronic Conditions - Increased Risk for Victims of Bullying.

The experience of living with a chronic condition (CC) impacts adolescents' psychological and social adjustment and overall functioning. Considering the increased risk of psychosocial challenges among adolescents with CC, this study aimed to enhance our understanding of the psychological and social factors that impact their quality of life. It also compared the psychological and social variables among (a) adolescents with and without CC and (b) adolescents with CC who are and who are not victims of bullying. The results demonstrated that adolescents with CC showed more psychosocial difficulties than their peers, as they more frequently reported involvement in situations of violence, and demonstrated more difficulties at a psychological and emotional level. Further, being victims of bullying increased the psychosocial vulnerabilities of these adolescents. A better quality of life was associated with the following psychosocial factors: not being a victim of bullying or cyberbullying, having less anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms, liking school, receiving more support from family and friends, having better relationships with peers, and having fewer physical and psychological symptoms. These findings are significant for helping schools develop tools and strategies to address violence and support students with CC, who are at a higher risk of being involved in such situations and require a targeted response.

‘Two sides of the one coin’: using reflection to examine co-production of human rights education within higher institutions in Ireland

ABSTRACT Encompassing human rights-based approaches within mental health service delivery is essential to supporting the recovery of service users, their family members/carers/supporters. This is being increasingly led by social workers due to their role in responding to psychosocial challenges. This is seen in today’s mental health services through their work in safeguarding service users and addressing familial concerns regarding all aspects of life. It is also evidenced in their openness to the concept of personal recovery—a movement aimed at defending and improving human rights for service users and their family members/carers/supporters through the recognition of international legislation. Recent debates within social work education have explored whether our critical and radical roots are declining or absent in practice. One argument for this has been the increasing pressures coming from neoliberal policies. This paper describes how both authors approached several co-produced sessions with social work students at an Irish university regarding mental health recovery and social work. The authors provide insight into this approach, including a description and exploration of a model of reflexivity used during this process which can be used by other educators, students, and practitioners [CS is an Assistant Professor of Social Work,MJN is a Consumer Academic].

Dedicated low-cost electronic ocarina for people with COPD: Rationale and prototype development

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition characterized by airflow obstruction which can lead to physical and psychosocial challenges, with a higher prevalence in developing countries. Non-pharmacological interventions for this group of people include pulmonary rehabilitation as well as music interventions. Although music technology was recommended to adjust to the user’s breathing capacity for music-making and to gather information about their performance, music therapy trials used acoustic wind instruments for their rehabilitation. This interdisciplinary project aims to develop a dedicated electronic wind instrument for people with COPD. Method This project follows a systematic prototype methodology that includes product research, instrument development, and user validation. Based in Brazil, our team has decided on an electronic ocarina based on its cultural features, its popularity as a digital application, and its potential for respiratory training. Unlike existing technologies, the prototype intends to be dedicated and a low-cost solution. Results The development process includes decision making about the appropriate mouthpiece, sensors, Arduino, pushbuttons, 3-D printing projects, building a MIDI interface and a dedicated software. This is an ongoing project, and our team is in the MIDI interface development stage. We aim to run the first hardware trial with users so that we can integrate their feedback into the functional prototype and the dedicated software for the following trials. Discussion This project’s strengths rely on the innovation of building viable electronic wind instruments that can facilitate self-management of people with COPD in developing countries, where access to healthcare can be challenging.

Behavioral and Psychosocial Dynamics of Engagement: The Digital Divide in Artificial Intelligence [AI]-Driven Sports Podcasts.

The digital divide, particularly within the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sport podcasts, presents significant behavioral and psychosocial challenges for student engagement. This study examines the disparities in access to and proficiency with Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) across different demographic groups, focusing on gender, age, and religious level. The advent of the commercial web has heightened the significance of these divides, as the first-level digital divide concerns access to the internet, while the second-level digital divide pertains to the ability to use technology proficiently. The existing literature has consistently highlighted persistent inequalities in these areas, which significantly impact the extent to which students from various backgrounds can engage with AI sport podcasts effectively. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to bridge the gap and ensure equitable access to digital learning resources.

Exploring the ripple effect: learner psycho-social challenges, teacher emotional fatigue, and the role of school social work in South Africa—an interview-based qualitative study using Bronfenbrenner's framework

Guided by Bronfenbrenner's (1994) ecological systems theory Bronfenbrenner (Int Encycl Educ,3(2):37–43) , this study highlights the interplay between learner psycho-social challenges and teacher emotional fatigue, which affect classroom dynamics, and the critical role of systemic support—the role of school social workers (SSWs)—in South Africa. Using an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 primary school teachers and 13 SSWs from various provinces. Our participants' diverse backgrounds and experiences provided comprehensive insights. Findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to addressing learner psycho-social challenges, emphasising comprehensive support systems for teachers, including training and early intervention. Additionally, the integration of full-time SSWs and the active involvement of psychologists, families, and communities is crucial. Insights can inform educational policies and practices, enhancing teachers' and learners' well-being and effectiveness.

Stress-induced eating in rural adolescents: Unique variability among boys and adolescents with obesity

Stress may contribute to the development of obesity through its effects on dysregulated eating, although this has not yet been examined among low-income, rural adolescents. We examined adolescents’ stress-induced changes in eating an ad libitum meal, and after, in the absence of hunger (EAH), and the extent to which these varied by sex, race, and weight status. Participants included 260 adolescents, drawn from a sample of rural households experiencing poverty. Adolescents completed two home visits while salivary cortisol was measured; during the control (low stress) visit, they completed questionnaires and procedures thought to elicit low levels of stress and had BMI assessed. During the stress visit, adolescents completed a 20-min set of psychosocial stress challenges before eating. At each visit, adolescents consumed an ad-libitum meal after which they were additionally given large portions of snacks (EAH task). Results revealed that indeed cortisol was higher during the stress visit, across the sample. Boys showed stress-induced increases during ad-libitum meal intake (for calories, fat, and carbohydrates) whereas girls exhibited decreased intake. Further, adolescents with obesity showed stress-induced increases in fat intake, but only when hunger was satiated (EAH). There were no differences by race. These findings provide the first evidence of stress-induced alterations in food intake in a rural, low-income sample of adolescents and point to a strong vulnerability for stress-induced increases in eating in rural boys as well as stress-induced increases in fat intake when satiated as a possible contributor to obesity in youth.