Psychosocial Factors Research Articles

Hybrid Orthodontics for Aesthetic Deep Bite Correction—Case Series and General Clinical Considerations

Background: A range of psychosocial and aesthetic factors motivate patients to undergo orthodontic treatment. The appliance choice depends not only on the type of malocclusion, but also on the aesthetic and functional demands of the patients themselves. Nowadays, digital planning enables the manufacture of individualised and customised orthodontic appliances. However, the predictability of movements with aligner treatment has long been under discussion. This article illustrates, through a series of case reports, how a hybrid approach combining individualised aesthetic orthodontic appliances can improve the predictability of tooth movements, thereby providing additional tools for clinicians charged with choosing the best indicated and biomechanically advantageous technique. To this end, three patients with different malocclusions were treated via a hybrid approach involving clear aligners in the upper arch followed by lingual fixed appliances in the upper and lower arches. All patients were treated using ALIAS lingual PSL 0.018 × 0.018-inch slot brackets and in-house 3D-printed aligners. Findings: The hybrid approach combining aligners and fixed lingual appliances led to the successful resolution of all three complex cases in the series without prolonging treatment time. The superimpositions demonstrate the predictability of even traditionally difficult movements. In particular, the Alias PSL lingual system, used from the beginning, enabled good control of both the torque and inclination of the lower incisors. Conclusions: Combining clear aligners and fixed lingual appliances provides a highly efficient means of treating malocclusions aesthetically. In our cases, the aligners offset the lack of bite-plate effect from the lingual brackets and appliances, providing advantageous biomechanics for rotation correction and control of tip, torque and root movements. Understanding how to exploit the strengths of each appliance enables the clinician to treat adult patients efficaciously, efficiently and aesthetically.

Professional soccer player’s perceptions of the English Football Association 4 corner model in supporting first team transitions

ABSTRACT The English Football Association (FA from hereon in) 4 Corner Model is a multidisciplinary framework that aims to enhance player talent identification and development, and is characterised by physical, social, technical/tactical and psychological components. Despite the framework being prominent within English football development pathways, player insights into the effectiveness of the framework in supporting academy to first team transitions are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore established first team professional footballer’s perceptions of the FA 4 Corner Model, in relation to the attributes that they perceived to facilitate the successful transition to a professional first team environment. Twelve current (n = 8) and ex (n = 4) professional players who had successfully transitioned from a youth academy, and subsequently became an established first team player, were interviewed for the study. Interpretations across the qualitative data set highlighted the importance of players adapting to physical and tactical demands, while also dealing with different psychosocial factors when entering a first team setting. The study highlights that disparities can exist between players, coaches, practitioners, and sport scientists perceived development needs, a situation that could hinder players progression through the player pathway.

Characteristics and influencing factors of anticipated HIV stigma among HIV-negative/unknown MSM in China: A regression mixture model.

Anticipated HIV stigma among men who have sex with men's (MSM) has a severe negative effect on their physical and mental health wellbeing and hence requires specific attention. The current study aims to identify the characteristics and the psychosocial influencing factors of anticipated HIV stigma in MSM using regression mixture model (RMM) and to determine the cut-off point of the seven-item Anticipated HIV Stigma Questionnaire (AHSQ) using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-negative/unknown MSM from Blued online platform in China from December 16th, 2020 to March 1st, 2021, enrolling 1394 participants. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, perceived social support, anticipated HIV stigma, depressive symptoms, and HIV knowledge. Latent profile analysis was performed to identify different profiles of anticipated HIV stigma level. Chi-square test, analysis of variance, and RMM analysis were conducted to explore the influencing factors in different profiles. ROC analyses were carried out to identify the cut-off value of anticipated stigma. Among the participants, three profiles of anticipated stigma were identified: "low anticipated HIV stigma" (12.0%), "moderate anticipated HIV stigma" (52.1%), and "severe anticipated HIV stigma" (35.9%). RMM analysis showed that higher income and higher levels of knowledge were positively associated with moderate anticipated HIV stigma, whereas full-time job and social support were negatively associated with moderate anticipated HIV stigma; higher income, depressive symptoms, and knowledge were positively associated with severe anticipated HIV stigma, whereas minor ethnicity and social support were negatively associated with severe anticipated HIV stigma. ROC curve of the AHSQ showed that the optimal cut-off value of ≥16 could indicate positive anticipated HIV stigma. The study focuses on the level of anticipated HIV stigma and its psycho-socio influencing factors among HIV-negative/unknown MSM. It provides evidence for implementing relevant psychological interventions to HIV-negative/unknown MSM.

The influence of everyday emotions on mucosal immunity: An intensive longitudinal modeling approach.

Mucosal immunity is a multifaceted system of immunological responses that provides a barrier against pathogenic invasion and can be regulated by psychosocial and neuroendocrine factors. The present study aims to elucidate the association between everyday emotional states, emotion regulation skills, and mucosal immunity by utilizing an ambulatory assessment approach. 30 healthy subjects (61% male; M = 30.18 years old) completed an emotion questionnaire (PANAS) and collected saliva samples via passive drool to determine salivary immunoglobulin-A (S-IgA) excretion rate three times a day over a period of 1 week. In a multi-level model, the influence of emotions on S-IgA, both on a within-subject and between-subject level, was estimated. We found that most of the variation in S-IgA (74%) was accounted for by within-subject changes rather than stable between-subject differences. On a within-subject level, negative emotions had a significant positive effect on S-IgA levels (b = 1.87, p = .015), while positive emotions had no effect. This effect of negative emotions was moderated by the individual emotion regulation skills, with higher regulation skills corresponding to smaller effects (b = -2.67, p = .046). Furthermore, S-IgA levels decreased over the course of a day, indicating circadian rhythmicity (b = -0.13, p = .034). These results highlight the possibilities of intensive longitudinal data to investigate the covariance between psychological and immunological states over time.

FEATURES OF THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD AFTER CAESAREAN SECTION

The main principle of perinatal obstetrics is to ensure the health of the mother, fetus and newborn, which in some cases requires quick and gentle delivery. Therefore, during the last decades, cesarean section (CS) in obstetric practice has become a tool that allows you to preserve the health of both the mother and the child.
 Despite its wide distribution, CS is classified as a category of complex operations with a high frequency of postoperative complications (3.3%-54.4%), which are associated with the intervention technique, obstetric and neonatal reasons. Potential structural and functional complications include: the risk of pulmonary, gastrointestinal and vascular complications; postoperative pain and discomfort; pelvic organ prolapse; posture change; pelvic floor dysfunction; weakness of the abdominal wall; diastasis of rectus abdominis muscles; umbilical hernia; general functional limitations.
 Scientific progress in medicine, social and cultural changes have led to fundamental transformations in the attitude to CS among women and doctors. In fact, the consensus regarding indications for caesarean section has changed in many countries, now including psychosocial factors such as anxiety about childbirth or the mother's desire for caesarean section in the absence of any medical indication.
 The postpartum period is a critical, but often overlooked, period in the lives of new parents. According to the WHO, the majority of maternal and newborn deaths occur during this period, so proper management and care of parents and newborns is vitally important.
 The postpartum period is usually divided into three separate but continuous phases: acute phase (early postpartum period) - 24 hours immediately after childbirth; subacute phase (late postpartum period): can last 2-6 weeks after childbirth; late phase - can last from 6 weeks to 6 months after childbirth.
 The postpartum period is characterized by a wide range of new states of women's life and increased sensitivity to external factors. The whole range of postnatal changes can be considered as an integrative combination of psychological, physiological and endocrine factors that affect the physical and mental activity of women, as well as determine their relationship with the child.
 Therefore, a caesarean section should be performed according to indications with a mandatory justification.
 The presence of a postoperative scar in women who underwent an abdominal delivery causes changes in the postpartum period in the form of a specific limitation of mobility during its formation. This aspect is all the more important from the point of view of the onset of future pregnancies, which requires the formation of a full-fledged elastic strong scar on the uterus and soft tissues.
 The formation of a scar in the postpartum period, in connection with the need for care and feeding of the child, changes as a result of sleep and rest regimes, additionally increases the metabolic, physical, psycho-emotional load, which causes pressure on the adaptive capabilities of the regulatory systems of the woman's body against the background of reconstruction and recovery structural and hormonal components.
 A woman's condition directly affects her ability to care for and raise a child, return to work and social activity, as well as the quality of life, both personally and within the framework of the environment. Therefore, certain recovery measures are necessary for their normalization as soon as possible.

Review Article] Measurement Tools to Evaluate Psychosocial Factors in a Changing Work Environment: A Rapid Literature Review

This literature review examines the measurement instruments and questionnaires used to assess psychosocial factors in work environments. The focus is on their applicability across diverse professional settings. The review begins with identifying keywords and MeSH/EMTREE terms. Searches were then conducted across multiple databases and grey literature sources. The screening process identified 60 relevant articles. From these, 30 were selected to discuss the validity and reliability of various scales. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) was found to be the most commonly used instrument, followed by the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model, and the NIOSH General Job Stress Instrument. In Colombia, the evaluation of psychosocial risk factors in organizations is conducted using the _Batería de Instrumentos para la Evaluación de Factores de Riesgo Psicosocial_. This assessment provides a detailed evaluation of both intra-laboral and extra-laboral occupational psychosocial risk factors. Regarding reliability, all instruments identified and reviewed in this article had Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.7 to 0.9, indicating acceptable to excellent internal consistency, reliability, and validity for evaluating psychosocial risk factors in a representative work environment sample. Although each instrument is useful, adapting to evolving workplace dynamics is necessary for more comprehensive evaluations. The article emphasizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work arrangements, specifically remote and hybrid work, and highlights the need to evaluate psychosocial risk factors. The review provides insights into the changing landscape of work and the importance of addressing psychosocial factors to promote employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.

Absorbent hygiene products disposal behaviour in informal settlements: identifying determinants and underlying mechanisms in Durban, South Africa

BackgroundWithin South Africa, many low-income communities lack reliable waste management services. Within these contexts, absorbent hygiene product (AHP) waste, including nappies (diapers), are not recycled, and are often dumped, ending up in watercourses and polluting the local environment. The structural barriers to collection which have been well explored, however the behavioural determinants of safe disposal for AHPs remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to determine the psycho-social factors driving AHP disposal behaviour for caregivers, while identifying potential underlying mechanisms (such as mental health), which may be influencing disposal behaviour, with the intention of informing a future, contextually appropriate and sustainable, collection system.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted within three low-income communities located within eThekwini Municipality (Durban), South Africa. The study included a pre-study and a quantitative survey of 452 caregivers, utilising the RANAS approach of behaviour change. The quantitative questionnaire was based on the RANAS model to measure psycho-social factors underlying sanitary disposal of AHPs. Mental health was assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Statistical analysis involved regressing psycho-social factors onto disposal behaviour and exploring their interaction with mental health through a moderation model.ResultsOur findings suggest that one third of caregivers do not dispose of nappies sanitarily, despite intent (86.9%). Regression analysis revealed ten psycho-social factors which significantly predict the desired behavioural outcome, the sanitary disposal of AHPs. Caregivers with poor mental health were less likely to dispose of AHP sanitarily, which reflects previous research linking poor mental health and the impairment of health-related daily activities, particularly within vulnerable groups. Specifically, several psycho-social factors underlying were moderated by poor mental health, the prevalence of sanitary disposal of AHPs depended on mental condition of caregiver.ConclusionsOur findings confirmed the link between poor mental health and unsanitary AHPs disposal. This is especially relevant because poor mental health is common within South Africa. Addressing mental health problems within these communities is an essential step to providing sustainable waste management services. The findings informed an intervention strategy to implement a future collection system for these communities, and similar low-income or informal contexts within South Africa.

Identifying Predictors of Neck Disability in Patients with Cervical Pain Using Machine Learning Algorithms: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study.

(1) Background: Neck pain intensity, psychosocial factors, and physical function have been identified as potential predictors of neck disability. Machine learning algorithms have shown promise in classifying patients based on their neck disability status. So, the current study was conducted to identify predictors of neck disability in patients with neck pain based on clinical findings using machine learning algorithms. (2) Methods: Ninety participants with chronic neck pain took part in the study. Demographic characteristics in addition to neck pain intensity, the neck disability index, cervical spine contour, and surface electromyographic characteristics of the axioscapular muscles were measured. Participants were categorised into high disability and low disability groups based on the median value (22.2) of their neck disability index scores. Several regression and classification machine learning models were trained and assessed using a 10-fold cross-validation method; also, MANCOVA was used to compare between the two groups. (3) Results: The multilayer perceptron (MLP) revealed the highest adjusted R2 of 0.768, while linear discriminate analysis showed the highest receiver characteristic operator (ROC) area under the curve of 0.91. Pain intensity was the most important feature in both models with the highest effect size of 0.568 with p < 0.001. (4) Conclusions: The study findings provide valuable insights into pain as the most important predictor of neck disability in patients with cervical pain. Tailoring interventions based on pain can improve patient outcomes and potentially prevent or reduce neck disability.

Study protocol for a prospective cohort study describing the injury characteristics in elite gymnasts in TeamGym: the Swedish TeamGym Injury Cohort – STIC

IntroductionGymnastics consists of several different disciplines, whereof TeamGym is one. TeamGym is a young discipline with sparse research. The aim of the study is to investigate the injury characteristics in...

Openness to Experience Predicts Engagement in Role-Play: Evidence From Two Methodologies

Background Role-play, or the transient embodiment of a different role from one’s own, is a uniquely human activity that permeates many aspects of life. However, what psychosocial factors is one’s involvement in role-play associated with? Current role-play research tends to focus on limited variables and is partially marred by negative perception towards role-play in the context of online gaming. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that role-play has potential to elicit psychosocial benefits, including improvements in empathy, resilience, and self-esteem, as well as the amelioration of psychopathology. Therefore, the present study conducts a large-scale survey to identify significant psychosocial benefits that are associated with the individual’s engagement in role-play activities. Background variables such as sociodemographic and personality factors are also included to enhance understanding of types of individuals who engage in role-play. Methods A total of 265 adults were recruited for this study, and data were analyzed using two analytic methods: (1) multiple logistic regression and (2) machine learning, namely support vector machine. Results Results from both methods agreed that higher openness to experience, a personality factor, significantly increases the likelihood of the individual having reported previous role-play experience. Discussion While findings remain inconclusive regarding associated psychosocial benefits of role-play, results suggest significant predisposing factors that shape the individual’s tendency to engage in role-play activities. Conclusion The present study provides a large-scale investigation into a wide scope of psychosocial and predisposing factors associated with the individual’s role-play experience. Using two analytic methodologies, it was found that there are significant predisposing personality traits that increase the likelihood of the individual engaging in role-play activities.

Intergenerational trauma transmission through family psychosocial factors in adult children of Rwandan survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi

Thirty years after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, children of survivors are being increasingly documented to be at higher risk compared to their peers for adverse mental health outcomes. However, no studies in Rwanda have empirically explored family psychosocial factors underlying this intergenerational transmission of trauma. We investigated family psychosocial factors that could underlie this transmission in 251 adult Rwandan children of survivors (mean age = 23.31, SD = 2.40; 50.2% female) who completed a cross-sectional online survey. For participants with survivor mothers (n = 187), we found that both offspring-reported maternal trauma exposure and maternal PTSD were indirectly associated with children's PTSD via maternal trauma communication (specifically, nonverbal and guilt-inducing communication), and that maternal PTSD was indirectly associated with children's PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms through family communication styles. For participants with survivor fathers (n = 170), we found that paternal PTSD symptoms were indirectly associated with children's anxiety and depression symptoms via paternal parenting styles (specifically, abusive and indifferent parenting). Although replication is needed in longitudinal research with parent-child dyads, these results reaffirm the importance of looking at mass trauma in a family context and suggest that intergenerational trauma interventions should focus on addressing family communication, trauma communication, and parenting.

Physical Activity After Heart Surgery: Associations With Psychosocial and Sleep Factors.

Heart surgery is an effective intervention for managing heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. After surgery, physical activity is key to improving patients' quality of life and decreasing mortality, but patients are frequently physically inactive after heart surgery. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to examine how psychosocial and sleep factors influenced physical activity in patients after heart surgery. The mediating role of sleep factors between psychosocial factors and physical activity was also examined. Thirty-three patients who had undergone heart surgery were recruited. Psychosocial and sleep factors and physical activity were measured using an online survey and a wrist-worn ActiGraph for 7 days and nights. The participants had heart surgery an average of about 7 years previously. They exceeded the recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity for Americans; however, 64% of them showed poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index >5). Higher anxiety and depressive symptoms, lower self-efficacy, and greater sleep disturbances were associated with lower physical activity. Moreover, self-efficacy, sleep duration, sleep disturbance, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset were predictors for physical activity. No mediating role of sleep factors was observed between psychosocial factors and physical activity. Psychosocial and sleep factors should be considered when developing and implementing physical activity strategies for patients after heart surgery. Researchers should examine the relationships among the study variables with larger samples of postsurgical cardiac patients during different periods after heart surgery.

Stress and burnout in the context of workplace psychosocial factors among mental health professionals during the later waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary.

While literature is abundant on the negative mental health impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, few studies focus on the Central and Eastern European region. We examined stress, burnout, and sleeping troubles among mental health professionals in the context of psychosocial risk factors related to participation in COVID care during the fourth and fifth waves. Mental health professionals (N=268) completed an online cross-sectional survey in Hungary, between November 2021 and April 2022. Of the respondents, 58.2% directly participated in COVID care. The main data collection instrument was the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ II), including 20 subscales on work-related psychosocial factors and 3 outcome scales (stress, burnout, and sleeping troubles). We added a question on competence transgression, and items on sociodemographic and professional background. Participation in COVID care was associated with higher work pace (59.08 versus 49.78), more role conflicts (55.21 versus 45.93), lower scores on the influence at work (38.18 versus 51.79), predictability (44.71 versus 57.03), reward (55.82 versus 65.03), role clarity (70.19 versus 75.37), social support from supervisor (59.24 versus 65.55), job satisfaction (54.36 versus 62.84), trust regarding management (55.89 versus 67.86), justice and respect (44.51 versus 54.35) scales. Among those involved in COVID care, only the stress score was higher (47.96 vs. 42.35) in the total sample; however, among psychiatrists, both stress (52.16 vs. 38.60) and burnout scores (58.30 vs. 47.06) were higher. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that work-family conflict, emotional demands and workplace commitment were independent predictors of higher stress and burnout scores; furthermore, competence transgression had a significant effect on stress, and being a psychiatric specialist had a significant effect on burnout. These models explained 40.5% of the variance for stress and 39.8% for burnout. During the fourth and fifth waves, although COVID care was more well-organized, psychiatrists, as specialist physicians responsible for the quality of the care, were still experiencing challenges regarding their competence and influence at work, which may explain their increased levels of stress and burnout.

Evaluating the Safety of Assessing and Factors Associated With Suicidality and Self-Injury Within a Remote Online Assessment Among Sexual Minority Men in the United States

Research suggests that sexual minority individuals are at increased risk of suicide compared with the general population. As technology continues to develop in sophistication and accessibility, a growing number of research and therapeutic interventions utilize web-based assessments. To facilitate future research on assessing and responding to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, we describe the implementation of procedures for doing so in the context of a limited-interaction, remote cohort study. We describe factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors among sexual minority men (SMM) that can guide risk/benefit assessments in future studies. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample in terms of self-injury/suicidality. Bivariate χ2tests were conducted to explore differences in these indicators by age, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, health insurance, region, education, and self-ranked socioeconomic status. Additionally, logistic regressions were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics, various psychosocial syndemic factors, and the four measures of self-injury/suicidality. In addition, we describe the experiences completing the suicidality follow-up protocol within the study. We conducted a nationwide study of 10,607 participants and found that 27.8% had a history of self-injury, 5.6% in the past year, 21.0% had attempted suicide, 18.2% experienced suicidal ideation, and 9.4% had thoughts of killing themselves. Logistic regressions revealed that depression, everyday discrimination based on sexual orientation, childhood sexual assault, and intimate partner violence were the strongest predictors of self-injury and suicidality. Study participants experienced high rates of self-injury and suicidality. Effective protocols can be developed to assess and respond to suicide risk in web-based SMM studies.

The Mood and Resilience in Offspring (MARIO) project: a longitudinal cohort study among offspring of parents with and without a mood disorder

BackgroundOne of the most robust risk factors for developing a mood disorder is having a parent with a mood disorder. Unfortunately, mechanisms explaining the transmission of mood disorders from one generation to the next remain largely elusive. Since timely intervention is associated with a better outcome and prognosis, early detection of intergenerational transmission of mood disorders is of paramount importance. Here, we describe the design of the Mood and Resilience in Offspring (MARIO) cohort study in which we investigate: 1. differences in clinical, biological and environmental (e.g., psychosocial factors, substance use or stressful life events) risk and resilience factors in children of parents with and without mood disorders, and 2. mechanisms of intergenerational transmission of mood disorders via clinical, biological and environmental risk and resilience factors.MethodsMARIO is an observational, longitudinal cohort study that aims to include 450 offspring of parents with a mood disorder (uni- or bipolar mood disorders) and 100-150 offspring of parents without a mood disorder aged 10-25 years. Power analyses indicate that this sample size is sufficient to detect small to medium sized effects. Offspring are recruited via existing Dutch studies involving patients with a mood disorder and healthy controls, for which detailed clinical, environmental and biological data of the index-parent (i.e., the initially identified parent with or without a mood disorder) is available. Over a period of three years, four assessments will take place, in which extensive clinical, biological and environmental data and data on risk and resilience are collected through e.g., blood sampling, face-to-face interviews, online questionnaires, actigraphy and Experience Sampling Method assessment. For co-parents, information on demographics, mental disorder status and a DNA-sample are collected.DiscussionThe MARIO cohort study is a large longitudinal cohort study among offspring of parents with and without mood disorders. A unique aspect is the collection of granular data on clinical, biological and environmental risk and resilience factors in offspring, in addition to available parental data on many similar factors. We aim to investigate the mechanisms underlying intergenerational transmission of mood disorders, which will ultimately lead to better outcomes for offspring at high familial risk.

The COVID-19 lockdown experience suggests that restricting the supply of gambling can reduce gambling problems: An Australian prospective study.

COVID-19 lockdowns limited access to gambling but simultaneously elevated psychosocial stressors. This study assessed the relative effects of these changes on gambling risk status during and after the Australian COVID-19 lockdown from late-March to late-May 2020. The study administered three surveys to people who had gambled within the past year at T1. Wave 1 asked about before (T1, N = 2,125) and during lockdown (T2, N = 2,125). Subsequent surveys focused on one year (T3; N = 649) and two years after lockdown (T4, N = 458). The dependent variable was changes in reporting any problem gambling symptoms (PGSI 0 vs 1+). Bivariate analyses and multinomial logistic regression tested for significant associations with: demographics, psychosocial stressors (perceived stress, psychological distress, loneliness, health anxiety about COVID, financial hardship, stressful life events), gambling participation and gambling frequency. Gambling participation and at-risk gambling decreased between T1 and T2, increased at T3, with little further change at T4. When gambling availability was curtailed, decreased gambling frequency on EGMs, casino games, sports betting or race betting, and lower psychosocial stress, were associated with transitions from at-risk to non-problem gambling. When gambling availability resumed, increased EGM gambling frequency, decreased online gambling frequency, and higher psychosocial stress were associated with transitions from non-problem to at-risk gambling. Gambling availability appears a stronger influence on gambling problems, at the population level, than psychosocial risk factors. Reducing the supply of high-risk gambling products, particularly EGMs, is likely to reduce gambling harm.

RISK FACTORS OF PERINATAL DEPRESSION IN WOMEN: AN UPDATED SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Perinatal depression (PND) can result in adverse outcomes for both mother and child, including poorer pregnancy outcomes and long-term emotional, social, and cognitive difficulties in children. Furthermore, it correlates with high morbidity and mortality rates, posing significant burdens on affected individuals, families, and society. The objective of this study is to conduct an extensive systematic review evaluating the risk factors of perinatal depression in women based on literature published within the last five years. Methods: The systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 standards and examined full-text English literature published between 2019 and 2024. This review excluded editorials, review papers from the same journal, and submissions without a DOI. Literature was sourced from online platforms such as PubMed, SagePub, and SpringerLink. Result: A total of 1,161 articles were retrieved from online databases (PubMed, SagePub, and SpringerLink). After three rounds of screening, five articles directly relevant to the systematic review were selected for full-text reading and analysis. Conclusion: Perinatal depression (PND) affects numerous women during and after childbirth, influenced by socioeconomic, psychosocial, and environmental factors like poverty, social support, pregnancy loss, and urban living. Early detection and comprehensive interventions are crucial to support at-risk mothers, promoting better mental health outcomes for both them and their families.

Physical Activity-Related Practices and Psychosocial Factors of Childcare Educators: A Latent Profile Analysis.

Limited research investigates early childhood education and care (ECEC) educators' involvement in promoting physical activity. The aim was to identify distinct profiles based on physical activity-related practices and psychosocial factors in ECEC educators and examine how they relate to the amount of time allocated to children's physical activity. A secondary analysis of educator-reported survey data from the Play Active study was undertaken. Educators (n = 532) reported on four practices and four psychosocial subscales adapted from the Environment and Policy Evaluation and Observation relating to the provision of physical activity in childcare. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct groups of educators based on their practices and psychosocial factors. Logistic regression analysed associations between latent profiles and educator-reported time provided for children's physical activity. Five profiles of educators' physical activity-related practices and psychosocial factors were identified. Profiles with higher practice scores also had higher psychosocial scores. Educators in profiles characterised by higher scores had greater odds of meeting the best practice guidelines for daily time allocated to children for total physical activity and energetic play. This study highlights interventions which address multiple educator behaviour change determinants to improve children's physical activity in childcare.

The short- and long-term effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on pain, and psychosocial factors in adults with chronic low back pain.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) has long plagued mankind, but little progress has been made in finding a rational and effective treatment, letalone a common cause. This study is an attempt to fill that void by measuring short- and long-term effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), including psychosocial and pain reduction in CLBP patients. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of neuromusculoskeletal medicine/osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) in treating CLBP, with a focus on biopsychosocial (pain sensitivity questionnaire [PSQ]) and pain control in chronic conditions. The study involved a large, single cohort observational design of 101 patients. The inclusion criteria for selecting patients targeted those with "nonspecific" CLBP. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Minimum Dataset for Chronic Low Back Pain (NMD) was the measurement tool and was administered at consent (baseline), 2, 4, and 8weeks and at 6 and 12months. Time trends were analyzed as overall mean. Pairwise differences were compared between time points. Mixed-effects models were utilized to test the association of time with pain and biopsychosocial scores. Pain and PSQ scores decreased over the study timeline. The most significant change for both pain and biopsychosocial scores occurred at 6months compared to baseline, with a further reduction at 12months. OMT has been demonstrated to significantly reduce pain and psychosocial factors related to CLBP in both the short and long term.

How a 5-Day Stay in the Tobacco-Free Environment of the Stoptober House Supports Individuals to Quit Smoking: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Introduction: The Stoptober House is part of the annual national Stoptober smoking cessation campaign in the Netherlands. During the first week of October, 48 volunteers resided in the tobacco-free Stoptober House for 5 days and received smoking cessation counseling. This pilot study explored how the Stoptober House may have facilitated smoking cessation among participants. Methods: We included 48 individuals who were selected for the Stoptober House (intervention group) and 67 individuals who were not selected (control group). Surveys were conducted at baseline, immediately after 2 and 8 weeks of post-intervention. We compared self-reported abstinence, psychosocial mediators related to smoking cessation, and perceived active elements of the Stoptober House between the intervention and control groups using t/χ2 tests and linear mixed model (LMM) analysis. Sixteen semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to explore participants’ perspectives on the elements contributing to their success in quitting smoking. Results: At 8 weeks of follow-up, a higher proportion of participants in the intervention group (24/48 [50%]) reported being abstinent compared to the control group (5/67 [7%]; p p = 0.022). The intervention group also exhibited higher self-efficacy to quit smoking throughout the follow-up period and higher social support immediately after the Stoptober House. No significant differences were observed in other psychosocial factors. The interviews highlighted several perceived elements of the Stoptober House that contributed to smoking cessation success, including restricted smoking opportunities, access to smoking cessation counselors, and peer support. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that the Stoptober House provides support that can help people quit smoking. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the cost-effectiveness of this intervention in promoting long-term abstinence among specific groups of smokers.