Psychosocial Symptoms Research Articles

Effect of a Nurse-Led Omaha System-Based Mobile Health Application in Managing Symptoms and Enhancing Quality of Life in Patients With a Communicable Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study investigated the effects of a nurse-led Omaha System-based mobile health application on physical, psychosocial, and cognitive symptoms and quality of life in patients with COVID-19 followed at home. This randomized control trial was conducted on 60 patients followed at home (30 in each intervention and control group). The intervention group received a nurse-led Omaha System-based mobile health application named COVOS, and the control group received usual care. Compared with the control group, the physical symptoms of the intervention group were significantly reduced at all follow-ups (first, second, and third months; P < .05). Psychosocial symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress) were significantly reduced, respectively, in the intervention group at all follow-ups: first and third months and second and third months (P < .05). Cognitive symptoms were significantly reduced in the first month in the intervention group (P = .014). Similarly, the physical component score of quality of life significantly improved in the first month, and the mental component score of quality of life significantly improved in the second and third months (P < .05) in the intervention group. Results suggest that the COVOS had the potential to reduce effectively the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive symptoms of patients with COVID-19 and improve the quality of life of patients with COVID-19 followed at home.

Relationship between social support, functional outcomes and health-related quality of life in working-aged adults at three months after ischemic stroke: results from the FRAILTY study

BackgroundThe relationship between social support and functional outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after ischemic stroke (IS) remains unclear, especially in working-aged patients.AimTo assess the relationship between perceived social support, functional outcomes, post-stroke psychosocial symptoms, and HRQoL in working-aged adults three months after IS.MethodsA prospective and correlational design was used. Patients of working age (18–65 years) admitted for first-ever IS were enrolled in the prospective FRAILTY (Factors Affecting the Quality of Life After Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults) study (NCT04839887). HRQoL (using the Stroke Impact Scale, Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders), social support (using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), functional outcomes (using a modified Rankin Scale—mRS), and post-stroke psychosocial symptoms were assessed three months after IS. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman’s correlations and multiple linear regression were used for analysis.ResultsA total of 121 (54.5% males, mean age 51.7 ± 8.4 years) IS patients were analyzed. Of those, 87.7% had excellent clinical outcomes (mRS 0–1) after three months. Patients reported significant improvement in all domains of self-reported HRQoL except memory and communication after three months. The overall perceived social support was not associated with HRQoL domains. Post-stroke depression was negatively associated with all domains of HRQoL. Living arrangements (living alone) and post-stroke depression were negatively associated with perceived social support after IS.ConclusionsMore insight into the relationship between variables of HRQoL in working-aged adults might increase their social participation, strengthen supportive relationships, and promote their recovery and rehabilitation process. Focusing on the management of emotional problems and supporting functional outcomes may be modifiable factors that may represent targets for strategies to improve the HRQoL. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between pre-stroke perceived social support and its types and post-stroke psychosocial symptoms in the long term.

N45 The Words of Bowels: Exploring Crohn's Disease through Metaphors

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease causes patients to cope with many symptoms and conditions during the course of illness, treatment and therapy. Patients experience psychosocial symptoms as well as physical symptoms. The metaphors with which patients describe their illnesses are important in terms of the disease process and compliance with treatment. This study was conducted to explore the meanings patients attribute to Crohn's disease through metaphors. Methods This study employed a phenomenological design and a qualitative research approach. It was conducted with 102 patients who consented to participate in research at the inflammatory bowel diseases clinic of a university hospital from January 15 to March 30, 2024. Data were collected through socio-demographic information, the Harvey-Bradshaw Index, and the completion of the sentence "Crohn's disease is like/because..." Participants produced metaphors that were categorized and presented with supporting examples. Demographic data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics v26.0. Qualitative data were evaluated using content analysis. Results Participants with a mean age of 39.68±3.71 years created 80 metaphors about Crohn's disease. These metaphors were analyzed in 8 categories: loss of control, uncertainty, destruction/exhaustion, long process, suffering, transformation/change, care and support needs, and hope. The most frequently used metaphors are nightmare, flower, child, enemy, darkness, and snake. Conclusion The most common metaphors used by Crohn's disease patients are nightmare, flower, child, enemy, darkness, and snake. How patients make sense of their illnesses should be evaluated throughout the process by healthcare professionals and the care and treatment process should be planned.

The “prostate-pelvic syndrome” theory used in patients with type-III prostatitis and its correlation with prostate volume

BackgroundType-III prostatitis is the most common prostate disease in adult males below 40 years old. The actual operation of its diagnosis process is cumbersome. Recently, a group of top Chinese urologists have proposed the theory of “prostate-pelvic syndrome (PPS)” and suggested using it to replace the traditional term for type-III prostatitis. However, the practical application effectiveness of PPS theory in clinical practice is still unclear.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to verify the clinical outcome of PPS theory in diagnosing the adult patients with type-III prostatitis below 40 years old and analyze the related factors for the main symptoms of PPS in adult males below 40 years old, providing references for the prevention and treatment of PPS in young adult males.MethodsThe clinical medical records of 548 adult outpatients with type-III prostatitis under 40 years old between August 2018 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were diagnosed retrospectively again by using PPS diagnostic criteria in this retrospective cohort study. Subsequently, the age, disease duration, prostate volume (PV), PV ≥ 20 mL detection rate and other related indicators among different symptom groups were analyzed by univariate analysis. The correlation between different symptoms of PPS patients and PV as well as disease duration was analyzed by correlation analysis. Additionally, the related factors for different main symptoms of PPS patients were analyzed by multivariate analysis.ResultsOf the 548 patients, 229 patients had lower urinary tract symptoms, 159 patients had pelvic pain symptoms, and 160 patients had lower urinary tract and pelvic pain symptoms, respectively corresponding to those with voiding symptoms (VS), pain symptoms (PS), and voiding + pain symptoms (VS + PS) defined according to the concept of PPS. There were significant differences in PV and disease duration among the three main symptoms groups of PPS. PV in the VS group was larger than that in the PS group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that VS was positively correlated with PV and disease duration, while four secondary symptoms (including sexual dysfunction, psychosocial symptoms, reproductive dysfunction and other symptoms) were not related to PV. The proportion of VS patients in the PV ≥ 20 mL group was higher than that in the PV < 20 mL group. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that PV and disease duration were independent related factors for VS in adult PPS patients below 40 years old.ConclusionsType-III prostatitis in Chinese adult males below 40 years old can be diagnosed and treated with PPS. PV and disease duration were independent related factors for VS in Chinese adult PPS patients below 40 years old. The risk of VS in PPS patients with PV ≥ 20 mL was 5.348 times as long as that in PPS patients with PV < 20 mL.

Pathophysiological, Neuropsychological, and Psychosocial Influences on Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Impacts on Recovery and Symptom Persistence.

Although the impact of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) on patients and public health is undeniably significant, its etiology remains largely unclear. Much research has been conducted on the pathophysiology, shedding light on various aspects; however, due to the multitude of symptoms and clinical conditions that directly or indirectly define PACS, it is challenging to establish definitive causations. In this exploration, through systematically reviewing the latest pathophysiological findings related to the neurological symptoms of the syndrome, we aim to examine how psychosocial and neuropsychological symptoms may overlap with neurological ones, and how they may not only serve as risk factors but also contribute to the persistence of some primary symptoms of the disorder. Findings from our synthesis suggest that psychological and psychosocial factors, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, may interact with neurological symptoms in a self-reinforcing feedback loop. This cycle seems to be affecting both physical and psychological distress, potentially increasing the persistence and severity of PACS symptoms. By pointing out this interaction, in this review study, we attempt to offer a new perspective on the interconnected nature of psychological, psychosocial, and neurological factors, emphasizing the importance of integrated treatment approaches to disrupt this cycle and improve outcomes when possible.

Exploring caregiver experiences and support needs in end-of-life care for people living with HIV: A scoping review protocol.

End-of-life care supports individuals in the last few weeks or months of their life and their caregivers, offering psychosocial support, symptom management and relief, and resources. While some of the first public end-of-life care facilities were established due to HIV/AIDS, the current needs of caregivers for people living with end-stage HIV are not well understood. Caregivers provide two-thirds of the care for people living with HIV, yet their specific support needs and experiences are under-researched. Existing strategies often use a "one-size-fits-all" approach, which may not address the unique challenges faced by these caregivers, such as stigma and lack of social support. This study aims to synthesize the literature on the end-of-life care experiences and needs of caregivers for individuals living with HIV. A scoping review, guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute's recommendations, will be conducted. An Information Specialist will assist in developing a search strategy to be applied across databases like Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Search results from each database will be imported into Covidence software for duplicate removal and title and abstract screening. Two researchers will independently screen studies using the 'Population-Concept-Context' (PCC) framework, with screening conducted at two levels: title and abstract, and full-text. The inclusion criteria will be piloted on a random sample of articles to ensure inter-rater agreement (kappa statistic >0.61). Disagreements will be resolved through discussion or with the involvement of a content expert if needed. Final selections will be reported using the PRISMA flow diagram, and reasons for exclusion will be documented. The findings from this scoping review will provide valuable insights into the end-of-life care experiences and support needs of caregivers for individuals living with HIV. By identifying common themes and challenges, such as caregiver fatigue, emotional strain, stigma, and lack of social support, this study will underscore the inadequacy of the current "one-size-fits-all" approach in addressing the unique needs of these caregivers. This research has the potential to influence both clinical practice and policy by advocating for more personalized support strategies within end-of-life care settings.

Using network analysis to understand the association between menopause and depressive symptoms

It has been proposed that depressive symptoms occurring throughout the menopause may be linked to specific menopause symptoms. The objectives of this study were (i) to use network analysis to explore the symptom structure of menopause and depressive symptoms, and (ii) to compare the symptom structure of menopause and depressive symptoms between the perimenopause and the post-menopause. The Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) and the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) were used to measure menopause and depressive symptoms, with online survey data from 858 respondents included for analysis. The most central symptoms were decreased stamina, decreased physical strength, feeling depressed, and change in sexual desire. The network demonstrated good stability (CS-strength = 0.75 and CS-influence = 0.75), with no significant differences in structure between the perimenopause and post-menopause groups. Addressing decreased stamina and psychosocial symptoms could prove instrumental in managing menopause symptoms. Early intervention is crucial for overcoming barriers and providing essential support.

Stigma in Mexican patients with Lung Cancer: Psychometric Properties of the Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale (CLCSS) - Brief version.

Stigma in lung cancer patients may be associated with various negative outcomes such as increased psychosocial symptoms, severity of physical symptoms, and may act as a barrier to medical help-seeking behavior. The Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale (CLCSS) is one of the most widely used instruments for assessing health-related stigma in lung cancer patients. To determine the psychometric properties of the CLCSS in a Mexican sample of lung cancer patients. A non-experimental, instrumental design was employed, using non-probabilistic sampling based on availability. The sample included 265 lung cancer patients. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess construct validity, and Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega were used for internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively, through Pearson correlation coefficient. The 17-item version yielded a model with 4 factors (stigma and shame, social isolation, discrimination, and smoking) explaining 50.74% of the variance, with adequate values of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The Mexican version of the CLCSS is culturally appropriate, brief, psychometrically valid, and reliable for assessing health-related stigma in Mexican lung cancer patients.

Will the Intervention Benefit My Client? Helping Social Workers to Answer the Question Using Indicators of Clinically Meaningful Change

AbstractSocial workers strive to provide the best support to each client, making it crucial to consider not just group-level effects of interventions but also individual outcomes. While empirical evidence often stems from group-based analyses, these offer limited insights into individual change, which is key for tailoring interventions. The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of individual-level analyses, an underexplored area in social work, using four indicators of “clinically meaningful change” (CMC). We compare these analyses with group-level analyses using a dataset of 146 Swedish families undergoing Functional Family Therapy (FFT), an intervention with strong empirical support. While group-level analyses confirmed FFT’s general effectiveness in reducing adolescent psychosocial symptoms, individual-level analyses revealed a more nuanced picture, showing variations in outcomes—positive, negative, and neutral. The study thus demonstrates the value of CMC indicators for generating individual-level information that social workers can harness to find optimal solutions for their individual clients.

QOL-28. CANCER-RELATED DISTRESS IN NEURO-ONCOLOGY: PATIENTS INFORM PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FOR ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract BACKGROUND Brain tumor diagnosis and treatment result in significant negative sequelae, including cognitive decline, fatigue, and psychosocial symptoms. This study aimed to identify brain tumor patients’ sources of cancer-related distress and examine their interest in various treatment modalities targeting cognitive decline to inform program development for this underserved population. METHODS In pursuit of program development, patients with both primary and secondary brain tumors completed an anonymous survey. They reported demographics, tumor characteristics, subjective cognitive functioning; and, rated sources of cancer-related symptom distress (i.e., cognitive changes, fatigue, physical symptoms, motor functioning, balance, mood, and relationship) and interest in treatments targeting cancer-related cognitive decline (i.e., cognitive rehabilitation, mindfulness-based practices, psychotherapy, and medication). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square, and linear regressions were conducted. RESULTS Among participants (N=137, Mage=49.6±15.8, 58.1% female, 84.8% White), 50.4% endorsed subjective cognitive functioning below the mean (MFACT-Br-CI=22.6±7.5). Nearly half reported significant distress due to cancer-related fatigue (49.6%) and cognitive change (48.9%). Patients’ mean severity of distress due to cognitive decline was significantly greater relative to all other cancer-related symptoms (ps&amp;lt;.001), except fatigue (p&amp;gt;.05). Age, gender, or time since diagnosis were not significant predictors (ps&amp;gt;.05) of distress due to cognitive decline. Most patients with distress due to cognitive change were interested in cognitive rehabilitation (63.6%) and mindfulness-based practices (61.6%), and only 40.4% were interested in medication. Interest in cognitive rehabilitation was not predicted by symptom distress, subjective cognitive functioning, age, gender, or time since diagnosis (ps&amp;gt;.05). Gender was the only significant predictor of interest in mindful movement (b=.18, p=.041), with greater interest among women (χ2(1)=4.65, p=.031). CONCLUSIONS Fatigue and cognitive decline were the most distressing cancer-related symptoms for neuro-oncology patients. These findings emphasize the need for integrated interventions, including cognitive rehabilitation and mindfulness, as well as multi-targeted and individualized treatments for fatigue and cognitive decline in neuro-oncology.

A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Features of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 With Respect to Duration of Diabetes.

Objectives Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell dysfunction. As diabetes persists over time, more pronounced symptoms like polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular issues may develop. Therefore, this study assessed the clinical symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes regarding the duration of diabetes. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in a secondary care hospital, using a non-probability convenient sampling method. Patients visitingthe outpatient clinics were recruited in the study after obtaining informed written consent from them. The duration of the study was about six months from March 1, 2024, to August 31, 2024. A sample of 450 type 2 diabetic patients, aged 40-65 years, was included in this study. The study identified patients with type 2 diabetes by using their altered glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level recorded withinthe last 30 days, which reflects glycemic control. The demographic information, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, health condition, co-existing illnesses, and diabetes-related symptoms was also collected from the patients. SPSS software was used for data analysis. A chi-square and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to determine the association of clinical symptoms in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results The study findings showed that the mean age was significantly higher in patients with diabetes for less than one year (60.44±15.88 years) compared to those with diabetes for one to five years (52.26±14.37 years) and more than five years (53.95±14.28 years)(p<0.001). The association of gender, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status with the duration of diabetes revealed a significant difference (p<0.001). Frequent urination was significantly more common in the less than one-year group 89(59.3%) compared to the one to five years 54(36.0%) and more than five years 11(7.3%) (p<0.001). Conclusion Diabetes mellitus is a very prevalent systemic disease, with various musculoskeletal and psychosocial symptoms. The frequency of these symptoms varies with respect to the duration of diabetes. In this study, we outlined the various symptoms of diabetes and their relation to the duration of diabetes. Among various symptoms, dyspnea, chest tightness, and muscle cramps increase with increasing duration of diabetes.

Effect of Telerehabilitation-Based Motor Imagery Training on Pain and Related Factors in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of telerehabilitation-based graded motor imagery (MI,GMI) training on pain and pain-related factors in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). DesignRandomized controlled, assessor-blind pilot trial with repeated measure design. SettingNeurology outpatient clinic. ParticipantsThirty-two people with MS were randomly allocated to intervention (n=16) and control (n=16) groups. InterventionsDuring 8-week GMI training period, the first 2-weeks involved implicit MI training while 6-weeks explicit MI training were conducted. Main OutcomeThe primary outcome was the general pain intensity over the past two days, assessed with Visual Analogue Scale, with a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 23 mm. Secondary outcomes included general pain and specific body parts' pain intensity over the past seven days, neuropathic pain intensity, MI ability, fatigue, depression, anxiety, quality of life, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and cognitive functions scores. Assessments were conducted at baseline, at weeks 8 (post-treatment) and 12 (follow-up). ResultsThe intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in pain intensity over the past two days compared to control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, at the 8-week assessment, the intervention group surpassed the MCID in pain intensity over the past 2 and 7 days (p<0.05), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group (p>0.05). Significant effects were observed post-treatment on general pain over the past seven days, neuropathic pain, MI ability, fatigue, depression, quality of life, processing speed, and visuospatial memory within intervention group compared to control group (p<0.05). However, the impact on anxiety, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and verbal memory between groups were not significant (p>0.05). ConclusionTelerehabilitation-based GMI training stands out as viable for management of chronic pain and pain-related psychosocial symptoms for people with MS.

Menopause and Quality of Life Among Greek Women in Rural Areas.

Introduction The World Health Organization defines menopause as the permanent termination of ovarian function and the absence of menstruation for a minimum of 12 months. A woman's quality of life and health may be affected by menopause, a physiological condition that is typically accompanied by vasomotor, physical, and psychological disorders. Also, menopausal women experience a wide range of psychological symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, sadness, and depression. Additional factors such as her marital status, financial level, educational level, physical activity, temperament, and attitude toward life greatly influence the intensity and frequency of the menopausal symptoms she will experience, as well as the level of quality of her life. Aim The purpose of this study is to evaluate the symptoms of menopause and investigate their impact on women's quality of life. Materials and methods The research was carried out in the wider region of Southern Evia. One hundred fifty menopausal women participated, and the anonymous Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was used to collect the data, which refers to menopausal symptoms and how they affect the women's quality of life. Results Among menopausal symptoms, feeling anxious or nervous (64.7%) and changes in skin appearance, texture, or tone (8%) were the most and least common symptoms, respectively. Women taking medication for various health problems had higher levels of psychosocial (p = 0.005) and physical symptoms (p = 0.003) and a higher overall MENQOL score compared to women not taking medication. The results of the present study concerning the correlation of the vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual dimensions, both with each other and with the overall MENQOL score, were statistically significant. This means that an increase in one score causes the rest to increase, thus affecting the quality of life of menopausal women overall. Conclusions Menopause is associated with multiple symptoms that affect women's quality of life. Health professionals should inform menopausal women about methods and treatments that will help them have a better quality of life. More studies should be conducted to investigate the role of demographic and social factors that affect how women perceive the severity, intensity, and resolution of menopausal symptoms.

Quality of Life and Symptoms of Hospitalized Hematological Cancer Patients.

Patients with hematological malignancies undergo intensive treatment and prolonged hospitalization, thus having a variety of physical and psychosocial symptoms and worse quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the QOL and investigate the symptoms of hospitalized hematological cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the hematology clinics and day units of two general hospitals of Heraklion, Crete. Adult patients with hematological malignancy and an adequate understanding of the Greek language participated. A demographic questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer quality assessment questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) were used. The sample consisted of 120 patients-42.5% were women, with a mean age of 65.6 years. The mean time from diagnosis was 33 months. The global health status of QoL had an average value of 47.1. The highest levels of QOL were found in the subscale of cognitive function (72.8) and the lowest in the role function (46.1). For the EORTC QLQ-C30 symptoms scale, the lowest score was found in nausea-vomiting (11.0) and the highest in fatigue (59.1). In the MDASI, in part I (core symptoms), higher levels but also medium intensities were reported at fatigue (78.3%, mean 3.5), drowsiness (65.0, mean 3.3), and distress (65.8%, mean 2.8). In part II, enjoyment of life (85.8%, mean 5.1) had the highest, and relation with other people (67.5%, mean 3.7) had the lowest scores. The increase in the severity of the core symptoms (part I) was related to females (rho = 0.193, p <0.05) and comorbidities (rho = 0.220, p < 0.05). It was also associated with a significant decrease in all functional domains and increased fatigue (rho = 0.571, p < 0.05) in the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The increased global health status was related to males (rho = -0.185, p < 0.05) and physical functioning with younger age (rho = -0.331, p < 0.05), higher education (rho = 0.239, p < 0.05), fewer months from diagnosis (rho = -0.199, p < 0.05), and low comorbidity (rho = -0.209, p < 0.05). Finally, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the total average symptom score of the MDASI was the most significant factor influencing the global health status of the EORTC QLQ-C30 (β = -4.91, p < 0.001). The increased global health status of the EORTC QLQ C30 was not significantly related (p > 0.05) to the social characteristics of the patients, such as education or employment, which requires further validation. The QoL of hematological cancer patients significantly decreases during treatments due to a considerable number of symptoms that must be taken into consideration for high-quality, individualized care.

The Psychosocial Impact of Urinary Dysfunction.

Urinary dysfunction encompasses a wide range of syndromes and symptoms and is highly prevalent among the adult population. Urinary issues have been associated with psychosocial sequelae. The interplay between psychosocial comorbidity and symptoms impacts perceived severity and treatment success. While the correlation has been described in the literature, much remains unknown. This article describes the psychosocial impact on conditions such as overactive bladder (OAB), neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). This article also highlights potential interventions for patients afflicted with both urinary disorders and psychosocial comorbidity to improve overall treatment success.

Spiritual care competences of healthcare workers in emergency and intensive care-aprospective questionnaire study

In intensive and emergency care, patients and their relatives are confronted with potentially existential crises. Spiritual care can be an additional resource to address related psychosocial and physical symptoms and to support patients and their relatives. Accordingly, healthcare workers need spiritual skills to recognize and respond to these needs. What spiritual competencies do healthcare workers in intensive and emergency care have? Are there differences between professions and genders? What factors influence spiritual competencies? The prospective questionnaire study included physicians participating in intensive care and emergency medicine courses and nurses who were training or working in intensive and emergency care. Self-reported spiritual competencies were assessed using the Spiritual Care Competence Questionnaire (SCCQ), which captures the following areas: perceptual competence, team-spirit, documentation competence, self-awareness and proactive opening, knowledge about other religions, competence in conversation techniques and proactive empowerment-competence. We included 465 physicians (50% female, years in profession: mean = 4.0, standard deviation [SD] = 3.5) and 86nurses (80% female, years in profession: mean = 12.7, SD = 10.7). The average SCC was2.3 (SD 0.4) out of amaximum of 4points, with higher spiritual competences among spiritual and religious respondents. There were differences in specific competencies between the professions and genders. Women indicated ahigher level of competence in the area of perception and conversation skills, physicians in documentation skills. Overall, there is aclear need to train healthcare staff in the field of intensive care and emergency medicine.

Living From Test to Test: A Concept Analysis of CA-125 Preoccupation in Ovarian Cancer Survivorship

Background: Ovarian cancer has a high risk of recurrence and is rarely curable. One method for monitoring recurrence is trending Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels. However, treatment based on rising CA-125 levels is controversial, often contributing to anxiety and an excessive focus on test results, described as “CA-125 preoccupation.” Objective: To present an analysis on the concept of CA-125 preoccupation. Methods: Rodgers’ method of evolutionary concept analysis was used to evaluate the attributes, antecedents, and consequences. PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL electronic databases were searched. Results: Antecedents include a diagnosis of ovarian cancer that necessitates CA-125 surveillance, awareness of CA-125 as a tumor marker, and perceived disease status. Attributes include psychosocial symptoms characterized by a fixation with CA-125 levels and symptoms of anxiety, depression, distress, and illness intrusiveness that present in a cyclical pattern. Consequences include urgency to treat rising levels and surveillance and survivorship care preferences. Conclusions: CA-125 preoccupation is characterized by psychosocial symptoms that present in a cyclical and dynamic state akin to living “test to test” or feeling suspended in a perpetual cycle of tests, driven by a desire to feel relief or prompt action. Implications for Practice: Nurses are poised to influence the patient’s experience through identification of the presence of CA-125 preoccupation and its consequences. Understanding the antecedents and attributes of CA-125 may assist with identifying women who are most at risk. What is Foundational: This research presents the first known conceptual definition of CA-125 preoccupation, which may lead to validated survey measures and improved survivorship care.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Stress Level, and Pediatric Oncology Patients' Psychosocial Symptoms and Care Satisfaction: A Prospective Non-Randomized Trial.

Studies investigating the effects of relaxation practices on nurses and patient outcomes are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on pediatric oncology nurses' stress levels, as well as the psychosocial symptoms and care satisfaction of pediatric oncology patients. A non-randomized prospective study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted, involving 112 children and 8 pediatric oncology nurses between November 2021 and August 2022. The study was conducted in 3 stages. First, the children's nursing care satisfaction and psychosocial symptoms were evaluated during the first 3 months before the MBSR intervention. Second, the nurses participated in the MBSR program for 2 months. Third, the children's nursing care satisfaction and psychosocial symptoms were assessed again 3 months after the MBSR intervention. The results showed that children who received nursing care post-MBSR had lower scores in the Psychosocial, Hopelessness, and Communication Difficulty subscales compared to those who received care pre-MBSR. Additionally, these children had higher scores in Evaluation of Quality of Care from the Children's Point of View, Psychosocial, Physical, and Information subscales. There was a significant reduction in the stress levels of nurses between the pre-MBSR and post-MBSR assessments. MBSR is an effective method for reducing pediatric oncology nurses' perceived stress levels and should be utilized to support both pediatric oncology nurses and patients in enhancing their psychosocial functioning.

Associations of diagnostic awareness with psychosocial symptoms and survival time in patients with advanced lung cancer.

Disclosing the diagnosis of lung cancer to patients is an issue, especially in the Middle East where cultural factors may prohibit disclosure from being done. The psychosocial consequences of diagnostic awareness and its impact on life expectancy of disclosure are an important issue that may influence this decision. The present study evaluated the effects of diagnostic awareness on psychosocial symptomatology and survival time in advanced lung cancer patients in Turkey. This prospective cohort study included 126 advanced lung cancer patients admitted to the oncology department between February 2021 and August 2021. A face-to-face survey included questions on age, gender, marital/employment statuses, comorbidities, and psychological symptoms (SCL-90-R). Diagnostic awareness was assessed by asking patients whether they knew their diagnosis. The correlation of diagnostic awareness with 2-year survival time was analyzed using Cox regression analysis. Of the 126 patients, 86 died at the time of follow-up. Survival time and scores on SCL-90-R symptom subscales were compared between diagnosis-aware (79.4%) and diagnosis-unaware groups (20.6%). Somatization (P = 0.04), depression (P = 0.01), hostility (P = 0.03), scores on additional symptom scales (P = 0.01), and Positive Symptom Total scores (P = 0.01) were significantly higher in the diagnosis-unaware group. No significant difference was found between diagnostic awareness and survival time (P = 0.24). Advanced lung cancer patients aware of their diagnosis experienced less psychosocial burden. However, no significant difference was found in survival time between diagnosis-aware and diagnosis-unaware patients. These findings suggest that the diagnosis should be disclosed to lung cancer patients after confirmation of diagnosis.

Prevalence of psychosocial findings and their correlation with TMD symptoms in an adult population sample

Background and aimSome studies suggested an association between Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and psychosocial status, but most of them are focused on samples of patients looking for treatment or present limits of sample representativeness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychosocial status in a large sample of adult population, further than to assess its association to TMD symptoms, oral behaviours, and self-reported facial trauma.Resultsthe study sample included 4299 subjects older than 18 years randomly recruited from general population in public spaces during their daily life (1700 Males, 2599 Females mean ± SD age = 40.4 ± 18.1). Psychosocial status and pain-related disability were assessed by means of Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4) and Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS). TMD symptoms were assessed by RDC/TMD and validated screening tools for TMD pain. Oral Behaviours Checklist was used to investigate on oral behaviours. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association of the psychosocial status, TMD symptoms, trauma, and oral behaviours. The association was tested using both univariate and multivariate models. The PHQ4 evaluation showed a severe impairment in 4.6% of our sample, moderate in 18.8% and mild in 32.5%. We found a Characteristic Pain Intensity (CPI) level and Interference Score greater that 30 respectively in 36.2% and 22.2% of the study sample. The GCPS status revealed a high disability with severe limitation in 2.5% of the sample, high disability with moderate limitation in 7.0%, low disability high pain intensity in 7.4% and low disability low pain intensity in 37.8%. Anxiety and depression’s levels were significantly associated with gender, TMD pain, coexistence of TMD Pain and sound, and oral behaviours. GCPS status was significantly associated with age, TMD Pain, coexistence of TMD pain and sound, trauma, and oral behaviours.ConclusionsIn the general population, psychosocial impairment is associated to TMD pain, female gender, and report of oral behaviours. Hence, in adults with TMD accompanied by pain, psychosocial status should also be evaluated.