Related Psychological Distress Research Articles

The influence of children’s immigration status on households with unauthorized parents

This study sought to examine children’s immigration status as predictors of immigration related psychological distress and poverty among household with unauthorized parents. Immigration related psychological distress included stressors associated with working in United States without legal working papers and living in constant fear of deportation. Poverty was assessed by looking into income-to-needs ratio. Children’s immigration status accounted for unique significant variance for poverty. The results indicated that households with unauthorized children were more likely to experience poverty than households with mixed-status children. Similarly, household with mixed status children were more likely to experience poverty than household with documented children. Although immigration-related psychological distress initially differed by children’s immigration status, these differences disappeared after accounting for the income-to-needs ratio, highlighting poverty as a key factor in this distress. The findings that households with unauthorized parents, regardless of their children’s immigration status, face higher poverty rates and that poverty drives immigration-related distress highlights the need for policies like DAPA, which could alleviate economic hardship and mental health challenges for these families.

Unveiling factors shaping distress levels over 2.5 years of enduring adversity

In the face of global adversities such as pandemics, military conflicts, and socio-political unrest, the resilience and well-being of populations can be severely tested. This study examines the fluctuating levels of distress within the Israeli population over a period of 2.5 years, encompassing events like the COVID-19 pandemic and various socio-political and security crises. Utilizing a quasi-longitudinal design, data were collected at thirteen time-points, mirroring the demographic makeup of the Israeli Jewish adult population. Measures of psychological distress, societal and individual resilience, hope, morale, and perceived danger were assessed, alongside demographic variables. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and stepwise regression models. Distress levels displayed significant oscillations in response to adverse events. High distress was noted during the latter stages of the study, particularly following a major security incident on October 7, 2023. The regression analyses identified morale and perceived danger as consistent important associations with distress, with individual resilience also inversely related across all time points. The study reveals the dynamic nature of psychological distress in relation to a range of adversities. Morale emerged as a key buffer against distress, whereas perceived danger was a significant stressor, especially during acute- existential threats. These findings have important implications for mental health interventions and policy-making aimed at fostering resilience and mitigating distress in crisis conditions.

Minority Stress, Psychological Distress, Sexual Compulsivity, and Avoidance-Based Motivations Associated with Methamphetamine Use Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV: Examining Direct and Indirect Associations Using Cross-Sectional Structural Equation Modeling

Objective Sexual minority men (SMM) living with HIV report significantly greater methamphetamine use compared with heterosexual and HIV-negative peers. Greater use may be related to stressors (e.g., HIV-related stigma) faced by SMM living with HIV and subsequent psychological and behavioral sequelae. We tested an integrated theoretical model comprised of pathways between stigma, discrimination, childhood sexual abuse, psychological distress, sexual compulsivity, and cognitive escape in predicting methamphetamine use among SMM living with HIV. Methods Among 423 SMM living with HIV, we tested a structural equation model examining factors hypothesized to be directly and indirectly associated with methamphetamine use. Analyses were adjusted for demographic covariates and sampling bias. Results The model showed good fit (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.01). Heterosexist discrimination was associated with psychological distress (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and psychological distress was associated with sexual compulsivity (β = 0.33, p < 0.001). Sexual compulsivity was associated with cognitive escape (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), which was associated with methamphetamine use (β = 0.51, p < 0.001). Psychological distress was associated with methamphetamine use via serial indirect effects of sexual compulsivity and cognitive escape (β = 0.05, p < 0.05). Conclusions Heterosexist discrimination contributed to psychological distress among SMM living with HIV. Psychological distress is linked to methamphetamine use via sexual compulsivity and cognitive avoidance. Interventions seeking to reduce the likelihood that SMM living with HIV use methamphetamine should include coping strategies specific to heterosexism and related psychological distress.

The last straw: Exploring COVID‐19 anxiety, bullying victimization, and teacher emotional violence in Chinese adolescents' perpetrators cyberbullying

AbstractThe positive relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related psychological distress and adolescents' cyberbullying behaviours has garnered attention. Although the global COVID‐19 pandemic has ended, examining adolescents' cyberbullying behaviours in the context of this disaster and revealing the potential complex interaction effects of COVID‐19 anxiety and peer and teacher factors on adolescents' cyberbullying behaviours, especially in non‐Western cultural contexts, hold inspirational value for developing more effective prevention or intervention programs for future disasters. We examined the moderation effects of bullying victimization and teachers' emotional violence (TEV) on the association between COVID‐19 anxiety and cyberbullying among adolescents in China. Data were collected from a recruited sample of 514 junior high school students in Beijing, China. Adolescent anxiety about COVID‐19 was positively correlated with cyberbullying. The moderating effects of the TEV and bullying victimization on the association between COVID‐19 anxiety and cyberbullying among adolescents were significant. The positive link between COVID‐19 anxiety and cyberbullying was stronger among adolescents with high bullying victimization and TEV. This study offers preliminary evidence on the risk of TEV and bullying victimization in the association between COVID‐19 anxiety and cyberbullying in Eastern cultures. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

An Evaluation of the Relationship between Subjective Tinnitus Perception and COVID-19-Related Psychological Factors

Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship of tinnitus loudness, annoyance and handicap in tinnitus patients with the level of coronavirus-related anxiety, psychological distress, and fear. It was also aimed to evaluate the effects of insomnia severity and social and emotional loneliness perception on tinnitus in the pandemic period.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 112 patients over the age of 18 who were followed up in two centers with the diagnosis of chronic subjective tinnitus were included in the study. During the pandemic, the data were collected using the following tools via Google Forms: Demographic Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for tinnitus loudness and annoyance, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), Fear of COVID Scale (FCVS-T), COVID-19 related Psychological Distress Scale (CORPD), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale (SELSA-S). &#x0D; Results: A weak positive correlation was found between CAS score and VAS for tinnitus loudness and annoyance, FCVS-T, ISI, Selsa-S total scores; between FCVS-T score and VAS for annoyance, CORPD, ISI scores; and, between CORPD and THI, ISI scores (p

Adapting for Well-Being: Examining Acculturation Strategies and Mental Health among Latina Immigrants

This study investigates how assimilation and integration, two commonly studied acculturation forms, help immigrant Latinas cope with acculturative stress and related psychological distress. It employs the Ecological Framework for Understanding Immigration (EFUI), merging Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the Socioecological Model as a comprehensive approach. Through multigroup analysis, various factors significantly affect the psychological distress of immigrant Latinas, including financial constraints, contentment with migration decisions, age, and adherence to familial values. Acculturative stress relates to English proficiency, racial discrimination experiences, U.S. residency duration, and contentment with the migration choice. The moderating effects of assimilation and integration vary, influencing psychological distress and acculturative stress differently in each group. In conclusion, this study uncovers complex coping mechanisms used by immigrant Latina individuals facing acculturative stress and highlights the protective role of assimilation, the importance of familismo, the impact of financial constraints, and the significance of racial discrimination. This finding underscores the need for mental health interventions to respect and incorporate Latinx individuals’ cultural values and beliefs, promoting positive mental health outcomes.

Exploring the Application of the Body Image Concern Inventory Scale in Diverse Research Studies

Purpose:- Body Image Concern Inventory Scale (BICI), was established by Danny Axsom, Heather L. Littleton and Cynthia L. S. Pury in 2005 to recognize the increased prevalence of body dissatisfaction and related psychological distress. The study employs assessment of the Body Image Inventory Scale used in various researches and literature articles to gather rich, in-depth insights of its reliability and validity. Methodology: The objective of this study is to delve into the intricacies of the topic at hand in 30 research articles and literatures done over 15 years. Researchers will investigate the body image perceptions and related psychological factors in various articles available online, shedding light on their potential areas of distress related to body image in female &amp; male genders across all ages. Findings: The study provides a holistic understanding of the various researches done about body image with the help of BICI scale. The findings of this study establishes that the BICI scale proves to be a robust and dependable instrument for estimating dysmorphic apprehension in people. The scale exhibits high levels of reliability and validity, and is user friendly indicating its suitability for use in various research articles and clinical background. Originality/Value: The study reviews 30 cases using BICI scale to evaluate Body dysmorphic behaviour done in last 15 years. Paper Type: Review of prevailing literature

Overexpression of EphB2 in the basolateral amygdala is crucial for inducing visceral pain sensitization in rats subjected to water avoidance stress.

Basolateral amygdala (BLA), as a center for stress responses and emotional regulation, is involved in visceral hypersensitivity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) induced by stress. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of EphB2 receptor (EphB2) in BLA and explore the underlying mechanisms in this process. Visceral hypersensitivity was induced by water avoidance stress (WAS). Elevated plus maze test, forced swimming test, and sucrose preference test were applied to assess anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Ibotenic acid or lentivirus was used to inactivate BLA in either the induction or maintenance stage of visceral hypersensitivity. The expression of protein was determined by quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot. EphB2 expression was increased in BLA in WAS rats. Inactivation of BLA or downregulation of EphB2 in BLA failed to induce visceral hypersensitivity as well as anxiety-like behaviors. However, during the maintenance stage of visceral pain, visceral hypersensitivity was only partially relieved but anxiety-like behaviors were abolished by inactivation of BLA or downregulation of EphB2 in BLA. Chronic WAS increased the expression of EphB2, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), and postsynaptic density protein (PSD95) in BLA. Downregulation of EphB2 in BLA reduced NMDARs and PSD95 expression in WAS rats. However, activation of NMDARs after the knockdown of EphB2 expression still triggered visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors. Taken together, the results suggest that EphB2 in BLA plays an essential role in inducing visceral hypersensitivity. In the maintenance stage, the involvement of EphB2 is crucial but not sufficient. The increase in EphB2 induced by WAS may enhance synaptic plasticity in BLA through upregulating NMDARs, which results in IBS-like symptoms. These findings may give insight into the treatment of IBS and related psychological distress.

Self-compassion and parenting efficacy among mothers who are breast cancer survivors: Implications for psychological distress.

Mothers who are breast cancer survivors may experience psychological distress in relation to diminished parenting efficacy. Self-compassion may protect mothers from psychological distress, yet little is known about self-compassion in this population. The extent to which self-warmth (self-kindness, mindfulness and sense of common humanity) and self-coldness (self-judgement, isolation and over-identification) dimensions of self-compassion moderate parenting efficacy in predicting depression, anxiety and stress was examined in a sample of 95 mothers who were breast cancer survivors. Independently, poorer parenting efficacy was associated with more depression and stress symptoms. Within regression models, self-coldness was a direct predictor of depression, anxiety and stress, while self-warmth moderated the relationship between parenting efficacy and stress. Self-warmth presents as a potential protective factor for stress associated with poor parenting efficacy, while self-coldness is a potential direct risk factor for psychological distress. Mothers who are breast cancer survivors may benefit from self-compassion focused psychosocial interventions.

Consequences of workplace bullying among nurses in Ghana: Does resilience matter?

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of workplace bullying on nurses' psychological distress and the quality of care as well as the impact of resilience in mitigating the negative effect of workplace bullying. DesignA cross-sectional survey design was employed to study the phenomenon among a purposive sample of 326 nurses in the Ghanaian healthcare sector with self-administered questionnaires for data collection. Data was analyzed using IBM’s Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 and Process Macro Version. ResultsThe study found evidence that bullied nurses in hospitals often suffer from psychological distress. Results also demonstrate a negative link between workplace bullying and the quality of care delivered by nurses. Furthermore, the study found that resilience moderated the workplace bullying and nurses' psychological distress relationship, however, resilience is not a significant moderator in the workplace bullying and quality of care relationship. OriginalityThe study advances our understanding of workplace bullying's consequences for nurses in the Ghanaian healthcare sector. It underscores the importance of addressing workplace bullying, offering practical recommendations for healthcare administrators and managers. Fostering personal resources like resilience is crucial to empower nurses in facing the challenges of their workplace environment effectively.

Exploring the psychological inflexibility – Psychological distress relationship in Black veterans

Previous research has shown that veterans have higher rates of mental health concerns compared to non-veteran populations. A potential risk factor for the development of mental health concerns (i.e., depression & anxiety), particularly in Black veterans, is psychological inflexibility. Psychological inflexibility, a component of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), is a process by which behavior is expressed in ways that attempt to control emotional and psychological reactions to uncomfortable stimuli and situations rather than by direct contingencies or personal values. The present study explored the relationship between psychological inflexibility, symptoms of depression, and symptoms of anxiety in a sample of 524 Black veterans in the United States. Results demonstrated that Black veterans who endorsed psychological inflexibility also endorsed higher levels of both depression and anxiety symptomology. These findings indicate the deleterious consequences of experiencing psychological inflexibility, which could be treated through ACT.

Internet Addiction among Undergraduate Medical Students and Its Relationship with Alexithymia, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in an Indian Medical College: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Context: Internet addiction (IA) is a rising issue, particularly among university students. The presence of comorbid psychiatric distress can worsen the impact of IA on academic and social functioning. Alexithymia, difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions may play a role in this relationship. Aims: This study aimed to assess the severity and association of IA, psychological distress, and alexithymia among undergraduate medical students in India. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study of 380 undergraduate medical students following convenience sampling, studying in Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI), Mysuru. Subjects and Methods: Sociodemographic details were collected, and participants completed the Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT-20), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20). Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-20. Descriptive statistics expressed as frequencies, means, and percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Chi-square test to find out the association between two categorical variables. Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to find the correlation involving ordinal variables. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;.05. Results: About 45.7% were aged 18–20 years, male (58.4%), and from urban areas (54.2%). On IAT, 26.6% showed mild addiction, 11.6% had moderate addiction, and 1.3% had severe dependence. Psychological distress with 42.1% experienced depression, 42.4% anxiety, and 20.0% stress symptoms. In addition, 25.0% were classified as alexithymia. Significant correlations were found between grades of depression, anxiety, stress, and alexithymia with gender, residence, psychiatric illness in family, substance, and Internet use. Conclusions: The study population revealed a high prevalence of IA and psychiatric distress among undergraduate medical students. These findings highlight the need for interventions and support services targeting IA and related psychological distress among medical students.

Psychological distress and mental health care utilization among Hispanic/Latino survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer

AbstractPurposeSurvivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer experience psychological distress and insufficient access to mental health care. Few studies have investigated racial/ethnic disparities in psychological health outcomes in this population. This study compared psychological distress, mental health care use, and inability to afford mental health care between Hispanic/Latino survivors of AYA cancer and Hispanic/Latino controls.MethodsThe National Health Interview Survey data (2010–2018) were analyzed to identify Hispanic/Latino survivors of AYA cancer and Hispanic/Latino age‐ and sex‐matched non‐cancer controls. Sociodemographic, chronic health, modifiable factors, and psychological outcomes were compared using chi‐square tests. Logistic regression models with survey weights were used to assess the log‐odds of psychological distress in relation to covariates, along with the cancer group. Interactions were evaluated between each variable and cancer group.ResultsThe study included 370 Hispanic/Latino survivors of AYA cancer (mean time since diagnosis = 12.34 years) and 3700 Hispanic/Latino controls. Compared to controls, survivors were more likely to report moderate/severe distress (OR = 2.23, p &lt; 0.001), use of mental health care (OR = 2.11, p &lt; 0.001) and inability to afford mental health care (OR = 3.05, p &lt; 0.001). Forty‐one percent of survivors reported moderate/severe distress and only 16% utilized mental health care. Among survivors, having more than two chronic health conditions and public insurance (compared to private insurance) were associated with the presence of moderate/severe distress. Among survivors experiencing moderate/severe distress, lack of insurance was associated with decreased utilization of mental health care.ConclusionsHaving cancer as an AYA may exacerbate disparities in psychological health within the Hispanic/Latino population.

Heart Failure Family Caregivers' Perspectives of Physical Activity Engagement: A Qualitative Study.

Research on caregiver burden and related psychological distress has been widely studied. However, little research has focused on perspectives and experiences of older family caregivers of persons with heart failure on engaging in physical exercise to improve their health and wellness. We investigated barriers and facilitators influencing physical activity engagement for older family caregivers of persons with heart failure through a qualitative descriptive study design utilizing participant interviews. The social cognitive theory framework guided the thematic analysis. Identified themes and subthemes that emerged were centered around the framework's interrelated personal, environmental, and behavioral factors. Self-efficacy emerged as a central construct facilitating engagement in physical activity. The older family caregivers embraced technology for physical activity interventions more readily since the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged increased technology use. The age-related and caregiving barriers to physical activity found in this study highlight considerations for an older family caregiver and guide interventions for future family caregivers' engagement.

The Role of Resilience as an Emotional Protective Factor to Mental Fatigue During the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Experience of Undergraduate Medical Students in Oman

The impact of COVID-19 on mental health across the globe has been colossal. Student mental health and well- being during the pandemic has caused increasing concern due to the drastic transition to online classes, lowered opportunities for socialization and stress related to COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of mental fatigue among undergraduate medical students at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (COMHS), National University of Science and Technology, Sultanate of Oman and study the impact of resilience as a protective factor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicated that participants experienced mild levels of mental fatigue. Normal levels of resilience capacity were seen among medical students. Significant negative correlation was seen between Mental Fatigue and Resilience. Linear regression analysis indicated that gender was a moderate predictive factor in the experience of mental fatigue. Post-lockdown survey results indicated that medical students continued to experience signs of mental fatigue, though restrictions have eased. They also continued to exhibit normal levels of resilience capacity. Students at the COMHS experienced mild levels of mental fatigue during the pandemic lockdown period. Normal level of resilience capacity effectively contributed as an emotional protective factor. Medical students continue to experience mild levels of mental fatigue, though lockdown restrictions have eased. Enhancing campus-based counselling support services to target COVID-19 related psychological distress and improve resiliency capacity is vital.

Psychological Distress During COVID-19 Confinement in Persons After Metabolic Surgery

Background: People suffering from obesity often experience distress and psychopathological symptoms that decrease after undergoing metabolic surgery; the confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the whole population in this regard. Given that individuals undergoing metabolic surgery are at increased risk of developing these disorders, it is important to identify them in order to prevent or treat them appropriately. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between COVID-19-related psychological distress and psychopathological symptoms in people who underwent metabolic surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 102 participants more than six months after undergoing metabolic surgery. Sociodemographic information was collected, as well as psychological distress related to COVID-19 and psychopathological symptoms measured using the SCL-90R. A Structural Equation Model was developed to evaluate the effects and correlation between variables. Results: 90.2% of the participants were women, 84% had undergone gastric sleeve surgery while the rest had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The model obtained showed a significant correlation between the subscales of the SCL 90-R and COVID-19 related psychological distress and both were negatively correlated with the age of the participants. The COVID-19-related psychological distress factor had a significant effect on fear of contagion, perception and knowledge of risk of contagion, with risk perception being the most explained with 95.8% of variance explained. In addition, the final model showed adequate goodness-of-fit indicators. Conclusions: Psychological distress caused by pandemic and confinement is evidenced by higher scores on the SCL-90R instrument in persons with metabolic surgery. However, further studies and psychometric testing with more homogeneous samples in terms of sex and surgical technique are required.

Introduction: IJCAR – 2022 Issue

Dear readers,&#x0D; I am pleased to introduce the 2022 Issue of the International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience (IJCAR). This issue includes: six regular articles on varying aspects of hardships and resilience in different populations; three scoping review papers on trauma and maltreatment; two clinical interventions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic; and one brief report on implementing trauma informed care.&#x0D; In particular, the six regular articles shed light on hardships experienced by differing populations and their resilience. Firstly, Blais et al. examined experiences of family victimization of sexual and gender minority adolescents and emerging adults, and the factors promoting well-being and resilience. Secondly, Drawson and colleagues implemented a measurement tool that was used to assess the well-being of First Nations children. Thirdly, Langevin and colleagues investigated the role of family relationships and psychological distress in relation to four child maltreatment subtypes, as well as child abuse potential in young mothers in their prospective longitudinal study. Fourthly, Mueller et al. aimed to examine children and adolescents’ emotional and mental experiences after enduring a sport-related concussion, with intentions to help athletes during their recovery. Fifthly, Romano and Stenason emphasized two in-service training programs to help provide support to resource parents for their work as caregivers. Finally, Summers and Van Camp aimed to gain insight into young adults’ experiences during adolescence with education on sexual consent and coercion, with intentions to obtain their perceptions and provide possible curriculum improvement.&#x0D; Furthermore, the 2022 issue of IJCAR also includes three scoping review papers that examined trauma and maltreatment. This section focused on bridging gaps in the literature related to: identifying theoretical or conceptual frameworks which have been utilized when explaining victim-to-victim cycles of maltreatment (Marshall et al.); exploring youth with adverse childhood experiences (Wei et al.); and determining the relationship between self-compassion and psychological distress, and how this differs across child maltreatment types (Wong et al.).&#x0D; The current issue further denotes the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with two clinical intervention studies. Berthelot and colleagues evaluated the acceptability of the STEP-COVID program, which is an online synchronous prenatal intervention to support wellness, mentalization, and resilience during the pandemic. Santavicca and colleagues emphasized an intervention focused on mitigating COVID-19 vaccine tension in schools, while also proposing prevention and interventions for conflicts surrounding COVID-19 vaccination.&#x0D; Finally, the issue ends with a brief report by Huartson et al., regarding the implementation of a pilot trauma-informed care initiative with intentions to foster resilience in a maternity care clinic, which focused on determining barriers and facilitators for family physicians, when questioning patients about their adverse childhood experiences. Thus, we encourage you to read these various articles to obtain rich information about ongoing research in the field of resilience.&#x0D; I wish to also take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the members of the IJCAR team for their continuous and dedicated work in the editing and publishing process. Particularly, I wish to thank our associate editors, Dr. Tara Black, Dr. Delphine Collin-Vézina, Dr. Isabelle Daigneault, and Dr. Rachel Langevin; managing editor, Catherine Moreau; layout editor, Manon Robichaud; and senior copyeditors, Andréanne Fortin and Teresa Pirro, all of which have done a terrific job in their varying roles. I also want to take this opportunity to welcome Dr. Nicole Racine as a new associate editor. We hope you enjoy reading the current issue!&#x0D; This is also a friendly reminder to prepare your manuscripts for the next issue. Please submit your manuscripts in English, or in French, and feel free to forward this information to colleagues and students who may be interested. We look forward to your manuscripts and to the next issue of IJCAR.&#x0D; Happy reading!&#x0D; Martine Hébert, Editor-in-Chief

STUDY OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY &amp; STRESS AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS OF HOSPITALIZED COVID-19 PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL GUJARAT.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused mental health issues along with physical, social, and economic issues in both patients and their relatives.COVID-19-positive patients were hospitalized in isolation with no or limited access to relatives. These conditions may have contributed to signicant psychological distress in relatives and this study was designed to assess the same. Objectives: To nd the prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Relatives of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative tertiary care hospital-based study was conducted after approval from Institutional Human Ethics Committee. Relatives of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were assessed by purposive sampling method using Semi-Structured Performa including socio-demographic details, illnessrelated details, and DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale-21) via a telephonic mode of interview. Results: A total of 200 relatives of COVID-19 positive turned negative patients were interviewed on the rst day of the COVID 19 negative report. Majority of participants were male,mean age 41 years,literate,married &amp; having rst degree relation with the patient. The prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress was 12%. On individual parameters, Depression, Anxiety and Stress was found 25%,21%,and 20% respectively. Female relatives were signicantly associated with depression (χ2= 8.689,P=.003) &amp; anxiety(χ2= 5.790,P=.016) where as longer hospitalization was signicantly associated with anxiety(χ2= 10.216,P=.006) and stress(χ2= 8.936,P=.011). Conclusions: Relatives of COVID-19 patients had a signicant amount of psychological stress. Female gender of relatives and longer duration of hospitalization of patients were important predictors

MEASURING THE LEVEL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND ITS IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG INFERTILE WOMEN IN SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

This research study was planned to check the level of psychological distress in relation with the infertility among women. This study also explored the impact of this psychological distress with the level of quality of life among women. In this connection, a sample of (N=284) was approached by using purposive sampling technique. To measure the variables two valid and reliable scales were administered and the collected responses were further analyzed by using SPSS. The results revealed that the infertile women were facing moderate level of psychological distress. Both the level of depression and anxiety were at moderate level among the infertile women. Similarly, the quality of life was lower among infertile women. The analysis also showed that the women with anxiety and depression scored lower quality of life scale. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between psychological distress i.e. depression and anxiety with the level of quality of life among infertile women. On the basis of results, the study concluded that infertile women are suffering from anxiety and depression with lower level of quality of life. Hence, there is a dire need to address this issue and implement some interventions to reduce the level of psychological distress and uplift the quality of life of infertile women in south Punjab, Pakistan. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Infertility, Quality of life, Psychological distress.

Psychological distress in relation to blood pressure among Andhra Pradesh state road transport corporation bus drivers, Vijayawada

Background: One of the major health problem worldwide is elevated blood pressure (BP). Prior research had shown that hypertensives experience psychological distress, although pre-hypertensives have not yet been subject to this research. Objectives were to assess the major risk factors of increasing BP among bus drivers and to assess psychological distress in relation to BP levels. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among Bus drivers aged above 20 years, study was carried out between July to October of 2022, a sample of 135 was taken. Inferential statistics such as Pearson Chi square test and an unpaired independent-sample t-test was used to assess the difference between pre-hypertensive and hypertensive individuals on GHQ score. Results: In the present study (n=135), 47% were normotensive, 34% were in hypertensive stage and 19% were in pre-hypertensive stage. On assessment of psychological distress in relation to BP among bus drivers the mean of (General health questionnaire) GHQ-12 was found to be 17.57 among hypertensives and 17.86 among pre-hypertensives. Two tailed significance value of 0.768 was observed between pre-hypertensive and hypertensive individuals indicating that psychological distress had significant effects. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was among bus drivers, leading to cardio vascular diseases which in turn causes increased morbidity and mortality, lowering individual productivity and having an impact on the national economy. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases should be monitored by lifestyle changes and periodic screenings.