SAI Scores Research Articles

Effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative applications on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in youth with major depressive disorder: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Osteopathic treatments regulate the neurovegetative system through joint mobilizations and manipulations, and myofascial and craniosacral techniques. Despite the growing body of research, the precise impact of osteopathic medicine on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is not yet fully elucidated. As to Kuchera's techniques, the stimulation of the sympathetic trunk and prevertebral ganglia contributed to harmonization of the sympathetic activity. However, potential relationships between the harmonization of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis largely remain uncertain and warrant further exploration. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the osteopathic sympathetic harmonization (OSH) on the SNS and the HPA axis in youth with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study included 39 youths aged 15-21 years and diagnosed with MDD. The participants were randomly assigned into either the OSH or the placebo group. Stimulation was performed on the sympathetic truncus and prevertebral ganglia in the OSH group. The stimulation of the placebo group was performed with a lighter touch and a shorter duration in similar areas. Each participant completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (SAI and TAI) before the application. Blood pressure (BP) and pulse measurements were made, and saliva samples were taken before, immediately after, and 20 min after application. The baseline BDI (p=0.617) and TAI (p=0.322) scores were similar in both groups. Although the SAI scores decreased in both groups postintervention, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Subjects who received OSH had a decrease in α-amylase level (p=0.028) and an increase in cortisol level (p=0.009) 20 min after the procedure. Following OSH application in depressed youth, SNS activity may decrease, whereas HPA axis activity may increase. Future studies may examine the therapeutic efficacy of repeated OSH applications in depressed individuals.

The effect of interpersonal relations theory-based motivational interviews on functional remission and insight levels of patients with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundUsing therapeutic techniques and conducting motivational interviews in communication with patients with schizophrenia increases individuals' functional remission, insight, and motivation levels. AimThis single-blind, randomized controlled study examines the effect of Interpersonal Relations Theory-Based motivational interviews on functional remission and insight levels in patients with schizophrenia. MethodsThe participants of this study were 40 patients with schizophrenia randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups (20 in each group). The researchers carried out a 6-session Interpersonal Relations Theory-based motivational interview with the participants in the experimental group. Study data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia Scale (FROGS), and the Scale for Assessing the Three Components of Insight (SAI). ResultsSocial Functioning, Health and Treatment, Daily Living Skills, and SAI scores of the individuals in the intervention group were statistically higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05) in the post-intervention and follow-up measures. There was a positive and significant correlation between the post-intervention Social Functioning, Health and Treatment, Daily Life Skills, and total FROGS scores and the SAI score of the individuals in the intervention group (p < 0.05). ConclusionsIt was concluded that motivational interviews based on Interpersonal Relations Theory were effective in increasing the insights and functionality of patients with schizophrenia. Psychiatric nurses' practice of motivational interviews based on the therapeutic relationship is considered to increase the quality of care and satisfaction of patients with schizophrenia. It is recommended that this practice be used extensively in clinical practice.

The effect of virtual reality on women's perceived pain, fear, anxiety, and views about the procedure during hysterosalpingography: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHysterosalpingography is a stressful procedure that causes pain and anxiety. Therefore, measures must be taken to reduce or eliminate the pain and anxiety associated with it. ObjectivesThis paper investigated the effect of virtual reality (VR) during hysterosalpingography on pain, anxiety, fear, physiological parameters, and satisfaction. MethodsA randomized controlled trial design was used. Patients were randomized into two groups (VR group = 31, control group = 31). The study was conducted between April 26 and June 30, 2022. Anxiety was evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory. Pain, fear, and satisfaction were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were followed up. ResultsThere was a significant difference in the mean VAS scores during and 15 min after hysterosalpingography between the VR and control groups. There was no significant difference in the mean SAI scores between the groups. The VR group participants were significantly more satisfied with hysterosalpingography than the control group. There was no significant difference in physiological parameters just before, immediately after, and 15 min after hysterosalpingography between the groups. ConclusionVirtual reality helps patients experience less pain and fear and makes them more satisfied with hysterosalpingography. However, it does not affect their anxiety and vital signs. Patients are highly satisfied with VR technology.

Evaluation Of The Validity And Reliability Of The Turkish Version Of The Perceived Vulnerability To Disease Scale

The spread of communicable diseases and causing disease in many living things is defined as an epidemic. Epidemics lead to an increase in anxiety and fear levels in society. Studies show that disgust also promotes psychologically-based response behaviors that serve as the first line of defense against pathogens, especially in situations such as pandemics. All of these defensive responses are referred to as the "behavioral immune system". The behavioral immune system is involved in triggering perceived vulnerability to infectious disease (PVD). This system is hypersensitive to any sign that might represent a threat from a pathogen, thus minimizing the possibility of infection. Studies show that protective behaviors are based on perceptions of high vulnerability to the disease. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the PVD-S for Turkish society and language. The study is methodological research conducted between February and April 2021. The participants were university students studying at different faculties. In the reliability analysis of the Turkish version of the scale, the internal consistency of Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.712. Test-retest evaluation of the scale yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.882 and a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.815. When content equivalent form validity was evaluated, it was found that there was a weak and positive correlation between the SAI and PVD-S scores (r=0.268; p=0.003). The total variance explained by the scale after EFA was calculated as 56.517% and it was found that the scale items were divided into 4 sub-dimensions (infection perception, infection perception reverse-scored, germ avoidance, germ avoidance reverse-scored) using the Varimax rotation method. According to the data we obtained as a result of our study, it appears that the Turkish version of the PVD-S has sufficient psychometric properties and has adequate validity and reliability, especially in the young population.

Effects of anxiety and social support levels on the prenatal attachment of pregnant women with preeclampsia

Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the effect of the social support and anxiety levels of pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia (PE) on prenatal attachment. Materials and Methods: The study with a descriptive and case-control design was conducted on 313 pregnant women (PE=101, control=212). The data were collected by using the personal information form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (SAI-TAI), and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). Results: The scores of MSPSS in the PE group were found to be lower than in the control group while the SAI scores were found to be higher than in the control group. A positive significant relationship was found between the MSPSS total mean score and the PAI total mean score of the pregnant women in both the preeclampsia group and the control. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that preeclamptic pregnant women experience more anxiety and need more social support. It has also shown that social support is effective in increasing prenatal binding levels in both preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women. It is therefore recommended for health care professionals to evaluate the anxiety, social support, and prenatal binding levels of pregnant women at risk and especially those being followed-up at the clinic during the antenatal follow-ups.

The relationship between preoperative anxiety level, ABO blood types and birth outcomes in cesarean sections

Objective: There is a relationship between ABO blood groups, which are part of the genetic phenotype, and various psychiatric diseases. Our primer aim in this study is to examine the relationship between ABO blood groups and preoperative anxiety (POA) levels in patients undergoing elective cesarean section. The secondary aim is to determine the relationship between POA levels and birth outcomes in pregnant women.&#x0D; Material and Method: A total of 132 patients with different ABO blood groups who were scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia between August 2020 and July 2021 at the Medical Faculty Hospital were included in this prospective observational study. State Anxiety Inventory scores (SAI) were used to assess preoperative anxiety in groups A, B, AB, and O. Birth outcomes (fetal birth weight, birth sex and APGAR scores at the 1st and 5th minutes) were recorded.&#x0D; Results: There were 55 people (41.7%) in the A blood group, 43 people (32.6%) in the O blood group, 25 people (18.9%) in the B blood group, 9 people (6.8%) in the AB blood group. A total of 73/132 (55.3%) patients with SAI score &gt;40 were identified. There was no significant difference in mean SAI scores in A, B, AB and O blood groups (p=0.531). Fetal birth weight was found to be lower in patients with high SAI scores (p=0.044). &#x0D; Conclusion: There was no relationship between ABO blood groups and preoperative anxiety and birth outcomes in elective cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia, but low fetal birth weight was found in pregnant women with high anxiety. More studies with larger sample sizes in the future are needed to confirm the results of our study.

Does nutritional treatment in patients with dysphagia affect malnutrition and anxiety?

Introduction: dysphagia is common in patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD), with an incidence reported to be 35 %-50 %. Dysphagia can result in malnutrition, dehydration, and death, and negatively affects anxiety levels. Objectives: this study aimed to evaluate the effects of recommended nutritional treatment (NT) on nutritional status and anxiety levels in patients with dysphagia based on clinical and fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) tests. Methods: seventy-five patients over the age of 50 who were diagnosed with CVD, hospitalized at the Mersin City Research and Training Hospital, Neurology Clinic, from October 2019 to January 2020 were followed up for the study. The FEES test was performed to diagnose dysphagia in CVD patients. Anthropometric measurements of the patients were taken to calculate their body mass index (BMI) values. To determine a patient's daily energy and food intake, 24-h food recalls were taken, and the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) test was used to identify patients at risk of malnutrition. State (SAI)-Trait Anxiety Inventories (TAI) were used to determine instant and general anxiety levels. After patient evaluations NT was provided. All evaluations were repeated 8 weeks after NT. Our study was carried out based on a longitudinal design since we worked with the same units at two different time points. Results: post-NT SAI scores were significantly lower than pre-NT scores (p < 0.05). A moderate correlation was found between pre- and post-NT SAI scores and daily energy and fluid intake status, and between TAI scores and daily energy, fat, and fluid intake amounts (p < 0.05). Post-NT SAI scores significantly decreased with both NRS 2002 and BMI values (p < 0.05). Conclusions: this study highlights the importance of NT in improving rehabilitation outcomes of patients with dysphagia. Since exercises such as postural techniques or maneuvers, and muscle strengthening to reduce swallowing difficulties are an important part of NT for dysphagia, a multidisciplinary study is required for the management of dysphagia, and further studies are needed on this subject.

The Effects of Progressive Relaxation Exercises following Lumbar Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of progressive relaxation exercises on anxiety, pain, and sleep quality among patients who underwent surgery for lumbar disc hernia. Materials and Methods: This randomized, non-blinded, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted with 97 patients who had a lumbar microdiscectomy. On the first, second, and third day of the postoperative period, routine nursing care was performed on the control group, while additional progressive relation exercises were performed on the experimental group. Results: When the experimental and control groups were compared regarding SAI, VAS-P, and VAS-S scores before the surgery, no differences were found (p > 0.05); however, there were significant differences in the scores obtained on the mornings of the second and third days after the surgery (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Progressive relation exercises used as a supportive nursing intervention were found to reduce pain and anxiety and increase sleep quality.

Effect of reflexology on anxiety and sleep of informal cancer caregiver: Randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThe study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the short-term effect of foot reflexology on sleep and anxiety of informal caregivers. MethodThe study was a double-blind placebo-controlled study and conducted in an oncology unit of a university hospital. Participants were the informal caregivers of cancer patients. Reflexology and placebo intervention had applied for three consequent days. State Anxiety Inventory (SAI, 20–80 points) and Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ, Visual Analog Scale) was used for data collection before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS v25 software. ResultsParticipants (n = 66, 40.17 ± 13.36 years old, ten males) were caring for the patients for 7.66 ± 6.34 months. There weren't any significant differences between the groups for SAI and RCSQ scores before the interventions. The SAI scores were found 38.91 ± 5.63 in the reflexology group and 46.30 ± 11.29 in the placebo group and the RCSQ scores were found 409.55 ± 50.08 in the reflexology group and 441.82 ± 35.51 in the placebo group. There were significant differences between the groups for SAI (p = 0.004) and RCSQ (p = 0.001) scores after the intervention. It was found that reflexology has a large effect on Anxiety (f2 = 0.555) and a medium effect on sleep (f2 = 0.238). ConclusionFoot reflexology was found as an effective intervention to reduce anxiety and improve the quality of sleep of informal cancer caregivers. The effect of placebo on reducing the anxiety of informal caregivers was found, but it wasn't as effective as reflexology.

Variability in Insight Before and After Treatment in Patients with Schizophrenia

Introduction: An important component in the management of schizophrenia is insight. Schizophrenia patients that lack insight have poor clinical outcomes. Chronic patients of chronic schizophrenia lacking insight more often require hospitalisation than those recognising their illness. Poor insight is a good indicator of poor compliance and can predict the prognosis of any psychiatric patient including schizophrenia. Aim: This study was aimed at contrasting the gain in insight after treatment among various sub-groups of patients with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Acharya Vinobha Bhave Rural Hospital, Wradha, Maharashtra. The sample size was collected for a period of 1 year, during which all the patients admitted to the psychiatry ward were screened, of which 100 eligible patients with schizophrenia were identified using prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients of both sexes aged above 18 years and attendants that provided consent were included in the study. The Schedule for Assessment of Insight Scale (SAI) was used to determine the patient’s level of insight. The proportion of patients with distinct socio-demographic characteristics, clinical profile, psychiatric diagnosis and SAI scores were calculated. A paired t-test was used for elaborating the results. The p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: The changes in insight scores from the time of admission (4.15) to the time of discharge (9.28) were statistically significant and similar in both males and females and also results are statistically significant according to marital status. Significant improvement was seen in patients irrespective of their employment status or their educational status. Conclusion: This study showed that the insight changes as the patient improves during the hospital stay. This study highlights that poor insight is commonly seen in psychotic patients and the treatment considerably improves their insight.

Are treatment adherence and insight related to quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in remission?

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the association of treatment adherence, quality of life and insight among bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients who are in remission and to reveal which variables predict the treatment adherence. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study with 150 schizophrenia and 150 bipolar disorder patients in remission. The patients were administered Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Schedule for Assessing the Three Components of Insight (SAI), World Health Organization Questionnaire on Quality of Life: Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). We compared WHOQOL-BREF scores of the bipolar and schizophrenia patients. We checked the correlation between SAI scores and BPRS scores as well as between SAI scores and WHOQOL-BREF scores for both groups. We set MARS results (adherent vs. non-adherent) as a dependent variable and conducted logistic regression with all the clinical variables available to find a predictor for treatment adherence. Results: WHOQOL-BREF scores were found to be similar and positively correlated with insight for both groups. BPRS scores were found to be negatively correlated with insight for both groups. SAI treatment acceptance was found to be the only predictor of treatment adherence independent of the other clinical variables. Discussion: A strong positive rela-tionship between insight and treatment adherence suggests that treatment adherence of patients with good insight is better. The positive relationship between insight and quality of life shows that insight is an important factor in terms of quality of life and reveals the importance of insight oriented therapies.

Associations between dental anxiety and postoperative pain following extraction of horizontally impacted wisdom teeth: A prospective observational study.

The aim of the study is to identify associations between dental anxiety and postoperative pain in patients undergoing extraction of horizontally impacted wisdom teeth.A total of 119 volunteers provided demographic data, and completed questionnaires, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Chinese Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (C-IDAF)-4C, and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain.Mean SAI, TAI, and C-IDAF-4C scores were 42.5 ± 8.7, 46.4 ± 10.9, and 16.9 ± 7.2, respectively. Mean postoperative pain level score was 3.0 ± 1.8 (range: 0.3–8.4). SAI scores increased as preoperative pain levels increased (β = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62–1.98, P < .001); females had higher SAI scores than males (5.34; 95% CI: 1.74–8.95, P = .004). Multivariable analysis revealed that females, bad exodontic experience, and higher predicted pain levels were associated with higher IDAF-4C scores. SAI scores (γ = 0.611, P < .001) and TAI scores (γ = 0.305, P < .001) increased as C-IDAF-4C scores increased. Higher C-IDAF-4C scores and longer operative time were significantly associated with higher levels of postoperative pain.Specific factors are associated with anxiety and stress, and postoperative pain in patients undergoing wisdom teeth extraction. Addressing these factors preoperatively may reduce stress and anxiety, and lead to more favorable treatment outcomes.

Genetic and Environmental Relationships Between Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms and Cardiovascular Risk Estimates Among Korean Twins and Families.

We aimed to assess shared genetic correlations of depressive and anxiety symptoms with concurrent and future estimated cardiovascular risk (CVR) score in Korean twins and family members. For the relationship with Adult Treatment Panel III CVR estimate in subjects aged 30-74 years (n = 1,059, baseline and follow-up after 3.2 ± 1.2 years), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and state and trait anxiety inventory (SAI and TAI) were measured at baseline. A mixed linear model for CVR scores at baseline and follow-up was applied to include depressive and anxiety symptoms, twin and family effects, income, education, alcohol use, exercise, body mass index, and baseline CVR score for follow-up analysis. Higher CES-D scores were associated with higher CVR score at baseline in men, while higher TAI score was associated with higher CVR score at follow-up in women. Heritabilities were 0.245~0.326 for CVR score, 0.320 for CES-D score, 0.367 for TAI score, and 0.482 for SAI score. There were significant common genetic correlations in the relationships of CES-D, TAI, and SAI scores with CVR scores at baseline and follow-up (after adjusting for baseline CV risk score). Shared common environmental correlations were observed in the relationships of CES-D and SAI scores with CVR score at baseline; and SAI score with CVR score at follow-up. In the within-monozygotic twin analysis, there were no associations between CES-D, TAI, and SAI scores, and CVR score. In conclusion, shared genetic and environmental influences were observed in the relationship between depressive and anxiety symptoms with concurrent and future CVR estimates.

Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Symptom Checklist-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale.

The Symptom Checklist - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (SCL-PTSD), also known as Crime-Related PTSD Scale has been validated in survivors of interpersonal trauma in the general population. However, the psychometric properties have not been investigated in a clinical setting for patients with PTSD from diverse traumatic events. This study investigates the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the SCL-PTSD among 104 psychiatric outpatients with PTSD, caused by interpersonal (n = 50) or non-interpersonal trauma (n = 54). Self-report data of the SCL-PTSD, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were gathered. The Korean version of the SCL-PTSD showed excellent internal consistency and moderate-to-good four-week temporal stability in both the interpersonal and non-interpersonal trauma groups. In comparison with other diagnostic groups, the scores of the SCL-PTSD were significantly higher compared to those of adjustment disorder, depression, other anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia, demonstrating its criteria-related validity. Convergent validity was confirmed because the scores of the SCL-PTSD were significantly correlated with BDI, SAI and TAI scores. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by significant correlation with the IES-R score. This study demonstrated the favorable psychometric prosperities of the Korean version of the SCL-PTSD, supporting its use in clinical research and practice.

Several Factors Affecting Level of Treatment Adherence After Hospital Discharge Among Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Treatment adherence is important to enable the effectiveness of maintenance treatment for bipolar disease, which is an episodic disorder. To determine clinical and sociodemographic factors related to the treatment adherence. Firstly, 117 patients and their relatives were interviewed via telephone. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-4 and McEvoy Treatment Observation Form were applied after 12 months from the discharge. Secondly, a face to face interview was conducted with 86 of 117 patients and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), Mood Stabilizer Compliance Questionnaire (MSCQ), Drug Attitude Inventory-10 (DAI-10), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale (BMI), The Schedule for the Assessment of Insight (SAI), Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnare (BDFQ) and UKU Side Effect Rating Scale (UKU) were applied. Patients were divided into low, medium, and high compliant groups. In the group with low adherence, it was found that BDFQ, SAI and DAI-10 scores were lower and existence of psychiatric comorbidity, living alone, preserved autonomy in dosing of mood stabilizers dimension of MSCQ, YMRS score, galactorrhea and ejaculatory dysfunction, number of hospitalization, longer duration of illness were higher. Female gender, lower scores at incurability subscale of BMI, cognitive dimension of BDFQ and SAI score, existence of psychiatric comorbidity, higher scores at preserved autonomy in dosing of mood stabilizers dimension of MSCQ’s, were found as risk factors in prediction model of non-adherence performed with regression analysis. Treatment adherence is associated with many factors that should be considered carefully during a treatment management.

Derivation of indices of socioeconomic status for health services research in Asia

BackgroundEnvironmental contexts have been shown to predict health behaviours and outcomes either directly or via interaction with individual risk factors. In this paper, we created indexes of socioeconomic disadvantage (SEDI) and socioeconomic advantage (SAI) in Singapore to test the applicability of these concepts in an Asian context. These indices can be used for health service resource allocation, research and advocacy. MethodsWe used principal component analysis (PCA) to create SEDI and SAI using a structured and iterative process to identify and include influential variables in the final index. Data at the master plan geographical level was obtained from the most recent Singapore census 2010. ResultsThe 3 areas with highest SEDI scores were Outram (120.1), followed by Rochor (111.0) and Downtown Core (110.4). The areas with highest SAI scores were Tanglin, River Valley and Newton. The SAI had 89.6% of variation explained by the final model, as compared to 67.1% for SEDI, and we recommend using both indices in any analysis. ConclusionThese indices may prove useful for policy-makers to identify spatially varying risk factors, and in turn help identify geographically targeted intervention programs, which can be more cost effective to conduct.

An Exploration of the Relationship Between Spirituality and State and Trait Anger Among Medical Students.

There is a dearth of studies exploring spiritual attitudes of medical students from developing countries and its relationship to anger. This study was conducted to assess spiritual attitudes and their relationship with anger in a set of medical students in southern India. In this cross-sectional observational study, medical students who were undergoing clinical rotations were offered participation. Selected demographic data were obtained. The participants were rated using the Spiritual Attitudes Inventory [SAI, which comprises of Duke Religiosity Index, Existential Well-Being Scale (EWBS), Negative Religious Coping and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale] and State and Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2. Out of 98 students approached, 82 participated (response rate 83.6%). The mean age of sample was 20.7 years (±0.9 years) with a slight preponderance of females (54.9%). SAI scores correlated well significantly with subscale scores. Gender had no difference on the SAI or subscale score. Differences were found between self-reported religion and EWBS scores (Kruskal-Wallis χ(2) = 8.891, p = 0.012). Total SAI score had a significant negative correlation with state anger, trait anger and anger expression. High levels of spirituality may be correlated with lower levels of state anger, trait anger and anger expression in medical students.

Bir eğitim hastanesinde yatarak tedavi gören şizofreni hastalarında tedavi uyumu, içgörü ve agresyon ilişkisi / Relationship between treatment adherence, insight and violence among schizophrenia inpatients in a training hospital sample

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the correlation of violent behavior with insight, clinical symptoms and treatment adherence in patients with schizophrenia. Method: 104 randomly selected inpatients between 20 and 65 years of age, treated with a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-IV-TR criteria at Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry were included in the study. The Schedule For Assessment of Three Components of Insight (SAI), Overt Aggression Scale (OAS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Turkish forms were applied to the patients. Results: Treatment adherence was correlated with insight levels. Mean OAS scores of “non-adherent” patients were significantly higher than patients with treatment adherence. SAI scores were inversely correlated with PANSS positive and negative symptoms, but not correlated with PANSS general psychopathology scores. The OAS scores were found to be correlated with PANSS positive symptoms scores merely. There was no correlation between SAI and OAS scores. Conclusion: The results indicate that treatment adherence is correlated positively with insight and negatively with aggression. Aggression and severity of illness are correlated as well in our sample. Community-based treatment programs and psychoeducation of outpatients should be conducted to maintain treatment adherence. Thus, violent behavior could be minimized by diminishing the severity of illness.

Survey on preoperative pressure and anxiety among parents of children with congenital heart disease

Objective To explore preoperative anxiety among parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and its influencing factors in order to provide evidence to health education and nursing care. Methods A total of 144 parents of children with CHD were investigated by using STAI and self-designed influencing factors questionnaire and their SAI scores and TAJ scores were observed. Results The SAI scores of these parents were obviously higher than national norm. Mothers from 20 to 30 years old had the highest score of SAI. There was a negative correlation between mothers' SAI scores and their ages but there were no significant differences in SAI scores of parents with different educational background and different occupations. Conclusions The parents of children with CHD are suffered from anxiety. Nurses should comprehensively assess the background information and other influencing factors and provide preoperative nursing measure for parents of children with CHD. Key words: Congenital heart disease; Children; Relationships; Anxiety; Nursing

Influence of preoperative anxiety on preoperative pain and pain tolerance threshold in gynecological patients

Objective To evaluate the influence of preoperative anxiety on preoperative pain and pain tolerance threshold in gynecological patients.Methods One hundred and two ASA Ⅰ orⅡpatients aged 20-55 vr scheduled for elective gynecological surgery were enrolled in this study. According to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI)scores the patients were divided into 2 groups:high anxiety group(SAI scores≥45,n=53)and low anxiety group(SAI scores<45,n=49).Pain threshold and pain tolerance threshold were measured by electric stimulation using MEB-5100 type stimulator(Nihon Koden,Japan).Results Pain tolerance threshold Wag significantly lower in high anxiety group than in low anxiety group.There wag no significant difference in pain threshold between the 2 groups.Conclusion Pain tolerance is significantly lower in patients with high anxiety. Key words: Anxiety; Gynecologic surgical procedmms; Pain threshold