Scale Short Form Research Articles

Construct Validity and Measurement Invariance of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - Short Form (DERS-SF): Further Evidence From Community and Student Samples

The current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form (DERS-SF) in Iran, including testing its measurement invariance across sexes, as well as community and student populations. Two samples were recruited: a community sample of 583 participants (58.7% female; Mage = 33.55) and a university student sample of 409 participants (67.2% female; Mage = 24.48). Besides the DERS-SF, participants completed a battery of instruments online, measuring mentalizing capacity and borderline personality features. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the tenability of the five-factor model, excluding the awareness subscale. Except for the awareness subscale, acceptable to excellent internal consistencies were found for the DERS-SF and its subscales. The awareness-excluded DERS-SF was significantly and strongly associated with relevant constructs (|rs| = .49 to .59). This study also found evidence for configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the DERS-SF across sexes and community and student populations. Our findings extended the evidence for the validity and reliability of the DERS-SF and its awareness-excluded version by administering it in Iranian samples and supporting its cross-cultural applicability.

The effect of family health on suboptimal health status: The parallel mediation role of sleep quality and health behaviour.

The prevalence of suboptimal health status has been increasing worldwide, posing a significant challenge to public health. Meanwhile, family health has been recognised as an important factor influencing individual health outcomes. However, the mechanisms through which family health affects suboptimal health status remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the parallel mediation role of sleep quality and health behaviour in the relationship between family health and suboptimal health status. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with a sample of adults >18 years old from four provinces in China. The survey questionnaires queried their demographic characteristics, family health, suboptimal health status, sleep quality, and health behaviour. We assessed family health by the Family Health Scale-Short Form and suboptimal health status using the Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire. We employed structural equation modelling to analyse the data and test the proposed mediation model. we collected 4918 valid questionnaires. The mean age of the participants was 30.1 years (standard deviation = 12.5). The correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative association between family health and suboptimal health status (r = -0.44; P < 0.001). The results of the parallel mediation analysis showed that family health had a significant indirect effect on suboptimal health status through both sleep quality (β = -0.350; P < 0.001) and health behaviour (β = -0.137; P < 0.001). The total indirect effect of family health on suboptimal health status through both sleep quality and health behaviour was also significant (β = -0.569, P < 0.001). This study highlights the significance of family health as a predictor of suboptimal health status and suggests that sleep quality and health behaviour are parallel mediators in this relationship. By understanding the role of family health, sleep quality, and health behaviour, interventions can be targeted to improve overall health outcomes.

Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life Following TEVAR with or without Revascularization of the Left Subclavian Artery

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with or without the left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization in patients with thoracic aortic diseases undergoing endovascular repair of the ishimaru zone 2. Methods: A total of 48 patients with the closure of the LSA after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) were enrolled in the study between 2014 and 2018, of whom 21 had undergone the LSA (revascularization group), and the remaining 27 cases (non-revascularization group). The study was planned as a single-center retrospective design. Data were retrieved from the patients’ files. Short form-36 scales were administered to assess quality of life. Results: There was no difference between the two groups with and without LSA revascularization in 30-day paraplegia (4.8% vs. 0.0%, p=0.449), 4-year cerebrovascular events (0.0% vs. 3.8%, p=0.998), upper extremity ischemia (9.6% vs. 0.0%, p=0.207), death (28.6% vs. 25.9%, p=0.887), rate of endoleak (23.8% vs. 29.6%, p=0.896), and length of intensive care unit stay (2.3±2.1 days vs. 2.1±1.8 days, p=0.645). Regarding the quality of life, only physical functioning was improved slightly more in the group that underwent LSA without revascularization (90.7±26.7 vs. 82.3±14.9, p=0.032). Conclusion: The current study showed no significant differences with respect to neurological outcomes, upper extremity ischemia, quality of life, and mortality among patients undergoing TEVAR with or without revascularization of the LSA.

Use of videogames, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Agressiveness in Emerging Adulthood

IntroductionInternet gaming disorder has been associated with an excessive number of hours spent playing video games, which leads to a detriment of other daily activities and interests. In addition, it is associated with personality traits such as aggression and anger. In Portugal this relations are almost unexplored.ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between video game use, internet gaming disorder and aggression.MethodsThis study was applied to a sample of 202 subjects, aged between 18 and 29 years old (M = 22.5, SD = 3.006). Subjects fulfilled a sociodemographic and viodeogame pattern questionnaire, and the Portuguese versions of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (short form), and the Buss-Perry Aggressiveness Questionnaire.ResultsIn this study 20.3% (n = 27) of the males and 5.8% (n = 4) of the females use excessively videogames, considering the screen time recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, 81% (n = 70) of the sample have a positive self-perception of their use. 21.4% (n = 45) use videogames during day, 71% (n = 49) during night and 3.8% (n = 8) during dawn. The total score for internet gaming disorder was of 15.17 (SD = 6.006), but only 1 subject (0.5%) presented probable videogame disorder considering the sutt-off points. A positive and significant correlation was found between internet gaming disorder and physical agressiveness (.32**), verbal agressiveness (.28**) and hostility (.45**). Finally, a positive correlation was found between internet gaming disorder and time spent playing video games.ConclusionsOur results, despite being merely exploratory, show us the relationship that exists between the use of video games, internet gaming disorder and aggressiveness. In that sense it is important to continue to explore internet gaming etiology and consequences.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Assessing the relationships between emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in a Tunisian University Setting

IntroductionDifficulties in emotion regulation are known to be associated with various mental health problems, particularly depression, and anxiety.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the relationship between emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in a Tunisian university setting.MethodsA cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted among Tunisian students from August to September 2023. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire, assessing sociodemographic characteristics, the Arabic version of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale short form (DRES-SF), and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21).Results A sample of 307 university students were enrolled. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.28. In the assessment of emotional regulation difficulties, participants reported a mean total score of 42.47 ± 12.68. The mean score of stress was 18.2 ± 11.36, reflecting a mild severity. Participants with higher stress levels have more difficulties in emotional regulation (r=0.658, p=0.00). Participants with depressive symptoms showed a higher DRES-SF total score (r= 0.629, p=0.00). Participants had a mean anxiety score of 15.6 ± 10.57, reflecting a severe severity. A significant correlation between total DRES-SF score and anxiety (r=0.606, p=0.00).ConclusionsOur study concluded significant positive correlations between depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress symptoms with emotion regulation difficulties.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Difficulties in emotional regulation in a Tunisian university setting

IntroductionEmotion regulation is the conscious or automatic control of emotions to adapt, cope, and maintain well-being. Effective emotion regulation is central to mental health, impacting work, and relationships. University students, facing academic pressures and social transitions, represent a unique demographic where emotion regulation challenges are particularly relevant.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the emotion regulation difficulties in university students.MethodsA descriptive study was led from August to September 2023. An online questionnaire was distributed to a population of Tunisian university students. We administered a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Arabic version of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale short form (DRES-SF), a self-report measure developed to assess clinically relevant difficulties in emotion regulation.Results Participants in this study consisted of 307 undergraduate students, with 78.1% being women and 21.9% men, representing various academic disciplines at Tunis el Manar University in Tunisia. The mean age of the participants was 22 years, with a standard deviation of 2.84.In the assessment of emotional regulation difficulties, participants reported a mean total score of 42.47 ± 12.68. Participants who repeated years in college had more difficulties in emotional regulation (p&lt;0.05). Limited access to emotion regulation strategies had a mean score of 7.64 ± 3.0, while nonacceptance of emotional responses was rated at 7.40 ± 3.17. Additionally, impulse control difficulties were reported with a mean score of 6.46 ± 3.31, and difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior were observed with a mean score of 9.44 ± 3.18. Moreover, participants expressed a lack of emotional awareness, which was quantified with a mean score of 8.45 ± 2.69, and a lack of emotional clarity, which yielded a mean score of 7.12 ± 2.69. Additionally, a significant association was noted between gender (p &lt; 0.05), age (p &lt; 0.05), and the lack of emotional awareness, suggesting potential gender and age-related variations in emotional regulation difficulties within this university sample.ConclusionsOverall, these findings suggest the necessity of emotion regulation training in the university setting. Further studies are important to understand the impact of emotional regulation difficulties.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

IJCM_13A: Effect of video based educational intervention in Gestational diabetic mothers on breast feeding self efficacy: a Randomized Control Trial

Background: Women with Gestational diabetes mellitus face a lot of challenges when it comes to breast feeding. Breast feeding self efficacy is an important factor for improving breast feeding outcomes. Objectives: To know the effect of educational intervention on breast feeding efficacy in immediate postpartum period among women with gestational diabetic mellitus using breast feeding self-efficacy scale short form (BSES-SF). Methodology: A randomized control trial was conducted between May 2022 to August 2023 in a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore. Ethics committee approval was obtained. Clinical trial registry was done (CTRI/2023/03/051176). 108 women with Gestational diabetes mellitus were enrolled in this study. Study participants were divided into control and intervention group. Intervention group were shown an informative video on breast feeding practices and techniques while both the groups were educated using flipcharts on essential newborn care. Breast feeding efficacy was scored in both the groups at admission, after intervention within 48 hours puerperium using breast feeding self-efficacy scale short form (BSES-SF) and results were analyzed. Results: The mean age group of the study was 30.15 ± 5.12. The demographic details in both the groups were comparable. The mean BSES-SF scores were 45.13 pre-intervention vs 55.15 post-intervention in the intervention group (p = &lt;0.001) while mean BSES-SF scores were 44.60 pre-intervention vs 47.53 post-intervention in control group (p = &lt;0.001). Conclusion: Video based educational intervention had a positive impact on breast feeding efficacy in women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Evaluation of the Effect of Resilience and General Quality of Life on Frailty in the Elderly

Introduction As the life expectancy at birth improved, the increase in the elderly population, one of the most vulnerable groups in society, brings about some problems. Frailty is a condition that increases the risk of progressive deterioration in physiological functioning, hypersensitivity to stress and adverse health outcomes. Frailty is quite common in older people. In frail older people, recovery from illnesses is delayed and the likelihood of sequelae is increased. If frailty is recognized early, the likelihood of disease sequelae and mortality can be reduced.Objectives This study was conducted to determine the relationship between psychological resilience and quality of life on frailty in individuals aged 65 years and older admitted to hospital.Methods The study group of this cross-sectional study consisted of 504 people who applied to an outpatient clinic at a university hospital. The Tilburg Frailty Scale, the Connor Davidson Psychological Resilience Scale Short Form and the EQ-5D-3L General Quality of Life Scale were used. The Kolmogorov-Simirnov test, the chi-square test, the Spearman correlation analysis and the multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the data.Results 292 of the participants in the study group were men. Their ages ranged from 65 to 90 years, and the mean was 70.5±4.9 years. Scores on the Tilburg Frail Scale ranged from 0 to 14, and the mean was 6.3±2.7 points. In the study, 71.1% of participants were classified as frail. It was determined that there was a moderate negative correlation between the results of the Tilburg Frailty Scale and the results of the Connor Davidson Psychological Resilience Scale (r= -0.436) and the EQ-5D-3L VAS Scale (r=-0.608) and a strong positive correlation between the results of the EQ-5D-3L Index Scale (r=0.729)(for each p&lt;0.001). According to multivariate logistic regression, people who did not exercise regularly were 2,33 times more frail than those who did, and people who had a health problem that required bed rest were 2,18 times more frail than those who did not.ConclusionsIt was found that the frailty of people aged 65 and over is at a moderate level. An improvement in psychological resilience and general quality of life as well as an improvement in general health reduces frailty. It is recommended that people aged 65 and over to be physically active and to protect from situations that may require prolonged bed rest.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Effect of Depression on Smartphone Addiction: The Medicating Effects of Interpersonal Problem in Korean Adolescents

IntroductionProblematic smartphone use is twice as common among teenagers as it is among adults. Smartphone addiction is associated with anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, impulsivity, and sleep problems, among other issues.ObjectivesTo assess whether interpersonal relationship problems mediate the relationship between smartphone addiction and depression among adolescents (ages 12-17) currently enrolled in middle and high school.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 653 middle and high school students living in Wonju, South Korea between September 1 and November 30, 2019. Depression was measured by Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). In order to evaluate smartphone addiction, the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form Version (SAS-SV) was used. To examine interpersonal problems, the Korea Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Circumplex scale (KIIP-SC) was employed. We used the dplyr package to check for skew, kurtosis, and create density plots. Scatterplots and Pearson correlation analysis were used to examine the relationships between the main variables. For the mediation analysis, we used the 8 sub-scales of KIIP-SC (Domineering, Vindictive, Cold, Socially avoidant, Nonassertive, Exploitable, Overly Nurturant, Intrusive) as mediators and conducted a mediation analysis with 10,000 bootstrap samples using the lavaan package in R, version 4.2.2. Each analysis was evaluated based on a 95% confidence interval to determine significance.ResultsDepression, interpersonal problems, and smartphone addiction exhibited significant positive correlations with each other. The direct effect of smartphone addiction was found to be significant. The association between depression and smartphone addiction was mediated by the KIIP-HI (Nonassertive), the KIIP-JK (Exploitable) and the KIIP-NO (Intrusive).ConclusionsInterpersonal problems mediate the relationship between depression and smartphone addiction. Identifying the high-risk group is essential for treatment strategy development.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Association between smartphone addiction and myofascial trigger points

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between smartphone addiction and miyafascial trigger points in university students.MethodsA cross-sectional study of university students was conducted for the purpose of this study. The participants were assessed based on age, gender, dominant side, the amount of time they spent on their smartphones, the purpose of their use, and their posture. The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form (SAS-SF) was used to determine addictes and non-addicts. The cut-off value of SAS-SF is 31 and above for male and 33 and above for female.ResultsThere were 136 participants in the study. The posture score for addicts and non-addicts ones was not significantly different (p > 0,05), but the number of trigger points, maximal bending posture and trigger points in the right levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles were significantly higher in the smartphone addict participants (p < 0,05).ConclusionsSmartphone addiction in university students is associated with postural changes and trigger points in the bilateral levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles. Public health programs should be developed to raise awareness about smartphone addiction, encourage screen breaks, and emphasize physical activity and exercise regularly.

The relationship between workaholism and perfectionism among trainee doctors

IntroductionIn the medical field, work addiction is a double-edged phenomenon. It can be regarded as a positive addiction leading to high motivation to work, but it can also have adverse mental, physical, and social consequences.ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between work addiction and perfectionism in trainee doctors.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study among trainee doctors. We used the “Work Addiction Risk Test” (WART), and “The Big Three perfectionism scale short form”.ResultsA total of 99 doctors were included. The mean age of participants was 27.6 years, with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.33. The doctors in our study worked 5.39±1.6 hours a day and were on call 3.84±2.87 times a month. Their average number of hours of sleep was less than 7 hours in 43.4 % of participants. The mean score of the WART was 61.2±14.83. Among the trainee doctors surveyed 39% were considered at high risk of workaholism. The mean WART score was significantly higher among female physicians and those who slept less than 7 hours per day on average. In addition, the average score on the WART scale was significantly associated with the number of calls per month. We found a statistically significant association between perfectionism scores and work addiction scores.ConclusionsOur study showed that work addiction is common among doctors in training and is favored by high levels of perfectionism. It is therefore essential to explore and define preventive measures to help them find a balance allowing them to aim for high standards and be able to progress, without setting unrealistic expectations, which can lead to work addiction.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The relationship between perfectionism and self-esteem among trainee doctors

IntroductionPerfectionism is often seen as a beneficial trait for trainee doctors since it means they have high standards and a drive for success. However, it demands a flawless level of performance regardless of one’s physical or mental health and well-being. Consequently, perfectionism is now viewed from a different perspective.ObjectivesWe aimed to study the impact of perfectionism among doctors in training on their self-esteem.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study among trainee doctors. The following psychometric instruments were used: The “Work Addiction Risk Test” and the “Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale”.ResultsWe included 99 doctors in training. Their mean age was 27.6± 2.2 years. The sex ratio (♂/♀) was 0.33. Most participants were single (63.6%) and of middle socioeconomic level (86%). Tobacco use was reported in 6.1% of cases, and alcohol use in 4.1% of cases. Among all participants, 58 % had low or very low self-esteem. The mean score of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was 30±5.13 and the mean score of the big three perfectionism scale short form was 41.11±13. Higher self-esteem scores was significantly associated with lower self-critical perfectionism scores.ConclusionsOur results point to the negative impact of self-critical perfectionism on self-esteem. In fact, perfectionism can hold you back, both personally and professionally. Perfectionists see their own self-worth as tied to what they achieve, and they believe that others judge them on this as well. They can never live up to the standards they set for themselves, and this can lead to a downward spiral of self-criticism and blame.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Persistent Fatigue in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Radiotherapy.

Radiation therapy has attracted much attention in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the association between radiotherapy-related fatigue and HCC has been examined in only a few studies. This study was designed to explore the change over time in fatigue in patients with HCC treated with radiotherapy and related factors. One hundred patients were enrolled in this prospective longitudinal study using convenience sampling at a medical center in northern Taiwan. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale, the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, and the psychological subscale of Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form were used to assess the symptoms at five time points: before radiotherapy (T0), during treatment (T1), and at 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) after radiotherapy. The generalized estimating equations method was used to determine the changes in fatigue and the influencing factors. Fatigue levels at T1, T2, T3, and T4 were significantly higher than that at T0. Higher fatigue was significantly associated with lower income and poorer functional status. Having worse pain levels and psychological symptoms were both associated with higher fatigue. The results indicate fatigue does not recover to the baseline (pretherapy) level by 6 months after radiotherapy. Thus, fatigue in patients with HCC receiving radiotherapy should be regularly and effectively assessed, and patients experiencing pain and psychological symptoms should be given greater attention from clinicians.

The Role of Age in the Relationship between Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation in Adults

This research aims to investigate the role of age as a moderator in the contribution of mindfulness to emotion regulation abilities in adults in Indonesia. This research used a quantitative approach with a total number of 234 partici pants, consisting of 81 young adults and 153 middle adults, with a mean score of 43.33. Data were collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form (DERS-SF) and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) questionnaires, which were distributed online. The research results show that adult individuals with low levels of mindfulness have low emotional regulation abilities, and age does not play a role as a moderator in the role of mindfulness on emotional regulation abilities. The uneven distribution based on participant domicile is a limitation that needs to be considered in future research.

Pragmatic Study Design to Assess the Effect of a mHealth Application on Empowerment of Noninsulin Treated Type 2 Diabetes People in a Low- and Middle-income Setup

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as India, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) for people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) faces many barriers. mHealth applications that combine blood glucose (BG) assessment and the provision of actionable information can help overcome current challenges. Pragmatic study protocols assessing the medical value of mobile SMBG applications to deal with LMIC-specific challenges are missing. Aims and Objectives: This study will assess the impact of a mHealth application on diabetes empowerment using the Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form questionnaire in noninsulin-treated people with T2DM in India. Methods: An observational, single-arm, prospective study will be conducted among adults (n = 100) with T2DM who have not been using a BG meter before and were on diet, exercise, or noninsulin antidiabetic therapy. After enrollment (baseline) and an 8-week control phase, the people participating in the study will receive the mobile phone-based BG assessment devices and will receive a training for the application. During the observational period of 12 weeks (20 weeks after baseline), the subjects will monitor their BG ranges with the devices and the mobile application. At baseline and weeks 8, 14, and 20, diabetes empowerment will be assessed as primary outcome. Health literacy, diabetes treatment satisfaction, and user experience, among others, will be examined as secondary outcomes. Discussion: Mobile applications have the potential to improve diabetes care due to their higher reach, but pragmatic study designs are needed to evaluate the effectiveness. Conclusions: The results of this pragmatic study will provide more patient-reported insights on the impact of mobile applications on diabetes self-management in LMIC.

Comparison of Smartphone and internet addiction and Optical Coherence Tomography findings among University students

IntroductionInternet and smartphone use that reaches the level of addiction often leads to deterioration in the quality of life and functionality of individuals.ObjectivesIn our study, we aimed to investigate possible differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and central macular thickness obtained by optical coherence tomography in internet and smartphone addiction.MethodsA total of 212 volunteer university students participated in our study. All participants were administered the Sociodemographic Information Form, Chen Internet Addiction Scale, Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form. Participants who completed the scales underwent routine eye examinations by experienced physicians in the ophthalmology outpatient clinic. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and central macular thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT).ResultsIn our study, internet addiction rate was 17% and smartphone addiction rate was 38.2%. RNFL thickness was found to be statistically significantly increased in the temporal superior and temporal inferior quadrants in those with internet addiction compared to healthy subjects (p&lt;0.05). In smartphone addiction, RNFL thickness was found to be statistically significantly increased in the temporal inferior quadrant compared to healthy subjects (p&lt;0.05). In the analyses comparing OCT measurements according to sex, it was found that nasal inferior (p&lt;0.01) and global (p&lt;0.05) quadrants in women and central macular thickness (p&lt;0.01) in men were statistically significantly increased.The correlation analyses in our study revealed statistically significant positive correlations between internet addiction scale scores (p&lt;0.01) and smartphone addiction scale scores (p&lt;0.01), RNFL temporal superior quadrant thickness (p&lt;0.01); smartphone addiction scale scores and RNFL temporal superior quadrant thickness (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionsInternet and smartphone addiction are seen considerable rates among university students. In OCT measurements, RNFL thickness was found to be increased in various quadrants in patients with addiction. In addition, RNFL thickness was found to be increased in all quadrants in female gender and central macular thickness was found to be increased in male gender. Correlation analysis revealed that internet addiction scale scores, smartphone addiction scale scores, and RNFL temporal superior quadrant thickness were positively correlated. In addition, there was a positive correlation between smartphone addiction scale scores, and RNFL temporal superior quadrant thicknessDisclosure of InterestNone Declared

Extending the Range of Measurement for Minimally Invasive Treatments by Adding New Concepts to FACE-Q Aesthetics Scales.

The Satisfaction with Face Overall and Psychological Function scales are the most frequently used FACE-Q Aesthetics module scales. This study aimed to extend their range of measurement by adding and testing new concepts. We aimed to create FACE-Q Aesthetics item libraries. In-depth concept elicitation interviews were conducted. Concepts were formed into items and refined through multiple rounds of patient and expert input. The items were tested with people living in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom who had minimally invasive facial aesthetic treatments. Participants were recruited through an online platform (ie, Prolific). Psychometric properties were examined using Rasch measurement theory analysis, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. We conducted 26 interviews. New concepts were developed into items and refined with input from 12 experts, 11 clinic patients, and 184 Prolific participants. A sample of 1369 Prolific participants completed 52 appearance and 22 psychological items. After removing 10 and 2 items respectively, the psychometric tests provided evidence of reliability with the person separation index, Cronbach alpha, and test-retest reliability values without extremes of 0.88 or more. For validity, lower scores were associated with looking older than one's age, being more bothered by facial skin laxity, treatment wearing off, and having deeper lines on Merz Assessment scales. Short-form scales formed from the 42 appearance items provide examples of item library application. This study provides an innovative means to customize scales to measure appearance and psychological function that maximizes content validity and minimizes respondent burden in the context of minimally invasive treatments.

Self-Rated Effectiveness of Ayahuasca and Breathwork on Well-Being, Psychological Resilience, Self-Compassion, and Personality: An Observational Comparison Study

Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of classical psychedelics like ayahuasca for mental health improvement. Naturalistic studies at ayahuasca retreats have shown (short-term) improvements in mental well-being but understanding the psychological mechanisms is crucial. We are interested in psychological processes such as resilience, self-compassion, and personality traits. Additionally, it is unclear whether changes are solely due to ayahuasca or influenced by the social setting. To address this, a control group participating in a breathwork session, similar to ayahuasca retreats, was included. Methods: In this observational study, individuals who attended an ayahuasca retreat (n = 69) and individuals who participated in a breathwork session (n = 30) completed an online survey one week before (baseline) and one, six, and twelve weeks after they entered the retreat/session. The survey included a series of questionnaires, i.e., the World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index, 14-item Resilience Scale, Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form, and Big Five Inventory-10. A linear mixed model (LMM) was used to analyze the outcome data. Results: It was shown that well-being, resilience, and self-compassion increased and remained stable over 12 weeks compared to baseline, regardless of group (ayahuasca or breathwork). Older participants generally reported higher resilience and self-compassion. Self-compassion was also higher in the ayahuasca group overall. Neuroticism decreased in both groups, with lower scores in the ayahuasca group. Agreeableness increased over time, also not influenced by group membership, while there were no changes in extraversion, conscientiousness, or openness. Discussion: Both interventions improved well-being, aligning with prior research. Importantly, this study unveils a novel finding: both interventions enhance resilience and self-compassion for up to three months, offering promise for conditions marked by low well-being, resilience, and self-compassion like depression and anxiety-related disorders. While acknowledging its limitations (e.g., self-selected sample, no specific information of the ayahuasca brew or the breathwork technique), it emphasizes the need for controlled studies with control groups, attention to social contexts in research on these interventions, and to assess other variables like depth of altered states of consciousness that might explain improvement in psychological processes and wellbeing.

Testing Positive for Covid-19, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment, and Covid-19-Related Anxiety: A Case of Factory Workers

Objective: This paper investigated the incidence of COVID-19 contraction, signs and symptoms, treatment, pandemic-related anxiety, and related factors in factory workers.&#x0D; Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted in a factory operating in the textile industry. No sampling was performed. The sample consisted of 287 volunteers. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form.&#x0D; Results: Less than half the participants tested positive for COVID-19 (41.1%). They were treated at home (68.6%) or in a hospital (19.5%). The most common symptoms were fatigue, joint pain, change in the sense of taste, and headache. The mean duration of home and hospital treatment was 7.00±0.00 and 12.49±6.14, respectively. Participants had a mean anxiety scale score of 7.65±3.71. Less than half the&#x0D; participants (31%) had high COVID-19 anxiety levels. The incidence of COVID-19 infection and anxiety was higher in participants who were on medication for chronic illnesses. Age and BMI were correlated with hospitalization for COVID-19.&#x0D; Conclusions: The incidence of COVID-19 infection is high among factory workers. Therefore, authorities should consider them a priority group for vaccination and provide them with training on COVID-19 risk factors and preventive measures.

The Effects of Antenatal Education on Level of Exclusive Breastfeeding in the First Two Months

Objective: Breastfeeding is a wonderful event that requires strength and dedication from mothers. Effective breastfeeding education provided to pregnant women in the prenatal period can increase the success and level of breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the effect of prenatal education intervention on the first two-month exclusive breastfeeding level.&#x0D; Method: This experimental study was carried out at a primary family health center between July 2019 and February 2020. One hundred thirty-three pregnant women were included in the study’s control and intervention groups. The Prenatal and postnatal information form, the Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) were used to collect the data.&#x0D; Results: The first two-month exclusive breastfeeding level was 33.1% in the control group and 68.7% in the intervention group (p