Well-being Scores Research Articles

Joint music sessions, parents, and their lesbian and gay young adult children: Effectiveness on the ‘coming out’ process, relationships, and wellbeing

‘Coming out’ can be a psychologically challenging event and parental acceptance is often a prime concern. This article reports a study on the impact of music sessions delivered online and jointly for dyads of parents and their young adult children with lesbian and gay sexual identities in improving parental acceptance of sexual orientation, parent adult relationships, and wellbeing, compared to a waitlist control group. The music sessions were effective (Hedges’ g= −0.91 to 0.67; p < 0.05) and participants with higher formal education (postgraduate or professional degree), and whose intervention compliance was higher (>50% music sessions attended and homework sessions completed), were reported higher post-test scores on perceived parental support on sexual orientation, positive dimensions of parent adult relationships (warmth or affection, thoughtfulness, doing favors, and support of decisions made), and wellbeing, and lower post-test scores on negative dimensions of parent adult relationships (anger/hostility, insensitivity, demanding favors, and doubts on decisions made). Actor-partner interdependence models suggested that post-test outcome scores of parents and young adults were mutually interdependent and associated. With adequate emphasis on program compliance and some refinements for participant dyads with less formal education, music sessions enhance relationality and can be an effective family-based intervention for persons with diverse sexual identities.

Investigating the Spiritual Well-Being of Employee Nurses in the Hospitals of Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2022

Background: In recent decades, spiritual well-being has gained fundamental importance in many healthcare environments. Spiritual well-being is important information about healthcare needs, allowing people to deal with mental stress. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the spiritual well-being of nurses working in Birjand University of Medical Sciences hospitals in 2022. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 354 nurses working in the hospitals of the University of Medical Sciences in Birjand City in 2022 were selected by proportional stratified random sampling, and they completed the questionnaire related to demographic information and the standard questionnaire of spiritual well-being. Data were analyzed by SPSS v26 software and ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, Pearson correlation, and chi-square at 0.05 significant level. Results: The mean age of the nurses participating was 35.76 ± 7.29 years, and the mean total score of nurses' spiritual well-being was 180.55 ± 16.95. Most of the people in the field of communication with God (78.5%), self (58.8%), others (75.1%), and nature (78.5%), and the total score (52%) were in the medium level of spiritual well-being. There was a significant direct correlation between all dimensions of spiritual well-being (P &lt; 0.001). Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between the mean score of spiritual well-being and age, employment status, and workplace hospital (zage = 7.76; z employment = 18.95; z workplace = 18.62; P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Considering that the nurses were medium in terms of spirituality and spiritual well-being, it is suggested to hold educational workshops to improve the level of spiritual well-being of nurses.

Interest of acellular dermal matrices in immediate breast reconstruction: Comparison of quality of life and complications with and without matrix

Since 2001, acellular dermal matrices have been increasingly used in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) because they allow for the placement of the ideal-sized definitive implant in one step. They are used in both retropectoral and prepectoral prosthetic breast reconstructions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dermal matrices on the quality of life and on complications. Two surveys were used to evaluate the quality of life: the BREAST-Q V2.0© and the QuickDASH. The surveys were sent to all patients who had an immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction at a University Hospital Center from 2010 to 2020. A case-control study was performed for comparison of responses between the "Matrix+" and "Matrix-" groups. Seventeen IBR with matrix (23.6%) and 55 IBR without matrix (76.4%) were analyzed. Patients in the "Matrix+" group had a better quality of life in terms of sexual well-being (p=0.038) and a significantly lower QuickDASH (p<0.01). They had better breast satisfaction (p=0.016) and better implant satisfaction (p<0.01). The likelihood of encountering major complications later in time was more important in the group with matrix (p=0.04). We found a satisfactory quality of life with scores of sexual well-being and satisfaction with the breast and the implants, and a better satisfaction with care thanks to the use of the matrices. However, due to a higher number of major late complications and a lack of follow-up, we believe that immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction with matrix should be discussed according to the comorbidities, medical treatments, and the vitality of the skin flaps of each patient.

Can Waist-to-Height Ratio and Health Literacy Be Used in Primary Care for Prioritizing Further Assessment of People at T2DM Risk?

To identify people at risk of type 2 diabetes. Primary health care needs efficient and noninvasive screening tools to detect individuals in need of follow-up to promote health and well-being. Previous research has shown people with lower levels of health literacy and/or well-being scores are vulnerable but may benefit from intervention and follow-up care. This cross-sectional study, aimed to identify people at risk for type 2 diabetes by comparing the Finnish Diabetes Risk instrument with the waist-to-height ratio. Further, the difference was examined in health literacy and well-being scale scores in the countryside versus town areas, respectively. In total, 220, aged 18-75 years, participated. Thereof, 13.2% displayed biomarkers at prediabetes level of HbA1c (39-47 mmol/mol); none had undiagnosed diabetes. Of the participants, 73% were overweight or obese. Waist-to-height ratio demonstrated 93.1% of the prediabetes group at moderate to high health risk and 64.4% of the normal group, with an area under the curve of 0.759, sensitivity of 93.3%, and specificity of 63.1%. Residency did not influence prediabetes prevalence, health literacy, or well-being. Waist-to-height ratio and the Finnish Diabetes Risk instrument may be suitable for identifying who need further tests and follow-up care for health promotion in primary care.

The Relationship Between Spiritual Well-Being and Post-Traumatic Growth in Turkish Patients Undergoing Solid Organ Transplantation.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between spiritual well-being and post-traumatic growth in solid organ transplant patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 366 patients who presented to the organ transplantation polyclinic of a university hospital between September 2021 and February 2022 in Turkey. The mean Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and Spiritual Well-Being Scale scores of solid organ transplant patients were 81.33 ± 20.28 and 37.18 ± 8.69, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between post-traumatic growth and spiritual well-being. According to linear regression analysis, spiritual well-being, gender, marital status, transplanted organ, donor type, and previous mental disorders were statistically significant predictive factors that affected post-traumatic growth. Spiritual well-being was an important variable that affected post-traumatic growth in solid organ transplant patients. Therefore, healthcare providers can provide individualized psychosocial-spiritual care and counseling services that increase post-traumatic growth in patients after organ transplantation.

Intervention Effect of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Based on Empowerment Theory on Loneliness in Obese Children.

Obesity, one of the independent risk factors affecting children's physical and mental health, has become a serious public health problem in the 21st century. Given physical anxiety and other psychological factors, obese children experience negative impact on their mental health and intellectual development from their loneliness, unwillingness to communicate with others, and lack of peer interaction. Therefore, exploring an effective psychological intervention model that can relieve loneliness in obese children is necessary. From February to October 2022, a quasi-experimental study was conducted on obese children recruited from communities in Harbin, China. The children recruited were evaluated with the UCLA Loneliness Scale. According to the evaluation results, one hundred and five children were selected and randomly divided into experiment group (52) and control group (53). The experiment group was given an eight-week solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) intervention based on empowerment theory. The control and experiment groups were measured and compared before and after the intervention. The loneliness score of the experiment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.001). The self-efficacy score of the experiment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.001). The subjective well-being score of the experiment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.001). SFBT intervention based on empowerment theory has an effective intervention effect on loneliness in obese children and can improve their subjective well-being and self-efficacy. The results of this study provide a new perspective for the intervention on psychological problems in obese children.

Teaching Provider Wellness and Physician Assistant Student Well-Being.

The purpose of this novel study was to determine whether any association exists between student well-being and physician assistant (PA) program approaches to teaching provider health and well-being (provider wellness). Data were sourced from 3 PA Education Association surveys. Data from the 2019 Matriculating Student and End of Program Surveys (EOPS) were analyzed to compare student-reported well-being across 6 measures. Next, data from the 2019 Didactic Curriculum Survey were assessed and matched to the 2019 EOPS data. Finally, generalized estimating equation models were used to assess the independent effects of course structure, mode of instruction, and contact hours on well-being scores among end-of-program students (within one month of graduation). While levels of well-being were generally favorable, except for "level of social activity" ( P = .20), across measures, graduating student levels of well-being ( P < .05) were statistically significantly lower than matriculating student levels of well-being. No associations were found between levels of student well-being and whether programs reported teaching or not teaching provider wellness. Some aspects of instruction (eg, contact hours) were inconsistently associated with various well-being measures. In this study, no consistent associations between approaches to teaching provider wellness and various measures of student well-being were identified. Further research is needed to determine what approaches to promoting wellness are effective.

Maternal Well-Being in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Practices: Findings from the ROLO Study.

Low mood is common during the perinatal period, which may negatively impact breastfeeding practices. Exploring predictors of successful breastfeeding is a health priority area. This study investigated if maternal well-being during pregnancy is associated with breastfeeding practices. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial of a low glycemic index diet in pregnancy. A total of 610 secundigravida women were recruited in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Data on maternal education attainment, early pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and age were collected from hospital records. Well-being was self-reported by mothers between 10 and 28 weeks' gestation using the World Health Organization 5-Item well-being index. Scores were transformed to give percentage well-being. Mothers recorded breastfeeding practices at hospital discharge and at the study follow-up appointments. Chi-squares and independent t-tests determined initial differences in breastfeeding practices. Multiple and logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders. Average maternal age was 32.7 years; average BMI was 26.6 kg/m2, and 56% had achieved third-level education. The average well-being score was 58.2%. In unadjusted analysis, high well-being scores were associated with exclusive breastfeeding (56.2% breastfed vs. 46%, breastfed p < 0.03). After adjusted analysis, these associations were no longer significant (odds ratio: 1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.01). No other associations were found. Our findings indicated 25% of pregnant women in the first trimester reported low well-being scores. Associations between maternal well-being and breastfeeding patterns were explained by maternal age and education level, suggesting low mood may not be a barrier to breastfeeding initiation or duration. This trial is registered at: https://www.isrctn.com/ ISRCTN54392969. · Well-being during pregnancy is often diminished and the WHO 5-Item well-being index is a useful measure in clinical settings to assess maternal well-being.. · Breastfeeding is a high-priority research area, particularly in an Irish setting.. · Well-being was not related to breastfeeding, however age, BMI and education were the main predictors of low well-being during pregnancy..

Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes Comparing Oncoplastic Breast Surgery and Conventional Breast-Conserving Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) combines plastic surgery techniques with conventional breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and expands BCS eligibility. Limited data are available on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after OBS. Here we compare long-term PROs after OBS and BCS utilizing the BREAST-Q. Women undergoing OBS or BCS between 2006 and 2019 who completed ≥ 1 long-term BREAST-Q survey 3-5 years postoperatively were identified. Baseline characteristics were compared between women who underwent OBS/BCS. Women who underwent OBS were paired with those who underwent BCS using 1:2 propensity matching [by age, body mass index (BMI), race, T stage, and multifocality]. BREAST-Q scores were compared preoperatively and 3-5 years postoperatively. A total of 297 patients were included for analysis (99 OBS/198 BCS). Women who underwent OBS were younger (p < 0.001) and had higher BMI (p = 0.005) and multifocal disease incidence (p = 0.004). There was no difference between groups in nodal stage, re-excision rates, axillary surgery, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or radiotherapy. After propensity matching preoperatively, women who underwent OBS reported lower psychosocial well-being (63 versus 100, p = 0.039) but similar breast satisfaction and sexual well-being compared with women who underwent BCS; however, only three patients who underwent BCS had preoperative BREAST-Q scores available for review. In long-term follow-up, women who underwent OBS reported lower psychosocial scores (74 versus 93, p = 0.011) 4 years postoperatively, but not at 5 years (76 versus 77, p = 0.83). There was no difference in long-term breast satisfaction or sexual well-being. Women who undergo OBS present with a larger disease burden and may represent a group of non-traditional BCS candidates; they reported similar long-term breast satisfaction and sexual well-being compared with women who undergo BCS. While women who underwent OBS reported lower psychosocial well-being scores preoperatively and during a portion of the follow-up period, this difference was no longer seen at 5 years postoperatively.

Dance movement therapy, yoga, and older adults with Parkinson’s disease: balance confidence, anxieties, and wellbeing

There is evidence that older adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD) benefit from dance movement therapy (DMT) and mind-body techniques such as yoga. DMT and yoga (Y) are often seen as complementary strategies in promoting wellness as they focus on embodied self-awareness. This article reports a study comparing the effectiveness of DMT sessions vis-à-vis DMT + Y sessions on balance confidence, geriatric anxieties, and wellbeing of older adults with PD. Both the groups reported significant post-test improvements in balance confidence. The DMT + Y group also reported significantly lower geriatric anxieties and higher wellbeing scores. Balance confidence greatly improved in older women and those who regularly attended and completed the DMT homework. DMT + Y sessions were more effective for older women, currently married, participants living with their spouse or with spouse and adult children, and whose DMT + Y program compliance (attendance, homework completion) was higher.

Trajectories of distress and recovery, secondary stressors and social cure processes in people who used the resilience hub after the Manchester Arena bombing.

Terrorist incidents lead to a range of mental health outcomes for people affected, sometimes extending years after the event. Secondary stressors can exacerbate them, and social support can provide mitigation and aid recovery. There is a need to better understand distress and mitigating factors among survivors of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. We explored three questions. First, what experiences of distress did participants report? Second, how might secondary stressors have influenced participants' psychosocial recoveries? Third, what part has social support played in the relationships between distress and participants' recovery trajectories? We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of a convenience sample of survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing (N = 84) in January 2021 (3 years 8 months post-incident), and a longitudinal study of the same participants' scores on mental health measures over 3 years from September 2017. Survivors' mental well-being scores in early 2021 were significantly lower than general population norms. Longitudinal follow-up provided evidence of enduring distress. Secondary stressors, specifically disruptions to close relationships, were associated with greater post-event distress and slower recovery. We found an indirect relationship between identifying with, and receiving support from, others present at the event and mental well-being >3 years later. The Arena attack has had an enduring impact on mental health, even in survivors who had a mild response to the event. The quality of close relationships is pivotal to long-term outcome. Constructive support from family and friends, and people with shared experiences, are key to social cure processes that facilitate coping and recovery.

Fat Grafting Versus Implants: Who's Happier? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Breast implants were first introduced in the 1960s and have long been used for augmentation and reconstructive breast surgery. More recently, fat grafting for breast augmentation has gained popularity due to the ‘natural’ outcome and lack of implant-related complications. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing patient-related outcome measures between fat grafting and implant-based primary augmentation using the validated BREAST-Q questionnaire. Methods: A systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines was conducted in PubMed®, Cochrane Library®, EMBASE®, MEDLINE®, and Scopus® databases. Papers were screened by two independent blinded reviewers. Quality was assessed using MINORS criteria. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis representing a total of 81 fat grafting augmentations and 1535 implant augmentations. The average overall patient satisfaction mean post-operative scores were 13.0 points higher in the implant group based on meta-regression (95% CI: 2.4-23.5; P = .016). There was no statistical difference in reported post-operative sexual well-being, psychosocial well-being, or physical well-being BREAST-Q scores. Conclusion: Although implant-based augmentation resulted in higher post-operative overall satisfaction scores, fat grafting remains a highly desirable alternative for augmentation in the right patient. This meta-analysis strongly highlights that careful patient selection and evaluation of patient goals must be assessed when selecting an augmentation method.

Local Periarticular Infiltration with Dexmedetomidine Results in Superior Patient Well-Being after Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared with Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with a Follow-Up of Two Years.

This study aimed to compare local periarticular infiltration (LIA) with ultra-sound guided regional anesthesia (USRA) with ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine as an additive agent in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Fifty patients were randomized into two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the LIA group received local periarticular infiltration into the knee joint. The USRA group received two single-shot USRA blocks. Functional outcomes and satisfaction (range of movement, Knee Society Knee Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Oxford Knee Score, and Forgotten Joint Score), including well-being, were analyzed preoperatively and at five days, six weeks, and one and two years postoperatively. Functional outcomes did not significantly differ between the two groups at six weeks and one and two years after the implementation of TKA. A moderate correlation was observed in the LIA group regarding well-being and pain on day five. Six weeks postoperatively, the LIA group showed significantly superior well-being but worse pain scores. No differences between the groups in well-being and functional outcomes could be observed one and two years postoperatively. Patients treated with LIA had superior postoperative well-being in the early postoperative phase of up to six weeks. Furthermore, LIA patients had similar functionality compared to patients treated with USRA but experienced significantly more pain six weeks postoperatively. LIA leads to improved short-term well-being, which is potentially beneficial for faster knee recovery. We believe that LIA benefits fast-track knee recovery with respect to improved short-term well-being, higher practicability, and faster application.

Are we well? A post-pandemic snapshot of dental educator wellness, well-being, and fulfillment.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to oral care and dental education delivery. To date, the vast majority of studies focus on the impact COVID-19 had on the well-being and wellness of patients, practitioners, and students; however, limited literature addresses the pandemic's impact on dental educators. The aim of this study was to investigate the wellness, well-being, and fulfillment of dental educators in the years following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Institutional Review Board approval, an anonymous electronic Qualtrics survey was emailed to full-time and adjunct faculty across five (5) dental education institutions in the US. Faculty self-reported on their wellness, general well-being, physical well-being, mental well-being, fulfillment, and work-life balance. Group differences were examined using analysis of variance and the Tukey-Kramer test for multiple comparisons at the p<0.05 level. The results revealed females and younger dental faculty members reported statistically significantly lower levels of wellness (F2, 123 =11.16, p<0.001, F3, 121 =8.53, p<0.001), physical (F2, 123 =11.53, p<0.001, F3, 121 =5.54, p=0.001) and mental well-being (F2, 123 =12.49, p<0.001, F3, 121 =8.63, p<0.001), fulfillment (F3, 121 =5.01, p<0.003), and higher levels of burnout (F2, 123 =5.53, p=0.005, F3, 121 =4.85, p<0.003). Those who expressed higher levels of burnout also had statistically lower mean well-being scores (F4, 119 =10.54, p<0.001). Females also reported a significantly lower work-life balance score compared to male respondents (F2, 121 =10.37, p<0.002). Despite the social and environmental challenges faced over the last couple of years post-pandemic, dental educators demonstrate a quick ability to adapt, however, disproportional differences in gender and age groups were identified as being significantly correlated to dental educators' self-reports on wellness, well-being, and fulfillment. Insight into these variables can help inform strategies in the academic setting to help support and strengthen the academic workforce.

Effects of exergaming and yoga on exercise capacity, symptoms, functional capacity, and physical and mental health in patients with heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Swedish National Science Council and The Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation Background Many people with chronic heart failure have a sedentary lifestyle. Alternative forms of physical activity might be beneficial, and should be considered, especially for patients with heart failure who are less inclined to start programs using traditional modes of exercise. Exergaming and yoga are promising interventions for improving functional capacity, fatigue, shortness of breath, health-related quality of life, depression, and anxiety in patients with heart failure. Objective To explore effects of exergaming at home and medical yoga in a group on functional capacity, fatigue, shortness of breath, health-related quality of life, depression, and anxiety in patients with heart failure. Methods This is a sub-study within a larger randomized controlled trial (the HF-Wii trial) with a three-months intervention and outcomes measures at baseline, three, six, and twelve months. Study particpants were recruited from nurse-led heart failure clinics at two university hospitals in Sweden. Randomization was in a 1:1:1 ratio to either an exergame intervention, a medical yoga intervention, or an active control group. Exercise capacity was assesed using the six-minute walk test. Symptoms (shortness of breath and fatigue) were assessed with a numeric rating scale ranging from 0-10. Well-being was assessed with Cantril’s ladder of life. Health-related quality of life was examined by the Minnesota Living with Heart failure Questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were measured with the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Treatment effects in change of outcomes were tested in an analysis of mixed-effects models with repeated measures. Change in outcomes was the dependent variable. The independent fixed-effect parameters were treatment group, time, and the interaction between treatment group and time. Results In total, 104 patients (37% women, mean age 71±12, 48% in New York Heart Association Class II and 42% in III) were randomized to exergaming (n=35), medical yoga (n=33), or an active control group (n=36). No statistically significant differences were found between these three groups on any of the outcome measures. Exergaming improved exercise capacity, fatigue, shortness of breath, and physical health-related quality of life (all p&amp;lt; 0.05) and medical yoga improved symptoms of fatigue and emotional health-related quality of life. The control group did not change on the exercise capacity, symptoms, health-related quality of life, or depressive or anxiety symptoms. The well-being score in patients in the control group significantly decreased at three months (p = 0.047). Conclusions This randomized sub-study showed that both exergaming and medical yoga had favorable effects on outcomes, with exergaming, with its higher physical intensity, having effects on physical health and with medical yoga being a mind-body intervention with effects on emotional well-being.

Evaluating the Health Related Quality of Life and the Precieved Palliative Care Needs among Oral Cancer Patients in Madurai City

The only cancer management outcome measure that ignores the influence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is survival rate. The main goal of effective palliative care is to maximize quality of life prior to a prompt, honorable, and peaceful death. Aim:The purpose of this research is to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with oral cancer and determine whether expert palliative care that emphasizes social, psychological, and spiritual well-being is necessary. Materials and methods: A combination of methodological approaches was used. The HRQoL was evaluated using a validated closed-ended questionnaire, and the needs for palliative care were evaluated through in-depth interviews. Of the 876 participants in the study, 317 gave permission for a questionnaire to be administered, and 12 people gave permission for interview. The well-being score and demographic characteristics were found to be associated through the application of Karl Pearson's coefficient test.A combination of methodological approaches was used. Results&amp; Conclusion:These individuals' overall health was jeopardized. A third of the elderly individuals reported having poor general well-being. While the general well-being of semi-skilled workers (7%) and unskilled workers (5%) was poor, that of jobless people (13%) and retirees (13%) was good in the majority.Patients with oral cancer have low HRQoLs; early referral for palliative care may improve QoL.

Development, feasibility testing and perceived benefits of a new app to help with adherence to antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV in Brazil

BackgroundDespite the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in many countries, people living with HIV still experience difficulties with treatment. We propose a new smartphone mobile application to assist in adherence to ART. This study aimed to describe this new mobile application’s development (content construction and usability), feasibility testing (recruitment, retention rates [attendance], satisfaction) and primary perceived benefits.MethodsTwo consecutive studies were conducted. First, people living with HIV, health care workers and experts in information technology provided feedback to improve the content and usability of the app. After changes in the app were implemented according to the feedback, a second study was performed to assess the feasibility and perceived benefits. Effects on self-reported adherence and perceived well-being were also assessed.ResultsScores of participants (N = 11) showed differences in adherence (effect size .43) and well-being (effect size .45) after using the app. However, the differences did not reach statistical significance. Observing scores individually, six out of 11 participants improved their overall adherence scores, and seven out of 11 participants improved their perceived well-being scores. Recruitment was 95%, and attendance at sessions was 62.5%. In general, the participants were satisfied with the intervention and viewed the app as an informative tool.ConclusionThe results are promising and allow us to recommend further studies with the app.

Using Aromatherapy to Improve Nighttime Comfort in Hospitalized Patients With Cancer: A Pilot Study.

Sleep disturbances have been shown to have negative health effects leading to inferior well-being, increased fatigue, and impaired performance. For hospitalized patients receiving oncology care, improving nighttime comfort may positively affect well-being and health outcomes, leading to decreased length of stay. Aromatherapy can improve sleep quantity and quality. This pilot study aimed to determine whether aromatherapy improves nighttime comfort, in particular well-being and sleep quality, for hospitalized patients with cancer. This quasi-experimental pilot study with a single-arm pre-/post-test design evaluated the effects of nighttime aromatherapy for hospitalized patients with cancer. Measures were the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A total of 34 hospitalized patients with cancer participated. After aromatherapy, mean well-being scores improved significantly. Mean sleep quality scores also improved but did not reach significance. Of participants who submitted open-ended responses, 20 of 22 described a positive experience with aromatherapy, including better sleep, relaxation, soothing effects, and nausea relief.

The effect of physical and psychological symptoms on spiritual well-being and emotional distress in inpatient cancer patients.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of physical and psychological symptoms seen in inpatient cancer patients on spiritual well-being and emotional distress. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 98 cancer patients treated in oncology, haematology, and stem cell services at a university hospital between April and June 2022. Socio-demographic characteristic form, Karnofsky performance scale, Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, distress thermometer and spiritual well-being scale were used to collect data. Statistical analyses were made by taking the descriptive features of the data. It was determined that 55.1% of the patients were diagnosed with cancer for more than one year, 53.1% receiving treatment for more than one year, 61.2% were diagnosed with haematological cancer, and 62.2% were treated only with chemotherapy. Cancer type (p<0.01), treatment (p<0.05) and Karnofsky scores (p<0.01) had an effect on the spiritual well-being and distress scores. It was determined that 39.8% of the patients were in the yellow zone of the distress thermometer, could not manage their stress well and needed psychological support. As the psychological symptoms of the patients increased, their spiritual well-being declined (r=-0.447, p<0.01), and as their physical (r=0.222, p<0.05) and psychological (r=0.311, p<0.01) symptoms increased, their distress scores increased. It is anticipated that identifying the problems that patients have and making interventions to solve those problems by oncology nurses would significantly contribute to the patient's spiritual well-being and emotional distress.

Mental health trajectories in university students across the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from the Student Wellbeing at Northern England Universities prospective cohort study.

Psychological wellbeing in university students is receiving increased focus. However, to date, few longitudinal studies in this population have been conducted. As such, in 2019, we established the Student Wellbeing At Northern England Universities (SWANS) cohort at the University of York, United Kingdom aiming to measure student mental health and wellbeing every six months. Furthermore, the study period included the COVID-19 pandemic, giving an opportunity to track student wellbeing over time, including over the pandemic. Eligible participants were invited to participate via email. Data were collected, using Qualtrics, from September 2019 to April 2021, across five waves (W1 to W5). In total, n = 4,622 students participated in at least one wave of the survey. Data collection included sociodemographic, educational, personality measures, and mental health and wellbeing. Latent profile analyses were performed, exploring trajectories of student wellbeing over the study period for those who had completed at least three of the five waves of the survey (n = 765), as measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Five latent profile trajectories of student wellbeing were identified. Of these, the two latent classes with initially higher wellbeing scores had broadly stable wellbeing across time (total n = 505, 66%). Two classes had lower initial scores, which lowered further across time (total n = 227, 30%). Additionally, a fifth class of students was identified who improved substantially over the study period, from a mean WEMWBS of 30.4 at W1, to 49.4 at W5 (n = 33, 4%). Risk factors for having less favourable wellbeing trajectories generally included identifying as LGBT+, self-declaring a disability, or previously being diagnosed with a mental health condition. Our findings suggest a mixed picture of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on student wellbeing, with a majority showing broadly consistent levels of wellbeing across time, a smaller but still substantial group showing a worsening of wellbeing, and a small group that showed a very marked improvement in wellbeing. Those from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education were most at risk of poorer wellbeing. This raises questions as to whether future support for wellbeing should target specific student subpopulations.