Severe Levels Of Anxiety Research Articles

Psychological Well-Being Among Nursing Staff in an Emergency Department: A Mixed-Methods Study

IntroductionEmergency departments worldwide are faced with in-hospital crowding and fast-paced admissions, creating an increasingly high workload for health care personnel. In recent years, emergency departments have also experienced an increase in emergency admissions, resulting in burdened workplaces. This has led to debates about nurses’ work environment and mental well-being. This study aimed to gain knowledge on the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as insight into the factors influencing the mental well-being of the nursing staff in a Danish emergency department. MethodsThis is a mixed-methods study with an explanatory sequential design. A questionnaire (the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale – 21 Items) was sent to nursing staff (N = 146) in a large emergency department in the Region of Southern Denmark. Afterward, a smaller sample participated in semistructured interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the chi-square test. In the qualitative part, a thematic analysis was performed. ResultsCompleted surveys were received from 78 nursing staff (53.4%). Overall, the nursing staff reported severe to extremely severe levels of depression (14.1%), anxiety (23.1%), or stress (47.2%) within a week before completing the survey. Higher levels of psychological distress were significantly associated with fewer years of clinical experience and having previously experienced or received treatment for depression, anxiety, or stress. Ten staff members later volunteered to participate in the interviews. The qualitative results formed 3 themes: (1) high work pace and responsibility, (2) professional community and nursing identity, and (3) culture with an increased focus on mental well-being. DiscussionThe nursing staff reported high mental strain, especially in the forms of high stress and anxiety levels. They explained that their mental health was affected by overcrowding, a pressured work environment, and lack of resources.

Prevalence of imposter syndrome and its association with depression, stress, and anxiety among nursing students: a multi-center cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of imposter syndrome among nursing students and its association with depression, stress, and anxiety.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1572 nursing students randomly selected from three universities across Egypt. The study was conducted over 3 months, from the beginning of January to the end of March, during the academic year 2023/2024. Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 were used for data collection.ResultsA significant proportion of nursing students experience moderate to highly severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Around a quarter of students had moderate depression, 22.6% had moderate anxiety, and 14.9% had severe anxiety. Additionally, 13.3% of participants experienced severe stress, with only 3.8% experiencing highly severe stress. The study also found that 46.3% of students experienced moderate imposter syndrome, with 33% having frequent imposter levels and 6.2% scoring intense imposter on the scale. Furthermore, imposter syndrome was positively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress, and the total score of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (r = 0.639, p < 0.001). The stepwise linear regression analysis explained that 45.0% of the variance in students' depression, anxiety, and stress was due to imposter syndrome and other sociodemographic covariates.ConclusionThis study highlighted the relationship between imposter syndrome, depression, anxiety, and stress among nursing students. Specifically, female students in higher academic years, with lower grade point averages, living in urban areas, with lower family incomes, and not participating in hobbies are more prone to depression, anxiety, and stress.Nursing implicationsThese findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to managing the complex nature of mental health among nursing students. Incorporating education and resources on self-care and stress management techniques into nursing training programs is imperative for addressing the implications of imposter syndrome in nursing practice. Equipping nursing students with these essential skills can enhance their resilience, foster a healthier work environment, and ultimately improve patient care outcomes.

Examining Predictors of Post-Traumatic Changes Among Mothers in Turkey Following Earthquakes.

This study aims to assess the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in mothers affected by the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and to explore the influence of spiritual well-being and other factors on their Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) levels. The study's sample consisted of mothers invited to participate voluntarily through online social media platforms between October-December 2023. The Mother Information Form, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Control List, Post-Traumatic Growth Scale, and Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) were used as data collection instruments. A total of 303 mothers participated in this study. The mean total PTSD score was 49.35 (SD: 19.76), and 83.5% of mothers were categorized under severe anxiety levels. There was a statistically significant weak and positive relationship between PTSD and PTG levels (r: 0.282, P:0.000). When the predictors of PTG are considered, the spiritual well-being of mothers significantly predicts PTG (F: 43.944, P: 0.000). It accounts for 12.7% (R Square = 0.127) of the variance in mothers' PTG. Mothers showed high PTSD levels 9 months after the earthquakes, but alongside these high levels, it has a positive relation with their PTG, which may show mothers becoming stronger after their traumatic experience. Study results showed the mothers' spiritual levels were a significant predictor for PTG.

Shelter-in-place during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on secondary health conditions, anxiety, loneliness, social isolation, social connectedness, and positive affect and well-being

Context/Objective The objective of this study was to examine the implications of shelter-in-place (SIP) during the COVID-19 pandemic on secondary health conditions (SHC), loneliness, social isolation, social connectedness, anxiety, and positive affect and well-being (PAWB) among community-dwelling adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design An online exploratory cross-sectional descriptive design. Participants 131 community-dwelling adults with SCI. Outcome Measures UCLA Loneliness Scale, SCI-QOL – Anxiety and PAWB. Results Respondents were approximately 33 years old, mostly male and Caucasian. More than half reported being married, living with their spouse in a home with modifications, or living in a household of three or more people. More than half reported experiencing more pain during SIP but not experiencing more of any other SHC than before SIP. On average, participants experienced a moderate level of loneliness, severe anxiety, and higher levels of PAWB during SIP. Conclusion Respondents reported that they experienced more pain, loneliness, and anxiety while at the same time reporting higher PAWB. Future research should focus on understanding the nuances of the seemingly counterintuitive relationship described here to develop better ways to support community-dwelling adults with SCI during public health emergencies and SIP.

Exposure to firearm injury and suicide in a rural Pennsylvania county: implications for mental and behavioral health.

To evaluate the association between self-reported gun violence exposures and mental health and behavioral health indicators in a rural population. Using cross-sectional survey responses from 630 residents of a rural county in Pennsylvania, logistic regression models estimate the likelihood of residents indicating moderate or severe levels of health outcomes as a function of gun violence exposure. We control for a series of variables related to gun ownership, behavior, history with firearms and demographic characteristics. Personal firearm victimization was associated with self-reported depressive symptoms and interrupted sleep. Secondary exposure to firearm violence, particularly exposure to friends attempting or completing a suicide, was associated with higher odds of reporting severe levels (14days or more in the past month) of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and poor sleep. For firearm suicide involving a friend or family member, the odds of reporting severe levels of all three outcomes are 3 times greater (OR 2.984, 95% CI 1.457-6.108). For each additional firearm exposure, the odds of experiencing severe levels of mental health and sleep difficulties are 1.4 times greater (OR 1.384, 95% CI 1.115-1.720). Cumulative exposures also increase the odds of reporting binge drinking and drug use. Firearm violence exposure was associated with adverse health indicators in this rural population. Approaches to counter the effects of cumulative firearm exposure and firearm suicide exposure, including reinvigorating community spaces and strengthening social supports, may help to reduce mental health burden in rural communities.

Association of Vaping Reasons with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among Young Adults Who Currently Vape

Purpose: The use of e-cigarettes can worsen mental health symptoms in young adults. However, little is known about how young adults’ mental health may relate to their reasons for using e-cigarettes (vaping). We examined the association of mental health and vaping reasons among young adults who currently vape. Methods: Data were analyzed from a sample of young adults who vape (N = 436, M age =25.19) who participated in an online survey assessing mental health (stress, anxiety, and depression) and vaping reasons (vape for tension reduction or relaxation, user experience, product or substance, or utility). We conducted multiple regressions and ANCOVAs, controlling for age, gender, past 30-day e-cigarette use, and past 30-day cigarette smoking. Results: Experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were associated with vaping for tension reduction or relaxation among young adults who vape (ps < 0.001) and for those who dual use e-cigarettes and cigarettes (ps < 0.01). Experiencing severe anxiety level was associated with vaping for tension reduction or relaxation than among those experiencing minimal, mild or moderate anxiety (ps < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings show that higher stress, anxiety, and depression are associated with greater likelihood of vaping for tension reduction or relaxation. More research should examine the association of stress, anxiety, and depression on vaping in young adults to identify and determine appropriate interventions to help with vaping cessation.

Anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience among undergraduate nursing students at Al-Quds university: the impact of war started on October 7 in Palestine

BackgroundThe current outbreak of war in Palestine on the 7th of October 2023, heightened concerns about mental health and well-being of individuals, particularly undergraduate students in Palestine. Such traumatic experiences and political conflict did affect the social, economic, psychological, and academic status of university students in Palestine, in particular, nursing students. However, resilience is one of the moderators which may positively decrease the severity of those negative war-related symptoms.AimThe study aimed to examine the moderation effect of resilience on the relationship between sociodemographic and personal characteristics and depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate nursing students in Palestine.Design and methodsA quantitative, descriptive-correlational design utilized to investigate anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience among nursing students. A convenience sample of 325 nursing students recruited from Al-Quds University were asked to respond to a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsA total of 325 nursing students participated in this study. The analysis showed that the majority of the participants were experiencing extremely severe anxiety levels (43.7%, n = 142), while 25.5% (n = 83) were experiencing extremely severe depression and 14.5% (n = 47) were experiencing high-stress levels compared to 60% (n = 195) of the students were at their normal resilience level. There were statistically significant differences in the resilience based on sex (t323 = 2.994, p = .003). Knowing that males have higher resilience mean scores (M = 3.06, SD = 0.35) than females (M = 2.93, SD = 0.41) indicates higher resilience in males than females. After performing two steps of hierarchical regression, the results revealed that resilience negatively moderated the relationship between sociodemographics and depression, and anxiety.ConclusionThis study offers valuable insights into the mental health status of undergraduate nursing students in Palestine during the war. The results indicated that resilience is one of the pivotal moderators that may buffer anxiety and depression. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the diverse mental health needs of this population, considering the complex interplay of individual, demographic, and contextual factors. Future research should continue to explore these dynamics and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions promoting mental well-being during conflict.

Association of depression and anxiety with health-related quality of life in beginning Medical Sciences Student.

The present study sought to examine the association between depression and anxiety with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among clinical and non-clinical medical students. This study was conducted on newly entrance students (2019 and 2020) in Neyshabur University of Medical Science (NUMS). 471 students participated in this cross-sectional study. The Beck Depression (BDI-II), Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and SF-12 questionnaires were used. To assess the correlation between depression, anxiety, and HRQoL, the Pearson correlation was used. The independent t-test was performed to evaluate the association among different variables with HRQoL. Further, a multiple linear regression model was used to control the confounding effects of the covariates. The mean age of the study population was 21.9 (SD = 6.1), majority of them were female (62.4%). More than 21% and about 32% of students had mild to severe levels of depression and anxiety, respectively. According to correlation analysis (Pearson's r), the correlations between depression, anxiety, and total HRQoL were relatively strong and negative. The multiple linear regression model revealed a statistically significant association between depression and anxiety with different subscales, components, and total HRQoL (p < 0.05). It has been confirmed that the different levels of depression and anxiety in medical students are negatively associated with HRQoL.

The impact of negative emotional states in the development of loneliness in the elderly

Loneliness is an unnatural state for humans, it is a manifestation of poor adaptability, being either a social, or personal problem. The sample of the ascertainment research consisted of 200 elderly people aged between 65-90 years. The analysis of the results revealed that 78.5% of the elderly marked a level of loneliness from very high to a moderate level. The feeling of loneliness in the elderly is preceded by a series of harmful factors such as retirement, widowhood that cause negative emotions: stress, depression, anxiety. The study showed that 68.5% of the elderly attest to a very severe level of anxiety: 22.0% of respondents marked a very severe level of stress, 24.0% a high level of stress, 18.5% a moderate level of stress. On the depression scale, we found that 31% of the elderly scored very high; 26.0% attest to a high level; 21.0% find a moderate level of depression. The study confirmed that the negative emotional states of stress, depression, anxiety correlate significantly positively with the high scores that elderly people get on the loneliness scale.

Penerapan Hipnosis 5 Jari Terhadap Tingkat Kecemasan Pada Mahasiswa Yang Menyelesaikan Tugas Akhir di Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Surakarta

Background: Final year students must complete a final assignment or thesis, on a topic in a particular field. Students experience a lot of stress and anxiety during the process of compiling their final assignment. The prevalence of anxiety disorders in adolescents in Central Java was recorded at 7.71%, up 4.7% from 2013 to 2018. To overcome anxiety can be done with pharmacology or non-pharmacology. Five-finger hypnosis is one type of relaxation therapy that can reduce anxiety and tension. Objective: To determine the effect of 5-finger hypnosis on reducing anxiety at Universitas 'Aisyiyah Surakarta. Method: Using a pre-test-post-test design. Samples of two students who are working on their final assignment and experiencing moderate to severe anxiety levels. The HARS questionnaire was used to measure anxiety levels. Results: The level of anxiety before and after being given Five Finger Hypnosis was that Ms. R's anxiety changed from moderate to mild and Ms. M's anxiety changed from severe to moderate. Conclusion: There is an influence on the anxiety experienced by students who are completing their final assignments before and after being given Five (5) Finger Hypnosis at 'Aisyiyah University, Surakarta.

Quality of sleep after COVID-19 infection: a cross-sectional study in the Southern Italy.

This study investigated the quality of sleep in a sample of individuals from Southern Italy after the major waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of evaluating how sleep patterns changed. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2022 and January 2023 and involved adults who had a COVID-19 infection, who were invited to complete a self-administered online questionnaire. A total of 408 individuals participated in the survey. Overall, 66.4% had a reduction in social relations; 72.1% had an increase in the use of social media; and 86%, 77.2%, and 71.1% reported an extremely severe level of anxiety, stress, and depression, respectively. Almost all of the respondents had a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (PSQI) ≥5, indicating poor sleep quality. Subjects with a severe or extremely severe depression score, a severe or extremely severe stress score, who had a job, and who had someone close who died because of a COVID-19 infection were more likely to have a high PSQI global score. The use of sleep medication in the past months was significantly higher in those who were older, who had a job, who had a COVID-19 infection in the first and second waves, who had someone close who died from COVID-19, and who did not have changes in social relationships during the pandemic. Moreover, participants with severe or extremely severe depression scores, with severe or extremely severe stress scores, who were women, and who were older had troubles staying awake while engaging in social activities during the past month. The results bring to light the high prevalence of poor sleep quality among individuals who were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Future research is needed to understand whether these disturbances are still present in the endemic period and whether it is necessary to investigate further determinants that have affected and/or are affecting sleep quality.

THE CORRELATION OF NOCTURIA INCIDENCE AND ANXIETY LEVELS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between nocturia and anxiety levels as precipitating factors in related study population. Material &amp; Methods: This study used a survey facilitated via Google Form, using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and a Demographic Data Questionnaire to obtain corresponding data. The descriptive-analytic method was applied, and Chi-square statistical analysis was performed. Results: From 270 participants, 240 exhibited normal anxiety levels, 28 demonstrated mild to moderate anxiety levels, and two presented severe anxiety levels. Furthermore, 148 participants reported experiencing nocturia, while 122 participants did not exhibit nocturia. Conclusion: This study showed no correlation between anxiety levels and nocturia in students from the Nutritional Science and Nursing Science Programs at Universitas Brawijaya, batches 2019, 2020, and 2021. Keywords: Anxiety level, nocturia, covid-19.

Risk of anxiety-related sleep disorder in nursing students

Introduction: Anxiety affects 29% of the world's population, with higher incidence in females (77%) and this begins before the age of 18 years. Academic pressure aggravates anxiety and can lead to severe or serious mental health problems. Objective: To correlate anxiety and sleep disorders in university students. Methods: This quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study seeks to test hypotheses about anxiety and sleep disorders in 100 nursing students of the Technical University of Ambato through surveys, analyzing data in SPSS and Excel. Results: 85% of the students experience severe levels of anxiety, which can negatively affect their sleep quality and general well-being. Conclusion: Anxiety in university students, especially in health areas, can lead to more serious mental health problems and affect their academic performance and clinical skills. Implementing psychological support and stress management programs is essential to improve their well-being and academic performance.

Neurosciences and Emotional States of Latin American University Professors in the Post-Covid-19 Pandemic Stage

The article aimed to determine the relationship between neuroscience and emotional states in university faculty members from Latin America during the post-pandemic stage of COVID-19. It highlights the importance of understanding emotions from a neuroscientific perspective to develop strategies that enhance emotional management and resilience in the educational context. The descriptive-correlational research included a sample of 318 faculty members from various Latin American countries. The results revealed severe levels of stress (88.4%) and anxiety (92.1%), as well as inadequate (40.9%) or moderate (46.9%) levels of resilience among the faculty members. A strong positive correlation was found between neuroscience and emotional states (rho=0.860), as well as a good positive correlation between neuroscience and resilience (rho=0.739). The study concludes that the knowledge and application of neuroscience principles could contribute to lower levels of stress and anxiety and increase resilience in university faculty members, emphasizing the importance of integrating these disciplines into the understanding and management of emotions in the educational field.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress with Problematic Internet use Among Youth Attending; A Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Excessive and uncontrolled internet use can significantly impair daily functioning in various life domains. Despite the numerous benefits of the internet, its addictive use is a growing concern, particularly among youth, who are prone to anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. Understanding the current scenario is essential for devising effective interventions, yet no scientific data is available in Bangladesh. Objective: To assess between depression, anxiety, and stress among youth with problematic internet use (PIU) attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, from October 2020 to September 2022. Participants were interviewed using a structured socio-demographic questionnaire, the Bangla versions of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21-BV). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, with significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Among the 90 participants (mean age: 21.33 years; 68% male, 32% female), 95% were students, and 87% were from nuclear families. Internet use exceeded one year for 83% of participants. PIU levels were minimal in 15%, moderate in 62%, and excessive in 22%. Severe depression was observed in 15% of participants, severe anxiety in 25%, and severe stress in 25%. Extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were found in 14%, 5%, and 14% of participants, respectively. Significant risk factors for PIU included male gender (χ²=8.217; p=0.02) and over three hours of daily internet use (χ²=35.289; p=0.001). PIU was significantly associated with depression (χ²=20.380; p=0.001), anxiety (χ²=16.159; p=0.019), and stress (χ²=14.734; p=0.019). Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress are significantly associated with PIU. Early risk assessment, proper internet use, and initial screening are essential for managing potential mental disorders linked to PIU.

Depression, anxiety, stress, and current e-cigarette use: Results from the Truth Longitudinal Cohort of youth and young adults (2022−2023)

ObjectiveTo examine associations between depression, anxiety, and stress, as measured by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) scale, with current e-cigarette use. MethodsData from the Truth Longitudinal Cohort – a nationally representative sample of youth and young adults – was collected between October 2022 to February 2023. The analytic sample was comprised of participants who provided information on e-cigarette use and the DASS-21 scale (N = 4198). Chi-square statistics were used to determine differences by current e-cigarette use across covariates and DASS-21 items. Logistic regression analyses were applied to the cross-sectional data to determine which scales predicted current e-cigarette use, adjusted for the effects of age, gender identity, race and ethnicity, parental educational attainment, perceived financial situation, and current use of alcohol, marijuana, and other tobacco use. ResultsThose who had severe/extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress had greater odds of current e-cigarette use, relative to those who had normal levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, even after adjusting for covariates. Results also demonstrated associations between age, race/ethnicity, parental education, and current use of alcohol, marijuana, and other tobacco products with current e-cigarette use. LimitationsCross-sectional analyses of self-reported data limit the ability to determine directionality of effects between depression, anxiety, stress, and current e-cigarette use. DiscussionMore severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with a greater likelihood of current e-cigarette use. Future research is needed to evaluate changes in e-cigarette use, in response to depression, anxiety, and stress symptomatology.

Effects of voluntary, involuntary exercise and sertraline on anxiety, social and cognitive behavior in female rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is considered as a complex syndrome comprising extremely severe anxiety levels, social-interpersonal dysfunction, and cognitive impairment that may be based on severe traumatic events. Although PTSD is more prevalent in females than in males, most preclinical studies have been carried out in males. The present study investigated the effects of voluntary and involuntary exercise, as well as sertraline on behavioral deficits in a female nonhuman animal model of PTSD using the single-prolonged stress (SPS) paradigm. Female adult rats were exposed to SPS protocol (2-hour restrain, 20-minute forced swimming, 15-minute rest, and 2–3 minute diethyl ether exposure) and were then kept undisturbed. Following a 7-day undisturbed period, animals were subjected to a 10 min restraint (re-stress). SPS rats were treated with voluntary wheel running or moderate treadmill exercise (5 days/week) and/or the administration of sertraline (10 mg/kg/day) for four consecutive weeks. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test for anxiety, the Three-Chamber Social Test (3-CST) for social interaction, and the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test for spatial memory. Involuntary exercise combined with sertraline significantly increased time spent in the open arms of the EPM test (P < 0.001), and interaction with new rats in 3-CST (P < 0.001) compared to SPS rats. The voluntary exercise plus sertraline group showed a significant increase in entries into the training platform during the probe phase of the MWM test (P < 0.001) compared to SPS rats. Overall, sertraline combined with involuntary exercise was more effective than voluntary exercise plus sertraline in enhancing social interaction and reducing anxiety in the SPS model of PTSD. Conversely, voluntary exercise combined with sertraline provided greater benefits for spatial memory enhancement in female rats.

Feasibility characteristics of wrist-worn fitness trackers in health status monitoring for post-COVID patients in remote and rural areas.

Common, consumer-grade biosensors mounted on fitness trackers and smartwatches can measure an array of biometrics that have potential utility in post-discharge medical monitoring, especially in remote/rural communities. The feasibility characteristics for wrist-worn biosensors are poorly described for post-COVID conditions and rural populations. We prospectively recruited patients in rural communities who were enrolled in an at-home rehabilitation program for post-COVID conditions. They were asked to wear a FitBit Charge 2 device and biosensor parameters were analyzed [e.g. heart rate, sleep, and activity]. Electronic patient reported outcome measures [E-PROMS] for mental [bi-weekly] and physical [daily] symptoms were collected using SMS text or email [per patient preference]. Exit surveys and interviews evaluated the patient experience. Ten patients were observed for an average of 58 days and half [N = 5] were monitored for 8 weeks or more. Five patients [50%] had been hospitalized with COVID [mean stay = 41 days] and 4 [36%] had required mechanical ventilation. As baseline, patients had moderate to severe levels of anxiety, depression, and stress; fatigue and shortness of breath were the most prevalent physical symptoms. Four patients [40%] already owned a smartwatch. In total, 575 patient days of patient monitoring occurred across 10 patients. Biosensor data was usable for 91.3% of study hours and surveys were completed 82.1% and 78.7% of the time for physical and mental symptoms, respectively. Positive correlations were observed between stress and resting heart rate [r = 0.360, p<0.01], stress and daily steps [r = 0.335, p<0.01], and anxiety and daily steps [r = 0.289, p<0.01]. There was a trend toward negative correlation between sleep time and physical symptom burden [r = -0.211, p = 0.05]. Patients reported an overall positive experience and identified the potential for wearable devices to improve medical safety and access to care. Concerns around data privacy/security were infrequent. We report excellent feasibility characteristics for wrist-worn biosensors and e-PROMS as a possible substrate for multi-modal disease tracking in post-COVID conditions. Adapting consumer-grade wearables for medical use and scalable remote patient monitoring holds great potential.

Association between secondhand smoke exposure and anxiety among adolescents: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Adolescents are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure. Mental health issues may be one of these negative consequences. This study aimed to explore the association between secondhand smoke exposure and anxiety among Korean adolescents. This study used the nationwide representative cross-sectional data obtained from the 4-year (2020-2023) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. In total, 214514 individuals aged 12-18 years were included in this study (109910 males and 104604 females). Secondhand smoke exposure was assessed based on responses to questions concerning the days they were exposed (at home and in public places), while anxiety levels were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scale. Multivariable logistic regression analysis divided by sex was performed to explore the association (p=0.0173 for interaction by secondhand smoke exposure and sex), and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Among the study population, 8.8% of the male and 15.6% of the female participants had anxiety. After adjusting for covariates, adolescents with secondhand smoke exposure had a higher likelihood of reporting anxiety than those without the exposure (male, OR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.16-1.29; female, OR=1.27; 95% CI: 1.21-1.33). In additional stratified analyses, this association was more prominent among those who were never smokers, were exposed for more days, and had severe levels of anxiety. This study found that secondhand smoke exposure was associated with anxiety in adolescents; hence, proper political interventions to reduce secondhand smoke exposure may be required.

Psychological Distress and the Needs of Family Members of Critically Ill Patients in Emergency Departments During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionThe literature highlights the importance of the needs of family members of critical patients in emergency departments. Understanding these needs helps to alleviate psychological distress and contribute to the patients’ recoveries. This study aimed to examine the psychological distress and needs of family members of critical patients in emergency departments. MethodsA cross-sectional design was used to collect data using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory for the Emergency Department, and the Needs Met Inventory questionnaire from a convenience sample of 170 family members of critical patients. Descriptive analysis and importance-performance analysis were applied to analyze the data. ResultsThe results showed that 52.4% of family members reported mild to extremely severe levels of depression, 60% reported mild to extremely severe levels of anxiety, and 53.5% had mild to extremely severe levels of stress. Anxiety showed a significant negative correlation with comfort needs (r = −0.17) and support needs being met (r = −0.16). The importance-performance analysis showed that the coordinates for support needs were in quadrant IV, signifying a higher level of importance perceived by family members but a lower level of the needs being met. ConclusionProviding the assessment and necessary support to alleviate psychological distress will help enhance the ability of the emergency department to meet families’ needs.