Significant Predictors Of Higher Levels Research Articles

Perception of stress among healthcare workers in hospitals in Belgrade during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare institutions and workers, exposing them to unfamiliar and hazardous conditions, increased workloads, and changing directives. This has led to work-related stress, resulting in burnout, depression, anxiety disorders, and other health issues among healthcare workers. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized an anonymous questionnaire with closed-ended questions. To assess stress levels among healthcare workers, a Likert-type scale was used. Over 6.000 healthcare workers completed the questionnaire in 2022. The relationship between the dependent variable (perceived stress level) and predictors was modelled using generalized ordinal univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Almost a third (30.7%) of respondents felt a very high amount of tension, stress, or pressure while performing their jobs under the conditions of the COVID-19 epidemic, while 422 (6.8%) did not feel tension, stress, or pressure at all. In the multivariate logistic regression model, statistically significant predictors of higher levels of perceived stress in the conditions of the COVID-19 epidemic include female sex (OR = 0,80), older age (OR = 1.19), being in a managerial position (OR = 1.32), lower satisfaction with available work time (OR = 0.82), patient relations (OR = 0.81), financial compensation (OR = 0.83), and cooperation with colleagues (OR = 0.93). Conclusions Through the identification of potential stress predictors, valuable insights are gained to aid policymakers in the planning and enhancement of healthcare personnel’s work during pandemics, as well as in situations characterized by heightened stress levels. Key messages • These findings emphasize supporting healthcare workers during the pandemic. • Strategies for reducing stress should be directed towards healthcare professionals who experience higher stress levels.

The Impact of Undermining Coparenting on the Mental and Physical Health Outcomes of Black Fathers: The Role of Depression and Restrictive Emotionality

ABSTRACT The parenting literature has established the coparenting relationship as central to the parenting behaviors and outcomes of men. The construct of coparenting encompasses supportive efforts among individuals that facilitate the rearing of children and unsupportive actions that can undermine parenting efforts (Merrifield & Gamble, 2013). Few studies have examined undermining coparenting as an experience that shapes Black men’s health outcomes. In this study, we apply the social determinants of health framework to examine the impact of Black fathers’ perceptions of undermining coparenting on their self-reported ratings of mental and physical health. Using a nationally representative sample of Black men (n = 255), correlational analyses revealed perceptions of undermining coparenting to be a significant predictor of higher levels of anger and poorer perceptions of physical health. These relationships were found to be mediated by depressive symptoms and moderated by restrictive emotionality. It is recommended that the negative impact of undermining coparenting on health be considered as a potential comorbidity contributing to negative health outcomes for Black men. This study adds to the literature on coparenting, Black men’s health, and Black fatherhood more generally and urges policymakers and practitioners to consider undermining as an often overlooked, but significant, social determinant of health impacting the well-being of Black men. We also offer recommendations for promoting Black men’s health by educating families on the effects of undermining and offering the supports necessary for achieving positive coparenting dynamics.

LECOM (Lead Extraction COMplexity): a new scoring system for prediction of a difficult procedure

Abstract Background Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) can become far more complex when unanticipated difficulties arise. Aim The aim of this study was to develop a simple scoring system that allows prediction of difficulty and complexity of this important procedure. Methods Based on a retrospective analysis of 3741 extraction procedures (extended fluoroscopy time, need for second-line instruments, and advanced techniques and instruments), a 5-point Complex Indicator of Difficulty of T(LE) Procedure (CID-TLEP) scale was developed. Two or more points on the CID-TLEP scale indicated a higher level of procedure complexity. Results Multivariate regression analysis showed that patient age below 51 years at first CIED implantation, number of abandoned leads, number of previous CIED-related procedures, passive fixation leads to be extracted, multiple leads to be extracted, and a ratio of dwell time of oldest extracted lead to patient age during TLE of >0.13 are significant predictors of higher levels of lead extraction complexity. The ROC analysis demonstrated that the total number of points (the sum of the odds ratios of the above variables) of >9.697 indicated a 21.83% higher probability of complex TLE (sensitivity 74.08%, specificity 74.46%). Finally, the logistic function model was employed, and a simple equation for Lead Extraction COMplexity was constructed to predict the probability of a difficult procedure. The risk of complex extraction (in percentage) was calculated as [1/(1 + 55.34·0.754X)]·100 (P < 0.001). Conclusion (1) The LECOM score can effectively predict the risk of a difficult transvenous lead extraction procedure, and (2) Predicting the probability of a more complex procedure may help clinicians in planning lead removal and improving patient management. (3) Simple on-line calculator should be available to predict a difficulty of planned TLE procedure and to allow to send more demanding patient to more experienced high-volume centre.

Ethnic Disparities in Betel Nut Use

Abstract: Adolescent substance use has been extensively studied in Western countries. However, knowledge of substance use, particularly betel nut use, among adolescents in the Pacific Islands, remains limited. The present study examined ethnic differences in betel nut use and intention to use, and factors explaining such ethnic differences, in Guam, a US-Affiliated Pacific Islands in the Western Pacific. Participants were 674 ethnically diverse students (49% female; Mage = 12.7, SD = 0.89) from eight local public middle schools. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess study variables. The results indicated that although the majority of participants did not use betel nut, there were significant differences in rates of betel nut use and intentions to use between ethnic groups. Compared with adolescents from other ethnic groups represented in the study, adolescents from the Freely Associated States (FAS) of Micronesia, or non-CHamoru Micronesians were more likely to use betel nut in the past 30 days and in their lifetime and to expect to use betel nut in the near future. These ethnic differences were partially mediated by proposed factors such as observation or familiarity with and access to betel nut and approval by parents, peers, and the community. In other words, FAS ethnicity was a significant predictor of higher levels of familiarity with betel nut; FAS ethnicity also predicted lower levels of difficulty in accessing betel nut and perceived disapproval of betel nut use from parents, peers, and the community. These, in turn, predicted more betel nut use and intention as reported by FAS adolescents. These findings can be used to inform the design and implementation of intervention and prevention programs to reduce ethnic disparities among at-risk youth vulnerable to betel nut use in the Pacific.

Knowledge levels and sociodemographic influences on dementia awareness in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

<b>Purpose:</b> This study aims to examine the level of knowledge about dementia among the public and explore differences in knowledge between sociodemographic groups.<br /> <b>Materials & methods:</b> This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study surveyed individuals living in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Dementia knowledge assessment scale (DKAS) was used to measure knowledge about dementia. Multiple regression was used to identify the significant predictors of higher levels of knowledge about dementia.<br /> <b>Results:</b> Among 1,030 participants, the mean DKAS score was 20.5 (standard deviation=10.3) out of 50. A higher level knowledge about dementia was significantly and positively associated with university education (β=2.42; p=0.010) and income higher (β=2.78; p=0.001). On the other hand, the total DKAS score was significantly and negatively associated with being male (β=-1.78; p=0.003), not knowing a person with dementia (PwD) (β=-.56; p<0.001), and not living with a PwD (β=-1.57; p=0.120).<br /> <b>Conclusions: </b>The level of knowledge about dementia is low among people living in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Enhancing the community’s knowledge and awareness about dementia and its related topics should be considered at the regional or national levels.

Religious coping and levels of posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology after the Beirut explosion.

Religious coping has implications for the development of psychopathology in the aftermath of traumatic events. This study explored the relationship between religious coping (positive and negative) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology among survivors of a large industrial explosion that devastated parts of Beirut in August of 2020. Three months after the disaster, 996 residents of Beirut and Lebanon completed validated measures of religious coping (RCOPE) and PTSD symptomatology (Impact of Events Scale-Revised) in either English or Arabic. The majority of participants were young adults aged between 18 and 25 years. Results indicated that higher levels of negative religious coping were a significant predictor of higher levels of PTSD symptomatology and were associated with a two-fold risk of meeting the criteria for probable PTSD. Other significant predictors included female gender, being a resident of Beirut at the time of the explosion, having personally sustained an injury, or knowing a person injured in the explosion. Effects sizes ranged from .34 to .68. Higher scores on measures of negative religious coping were associated with higher levels of PTSD symptomatology. However, negative religious coping may be better construed as a set of religious-based appraisals of event causality and may represent a form of peritraumatic appraisal in the wake of traumatic events. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

LECOM (Lead Extraction COMplexity): A New Scoring System for Predicting a Difficult Procedure.

(1) Background: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) can become far more complex when unanticipated difficulties arise. The aim was to develop a simple scoring system that allows for the prediction of the difficulty and complexity of this significant procedure. (2) Methods: Based on analysis of 3741 TLE procedures with and without complicating factors (extended fluoroscopy time, need for second-line instruments, and advanced techniques and instruments), a five-point Complex Indicator of Difficulty of (TLE) Procedure (CID-TLEP) scale was developed. Two or more points on the CID-TLEP scale indicate a higher level of procedure complexity. (3) Results: Patient age below 51 years at first CIED implantation, number of abandoned leads, number of previous procedures, passive fixation and multiple leads to be extracted, and a ratio of dwell time of oldest lead to patient age during TLE of >0.13 are significant predictors of higher levels of lead extraction complexity. The ROC analysis demonstrates that a point total (being the sum of the odds ratios of the above variables) of >9.697 indicates a 21.83% higher probability of complex TLE (sensitivity 74.08%, specificity 74.46%). Finally, a logistic function was calculated, and we constructed a simple equation for lead extraction complexity that can predict the probability of a difficult procedure. The risk of complex extraction (as a percentage) is calculated as [1/(1 + 55.34 · 0.754X)] · 100 (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: The LECOM score can effectively predict the risk of a difficult transvenous lead extraction procedure, and predicting the probability of a more complex procedure may help clinicians in planning lead removal and improving patient management.

Self-rated mental health in the transition to adulthood predicts depressive symptoms in midlife.

Self-rated mental health (SRMH), a single item asking individuals to evaluate their mental or emotional health, is included in some surveys as an indicator of risk for mental disorders and to monitor population health, yet little longitudinal research examines how well it predicts future outcomes. Following a life course perspective, the current longitudinal study of 502 Canadian high school seniors tracked into midlife examined to what extent SRMH at ages 20, 25, and 32years predicted depressive symptoms at ages 43 and 50. Hierarchical linear regressions showed that lower SRMH at age 25 and at 32years was a significant predictor of higher levels of depressive symptoms at ages 43 and 50, even when controlling for sex, participant education, marital/cohabitation status, self-rated physical health, and baseline depressive symptoms. The results provide evidence that SRMH assessed during the transition to adulthood may be useful as a broad and powerful measure of risk for mental health problems decades into the future.

Economic hardships of Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia: a mixed-methods study

Objectives. This study examined the relationships between economic hardships (i.e. perceived financial hardship and job interference) and caregiver burden among Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia and explored their lived experience caring for their loved ones. Methods. Using a mixed-methods research design, we first conducted a survey with 36 Korean American family caregivers. We also conducted semi-structured, in-depth, individual interviews (n = 33) and subsequently compared the results. Results. Cohabiting with their loved ones, the total duration of caregiving, and financial hardship were statistically significant predictors of higher levels of caregiver burden. Our thematic analysis resulted in four themes: (1) financial hardship, (2) early retirement, (3) dual responsibilities contributing to physical and emotional challenges, and (4) a lack of caregiver support. Conclusion. Our findings suggest the importance of developing culturally appropriate interventions that are affordable and accessible to Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia.

Adolescent perceptions of school before and after psychiatric hospitalization: Predicting suicidal ideation.

During the immediate period following psychiatric hospitalization, adolescents are at increased risk for suicide attempts and rehospitalization. Because most adolescents return to school during this time, school-related experiences are important considerations during the transition from inpatient hospitalization. This study sought to understand how adolescent perceptions of school may change following hospitalization, and how these changes may predict recovery from a suicide-related crisis. Participants included 155 adolescents (Mage = 15.2 years; 68.6% female, 65.4% White; 14.7% Hispanic/Latinx; grades 7-12) hospitalized for a suicide-related crisis assessed 3 weeks and 6 months following discharge. Results from Latent Change Score models indicated a worsening of perceptions of teacher relationships (mean change (Δ) = 1.52), connectedness to learning (Δ = 1.55), parent involvement (Δ = 1.82), and academic satisfaction (Δ = 1.34), as well as higher frequency of perceived bullying victimization (Δ = 0.71) following hospitalization. Poorer perceptions of teacher relationships and higher frequency of perceived bullying victimization during hospitalization (β = 0.31 and 0.34), as well as worsening changes of teacher relationships and increased frequency of perceived bullying victimization following hospitalization (β = 0.48 and 0.41) were associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation severity 3 weeks following discharge. Poorer and worsening perceptions of teacher relationships were associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation intensity at 3 weeks (β = 0.37 and 0.54). Poorer perceptions of connectedness to learning during hospitalization emerged as a significant predictor of higher levels of suicidal ideation intensity 6 months following hospitalization (β = 0.20). Results reinforce the importance of fostering positive adult relationships and preventing bullying both prior to and immediately following psychiatric hospitalization. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychological Wellbeing and Associated Factors Among Ethnic Minorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study assessed the psychological wellbeing and its associated factors amongst ethnic minorities during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A total of 310 Hong Kong South Asians aged 41.3 (SD 13.7) years completed an anonymous online survey between July 2020 and February 2021. The results showed an overall moderate level of stress and high levels of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms amongst South Asian minorities. Multivariable regression analyses suggested that being single/divorced, following Hinduism or other non-Muslim religions, having lower perceived knowledge of COVID-19 and having worried about losing job were significant predictors of higher levels of depression, anxiety and/or stress; additionally, being male, having a low monthly household income, having worried about losing job and healthcare collapse were significant predictors of a higher level of PTSD symptoms. The findings suggest an urgent need to alleviate the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on ethnic minorities, specifically for those most vulnerable to these impacts.

Urgency in Improving Child Health Care Workers' Awareness and Knowledge of ASD: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study in Southwest China.

Objective: To evaluate the levels of awareness and knowledge of ASD among child health care workers in China, we conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study to assess the participants' awareness and knowledge of ASD.Methods: A total of 159 child health care workers from Southwest China participated in the survey and filled out the questionnaire.Descriptive analysis was conducted on the five parts of the questionnaire, including general knowledge, symptomology, screening and diagnosis, and intervention and treatment. Univariate analysis was used to assess impacts of the participants' basic demographic characteristics on the questionnaire scores. Multivariate analysis was used to analyze association of the participants' basic demographic characteristics and the questionnaire scores.Results: Less than 15% of the participants knew that ASD is a developmental, congenital and genetic disorder. Few participants knew that the symptoms include language disorder (38.4%) and social dysfunction (29.6%). A minority of the participants knew the diagnostic criteria (22.6%) and the age for early screening (14.5%). A total of 23.9% of the participants agreed that there are no effective drugs to treat ASD, and 6.3% agreed that ASD is incurable. A number of years in practice of ≥10 (OR = 0.3249, 95% CI: 0.1080–0.9189) was the main factor related to a high questionnaire score.Conclusions: Most participants had relatively low levels of awareness and knowledge of ASD, especially in terms of general knowledge as well as knowledge of intervention and treatment. Working for more than 10 years was a significant predictor of higher levels of awareness and knowledge of ASD. ASD-related training and knowledge dissemination are crucial for the early diagnosis and intervention of ASD. Child health care workers' awareness and knowledge of ASD needs to be improved to help build public awareness about ASD.

Investigating cognitive fusion, mindfulness and experiential avoidance in relation to psychosis-like symptoms in the general population

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has demonstrated promising outcomes to date with clinical populations affected by psychosis, however there is a dearth of such investigations involving non-clinical samples despite evidence that symptoms of psychosis exist on a continuum in the general population. The present study aimed to investigate how key ACT processes relate to psychosis-like symptoms in the general population. A convenience sample of 77 adults completed self-report measures of cognitive fusion, mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and psychosis-like symptoms, and relative distress, intrusiveness and frequency. A series of correlational and hierarchical regression analyses investigated the relationship between target variables. Higher mindfulness was related to lower levels of psychosis-like symptoms as well as lower distress, intrusiveness, and frequency in relation to these experiences, as were lower levels of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance. Higher levels of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance, as well as lower levels mindfulness, emerged as significant predictors of higher levels of psychosis-like symptoms, and higher relative distress, intrusiveness, and frequency. Findings are discussed in relation to implications for future clinical research.

Interpersonal difficulties in heterosexual relationships and perfectionist automatic thoughts in Ecuadorian university students

The interpersonal difficulties of university students may affect their academic performance. Regarding students who manifest perfectionist automatic thoughts, they tend to show difficulties in heterosexual relationships. This research aimed to examine the relationship and predictive capacity of constructs related to perfectionism on difficulties in relationships with people of the opposite sex. 1298 Ecuadorian university students were recruited. 51.8% of the sample were men (n = 672). The Perfectionism Cognition Inventory and the Cuestionario de Evaluación de Dificultades Interpersonales en la Adolescencia were answered by the participants. Statistically significant differences were found in the different variables of perfectionistic automatic thoughts (i.e., Perfectionist Concerns, Perfectionist Demands, and Perfectionist Efforts) according to high and low levels of difficulties in heterosexual relationships. It was also found that the variable Perfectionist Efforts is a negative and significant predictor of high difficulties in heterosexual relationships. However, the variables Perfectionist Concerns and Perfectionist Demands are a positive and significant predictor of high levels in this type of interpersonal difficulties. All these results confirm that perfectionist automatic thoughts are related and are predictors of difficulties that Ecuadorian university students manifest in their heterosexual relationships.

The Combined Effect of Functional Independence, Loneliness, and Social Engagement on Older Adult Drinking Levels

ABSTRACT Loneliness has long been associated with older adult alcohol use; however, the relationship between loneliness and alcohol use remains complex and poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to examine a possible causal pathway between functional independence, social engagement, loneliness, and drinking among older adults using structural equation modeling. A lower level of functional independence was a significant predictor of higher levels of loneliness and lower levels of social engagement. Additionally, higher feelings of loneliness predicted higher levels of drinking and higher levels of social engagement predicted lower levels of drinking.

Undergraduate nursing students’ palliative care knowledge and attitudes towards end-of-life care: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Background It is crucial that future nurses be prepared with the knowledge and skills to provide palliative care (PC). Aims This study aimed to investigate Mongolian nursing students’ PC knowledge and attitudes towards end-of-life (EOL) care, as well as identify related predictors. Methods Participants were 141 students who enrolled in nursing program in Mongolia. Results Mean Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN) score was 7.15 out of 20. The mean Frommelt Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD) score was 64.2 out of 100. Older age, male gender, and higher satisfaction with nursing school were significant predictors of higher levels of palliative care knowledge. Living in traditional Mongolian housing (Ger) and having clinical EOL experience were significant predictors of positive attitudes towards EOL care. Conclusions Mongolian senior nursing students were inadequately prepared to provide PC. PC nursing education in Mongolia needs to be improved to meet an appropriate global standard.

The combined effect of functional independence, loneliness, and social engagement on older adult drinking levels

ABSTRACT Loneliness has long been associated with older adult alcohol use; however, the relationship between loneliness and alcohol use remains complex, and poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to examine a possible causal pathway between functional independence, social engagement, loneliness, and drinking among older adults using structural equation modeling. A lower level of functional independence was a significant predictor of higher levels of loneliness and lower levels of social engagement. Additionally, higher feelings of loneliness predicted higher levels of drinking and higher levels of social engagement predicted lower levels of drinking.

Are adolescent sports fans more physically active than the sports indifferent? A self-reported questionnaire study.

Physical inactivity in adolescents is a global health problem. Eighty percent of adolescents worldwide do not meet the minimum recommended physical activity. Although many adolescents define themselves as a 'sports fan', the relationships between sports spectatorship and sport participation in adolescents have not yet been investigated. Here, we determine whether there is a relationship between the levels of sports spectatorship and physical activity among adolescents. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), Sport Spectator Identification Scale (SSIS) and three questions regarding total screen time spent watching a sports game and other sports-related screen time on weekdays and weekends were given to high school students in two cities in Turkey (Konya and Ankara). After excluding 21 invalid questionnaires, a total of 1100 full and valid questionnaires were returned from the participants (578 females, 522 males). Participants were aged between 13 and 19 (median = 15) years. Female students had lower PAQ-A (median = 2.38, interquartile range (IQR) = 0.99) and SSIS scores (median = 19, IQR = 24) and less total screen time on weekends compared to male students (median PAQ-A = 2.64, IQR = 1.05; median SSIS = 29, IQR = 30) (p < .05). The physical activity level of the students was significantly lower among those at higher grades. A weak positive correlation was found between SSIS scores and PAQ-A scores (r = .28, p < .01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex, age and SSIS scores were all significant predictors of PAQ-A scores (p < .001). When comparing female and male adolescents, we found that females scored significantly less in mean physical activity levels, screen time on weekends and sports spectator identification. A positive correlation was observed between sports spectator identification and physical activity levels, both in males and in females. Higher sports spectator identification, being younger and being male were all significant predictors of higher levels of physical activity.

Military hazing and suicidal ideation among active duty military personnel: Serial mediation effects of anger and depressive symptoms

BackgroundMilitary hazing is one of most serious problems affecting suicidal ideation (SI) among active duty personnel, but has received limited research attention. Studies on hazing and SI indicate anger and depressive symptoms as mediators for SI. MethodsA sample of active duty military personnel (N = 944) completed an offline survey, consisting of the revised Conflict Tactics Scale-2, Composite International Diagnostic Interview Screening Scale, and revised Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Frequency, bivariate correlation, and serial mediation analyses were conducted to assess the serial effects of military hazing on SI, mediated via anger and depressive symptoms. ResultsMilitary hazing, anger, depressive symptoms, and SI were positively related to each other in bivariate analyses. In serial mediation analyses, hazing was found to be a significant predictor of higher levels of anger, consequently triggering depressive symptoms, which, in turn, were associated with greater SI. LimitationsStudy limitations included the use of cross-sectional data with the use of retrospective self-report. ConclusionHazing in the military is prevalent (17.6%), and SI is associated with serial effects of hazing, anger, and depressive symptoms with full mediation path. Findings suggest that policies that address reducing hazing and implementing clinical interventions specifically focused on symptoms of anger and depression may be important for decreasing SI in military personnel.

Increased mitochondrial DNA4977-bp deletion in catheterization laboratory workers with long-term low-dose exposure to ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation may lead to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and changes in mtDNA content in cells, major driving mechanisms for carcinogenesis, vascular aging and neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible induction of common mitochondrial deletion (mtDNA4977) and mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) changes in peripheral blood of personnel working in high-volume cardiac catheterization laboratories (Cath Labs). A group of 147 Cath Lab workers (median individual effective dose = 16.8 mSv, for the 41 with lifetime dosimetric record) and 74 unexposed individuals were evaluated. The occupational radiological risk score was computed for each subject on the basis of the length of employment, individual caseload and proximity to the radiation source. mtDNA4977 deletion and mtDNA-CN were assessed by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Increased levels of mtDNA4977 deletion were observed in high-exposure Cath Lab workers compared with unexposed individuals ( p < 0.0001). Conversely, mtDNA-CN was significantly greater in the low-exposure workers ( p = 0.003). Occupational radiological risk score was positively correlated with mtDNA4977 deletion (Spearman's r = 0.172, p = 0.03) and inversely correlated with mtDNA-CN (Spearman's r = -0.202, p = 0.01). In multiple regression model, occupational radiological risk score emerged as significant predictor of high levels of mtDNA4977 deletion (ß coefficient = 0.236, p = 0.04). mtDNA4977 deletion is significantly high in Cath Lab personnel. Beyond the well-recognized nuclear DNA, mtDNA damage might deserve attention as a pathogenetic molecular pathway and a potential therapeutic target of ionizing radiation damage.