Social Distress Research Articles

Advancing frontiers in skin offensive odor management: from innovative diagnostics to cutting-edge treatments and emerging technologies.

Skin bromhidrosis, commonly referred to as body odor, is caused by the microbial breakdown of sweat, leading to the formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that result in unpleasant odors. While body odor is a natural consequence of sweat production, excessive or persistent odor can significantly affect quality of life, causing social stigma and psychological distress. Traditional approaches to managing body odor, such as antiperspirants and deodorants, have limitations, necessitating the development of more advanced diagnostic tools and treatments. This review aims to explore recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of skin offensive odor, focusing on cutting-edge technologies and novel approaches. It highlights the interplay of the skin microbiome, sweat gland activity, and external factors in odor formation and investigates innovative solutions for long-term odor management. Emerging diagnostic techniques, such as electronic nose (E-nose) technology, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and next-generation sequencing (NGS), enable precise detection and analysis of odor-causing VOCs and microbial profiles. These tools facilitate a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of odor production. Treatment innovations include nanotechnology-based antimicrobials (e.g., silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles), probiotic formulations for microbiome modulation, and odor-neutralizing compounds such as cyclodextrins and enzymatic neutralizers. Advanced delivery systems, including microneedle patches and nanoencapsulation, enable targeted, sustained release of active ingredients. Additionally, systemic approaches like oral probiotics and dietary interventions offer complementary strategies for managing body odor. The integration of novel diagnostics with innovative topical and systemic treatments offers promising avenues for more effective and personalized management of skin offensive odor. These advancements pave the way for improved quality of life for individuals affected by bromhidrosis, with potential for widespread application in personal care and medical contexts. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

Evaluating a mental health support mobile app for adults with type 1 diabetes living in rural and remote communities: The REACHOUT pilot study.

To evaluate a mobile app that delivers mental health support to adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) living in rural and remote communities using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Intervention fidelity, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. This study recruited 46 adults to participate in a 6-month intervention using REACHOUT, a mobile app that delivers peer-led mental health support (one-on-one, group-based texting and face-to-face virtual). Baseline and 6-month assessments measured diabetes distress (DD), depressive symptoms and perceived support (from family/friends, health care team and peers) along with other RE-AIM metrics. Calculations for reach and adoption found that 3% of eligible adults enrolled in REACHOUT and 55% of diabetes education centres participated in recruitment efforts. Maintenance metrics revealed 56% and 24% of peer supporters and participants, respectively, became peer supporters for a subsequent randomized controlled trial of REACHOUT. Post-intervention reductions were observed for overall distress (p = 0.007), powerlessness (p = 0.009), management distress (p = 0.001), social perception distress (p = 0.023), eating distress (p = 0.032) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.009); and elevations in support from family/friends and peers. After adjusting for sex and age, only support-related improvements persisted. When analysing women and men groups separately, women reported lower levels of overall distress, three distress subscales, and higher levels of family/friends and peer support whereas men did not. While reach was relatively low, metrics for adoption and maintenance are promising. Improvements in distress were observed for the total sample, but these changes were reduced when controlling for sex and age, with significance maintained only for women. Digital health-enabled peer support may be instrumental in the delivery of mental health support to geographically isolated communities.

On-Site Investigation and Diagnosis of Hazardous Street Section in Erbil Street Network

Accidents place a significant burden on the national economy due to their potential to cause disability, death, health issues, property damage, social distress, and environmental harm. The current study seeks to investigate an accident prone location in Erbil Street Network "in Kurdistan region- Iraq" and implement the procedures outlined in the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The process involves characterizing the accidents, diagnosing the issues, and assessing field conditions to identify the contributing factors. Based on this, countermeasures are suggested to significantly improve safety. Factor analysis was employed to determine and rank the most influential factors contributing to the accidents. By addressing these significant factors with targeted measures, future accidents can be reduced. Data analysis was conducted focusing on micro-level factors such as traffic characteristics, road user behavior, collision types, road and geometric features, street furniture, and environmental conditions. The study involved characterizing accidents, diagnosing field conditions, identifying contributory factors, and recommending countermeasures to substantially enhance safety. Through the analysis of the collected accident data, it is shown that run over (pedestrian accidents) is the dominant type and happened at morning and afternoon peak hours. It contribute to vehicles speed which generally exceeded the average speed for the link. The output of the diagnosis phase is a set of applicable countermeasures for the accident prone location and the degree of confidence in each countermeasure. This research will assist transportation designers in understanding accident causes and implementing appropriate measures during road construction planning and for existing conditions. It provides a framework for reducing accidents both in the short term and over the long term.

SOCIAL PHOBIA

Social phobia is a widespread psychological condition, particularly prevalent in young people, where individuals experience overwhelming anxiety in social situations, leading to avoidance of social interactions and significant emotional distress. This article explores the relationship between social phobia and personality traits, with an emphasis on how specific personality types predispose individuals to develop social phobia and how these traits affect emotional well-being. The research outlines the key causes of social phobia, its emotional and behavioral consequences, and treatment strategies that can help alleviate the condition.

EFFECTS OF BELL’S PALSY ON PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH OF PATIENTS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS PESHAWAR

Background: Bell’s palsy is an acute unilateral facial nerve disorder resulting in partial to complete facial muscle paralysis, significantly affecting communication and social interactions. The condition is associated with viral infections, immune responses, and vascular ischemia. Its prevalence increases with age and is observed more frequently in rural populations. Recovery depends on the severity of the condition and timely intervention. Recent cases have been linked to COVID-19 and its vaccines. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in improving functional outcomes at all stages of the disease. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Bell’s palsy on the psychosocial health of patients in tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar. A total of 121 patients diagnosed with Bell’s palsy were included using non-probability convenience sampling. The sample size was calculated using the OpenEpi sample size calculator. Data were collected using the House-Brackmann Grading Scale (HBGS) to assess disease severity and the Psychosocial Scale of Facial Appearance (PSFA) to evaluate psychosocial distress. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were calculated, and the chi-square test was applied to determine associations between Bell’s palsy severity and psychosocial distress. Results: Among the 121 patients, 58.7% experienced moderate psychosocial distress, while 41.3% reported severe psychosocial issues. A statistically significant association was found between Bell’s palsy severity and psychosocial health (p<0.001). Patients with severe facial paralysis had higher rates of emotional distress, social withdrawal, and self-esteem issues. The psychosocial impact was more pronounced among young, unmarried females, who expressed concerns about societal acceptance and future relationships. Conclusion: Bell’s palsy has a profound impact on psychosocial health, leading to moderate to severe psychological and social distress due to facial disfigurement, loss of facial expressions, and societal reactions. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive patient education and psychological support alongside medical treatment.

46 POSITIVE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE RECOVERY OF SOCIAL FUNCTIONING IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract Background Schizophrenia belongs to a kind of chronic and serious mental illness, which usually manifests itself as abnormalities in sensation, perception, emotion and behaviour, causing serious impact on patients’ life and work. Medication, psychotherapy, social support and other interventions are often used to help patients better adapt to the social environment and improve their quality of life. However, due to the complex pathogenesis and individual differences of schizophrenia, the intervention effect of existing treatments is limited. Existing studies have shown that regular physical activity can promote the plasticity of neurons in the brain, enhance the formation of connection points between neurons, and promote blood circulation in the brain, improve the metabolism and function of neurons, and promote the generation and stabilisation of synapses. However, the role of physical activity in the social functioning of schizophrenic patients remains to be confirmed. Therefore, the study examined whether the positive benefits of physical activity as an intervention for schizophrenia could be extended to the level of social functioning. Methods Sixty subjects who met the Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria for Mental Disorders (ICD-10) criteria for schizophrenia were divided equally into an experimental group and a control group; patients in the control group received conventional treatment, and the experimental group received physical activity therapy intervention on top of conventional treatment for a 6-month intervention period. The experimental group and the control group received the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS), the Social Anxiety Subscale (SAS), the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and the Social Performance Scale (SPS), respectively, before the intervention and at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th months after the intervention. and Social Performance Scale (PSP), Scale of Social function in Psychosis Inpatients (SSPI), and Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS) were measured. Results Compared with the control group, the total SADS scores of the patients in the experimental group decreased significantly after the physical activity intervention (P<0.05) from (13.511±2.646) to (6.456±2.766); and there was a significant statistical difference (P<0.01), and the social interaction function of the experimental group was significantly improved. In the social function analysis, starting from the 4th month of physical activity intervention, there was a significant difference in PSP scores between the experimental group and the control group (P<0.05), and the experimental group’s scores were higher than those of the control group. In addition, the SDSS scale scores of the control group did not change significantly before and after the treatment (P>0.05), while the SDSS scores of the experimental group increased from (15.462±3.146) to (20.164±2.694), which was significantly different from the pre-intervention (P<0.05). Finally, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in SDSS scores between the different subject groups. Discussion Relative to the control group that received conventional treatment, physical activity produced positive positive benefits on the social functioning of the patients in the experimental group, with significant improvements in social avoidance, social distress, and social motivation. The study suggests that by participating in physical activities, patients can gradually establish positive interactions with others and enhance their sense of social belonging. Combined with previous studies, the results suggest that in the treatment of schizophrenia, physical activity can be considered as one of the adjunctive therapies in order to improve the therapeutic efficacy and the quality of life of patients.

The Role of Social Support in Mitigating Mental Health Challenges of Divorced Women and their Children

This study explores the role of social support in mitigating the mental health challenges faced by divorced women and children in District Mansehra. Using a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological research design, the study captures the lived experiences of divorced individuals and the impact of emotional, financial, and professional support on their psychological well-being. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that social stigma, economic instability, and emotional distress are major challenges post-divorce. However, social support particularly from family, friends, and professional counselors plays a crucial role in coping with these difficulties. Despite existing support networks, limited access to mental health resources and cultural barriers hinder effective intervention. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive community-based support programs and policy initiatives to improve access to mental health services and reduce societal stigma. Enhancing these resources can foster resilience and stability among divorced women and children, promoting their emotional and social well-being.

The relationship between self-esteem and social avoidance among university students: chain mediating effects of resilience and social distress

BackgroudThis study aims to explore the relationships between self-esteem, resilience, social distress, and social avoidance among college students. It also examines the mediating roles of resilience and social distress in the relationship between self-esteem and social avoidance.MethodsA convenience cluster sampling method was used to select all first-year students from a university in Yinchuan, Ningxia. Data were collected through an online survey administered via the WENJUANXING platform, which included a general information questionnaire, the Self-Esteem Scale, the Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. A total of 2513 first-year students completed the survey. SPSS 26.0 software was used to analyze the correlation between self-esteem, resilience, social distress and social avoidance, and the mediation model was tested by Mplus8.ResultsSelf-esteem, resilience were negatively correlated with social distress scores (r = -0.411, p < 0.01; r =-0.387, p < 0.01, respectively). Self-esteem and resilience were negatively correlated with social avoidance scores (r = -0.437, p < 0.01; r = -0.379, p < 0.01, respectively). Social distress and social avoidance scores were positively correlated (r = 0.778, p < 0.01). Resilience partially mediated the association between self-esteem and social avoidance(β = -0.02, p < 0.01), with a mediation rate of 5.01%. Social distress partially mediated the associations between self-esteem and social avoidance(β = -0.203, p < 0.01) with a mediation rate of 50.87%. Resilience and social distress together (β = -0.06, p < 0.01) formed a mediating chain between self-esteem and social avoidance, with a mediation rate of 15.03%.ConclusionsSelf-esteem was negatively associated with social avoidance. Resilience and social distress were found to mediate the association partially.

Relationship Between Group Activities and Social Anxiety Among College Students and the Intervention Effect of Group Activities

Abstract Due to environmental changes, personal pressure, and other reasons, college students' social anxiety is severe, which is not conducive to the healthy development of individuals. Therefore, intervention is needed. This paper aims to understand the relationship between group activities combined with mindfulness technology and college students' social anxiety and the intervention of group activities to explore whether mindfulness group activities can alleviate college students' social anxiety. Using social avoidance and distress scale (SAD), interaction anxiousness scale (IAS), and five facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ) as tools, 110 college students with social anxiety from Enshi Polytechnic were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The former group underwent mindfulness activity intervention for 8 weeks, and the pre- and post-test levels of social anxiety and mindfulness of the two groups were compared. Significant differences were not observed in pretest IAS, SAD, and FFMQ scores between the two groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). In the post-test, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower IAS scores (43.28 ± 8.36) and SAD scores (11.45 ± 2.07) compared to both their pretest scores and those of the control group (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The experimental group showed a significantly higher FFMQ score of 118.78 ± 12.87 points compared to both the pretest and control group (p &amp;lt; 0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the IAS, SAD, and FFMQ scores of the experimental group during the follow-up period (p &amp;gt; 0.05).

The social cost of student food insecurity at an Atlantic Canadian university: exploring the relationship between social support and psychological distress

ABSTRACT With escalating living expenses and tuition fees, food insescurity continues to moderate university student well-being and academic success. In the postsecondary food security literature, studies assessing distinctions among social support subtypes and how they might interact with mental health are absent. Therefore, the primary objectives of the current study were to characterise students classified as food insecure at an Atlantic Canadian university, compare their social support subtype and psychological distress levels with students classified as food secure, and determine whether/how these subtypes predict psychological distress. Using data from the 2023 National College Health Assessment (NCHA-III) survey (n = 1694), 46.6% were deemed food insecure based on the USDA ERS Food Security scale. A series of two-factor chi-square tests revealed that students classified as food insecure were more likely to be male, undergraduate, international, identify as Black or South Asian, and report lower family incomes and poorer grade point averages (GPAs). These students were also less likely to report campus belongingness, reciprocity, and wellness advocacy. Subsequent t-tests revealed that students classified as food insecure scored lower on each Social Provisions Scale subtype (‘attachment’, ‘guidance’, ‘reliable alliance’, ‘social integration’, and ‘reassurance of worth’), and higher in psychological distress. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed ‘reassurance of worth’ to be the lone, significant support subtype predicting lower psychological distress for students classified as food insecure, a finding which suggests that having one’s self-worth validated, affirmed, and fostered by others may help moderate psychological distress, perhaps by counteracting stigma and shame. The implications of this finding are considered.

Acceptance and commitment therapy reduces perceived ostracism in suicidal patients

IntroductionOstracism increases the risk of depression and suicidal behaviors. Mindfulness training, which is at the core of third-wave behavioral therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), might reduce social distress and inhibit negative affect.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial included 32 patients with a history of suicide attempt in the past year who followed seven weekly sessions of ACT or progressive relaxation therapy (PRT). To assess and compare the effects of ACT and PRT on social distress, patients performed a validated paradigm of social exclusion (the Cyberball Game) followed by completion of the Need Threat Scale (NTS) at inclusion (baseline) and within two weeks after the intervention ended (posttherapy).ResultsThe included patients were mainly women (N = 28; 87.5%), and their mean age was 40 years (SD: 12 years). Twenty-six patients (81%) experienced current depression. The postintervention NTS score was greater (lower social distress) in the ACT group than in the PRT group (group × time interaction; β = 0.47, p < 0.05), even after controlling for depressive symptoms (β = 0.27, p < 0.05). The NTS score change (between baseline and posttherapy) was correlated with changes in dispositional mindfulness (r = 0.46, p = 0.03), cognitive fusion (r = − 0.61, p < 10–3) and acceptance (r = 0.57, p < 10–2).ConclusionACT decreased social pain independently of its effect on depression. Reduced social pain was correlated with improved therapeutic processes and decreased suicidal ideation, highlighting the therapeutic potential of ACT for managing ostracism and suicide risk.

Social isolation, loneliness, death stress and life satisfaction in older adults: A serial mediation study.

Social isolation, loneliness, death stress and life satisfaction in older adults: A serial mediation study.

Multidisciplinary Treatment With Adjunctive Orthodontics, Surgical Crown Lengthening, and Esthetic Rehabilitation.

Anterior spacing caused by missing upper lateral incisors and edge-to-edge position in the front teeth can negatively affect the appearance of a person's smile, leading to mental and social distress. A 29-year-old woman approached with the issue of edge-to-edge anterior occlusion, upper and lower spacing, missing lateral teeth, and improper occlusion. The treatment plan involved an interdisciplinary approach with orthodontics, implants, periodontics, and prosthodontics. After orthodontic treatment, third molar extraction and two buccal shelf mini screws were recommended to distalize the lower posterior teeth and retract the lower incisors using a power chain. Gingivoplasty and veneer restorations were performed on teeth 14-24 to improve the patient's smile aesthetics. The interdisciplinary approach used in this case involved fixed orthodontics, periodontal surgery, and prosthodontics to manage and improve the patient's smile and facial appearance.

Clinical phenotyping of people living with type 1 diabetes according to their levels of diabetes-related distress: results from the SFDT1 cohort

IntroductionType 1 diabetes is burdensome, requiring complex daily management and making people more prone to emotional distress. To better detect diabetes-related distress (DD) and identify at-risk patients, we aimed to...

Smoking Cessation Programs for Women in Non-reproductive Contexts: A Systematic Review.

Smoking Cessation Programs for Women in Non-reproductive Contexts: A Systematic Review.

Relationship between social support and psychological distress in nursing students: The mediating role of school-life interference

Relationship between social support and psychological distress in nursing students: The mediating role of school-life interference

Neural mechanisms, influencing factors and interventions in empathic pain.

Neural mechanisms, influencing factors and interventions in empathic pain.

Factor Structure of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE) in Chinese Nursing Students.

Background/Objectives: Coping strategies are influenced by sociocultural factors, and an understanding of how the Brief-COPE functions within the Chinese student population is important for its validity and reliability. This study aimed to explore the factor structure of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE) in Chinese nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 284 college nursing students, aged 18 years or older, were recruited from a medical university in China using convenience sampling. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to identify the underlying domain structure of the Brief-COPE within those students. This study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement. Results: The Brief-COPE demonstrated robust validity, revealing eight distinct factors: positive reframing coping, avoidant and passive coping, seeking social support, self-blame and emotional distress coping, denial and deflective coping, spirituality and humor coping, avoidance and emotional release coping, and adaptive acceptance with distraction. The scale exhibited good internal consistency, as indicated by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.759. Conclusions: The Brief-COPE is a valid tool for assessing coping strategies in Chinese nursing students. Nursing educators could benefit from training aimed at enhancing the use of appropriate strategies. Also, culturally tailored interventions, such as peer support groups and mentorship programs, could further promote coping skills and improve the emotional well-being of these students.

Loneliness experience among college students with neurodevelopmental disorders: hope, intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety as serial mediators

ABSTRACT Research has demonstrated that college students with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) such as specific learning disorders (SLD) and/or attention deficit disorders (ADHD) often experience higher levels of loneliness compared to their peers. However, only a few studies have explored the contextual factors that predicted this disparity. This study aimed to identify predictors of risk factors (i.e. anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty), and protective factors (i.e. hope and college support) related to their social distress. A total of 690 Israeli college students participated in the study (542 females − 78.6%). Among them, 436 students (63.2%) reported having SLD, and/or ADHD. Participants assessed their levels of loneliness, general anxiety, and intolerance for uncertainty, college support and hope. The results identified a serial mediation model, in which anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty (as risk factors), along with college support and hope (as protective factors) mediated the relationships between NDD and loneliness. Additionally, students with NDD reported higher levels of anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty, as well as lower levels of hope than did the comparison group. These results highlighted the need for comprehensive college-based intervention programmes to meet the special needs of these students.

Social Distress and (Some) Relief: Estimating the Impact of Pandemic Job Loss on Poverty in South Africa

Social Distress and (Some) Relief: Estimating the Impact of Pandemic Job Loss on Poverty in South Africa