Social Subscale Research Articles

Real-Life Functioning in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome in Relation to Neurocognitive Abilities and Psychotic Symptoms: A Comparison With Idiopathic Schizophrenia.

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) entails intellectual disabilities and higher risk of psychotic disorders. Neurocognitive deficits predict real-life functioning of schizophrenic patients. We investigated real-life functioning in 22q11.2DS, aiming at defining how neurocognitive profile and psychopathological variables impact on psychotic patients' social functioning. We recruited 63 patients with schizophrenia (SCZ, N = 63), 44 with 22q11.2DS (DEL, N = 44) and 19 with 22q11.2DS and psychosis (DEL-SCZ, N = 19), all matched for age, sex and neurocognitive profile; we administered the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS), the Specific Levels of Functioning (SLoF) scale and the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). We implemented descriptive analyses, MANCOVA and linear regression statistics. The DEL-SCZ and the SCZ groups showed similar levels in Interpersonal Relationships (p = 0.093) and Social Acceptability subscales (p = 0.283). The DEL group scored higher on the Interpersonal Relationships subscale compared with the SCZ group (p = 0.001). The groups scored similarly on the other SLoF subscales. Both BNSS total score (beta = -0.343; p = 0.004) and BNSS asociality (beta = -0.487; p = 0.038) significantly predicted the Interpersonal Relationships variable in the groups with psychosis (SCZ and DEL-SCZ). Individuals with 22q11.2DS display a similar real-life functioning to patients with chronic schizophrenia. Social functioning impairments are typical of psychosis regardless of the genetic condition and highly predicted by negative symptoms like asociality. The 22q11.2DS represents a reliable biological model to study vulnerability to psychosis and its consequences on patients' real-life and social functioning.

School well-being in primary school children with chronic illness. A prospective cohort study.

Children with chronic illness perform poorer at school, and school well-being (SWB) may mediate this association. We investigated the association between chronic illness and three domains of SWB in children in first grade. Data from a German population-based prospective cohort study were used. Children with chronic illness were identified via their preschool health examination and follow-up parent surveys during first grade. Children were grouped as either (i) having current special health care needs (SHCN), (ii) having at least one physician diagnosis of a chronic illness but no current SHCN, or (iii) being healthy. SWB was assessed at the end of first grade and measured by the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Emotional and Social School Experiences of First and Second Grade Primary School Children. Based on SWB theory and previous frameworks, the following subscales were used: School-Related Self-Concept, Social Integration, and Joy of Learning. The sum score for each subscale was converted into area-transformed T-values (mean 50 and standard deviation 10). Associations between chronic illness groups and SWB subscales were investigated by multivariable linear regression models. Effect estimates were adjusted for potential confounding variables and standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated. Of the 1,490 children included, 15% had current SHCN and 37% had a physician diagnosis of a chronic illness but no current SHCN. Compared to healthy children, children with SHCN had lower scores for the School-Related Self-Concept and the Joy of Learning subscale (SMD -0.18 for both) but not for the Social Integration subscale. In contrast, children with a chronic condition but no SHCN had lower scores only for the Social Integration subscale (SMD -0.12). Primary school students with a chronic illness with or without SHCN have lower SWB in some domains compared to their healthy peers. SWB may be a mediator in the association between chronic illness and poor school performance.

QOL-08. HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY-OF-LIFE (HRQOL) IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 1-ASSOCIATED PLEXIFORM NEUROFIBROMA (NF1-PN) TREATED WITH MIRDAMETINIB: PIVOTAL, PHASE 2B RENEU TRIAL

Abstract Patients with NF1-PN experience pain and other symptoms that negatively impact functioning and quality-of-life. We present patient- and parent proxy-reported HRQoL outcomes from ReNeu (NCT03962543), a pivotal, phase 2b trial of mirdametinib, an investigational MEK1/2 inhibitor, in adults and children (≥2 y) with NF1-PN causing morbidities. Fifty-eight adults and 56 children received mirdametinib (2 mg/m2 BID; 3-weeks-on/1-week-off, 28-d cycles). Change in HRQoL was assessed by Pediatric QoL Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scales from baseline across the 24-cycle treatment phase; change from baseline at Cycle 13 (C13) was a prespecified secondary endpoint. PedsQL is a HRQoL measure for adults and children with a Total Score (TS) and 4 subscales: physical, emotional, social, and school/work. Items are reported on a 0-100 scale (higher scores=better HRQoL). Clinically meaningful improvement was defined as change from baseline >9.7 points for adults, >8.5 points for child self-report, and >9.0 points for parent proxy-report. PedsQL-TS improvement (least-squares mean, LSM [SE] change) from baseline at C13 was 3.9 (1.6; P=.018; n=34) for adults, 4.0 (2.4; P=.096; n=38) for children by self-report, and 5.6 (1.9; P=.005; n=43) by parent proxy-report. PedsQL-TS improvements for adults and children by parent proxy-report (not by children self-report) were observed early (at C5 and C3, respectively) and sustained through C24. Clinically meaningful improvement in PedsQL-TS from baseline at C13 was achieved by 37% (10/27) adults, 45% (13/29) children by self-report, and 47% (15/32) children by parent proxy-report (among patients who could have achieved a clinically meaningful change from baseline). Significant (P<.05) improvement from baseline to C13 was reported for physical (adults, children, and parent proxy-report), school/work (adults), and emotional and social (parent proxy-report) subscales. Adults and children (by parent proxy-report) with NF1-PN had clinically meaningful, early, and sustained improvement in HRQoL over the course of mirdametinib treatment.

Social Cognitive Predictors of Health Promotion Self-Efficacy Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To examine the relative importance of social cognitive predictors (ie, performance accomplishment, vicarious learning, verbal persuasion, affective state) on health promotion self-efficacy among older adults during COVID-19. Cross-sectional. Data collected online from participants in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Seventy-five adults (n = 75) aged ≥65years. Health promotion self-efficacy was measured using the Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale. Performance accomplishment was assessed using the health directed behavior subscale of the Health Education Impact Questionnaire; vicarious learning was measured using the positive social interaction subscale of the Medical Outcomes Survey - Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS); verbal persuasion was assessed using the informational support subscale from the MOS-SSS; and affective state was assessed using the depression subscale from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relative importance of each social cognitive predictor on self-efficacy, after controlling for age. Our analyses revealed statistically significant associations between self-efficacy and performance accomplishment (health-directed behavior; β = .20), verbal persuasion (informational support; β = .41), and affective state (depressive symptoms; β = -.44) at P < .05. Vicarious learning (β = -.15) did not significantly predict self-efficacy. The model was statistically significant (P < .001) explaining 43% of the self-efficacy variance. Performance accomplishment experiences, verbal persuasion strategies, and affective states may be the target of interventions to modify health promotion self-efficacy among older adults, in environments that require physical and social distancing.

Evaluation of the Educational Environment of Orthopedic Residency Training Programs in Saudi Arabia: A PHEEM-Based Study.

This study aimed to assess the quality of the educational environments within which an orthopedic residency training program is being conducted throughout Saudi Arabia and to identify the areas of weaknesses so that the necessary improvements can be made to build a healthy and supportive environment. This cross-sectional study included all orthopedic residents in Saudi Arabia and was surveyed using the validated Postgraduate Health Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM). We used Google Forms to Email the online survey to Saudi trainees in the orthopedic residency program from January 1 through September 30, 2022. The majority of participants were between 26 and 30 years; 15.6% were women. Among the subscales of PHEEM, perception of role autonomy scores were statistically significantly associated with participants' regions and their level of training (p = 0.026 and p = 0.019, respectively). The association of perception of teaching and participants' regions was also statistically significant (p = 0.004). The mean score for the perception of social support subscale was 25.99, which indicates that residents are generally satisfied with the level of support they receive in the training program. However, there is still room for improvement in this area. The overall PHEEM score was positive but highlighted areas for improvement. Role autonomy and instructional subscales were perceived positively, yet still have room for growth. Social support showed more advantages than disadvantages. Despite the generally favorable environment, enhancements are needed in workloads, working hours, clarity of clinical protocols, and teaching supervision quality.

Impact of Open-Angle Glaucoma Severity on Vision-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Single Center in Indonesia

Background: Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by the gradual loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, leading to irreversible visual field loss. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in a single center in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the eye polyclinic of Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia, from June to August 2024. A total of 54 patients with POAG were included and categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups based on their cup-to-disc ratio and visual field index (VFI). VRQoL was assessed using the Indonesian version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25). Results: The mean VRQoL score was significantly lower in the severe group (60.63 ± 13.04) compared to the moderate (81.79 ± 10.42) and mild (85.04 ± 10.52) groups (p = 0.000). A strong negative correlation was observed between glaucoma severity and VRQoL (r = -0.667, p = 0.000). The social functioning subscale showed the strongest correlation with severity (r = -0.573, p = 0.000). Conclusion: The severity of POAG significantly impacts VRQoL, with more severe disease associated with lower QoL scores. The social functioning domain appears to be particularly affected. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive glaucoma management that addresses not only clinical parameters but also the patient's overall quality of life.

Feasibility of a Home-Based Developmental Behavioral Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Underserved Taiwanese Families

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the feasibility of the home-based parent- mediated intervention Naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (HB-NDBI) in underserved Taiwanese families of children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and explore its effects on children’s developmental skills and parents’ parenting stress. Method: 24 underserved Taiwanese families of children with ASD (mean age = 46.5 months) received 12-week HB-NDBI programs. Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2), Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/1.5-5), and Parenting Stress Index (PSI) were administered before and after the HB-NDBI programs. Results: Following the HB-NDBI programs, significant improvements in social cognition, social communication subscales, receptive language subscale, internalizing, externalizing, and total behavioral problems scales of children, and release of parenting stress were observed. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility of home-based parent-mediated intervention for underserved families in Taiwan. These promising results might facilitate the development of such interventions for underserved families.

Challenging public stigma: the impact of a statewide social media campaign to reduce opioid use disorder stigma

Background Opioid-related stigma can affect the health and recovery of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). As such, campaigns to reduce stigma are needed. We evaluated Life Unites Us (LUU), a comprehensive social media campaign to reduce public stigma of opioids and those who use them, 12 months after campaign launch. Methods A cross-sectional web survey of 1,045 people was used to assess differences in public stigma by exposure to LUU. Survey items focused on public OUD stigma and were divided into three subscales: desire for social distance, treatment availability and effectiveness, and general attitudes. Results Controlling for relevant covariates (i.e. gender, political ideology, education level, race), individuals exposed to LUU endorsed less stigma in the desire for social distance and treatment subscales. There were no significant differences in stigma for the general attitudes subscale. Those who identified as more politically conservative held more stigma across all subscales than those who identified as less politically conservative. Females reported less treatment and general OUD stigma than males. Conclusions Findings suggest that comprehensive social media campaigns that foster connections, educate the public, and advocate for community-level change may positively influence public attitudes toward individuals with OUD and create a more supportive environment for recovery.

Social Support and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients: A Comparative Study with Healthy Controls.

Background and Objectives: Hemodialysis patients face significant physical and psychological challenges, including diminished quality of life and reduced social support. This study aimed to assess the levels of social support and quality of life in hemodialysis patients and identify the sociodemographic and dialysis-related factors influencing these outcomes. Materials and Methods: This study included 115 hemodialysis patients and 107 healthy controls. Social support was measured using the Modified Social Support Survey (MSSS) and its abbreviated version (MSSS-5). Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Demographic variables (age, sex, education, marital status) and dialysis-related factors (session duration, Kt/V, vascular access type, and urea reduction ratio) were analyzed to determine their effects on social support and quality of life. Results: Hemodialysis patients reported significantly lower scores in the Physical Health and Psychological Health domains of the WHOQOL-BREF compared to healthy controls. Males on hemodialysis scored lower than the controls in the Physical Health, Psychological Health, and Environment domains of the WHOQOL-BREF and the Affectionate Support and Positive Social Interaction subscales of MSSS. Conversely, hemodialysis females reported higher scores for Tangible Support, Emotional/Informational Support, and Affectionate Support. Longer dialysis sessions negatively impacted the Social Relationships domain. Married hemodialysis patients had higher Emotional/Informational Support and Affectionate Support scores. Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients experience diminished physical and psychological quality of life, particularly males. Social support, especially emotional and informational support, is crucial for hemodialysis patients, with marital status playing a key role. Addressing these psychosocial factors may improve outcomes for hemodialysis patients.

Customizing Yoga for Global Diversity: A Comparative Study of Eastern and Western Practices for Effective Integration Into Complementary Healthcare.

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine differences in yoga practices to enhance the validity and comparability of yoga research findings. It addresses the "black-box" approach to yoga interventions by highlighting various delivery components that can impact the validity of outcomes. By moving away from the generalization of yoga outcomes, this study provides deeper insights into yoga practices across culturally diverse populations. These insights are crucial for improving the reliability of outcomes and facilitating the integration of yoga into global complementary healthcare. The study included 2,619 participants, with a balanced representation from India (1,296) and the United States (1,323). The participants were diverse, with 47.5% being yoga masters, gurus, therapists, and experts. The study utilized the 14 subscales of the Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ) to assess four factors of yoga practice: region (India/United States), sex (male/female), delivery mode (remote/in-person), and participation status (instructor/practitioner). The EPYQ demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.928). The total EPYQ score was higher in India than in the United States. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for the 14 subscales across all four factors: region, sex, delivery mode, and participation status. Notable observations include that, by region, the United States sample scored higher than the Indian sample on the subscales of body awareness and acceptance/compassion (mean differences of -0.06 and -0.03, respectively), while the Indian sample scored higher on the spirituality and social aspects subscales (mean differences of 0.54 and 0.57, respectively). The remote delivery mode scored higher for the subscales of yoga philosophy and health benefits (mean differences of 0.17 and 0.13, respectively), and lower for the subscales of individual attention and active postures (mean differences of -0.17 and -0.04, respectively). By sex, the scores on the subscales of social aspects and yoga philosophy were higher for men than for women (mean differences of -0.26 and -0.24, respectively), whereas women scored higher for the subscales of body awareness and restorative postures (mean differences of 0.19 and 0.17, respectively). By participation status, practitioners showed higher scores for the subscales of physicality and active postures (mean differences of -0.05 and -0.02, respectively), whereas instructors scored higher on the subscales of yoga philosophy and meditation/mindfulness (mean differences of 0.37 and 0.32, respectively). This study emphasizes the importance of recognizing variations in yoga practices and highlights the need for customization to enhance its integration into healthcare. To address the challenges posed by global diversity and practice heterogeneity, the study suggests moving from "black box" evaluations of yoga interventions toward data-driven analysis of macro- and micro-level factors. These insights can guide developers, healthcare providers, and researchers in creating culturally sensitive, user-friendly solutions and inform future cross-cultural research. Further related research will help create robust standards for yoga practices and delivery, applying the same rigor as that applied to conventional healthcare practices.

Impact of Six Months of Three Different Modalities of Exercise on Stress in Post-Treatment Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Extensive evidence suggests that exercise is physically and mentally beneficial for cancer survivors. This study reports on changes in self-reported stress, physiological biomarkers for stress (salivary cortisol), and HR-QOL constructs for fifty breast cancer survivors participating in one of three different exercise programs over 6 months. Methods: Fifty post-treatment breast cancer survivors were randomized to either therapeutic yoga-based exercise (YE), comprehensive exercise (CE) (aerobic, resistance, flexibility), or choosing (C) their own exercise activities. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36® (SF-36), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Five samples of salivary cortisol were collected on two consecutive days. The 10 samples were used to calculate the diurnal rhythm slope. Outcome measures were repeated after six months. Results: All groups improved in HR-QOL measures of PSS; PSQI sleep quality components of latency and daytime functioning; and five of the ten SF-36 scales (Mental Component Scale, Social Functioning subscale, Mental Health subscale, Physical Component Scale, Physical Functioning subscale). Although the CE group observed the most favorable change in cortisol (−0.183), where cortisol slope changes approached significance (p = 0.057), but no significant decrease in cortisol between groups were noted. Conclusion: Our results suggest that it is the engagement of, rather than the specific type of exercise, which is associated with improved HR-QOL. However, longer-term studies with better adherence monitoring and larger sample sizes are needed to better determine clinical impact.

Effectiveness of Coping Strategies-Based Counseling Program on Quality of Life among Nurses at European Gaza Hospital

Context: Nurses are the backbone of healthcare systems. They often work in high-stress environments that can significantly impact their quality of life. Addressing their well-being is crucial for maintaining effective healthcare services. Aim: This study investigates the effectiveness of a counseling program based on coping strategies to enhance the quality of life among nurses at European Gaza Hospital. Methods: The researchers used this quasi-experimental design, utilizing a single-group pretest-posttest design. Thirty-three nurses, comprising 20 males and 13 females, participated in the study. The researchers developed and implemented quality-of-life scales and a counseling program that applied to the nurses at European Gaza Hospital. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental group across the quality-of-life subscales. The following changes were observed at the significance level (p≤0.05): Physical Health Subscale: Pre-test mean rank is 29.45±5.50, compared to post-test mean rank of 18.81±4.12, p-value = 0.000. Psychological Health Subscale: Pre-test mean rank is 36.81±5.35, compared to the post-test mean rank of 28.36±6.39, p-value = 0.000. Social Relationships Subscale: The pre-test mean rank is 20.39±3.30, compared to the post-test, the mean rank of 15.27±3.07, p-value = 0.000. Environmental Subscale: The pre-test mean rank is 19.18±3.30, compared to the post-test mean rank of 14.18±2.83, p-value = 0.000. Professional domain: The pre-test mean rank is 37.30±6.21, compared to post-test mean rank of 27.96±5.15, p-value = 0.000. Conclusion: These findings suggest the importance of prioritizing nurses' well-being through tailored counseling interventions. Recommendations include implementing psychological support programs, providing ongoing professional development, fostering a collaborative work environment, promoting self-care practices, and conducting regular program evaluations.

Association of psychological violence, harassment, and cyberbullying with depression and turnover intentions in female nurses

Psychological violence and harassment have been reported to be associated with mental health problems and turnover intention among nurses. Cyberbullying, a hidden form of harassment using information and communication technology, is attracting attention as a factor that threatens the mental health of nurses. This study aimed to add coping characteristics, social support, and workplace social capital to psychological violence, harassment, and cyberbullying in female nurses and determine their association with depression and turnover intention. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted, targeting 2,158 female nurses working in four domestic hospitals, excluding those in management positions. The analysis included 1,151 nurses who responded (valid response rate: 53.3%). Multiple regression analysis was performed with depression and turnover intention as dependent variables and psychological violence and harassment, cyberbullying, the brief scales for coping profile (BSCP) and social support scale scores, and social capital (SC) as independent variables. Depression was positively correlated with psychological violence and harassment, cyberbullying, and the BSCP subscale "avoidance and suppression" and negatively correlated with the BSCP subscale "changing the point of view" and social support subscales "support from supervisors" and "support from co-workers." Turnover intention was positively correlated with psychological violence and harassment and the BSCP subscale "avoidance and suppression" and negatively correlated with the BSCP subscale "changing the point of view," social support subscale "support from supervisors," and vertical SC. The results suggest that work environments should prevent psychological violence and harassment in nurses to promote a sense of security and eliminate mental health problems. Cyberbullying was inferred as a factor that could lead to mental health problems among nurses. Therefore, each nurse should raise their awareness of information literacy, besides attending more to their words and attitudes.

Test-Retest Reliability of the STRAQ-1: A Registered Report

This Registered Report provides the first test of measurement invariance across time points and estimates of test-retest reliability for the Social Thermoregulation, Risk Avoidance Questionnaire (STRAQ-1, Vergara et al., 2019). The scale was developed and validated to understand the physiological drives underlying interpersonal bonding, measured by four constructs: the desire to socially regulate one’s temperature, the desire to solitary regulate one’s temperature, the sensitivity to higher temperatures, and the desire to avoid risk. Previous studies with large samples across 12 countries showed that the STRAQ-1 has a stable factorial structure, satisfying internal consistencies for the temperature subscales, and expected correlations in its nomological network. However, to date, this instrument has no estimates of test-retest reliability. Throughout four academic years (from 2018 to 2022), N = 183 French student participants took the STRAQ-1 at least two times. Out of the four STRAQ-1 subscales, only two were longitudinally invariant across two-time points. Thus, half of the STRAQ-1 constructs and latent scores were dissimilar and incomparable across time. We then conducted test-retest reliability using Intra Class Correlation coefficient (ICC) for the Social Thermoregulation, Solitary Thermoregulation, High-Temperature Sensitivity, and Risk Avoidance subscales. ICCs estimates were respectively for agreement and consistency: .70, .70 overall moderate to good, .62, .62 overall moderate, .67, .67 overall moderate, and .53, .53 overall poor to moderate, respectively. Our study suggests that test-retest reliability was insufficient for psychological diagnosis, and that future studies should address the problem of low generalizability of the constructs.

468. CALCULATING THE MINIMAL CLINICALLY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE FOR THE FACT-E FROM ESOPHAGECTOMY TO RECOVERY USING DISTRIBUTION-BASED METHODS

Abstract Background The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Esophageal (FACT-E) is a validated patient-reported outcome instrument that measures four subscales of general cancer health and one subscale specific to esophageal cancer. To make the instrument more clinically useful, therapeutic thresholds known as minimal clinically important differences (MCID) are needed. The purpose of this study was to calculate the MCID for the FACT-E and its subscales for patients undergoing an esophagectomy. Methods The study was based on a retrospective analysis of a registry maintained by a high volume North American tertiary care referral centre, which includes the FACT-E collected between August 2004 and September 2023. The FACT-E was administered at nine time points over the course of a patient’s care, ranging from the time of first presentation to 5 years post-esophagectomy. This study used two distribution-based approaches – the standard error (SE) and the standard deviation (SD) – to calculate the MCID for the FACT-E’s total score and its five subscales. Nonparametric bootstrapping was used to generate 95% confidence intervals for each MCID. Results There were 731 participants included in this study but not all of those completed each subscale at each time point. The MCID for physical well-being ranged from 2.2-3.1 using SE and 2.3-3.4 using SD, from 2.1-3.6 using SE and 2.2-3.6 using SD for social well-being, 1.2-1.7 using SE and from 1.4-2.0 using SD for emotional well-being, 2.1-2.4 using SE and 3.2-3.6 using SD for functional well-being, and from 3.2-4.3 using SE and from 4.3-6.4 using SD for the esophagus cancer subscale. The MCID for the total score ranged from 6.7-8.3 using SE and from 8.9-11.2 using SD. Conclusion The MCID thresholds for the FACT-E subscales vary depending on when they are collected and how they are measured. In general, smaller thresholds of change are needed in the social and emotional well-being subscales, while larger ones are needed for the esophagus cancer subscale. Overall, the MCID for the FACT-E total score ranged from 6 to 11. Clinicians should consider these MCID if using the FACT-E to assess changes in patients’ symptom severity before and after esophagectomy.

Mitigating Social Isolation Among Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: The Impact of Educational Level, Physical Activity, and Familial Support.

This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of social isolation in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, focusing on the influence of environmental systems and individual behaviors on their social well-being. We conducted a cross-sectional study from December 2023 to February 2024 at Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. A total of 259 PD patients were enrolled using a consecutive sampling method. Data were collected via validated tools including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6), Family APGAR Questionnaire, and Social Anxiety Subscale of Self-Consciousness Scale (SASS-CS). Statistical analyses utilized Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression to identify factors associated with social isolation. The average score for social isolation was 11 (range 7-15). Significant predictors of social isolation included education level, physical inactivity, and normal hemoglobin concentrations. Social isolation was negatively correlated with family functionality and positively correlated with social anxiety. Regression analysis confirmed education, family functionality, and social anxiety as significant independent predictors of social isolation. Social isolation is common among PD patients, driven by factors such as education level, physical inactivity, and unexpectedly, normal hemoglobin levels linked to greater family isolation. Targeted interventions like education, physical activity promotion, and innovative therapies such as animal-assisted activities and social gardening can help reduce isolation and improve patient well-being.

Association between changes in EEG alpha power and behavioural outcome in autistic children induced by child‐centred play therapy: A randomised controlled trial

AbstractObjectiveThe traditional research on evaluating psychological interventions has primarily relied on behavioural measurements (e.g. self‐report questionnaires). This study aimed to investigate the effects of child‐centred play therapy (CCPT) on autistic children at both behavioural and neural levels, as well as the association between the changes in neural and behavioural measurements induced by CCPT. It is hypothesised that alpha power would increase after CCPT, along with improvements in social responsiveness, adaptive social behaviour and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) social symptom measures and that these changes would be correlated across participants.MethodA total of 65 autistic children were randomly assigned to a CCPT experimental group (n = 34; M age = 7.50) or a waitlist control group (n = 31; M age = 7.47). Electroencephalography (EEG) alpha power and behavioural data were recorded during pre‐ and post‐intervention assessment sessions. The behavioural measurements included the Social Responsiveness Scale‐2, Autism Spectrum Quotient—Child (social skill subscale) and Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System‐II (social domain). t‐Tests and correlational analyses were conducted to examine the CCPT effects and brain–behaviour associations.ResultsThe results confirmed the effects of CCPT at both neural and behavioural levels and the association between these two levels across participants. Specifically, individuals with larger increases in alpha power after CCPT also showed greater behavioural improvement.ConclusionThis study marks an initial endeavour, providing the first cross‐validation of CCPT effects on autistic children by demonstrating the brain–behaviour association. This approach advances the understanding of the therapeutic intervention effects of CCPT by presenting its multilevel impacts.

Exploring Risk Perception, Mental Health, Mental Fatigue, Stigma, and the Quality of Life among UAE Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study.

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented serious mental health challenges for healthcare professionals. This study investigated the mental health, mental fatigue, quality of life, and stigma of social discrimination among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A correlational, cross-sectional, multi-centric design was employed to collect data from 1383 healthcare workers across various healthcare settings. Participants were recruited using combined cluster and purposive sampling techniques. Standardized questionnaires, including the COVID-19 Pandemic Mental Health Questionnaire (CoPaQ), the Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS), the Social Discrimination Scale-Stigma Subscale (SDS), and the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF), were administered to assess the study variables. The results indicated significant mental health impacts, with high average scores for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (9.37 ± 6.74) and positive coping by inner strengths (17.63 ± 5.72). Mental fatigue was prevalent (8.15 ± 8.62), and stigma of social discrimination scored notably (23.83 ± 7.46). Quality of life was the highest in the social domain (65.38 ± 24.58). Significant correlations were observed between mental health subscales, mental fatigue, and quality of life domains. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted mental health support programs, improved social support networks, and personalized interventions to mitigate the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers. Healthcare organizations can guarantee a resilient workforce that can handle future health crises by giving mental health resources and support systems top priority.

The Relationship Between Voluntary Participation Status and Health Promotion Lifestyle Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in the Community.

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between the characteristics, health status, and health-promoting lifestyles of volunteer workers who participate in the community among middle-aged and older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 173 middle-aged and older adults volunteers from 2 communities in North Taiwan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included Demographic Characteristics Form, Self-Rated Health Status Scale, and Health Promotion Lifestyle Scale. Most of the volunteers were female, with an average age of 60.41 (±9.30)years. The average item score for the health promotion lifestyle was 74.07 (SD=19.27). Participants scored highest on the social support subscales and lowest on the exercise subscales, followed by health responsibility subscales. Multiple regression analysis revealed that an average of 6 to 8hours of volunteer services per week, diversity of volunteer services, and self-rated health status were each significantly associated with a greater health promotion lifestyle. Community health care workers should strengthen community volunteer support networks and motivate volunteers to attend health-related classes. Various community activities can remind each volunteer of their health responsibilities and awareness of a healthy promotion lifestyle.

Quality of Life Measures in Young Pre-Professional Dancers Compared to Non-Athletes and Non-Dancer Athletes.

Aim: To investigate quality of life (QoL) measures in a cohort of young female dancers. Methods: Cross-sectional survey study design was utilized to study dancers 8 to 17 years enrolled in two elite dance schools in the Boston area. The main outcome measure was the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL 4.0) questionnaire, a validated QoL survey for children, with established normative values for comparison. Demographics and questions pertaining to training regimens and injury/illness history were also included. Sub-groups (8-11 years, 12-14 years, and 15-17 years) were created to analyze outcomes by age. Results: One hundred and forty emails were delivered, 72 were completed and included in the final data analysis (51.4%). The median scores for physical, psychosocial, emotional, social, and school PedsQL sub-scales were 87.5, 90.0, 80.0, 100.0, and 92.5, respectively. The median score of the total PedsQL scores was 88.8. No difference in QoL outcomes by age group was found (physical: P = .328; psychosocial: P = .918; emotional: P = .673; social: P = .573; school: P = 0.962; total: P = 0.766). 52.5% of the participants responded that they regularly perform in shows. Median hours/week of dance rehearsal was 10 hours (mean ± standard deviation: 10.3 ± 4.9; 95% CI: 9.0, 11.6; IQR: 7.0, 13.5; range: 2.0, 20.0) and 68.9% reported they practice and rehearse throughout the entire calendar year as opposed to solely during the school year; most dancers reported participating in dance 11 months (median value) per year (mean ± standard deviation: 10.7 ± 0.8; 95% CI: 10.5, 11.0; IQR: 10.0, 11.0; range: 9.0, 12.0). Conclusion: QoL measures for young female dancers were higher relative to existing data for the general population and lower compared to other sports participation. These results will support the social, emotional, and physical health of young dancers.