Social Support Rating Scale Research Articles

Protective factors contributing to the health status of construction industry migrant workers in Chinese mainland.

Construction industry migrant workers (CIMWs) face high-intensity labor and harsh working environments, experiencing significant health issues. Studying these health issues can help to protect workers' rights, improve labor efficiency, and promote sustainable development in the construction industry. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationships among health status, social support, and marital adjustment in construction migrant workers. Data were collected from 446 migrant workers who completed the Self-rated Health Measurement Scale (SRHMS), Marital Adjustment Test (MAT), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). The results showed that (1) CIMWs were in poor social health, with low social support but good marital adjustment. (2) The higher the education level and monthly income, the better the social health. (3) The scores on the SRHMS had a significant positive correlation with the scores on the MAT and SSRS, and there were significant differences in SRHMS scores among the different levels of marital adjustment. (4) Education level, subjective social support, utilization of support, and marital adjustment significantly predicted overall health status. (5) Marital adjustment directly predicted mental health and social health, and also had an indirect relationship through social support. Education level had direct and indirect predictive effects via social support on social health. Social support fully mediated the association between education level and mental health. (6) Education level, marital adjustment, and social support were all protective factors contributing to the health status of CIMWs.

Anxiety and depression prevalence and associated factors in patients with knee osteoarthritis

ObjectiveWith the evolving spectrum of diseases, psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression have emerged as significant global public health concerns. Notably, these psychological disorders are prevalent among patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Consequently, this study included 360 hospitalized patients diagnosed with KOA to examine their levels of anxiety and depression and to analyze the factors influencing these psychological states.MethodsA cohort of KOA patients from the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University was assessed using a general condition questionnaire, European five-dimensional health status scale (EQ5D), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the factors affecting anxiety and depression.ResultsAmong 360 patients with KOA, 28.06% experienced anxiety, and 30.27% experienced depression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower BMI, QOL, and utilization of social support scores are risk factors for anxiety and depression in KOA patients (P<0.05). Additionally, in patients with KOA, younger age, lower subjective support, and higher scores in function and daily activities emerged as significant risk factors for depression (P<0.05).ConclusionAnxiety and depression in patients with KOA warrant significant attention due to their impact on overall well-being. The factors influencing these mental health conditions are multidimensional. In clinical practice, it is essential to integrate these various influencing factors to develop targeted mental health care services. By doing so, healthcare providers can enhance the overall mental health and QOL for individuals suffering from KOA.

Exploring Social-Ecological Pathways From Sexual Identity to Sleep Among Chinese Women: Structural Equation Modeling Analysis.

Women and sexual minority individuals have been found to be at higher risk for experiencing poor sleep health compared to their counterparts. However, research on the sleep health of sexual minority women (SMW) is lacking in China. This study aimed to examine sleep quality and social support for Chinese women with varied sexual identities, and then investigate the in-depth relationships between sexual identity and sleep. This was a cross-sectional web-based survey. All participants completed a structured questionnaire containing a set of sociodemographic items referring to the social-ecological model of sleep health, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Social Support Rating Scale, and social relationships and environment domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-abbreviated short version. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationship between sleep quality and social support as well as the two domains of quality of life. Structural equation modeling analysis was used to explore the social-ecological relationships. A total of 250 cisgender heterosexual women (CHW) and 259 SMW were recruited from July to September 2021. A total of 241 (47.3%) women experienced poor sleep quality and the rate was significantly higher in SMW than in CHW (55.2% vs 39.2%, P<.001). Around one-fifth of SMW reported low levels of social support, which was significantly higher than that of CHW (21.6% vs 5.6%, P<.001). Pearson correlations showed that overall sleep quality was significantly negatively associated with social support with weak correlations (r=-0.26, P<.001). The final structural equation modeling analysis with satisfactory fit indices identified 6 social-ecological pathways, showing that alcohol use, objective support, utilization of support, and perceived social relationship and environment quality of life played important roles in the sleep quality of individuals from their sexual identity. SMW experienced poorer sleep quality compared to CHW. Further research is recommended to address the modifiable factors affecting sleep and then implement tailored sleep improvement programs.

Correlation between anxiety, depression, and social stress in young patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures.

Traumatic injuries, such as falling, car accidents, and crushing mostly cause spinal fractures in young and middle-aged people, and > 50% of them are thoracolumbar fractures. This kind of fracture is easily combined with serious injuries to peripheral nerves and soft tissues, which causes paralysis of the lower limbs if there is no timely rehabilitation treatment. Young patients with thoracolumbar fractures find it difficult to recover after the operation, and they are prone to depression, low self-esteem, and other negative emotions. To investigate the association between anxiety, depression, and social stress in young patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures and the effect on rehabilitation outcomes. This study retrospectively analyzed 100 patients admitted to the orthopedic department of Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University who underwent thoracolumbar spine fracture surgery from January 2022 to June 2023. The general data of the patients were assessed with the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), life events scale, and social support rating scale (SSRS) to identify the correlation between anxiety, depression scores, and social stress and social support. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) was utilized to evaluate the rehabilitation outcomes of the patients and to analyze the effects of anxiety and depression scores on rehabilitation. According to the scores of HAMD and HAMA in all patients, the prevalence of depression in patients was 39% (39/100), and the prevalence of anxiety was 49% (49/100). Patients were categorized into non-depression (n = 61) and depression (n = 39), non-anxiety (n = 51), and anxiety (n = 49) groups. Statistically significant differences in gender, occupation, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, and monthly family income were observed between the non-depression and depression groups (P < 0.05). A significant difference in occupation and PSQI score was found between the non-anxiety and anxiety groups. Both depression (r = 0.207, P = 0.038) and anxiety scores (r = 0.473, P < 0.001) were significantly and positively correlated with negative life events. The difference in negative life event scores as well as SSRS total and item scores was statistically significant between patients in the non-depression and depression groups (P < 0.05). The difference between the non-anxiety and anxiety groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in the negative life event scores as well as the total SSRS scores. Additionally, JOA scores were significantly lower in both anxious and depressed patients. Young patients with thoracolumbar fractures are prone to anxiety and depression. Patients' anxiety and depression are closely associated with social pressure, which reduces the life pressure of young patients with thoracolumbar fractures, enhances social support, and improves the psychology of anxiety and depression., which affects patients' recovery.

The relationship between social support and work engagement of rural teachers: a moderated mediation model.

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between social support and rural teachers' work engagement while exploring the mediating effect of mindfulness in teaching and the moderating effect of psychological safety. A sample of 866 rural teachers was recruited, in order to complete the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Psychological Safety Scale, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. The study findings indicate that: (1) social support positively influenced the work engagement of rural teachers; (2) further, mindfulness in teaching partially mediated the effect of social support on rural teachers' work engagement; (3) psychological safety moderated the second half of the pathway of "social support → mindfulness in teaching → work engagement" while the positive correlation between mindfulness in teaching and work engagement was stronger among rural teachers with high psychological safety. Social support documented a strong correlation with work engagement while mindfulness in teaching mediated the pathway between the aforementioned variables. Furthermore, psychological safety moderated the second half of the mediated pathway (the link from mindfulness in teaching to work engagement). Hence, the study outcomes reveal the influential mechanism of social support on the work engagement of rural teachers. This finding suggests that we need to further improve the social support system and its effect mechanism in order to improve the rural teachers' work engagement. At the same time, it is also very important to create a good psychological working environment to ensure that they maintain a good level of mindfulness in teaching.

The mediating effect of social support on the relationship between intimacy and perceived partner responsiveness in endometriosis women of childbearing age.

The mediating effect of social support on the relationship between intimacy and perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) was examined among the endometriosis women of childbearing age. 201 endometriosis (EM) women of childbearing age were investigated in the gynecology outpatient clinic and ward of a tertiary general hospital in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province. Intimacy, PPR, and social support were measured by using the scales of Quality of Relationship Index (QRI), PPR Scale (PPRS), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). A four-step hierarchical regression analysis was conducted. Positive correlations were found among intimacy and subjective support, support utilization, and PPR. Mediation analysis indicated a partial mediating effect of support utilization on the relationship between intimacy and PPR. There is a positive correlation between intimacy and PPR in EM patients of childbearing age, and the support utilization plays a partial mediating role.

The Role of Mindfulness Decompression Therapy in Managing Acute Stress Disorder in Traumatic Fracture Patients.

Traumatic fractures are common orthopedic injuries with higher incidence globally, leading to acute stress disorder (ASD). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy in patients with traumatic bone fractures suffering from ASD. This study included 135 patients who underwent trauma and fracture treatment at The 305th Hospital of the PLA between August 2021 and August 2023. Based on their participation in MBSR therapy, they were categorized into a conventional group (n = 62) and a combined group (n = 73). We comparatively analyzed the ASD Scale (ASDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Sleep Status Scale (SRSS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) measurement-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scores between these two experimental groups. Furthermore, we assessed the incidence of ASD after treatment between these two groups. There were no significant differences in gender, age, body mass index, education, income, type of expense, trauma type, marital status, fracture site, diabetes status, hypertension status, and the pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, activities of daily living (i.e., modified Barthel index) score, and Social Support Rating Scale score between the two experimental groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, no significant differences were found in the prevalence of ASDS before treatment between these two groups (p > 0.05). However, after treatment, the ASDS score was significantly lower in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, post-management analysis revealed that the incidence rate of ASD was 24.19% in the conventional group and 8.22% in the combined group. Moreover, the incidence of ASD was significantly lower in the combined group compared to the conventional group (p < 0.05). Before intervention, the difference in the SAS or SDS between patients was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, following treatment, the SAS and SDS scores of patients were significantly lower in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). Similarly, after treatment, the SRSS scores of patients were substantially lower in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the WHOQOL-BREF score of patients was significantly greater in the combined group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). MBSR therapy can significantly alleviate ASD in trauma and fracture patients. Furthermore, this approach can alleviate the incidence of ASD and reduce anxiety, depression, and negative emotions in patients. These positive effects collectively improve sleep quality and overall well-being of patients.

Mediation Effect of Resilience Between Social Support and Depression Symptoms in Patients With Strabismus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The prevalence of depression symptoms in patients with strabismus is high. This study aimed to examine the relationship between social support, resilience, and depression symptoms in patients with strabismus and how the relationship between social support and depression symptoms is mediated by resilience. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients undergoing strabismus surgery at an ophthalmic centre in Guangzhou, China, between March 2021 and May 2023. Patients completed the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Social Support Rating Scale, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Multiple linear regression and structural equation modeling explored the relationship between social support, resilience, and depression symptoms. Of the 200 patients, 28.5% had depression symptoms (21.5% mild, 6.0% moderate, and 1.0% severe). The mean SDS score (45.50 ± 11.60) was significantly higher than in the healthy reference group (p < 0.001). Social support (β=-0.407, P<0.001) and resilience (β=-0.367, P<0.001) were predictors of depression symptoms, which explained 44.2% of all variations. Resilience partially mediated between social support and depression symptoms, accounting for 22.22% of the total effect (-1.543/-6.944). Resilience mediates the relationship between social support and depression symptoms in patients with strabismus. The findings of the present study highlight the importance of social support and psychological resilience in improving depressive symptoms in patients with strabismus.

The association between social support and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder

BackgroundPostpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can arise following childbirth. Despite a growing body of research on postpartum mental health, the relationship between social support and postpartum PTSD remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between social support and postpartum PTSD.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Guangdong province of China between November 2022 and April 2023. Eligible mothers were assessed for social support using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) at three days postpartum and for PTSD using the Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire (PPQ) at 42 days postpartum. The association between social support and postpartum PTSD was analyzed using multiple linear and log-binomial regression, with adjustments for potential confounders.ResultsForty-six of 560 (8.2%) mothers developed PTSD within 42 days postpartum. Scores for subjective support (β=-0.319, P < 0.001), objective support (β=-0.327, P < 0.001), support availability (β=-0.285, P < 0.001), and overall social support score (β=-0.428, P < 0.001) were inversely associated with PTSD scores. Compared to mothers in the 1st quartile of the overall social support score, those in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles had adjusted relative risks of 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.74), 0.20 (95% CI: 0.09–0.45), and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.03–0.33), respectively, of developing PTSD. An inverse linear trend in the risk of PTSD was observed with increasing social support (P-trend < 0.001).ConclusionsSocial support may have a protective effect against postpartum PTSD, with practical implications for interventions targeting various dimensions of support.

Analysis of anxiety and depression status and their influencing factors in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. It has a serious impact on the mental and physical health of patients. To evaluate the anxiety and depression status of patients with DR, we examined their influencing factors. Two hundred patients with DR admitted to the outpatient and inpatient departments of ophthalmology and endocrinology at our hospital were selected. A questionnaire was conducted to collect general patient information. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, respectively. The diabetes specific quality of life scale and Social Support Rating Scale were used to assess the quality of life of patients with DR and their social support, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlations. The prevalence of depression and anxiety were 26% (52/200) and 14% (28/200), respectively. Regression analysis revealed that social support was associated with depression [odds ratio (OR) = 0.912, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.893-0.985] and anxiety (OR = 0.863, 95%CI: 0.672-0.994). Good quality of life (diabetes specific quality of life scale score < 40) was a protective factor against anxiety (OR = 0.738, 95%CI: 0.567-0.936) and depression (OR = 0.573, 95%CI: 0.4566-0.784). Visual impairment significantly increased the likelihood of depression (OR = 1.198, 95%CI: 1.143-1.324) and anxiety (OR = 1.746, 95%CI: 1.282-2.359). Additionally, prolonged diabetes duration and history of hypertension were significant risk factors for both conditions, along with a family history of diabetes. Key factors influencing anxiety and depression in patients with DR include social support, quality of life, visual impairment, duration of diabetes, family history of diabetes, and history of hypertension.

Social support and depressive symptoms among migrant elderly following children: the chain mediating role of resilience and loneliness

BackgroundMigrant elderly following children (MEFC) is an emerging special elderly mobile migrant population in China. MEFC face multiple dilemmas of distress, which makes their depressive symptoms more prominent. To explore ways to alleviate depressive symptoms, this study aimed to investigate the chain mediating effects of resilience and loneliness on the relationship between social support and depressive symptoms among MEFC.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling from Changsha, Hunan Province, China, and 298 MEFC were included. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were used to measure depressive symptoms, social support, loneliness, and resilience, respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to clarify the association between the variables. The PROCESS macro model 6 was applied to analyze the multiple mediating effects.ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among MEFC was 29.86%. Social support (r = -0.354, P < 0.001), resilience (r = -0.373, P < 0.001), and loneliness (r = 0.483, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Social support not only had a direct negative effect (Effect= -0.086, 95% CI: -0.149 to -0.023) on depressive symptoms, but also had an indirect effect on depressive symptoms through resilience (Effect= -0.045, 95% CI: -0.076 to -0.015), loneliness (Effect= -0.053, 95% CI: -0.091 to -0.020), and the chain mediating effects of resilience and loneliness (Effect= -0.019, 95% CI: -0.037 to -0.007), respectively.ConclusionsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms was relatively high. Resilience and loneliness partially mediated the association between social support and depressive symptoms. In the future, interventions could focus on increasing social support to enhance resilience and reduce loneliness, thereby reducing depressive symptoms in MEFC.

The mediating effect of sleep quality on the relationship between social support and depressive symptoms among Chinese nurses during the omicron outbreak

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased depressive symptoms and diminished sleep quality among nurses. This study explores the relationships among social support, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms among Chinese nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak, with a focus on the mediating role of sleep quality.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 2140 nurses was conducted from August to September 2022. The participants completed the Social Support Rating Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The data were analyzed via serial multiple mediation analysis with the PROCESS macro in SPSS.ResultsDepressive symptoms affected an estimated 40.4% of the participants, with 69.2% reporting poor sleep quality. The present study revealed a significant negative correlation between social support and sleep quality and depressive symptoms (r = -0.229, p < 0.001; r = -0.322, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, a substantial positive correlation was observed between sleep quality and depressive symptoms (r = 0.514, p < 0.001). Additionally, social support had a significant indirect effect on depressive symptoms through sleep quality (standardized effect = -0.0535, 95% CI = [-0.0648, -0.0424]). Sleep quality was found to mediate the relationship between social support and depressive symptoms in all subgroups, with variations based on years of experience, education levels, and hospital type.ConclusionDepressive symptoms were inversely associated with social support, which was moderated by sleep quality. Interventions targeting social support provision and sleep quality promotion are suggested for managing depressive symptoms among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attributes and influencing factors of hope levels in breast cancer patients: A latent profile analysis.

This study aims to identify specific sub-types of hope levels in breast cancer (BC) patients and explore the influencing factors. Between August and December 2023, 528 BC patients took part in this study. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was employed using the Herth Hope Index, Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, BC survivors' self-efficacy scale and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast to identify clusters of hope levels. Three potential categories of hope levels were identified: Low Hope Level-Harmonious-Calm Type (33.71%); Moderate Hope Level-Isolation Fear Type (37.12%); and High Hope Level-Optimistic Coping Type (29.17%). The study established that social support, quality of life, psychological distress, self-efficacy, occupation, income, education and type of surgery are factors influencing hope levels. Hope levels within BC patients exhibit identifiable heterogeneity. By discerning the features associated with hope levels, the focus extends beyond patients' occupations, income, education and surgical procedures. It also underscores the importance of enhancing social support, quality of life and self-efficacy while mitigating psychological distress. This targeted approach aims to formulate interventions specifically designed to effectively elevate hope levels in BC patients.

The effect of exposure to prenatal life events and social support levels on low birth weight in offspring: a prospective cohort study

Objective: To analyze the effects of exposure to life events and social support levels during different stages of pregnancy on low birth weight in offspring. Methods: From 2021 to 2023, pregnant women in early pregnancy who were registered with health cards in Linping District, Hangzhou City, were recruited and followed up. The Life Events Scale for Pregnant Women (LESPW) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to evaluate the exposure to life events and social support levels of pregnant women in early, middle and late pregnancy, respectively. A generalized linear model was used to analyze the impact and critical period of exposure to prenatal life events and social support levels on the risk of low birth weight in offspring. Results: A total of 3 663 pregnant women with ages M (Q1, Q3) of 29.18 (26.59, 32.21) years were included in this study. 116 cases (3.17%) of infants with low birth weight were delivered. Generalized linear model analysis showed no correlation between the level of social support in early, middle and late pregnancy and low birth weight in offspring (all P>0.05). The risk of low birth weight in offspring of pregnant women with high exposure to early pregnancy life events was 1.78 times higher than that of the low exposure group (RR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.13-2.73, P=0.010), and there was no association in the middle and late stages of pregnancy (both P>0.05). Pregnant women with high exposure to early life events and low levels of social support had a 2.08-fold higher risk of low birth weight in their offspring compared to the low exposure group (RR=2.08, 95%CI: 1.17-6.78, P=0.010), while this situation was not associated with high social support stratification. Conclusion: Exposure to life events during pregnancy has an early window effect on birth weight. Increased exposure to life events during early pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of low birth weight in offspring. This association is more pronounced in pregnant women with low social support.

Study of psychosocial factors and endothelial dysfunction in coronary heart disease patients

Objective To provide valuable insight into the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, this study aimed to explore the association between psychosocial elements and endothelial dysfunction in diagnosed patients. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design, we selected patients with coronary heart disease who visited the cardiology department of our hospital from January to December 2021. According to coronary angiography results, patients were divided into the coronary stenosis group (≥50%) and the normal coronary group (<50%), with 100 cases in each group. We assessed the levels of psychosocial factors using the Type A Behaviour Pattern Scale (TABP), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Endothelial synthesis of nitric oxide (NOx) and endothelium-dependent (EDF) and endothelium-independent (NEDF) vasodilation functions were measured and compared using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and colour Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. Results Patients in the coronary stenosis group had significantly higher scores in Type A behaviour, anxiety, and depression and significantly lower scores in social support compared with the normal coronary group (t = 3.21, 4.15, 3.87; p < 0.05; t = −2.96; p < 0.05). EDF, NEDF, and NOx levels were significantly lower in the coronary stenosis group than in the normal coronary group (t = −4.32, −3.76, −4.67; p < 0.05). Psychosocial factors were negatively correlated with endothelial function indices (r = −0.31 to −0.48; p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that Type A behavioural anxiety, depression, and social support were independent risk factors influencing endothelial dysfunction (β = −0.23, −0.26, −0.21, −0.19; p < 0.05). Conclusion A close relationship was observed between psychosocial factors and endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease. Assessment and intervention of psychosocial factors in these patients should be strengthened to improve endothelial function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

A study into the present situation and factors influencing post-traumatic stress disorder in patients affected by venomous snake bites in Guizhou, China

Objective: To examine the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder among patients who have experienced venomous snakebites and investigate the factors contributing to it. The results provided insights for devising suitable nursing interventions. Methods: Between June 2022 and October 2023, a total of 128 snakebite patients from the Advanced Snakebite Rescue Center at a tertiary hospital in Guizhou Province were chosen as participants using convenience sampling. General Information Questionnaire, the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Simple Clinical Severity Assessment Scale, and the Swelling Severity Rating Scale (SSRS) were assessed at the time of admission, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) at 1 month after. Results: The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among patients bitten by venomous snakes was found to be 67.97%, with an average PTSD score of 44.26±13.53. Various factors including cultural background, psychological resilience, social support, pain intensity, severity of snakebite, and degree of swelling were identified as influencing PTSD in these patients (all P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of PTSD was increased in individuals with venomous snakebites, particularly among those with lower literacy levels, reduced psychological resilience, limited access to social support, increased pain levels, severe snakebites, and significant swelling. Healthcare professionals should address PTSD in patients with snakebites and implement preventive interventions targeting these high-risk factors to mitigate the occurrence of PTSD in this patient population.

The elderly population's social networks and HIV perceptions: Evidence from China.

Previous studies have found that people with low participation in social activities and living alone were prone to have risky sexual behaviors, while people with high participation in social activities were less prone to have risky sexual behaviors. Based on the above assumptions, we conducted an analysis on elderly population's social networks and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risky behaviors in China. In the survey study, considering the sensitivity of sexual behavior, HIV risk behavior of the elderly population is more difficult to measure, so the intermediate variable of HIV perceptions was used instead of the sexual behavioral variable. A cross-sectional study was conducted in July to September 2023 among the elderly aged ≥ 50 years in China to measure the social networks with the Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS) and to measure the HIV perceptions of the elderly with the degree of knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and treatment and the degree of discrimination of HIV/AIDS patients, and the data were statistically analyzed with SPSS 27.0 software. Statistical analysis methods included descriptive analyses such as frequency, percentage, mean ± standard deviation, and median, two independent samples t-test analysis, and multivariate logistic regression model analysis. Among the 1022 elderly people surveyed, the proportion of those with weak and strong levels of social support was 46.9% and 53.1%, respectively; the proportion of those with low, medium, and high levels of HIV knowledge perceptions was 4.8%, 5.9%, and 89.3%, respectively; and the proportion of those with low, medium, and high levels of attitudinal perceptions was 24.7%, 35.0%, and 40.3%, respectively. Based on the Goodman-Kruskal Gamma test, it was found that there was a positive correlation between social support and HIV knowledge perceptions in the elderly population, and there was a negative correlation between social support and HIV attitudinal perceptions in the elderly population. Ethnicity, current occupation or pre-retirement occupation, personal average after-tax monthly income, attitudinal perceptions, and social support were the influencing factors for the knowledge perceptions in the elderly population (P < 0.05); literacy, number of children, mode of residence, personal average monthly income after tax, knowledge perceptions, and social support were the influencing factors of attitudinal perceptions in the elderly population (P < 0.05). There is a correlation between social networks and HIV perceptions in China's elderly population, which is positively correlated with HIV knowledge perceptions and negatively correlated with HIV attitudinal perceptions, and it is important to improve the HIV prevention and knowledge of the elderly population and reduce their HIV-related discrimination.

Fear of progression in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most serious manifestation of coronary artery disease. At present, existing treatments cannot change the risk factors for the occurrence of the disease, so patients are prone to fear of progression or recurrence, and studies have shown that excessive fear will cause patients to over-examine, mental abnormalities, suicide and other behaviors, increase unnecessary medical care costs and the social medical burden. Thus to investigate the current situation of progression fear in patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) admitted to hospital in stable stage and analyze its influencing factors.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. In this study, 160 AMI patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology of a 3 A hospital in Changchun from November 2022 to April 2023 were selected as the research sample by a convenient sampling method. Patients completed the general information questionnaire, the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCSQ), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the Positive Psychological Questionnaire (PPQ) at the time of stable condition. Using SPSS 25.0 software for data analysis, statistical methods mainly include descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsA total of 160 subjects were included, among which the score of simplified fear of progression scale was (33.43 ± 7.09), and the incidence of disorder of fear of progression was 50.60%. The influencing factors included gender (Beta = 0.118, P<0.05), disease perception (Beta = 0.445, P<0.001), psychological capital (Beta=-0.252, P<0.05) and resignation (Beta = 0.167, P < 0.05).ConclusionThe overall level of fear of progression in patients with AMI at the stable stage of hospitalization is above the medium level. Nursing staff should focus on AIM patients suffering from multiple diseases and lacking awareness of their own diseases, and provide personalized health guidance and psychological nursing targeted to improve patients’ rehabilitation, quality of life and FoP level.

Factors influencing cancer-related fatigue in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy: pathway analysis.

Cancer-related fatigue symptoms persist throughout the radiotherapy period in patients with esophageal cancer and show a continuous worsening trend, which seriously affects the quality of survival of patients. Therefore, monitoring patients' fatigue status promptly, recognizing highly fatigued patients, and providing physical and psychological support are essential for improving their quality of life. As a positive psychological trait, self-efficacy can influence the level of fatigue in patients undergoing radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. However, the pathways by which self-efficacy affects cancer-related fatigue remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing cancer-related fatigue in patients undergoing radiation therapy for esophageal cancer and to investigate the role of social support as a mediator between self-efficacy and cancer-related fatigue using the theory of unpleasant symptoms. The study used a descriptive survey approach, and data were collected at a tertiary hospital in Nanjing between October 2022 and May 2023. A total of 225 patients with esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy completed the Demographic Characteristics Scale, Cancer-Related Fatigue Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and Social Support Rating Scale. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 (IBM, CHINA) and SPSS PROCESS 3.3 plug-in. The cancer-related fatigue score of Chinese patients undergoing radiotherapy for esophageal cancer was 27.27 ± 7.26, which shows a high level of fatigue. Social support partially mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and cancer-related fatigue. The findings may help medical personnel identify factors that influence cancer-related fatigue in patients undergoing radiotherapy for esophageal cancer and develop reasonable management strategies.

Frailty and Self-Care Maintenance Mediated by Social Support and Depression in Older Adults With Heart Failure.

Older adults with heart failure often exhibit poor self-care maintenance. Frailty could exacerbate self-care, leading to deteriorating health. Social support and depression may play a role in self-care maintenance in older adults with heart failure combined with frailty. Confirming this potential mechanistic relationship could provide valuable reference for nurses to formulate and improve the targeted intervention strategies and health education programs for older adults with heart failure. This study analyze the relationship between frailty and self-care maintenance in older adults with heart failure and determined the sequential mediation effect of social support and depression. Its goal was to provide valuable theoretical insights for formulating targeted clinical nursing interventions for older adults with heart failure. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2023 to February 2024, during which older adults with heart failure were recruited using a convenience sampling method from the cardiovascular department of a tertiary class A hospital in Qingdao, China. A total of 241 completed the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. T-tests and one-way analysis of variance were used to examine differences in self-care maintenance among participants with distinct characteristics; correlation analysis was used to ​identify variable relationships within the study. The mediation model was tested using the SPSS PROCESS macro and the bootstrap method. Frailty was negatively correlated with self-care maintenance, and both social support and depression were significantly related to frailty and self-care maintenance. Social support and depression not only independently mediated the relationship between frailty and self-care maintenance but also exhibited a significant sequential mediation effect. The frailty of older adults with heart failure and its correlation with self-care maintenance is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. Frailty not only directly influenced self-care maintenance in participants but also indirectly affected it through the mediating factors of social support and depression. Future research should emphasize innovative, targeted interventions to enhance social support quality and accessibility and alleviate depression, ultimately boosting patients' self-care capabilities and elevating their quality of life.