STAI Form Research Articles

PREOPERATIVE AND POSTOPERATIVE LEVELS OF ANXIETY ACCORDING TO THE VISUAL ACUITY OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING CATARACT SURGERY

Aim: To evaluate preoperative and postoperative levels of anxiety according to visual acuity and sociodemographic characteristics in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Method: The study included 100 patients who were planned to undergo cataract surgery because of reduced vision. One day preoperatively and at one month postoperatively, all the patients were administered the sociodemographic data form and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI TX-1 and TX-2). All the patients underwent a detailed preoperative and postoperative ophthalmological examination. Visual acuity was evaluated with a logMAR Chart. Results: The visual acuity on the LogMAR chart of the patients was mean 1.1±0.3 preoperatively and 0.1±0.1 postoperatively. Visual acuity was determined to have significantly increased postoperatively and the STAI FORM TX-2 points significantly decreased (p=0.04). The postoperative decrease in the LogMAR chart was statistically significant (p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was determined between the preoperative STAI FORM TX-1 points and the preoperative STAI FORM TX-2 points. The mean STAI FORM TX-1 points of the patients with an education level of middle school or below were found to be significantly higher than those of patients educated to university level or higher (p=0.012). The visual acuity (LogMAR) of patients who had previously received psychiatric treatment were found to be significantly lower than those of patients who had not received any psychiatric drug treatment (p=0.027). Conclusion: Patients with cataracts are anxious in a general sense, independently of surgery. The increase in vision after cataract surgery is important in respect of decreasing levels of trait anxiety.

Exploring the Links Between Dream Experience, Nightmares, Sleep-Related Disturbances, and Subjective Well-Being

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the subjective experience of dreams, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Specifically, the study aimed to explore whether the subjective experience of dreams, including how often dreams are remembered, the presence of nightmares, and the way in which a person thinks about dreams, could influence the occurrence of subjective state and trait anxiety, as well as depression. Nightmares, a subset of dreams characterized by high distress and negative tone, were of particular interest, as they can significantly impact a person's well-being and contribute to anxiety and depression. The study also examined the possible influence of recent stress, as well as sleep-related disturbances such as insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, and nocturnal awakenings. A national online survey using Qualtrics forms was utilized to collect the data. The study involved 431 participants (124 males). All participants completed the DQ scale, a questionnaire with a three-factor structure: <i>dream recall</i>, <i>nightmare</i> <i>distress</i>, and <i>dream meaning</i>; the STAI Form Y1-Y2 and the BDI-II. Overall, results suggests that the presence of nightmares is associated with higher levels of depressive distress and increased intensity of both <i>state</i> and <i>trait</i> anxiety. Additionally, the findings indicate that depression is more severe in individuals experiencing recent stress, difficulty falling asleep, and frequent awakenings during the night. Even stable anxious traits of an individual appear to be more intense and contribute to frequent awakenings during the night. The frequency of nightmares is also linked to stress, overexertion, difficulty falling asleep, and frequent awakenings during the night. Interestingly, the memory of dreams is also related to the level of stress experienced by individuals, with those experiencing recent stress tending to recall their dreams more often. Present results are of clear clinical significance providing insight into possible treatment opportunities. Future studies should aim to utilize more representative sample, including different psychiatric populations and individuals with various sleep disorders, to further explore these associations.

Investigation of the pre-competition anxiety levels of national team athletes participating in the kickboxing European championship according to their personality characteristics

This study is aimed to determine the relationship between the pre-competition anxiety levels and personality traits of the national team athletes competing in the Kickboxing European Championships. 82 national team athletes participated in the Kickboxing European Championships. The study consists of two scales: the 20-item STAI Form TX-1 and the 30-item Rapid Big Five Personality Test. Data analyses were based on the total score obtained from the scale for STAI Form TX-1 and the score obtained from the sub-dimensions for the Rapid Big Five Personality Test. In this study, the relational screening method was used. Since the data used in this study showed a normal distribution, parametric tests were used. Pearson correlation analysis was also applied between the continuous variables of the study. When the relationship between the pre-competition state anxiety levels and personality traits of the kickboxers included in the study was examined, it was seen that there was a negative low level of significant relationship between pre-competition state anxiety levels and compatibility personality trait scores, that there was a positive low level of significant relationship between pre-competition state anxiety levels and extroversion personality trait scores, that there was a significant relationship between pre-competition state anxiety levels and responsibility personality trait scores.

Effect of JPMR on State-Trait Anxiety among young female adult during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

The worldwide pandemic situation that is caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led the population to a state of confinement, which has created a rise in state trait anxiety among people around us. COVID-19 affected our psychological state similarly as our physical health. The research design used in this study is quasi experimental research design and the questionnaire used was State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Form Y-1 &amp; Y-2 Charles D. Spielberger, 1983). Study includes 30 young female adult and out of that 15 subjects were taken into account as experimental group and were given the JPMR as the intervention plan for one month. The objective of our study is to find the effectiveness of JPMR on state trait anxiety. After the intervention data was analysed using paired t-test and correlation. Although result proved that for state anxiety obtained P value is 0.000 which is significant at 0.01 level (t =7.08, p=0.000) indicating that JPMR therapy was effective in reducing the state anxiety for the experimental group. No significant difference found in trait anxiety in both experimental and control group.

Pre- and Post-Activity Anxiety for Sustainable Rafting

This study aimed to (i) analyze the levels of state-anxiety of rafting customers, before and after the activity; and (ii) characterize the levels of trait-anxiety and the amount of physical activity performed weekly by clients of a rafting activity. The sample had 100 subjects of a nature sports company, in the rafting activity, with a mean age of 33.27 ± 10.10 years, with 44% female and 56% male participants. They were evaluated in two moments M1 (pre-activity) and M2 (post-activity). In M1, the STAI—State-Anxiety questionnaire and the IPAQ—International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short version) were applied. In M2, the STAI Form 1 State-Anxiety questionnaire was applied again, followed by the STAI trait-anxiety. The results showed no correlation between the amount of weekly physical activity and levels of trait-anxiety (rho(100) = −0.144; p-value = 0.152), thus not corroborating with the existing literature. Regarding state-anxiety, we found that in 55% of cases, it decreased with the practice of rafting, which suggests that the practice may have an anxiolytic effect and promote the well-being and relaxation of participants promoting, in this way, the sustainability of the rafting activity.

Evaluation of Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Children Diagnosed With COVID-19.

COVID-19 has affected individuals of all age groups, both physically and mentally. We aimed to determine anxiety and depression in children diagnosed with COVID-19. Fifty children aged 8 to 18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. The children were evaluated the revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale, STAI form TX-I (state anxiety inventory), and STAI form TX-II (trait anxiety inventory). Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire was applied for one of the parents according to three different periods. The periods were established as before the pandemic, during the illness-quarantine process, and after the quarantine. We observed the highest scores for depression-anxiety and the poorest sleep quality during the quarantine period. The scores for depression-anxiety were lower, and sleep quality scores were higher in the prepandemic period compared with after the quarantine period. Measures should be taken to protect mental health for children with COVID-19.

Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Anxiety Reduction Among Nursing Students During Their Initial Clinical Training: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The study is to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercise on anxiety of nursing students during their initial clinical experience. A quasi-experimental, pre-post study was carried out in the Arab American University. A convenience sample consists of 90 first-year nursing students were chosen. A progressive muscle relaxation exercise for five days per week was conducted on one group of nursing students. Students’ anxiety was measured by S-anxiety scale (STAI Form Y-1) at pre and post the intervention. The severity of anxiety reduction was greater post the exercise (t (89) = 30.783, P = .001).

Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Anxiety among Nursing Students in Pediatric Clinical Training.

IntroductionPediatric nursing students are expected to work hard to help children realize their full potential by giving care, knowing their growth process, and being responsive to their needs. Students should be able to communicate effectively and solve problems. Nurses who care for pediatric patients experience compassion fatigue as well as moderate to severe levels of work-related stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercise on anxiety among nursing students during pediatric nursing clinical training.MethodsA quasi-experimental, pre-post study was conducted in the faculty of nursing at the Arab American University/Palestine. The sample of the study consists of 60 nursing students enrolled in the pediatric nursing course were selected through convenience sampling. This study was conducted on one group of nursing students that received Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation exercise for five consecutive days per week for two weeks before entering the clinical environment. The S-anxiety scale (STAI Form Y-1) was applied to collect data before and after the intervention.ResultsThe magnitude of anxiety after the progressive muscle relaxation exercise was greater reduced than before (t (59) = 21.1, P < 0.05). There was less anxiety post the program (M = 1.34 ± 0.36) than pre- program (M = 2.83 ± 0.35).ConclusionThe study findings indicated the positive influence of progressive muscle relaxation exercise on nursing students’ anxiety levels in pediatric clinical settings. As a result, it is recommended that teaching programs on this approach be conducted for nursing students at nursing schools prior to the commencement of pediatric clinical practice in order to lessen anxiety.

Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Anxiety Among Male Nursing Students Undergoing Maternity Clinical Training.

Student in a maternity nursing program must be engaged in practical training and they must be well prepared and directed along the way to becoming qualified professionals. The study aimed to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercise on anxiety among male nursing students undergoing maternity clinical training. A quasi-experimental, pre-post study was conducted on nursing at Arab American University Palestine. The sample of the study consisted of 48 male nursing students enrolled in the maternity nursing course. They were selected through convenience sampling. This study was conducted on one group of male nursing students that received Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation exercise for five consecutive days per week. The S-anxiety scale (STAI Form Y-1) was applied to collect data before and after the intervention. The magnitude of anxiety reduction after the progressive muscle relaxation exercise was greater than before (t (47) = 21.2, p < .05). The current study's findings indicated the influence of progressive muscle relaxation on maternity clinical setting anxiety reduction among male nursing students.

Effects of maternal psychological distress and perception of COVID-19 on prenatal attachment in a large sample of Italian pregnant women

BackgroundEvidence concerning the impact of COVID-19-related stress exposure on prenatal attachment in pregnant women is unknown. In this study we sought to assess the effect of psychological distress and risk perception of COVID-19 on prenatal attachment in a Italian sample of pregnant women. Methods1179 pregnant women completed an anonymous online survey and self-report questionnaires measuring socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, psychological distress (STAI Form Y-1-2 and BDI-II), prenatal attachment (PAI) and risk perception of COVID-19. Data were collected from March 2020 to April 2020 referring to the national lockdown period. ResultsAfter adjusting for the socio-demographic and obstetric factors in the multivariable analysis, we found out the state anxiety was shown to be a significant predictor (p < 0001) of prenatal attachment. Moreover, the COVID-19-risk perception positively moderate the relationship between trait anxiety and prenatal attachment (p=0008), indicating that when COVID-19-risk perception is high, the effects of trait anxiety on prenatal attachment is attenuated. The synergistic effect between STAI Form Y-1 and COVID-19-risk perception index on PAI is partially mediated by STAI Form Y-2 score. ConclusionsFindings from this study showed that state anxiety related to COVID-19 outbreak in pregnant women may affect the prenatal attachment process of the expectant mother negatively. However, an adequate and functional perception of COVID-19 could enhance prenatal attachment. These results underline the importance of monitoring the prenatal attachment process and the mother's mental health during pandemics, to safeguard maternal and infant mental health.

SWOT ANALYSIS OF TEACHING PROCESS AT UNIVERSITIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has affected our lives at macro, meso, and micro levels, disrupted educational practices, caused challenges for university teachers but created opportunities as well. The study aimed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats which university teachers envision in their work during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was performed by using the survey with the help of the questionnaire created by the authors and a Standardized STAI form (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), constructed by Spielberger. The data were analysed with the help of SPSS v 21. The participants were 140 teachers (80 females, 60 males), aged between 30-50, from 6 universities of Ukraine. Strengths suggested by the teaching staff of Ukrainian universities: good relationships with students and administration, the grading system in universities, satisfying working conditions, good socializing, good experience, and moral satisfaction. Weaknesses: low salary, huge workload, bad technical support. The disadvantage of online teaching mentioned in the study is the absence of live communication. Other drawbacks of online teaching are as follows: online classes and preparation require more time and good time-management skills. Online teaching may create a sense of isolation. Lack of appropriate resources, power cuts were some of the challenges that teachers faced during their virtual classes. Some more issues mentioned by the teachers: passive students and difficulties in encouraging collaboration. The following Opportunities were identified in this research: the opportunity to develop skills, creativity, the opportunity of further education/teacher training, the opportunity to realize plans, the opportunity of promotion. The teachers pointed out the following threats at work which they anticipate: conflicts with colleagues, unhealthy competition, loss of job, high demands, great responsibility. The findings suggest that the pandemic affects the mental health of both male and female university teachers; the levels of state and trait anxiety are higher among women. This research can serve as a basis for in-depth study of such issues as job satisfaction, well-being, and mental health.

Skin Deep? : A scoping literature review of the psychological impact of Acne Vulgaris on patients and the role of the Psychiatrist

AimsThis literature review aims to assess existing scientific literature on the psychological impact of Acne Vulgaris on adolescents and adults and the role that Psychiatrists can play in supporting these patients. The hypothesis of this literature review is that all patients with Acne Vulgaris should have their quality of life assessed in order to identify those who require additional support.BackgroundThe link between Psychiatry and Dermatology is becoming increasingly recognised. Resources on the British Association of Dermatologists’ website are often distributed to patients by Dermatologists in order to assess the impact that a skin condition has had on a patient's life. Acne Vulgaris is a psychophysiological skin condition that impacts up to 95% of people to some extent from the ages of 11 to 30 years old. Due to its prevalence it is essential that the psychological burden of Acne Vulgaris on patients is understood.MethodLiterature written since 2011 was searched identified from: PsychINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PUBMED. The search strategy key words were: acne vulgaris, mental health, psychiatry, anxiety and depression. Arksey and O'Malley's framework was utilised to conduct a scoping literature review. Data were collated and summarized thematically.ResultA total of 72 studies were included representing over 14,000 adults and adolescents with Acne Vulgaris from the following countries: Egypt, Nigeria, Turkey, India, Lithuania, UK, USA, Iran, Pakistan and Spain.Screening tools such as the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), The Acne Quality of Life Scale (AQLS), the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), and the State Trait Anxiety Index STAI (Y-1) form were utilised in order to identify the impact of Acne Vulgaris on patients’ quality of life and mental health. The data clearly showed the significant psychological burden that patients with Acne Vulgaris can experience. There was a clear trend of low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, social withdrawal, depression (ranging from 23.1% to 62% of study participants), anxiety (ranging from 38.4% to 51%) and even suicidal ideation (ranging from 12.9% to 20.1%). Literature also suggested a higher prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in patients with Acne Vulgaris which should be considered and screened for.ConclusionThis scoping literature review has highlighted the significant psychological burdensome acne patients can experience. Given the prevalence of the condition Psychiatrists do have a role in working with Dermatologists to ensure appropriate screening tools are utilised and patients are able to access appropriate support.

Anxiety during Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating a Specific One-on-One Procedure Announcement Provided by a Radiation Therapist.

Simple SummaryWhat is the influence of a one-on-one procedure announcement delivered by a radiation therapist before radiation therapy? In this trial randomizing 126 patients, no significant differences in mean trait or state anxiety scores measured before CT scan simulation, during the first and second sessions, or at the completion of radiotherapy were noted. Patients who benefited from the procedure announcement were significantly better informed of the treatment positioning and in vivo dosimetry. For patients, this specific procedure was not able to decrease their level of anxiety.Background: Anxiety impacts patient outcomes and quality of life in response to cancer diagnosis. A prospective phase 3 trial randomizing 126 patients was conducted to determine whether a specific one-on-one procedure announcement provided by a radiation therapist before CT scan simulation decreases anxiety for patients with breast cancer requiring radiotherapy. Material and Methods: Anxiety was measured using the STAI form, and the QLQ-C30 and BR-23 questionnaires were used to evaluate quality of life. Results: Mean trait or state anxiety scores before CT scan simulation, before the first and second sessions, and at the end of radiation treatment were not significantly different. We observed a decrease in the level of anxiety with time; however, no significant difference in mean state anxiety scores at any of the time intervals was detected. Factors, such as anxiety trait score, professional and marital status, age, and use of alternative therapy, did not significantly influence the evolution of anxiety status over time or the mean value. Anxiety was significantly influenced by the level of fatigue. Patients who benefited from the radiation therapists’ advice felt significantly better informed. Conclusions: The one-on-one program announcement occurring before CT scan simulation led to patients being more informed and greater satisfaction but did not decrease anxiety.

Impact of the COVID-19 virus and confinement on the mental health of the tunisian population: Anxiety and depression

IntroductionThe 2019 Coronavirus disease epidemic is a public health emergency of international concern and poses a challenge to psychological resilience.ObjectivesTo study the psychological repercussions in terms of anxiety and depression of the Coronavirus pandemic on the Tunisian population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. We used an online questionnaire on Facebook, on June 2020. The heteroquestionnaire included epidemiological data and two scales: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Form Y-1) to evaluate the anxiety level at the time of the study, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ 9) to detect a characterized depressive episode.ResultsWe included 121 participants. They had an average age of 36.52 years with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.41. The mean STAI score was 43.12 while the PHQ score was 7.46, indicating that 30.8% of the participants suffered from depression. Both scores were correlated to female sex (p=0.01 for STAI and p=0.02 for PHQ), a history of anxiety (p&lt;0.001) and depressive disorders (p&lt;0.001) and to poor sleep quality (p&lt;0.001). The STAI score was also associated with a family history of high blood pressure (p=0.004), while the PHQ score was correlated to a family history of diabetes (p=0.02), a widowed or divorced marital status (p&lt;0.001) and to a single lifestyle (p=0.03). Furthermore, the two scores (STAI-Y and PHQ 9) were also associated (p&lt;0.001; r=0.67).ConclusionsThe psychological impact of Coronavirus epidemic seems not negligible requiring psychological interventions to improve the mental health of vulnerable groups.

Does Premedıcatıon wıth Mıdazolam Reduce Preoperatıve Anxıety Through Menstrular Cycle Phases?

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to investigate and compare the effects of menstrual cycle phases on preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain scores in patients given midazolam for premedication before anesthesia. Methods: Septorhinoplasty, goiter surgery and laparoscopic cholecystectomy 126 female patients, aged 21-45, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score I-II and with regular menstrual cycles, were included. Of the cases; The phase of the menstrual cycle was recorded according to the last menstrual period (SAT) and accordingly the patients were divided into 3 groups as Follicular phase, the Ovulatory phase, and the Luteal phase. Anxiety assessment was performed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI FORM TX-1) test. Anxiety scores were evaluated by performing a preoperative test 3 minutes before and 1 hour after intravenous (IV) administration of 0.02 mg/kg midazolam. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used for postoperative pain assessment. Results: Midazolam was found to decrease STAI FORM TX-1 scores the most during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, but there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of VAS scores. Conclusion: It has been observed that premedication with midazolam reduces preoperative anxiety in all phases of the menstrual cycle in women of reproductive age, but is most effective in the ovulatory phase. The effect of premedication with midazolam on postoperative pain does not change according to the phases of the menstrual cycle.

HEMODİYALİZ HASTALARINA UYGULANAN PROGRESİF GEVŞEME EGZERSİZİNİN ANKSİYETE DÜZEYİ VE UYKU KALİTESİNE ETKİSİ

Amaç: Araştırma hemodiyaliz hastalarına uygulanan progresif gevşeme egzersizinin hastaların anksiyete düzeyi ve uyku kalitesi üzerine etkisini değerlendirmek amacıyla yapıldı. Yöntem: Deneysel özellikte olan araştırmanın örneklemini hemodiyalize giren 42 birey oluşturdu. Araştırmada veriler; Hasta Tanıtım Formu, Durumluk-Sürekli Anksiyete Ölçeği (STAI FORM TX) ve Pitssburg Uyku Kalitesi İndeksi (PUKİ) ile toplandı. Basit rastgele örnekleme yöntemi ile deney (n=20) ve kontrol (n=22) grupları belirlendi. Deney grubuna 4 aşamadan oluşan Progresif Gevşeme Egzersiz Programı öğretimi yapıldı. Davranış değişikliği oluşturmak ve desteklemek amacı ile hastalara kısa mesaj gönderildi. Ölçekler 6. ve 8. haftada tekrar uygulandı. Verilerin analizinde Ki-Kare testi, student t testi ve ANOVA testi kullanıldı. Bulgular: Deney ve kontrol grubu yaş, eğitim düzeyi, cinsiyet ve durumluk ve sürekli anksiyete düzeyi ve PUKİ puan ortalamaları açısından benzer özelliklere sahipti (p>0.05). Deney ve kontrol grubunun uygulama sonrası ve 6. hafta durumluk-sürekli anksiyete puanları ile PUKİ puan ortalamaları arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunmazken, 8. haftada grup içi ve gruplar arası puan ortalamaları açısından durumluk-sürekli anksiyete puanları ve PUKİ puan ortalamaları arasında anlamlı bir farkın olduğu belirlendi (p<0.05). Sonuç: Araştırma sonucunda hemodiyaliz hastalarına uygulanan progresif gevşeme egzersizinin anksiyete düzeyi ve uyku kalitesini olumlu yönde etkilediği belirlendi. Progresif Gevşeme egzersizleri düzenli olarak kullanıldığında iki aydan sonra hemodiyaliz hastalarının anksiyete düzeylerini düşürmekte ve uyku kalitelerini yükseltmektedir.

The Effect of Noise Levels in the Operating Room on the Stress Levels and Workload of the Operating Room Team

PurposeThe research was conducted to evaluate the noise levels and the effect of noise on the workload and stress levels of the operating room (OR) staff of a public hospital. DesignDescriptive and cross-sectional study. MethodsThe data were obtained by measuring ambient noise during 403 orthopaedic, urological, and general surgeries on weekdays between July and October 2019. We measured the noise by dividing the surgery into three phases. These phases are as follows: from the entry of the patient, induction of anesthesia, and preparation of the surgical area until the start of the procedure (Phase I), from the incision until the completion of closure and dressing application (Phase II), from the completion of closure and dressing application until the exit of the patient (Phase III). Furthermore, the workload and stress levels of 45 OR staff who work in the general surgery, orthopaedics, and urology ORs were measured. Data were collected using a CA 834 noise measurement device, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Form TX-I), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index Workload Scale, and Information form related to surgery and ORs. FindingsThe noise in the OR was higher than 35 dB, A-weighted [dB(A)], the limit proposed by the World Health Organization for hospitals. Phase I average noise level was 63.00 ± 3.50, Phase II average noise level was 62.94 ± 3.75, and Phase III average noise level was 63.67 ± 2.81. The mean anxiety score was 34.50 ± 6.09. The total workload level was found to be 56.91 ± 15.67. Anxiety scores and workload scores had positive weak and moderate correlations with noise levels (P < .01). ConclusionsThe noise in the OR was high, and anxiety scores and workload scores correlated positively with noise levels.

Correlation between crowdedness in emergency departments and anxiety in Chinese patients.

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a severe health care concern, while anxiety and depression rates among ED patients have been reported to be substantially higher compared to the general population. We hypothesized that anxiety due to over crowdedness may lead to adverse events in EDs. To investigate correlations between crowdedness in EDs and anxiety of patients and nurses, and to identify factors affecting their anxiety. In this prospective observational study, a total 43 nurses and 389 emergency patients from two tier III hospitals located in Beijing were included from January 2016 to August 2017. Patients were grouped into inpatients when they were hospitalized after diagnoses, or into outpatients when they were discharged after treatments. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Form Y) questionnaire was used to investigate patient and nurse anxieties, while crowdedness of EDs was evaluated with the National Emergency Department Over Crowding Score. The present results revealed that state anxiety scores (49.50 ± 6.00 vs 50.80 ± 2.80, P = 0.005) and trait anxiety scores (45.40 ± 5.70 vs 46.80 ± 2.70, P = 0.002) between inpatients (n = 173) and outpatients (n = 216) were significantly different, while the state anxiety of nurses (44.70 ± 5.80) was different from those of both patient groups. Generalized linear regression analysis demonstrated that multiple factors, including crowdedness in the ED, were associated with state and trait anxieties for both inpatients and outpatients. In addition, there was an interaction between state anxiety and trait anxieties. However, multivariable regression analysis showed that while overcrowding in the ED did not directly correlate with patients' and nurses' anxiety levels, the factors that did correlate with state and trait anxieties of inpatients were related to crowdedness. These factors included waiting time in the ED, the number of patients treated, and the number of nurses in the ED, whereas for nurses, only state and trait anxieties correlated significantly with each other. Waiting time, the number of patients treated, and the number of nurses present in the ED correlate with patient anxiety in EDs, but crowdedness has no effect on nurse or patient anxiety.

Validation of the Italian Version of the Cognitive Distortion Scale as a Measure of Cognitive Bias in a Non-clinical Sample

The Cognitive Distortions Scale is a reliable scale assessing cognitive distortions as defined by Beck and Burns. The present study tested the psychometric properties (i.e., internal consistency, factor structure, homogeneity, concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity) of the Italian version of the CDS in a non-clinical sample. One-hundred subjects, aged between 18 and 64 years, were recruited from the general population of Florence (Italy) and assessed via the Symptom Rating Test, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI—form Y), the Anxiety Sensitivity Index 3, the Personal Need for Structure, the White Bear Suppression Inventory, and the Stroop Color and Word Test, Short Version. Internal consistency of the CDS was tested via the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, the factor structure was analyzed via the principal component analysis, homogeneity was tested via the Mokken analysis, concurrent, convergent, discriminant validity was examined via Spearman correlations. The CDS showed a one-factor structure, satisfactory homogeneity for all items (ranging from 0.43 to 0.57) and total score (0.50), excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.96), statistically significant concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity. The Italian version of the CDS showed good psychometric properties, similarly to the original English version.

Assessing anxiety and its correlates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The state-trait anxiety inventory.

We evaluated: (1) psychometric properties of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI Form Y); (2) clinical correlates of state and trait anxiety; (3) associations of anxiety with quality of life (QoL) dimensions. We assessed 159 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on STAI Form Y and on tests and questionnaires for depression, apathy, QoL, and cognitive abilities. Clinically diagnosed anxiety (by Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory) occurred in 30 (19%) patients. STAI Form Y fitted a 2-factor structure and showed good psychometric properties. State and trait anxiety were weakly associated with female sex, bulbar functional decay, and cognitive decline in language and memory; trait anxiety was associated with lower educational attainment and poorer scores on visuospatial tasks. State and trait anxiety were associated with poorer physical and psychosocial QoL dimensions. Anxiety is tightly associated with QoL in ALS, and can be reliably assessed by STAI Form Y. Muscle Nerve, 2019.