STAI-T Scores Research Articles

Psychedelic Microdosing, Mindfulness, and Anxiety: A Cross-Sectional Mediation Study

ABSTRACT While anecdotal reports claim that psychedelic microdosing reduces anxiety and mood symptoms, evidence supporting these claims is scarce. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between microdosing and trait anxiety. Furthermore, it was investigated if trait mindfulness mediated this association. Participants completed anonymous online questionnaires and were divided into three groups: current microdosers (n = 186), former microdosers (n = 77) and microdosing-naïve controls (n = 234). Trait anxiety and trait mindfulness were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – Trait subscale (STAI-T) and the 15-item Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15) respectively. Current and former microdosers reported lower STAI-T scores compared to microdosing-naïve controls. Furthermore, associations of current and former microdosing with trait anxiety were mediated by trait mindfulness, with small effects of FFMQ-15 Total, Non-judging and Non-reactivity scores. However, in an exploratory analysis, all associations between microdosing and STAI-T scores became non-significant when participants with previous macrodose experience (n = 386) were excluded. Our findings suggest that RCT<apos;>s are warranted to test causal hypotheses concerning the effects of microdosing and the role of trait mindfulness in the effects of microdosing, while controlling for previous macrodose experience.

Frequency and status of depression and anxiety in mothers of children with inborn errors of metabolism with restricted diet, with and without risk of metabolic crises

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the frequency and status of depression and anxiety among mothers of children with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) who were on a restricted diet and previously experienced metabolic crises. MethodsThis cross-sectional multicenter descriptive study included 93 children with IEM who were on restricted diet. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had experienced metabolic crises (n=44, urea cycle defect, organic acidemia, maple syrup urine disease, hereditary fructose intolerance) and those who had not experienced previous metabolic crises (n=49; phenylketonuria, galactosemia, and non-ketotic hyperglycinemia). The control group comprised 37 healthy children. The mothers of the patients and control participants answered a questionnaire about their and their children's demographic and clinical characteristics and completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S and STAI-T). ResultsThe maternal BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T scores were 6.3±5.2, 36.1±11.2, and 39.9±8.8, respectively, in the control group. The maternal BDI, STAI-S, and STAI-T scores of the children who had experienced (19.2±9.7; 44.0±12.4; 47.9±10.6) and those who had not experienced (13.9±9.1; 40.7 ±8.6; 45.3±8.3) a crisis were significantly higher than for the controls. The BDI score was significantly higher for the mothers of children who had experienced a crisis (p=0.011), whereas no significant difference was determined between the two patient groups regarding STAI-S and STAI-T scores. The mothers of four children who had experienced metabolic crises were on antidepressant therapy. ConclusionAlthough their children were on a similar restricted diet, the mothers of children who previously experienced or who had the risk of experiencing metabolic crises had higher depression scores as compared with the mothers of children who did not experience a previous crisis. Early supportive therapy may be required for the families of these patients to lower the burden of stress.

Right frontal anxiolytic-sensitive EEG \u2018theta\u2019 rhythm in the stop-signal task is a theory-based anxiety disorder biomarker

Psychiatric diagnoses currently rely on a patient’s presenting symptoms or signs, lacking much-needed theory-based biomarkers. Our neuropsychological theory of anxiety, recently supported by human imaging, is founded on a longstanding, reliable, rodent ‘theta’ brain rhythm model of human clinical anxiolytic drug action. We have now developed a human scalp EEG homolog—goal-conflict-specific rhythmicity (GCSR), i.e., EEG rhythmicity specific to a balanced conflict between goals (e.g., approach-avoidance). Critically, GCSR is consistently reduced by different classes of anxiolytic drug and correlates with clinically-relevant trait anxiety scores (STAI-T). Here we show elevated GCSR in student volunteers divided, after testing, on their STAI-T scores into low, medium, and high (typical of clinical anxiety) groups. We then tested anxiety disorder patients (meeting diagnostic criteria) and similar controls recruited separately from the community. The patient group had higher average GCSR than their controls—with a mixture of high and low GCSR that varied with, but cut across, conventional disorder diagnosis. Consequently, GCSR scores should provide the first theoretically-based biomarker that could help diagnose, and so redefine, a psychiatric disorder.

Anxiety levels of breast cancer patients in Turkey during theCOVID-19 pandemic.

Aim: To assess the anxiety levels of breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials & methods: A total of 298 patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S and STAI-T) and the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS) and VAS for Anxiety in COVID-19 (VAS-CoV). Results: 144 patients were in the high anxiety category for STAI-S, and 202 patients were in the high anxiety category for STAI-T. STAI-T score was significantly high in the metastatic group (p = 0.017). VAS-CoV score in the hormonotherapy group was significantly higher than in the no-treatment group (p = 0.023). There was a positive correlation between VAS-CoV and VAS levels (r = 0.708, p < 0.001), VAS-CoV and STAI-S and STAI-T scores (r = 0.402, p < 0.001; r = 0.185, p = 0.001, respectively), and a negative correlation between education years and STAI-T scores (r = -0.172, p = 0.003). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is related to high anxiety levels in breast cancer patients.

The Effect of Preoperative Anxiety and Pain Sensitivity on Preoperative Hemodynamics, Propofol Consumption, and Postoperative Recovery and Pain in Endoscopic Ultrasonography.

IntroductionThe present study investigates how preoperative anxiety and pain sensitivity affect the consumption of anesthetics, time elapsed until the desired sedation level is achieved, preoperative hemodynamics, postoperative recovery time, and postoperative pain.MethodsThe present study includes 80 ASA 1–2 patients aged between 20 and 65 who were scheduled for endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) under sedation. Patients were instructed to fill out the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) before the procedure. For sedation, 0.03 mg kg−1 intravenous midazolam, 1 mg kg−1 lidocaine, 1 µ kg−1 fentanyl, and then a bolus dose of 1 mg kg−1 propofol were infused over a period of 60 s. The time elapsed until the bispectral index (BIS) value reached 75 was recorded. For anesthesia maintenance, 2 mg kg−1 h−1 propofol infusion was administered. In the case of sedation failure, an additional dose of 0.1 mg kg−1 propofol (IV) was administered to ensure sedation depth with a BIS level of 65–75, and the propofol infusion was halted once the BIS value dropped below 65.ResultsSTAI-S and STAI-T scores were significantly positively correlated with PSQ minor pain and PSQ total scores. The time elapsed until reaching a BIS level of 75, propofol infusion dose used during sedation, and the need for additional doses of propofol, heart rate (HR), and duration of post-anesthesia care unit stay were significantly positively correlated with both preoperative anxiety and preoperative pain sensitivity. In terms of postoperative pain, the visual analog scale (VAS) at 1 h was more highly correlated with STAI-S and STAI-T than with PSQ. The VAS 2 h was only correlated with STAI-S and STAI-T.ConclusionThe significant linear correlation between preoperative anxiety and pain sensitivity and anesthesia need can facilitate better preoperative management by predicting individual anesthetic consumption.Trial RegistrationThe study was registered with the number NCT03114735 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Investigation of Anxiety, Depression and Perceived Caregiving Burden in Parents of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery and Being Followed Up in Intensive Care

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the relationship between anxiety levels and perceived caregiver burden in mothers of children who had undergone congenital heart disease surgery and who were followed up in the intensive care unit with the surgical type and clinical variables applied. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted with the mothers of both patient groups who underwent palliative surgery (n= 32) or corrective (biventricular) repair (n= 35) in the pediatric cardiovascular surgery clinic of Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital. Sociodemographic-clinical data form, Beck depression inventory, standardized mini-mental test, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI TX I-II), and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) were applied to the parents. Results: The rate of interventional birth was higher in the palliative surgery group whereas there was no difference between the palliative surgery and corrective repair groups in terms of age, gender, birth weights, and presence of additional diseases (p= 0.001). There was no difference between maternal education levels and pregnancy duration. This difference was not significant even though the mean age of the mothers in the corrective repair group was higher compared to the palliative surgery group. The mean STAI-S scores of the palliative surgery group (state anxiety) were lower than the corrective repair group, and the STAI-T scores of the palliative surgery group (trait anxiety) were higher. The ZBI scores were significantly higher in the palliative surgery group (p= 0.03). Conclusion: Congenital heart diseases and surgical interventions, as a result, are a major source of distress for affected families. Mothers are mainly affected by this situation. Changes in the mental status of the caregiver may have serious adverse effects on the operated child at every stage of the disease. Caregiving in parents is perceived as a burden and increased anxiety leads to different psychiatric clinical manifestations. Therefore, it is recommended that parents of children who have undergone congenital cardiac surgery receive routine psychiatric support from the early stages of the disease.

Pre-test anxiety levels and postoperative pain in non-obstructive azoospermic patients: Is klinefelter syndrome a predisposing factor?

Increased depression and anxiety incidence in infertile individuals treated with assisted reproductive techniques have been shown in studies. Postoperative pain perception after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is thought to be related to preoperative anxiety in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Twenty patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) and twenty male patients with normal karyotype NOA planned for TESE under local anaesthesia due to azoospermia were included in the study. Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T and STAI-S) inventory was given to all patients 1 h before surgery. Postoperative pain evaluation was performed at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min with visual analogue scale (VAS). STAI-T inventory was given to the patients again 2 h after the procedure. Preoperative STAI-S and STAI-T scores and postoperative STAI-T scores of patients in the KS group were higher than those in the NOA group, and there was a significant difference in the statistical analysis between the two groups (p < 0.001). In the postoperative VAS scores, there was no statistical difference at the 0 and 120th min (p = 0.56 and p = 0.87, respectively); at the 30, 60 and 90th min there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups, especially in patients in the KS group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). The contribution of anxiety to pain perception should be kept in mind in azoospermic male patients before TESE, and additional measures should be taken considering that this may be experienced at a higher level in KS patients.

Low Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels Are Associated with the Severity of Anxiety Experienced by Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective of this study is to investigate a possible correlation between anxiety status and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels among healthcare professionals who provide medical care directly to COVID-19-positive patients during the recent pandemic. Fifty-two healthcare professionals (nurses, midwives, and residents) who provide medical care directly to COVID-19-positive patients in inpatient clinics or intensive care units were enrolled in this study. Serum AMH levels were analyzed to reflect ovarian reserve. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S and STAI-T, respectively) were completed by participants to assess their anxiety status. A linear regression model with participant age as the constant variable was applied to analyze the relationship between inventory scale scores and AMH levels. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The mean AMH value was significantly lower for the participants in the moderate/severe anxiety group compared to the minimal/mild anxiety group (p = 0.007). A linear regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between AMH levels and both BAI (B = −0.030, standard error = 0.010, p = 0.004) and STAI-S and STAI-T scores when age was controlled (both p = 0.003). The severity of anxiety experienced during the recent COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare professionals, who provide medical care directly to COVID-19-positive patients, is found to be related to low AMH levels.

Measuring Prospective Imagery: Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Prospective Imagery Task.

ObjectiveProspective negative imagery is suggested to play an important role in the development and maintenance of anxiety and depression. The Prospective Imagery Task (PIT) was developed to assess prospective imagery. Given the importance of prospective imagery for mental health in the Chinese cultural context, our objective was to examine the psychometric properties of the PIT in a Chinese sample.MethodsThe instrument was validated among a sample of 1,372 Chinese individuals (mean age = 19.98, SD = 4.57; 35.2% male) who completed the PIT immediately following the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait version (STAI-T).ResultsThe two-factor structure of the PIT was in line with the original study, with satisfactory reliability and positive correlations with the BDI-II and STAI-T scores. Latent profile analysis revealed a three-class pattern. The measurement invariance indicated that the instrument can be used among different age groups as well as among males and females.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the PIT is a reliable and valid tool to measure prospective imagery, and the positive subscale is meaningful for clinical psychology. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.

The effect of the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic on urology practice and anxiety scores of patients awaiting surgery.

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the effect COVID‐19 pandemic on the daily urology practice of the level 3 centre located in one of the most affected regions in Turkey. We also aimed to assess anxiety and depression levels of patients whose procedures and surgeries had to be postponed due to COVID‐19‐related restrictions.MethodsThe number of patients admitted to the outpatient clinic, outpatient procedures, emergency consultation requests, hospitalised patients and the total number of surgeries between March 10, 2020 and June 15, 2020 were evaluated. These numbers were compared with the same period of 2019. Subsequently, patients who could not be operated or whose elective surgeries were postponed between March 10, 2020 and June 15, 2020 were determined(n:96). These patients were asked to fill out Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) and State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI). The presence of difference between the baseline anxiety levels and the anxiety levels during the COVID‐19 pandemic was investigated. Afterwards, these patients were divided into two groups based on planned procedures as oncological group (group1) and non‐oncological group (group2). The presence of a difference between the anxiety and depression levels between the groups was investigated.ResultsThere was a drastic decline in number of patients in all assessed parameters. The least amount of change was seen in the number of emergency consultations. The evaluation of anxiety and depression scores of the patients showed a significant difference between their STAI‐S and STAI‐T scores (51.8 ± 9.3, 38.2 ± 7.5, respectively)(P < .001). STAI‐S scores of the patients were found to be compatible with severe anxiety. The patients’ mean BDI score was found to be 15 ± 8.9, which indicated mild depression. However, the age and STAI‐S values were significantly higher in group1.ConclusionWe noted that anxiety and depression levels increased in patients whose operations were delayed because of pandemic‐related restrictions, especially in oncological patients. We believe that an important contribution can be made to the protection of public health by planning advance psychosocial interventions for high‐risk groups during pandemics.

Gender differences in ultradian serum levels of NGF and BDNF correlate with psychophysical traits in healthy humans.

We aimed at investigating the gender and/or ultradian pattern of serum levels of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Blood samples were collected at the 8.00, 13.00 and 20.00 hours of the day in healthy men and women, and the neurotrophins concentration was measured in the serum by ELISA. A further aim of the study was to evaluate whether or not the NGF/BDNF variations might be related to specific physiological or psychological traits as mood, feeling good and feeling rested, sexual desire and energy. Heart rate and blood pressure were also monitored at the same hours in each enrolled subject. The anxiety (STAI-T and STAI-S score) and sleeping quality were once evaluated in the morning too. We found that serum BDNF increases in men and decreases in women from morning to evening, while NGF shows a similar ultradian profile between men and women, but with higher concentrations in women. Both neurotrophins also show gender-related associations with psychophysiological variables. High NGF levels correlated with a high score for all the psychological variables in men, but with a low score in women. An inverse correlation was found between BDNF and energy and sexual desire in women, while no correlations were found in men. These data disclose that the condition of well-being (or activity/arousal status) is featured by an increasing NGF profile in men and a negative BDNF/NGF trend in women. The clinical relevance of the present data is discussed.

Anxiety levels in patients admitted to the emergency department with myocardial infarction or COVID-19 pneumonia

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 related high morbidity and mortality have led to a common fear and anxiety. This study aimed to determine the state/trait and death anxiety levels of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and COVID-19 pneumonia. The study was conducted at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Central Anatolia of Turkey. 120 patients with myocardial infarction , 120 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, and 120 healthy volunteers as a control group were included in the study. The participants filled out the questionnaire that included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Thorson–Powell’s Revised Death Anxiety Scale (RDAS). All scores of patient groups were significantly higher than the control group. There was no significant difference in terms of STAI-S, STAI-T, and RDAS scores between COVID-19 pneumonia and MI groups. The anxiety risk increased 2.14-fold for STAI-T and 1.97-fold for STAI-S in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia compared to the control group. In this study, the state/trait and death anxiety levels of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were as high as patients with myocardial infarction.COVID-19 pneumonia-related anxiety was associated with chronic diseases and smoking. Knowing the level of anxiety in these patients is important to provide better health services in the emergency departments.

Anxiety states and knowledge of COVID-19 among pregnant women during the pandemic in Turkey – a cross-sectional study

Introduction. Infectious outbreaks have negative effects not only on the physical health of the society but also on the mental health. Aim. To evaluate the anxiety states and knowledge of COVID-19 during the pandemic in pregnant women. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study conducted in a university hospital in Turkey. A total of 199 pregnant women were included in the study. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), two questionnaires to evaluate the knowledge about COVID-19, and COVID-19-related anxiety were applied to all the women. Results. The highest level of COVID-19-related anxieties were about their spouses or newborns contracting COVID-19, effects of drugs on fetus and contracting COVID-19 during delivery. There was a negative correlation between gestational week and the questionnaire of COVID-19-related anxieties (r=-0.152, p=0.037). STAI total score was 76.48±14.11, and STAI-T scores (42.39±7.66) were higher than STAI-S scores (34.09±8.77). Although their general knowledge about the disease was relatively good, their level of knowledge on issues that pertained specifically to pregnancy was low. Conclusion. These findings indicated more than four months had passed since the pandemic came to the country but, pregnant women were very worried and did not have enough information about the disease.

EEP QUALITY OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN TURKEY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic had physical, social, and psychological effects on individuals. In this process, the psychological effects of the pandemic led to the need to examine the pandemic spiritually. Many studies have reported sleep problems in individuals. Sleep is important for cognitive, psychomotor, and emotional functions as well as physical health. Sleep quality is an important subject that should not be neglected in medical school students. This study aims to evaluate the sleep quality of medical students in Turkey during the pandemic.&nbsp; 424 students studying at Dicle University Medicine Faculty participated in the study between September-December 2020. Sociodemographic data form prepared by us, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were administered. PSQI scores of the students were 6.77±3.44, STAI-S scores were 40.69±4.84, STAI-T scores were 44.97±5.82, CAS scores were 2.80±4.17. The PSQI score of 72.4% of the students was five and above. 40.8% of the students reported worsening in their sleep. Female gender, having the COVID-19 test or relatives with COVID-19 infection, spending 1 hour or more in a day associated with COVID-19, smoking, using alcohol or sedative medication, and increasing caffeine habits found risk factors for poor sleep quality. PSQI scores were positively correlated with STAI-S and CAS scores. According to our study, medical students had poor sleep quality in the pandemic. We should give more importance to students during and outside the pandemic because they are a risky group for psychological stressors due to young age, student status. Sleep quality in medical students is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Students should be informed about sleep hygiene rules, be supported in giving smoking, alcohol, and other bad habits, and psychosocial support units should be established in universities.

Increased Levels of Anxiety, Depression, and Secondary Trauma in Radiation Oncologists during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Preliminary Report from Turkey

OBJECTIVE We surveyed the anxiety, depression, and secondary trauma levels of Turkish Radiation Oncologists related with COVID pandemics. METHODS An anonymous online questionnaire survey was created to evaluate levels of depression, anxiety, and secondary trauma among Turkish Radiation Oncologists. The survey included demographics and occupational status, Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSSS), The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS Seventy-two respondents provided the power of about 91.4% for the significance level of 0.05. The variance homogeneity was checked by the Levene test, the effect of COVID-19 on psychology is higher in the group of >19 (9.02 +/- 0.820), as well as the effect of social isolation (8.02 +/- 1.622), the STSS scores (34.28 +/- 9.062), the STAIS scores (60.46 +/- 5.296), the STAIT scores (82.21 +/- 9.298), the BDI scores (22.68 +/- 2.788), and the BAI scores (21.04 +/- 9.321). The multiple regressions to estimate BDI revealed statistically significant effects in STAIS, BAI, and STAIT. There is a significant correlation between STSS, STAIS, STAIT, BDI, BAI, the effect of COVID-19 on psychology, and the effect of social isolation. CONCLUSION We have established one of the first studies demonstrating the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on depression, anxiety levels, and secondary trauma on a special physician population, the Radiation Oncologists, who specifically do not directly take part in COVID19 management.

COVİD-19 ile Mücadele Eden Acil Servis Çalışanlarının Anksiyete Düzeyi ve Etkileyen Faktörler

Aim: We aimed to determine anxiety levels of the emergency department (ED) personnel working in close contact with infected patients and potential risk factors associated with this anxiety. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted among healthcare personnel working at the ED of the tertiary healthcare hospital in question, who are directly involved in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients. The participants were administered a questionnaire that included items on sociodemographic characteristics; items on health, social, and demographic factors considered to be related with anxiety; and the 40 items of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). &#x0D; Results: The study included 138 healthcare professionals. In total, 29.7% of the participants were female and 70.3% were male. The minimum and maximum ages of the participants were 21 and 52 years, respectively, with a median age of 33 (27–40) years. The mean STAI-S and STAI-T scores of healthcare professionals included in the study were 45.4 ± 10.4 and 41.3 ± 7.3, respectively. The effect of women nurses and having children, on anxiety levels was found to be significantly high. Comparing the groups categorized for their compliance with COVID-19-related measures, the state anxiety scores of the “somewhat compliant” group were found to be higher. Participants with the perception that measures taken and institution’s available capacity were insufficient were found to have statistically significantly higher STAI-S scores than the others (p &lt; 0.001) &#x0D; Conclusion: Maintaining mental health of healthcare personnel during a pandemic is vital to better control contagious diseases. Thus, exclusive effort should be made to maintain mental well-being of healthcare professionals being exposed to COVID-19.

Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic's Delay Phase.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged in Wuhan, China and has spread all over the world and affected global mental health. Pregnant women may be particularly vulnerable and experience high levels of distress during an infectious disease outbreak. The aim of this study was to determine anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study surveyed a total of 283 pregnant women within the period of May 11 to May 28,2020. During their regular antenatal visit, pregnant women were invited to participate in the study. The self-created personal information form was used to assess the main characteristics of the participants. Anxiety and PTSD symptoms of the pregnant women were measured by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), respectively. The mean age of the pregnant women was 29.20±5.55 years. Regarding gestational age, 72 (25.4%), 86 (30.4) and 125 (44.2) were in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. The mean gestational age was 23.82±11.05 weeks. The mean STAI-S and STAI-T scores were 39.52±10.56 within the cut-off value (39-40) of the instrument and 42.74±8.33, respectively. Furthermore, the mean total IES-R score was 36.60±15.65 within the cut-off value (24) of the instrument. Multiple regression analysis revealed that pregnancy complication (p=0.01) and employment status of husband (p=0.04) were the best predictors of state anxiety. Additionally, the presence of COVID-19-related symptoms (p=0.01) and educational level (p=0.01) were found to predict PTSD symptoms. Pregnant women would be likely to experience high levels of anxiety and PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic's delay phase. The results should sensitize the medical team to increased anxiety and PTDS symptoms of the pregnant women in order to prevent negative outcomes for women and their fetuses.

VP45.01: Maternal anxiety during pregnancy induced by coronavirus pandemic: a prospective observational study

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that is spreading widely throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women in Italy during the period of maximum spread of the virus. We considered 200 pregnancies attending the antenatal clinic of Ospedale Cristo Re Università Roma Tor Vergata. A multisection questionnaire was sent by web to each included woman in the days of maximum spread of COVID 19 in Italy (8–10 March 2020). Part A was finalised to acquire imaternal characteristics and to test the women's perception of infection and their fears of fetal structural anomalies, growth restriction and preterm birth induced by COVID-19. Part B included the State–trait anxiety inventory (STAI) 40 items validated test for scoring trait anxiety (basal anxiety, STAIT) and state anxiety (related to the ongoing pandemic, STAIS). An abnormal value of STAI was considered when ≥ 40. The questionnaire was completed by 178 women (89%). Fear that COVID-19 could induce fetal structural anomalies was present in 47%, fetal growth restriction in 65% and preterm birth in 51% of the women. The median value of STAIT was 37 and in 38.2% of the study group STAIT score ≥40 was evidenced. STAIS values were significantly higher with an increase of median values of 12 points (p≤0.0001). There was a positive linear correlation between STAIT and STAIS (Pearson = 0.59; p≤0.0001). A higher educational status was associated with increased prevalence of STAIS ≥ 40(p = 0.004). Subgrouping women by the other variables considered did not show any further difference. Our data support how a serious stressful event significantly increases anxiety levels in pregnant women. Indeed, in our setting COVID-19 infection induces a doubling of the number of women who reached an abnormal level of anxiety. These findings validate the role of the remote use of questionnaire for identifying women at higher risk of anxiety disorders allowing support procedures on these subjects.

Effects of coronavirus 19 pandemic on maternal anxiety during pregnancy: a prospectic observational study.

Objectives Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that is spreading widely throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women in Italy. Methods We considered 200 pregnancies attending our antenatal clinic. A questionnaire was sent to each woman in the days of maximum spread of COVID-19. Sectional was finalized to acquire in 18 items maternal characteristics and to test the women's perception of infection. Section included the State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) 40 items validated test for scoring trait anxiety (basal anxiety, STAI-T) and state anxiety (related to the ongoing pandemic, STAI-S). An abnormal value of STAI was considered when≥40. Results The questionnaire was completed by 178 women (89%). Fear that COVID-19 could induce fetal structural anomalies was present in 47%, fetal growth restriction in 65% and preterm birth in 51% of the women. The median value of STAI-T was 37 and in 38.2% of the study group STAI-T score≥40 was evidenced. STAI-S values were significantly higher with an increase of median values of 12 points (p≤0.0001). There was a positive linear correlation between STAI-T and STAI-S (Pearson=0.59; p≤0.0001). A higher educational status was associated with increased prevalence of STAI-S≥ 40(p=0.004). Subgrouping women by the other variables considered did not show any further difference. Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic induces a doubling of the number of women who reached abnormal level of anxiety. These findings validate the role of the remote use of questionnaire for identifying women at higher risk of anxiety disorders allowing the activation of support procedures.

The Effect of Video Assisted Information on Anxiety and Pain Associated with Intrauterine Device Insertion

Introduction: Fear of procedural pain or stress may be a barrier to women accessing intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of video-assisted information on the anxiety and pain levels of patients undergoing IUD placement procedure. Methods: A total of 100 patients who underwent IUD insertion were prospectively enrolled in this observational case-control study. Study group included 50 patients who received both verbal and video-based information, while control group included 50 patients who received only verbal information regarding IUD insertion. The anxiety of the participants was measured by Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale, both before and after the IUD insertion. State Anxiety Scale (STAI-S) was used to evaluate the current anxiety levels, and Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI-T) was used to evaluate the general and stable aspects of anxiety. Pain was measured using visual analog scale (VAS) immediately after the IUD insertion procedure. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the pre-intervention STAI-S and STAI-T scores between the study and control groups (p = 0.098 for STAI-S, p = 0.641 for STAI-T). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between the post-intervention STAI-S score between the groups (p = 0.381). However, pain scores measured by VAS were significantly lower in the study group when compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Video-assisted information about IUD insertion did not have a reducing effect on anxiety, but was associated with a statistically significant decrease in pain.