State Anxiety Levels Research Articles

The effect of anxiety levels in women with hypertensive disorders on the pregnancy course and outcome

Aim. To analyze the influence of anxiety levels in women with hypertensive disorders on the pregnancy course and outcome in order to identify the relationship between the psycho-emotional state of pregnant women and the probability of developing complications or adverse consequences. Materials and methods. 120 pregnant women were examined and divided into three groups: group 1 – pregnant women with chronic arterial hypertension (CAH), n = 40; group 2 – pregnant women who developed gestational hypertension, n = 40; group 3 – pregnant women without hypertensive disorders, n = 40. The women underwent specialized psychometric testing to assess anxiety/stress levels. The analysis was carried out using the Spielberger–Hanin Scale, the Psychological Stress Scale (PSM-25) and the Impact of Traumatic Event Rating Scale (IES-R). Statistical processing of the results and graphic design were performed using a Microsoft Excel 2016 spreadsheet and the comprehensive data analysis program Statistica 10 for Windows. Results. An elevated level of state and trait anxiety according to the Spielberger–Hanin scale prevailed in pregnant women with CAH, which was an additional stress factor and required continuous monitoring even before the pregnancy onset. Evaluating the IES-R scale results, high levels of the intrusion subscale in all studied groups could be caused directly by pregnancy as a stressful factor. According to the avoidance subscale, we have seen similar results, so, pregnancy contributed to overstraining psychological defense mechanisms. However, the predominance in the group of women with gestational hypertension have suggested that high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy was one of the contributory factors in the activation of mechanisms for avoiding anxiety. The results of the hyperarousal subscale have demonstrated that the presence of hypertensive disorders (before or during pregnancy) caused the autonomic nervous system activation with the body hyperreactivity. The absence of a high level of stress according to the PSM-25 in all studied groups has demonstrated that women did not experience mental discomfort, which required the use of a wide range of methods to reduce it. Cesarean section was the prevailing delivery mode, the highest percentage was among women with CAH. This group also had the highest number of premature births and the maximum proportion of complications in newborns, indicating the influence of CAH as a negative factor in pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions. The results of this study have demonstrated that an increased level of anxiety in pregnant women could negatively affect their health, as well as the fetal development. In addition, concomitant hypertensive disorders in pregnancy could significantly complicate the pregnancy course, increasing the risk for premature birth and complications in newborns. Therefore, in today’s realities, it is extremely necessary to assess the psycho-emotional state of women in advance, involve specialist physicians, develop and implement a set of psycho-prophylactic measures to increase the neuropsychological stability of pregnant women and reduce the number of negative perinatal outcomes.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training and Its Impact on Health Care Students' Knowledge and Anxiety Levels

Purpose: This study examines the impact of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training on the knowledge and anxiety levels of healthcare students in the Home Patient Care Program. Cardiac arrest, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention, underscores the critical importance of proper CPR application. Methodology: The research utilized an experimental design with pre-test and post-test evaluations, involving 77 first-year students from Kastamonu University's Tosya Vocational School of Health Services. Participants were divided into experimental (n=34) and control (n=43) groups. The experimental group received five weeks of CPR and stress-anxiety management training based on the European Resuscitation Council's 2015 guidelines. Data were collected using a CPR knowledge questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Findings: Results revealed significant improvements in the CPR knowledge scores of the experimental group, increasing from 3.47 (±1.73) to 10.09 (±1.68) (p < 0.001). Concurrently, their state anxiety levels decreased from 45.09 (±10.54) to 38.50 (±9.08) (p < 0.001), and trait anxiety scores showed a moderate reduction. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings highlight the necessity of integrating CPR training with stress and anxiety management programs in healthcare education. Such training enhances students' ability to perform CPR effectively and reduces psychological barriers, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Further research with broader samples is recommended to validate these results.

Emotional burnout in medical workers of the outpatient clinic

Introduction. Much attention is paid to the study of the prevalence of emotional burnout syndrome (EBS) among health workers (HW). There are few studies of the relationship between EBS and factors influencing the HW subjective well-being. Material and methods. HW in outpatient clinics (nineteen doctors and 45 nurses) were examined. EBS was diagnosed using the method by V.V. Boyko, trait (TA) and state anxiety (SA) – using the Spielberger–Khanin scale, subjective social well-being (SSW) – the PWI-A questionnaire by R. Cummins. The Mann–Whitney criterion, χ2 was used to analyze the differences between the indicators, Pearson’s contingency coefficient – to assess the strength of the relationship, two-way variance analysis – to detect the simultaneous influence of two factors on the studied indicators, Spearman’s rank coefficient – to assess the correlation relationship. Results. All HW showed EBS signs of varying severity. In the structure of dominant symptoms, the leading places were occupied by experiences of psychotraumatic circumstances (46.2% in doctors and 54.2% in nurses), emotional and moral disorientation (43.5% in doctors), expansion in the sphere in economy, in emotions (30.2% in nurses), emotional deficit (33.3% in doctors and 35.2% in nurses), depersonalization (33.3% in doctors and 32.4% in nurses). The specificity of the severity of symptoms does not depend on the age, but has positive relationships with experience. 34.7% of HW had high levels of TA and SA; no differences were found between the group of doctors and nurses. The levels of TA and SA did not depend on the age and experience. Inverse relationships were established between the development of EBS and the indicators of the SSW (confidence in the future, their achievements, level of personal security, and their standard of living). Limitations. The cross-sectional design of the study, a small sample does not allow making unambiguous cause-and-effect conclusions regarding the factors influencing on the development of EBS. Conclusion. Data on the dominant symptoms in each phase of EBS, the levels of SA and TA, and the SSW assessments can be used to develop a program for the prevention and psychological correction of EBS in HW.

Depression and metabolic connectivity: insights into the locus coeruleus, HF-rTMS, and anxiety

The use of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) is increasingly being explored in precision medicine. However, there’s a notable lack of understanding of the underlying neurobiological effects, which limits our ability to correlate specific imaging features with treatment efficacy. As one possible neurobiological mechanism, clinical research has already shown that in MDD, lower norepinephrine release in the locus coeruleus (LC) triggers depressive symptoms, and pharmacological approaches that block norepinephrine reuptake boost its levels, easing depression. Surprisingly, the LC has not received a more pronounced focus in contemporary rTMS research. This study investigates the role of the LC in MDD and its response to high-frequency (HF)-rTMS using 18FDG-PET imaging. We compared LC metabolic connectivity between MDD patients (n = 43) and healthy controls (n = 32). Additionally, we evaluated the predictive value of LC connectivity for HF-rTMS treatment outcomes and examined post-treatment changes in LC metabolic connectivity. Our findings revealed significant differences in LC metabolic connectivity between MDD patients and controls. Baseline LC metabolic connectivity did not predict HF-rTMS treatment outcomes. However, post-treatment analyses showed a significant correlation between improved clinical outcomes and attenuation of LC metabolic connectivity in regions associated with cognitive control and the default mode network. Notably, a reduction in state anxiety moderated this relationship, highlighting the role of anxiety in HF-rTMS efficacy for MDD treatment. Our findings suggest that LC metabolic connectivity, influenced by state anxiety levels, may be crucial in HF-rTMS efficacy, offering further insights for personalized MDD treatment strategies.

Schizotypy 17 years on: Prediction of schizotypic individual differences in midlife.

The picture for the long-term prediction of schizotypic individual difference features in relation to schizotypy assessed earlier in life remains opaque. Whereas schizotypy assessed earlier in life, typically during the late teen years, has been shown to predict nonaffective psychotic illness as well as the presence of nonaffective psychotic features (Chapman et al., 1994; Lenzenweger, 2021), the presence in midlife (mid-30s) of nonpsychotic schizotypic features in those assessed for schizotypy earlier in life remains to be demonstrated. The current study, which reports on a 17-year follow-up study, addresses this void in the schizotypy literature. Seventeen years after an initial psychometric assessment for schizotypy, in a sample of emerging adults (age = 18) with no prior history of psychotic illness, Perceptual Aberration Scale scores predicted elevated schizotypal personality features, increased schizophrenia-related personality disorder features (particularly schizotypal and paranoid), and elevated schizophrenia proneness scores at age 35. This pattern of associations was maintained even after the removal of participants with a diagnosis of nonaffective psychosis. The associations also remained largely unchanged net of state anxiety levels at initial and later assessments. These results support the emergence or maintenance of schizotypic psychopathology features consistent with a model that views schizotypy as the underlying liability for schizotypic psychopathology phenotypes. The results also provide additional support for both the construct validity of the initial psychometric schizotypy measure (Perceptual Aberration Scale) as well as the validity of the psychometric high-risk paradigm. Longitudinal research remains an illuminating and informative approach to understanding the nature of schizophrenia-related psychopathology by utilizing time as an essential scientific lever. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Relationship between Experiential Avoidance and Emotional Disturbances in Coping with Disease in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that presents with both motor and non-motor symptoms, with anxiety and depression being prominent and potentially exacerbated by negative thoughts. Therefore, the experiential avoidance (EA) exhibited by patients post diagnosis is particularly relevant. This study aimed to measure the degree of EA in patients with MS and determine its relationship with emotional disturbances. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a sample of 64 patients diagnosed with MS. In October 2018, these patients underwent evaluations of functional and cognitive variables, such as anxiety, depression, and avoidant behaviors towards the disease, using the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-15, prefrontal symptoms inventory, Beck Depression Inventory II, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess coping mechanisms in handling the disease. Higher levels of state anxiety (β = 0.79; p < 0.001), trait anxiety (β = 0.82; p < 0.001), and depression (β = 0.62; p < 0.001) were observed in patients with MS as their EA and psychological inflexibility increased. Participants with high self-compassion/self-acceptance tended to have fewer negative thoughts and exhibited better coping with the disease, which may, in turn, affect patterns of psychological rigidity or inflexibility. Dimensions such as kindness and humility could act as positive factors in coping with the disease, whereas self-judgment and isolation are negative elements often associated with avoidant behaviors that hinder effective coping with the illness.

Assessing the psychobiological demands of high-fidelity training in pre-hospital emergency medicine

BackgroundIndividuals who provide critical emergency care mount rapid psychobiological responses when faced with an incident. These responses are adaptive and ensure resources at time of demand; however, frequent activation with minimal opportunity for recovery can have negative consequences for health and wellbeing. Monitoring individuals in real emergency situations would provide an understanding of their stress responses during the provision of critical care; however, this presents logistical challenges. An alternative is to assess individuals during high-fidelity training scenarios. This is the first comprehensive assessment of psychobiological responding during continuous high-fidelity training in pre-hospital emergency medicine.MethodsA sample of doctors and paramedics (N = 27) participated during 10 days of training and a weekend of no activities. Training involved the acquisition of human factors, non-technical and surgical skills, and their application in complex high-fidelity scenarios including road-traffic accidents, firearms incidents, and swift water rescue operations. On each day participants reported levels of state, cognitive, and somatic anxiety, and self-confidence following waking and before sleep, and their anticipated (at wake) and experienced (before sleep) demands of the day. Saliva samples were obtained each day for assessment of diurnal cortisol indices and the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). Garmin smartwatches were worn throughout for the collection of heart rate and HRV-derived stress.ResultsThere were significant (p < 0.001) differences across days for state, cognitive, and somatic anxiety; self-confidence; anticipated and experienced demands; aggregated measures of heart rate and HRV-derived stress; levels of cortisol at waking (p = 0.002) and for the CAR (p < 0.001). Measures of psychobiological responding during training were distinct from the weekend and the highest levels of psychobiological responding occurred on days characterised by greater anticipated and experienced demands.DiscussionThis high-fidelity training is typical of the day-to-day requirements of emergency services and these observations are representative of functioning during real-life critical care emergencies. Increased responding during times of demand is adaptive; however, frequent and sustained responding increases allostatic load and is a contributor to burnout. As burnout is a significant concern in emergency medicine, this study identifies patterns of responding and recovery that may impact upon longer-term health and wellbeing.

The effect of Qigong exercise on state anxiety levels of inpatients in psychiatric wards: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundQigong is a mind-body exercise that originated in China and is often described as a form of meditation or movement therapy. While the existing literature has investigated the impact of Qigong exercises on trait anxiety in outpatients, there is limited research on their influence on state anxiety in inpatients. This study examined the effect of Qigong exercise on state anxiety levels of inpatients in psychiatric wards. MethodsThis study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Seventy inpatients participated in the study, with 35 in each group. In the intervention group, the STAI-I form was used to assess state anxiety levels before (Test 1) and after (Test 2) a single 40-minute session of Qigong. ResultsThe mean post-test scores of the intervention group (27.20±5.57) were significantly lower than those of the control group (39.72±10.84). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed between the mean test-1 (38.42±9.7) and test-2 scores (27.2 ± 5.57) within the intervention group. ConclusionA single 40-minute Qigong exercise session reduced state anxiety levels in psychiatric inpatients and reduced the risk of potential adverse outcomes associated with state anxiety. Practitioners may consider the use of Qigong exercise in the management of state anxiety in clinical practice, when making clinical decisions.

Effect of foot reflexology massage on sleep, anxiety and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of reflexology foot massage on sleep, anxiety, and quality of life as compared to foot massage only in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. MethodsThis study was conducted as a single blinded randomized placebo-controlled parallel-group trial. Data were collected using the “Demographic Characteristics Form”, “Richards-Campbell Sleep Scale”, “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory” and “Nottingham Health Profile”. Individuals in the reflexology and placebo groups received massages for three weeks; three times a week, for 15 minutes on each foot. Participants in the reflexology and placebo groups were followed-up before the massage and after the ninth massage session. ResultsIn the statistical evaluation of the sleep quality scale mean scores, after the ninth massage session, it was determined that the average sleep score of the reflexology massage group was higher than that of the placebo group. Additionally, the state anxiety level was found to be lower in the reflexology group compared to the placebo group. As for the quality of life after the ninth massage session, it was determined that there was an improvement in the reflexology massage group compared to the placebo group. ConclusionsThis study has found that foot reflexology massage is effective in reducing anxiety levels, improving sleep, and enhancing the quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The findings of this study may offer nurses greater awareness of the potential benefits of reflexology. In this way, more healthcare professionals can be encouraged to use reflexology in addition to other cares.

Significant Preoperative Anxiety Associated with Perceived Risk and Gender in Cataract Surgery.

Background/Objectives: Cataract surgery is an often-sought solution to the universal problem of lens opacification. Studies of perioperative anxiety have yielded conflicting results, reporting a high prevalence but low clinical significance. The objective of this study was to ascertain anxiety levels immediately after the scheduling of surgery, controlling for trait anxiety and other related factors. Methods: This is an observational comparative study of two patient populations assessed for receiving cataract surgery, with one group of seventy patients scheduled for operation and receiving an assessment of the potential perioperative risk and the other group of seventy patients deemed ineligible for operation since their opacification was not advanced. The patients were assessed for state and trait anxiety while controlling for cognitive status. Results: The findings indicate a clinically significant burden of state anxiety in the group of patients scheduled for operation, with 34 out of 70 meeting the threshold for clinically significant levels of state anxiety compared to 9 out of the 70 patients who were not assigned for surgery (p < 0.001). Those patients who were assigned for surgery were assessed for perioperative risk factors, and state anxiety differed statistically significantly between the preoperative risk factor groups, (p = 0.003) with those assessed as having at least low perioperative risk presenting with more anxiety than those without any risk factors. Male patients exhibited lower state anxiety compared to female patients in the group assigned to surgery (p = 0.028). Cognitive status did not affect the results. Conclusions: These findings point to the importance of prevention against perioperative anxiety early on, especially in patients with a higher perioperative risk and female gender.

Comparative Analysis of Performance Anxiety and Aggression in Swimmers and Para swimmers

Background: This study compares performance anxiety and aggression between female swimmers and female para-swimmers. It aims to identify significant differences and provide recommendations for enhanced psychological support for both groups. Objective: To compare and analyse performance anxiety and aggression levels between para and able-bodied swimmers, identify key contributing factors, and develop recommendations for improved psychological support and coping strategies for both groups. Method: This study involved a total of 50 national-level subjects, consisting of 25 female swimmers and 25 female para-swimmers, to identify previously unknown psychological drawbacks. All participants were aged between 18 and 30 years. Tests were administered to assess psychological variables including Aggression and Competitive State Anxiety as well as influencing factors in their sports careers. Result: The analysis revealed that female swimmers had significantly higher levels of aggression (M = 80.04, SD = 14.72) and competitive state anxiety (M = 19.35, SD = 3.01) compared to female para-swimmers, who had lower scores in both areas (aggression: M = 72.04, SD = 13.77; anxiety: M = 17.08, SD = 5.91). T-tests showed significant differences in aggression (t = 2.02, p = 0.048) and anxiety (t = 2.99, p = 0.004) between the two groups, indicating that female swimmers experience higher levels of both psychological variables than female para-swimmers. Conclusion: Female swimmers show significantly higher levels of aggression and competitive state anxiety compared to female para-swimmers. These findings highlight the need for targeted psychological support to address these elevated levels and improve overall athlete well-being and performance.

&lt;p&gt;Self-concept, anxiety and academic performance in adolescents with ADHD: a comparative study&lt;/p&gt;

Introduction. The main objective of the study is to compare the anxiety levels, self-concept and academic performance of a group of adolescents with ADHD with an age-matched group without the disorder. Method. The sample consisted of a total of 93 adolescents (46 with ADHD and 47 without ADHD) with a mean age of 13.31 years (11-16 age range). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH), the Five-Factor Self-Concept Questionnaire (AF5), and their grade point average were used in the evaluation. Results. The results in primary education, indicated lower scores in social and physical self-concept and academic performance, and higher levels of state anxiety in adolescents with ADHD. The differences observed in secondary education were only in academic performance. Discussion and Conclusion. Based on the results, intervention strategies are proposed to improve academic skills and those related to self-concept in adolescents with ADHD.

Anxiety and Work Disability in Patients With Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Single Center.

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are chronic diseases that are associated with an inflammatory process with unclear etiology and occur in genetically predisposed individuals. In this study, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatic disease (RD) were examined. The aim of the research is to evaluate the relationship between IMID and state anxiety and work impairment in patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an outpatient clinic for rheumatology and gastroenterology at an Italian university hospital. A total of 476 patients (261 IBD and 215 RD) were considered. Patients diagnosed with IBD demonstrated significantly higher levels of anxiety, encompassing both trait and state anxiety, compared to those with RD ( p <.001). While trait anxiety exhibited a modest positive correlation with work productivity loss ( r =.163; p =.046), activity impairment showed a positive correlation with both state anxiety ( r =.243; p <.001) and trait anxiety ( r =.206; p =.002). The impact of anxiety on job performance and daily activities should not be underestimated, as it may elevate the risk of unemployment and absenteeism and lead to increased societal costs.

Online occupational therapy group training for mothers of children with feeding problems: A randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to scrutinize how online occupational therapy group training for mothers influenced their attitudes and stress levels relating to feeding their children and the eating behaviours of the children. The secondary purpose of the study is to evaluate the satisfaction of the participants of this program. Twenty-nine mothers of children aged 3-6 years, experiencing feeding issues, were randomly allocated to either an intervention or control group. Feeding problems including selective eating, loss of appetite, and mealtime behaviour problems are prevalent during childhood. Parents play a fundamental role in acquiring knowledge about feeding. Problems in the feeding process may lead to parental stress, feelings of despair, and incorrect attitudes. The mothers in the research group participated in the 4-week training. Results indicated positive effects on both maternal attitudes and their children's eating behaviours (p < 0.05). No significant change was found in mothers' state and trait anxiety levels (p > 0.05). Participants were asked to score their satisfaction level with the program between 1 and 10, and the average of the scores was 9.78 ± 0.42. This study shows that online group education for mothers can support existing treatments and guide clinicians working with children with feeding problems.

The effect of listening to the sound of running water on pain and anxiety experienced during cannulation by hemodialysis patients: A randomized, controlled, open-label study.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the sound of running water, which we had not previously encountered being used in dialysis patients, on invasive pain and anxiety experienced during cannulation. The research was conducted as a randomized, controlled study. A descriptive form, a VAS pain scale, and state-trait anxiety scales were used as a data collection form. The data were analyzed on SPSS version 22.00 for Windows software. The independent groups t-test was applied to compare descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, number, and percentage in independent groups, while categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. The effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable was tested using linear regression analysis. p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The study was completed with 32 experimental and 33 control group patients. There was no significant difference in pre-intervention pain and anxiety between the groups. The pain levels of the patients after the first and 12th cannulations were significantly lower in the experimental group (p < 0.05). State and trait anxiety levels were also significantly lower in the experimental group at the 12th session (p < 0.05). We conclude that the sound of running water has a significant positive effect on pain and anxiety experienced during cannulation by dialysis patients. We recommend that clinicians apply such a simple method as listening to the sound of running water for reducing pain and anxiety during invasive procedures.

Psychological Well-Being of Children with Asthma and Their Parents.

Background/Objectives: The literature reports that emotional disorders in asthmatic children and their parents may affect asthma control. This research explores the baseline psychological well-being of asthmatic children and their mothers' and fathers' psychological functioning, focusing on the influence of the parents' anxiety and separation anxiety on children's asthma. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled children with non-severe asthma and their parents, and a group of healthy children and their parents. The asthmatic children underwent anamnestic investigation, including asthma control and spirometry. Then, both the asthmatic and control triads filled a survey assessing their psychological functioning. Results: Among the 40 asthmatic children enrolled (8-18 years old), most had good clinical control maintained with GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) therapy step 1-2 (14 patients, 35%) or step 3-4 (26 patients, 65%); 12 patients (30%) had at least one steroid course in the year before enrollment. They exhibited normal psychological adjustment but elevated levels of general (U = 179,500; p < 0.001) and state anxiety (U = 170,000; p < 0.001) compared to healthy peers. Additionally, the asthmatic children's mothers displayed higher levels of separation anxiety compared to the fathers (t = -2.865, p = 0.006). Increased separation anxiety in the mothers corresponded to a history of at least one exacerbation in the previous year. Conclusions: The asthmatic children exhibited normal psychological adjustment with higher general and state anxiety. Also, their mothers showed greater levels of separation anxiety compared to their fathers. Lastly, higher mothers' separation anxiety corresponded to a history of at least one exacerbation in the previous year. The influence of the parents' psychological well-being on the children's asthma control was previously unexplored.

Anxiety and its relationship to demographic and personality traits data among special operations divers: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionSpecial operation diving is becoming increasingly prevalent but has received less attention. The anxiety profile in special operation divers and its influencing factors remain unclear, posing great challenges to medical...

Evaluation of Anxiety Levels and Family-Centred Care Receipt Status among Turkish Mothers with Babies Admitted to the Neonatal Unit: A Two-Centre Study

This study was conducted to evaluate the anxiety levels and family-centred care receipt status of mothers whose babies were treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This research was conducted in a descriptive and cross-sectional design between January and December 2022 in the NICU of two separate hospitals, one of which is a university hospital, and the other is a public hospital located in the east of Turkey. An Introductory Information Form, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Newborn Family-Centred Care Scale were used to collect data. The mothers’ state anxiety level mean score was 41.51±9.6, their trait anxiety level mean score was 40.31±7.7, and they experienced a moderate level of anxiety. The total mean score of the Newborn Family-Centred Care Scale was 3.7±0.7 (min 1-max 5). Mean scores from the subscales were 4.0±0.7 for dignity and respect, 3.9±0.8 for information sharing, 4.0±0.8 for participation in care, and 3.3±1.1 for cooperation with the family. A significant negative relationship was found between the mothers’ family-centred care scale total score and mean subscale scores and their state and trait anxiety levels (p

Effect of bitter orange blossom distillate on anxiety and sleep disorder in mothers with infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit: A Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Mothers of neonates admitted to the intensive care unit are prone to sleep disorders due to stress and anxiety. Some herbs have anti-anxiety and sedative properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bitter orange blossom distillate on anxiety and sleep disorders in mothers with infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted from 2021 May 15 to 2022 February 2, on 60 mothers with NICU-admitted infants in one of the medical teaching centers affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Permuted block randomization was used to assign the mothers to the experimental (bitter orange blossom distillate syrup) and control groups (syrup prepared from water and sugar). Given the impossibility of blinding the participants, allocation concealment was used to prevent the researcher from predicting the future allocation of the samples to the groups. In addition, the statistical consultant received coded data pertaining to the type of intervention in each group. A demographic questionnaire, the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the General Sleep Disorder Scale were employed to collect data. We assessed the level of anxiety and sleep disorder (in both groups before the intervention and again after the last day of the intervention). Data were analyzed using SPSS V22 software. A P-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. The mean and standard deviation of the sleep disorder score in the intervention group from (50.26±5.81) to (44.70±6.94) and in the control group from (50.46±6.95) to (48.53±8.62) changed. The covariance test showed that bitter orange blossom distillate syrup has a significant effect on the improvement of sleep disorders (P = 0.01, Effect size = 0.09), but there was no significant difference in the State and Trait anxiety level of mothers (P = 0.122, 0.144 and Effect size = 0.04, 0.03) respectively. Due to the positive effect of bitter orange blossom distillate syrup on sleep disorders of mothers with hospitalized babies, this low-cost and low-risk intervention is recommended. This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as Trial ID = IRCT20201209049666N1.

Preparedness and Anxiety of Dental Students in the Transition from Preclinical to Clinical Practice

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the preparedness and anxiety levels of dental students transitioning to clinical practice and to examine the effects of sex, university, and observations. Material and Method: A total of 182 students (58 male, 124 female) transitioning from preclinical to clinic participated in the study. The survey consisted of sections covering socio-demographic data, students' opinions on their preparedness for clinical practice, anxiety levels measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and confidence levels in various skill areas. Spearman's Rank correlation test was used for correlation analysis, while the Mann Whitney-U test for pairwise group comparisons. Results: No differences were found in preparedness between sexes, but males exhibited significantly higher confidence in various dental skills. Conversely, females reported significantly higher levels of state and trait anxiety. State university students (n=48) reported heightened workload expectations and elevated levels of state and trait anxiety. Conversely, private university students (n=134) demonstrated increased confidence and preparedness in dental practice-related knowledge and skills. Students who participated in observations (n=96) had lower preparedness and confidence levels in several dental areas, coupled with higher trait anxiety levels, compared to their peers who did not participate in observations (n=86). Finally, STAI scores were positively correlated with workload, negatively correlated with knowledge, skills, and confidence. Conclusion: Sex, school, and observation status have an impact on students' preparedness for clinical education, anxiety, and confidence in their professional abilities. Therefore, assessments and orientation programs that take these aspects into account can benefit students at this time of change.