State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Questionnaire Research Articles

Effect of Binaural Beats on Anxiety and Tolerance in Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Without Sedation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Binaural beats, or the perceptual auditory illusions created when simultaneously presenting two similar frequencies to each ear separately, have been used to reduce anxiety in various procedures. Unfortunately, no prior study involved preprocedure binaural music exposure among patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and this study sought to investigate its effect on anxiety and tolerance among participants undergoing sedation-free upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods: The prospective, controlled, randomized trial included the participation of 96 Turkish patients aged between 18 and 70 years who were scheduled for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, regardless of sex or illness, and were divided randomly into two different groups to undergo endoscopy, namely, the binaural beats group (n = 48) and a control group (n = 48). Patients in the binaural beat music group wore headphones, and music was given 15 mins before endoscopy; however, no particular treatment was given for either group. Anxiety levels were assessed by using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire, in addition to changes before and after endoscopy to measure patient satisfaction based on the physician's recorded numbers of retches noted by doctors as tolerance was documented and compared among both groups. Results: The results showed that following this procedure, in the music group, state scores remained significantly lower than before them (p = 0.016), compared with the control group (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference regarding changes in diastolic or systolic heart rate or blood pressure (p > 0.05). However, the procedure tolerance and satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the music group than those without music (p < 0.05). Conclusion: For patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, music with binaural beats was found to significantly reduce anxiety levels and increase patient tolerance, providing an alternative option to sedative medications as a potential sedative treatment option.Clinical trials registration number: NCT06114524.

Non-endoscopic screening for Barrett's esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in at risk Veterans.

While rates of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC) in the US continue to rise, many patients at risk of disease are not screened. EsoCheck (EC), a non-endoscopic esophageal balloon sampling device coupled with EsoGuard (EG), a DNA based screening assay, is an FDA-approved minimally invasive alternative to the traditional screening method of upper endoscopy. To prospectively determine the diagnostic accuracy, tolerance, and acceptability of the EC/EG test in a screening population. We recruited Veterans who met the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Guideline criteria for endoscopic Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and EAC screening at Louis Stokes Cleveland Veteran Affairs Medical Center. All study participants completed unsedated EC guided distal esophageal sampling followed by a sedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Diagnostic yield of the EG assay and EGD was recorded and used in calculation of sensitivity and specificity of EC/EG in prospective screening. The abbreviated Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6) questionnaire was administered before and after completion of EC. Overall tolerance of EC sampling was evaluated on a 10-point Likert scale. Esophageal cancer screening was accepted by 130/782 (16.6%) eligible veterans and we analyzed results of those who completed both screening tests (N = 124). Prevalence of BE/EAC among studied veterans was 12.9% (16/124), based on EGD. Sensitivity and specificity of EC/EG for EGD-detected BE/EAC were 92.9% (95% CI 66.1, 99.8) and 72.2% (95% CI 62.1, 80.8), respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 32.5% (95% CI 18.6, 49.1) and 98.6% (95% CI 92.4, 100), respectively. Baseline STAI-6 scores were reflective of notable levels of anxiety among veterans in the peri-procedural setting. Mean post-procedure acceptability score for Esocheck test was 7.23 (SD 2.45). Our data suggest excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value of EC/EG in a screening population of veterans, making this modality a powerful screening tool for BE and EAC.

P-601 Monitoring reproductive hormones during ovarian stimulation: performance and usability of a self-operated at-home urine test

Abstract Study question How effective and user-friendly is a non-invasive, patient-operated urine test (Kinder) in tracking reproductive hormone levels during ovarian stimulation (OS) treatment in an IVF cycle? Summary answer Urinary E1-3G correlates well with blood E2 levels and ovarian follicle development. Patients found it easy and stress-free to perform the urine test at home. What is known already Monitoring blood reproductive hormone levels during OS is a widely accepted practice to ensure the optimal ovarian response to gonadotropin treatment, timing of oocyte maturation triggering and mitigating hyperstimulation risk. However, conventional blood testing is invasive, necessitating patients to travel to clinics for blood sampling, adding to their overall burden. Previous studies have revealed a robust correlation between blood E2 levels, and its corresponding urinary metabolites E1-3G. Kinder is a portable device designed for quantifying urinary E1-3G, allowing patients to conduct tests in the privacy of their homes, and for many obviating the need to travel substantial distances for monitoring. Study design, size, duration This is a prospective, single-cohort, study of Caucasian patients (28-34 years), conducted at Fertility Specialists of Western Australia in Perth, Australia, where patients may travel vast distances for treatment. Twenty-five patients were enrolled from Aug 2022-Aug 2023, and performed home urine tests utilizing the Kinder device in parallel with clinic scheduled blood (ELISA) and ultrasound tests. The primary end point of the study was the correlation between urinary and blood reproductive hormone concentrations (E1-3G). Participants/materials, setting, methods Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients (CC) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for E1-3G and E2, and E1-3G/E2 and follicle development (total volume of ovarian follicles by ultrasound). To assess patient acceptability patient-reported outcomes (PRO) were assessed using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. Further, patient-reported experiences (PRE) were evaluated through the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire, along with assessing their likelihood to recommend Kinder to their friends or family undergoing IVF treatment. Main results and the role of chance Upon analysing 100 concurrent urine and blood samples from 25 patients, a robust correlation was found between E1-3G and E2 levels (Spearman CC: 0.818, 95% CI: 0.680-0.904; Pearson CC: 0.847, 95% CI: 0.712-0.939). Additionally, we observed a moderate correlation between E1-3G levels and ovarian volume (Spearman CC: 0.701, 95% CI: 0.556-0.805; Pearson CC: 0.670, 95% CI: 0.519-0.781, n = 72), resembled the correlation between E2 levels and ovarian volume (Spearman CC: 0.874, 95% CI: 0.804-0.920; Pearson CC: 0.849, 95% CI: 0.770-0.902, n = 75). PRE: 22 out of 23 patients who completed the survey confirmed that they would definitely, or probably, recommend Kinder. The mean SUS score (91.4) signified an excellent user experience. PRO: Anxiety levels were not affected by use of Kinder (STAI score below threshold of 42.38) in 18/20 patients who completed three STAI surveys (first one before and second one after the initial Kinder test; third one after the third/fourth Kinder test). Although 2/20 patients reported a STAI score of 49 in the final survey, suggesting increased anxiety, both affirmed in the PRE survey that they “will definitely recommend Kinder”, suggesting that the elevated STAI score can be attributed to the overall IVF treatment rather than the use of Kinder itself. Limitations, reasons for caution The sample size is relatively small, necessitating further multi-centre studies with a larger sample size to validate the findings. Wider implications of the findings The results suggest an acceptable interchangeability between at-home urine E1-3G and at-clinic blood E2 monitoring hormone levels during OS treatment. A digital health approach, combining tele-counselling, remote at-home hormone monitoring, and follicle tracking, could reduce patient burden and save many patients the inconvenience of travelling large distances for cycle monitoring. Trial registration number ACTRN12622000488707

P-464 Patients satisfaction with Hypnosis during Oocyte Retrieval

Abstract Study question Are patients receiving hypnosis during oocyte retrieval (OR) satisfied with this support? Summary answer Three-quarters of the women receiving hypnosis during OR were satisfied with this support, considering it beneficial for both pain and anxiety. What is known already OR is a crucial component in the management of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Despite being a safe and efficient procedure, OR is often perceived as the most stressful and painful aspect of ART. OR can be performed under local anesthesia with a paracervical block analgesia but may still cause discomfort for some patients (pain, anxiety related to the procedure). Therefore, exploring non-pharmacological approaches, such as hypnosis, to enhance anesthesia is of major interest. Hypnosis has demonstrated efficacy in pain management across various medical indications, prompting an investigation into its potential benefits during OR. Study design, size, duration A cohort study involving women undergoing an OR under local anesthesia combined with hypnosis at our institution between November 2022 to November 2023. A questionnaire was distributed to patients just after the OR, assessing women’s satisfaction with hypnosis support, along with their experiences of pain (Visual Analogic scale (VAS)) and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire) during the OR procedure. Participants/materials, setting, methods Women for whom hypnosis was administered during the entire OR procedure, using either a virtual reality headset or with a hypnotherapist were included. Exclusions comprised incomplete questionnaires and patients unable to communicate in French. Objectives were (i) to assess the women satisfaction concerning hypnosis during OR on pain and anxiety through specific questions of the survey, (ii) to evaluate pain (VAS) and anxiety (STAI) during the procedure and (iii) to compare the two hypnosis techniques. Main results and the role of chance Two hundred and nine women undergoing OR under local anesthesia fully responded to the questionnaire out of six hundred surveyed. The mean population age was 34.4±4.1 years. Hypnosis support was provided by a hypnotherapist for 79.9% (167/209) of women and using a virtual reality headset for 20.1% (42/209). 73.7% were satisfied of hypnosis for pain, and 86.1% for anxiety. A higher proportion found hypnosis beneficial for anxiety in the therapist group compared to the virtual reality headset group (88.6% (148/167) versus 76.2% (32/42) respectively, p:0.037). For a new oocyte retrieval, 70.8% of women preferred undergoing the procedure under local anesthesia with hypnosis. The mean VAS score was 5.3 ± 2.6 and the mean STAI score was 36.7± 17.8 during oocyte retrieval. No significant differences concerning VAS and STAI scores were found between the therapist and virtual reality headset groups. Limitations, reasons for caution The study evaluates the satisfaction of women with hypnosis support; hence, there is no assessment of long-term benefits on pregnancy chances. Additionally, a potential selection bias exists as not all surveyed women returned the questionnaire. Wider implications of the findings Positive feedback suggests a potential role for hypnosis in enhancing patient well-being during oocyte retrieval, warranting further research and clinical exploration to improve the overall patient experience during what is often perceived as a stressful procedure. Trial registration number NA

Effect of information delivery techniques in reducing pre-procedural anxiety in computed tomography

ObjectivesPatients undergoing medical procedures often experience heightened anxiety, which can affect their experience and overall health. The current study aimed at looking at a quality improvement initiative to compare written and audiovisual information delivery methods to reduce anxiety prior to Computed Tomography (CT). MethodsIn this prospective interventional study, we assessed state and trait anxiety in patients scheduled for their first CT scan. Three PDSA cycles were carried out over six months, with each cycle lasting for two months each. The participants were divided into three groups, the baseline, written, and audiovisual intervention groups. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. State anxiety is a temporary emotional response, while trait anxiety reflects enduring personality characteristics. ResultsThe mean age of participants was 43.26 years (SD 15.07) in the baseline group, 39.9 years (SD 14.72) in the written group, and 48.59 years (SD 13.54) in the audiovisual group. For state anxiety, the baseline mean was 58.4 (SD 6.9), notably reduced to 43.2 (SD 5.5) with written intervention and to 38.6 (SD 7.7) with audiovisual intervention (p < 0.001). Trait anxiety scores remained relatively stable in all groups (p = 0.31). ConclusionBoth written and audiovisual interventions successfully alleviate pre-imaging anxiety in patients undergoing CT scans. The findings underscore the superior efficacy of audiovisual materials in achieving a more substantial reduction in state anxiety compared to written information. These findings are particularly relevant in resource limited settings where simple interventions show significant improvements.

Conquer Fear of Heights Using Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy With Cognitive Restructuring

Acrophobia has traditionally been treated using exposure therapy; however, virtual reality technology has emerged as an alternative that minimizing security risks by presenting three-dimensional stimuli. This study aimed to investigate virtual reality exposure therapy-cognitive restructuring (VRET-CR) effectiveness in reducing acrophobia symptoms. In a pretest-posttest control group design, 27 participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=13) and the control group (n=14). An independent sample t-test revealed a significant differences in the gain scores of the acrophobia questionnaire (AQ) 1 [t (17.08) = -6.173; p &lt;0.05] and AQ 2 [t (25) = -4.250; p &lt;0.05] between these groups. Scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Autonomic Perception Questionnaire (APQ) decreased after six exposure sessions, supporting these findings. Skin conductance and respiratory rate changes during therapy were less significant than heart rate changes. Overall, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of VRET-CR in reducing acrophobia symptoms.

A family perspective for the mechanism of parent-child conflict on maternal anxiety in Chinese children with autism

BackgroundMothers of children with autism reported higher levels of anxiety than mothers of typical children. This study revealed the relationship between parent-child conflict, children’s problem behavior, parenting stress, and maternal anxiety from the perspective of the relationship within the family.MethodsThe State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Caregiver Strain Questionnaire (CGSQ) were used to measure maternal anxiety and parenting stress respectively from 102 mothers of children with autism. We also collected information on parent-child relationships and children’s problem behaviors by using the Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) and Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ).ResultsParent-child conflict positively predicted state and trait anxiety in mothers of children with autism. The severity of children’s psychosomatic disorders fully mediated the positive association between parent-child conflict and state-trait anxiety in mothers of children with autism. Parenting stress significantly moderated the impact of parent-child conflict on maternal state anxiety and trait anxiety.ConclusionIn the case of children with autism spectrum disorders, parent-child conflict can directly affect maternal anxiety levels, especially when mothers have low levels of parenting stress. Parent-child conflict can also affect children’s problem behaviors and thus indirectly affect maternal anxiety. Therefore, this study is of great significance for the alleviation of anxiety of mothers of autistic children and the family intervention for the early rehabilitation of autistic children.

Evaluation of the effects of pregabalin and dexamethasone coadministration on preemptive multimodal analgesia and anxiety in third molar surgeries: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of pregabalin and dexamethasone coadministration in preemptive analgesia and anxiety control in lower third molar surgery. A triple-blind, split-mouth clinical trial conducted with patients divided into two groups: control group, receiving placebo and dexamethasone, and test group, receiving pregabalin and dexamethasone preoperatively. The evaluated variables were pain, measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), anxiety assessed through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires, hemodynamic parameters [Blood Pressure (BP), Heart Rate (HR), Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)], and sedation assessed by the Ramsay scale. A total of 31 patients were included. The test group exhibited a significant reduction in pain at 2,4,6,8,12,16,24, and 48h after surgery and in the consumption of rescue analgesics. Anxiety, evaluated by STAI and VAS, showed a significant decrease in the test group (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in BP at most of the assessed time points (p < 0.05) and a significant reduction in HR at two different time intervals (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009), indicating a positive effect in the test group. There was no significant difference in SpO2 between the groups. Sedation assessment revealed a significant difference at all time points favoring the test group (p < 0.05). There were no significant postoperative adverse effects. Pregabalin coadministered with dexamethasone demonstrated significant efficacy in controlling postoperative pain and anxiety, as well as a sedative effect. The coadministration of pregabalin with dexamethasone may presents potential advantages in both pain modulation and psychological well-being of individuals undergoing third molar surgeries. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC), No. RBR-378h6t6.

Effects of psychological stress on the emission of volatile organic compounds from the skin

Thirty-five women were included in a clinical study to characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the skin during exposure to psychological stress. An original silicon-based polymeric phase was used for VOC sampling on the forehead before and after stress induction. Cognitive stress was induced using specialized software that included a chronometer for semantic and arithmetic tasks. Assessment of stress was monitored using a State-trait anxiety inventory questionnaire, analysis of participants’ verbal expressions and clinical measurements. Identification and relative quantification of VOCs were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Stress induction was validated by a significant increase in state-anxiety as indicated by the questionnaire, modifications in electrodermal activity measurements and the expression of stress verbatims. In parallel, a sebum production increase and a skin pH decrease were observed. A total of 198 VOCs with different potential sources were identified. They were categorized in 5 groups: probable cosmetic composition, VOCs produced by the body or its microbiota, environmental origin, and dietary intake. In our qualitative statistical approach, three VOCs were found to be correlated with stress induction and 14 compounds showed significance in the paired Wilcoxon test. Fatty-acyls derived from lipids were predominantly identified as well as ethylbenzenes.

Applying augmented reality in teaching of surgical residents-telementoring, a "stress-free" way to surgical autonomy?

Achieving surgical autonomy can be considered the ultimate goal of surgical training. Innovative head-mounted augmented reality (AR) devices enable visualization of the operating field and teaching from remote. Therefore, utilization of AR glasses may be a novel approach to achieve autonomy. The aim of this pilot study is to analyze the feasibility of AR application in surgical training and to assess its impact on intraoperative stress. A head-mounted RealWear Navigator® 500 glasses and the TeamViewer software were used. Initial "dry lab" testing of AR glasses was performed in combination with the Symbionix LAP Mentor™. Subsequently, residents performed various stage-adapted surgical procedures semi-autonomously (SA) (on-demand consultation of senior surgeon, who is in theatre but not scrubbed) versus permanent remote supervision (senior surgeon not present) via augmented reality (AR) glasses, worn by the resident in theatre. Stress was measured by intraoperative heart rate (Polar® pulse belt) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. After "dry lab" testing, N = 5 senior residents performed equally N = 25 procedures SA and with AR glasses. For both, open and laparoscopic procedure AR remote assistance showed satisfactory applicability. Utilization of AR significantly reduced intraoperative peak pulse rate from 131 to 119bpm (p = 0.004), as compared with the semi-autonomous group. Likewise, subjectively perceived stress according to STAI was significantly lower in the AR group (p = 0.011). AR can be applied in surgical training and may help to reduce stress in theatre. In the future, AR has a huge potential to become a stepping stone to surgical autonomy.

Preprocedural Video Education on Liver Ablation Treatment

BackgroundAnxiety is a common problem in patients scheduled for a procedure, and their level of anxiety increases as the procedure date approaches; pre-procedural anxiety is observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients scheduled for liver ablation treatment. There is currently a lack of standardized education provided to patients about liver ablation treatment, which may contribute to patients’ anxiety. PurposeTo test the effectiveness of a pre-procedural video educational tool to reduce patient anxiety and increase knowledge in HCC patients in an interventional radiology clinic setting. MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental, single-arm study, with a pre-test/post-test. Participant recruitment was based on a convenience sample. Inclusion criteria included: patients ages 18 and older; have biopsy-proven HCC or have a liver mass suspicious for HCC based on LI-RADS criteria imaging; no prior liver ablation treatment within three months of study onset. Participants watched a 7:04 minutes video and completed a 40-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and 10-item Knowledge Questionnaire before and after the video intervention to assess changes in anxiety and knowledge. Demographic variables evaluated included age, gender, education, and primary language. ResultsThere were 16 participants who met inclusion criteria. The state anxiety scores were significantly lower after the intervention (Md = 33.50, n = 16) compared to before (Md = 47.50, n = 16), z = −2.67, p = .009, with a medium effect size, r = 0.47. The trait anxiety scores did not show sufficient evidence for a difference after the intervention (Md = 40.00, n = 16) compared to before (Md = 39.50, n = 16), z = 0.71, p = .50, with a small effect size, r = 0.13. The knowledge scores were significantly higher after the intervention (Md = 9.00, n = 16) compared to before (Md = 2.00, n = 16), z = −3.53, p = .0005, with a large effect size, r = 0.62. A nonparametric bootstrap and nonparametric permutation test also showed evidence for a difference in mean between the distributions of the state anxiety and knowledge pre- and post-intervention scores. DiscussionThe results of this study showed evidence for the effectiveness of video education in decreasing anxiety and increasing knowledge in HCC patients. A standardized pre-procedural video educational tool can be a useful practice across all interventional radiology departments as it is associated with improved quality of care and positive health outcomes.

The Effect of Endorphin Massage on Reducing Anxiety in Third-Trimester Pregnant Women in Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia

Anxiety is an emotion commonly experienced by pregnant women, especially in the third-trimester. Anxiety can disrupt the physical and mental health of pregnant women and can have a negative impact on fetal development. Endorphin massage is a therapy that can be used to reduce anxiety in pregnant women. This study aims to determine the effect of endorphin massage in reducing anxiety in third-trimester pregnant women in Purwakarta Regency, Indonesia. This research uses a quasi-experimental research design with a pre-test and post-test approach. The research sample consisted of 60 third-trimester pregnant women who were divided into two groups, namely the treatment group (30 people) and the control group (30 people). The treatment group received endorphin massage therapy for 30 minutes 10 times, while the control group received no therapy. Anxiety data was measured using the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) questionnaire. The results showed that there was a significant difference in anxiety between the treatment group and the control group after receiving therapy (p &lt; 0.05). Anxiety in the treatment group decreased significantly after receiving therapy, while anxiety in the control group did not change. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that endorphin massage is effective in reducing anxiety in third-trimester pregnant women.

Effects of music on the preoperative and intraoperative anxiety through the assessment of pupil size and vital signs (blood pressure, respiratory, and pulse rates) among cataract surgery patients at UNTH-Enugu.

To examine how music can impact preoperative and intraoperative anxiety via assessment of physiological markers such as pupil size, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. This is a randomized interventional study of individuals aged 50 years and above who were scheduled for and undergoing cataract surgery under regional anesthesia, with music (test group) randomly matched with similar individuals undergoing the same procedure but without music (control group). The surgeries were performed in the operating theater of the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu. Using a systematic random sampling method, a total of 98 patients were grouped into two. Both groups completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire at baseline, immediately upon entrance into the preoperative room and 5 min after intervention. Relevant study indices (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and pupil diameter) were measured and recorded, and these served as baseline parameters. The STAI questionnaire was then administered. Results were analyzed using the SPSS version 20 and analysis of variance was used to compare means of variables measured at baseline, preoperative before intervention, and preoperative after intervention. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test. Student's t-test was used to analyze the continuous variables. Our analysis, using the multiple linear regression, showed that music has an effect on preoperative anxiety and intraoperative anxiety by positively affecting the blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and pupil diameter (P ≤ 0.001). Music reduces preoperative and intraoperative anxiety evidenced by its effect on the physiological biomarkers.

Impact of the practice of touch-massage® by a nurse on the anxiety of patients with hematological disorders hospitalized in a sterile environment, a randomized, controlled study

ContextIn addition to curative care, supportive care is beneficial in managing the anxiety symptoms common in patients in sterile hematology unit. We hypothesize that personal massage can help the patient, particularly in this isolated setting where physical contact is extremely limited. The main objective of this study was to show that anxiety could be reduced after a touch-massage® performed by a nurse trained in this therapy.MethodsA single-center, randomized, unblinded controlled study in the sterile hematology unit of a French university hospital, validated by an ethics committee. The patients, aged between 18 and 65 years old, and suffering from a serious and progressive hematological pathology, were hospitalized in sterile hematology unit for a minimum of three weeks, patients were randomized into either a group receiving 15-minute touch-massage® sessions or a control group receiving an equivalent amount of quiet time once a week for three weeks. In the treated group, anxiety was assessed before and after each touch-massage® session, using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire with subscale state (STAI-State). In the control group, anxiety was assessed before and after a 15-minute quiet period. For each patient, the difference in the STAI-State score before and after each session (or period) was calculated, the primary endpoint was based on the average of these three differences. Each patient completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire before the first session and after the last session.ResultsSixty-two patients were randomized. Touch-massage® significantly decreased patient anxiety: a mean decrease in STAI-State scale score of 10.6 [7.65–13.54] was obtained for the massage group (p ≤ 0.001) compared with the control group. The improvement in self-esteem score was not significant.ConclusionThis study provides convincing evidence for integrating touch-massage® in the treatment of patients in sterile hematology unit.Trial registrationNCT02343965.

Psychological risk factors for upper extremity fractures in preschool children: A case-control study.

In school-age children, upper extremity fractures are associated with both parental and child-related factors and represent a multifactorial entity. This study aims to explore the psychological risk factors associated with upper extremity fractures in preschool children. This single-center, hospital-based, age-matched case-control study involved 55 cases of upper extremity fractures and 55 controls experiencing growing pains. Parents of the children participated in face-to-face interviews. We examined the potential as-sociations between scores on the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the risk of upper extremity fractures. Advanced parental age and lower household income emerged as risk factors for upper extremity fractures, while longer maternal educational attainment was identified as a protective factor. In the univariate analyses, elevated scores on the Autism-Spec-trum Quotient Communication subscale (AQ-C), overall AQ score, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Hyperactivity subscale (SDQ-H), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Emotional and Peer Problems subscale (SDQ-Int) were associated with an increased fracture risk (Odds Ratio [OR] (95% Confidence Interval [CI]): 1.15 (1.05-1.27), OR: 1.05 (1.01-1.09), OR: 1.25 (1.01-1.54), and OR: 1.19 (1.04-1.37), respectively). The AQ-C and SDQ-Int scales remained statistically significant as risk factors for upper ex-tremity fractures (OR: 1.15 (1.02-1.28) and OR: 1.21 (1.02-1.43), respectively) in the multivariate regression analyses. Our findings suggest that psychological factors affecting both parents and children could potentially increase the risk of upper extremity fractures in preschool children.

Visually assessing work performance using a smartwatch via day-to-day fluctuations in heart rate variability.

To optimize workplace health promotion, a simple method for quantifying allostatic load response is needed. This study examines the feasibility of optimizing objective anxiety and presenteeism monitoring using daily smartwatch-measured ultra-short heart rate variability (HRV). Office workers without diagnosed disease prospectively performed 30 s HRV self-measurement each morning for two months and responded to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Work Limitation Questionnaire (WLQ). Logistic regression analysis examined daily HRV parameters in the high-trait anxiety group (HTA, STAI ≥ 40) using mean and variance HRV, age, self-reported gender, and body mass index (BMI). The ideal cutoff value enabled comparison of WLQ using the Mann-Whitney U test. Heart rate variability data were collected for 279 participants (male ratio, 83.9%; age, 42 ± 10 years) who completed questionnaires and monitored HRV for 30+ days. Compared to the low-trait anxiety group, HTA exhibited higher variance of the log-transformed coefficient of component variance of high-frequency component (LnccvHF) and low-frequency per HF (Lnccv L/H), in addition to differences in the means of these HRV parameters. In addition to BMI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.92, p = 0.02) and mean LnccvL/H (OR = 10.75, p < 0.01), the variance of Lnccv L/H was an independent predictor of HTA (OR = 2.39E + 8, p = 0.011). The daily Lnccv L/H dispersion group had a lower WLQ productivity loss score (p = 0.02, r = 0.17). By focusing on HRV dispersion status, this simple and instantly applicable daily HRV monitoring system enables optimized quantitative monitoring of anxiety and productivity.

Effects of Simulated Visual Impairment Conditions on Movement and Anxiety during Gap Crossing.

This study investigated the effects of visual conditions associated with progressive eye disease on movement patterns and anxiety levels during gap-crossing tasks. Notably, 15 healthy young adults performed crossover platforms with a 10 cm gap at three different heights, namely equal (0 cm), raised (+15 cm), and lowered (-15 cm) levels, under four vision conditions, namely normal or corrected eyesight, 10° tunnel vision, 5° tunnel vision, and 5° tunnel vision with 0.04 occlusion. Leg movements during gap crossing were analyzed using three-dimensional motion analysis. The results highlighted a distinct motion pattern in the trajectories of participants' legs under the different visual conditions. Specifically, at the point where the gap-crossing movement began (D1), the normal or corrected eyesight conditions resulted in further separation between the steps compared with the other visual conditions. The highest point of the foot during movement (D2) did not differ between the visual conditions, except for the 0 cm step. Furthermore, anxiety levels, as quantified by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) questionnaire, were exacerbated under conditions of restricted visual information. In conclusion, visual impairments associated with progressive ocular diseases may perturb complex motor movement patterns, including those involved in gap-crossing tasks, with heightened anxiety potentially amplifying these disturbances.

The Effect of Yoga on Maternal Anxiety in Women with Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) and anxiety are comorbid conditions that increase the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of yoga on the anxiety of women with EGWG. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was performed on EGWG pregnant women referring to comprehensive health centers in Qom city, Iran, between October 2021 and August 2022. Eighty-eight participants were assigned to the intervention (N = 44) and control (N = 44) groups. The experimental group participated in six sessions of 90-min yoga classes, and the control group only received routine care. Two questionnaires including a demographic information questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: The results of this study showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of trait anxiety (25.84 ± 3.45 vs. 57.38 ± 8.07; p < 0.05) and state anxiety (27.93 ± 3.72 vs. 60.13 ± 8.13; p < 0.05) after intervention. On the other hand, the trait and state anxiety rates were stable in the experimental group before and after intervention, while they increased to the severe form of anxiety in the control group (effect size = −21.84 ± 10.66 vs. −19.43 ± 8.44). Conclusion: The result of this study showed that yoga has a positive effect on the anxiety of pregnant women with EGWG and can be used as a preventive or complementary solution to control the anxiety of these mothers.

Effect of music on preoperative anxiety using the Hamilton State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in patients undergoing cataract surgery in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla

IntroductionTo determine the effectiveness of music in allaying preoperative anxiety in patients scheduled for and undergoing surgery for age-related cataract.MethodsThis is a randomised interventional study of individuals aged 50 years...

Benefits of Urban Forest Healing Program on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Depressive Patients.

Depression is considered a widespread mental health problem worldwide. Moreover, anxiety symptoms are very closely related to depression in patients, and it is known that the coexistence rate of depression and anxiety diagnosed simultaneously is high. Treatment and preventive management of depression and anxiety are essential for public health. Forest healing is attracting attention as a form of low-cost preventive medicine that is safe and has no side effects. However, although the physiological and psychological effects have been scientifically proven, it is insufficient to reveal a direct relationship between forest healing and depression. This study investigated the benefits of an urban forest healing program on depression and anxiety symptoms in depressive disorders. We employed a randomized controlled trial design. Forty-seven depressive patients were randomly divided into an urban forest healing program group and a control group. Measures included the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires. Our results revealed that the combination of general treatment and forest healing programs for patients with depression is more effective in improving depression and anxiety than routine treatment alone. We expect our work to serve as a starting point for more sophisticated research discussing the availability of non-pharmacological treatments in forest healing.