State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Research Articles

Possible association of elevated CSF IL-6 levels with anxiety and frustration in psychiatric disorders.

Neuroinflammation is an important causal factor for a variety of psychiatric disorders. We previously reported increased cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels in patients with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. The present study aimed to examine the possible association of interleukin-6 levels with anxiety and frustration, negative valence symptoms shared in various psychiatric disorders. We included 129 patients with psychiatric disorders and 70 controls. CSF and plasma interleukin-6 levels were measured by immunoassay kits, and psychological symptoms were assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale. To examine regional cerebral blood flow, patients underwent arterial spin labeling analysis using magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels were significantly correlated with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait anxiety (r = 0.25, P = 0.046) and Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale-autonomy frustration scores (r = 0.29, P = 0.018). Patients with abnormally high cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels (defined >97.5 percentile of the controls) had higher scores for trait anxiety (P = 0.035) and autonomy frustration (P = 0.026), and significantly increased regional cerebral blood flow in the left superior temporal gyrus, bilateral nucleus accumbens, and cerebellum than the remaining patients. Patients with elevated cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 constitute a subpopulation of psychiatric disorders associated with anxiety and autonomy frustration, which may be related to altered functions in specific brain areas.

A Pilot Survey of Patient Perspectives on an Artificial Intelligence-Generated Presenter in a Patient Information Video about Face-Down Positioning after Vitreoretinal Surgery

Introduction: Video education is a commonly used patient education tool. However, the impact of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into video education remains unexplored. This study aimed to examine the acceptability of an AI-generated presenter in a patient information video about face-down positioning after vitreoretinal surgery. Method: We prospectively enrolled participants who were planned for vitreoretinal surgery in which postoperative face-down positioning was recommended at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between December 2022 and September 2023. Participants were preoperatively provided with an educational video presented by an AI-generated presenter, incorporated into a surveyredcap. A pre- and post-video questionnaire was administered electronically. Results: There were 15 participants included in the study. In the pre-video questionnaire, most participants rated their awareness of special equipment for positioning as “not aware” (33%) and “slightly aware” (33%). The median pre-video six-item Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Score was 12 (interquartile range 12–15). In the post-video questionnaire, most participants rated the video’s quality as “excellent” (73%) and would recommend it to others (73%). The majority of participants strongly agreed that they understood the AI presenter (60%), felt at ease with the presenter (60%), and trusted the presenter (60%). Four participants (22%) disagreed with the statement: “I was aware the presenter was computer generated.” Conclusions: Video-based education may provide information that patients find useful, particularly for physical maneuvers such as face-down positioning. The use of an AI-generated presenter was well-received by the majority of patients. Further research regarding the use of AI to develop educational video content is warranted.

Acceptability of a Serious Game About Proton Radiotherapy Designed for Children Aged 5 to 14 Years and Its Potential Impact on Perceived Anxiety: Feasibility and Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Children who are going to undergo radiotherapy have displayed fear and anxiety. Therefore, a web-based serious game was developed as a psychological preparation to investigate if it could affect anxiety levels. In an earlier stage, children with experience of radiotherapy had been part of the developmental process. The study aimed to investigate the feasibility in terms of reach, usability, and acceptability of a serious game about proton radiotherapy and to pilot that it did not increase anxiety levels in children aged 5 to 14 years undergoing radiotherapy. The design was a randomized controlled pilot trial with predefined feasibility criteria. In total, 28 children were assessed for eligibility, and 23 met the inclusion criteria. They were consecutively randomized into 1 of 2 study arms. One child was excluded after randomization. If randomized into arm 1, the children received the intervention before treatment started. Children in arm 2 were treated as controls. Questionnaires with fixed answers were used to assess anxiety levels (an adapted version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children) and experiences of gameplay (an adapted version of Player Experience of Need Satisfaction [PENS]). The children were asked to answer questionnaires at 5 different measurement occasions during their radiotherapy treatment. In arm 1, age ranged from 5 to 13 (mean 8.4, SD 2.4) years. In arm 2, age ranged from 5 to 11 (mean 7.6, SD 2.3) years. The sample consisted of 15 girls and 7 boys. The feasibility criterion that the children should play the game for 20 minutes or more was not met. Mean playtime for children in arm 1 was 32.1 (SD 23.8) minutes, where 18 children had played for at least 15 minutes. The criterion that 70% (n=16) or more of the participants should return all of the questionnaires was not met; however, more than 73% (n=16) returned the PENS questionnaires. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children was returned by 73% (n=16) on day 0, 77% (n=17) on day 1, 82% (n=18) on day 3, 82% (n=18) on day 6, and 86% (n=19) on day 15. All feasibility criteria set for the study were not met, suggesting that adaptions need to be made if a future study is to be undertaken. Further, the analysis revealed that there was no indication that playing increased the children's self-reported anxiety. The PENS questionnaire adapted for children showed promising results regarding player satisfaction when using the serious game. When studying children with severe conditions and young age, 5 measurement occasions seemed to be too many. Measuring both player satisfaction or experience and knowledge transfer would be preferable in future studies.

Comparison of State-Trait Anxiety and Fear of Childbirth According to Attachment Styles of Pregnant Women.

Fear of childbirth (FoC) and its extreme form, tokophobia, is a clinical condition that can lead to many negative consequences, and its importance is increasingly understood. This article aims to assess the severity of FoC and anxiety levels according to different attachment styles and to investigate the relationships between these factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a state hospital in the largest city in Turkey. Three hundred pregnant women attending the Antenatal Outpatient Clinic were included. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire-version-A (W-DEQ), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Adult Attachment Style Scale were administered. 8.1% of participants had tokophobia (W-DEQ sum score ≥85). FoC was significantly higher in pregnant women who had a history of pregnancy loss and past psychiatric history. For multiparous women, adverse birth outcomes were also associated with higher FoC. State and trait anxiety were positively correlated with FoC levels. Regarding the attachment patterns, pregnant women with avoidant attachment styles presented with higher levels of FoC than those with secure attachment styles. In logistic regression analysis, higher anxiety levels, adverse birth outcomes, and insecure attachment styles were found to predict severe and clinical FoC. FoC has a considerable effect on pregnant women, albeit at different clinical levels. Adverse birth outcomes, high anxiety levels, and insecure attachment styles were associated with higher FoC. Therefore, antenatal patients with adverse birth outcomes and higher anxiety levels, which are risk factors for FoC, should be carefully evaluated in terms of tokophobia and referred to mental health professionals when necessary.

Intraoperative use of virtual reality decreases anxiety during surgery under local anaesthesia in the head and neck region

The availability of virtual reality (VR) in the medical field has been rapidly increasing in the past years. Here we investigate to which extent the VR headset can lead to a reduction in anxiety and pain in patients during surgical procedures under local anesthesia in the head and neck region. Patients were divided into a study group (N = 67) and a control group (N = 28). The study group used a VR headset during surgical procedures in the head and neck region under local anaesthesia. Before and after surgery, the influence of the VR headset on perioperative anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI) in both groups. The use of a VR headset leads to a significant reduction in perioperative anxiety. The anxiety scores measured by means and ranks of the STAI were significantly decreased (p = .002). However, 14/67 (20.9%) of the patients wearing the VR headset also reported higher intraoperative tension. No technical complications occurred intraoperatively. 48/67 (71.7%) of the patients would be less apprehensive about a future operation when using a VR headset and 58/67 (86.6%) would further recommend the use of a VR headset to other patients. In addition to a trusting surgeon-patient relationship and the use of sufficient local anaesthesia, the use of a VR headset as a method of distraction can further reduce the intraoperative anxiety of patients.

Mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia in Black women: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia (MBT-I) among Black women. The MBT-I group received weekly sessions that included mindfulness meditation and behavioral sleep strategies. The time and attention control group received lifestyle health education (HE) that included healthy eating, physical activity, and sleep hygiene. The primary outcome was post-intervention changes in insomnia severity score by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at week 10. Other measures included: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Sleep Hygiene Practice, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Objective sleep was measured by Actiwatch™ at baseline and week 10. Thirty Black women completed the interventions with no attrition. About 97% of all participants attended 6-8 out of 8 sessions. The ISI scores were reduced at week 10 (MBT-I vs. HE: -7.67 vs. -7.22, p < .05). Anxiety and depression symptoms were significantly improved only in the MBT-I group. This is the first MBT-I for Black women with insomnia. Online MBT-I may be feasible and acceptable for Black women. The MBT-I and HE showed a clinically significant improvement in insomnia symptoms (ISI reduction > 7). MBT-I may be more effective in improving anxiety and depression symptoms than HE. Our findings encourage further study efforts with a longer follow-up and larger sample size to address sleep health disparities among Black women.

The impact of two methods on pain and anxiety during short peripheral cannula placement: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to determine the impact of virtual reality glasses and ball squeezing methods on reducing pain and anxiety in adult patients undergoing short peripheral cannula placement. The pretest-posttest parallel group randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in a university hospital with 111 patients. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the VR group (n = 37), the ball squeezing group (n = 37), and the control group (n = 37). Descriptive information form, Numeric Rating Scale, Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State were used for data collection. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics (p > 0.05). The pain score of the patients in the control group was found to be statistically significantly higher than that of the patients in the virtual reality glasses and ball squeezing groups (p < 0.05). While the mean anxiety scores of the virtual reality glasses and ball squeezing groups significantly decreased after the intervention, they increased significantly in the control group (p < 0.05). The study found that virtual reality glasses and ball squeezing were effective distraction methods to reduce pain and anxiety in patients undergoing short peripheral cannula placement.

Electrophysiological detection of exam stress inhealth schools' students.

Anxiety is a common issue among university students, many of them experience anxiety, depression, and stress during their school life. This study aimed to compare the acute physiological stress responses of students divided into two groups according to their perceived anxiety levels (positive test anxiety, PTA+, and negative test anxiety, PTA-). Heart rate variability (HRV) and electrodermal activity (EDA) were used to assess stress.Thirty-one healthy volunteers participated in the study. Participants completed anxiety assessments, including the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Test State Anxiety Inventory (TSAI). Based on their scores, participants were categorized into PTA+ and PTA- groups. All participants underwent 24-h continuous recordings of pulse and electrodermal activity (EDA) on two separate occasions: one day prior to a written exam and during a designated exam-free day serving as a baseline control.We compared the HRV and EDA data obtained on a regular day and on an exam day between the two groups. Results showed that the PTA+ group had significantly higher heart rate, stress index, low frequency, and short-term detrended fluctuation analysis (DFAα1) on the exam day. The tonic EDA component was also higher in the PTA+ group. Stress-related HRV and EDA parameters were negatively correlated with exam scores.In conclusion, the study found that physiological stress indicators obtained from HRV and EDA are associated with perceived exam anxiety in students.

Co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and hopelessness in patients with narcolepsy type 1

ObjectiveTo assesses the prevalence and co-occurrence of anxiety, depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and hopelessness in patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1).Patients/Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 127 patients with NT1 (mean age 38.2 ± 15.5 years, 53.5 % female) and 131 controls (mean age 37.4 ± 14.3 years, 59.5 % female) matched for age, sex, and education, filled in the following validated questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Comparisons between groups and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. ResultsPatients with NT1 presented significantly higher scores in BDI, suicidal thoughts (BDI-item-9), STAI-trait, STAI-state, and BHS than controls. Adjusted for age, sex, and educational level, NT1 was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (BDI≥13; OR 3.23, 95%CI 1.71–6.10), trait anxiety symptoms (STAI-trait≥38; OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.14–3.21), co-occurrence of BDI≥13 with STAI-trait≥38 (OR 2.72, 95%CI 1.47–5.05), and with STAI-state≥38 (OR 2.24, 95%CI 1.17–4.30), and moderate to severe hopelessness (BHS≥9; OR 2.95, 95%CI 1.55–5.63). ConclusionsPatients with NT1 present a multidimensional psychiatric burden and comorbidity between symptoms of depression and anxiety and suicidal thoughts, a concern that deserves tailored interventions.

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.

Effect of Informative Cesarean Delivery Operative Steps Video on Maternal Anxiety Level: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Cesarean section is the most common obstetric procedure performed. This can lead to maternal anxiety, which is a significant contributor to postpartum depression. This can adversely affect pregnant women both mentally and emotionally, negatively impacting their well-being and family bonding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of an informative cesarean section operative steps video on the maternal anxiety score compared with standard pre-cesarean section care. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, between April and September 2023. Pregnant women who underwent their first cesarean section were allocated to two groups: intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group were required to watch a 5-minute informative video that elaborately described the process from pre-operative steps until post-operative care on the day scheduled for cesarean delivery. All participants received the same routine pre-operative and post-operative care. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure both populations on two occasions: the day of scheduled cesarean delivery and postpartum day 1. Results A total of 178 women were recruited. The demographic and obstetric characteristics were similar between the two groups. The pre-operative STAI scores of the intervention and control groups were 42.9 and 44.1 points, respectively, with no significant difference. However, the post-operative anxiety score showed a significant decline in the intervention group compared to that in the control group (p = 0.002). Moreover, most of the participants in the intervention group showed a low level of anxiety after the operation, while half of the control group remained at a moderate to high level score. Conclusions The provision of an informative educational video before cesarean delivery is a powerful tool that significantly reduces cesarean operative anxiety and improves health outcomes. Thai Clinical Trials Registry on the 28 March 2023 (TCTR20230328001).

The Clinical and Psychopathological Profile of Inpatients with Eating Disorders: Comparing Vomiting, Laxative Abuse, and Combined Purging Behaviors.

The previous literature on purging behavior in eating disorders (EDs) suggests an overall more complicated clinical picture for individuals with this symptomatology. So far, no studies have analyzed the possible differences between the specific types of purging among ED inpatients. A clinical sample of 302 inpatients with EDs was classified according to no purging behaviors, vomiting, the abuse of laxatives, and both vomiting and the abuse of laxatives. Participants completed the following questionnaires: the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (F-MPS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Clinical information was collected for each individual. Significant differences in the four groups were evidenced in age (p < 0.001), years of illness (p < 0.001), BMI at discharge (p < 0.001), STAI state anxiety (p < 0.001), STAI trait anxiety (p < 0.001), BDI (p < 0.001), EDE-Q eating concerns (p < 0.001), EDE-Q shape concerns (p < 0.001), EDE-Q weight concerns (p < 0.001), EDE-Q global score (p < 0.001), and F-MPS parental criticism (p < 0.001). ED inpatients with purging behaviors were older, had a longer duration of illness, higher parental criticism, and worse general and eating psychopathology. No differences emerged between the specific types of purging behavior. Purging behavior is a marker of severity in EDs independently of the specific type of purging. The appearance of any purging behavior must be regarded as a considerable red flag and be followed by an intensification of the cure.

Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Patient Experience During Urodynamics: A Prospective Study.

Urodynamics (UDS) assesses voiding dysfunction using intravesical, vaginal, or rectal catheters, which can be distressing. This study was aimed at utilizing mindfulness to reduce anxiety and pain in patients undergoing UDS. A single-institution randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 patients who underwent UDS. Patients were assigned to a mindfulness group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). Before UDS testing, all patients completed validated questionnaires assessing lower urinary tract symptoms (Urogenital Distress Inventory 6, UDI-6), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 6, STAI-6), and pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS). The mindfulness group listened to a mindfulness audio prompt before UDS. All patients received standardized UDS education before UDS testing in a calm environment. After UDS testing, all patients completed validated UDS-perception questionnaires, STAI-6, Likert scale, and VAS surveys. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests, independent t tests, Wilcoxon, and Chi-squared tests. Both groups had similar demographics, history of prior UDS, anxiety, and baseline UDI-6 and STAI-6. Post-UDS, anxiety scores decreased in both groups, with the mindfulness group reporting significant improvement in "calmness" (mean 1.7, SD = 0.84) compared with the control group (mean 2.3, SD = 1.0, p < 0.05). The mindfulness group reported increased relaxation whereas the control group reported decreased relaxation post-UDS. Patients in both groups without a history of UDS had a significant improvement in total anxiety compared with those with a history of UDS. Mindfulness meditation may improve calmness and relaxation for patients undergoing UDS.

Estimation of the Cognitive Functioning of the Elderly by AI Agents: A Comparative Analysis of the Effects of the Psychological Burden of Intervention.

In recent years, an increasing number of studies have begun to use conversational data in spontaneous speech to estimate cognitive function in older people. The targets of spontaneous speech with older people used to be physicians and licensed psychologists, but it is now possible to have conversations with fully automatic AI agents. However, it has not yet been clarified what difference there is in conversational communication with older people when the examiner is a human or an AI agent. This study explored the psychological burden experienced by elderly participants during cognitive function assessments, comparing interactions with human and AI conversational partners. Thirty-four participants, averaging 78.71 years of age, were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The objective was to assess the psychological impact of different conversational formats on the participants. The results indicated that the mental strain, as measured by VAS and STAI scores, was significantly higher during the MMSE sessions compared to other conversational interactions (p < 0.01). Notably, there was no significant difference in the mental burden between conversations with humans and AI agents, suggesting that AI-based systems could be as effective as human interaction in cognitive assessments.

Characteristics and treatment outcomes of musical tinnitus: a prospective study

PurposeTinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, affects millions worldwide. Although its origin may be organic or psychological, musical tinnitus (hearing music in the absence of external stimuli) presents a distinct challenge. This study investigated musical tinnitus, focusing on its clinical profile, treatment outcomes, and associated psychiatric symptoms.MethodsThe demographics, auditory perceptions, psychiatric history, and treatment response of 20 patients with musical tinnitus were prospectively evaluated. Sound therapy using hearing aids and tinnitus counselling were administered. Data were collected using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for tinnitus loudness and distress, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).ResultsOf the 20 patients who underwent these tests every year until the 2-year follow-up, 15 were able to follow a sound therapy treatment regimen with hearing aids for > 2 years. The results revealed the prevalence of musical tinnitus in older women with hearing loss, emphasising its association with aging and the female sex. Patients reported varied musical content, predominantly nursery rhymes and melodies originating from the ear or head. No significant psychiatric symptoms were observed; this contrasts with previous reports linking musical hallucinations and psychiatric disorders. Sound therapy using hearing aids and counselling led to significant improvements in THI, VAS, and STAI-state scores at 1-year and 2-year follow-ups, suggesting the efficacy of this approach. However, no significant changes were noted in SDS or STAI-trait scores, indicating a lack of prominent depressive tendencies and stable anxiety traits.ConclusionsMusical tinnitus primarily affects older women with hearing loss and responds favourably to sound therapy. Understanding its clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes is crucial for optimising patient care and enhancing quality of life.

The Effect of Parental Presence on The Anxiety Level of Nurses During Intravenous Interventions in Children

&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The present study employed an analytical, cross-sectional, and pretest-posttest design to assess the impact of parental presence on the anxiety levels of nurses during intravenous interventions in pediatric patients. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The research was conducted in a public hospital in Istanbul between 01 September and 30 December 2021. The population of the research consisted of nurses working in the pediatric clinic of the hospital (N = 70), &amp;nbsp;and the sample consisted of 50 nurses who met the research criteria and agreed to participate in the research. Data were obtained through an information form and a state-trait anxiety inventory. Participants were first asked to fill out the information form and the trait anxiety inventory. The research was carried out in two phases with the same sample group. In the first phase, nurses were asked to fill out the state anxiety inventory immediately after intravenous interventions were administered to children while their parents were with their children. In the second phase, after a period of 15 days, a state anxiety inventory was applied to the nurses with the same sample group immediately after the intravenous interventions, without the participation of the family. The SPSS 26 package statistical program was used to evaluate the data.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Result and Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; It was determined that the mean trait anxiety scores of the participants were at a medium level and that the mean state anxiety scores of the nurses were statistically significantly higher (p&amp;lt;0.001) in the interventions in which the parents were included in the process compared to the interventions in which the parents were not included in the process. Continuous in-service training can be recommended for pediatric nurses to adopt family-centered care.

Predominant approaches to measuring pregnancy-related anxiety in Sub-saharan Africa: a scoping review

BackgroundPregnancy-related anxiety significantly impacts maternal and fetal health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including those within Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Most studies conducted to evaluate pregnancy-related anxiety in LMICs have utilized scales developed in high-income countries, despite significant variations in pregnancy-related anxiety due to socioeconomic and cultural contexts. This review surveyed existing literature in order to identify which scales have been used to measure pregnancy-related anxiety in SSA.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, and APA PsycNet for relevant studies published in the English language up to March 22, 2023. Eligible studies focused on anxiety in pregnant populations within SSA, using validated scales or tools. Screening followed PRIMSA guidelines, with blinded review at the abstract/title level and subsequent full-text review. Data was extracted and analyzed to identify trends and characteristics of the screening tools used.ResultsFrom 271 articles, 37 met inclusion criteria, identifying 24 different tools used to measure anxiety in pregnant women in SSA. The most common tools were the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (seven uses), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (five uses), and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (five uses). Seven tools were pregnancy-specific, with only two designed specifically for SSA: the Risk Factor Assessment (RFA), and the 4-Item Screening Tool. Studies were most frequently conducted in South Africa, followed by Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana.ConclusionsThis scoping review illustrates that only two tools (the RFA and 4-item Screening Tool) were created to assess pregnancy-related anxiety specifically in SSA. This highlights the need for more culturally sensitive tools tailored to the specific contexts of pregnant populations in SSA.

Comparison of professional competency and anxiety of nursing students trained based on two internship models: a comparative study

BackgroundImproving the professional competency of nursing students during the internship is critical. This study aimed to compare the professional competency and anxiety of nursing students trained based on two internship models.MethodsThis is a two-group posttest-only quasi-experimental design study. One hundred nursing students who passed internship models A (a previous internship model) and B (an intervention with more educator support and a more planned and programmed process) were randomly enrolled in this study. Internship model groups A and B were conducted for the students in semesters 7 and 8. The outcomes assessed in both groups were “The Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses” and Spielberger “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory”. T-test and MANOVA were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe mean scores of competency were 134.56 (SD = 43.23) and 160.19 (SD = 35.81) for the nursing students in the internship model groups A and B, respectively. The mean scores of nursing students’ anxiety were 92.14 (SD = 15.36) and 80.44 (SD = 18.16) in the internship model groups A and B, respectively. MANOVA test showed a significant difference between the groups regarding professional competency (F = 10.34, p = 0.002) and anxiety (F = 11.31, p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe internship model group B could improve the professional competency of nursing students to a great extent and they experienced mild anxiety; it is suggested that this intervention should be done for nursing students. Conducting more studies to evaluate the effect of this model on the nursing students’ competency and anxiety after graduation and as a novice nurse is suggested.

Reducing Preoperative Anxiety: The Role of Anesthesia Provider Communication and Empathy

Preoperative anxiety is a common and significant issue that can negatively impact patient outcomes. Effective communication and empathy from anesthesia providers have been suggested as crucial factors in mitigating this anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anesthesia provider communication and empathy and preoperative anxiety levels in adult patients undergoing elective surgery. A prospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the anesthesia provider's preoperative visit and again immediately before surgery. Anesthesia provider communication and empathy were evaluated using the CARE (Communication Assessment Tool for Anesthesia Providers) questionnaire and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE), respectively. A total of 200 patients were included in the study. The mean preoperative anxiety score decreased significantly from before the anesthesia provider's visit to immediately before surgery (p &lt; 0.001). Higher scores on the CARE questionnaire and the JSE were associated with a greater reduction in preoperative anxiety (p &lt; 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that both effective communication and empathy independently contributed to reducing preoperative anxiety. Anesthesia provider communication and empathy play a crucial role in reducing preoperative anxiety. Implementing communication and empathy training programs for anesthesia providers may improve patient experiences and surgical outcomes.

Association of quality of life with marital satisfaction, stress, and anxiety in middle-aged women.

Marital satisfaction is one of the important components of quality of life. Women's marital satisfaction is affected when they enter the middle age period, due to the mental and emotional tensions caused by the physical changes. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the association of quality of life with marital satisfaction, stress, and anxiety in middle-aged women referring to health centers of Ahvaz city, Iran. This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 1,000 middle-aged married women (30-59 year of age) under the auspices of health centers of Ahvaz city, Iran in 2019. The subjects were selected by simple random sampling method, and were asked to complete demographic characteristics, quality of life questionnaire, Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire, Holmes-Raheh stress questionnaire, and Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory. The data were analyzed by using SPSS 0.22 software through mean, standard deviation, frequency, Pearson correlation and regression (p = 0.05). Based on the results, 42.4% of the participants were between 40 and 50 years of age, 35.6% had a high school diploma, and 50% of them were housewives. Also, the results of Pearson's correlation showed a positive and significant relationship between quality of life and marital satisfaction (r = 0.178) (p < 0.001). However, quality of life had a negative and significant relationship with anxiety (r = -0.552) (r < 0.001) and stress (r = -0.188) (p < 0.001). Given the positive and significant relationship between quality of life and marital satisfaction, appropriate trainings are highly recommended for couples to increase the quality of life and marital satisfaction of middle-aged women and thus strengthen the health of family and society.