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ObjectiveMeaninglessness poses a significant psychological challenge for cancer patients, negatively affecting their quality of life and increasing the risk of suicide. Meaning-Centered Group Therapy (MCGP) is an intervention designed specifically to enhance the meaning of life of cancer patients. Extensive research has documented its effectiveness across various cultures and populations. However, limited research has been conducted on the subjective experiences and perspectives of participants engaged in MCGP. Thus, the purpose of this study was to employ a qualitative design to explore the experiences and viewpoints of Chinese cancer patients who have undergone MCGP.MethodsWithin a two-week timeframe following the conclusion of MCGP, semi-structured interviews were administered to twenty-one participants who had engaged in the therapy. The interview data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsFour main themes were identified: (a) Self-perceived personal change, (b) Overall experience of group therapy, (c) Barriers to participation of MCGP, and (d) Suggestions for future interventions.ConclusionDespite the barriers to participation in the MCGP process, the overall experience for Chinese cancer patients undergoing active treatment is valuable and positive, providing multiple benefits. Future studies could explore the adaptation of MCGP to a broader range of cancer populations and diverse study populations.

ObjectivesWe aimed to elucidate trends in the crude mortality rate (CMR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and burden of mental disorders (MD) in China.MethodsA longitudinal observational study was performed using the data of MD deaths in the National Disease Surveillance System (DSPs) during 2009–2019. The mortality rates were normalized using the Segis global population. Trends in the mortality of MDs stratified by age, gender, region, and residency, respectively. The burden of MD was evaluated using age-standardized person years of life loss per 100,000 people (SPYLLs) and average years of life lost (AYLL).ResultA total of 18,178 MD deaths occurred during 2009–2019, accounting for 0.13% of total deaths, and 68.3% of MD deaths occurred in rural areas. The CMR of MD in China was 0.75/100,00 persons (ASMR: 0.62/100,000 persons). The ASMR of all MDs decreased mainly due to the decrease in ASMR in rural residents. Schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder (AUD) were the leading causes of death in MD patients. The ASMR of schizophrenia and AUD was higher in rural residents than in urban residents. The ASMR of MD was highest in the 40–64 age group. As the leading causes of MD burden, the SPYLL and AYLL of schizophrenia were 7.76 person-years and 22.30 years, respectively.ConclusionAlthough the ASMR of all MDs decreased during 2009–2019, schizophrenia and AUD were still the most important causes of death for MDs. Targeted efforts focusing on men, rural residents, and the 40–64 years old population should be strengthened to decrease MD-related premature deaths.

ObjectiveTo explore the interrelationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), illness uncertainty (IU), and anticipatory grief (AG).MethodsStructural equation modeling with bootstrapping estimation was conducted using data from a convenience sample of 254 family caregivers of patients with advanced lung cancer in China. Participants were recruited from a public cancer hospital in Shenyang, China. The family caregivers completed the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, Uncertainty in Illness Scale Family Caregiver Version, and Anticipatory Grief Scale.ResultsThe measurement model has good reliability and validity, and the final model fit the data well. PTSS positively influenced AG (direct effect estimate = 0.391, p = 0.002). Moreover, IU was found to mediate the relationship between PTSS and AG (Indirect effects estimate = 0.168, p = 0.005). The mediating effect of IU accounted for up to 30.1% of the total effect.ConclusionIU mediated the relationship between PTSS and AG. Healthcare professionals should continuously assess PTSS, IU and AG levels in FCs and provide effective intervention options for mitigation.

Background: The purpose of our study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and their risk factors among doctors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods: A hospital-based survey study was conducted. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze anxiety and depressive symptoms across independent variables.Results: A total of 1,521 doctors were included; 11.11% (169/1,521) of the doctors had anxiety symptoms, and 16.90% (257/1,521) had depressive symptoms. Female sex [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–2.34; P = 0.002] and having a minor child (aOR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.50–3.56; P < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of anxiety symptoms. Female sex (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.18–2.06; P = 0.002) and having a minor child (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.06–2.01; P = 0.022) were associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Older age (aOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.98–0.99; P = 0.008) was associated with a decreased risk of depressive symptoms.Conclusions: Anxiety and depressive symptoms have been common mental health problems in doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that female sex, having a minor child, and younger age were major risk factors for the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms among doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundStroke has been shown to cause cardiac autonomic dysfunction. Depression is common complication after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether decreased heart rate variability (HRV) was related to poststroke depression (PSD) in patients with mild-moderate AIS.MethodsIn this study, we assessed autonomic function of ischemic stroke patients within 72 h from symptom onset by fractal dimension (FD). 503 patients (mean age 65.93 ± 10.19) with mild-moderate AIS underwent FD test after admission. Depressive symptoms were assessed using 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at baseline (within 7 days) and 3 months. Depression were defined if HDRS >6 points. According to the data of FD, we investigated association with early-onset PSD status and 3-month PSD.Results59.24% (293/503) of patients had early-onset PSD status at baseline, and 38.66% (184/476) of patients had PSD at 3 months. ROC curve analysis shown that the optimal cut point of FD for early-onset PSD status and 3-month PSD were FD ≤ 1.27 and FD ≤ 1.19, respectively. In fully adjusted models, higher NIHSS [adjusted odd ratios (OR), 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.27; P=0.005], younger age (adjusted OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13; P=0.046), and FD ≤ 1.27 (adjusted OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 2.23–4.92; P

BackgroundPrenatal depression is associated with adverse maternal and fetal health consequences, yet it has not raised sufficient concerns in China. Psychological worries and stress may lead to prenatal depression, but resilience could relieve some of the negative effects of worries and stress and mitigate prenatal depression.AimsThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of prenatal depression and explore its associated factors.MethodA multisite cross-sectional study was conducted that included 605 pregnant women from three hospitals in two provincial capitals (Shenyang and Zhengzhou) and one municipality (Chongqing). A smartphone questionnaire was employed to assess prenatal depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore factors associated with prenatal depression.ResultsThe prevalence of prenatal depression (CES-D≥16) among Chinese pregnant women was 28.4%. Logistic regression analyses revealed that prenatal depression was positively associated with worries about appearance (odds ratio [OR] 1.666, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.043–2.661) and perceived stress (OR 1.156, 95% CI 1.104–1.211) and negatively associated with monthly income, relationship with mother (OR 0.287, 95% CI 0.103–0.796), and resilience (OR 0.935, 95% CI 0.918–0.953).ConclusionThese findings revealed that Chinese pregnant women suffered from high levels of prenatal depression (28.4%). Worries about appearance and perceived stress were risk factors for prenatal depression, whereas a pregnant woman’s harmonious relationship with her own mother and resilience could relieve the negative impacts of pregnancy that can lead to prenatal depression. Improving resilience and maintaining harmonious relationships with mothers should be emphasized in order to reduce the detrimental effects of pregnancy and improve the mental well-being of pregnant women.