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COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in short-term and long-term health, economic, and social repercussions since its outbreak in December 2019. More research is required to determine how the pandemic impacts various segments of the population. Preliminary research suggests that COVID-19 impacts menstrual cycles in different ways. The primary objective of this study was to assess alterations in menstrual cycles among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the pandemic. A cross-sectional online study was conducted between October 2022 and January 2023, enrolled 439 UAE women using the snowball technique. The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were used to evaluate menstrual symptoms and assess depression and stress levels, respectively. The findings showed a significant increase in menstrual symptoms with both higher mean of pads usage per day and use of pain medication during menses after COVID-19 with a p-value <0.001. Moreover, women reported higher levels of psychological distress after COVID-19 (Beta = 1.47). The findings show that COVID-19 affected the menstrual symptoms in women, reflected by higher pads usage per day, bleeding days, and frequency of pain medication intake during menses. Furthermore, higher stress levels were reported in the post-COVID-19 period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Diabetes distress (DD) refers to the emotional and behavioural challenges associated with managing this demanding chronic disease over time. DD is alarmingly common and it has a significant impact on self‐management behaviours and clinical outcomes. Thus, there is growing recognition that DD is a pressing problem that deserves careful attention in clinical care. Translating the application of validated DD assessment and intervention protocols from the research to the clinical setting, however, presents challenges that require a reconsideration of some common assumptions about what DD is, how prevalent it is, how it presents itself clinically, how it might best be assessed and by whom. Methods: We employed data from six large‐scale studies using five common DD measures. Using these data, we review and challenge several common assumptions about DD. Results: These data suggest that, because of its relative ubiquity, DD should not be viewed as a 'co‐morbidity' or 'complication' of diabetes and it should not be seen as a mental health/illness 'condition'. Furthermore, we argue that DD assessment should: (1) be accepted as a standard part of comprehensive diabetes care, (2) occur regularly using broad rather than brief screening measures and (3) be addressed directly by diabetes clinicians, rather than exclusively by behavioural specialists. Conclusions: The results form the basis of a series of suggestions to enhance the translation, adoption and implementation of DD knowledge derived from the research setting directly into the real world of clinical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with negative procedural experiences have an increased risk of fear and distress, with psychological consequences for subsequent procedures and future healthcare behaviors. Gaining control and feeling trust are important aspects for children to decrease fear. To enable professionals providing personal care during medical procedures, a systematic, evidence-based approach that supports children in expressing their preferences is needed. This study will gain insight into the experiences and needs of professionals involved in small invasive medical procedures to meet the coping strategies and preferences of children undergoing these procedures. A qualitative design was used to gain insight into professionals' perspectives. Data were collected through online focus groups with various professionals involved in medical procedures, such as anesthetists, laboratory staff, nurses, and pediatricians. Five interdisciplinary focus groups, with a total of 32 participants, were held. One overarching theme was revealed: "Balancing between different actors within the context of the hospital." Professionals reported they had to deal with different actors during a medical procedure: the child, the parent, the colleague, and themselves. Each actor had its own interests. They were aware of the child and parents' priority to gain control and feel trust. Nevertheless, they perceive organizational and personal aspects that hinder addressing these needs. Conclusion: To provide personalized care, professionals experience balancing between the needs and interests of diverse actors during medical procedures. The findings underscore the importance of a policy supporting HCPs in integrating patient-centered care into practice through practical tools and training initiatives such as scenario training. What is Known: • Unresolved pain and stress arising from medical procedures can have significant short- and long-term impacts on children. Empowering children to gain control and fostering a sense of trust are crucial factors in reducing fear associated with medical procedures. • Children and parents expect to receive child-tailored care from professionals including respect for their own, unique needs, and boundaries. Professionals should build trustful relationships and provide appropriately tailored autonomy around medical procedures. What is New: • Healthcare professionals vary in their awareness of children's needs during a medical procedure. Beside this, the organizational dynamics of the hospital, along with the presence of actors such as the child, parent, colleague, and oneself, collectively influence the conduct of medical procedures. • Providing person-centered care during medical procedures can present challenges. The results highlight the significance of a policy to assist healthcare professionals in incorporating patient-centered care into their practice through practical tools and a culture of self-reflections regarding patient-centered values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to describe the level of distress and risk factors associated with distress in workers in a construction company, which was conducted in May - December 2024. A cross sectional design was carried out in this study. A total of 255 people who have completed the complete online questionnaire were included in the study. The primary data collection was the measurement of the psychosocial state of workers using a questionnaire distributed online. The measurement of worker stress levels also used DASS 21 and the variables of context of work and context of the work were taken using COPSOQ III, NIOSH questionnaires and previous studies that have gone through validity and reliability tests. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors that have a significant effect on dysstress, namely, marital status and career improvement, status and wages. The dominant risk factors for distress in the construction industry in 2024 are increased careers, status, and wages, with a 95% IK: 1,325 - 5,443, after controlling work schedules/hours, organizational culture and function, and marriage. The findings could serve as a foundation for developing targeted strategies to mitigate distress, enhance workplace conditions, and ultimately improve productivity and morale within construction companies. Furthermore, comparative studies across different construction companies or regions could identify best practices and strategies that successfully reduce distress levels among workers facing similar challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic have serious traumatic effects on people, who may experience sleep problems, anxiety, and fear in the face of such a stressor. OBJECTIVE: This study is conducted to examine the relationship between sleep quality and fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and personality traits in working women. METHOD: This research was a descriptive study between June to August 2021. The study was conducted with 425 participants. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, COVID-19 Fear Scale, Beck Anxiety Scale, and the revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Short Form were applied to the participants. T-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis, were used. RESULTS: In the study, it was found that the total average score of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale was 18.83±5.5, while the score of sleep quality was 5.40±3.3 and the anxiety score was 14.01±12.4. On the other hand, the score of Extraversion was determined as 3.73±1.7, Neuroticism was 3.79±1.8, and Psychoticism was 1.97±1 in the study. Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between sleep quality and fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and neuroticism in working women (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbance; daytime dysfunction, use of sleep medication, sleep duration, sleep latency with anxiety; sleep latency, sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, sleep duration were found to be linked to neuroticism, and use of sleep medication and sleep duration were found to be linked to psychoticism. It was concluded that there was a relationship between sleep quality and fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and personality traits in working women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following Wright's theory, the process of acceptance of disability helps persons with an acquired disability to change their attitudes toward it. Consequently, a sense of self-satisfaction was developed, a de-emphasis on disability salience was placed, and compensatory behavioral qualities were acquired. Together, these factors promote an individual's adjustment according to disability-related strengths and difficulties. Our cross-sectional study examines how acceptance of disability influences flourishing, characterized by high well-being and low distress. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, two research questions were formulated: Would each factor of acceptance of disability positively predict each dimension of well-being? (RQ1); Would each factor of acceptance of disability negatively predict distress? (RQ2). Additionally, we considered gender effects. 107 Italian adults with acquired physical disabilities [Myear (SD) = 48.12 (14.87)] filled out an e-survey. Measures of acceptance of disability, well-being, and distress were used. The results indicate that self-satisfaction is a key predictor of flourishing while de-emphasizing disability salience only predicts purpose in life. Compensatory behavioral qualities predicted personal growth, positive relationships, life purposes, and self-acceptance. Gender did not significantly affect outcomes. Despite being preliminary, these initial results support the acceptance of disability as a personal resource for promoting flourishing. They suggest the potential for interventions to help individuals with disabilities process grief and accept their new self-representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a qualitative ethnographic exploration of professionally successful lifestyle migrants' self‐perceptions of premigration etiologies of "modern distress," and postmigration pathways of healing and outcomes in Guatemala. Reflexive accounts of perceived etiologies of distress include self‐commodification, atomization, and disengagement from "true‐selves" as stressors motivating relocation. Migrants depict postmigration healing practices as embedding popularized therapeutic narratives that amplify introspective self‐dialog reproducing hypercapitalist and emotional capitalist "liquid‐modern" unstable and disengaged selfhood. Constituting what we term a "pure relationship with the self," lifestyle migrants describe a "modern trap" of "addictive" chronic healing, self‐seeking, and unfulfillment while resultant self‐deliberations continue to exhibit no less liquid and potentially adaptive life paths. Implications will be considered pertaining to self‐dialogic therapeutic processes that reproduce distressed liquid selfhood and the potential of sites of self‐relocation to amplify socially disengaged introspection. Yet reflexive self‐dialog problematizes reductionist readings of structural subjectification, calling for further examination of the way distressed selfhood is a product of shifting social structures and zeitgeists but no less a self‐crafted outcome of self‐deliberation that critically evaluates emergent selves and alternative contexts of self‐constitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimum efficiency and responsiveness to callers of mental health helplines can only be achieved if call priority is accurately identified. Currently, call operators making a triage assessment rely heavily on their clinical judgment and experience. Due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with mental illness, there is an urgent need to identify callers to helplines who have a high level of distress and need to be seen by a clinician who can offer interventions for treatment. This study delves into the potential of using machine learning (ML) to estimate call priority from the properties of the callers' voices rather than evaluating the spoken words. Method: Phone callers' speech is first isolated using existing APIs, then features or representations are extracted from the raw speech. These are then fed into a series of deep learning neural networks to classify priority level from the audio representation. Results: Development of a deep learning neural network architecture that instantly determines positive and negative levels in the input speech segments. A total of 459 call records from a mental health helpline were investigated. The final ML model achieved a balanced accuracy of 92% correct identification of both positive and negative instances of call priority. Conclusions: The priority level provides an estimate of voice quality in terms of positive or negative demeanor that can be simultaneously displayed using a web interface on a computer or smartphone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the relationship between market participants' sentiment regarding distress in the real estate market, captured through internet search queries, and the U.S. commercial real estate market. We use Google search frequency to construct a measure of market perception of distress, the Market Distress Perception Index (MDP Index), and determine the extent to which this index can help predict future private commercial real estate returns in the U.S. The results show that our pessimistic sentiment index predicts returns of commercial real estate up to three quarters in advance. These results hold at the national, regional, and state levels and are robust across various model specifications. The predictability of the sentiment index is especially pronounced during recessionary periods. We also analyse different property sectors and find that the inverse relationship between the MDP Index and future private commercial real estate returns persists across all sectors except the industrial sector. The relationship is strongest for the office sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this pilot study a binaural pulse modulator was tested to see if it leads to a change in self-reported measures of distress. This binaural pulse modulator produces two frequencies that combine to create a binaural pulse to stimulate the nervous system through a differential auditory tone presentation and the response of the user can be adjusted to the appropriate target tone for effective treatment use. Each individual calibrated the binaural pulse to increase the level of emotion experienced while imagining an experience with a similar emotional valence or while engaged in a cognitive function while also listening to the sound. "Treatment" is based on the client's control of the binaural pulses to achieve the desired state. Training focuses on specific aspects of their psychological difficulties while listening to an auditory tone, turning a knob until the sound becomes uncomfortable. Finally, another knob is turned to cancel out the uncomfortable noise which appears to be associated with a reduction in distress. Case presentations: Four adult Hispanic participants (three females and one male) were studied with self-reported measures of distress (generalized anxiety disorder 7, Coronavirus Disease Stress Scale, posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and Beck depression scale II) were completed at screening, before treatment, after treatment, 4-weeks post-treatment, and 12-weeks post-treatment. Quantitative electroencephalogram and functional magnetic resonance imaging were also performed before and after treatment. Results: Preliminary findings indicated that at the end of treatment with binaural pulse modulator there were reported reductions in self-reported levels of distress. Quantitative electroencephalogram as well as functional magnetic resonance imaging changes in brain state were also noted when comparing pre- to post-treatment. Conclusions: binaural pulse modulator use appears to result in temporary changes in self-reported levels of distress during treatment. Limitations of the study are reviewed and directions for further research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractCancer is not only a physical illness but also a source of substantial emotional and psychological trauma and distress for patients. Oncology-related trauma stems from the uncertainty of diagnosis, invasive treatments, and the potential threat to life, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, and in some cases, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Addressing this trauma early is essential for patient well-being, as unresolved distress and trauma can exacerbate mental health challenges and hinder treatment adherence. Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) offers a framework to mitigate these issues by focusing on safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in care settings. Organizational attention to trauma is critical, as healthcare environments that fail to address emotional distress can contribute to patient dissatisfaction, higher healthcare costs, and poorer outcomes. Oncology Social Workers (OSW) are professional that are positioned to lead the implementation of TIC due to their training in psychosocial care and trauma identification. OSWs role in healthcare encompasses not just individual patient support, but also educating healthcare teams, advocating for system-wide changes, and creating trauma-informed practices that benefit both patients, staff, and organizations. This manuscript discusses the implementation of TIC in oncology settings, recommending the use of a Trauma-Informed Assessment Protocol, such as the Distress Thermometer (DT), to facilitate early identification and intervention of distress, ultimately improving patient outcomes and organizational effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the incongruence model, unemployed people experience incongruence between their actual as compared to their desired employment status, which is an important source of distress. In contrast to other theories, this model is able to explain why unemployed people feel worse not only compared to employed people but also compared to people in other life situations, such as students, homemakers and retirees, who are assumed to experience low levels of incongruence. The current study analysed two longitudinal samples (n = 1066 and n = 1036 at T1) that were followed over 2.5 and 1.5 years, with six and five measurement points, respectively. The results show that (1) unemployed people who found new jobs experienced a reduction in their incongruence levels; (2) changes in incongruence were associated with changes in mental health; (3) changes in incongruence mediated the effects of changes in employment status on mental health. In addition, (4) mental health changes associated with other employment status changes such as entering (or leaving) the labour force (i.e., becoming a student, homemaker or retiree) were also mediated by changes in incongruence levels. Furthermore, the effects remained stable when the influence of the latent and manifest functions of employment was controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between Distress Tolerance, defined as the individual's ability to withstand psychological stress or endure negative emotions, and Life Satisfaction, the cognitive component of the individual's subjective wellbeing, among Saudi young adults aged 20–30. The study aimed to understand the overall scores of distress tolerance, life satisfaction, and gender differences in these variables. Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed to 348 participants selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, using self-report scales: the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The sample consisted of 77 males and 271 females, with a mean age of 1.8793 years (SD = 0.81931). Data were analyzed using the SPSS program. Results: The findings supported our hypotheses that (1) Saudi young adults have high overall scores of distress tolerance and life satisfaction, (2) there is a significant positive correlation between distress tolerance and life satisfaction, (3) there are no significant differences between males and females regarding overall distress tolerance and life satisfaction levels, although (4) a significant gender difference was found in the emotional regulation subscale of DTS. A linear regression analysis also showed that distress tolerance significantly predicts life satisfaction. Conclusion: Distress tolerance and life satisfaction are positively associated among Saudi young adults, with no significant gender differences in overall levels. However, differences in specific subscales, such as emotional regulation, warrant further investigation. These findings provide valuable insights for interventions to enhance this population's wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies had found the effects of stress on eating behaviors. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of perceived stress on dietary quality by sexes in Chinese adults. Methods: The study population consisted of individuals aged 18 to 59 years participating in the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Perceived stress levels were measured using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), with scores ranging from 0 to 40. Dietary quality was evaluated by Chinese Dietary Guidelines Index (CDGI) ranging 0-110. Using a two-level mixed effects model with community as level 2 and individual as level 1, the study analyzed the impact of PSS-10 scores on CDGI. Additionally, a two-level mixed effects structural equation model was employed to explore the effects of distress factor scores and coping stressor factor scores on dietary quality among different sexes within the population. Results: This study involved in 2515 males and 3165 females, and the average age was 45.9 ± 9.6.The PSS-10 score and CDGI were 14.6 ± 5.1 and 44.8 ± 11.6, separately. After adjusting for confounders, there were no effects of PSS-10 score, distress factor score, and coping stressors factor score on CDGI in males. After adjusting for confounders, CDGI in the highest tertile of PSS-10 score group was 1.64 lower than that in the lowest tertile group in females(P = 0.001). The distress factor score was not associated with CDGI (standardized β=-0.164, P = 0.488), while the coping with stressors factor score was significantly negative with CDGI (standardized β=-0.834, P < 0.001) in females. CDGI in the highest tertile of coping with stressors factor score group was 4.36 lower than that in the lowest tertile group (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: There was no association between perceived stress and dietary quality in adult males. The perceived stress, especially the insufficient capacity to cope with stressors, was negatively associated with dietary quality in adult females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusionsLimited evidence exists regarding how sex differences in mental health are changing over time, especially in the context of recent health and economic adversities.To examine the temporal shifts in mental health issues among males and females, and explore the influence of education and loneliness on these trends.Data were utilized from the 2020 to 2023 Monitor study, a repeated cross-sectional survey of adults 18 years and older in Ontario, Canada. The study employed a Qualtrics-based web panel survey (n = 5,317). Mental health was assessed using Kessler-6 questionnaire, and analyses were performed using Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with gamma distribution.The results showed that there was a significant three-way interaction effect between sex, time and education with psychological distress (p = 0.014), suggesting that psychological distress increased between 2020 and 2023 among males who had less than college education. However, it remained stable among males with college/university degrees and females overall. Interaction between sex and feeling lonely on psychological distress was also evident (p = 0.004).Mental health issues remained a significant public health challenge among adults, especially psychological distress increasing among males with less than a college education. This underscores the importance of targeted interventions addressing males’ mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychedelic use has been increasingly accepted socially and legally. However, there is a gap in understanding how religion can influence the relationship between psychedelics and mental health. This study aims to explore this relationship by examining the impact of lifetime classic psychedelic use (LCPU), religious attendance, and religious salience on monthly psychological distress, using the K6 scale. The data for this project is sourced from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2008 to 2019, with a sample size of 458,372. The analysis utilizes several Ordinary Least Square regression models conducted in Stata 17. The results indicate that both religion and psychedelic use are associated with lower levels of psychological distress. While increased religious salience is linked to reduced distress, this effect is weakened by psychedelic use, as higher salience is associated with higher levels of distress among individuals who have used psychedelics. However, a three-way interaction analysis reveals that individuals with high religious salience and attendance experience the lowest levels of distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commentators of this book symposium have written insightful reflections on the philosophical, theoretical, and ethical implications that arise from my work on the moral psychology of perpetrators and their emotional reactions. In this reply, I have organized my response in three thematic blocks. I begin with a discussion of my use of normative language raised by Kim Wagner, then consider the question of motivation in emotions discussed by Jessica Sutherland, Marco Viola, and Juan Loaiza and Diana Rojas-Velásquez, and conclude by discussing some perspectives on how a contextual view of emotions can be expanded to other domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research indicates that sexual assault can lead to severe and long-term consequences for survivors; therefore, therapeutic interventions in this field are very important. The present study was conducted with the aim of c the effectiveness of the integrative transdiagnostic and the solution-focused intervention methods on distress tolerance (DT) in sexual assault victims. Methods: This study was semi-experimental research conducted with two experimental groups and one control group, using pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design. Based on this, three groups of 12 women who were victims of sexual assault were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to the groups. Experimental group 1 received integrative transdiagnostic intervention, while experimental group 2 received solution-focused intervention in individual sessions. To collect data, the Simons and Gaher Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) was used. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There was a significant difference between the mean scores of pre-test and posttest stages in the integrative transdiagnostic group [F = 19.63, mean difference (MD) = 12.33, P < 0.05], and between the mean scores of pre-test and follow-up stages (F = 19.63, MD = 13.0, P < 0.05), in terms of DT. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of pre-test and post-test stages in the solution-focused therapy group (F = 19.63, MD = 7.58, P > 0.05), and between the mean scores of pre-test and follow-up stages (F = 19.63, MD = 7.08, P < 0.05) in the aspect of DT. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that the integrative transdiagnostic and solution-focused therapy can help to improve the DT of sexual assault victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients in intensive care units experience high symptom burden during mechanical ventilation (MV). Pharmacologic symptom management is associated with side effects and increased morbidity. Music-based interventions (MBIs) have been associated with reductions in both anxiety in MV adults and pain for critically ill adults, yet their use for the management of other burdensome symptoms has not been evaluated. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the state of evidence for the use of prerecorded music listening MBIs for symptom management in MV adults. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted across four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science) for experimental designed studies that measured the efficacy of MBIs for the management of physical and psychological symptoms including anxiety, sedation/agitation, dyspnea, distress, delirium, sleep, stress, fear, loneliness, or depression in critically ill, MV adults between January 1, 1998, and April 18, 2023. Results: A total of 643 abstracts and 29 clinical trials were included. Overall, the risk of bias, assessed using the Evidence Project tool, was moderate. MBIs were mostly delivered with headphones using music selected either by investigators or from a limited selection. MBIs were associated with reduced pain, agitation, dyspnea, distress and anxiety, and improved tolerance of MV and sedative weaning. Outcomes of delirium were mixed. No studies explored sleep disturbances, fear, or loneliness. Conclusions: Use of MBIs improved symptom experience for critically ill adults during MV. Future studies employing unrestricted patient-preferred music selections and exploring outcomes of sleep quality, psychological distress, and delirium are needed in this highly symptomatic patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between unfounded COVID‐19 beliefs and distress and powerlessness, specifically, whether distress and powerlessness are causes or consequences of unfounded COVID‐19 beliefs represented by conspiracy beliefs and pseudoscientific beliefs regarding treatment and measures. Unfounded beliefs were assessed using the COVID‐19 Unfounded Beliefs Scale; distress was measured with the Symptom Checklist‐10, and powerlessness was measured with four items measuring the feeling of losing control. Data collection took place during three phases of the pandemic in Slovakia (October 2021, N = 1838; July 2022, N = 1,420; April 2023, N = 925). Results suggest that individuals with stronger unfounded beliefs about COVID‐19 reported greater powerlessness longitudinally, and individuals with stronger COVID‐19 unfounded beliefs treatment and measures reported greater distress longitudinally (notably, beliefs about COVID‐19 measures in the first wave were associated with distress in the second wave, and beliefs about COVID‐19 treatment in the second wave were associated with distress in the third wave). The present findings corroborate an existential threat model of conspiracy theories that says the relationship between unfounded beliefs and indicators of well‐being is bidirectional, so interventions should be focused both on eliminating the unfounded beliefs and strengthening well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Facemasks represent an essential measure of prevention against the spread of infectious diseases; however, they lessen the ability to convey and understand emotions through facial expressions. In blood donation settings, facemask wearing could interfere with professionals' tasks, reduce the satisfaction of blood donors and affect their future blood donation behaviour. This preliminary cross‐sectional study explored the association of mandatory facemask wearing with the quality of the blood donation process at the end of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: A sample of 615 voluntary unpaid Italian blood and plasma donors completed an online survey assessing their attitude towards facemask wearing, the perceived distress due to facemasks in the different steps of the donation process, self‐reported vasovagal reactions after donation and the intention to donate again. Results: Nearly 24% of donors reported a worsened quality of the donation process due to facemask wearing, and 36% reported moderate to severe distress during the donation itself. Donors with a more negative attitude towards facemasks reported a worse donation experience, mainly related to the interactions and the communication with physicians and nurses, and a higher probability of experiencing vasovagal reactions at their last donation. No significant correlations were observed between negative facemask attitudes towards facemask wearing, distress or future intention to donate blood/plasma. Conclusion: Facemasks have worsened the quality of blood and plasma donations for one fourth of donors, confirming the interference with the quality of communications and relationships with healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between multidimensional patient concerns and anxiety and depression in a national sample of older adults with cancer (OACs ≥ 65 years) and the buffering effect of visiting providers across disciplines (e.g., oncology, allied health, primary care, mental health) on these relationships. Methods: Participants completed a cross-sectional survey through the Cancer Support Community's Cancer Experience Registry (CER), an online community-based research initiative. Eligible participants were 65 years and older and diagnosed with cancer in the past five years. Participants completed self-report measures of (1) the severity of their concerns across multiple domains, (2) anxiety and depression, and (3) whether they received care for "symptoms and side effects" from various providers. Results: The sample consisted of 277 OACs; 45% endorsed elevated anxiety and 31% endorsed elevated depression. The most severe concerns were in the domains of body image and healthy lifestyle and symptom burden and impact. More severe concerns were associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. The relationship between concern severity and distress was weaker in OACs who saw a palliative care, mental health, physical or occupational therapy provider, pharmacist, or primary care provider relative to OACs who did not. A visit with an oncology provider did not moderate most relationships between concerns and distress. Conclusions: The relationship between OACs' concerns and distress was attenuated by treatment with a specialty provider. Interdisciplinary team care may be a vital component of comprehensive patient-centered care for OACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mast cells are commonly found in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet their role in the disease remains uncertain. Although mast cells have been associated with depression in several diseases, their connection to PDAC in this context remains unclear. This study explored the correlation between mast cells and psychosocial stress in patients with PDAC. Prior to surgery, 40 patients with PDAC (n = 29 primary resected, n = 11 neoadjuvant treated) completed four questionnaires assessing stress and quality of life. Immunostaining was performed on the resected tumor tissue. Spearman analysis was employed to correlate mast cells with distress and neuropeptides serotonin and beta-endorphin serum and tissue levels. Patients with PDAC exhibited elevated levels of distress and worry. Lower number of mast cells within the tumor correlated with greater psychological burden. Among primary resected patients, mast cell count moderately correlated with joy and inversely with worries. Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, strong inverse correlation was observed between anxiety, depression, and mast cell quantity. No correlation was found between mast cells and serotonin or beta-endorphin levels. In summary, mast cell presence inversely correlates with psychosocial stress, suggesting a link between immune cells and psychological well-being in pancreatic cancer. Targeting mast cells might offer therapeutic avenues for addressing cancer-induced depression and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Parallel process modeling (PPM) can be used to analyze co-occurring relationships between health and psychological variables over time. A demonstration is provided using data obtained from the British Household Panel Survey (years 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008), examining predictors of ongoing changes in their distress and life satisfaction of a subsample from the survey. Research Method: In the 2005 survey, data were available from 7,970 participants based on the following demographic variables: gender, age, ever registered as disabled, and ever experienced any strokes (before or at 2005). Time-varying variables included distress and life satisfaction collected yearly from 2005 to 2008. Time-invariant variables included age (65 or older), gender, disability condition, and stroke survivor status. Results: Steps of fitting the PPM are presented. Four distinct distress trajectory groups—chronic, recovery, delayed, and resilient—were identified from the PPM estimates. Resilient and recovery groups showed a positive trend in life satisfaction. The delayed distress and chronic groups had a slight decrease in satisfaction. The time-invariant covariates only significantly predicted baseline levels of distress and satisfaction (i.e., their intercepts). Conclusions: PPM is a relatively simple and powerful tool for simultaneously studying relations between multiple processes. A step-by-step approach on decomposing the significant predictive relation from the change of distress to the change of satisfaction is presented. Properly decomposing any significant growth factor regressed on another growth factor is necessary to fully comprehend the intricate relationships within the results. Practical implications and additional methodological information about fitting PPM are discussed. Impact and Implications: Parallel process modeling (PPM) can be used to analyze several time-varying variables over time and model (predict) their co-occurring relationships from one process to another. Rehabilitation psychology research often encounters clinical, methodological, and theoretical complications (e.g., expected relationships with multiple time-varying variables, missing data, varying measurement occasions) that may be circumvented with PPM, as illustrated in this article. We emphasize the importance of properly decomposing the predictive relation between processes (e.g., the growth factor of one process significantly regressed on the growth factors of another process) and offer a step-by-step demonstration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few digital interventions target patients with advanced cancer. Hence, we feasibility-tested Finding My Way-Advanced (FMW-A), a self-guided program for women with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: A single-site randomised controlled pilot trial was conducted. Participants were recruited through clinicians, professional networks, and social media and randomised to intervention or usual-care control. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention (FMW-A; a 6-week, 6-module CBT-based online self-directed psychosocial program for women with MBC + usual care resources) or control (usual care resources: BCNA’s Hope and Hurdles kit). Feasibility outcomes included rates of recruitment, uptake, engagement, and attrition. Distress, QOL, and unmet needs were evaluated for signals of efficacy, and qualitative feedback was collected to assess acceptability. Results: Due to COVID-19 and funding constraints, the target recruitment of 40 was not reached (n = 60 approached; n = 55 eligible; n = 35 consented). Uptake was high (n = 35/55; 63.6%), engagement modest (median 3/6 modules per user), and attrition acceptable (66% completed post-treatment). Efficacy signals were mixed: compared to controls, FMW-A participants experienced small improvements in fear of progression (d = 0.21) and global QOL (d = 0.22) and demonstrated a trend towards improvements in cancer-specific distress (d = 0.13) and role functioning (d = 0.18). However, FMW-A participants experienced small-to-moderate deteriorations in general distress (d = 0.23), mental QOL (d = 0.51), and social functioning (d = 0.27), whereas controls improved. Qualitatively, participants (n = 4) were satisfied with the program, perceived it as appropriate, but noted some sections could evoke transient distress. Conclusion: The study demonstrated feasibility (high uptake and acceptable retention) and generated realistic recruitment estimates. While FMW-A appears promising for targeting cancer-specific distress and fear of progression, the mixed findings in quality of life and general distress warrant further revisions and testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study empirically investigated the relationship between motivational factors and the compensatory phase of fatigue in football players. Methods: Valid and reliable psychodiagnostic tools were used, and the Pearson correlation coefficient determined statistically significant relationships. Results: The results of the research on the correlation between the dominant purposes (personal meanings) of sports activities and self-assessment indicators of athletes' compensatory phase indicate that as emotional satisfaction, physical self-expression, social and emotional, and socio-moral motives increase - along with achievement of success, preparation for professional activity, and focus on satisfying sports-cognitive needs - the indicators of the compensatory phase in football players also increase. These indicators include well-being, activity, mood, performance, willingness to perform sports tasks, and confidence in their abilities. These same indicators of the compensatory phase of athletes improve with the increase in the indicators of the respondents' motivational structure (internal, cognitive, competitive motives, self-respect motive, imbuing personal significance to activity results, the level of task difficulty, the manifestation of volitional effort, the assessment of the level of achieved results, self-potential assessment, the planned level of effort, the expected level of activity results, the consistency of results, initiative). Athletes with predominant motives of avoidance and changing current activities, on the contrary, exhibit negative manifestations of their psychophysiological state. Emotional changes, decrease of general activity, violation of the "sleep-wakefulness" cycle, and somato-vegetative disorders are observed in football players with low indicators of dominant purposes (personal meanings) of sports activities. High indicators of dominant purposes (personal meanings) of sports activities suggest that these football players exhibit insignificant manifestations of monotony, over-saturation, stress, and fatigue, which corresponds to their high performance. It has been established that athletes with high motivation for success rarely experience fatigue and somato-vegetative disorders, and are less prone to emotional changes, over-saturation, and stress. Highly motivated football players are distinguished by their performance in sports activities, strong willingness to perform sports tasks, confidence in their abilities, and good mood. Discussion and conclusions. Football players with a pronounced motive of avoidance and a motive of changing current activity have poor well-being and mood, low levels of activity, work performance, confidence in their abilities, and willingness to perform sports tasks. Based on empirical results, it has been found that athletes with high indicators of dominant purposes of sports activities are characterized by significantly lower levels of professional maladaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present-day college students are particularly impacted by the disconcerting effects of Covid-19 because of their vulnerability towards mental health struggles. The current study identified coping strategies used by students in the United States and how those strategies are associated with trauma-related distress. Results showed acceptance, emotional processing, and social support were the most commonly used coping strategies. Furthermore, avoidance coping related to higher distress than more helpful approaches (e.g., humor). Demographic findings revealed that Black students used more religious coping than did White and Asian students. Additionally, older and upper-year students used substances to cope more than did other students, including those with higher grade point averages. Our discussion focuses on how the findings of the present study can be used to enhance student support, resiliency, academic performance, and retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Cancer-related lymphedema (CRL) places an already vulnerable patient population at risk for the development and worsening of psychological distress. The purpose of this review is to highlight factors contributing to distress in lymphedema secondary to breast, head and neck, genitourinary cancers, and melanoma and discuss pertinent treatment considerations. Recent Findings: Multiple factors contribute to distress in CRL, including changes in body image, sleep, sexuality, functional capacity, and social interaction. There is limited literature describing psychopharmacological considerations in CRL, though exercise, which may be used for the treatment of depression and anxiety, may also improve CRL. Summary: Psychiatrists, oncologists, physiatrists, palliative medicine physicians, and physical and occupational therapists should have an awareness and understanding of CRL. To effectively manage distress in these patients, it is crucial to be mindful of psychotropic side-effect profiles, emphasize non-pharmacologic modalities including psychotherapy and exercise, and ensure patients receive evidence-based treatments for CRL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a transitional age, an individual has left a weak and dependent childhood but has not been able to reach a strong and responsible age, both for himself and society. One of the problems that arise among early adolescents is stress. The purpose of this study is to test the adolescent distress-eustress scale in adolescents spread across several islands in Indonesia. The research method carried out in this study is quantitative research. Based on the results of the analysis carried out on the 2 aspects measured in the scale adaptation, the ades meet the results of the scale adaptation test, namely the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) test, the internal reliability test, and the construct validity test so that the ades scale can be used to measure distress and eustress in adolescents. It was concluded that The Adolescent Distress-Eustress Scale instrument can measure stress through two dimensions, namely distress and eustress. The results of this study show that there is evidence of good validity and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to witness a significant increase in the burden of cancer. Contrary to Western literature, the burden of psycho-oncology is yet to be established within the MENA region. This study reviews all available evidence characterizing the psychological burden among patients with cancer across the MENA region. Methods We systematically explored the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane/CENTRAL, and Web of Science (WoS) databases for reports on the psychiatric burden among patients with cancer residing within the MENA region from January 2000 until January 2023. Raw proportion were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model. Findings Eighty-three studies comprised of 16 810 participants, representing 14 countries, met our inclusion criteria. Across the MENA region, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and distress were 44% (95% CI, 39%-50%), 47% (95% CI, 40%-54%), and 43% (95% CI, 30%-56%), respectively. Prevalence of depression was significantly different across countries, with Palestine (73%; 95% CI, 42%-91%) reporting the highest rate while Morocco (23%; 95% CI, 7%-56%) reported the lowest. Similarly, anxiety significantly differed across MENA nations ranging from 64% (95% CI, 3%-99%) in Morocco to 28% (95% CI, 18%-42%) in Tunisia. Rates of depression and anxiety were significantly different across measurement tools but not between Arabic-speaking versus Persian/Farsi-speaking countries. Meta-regression models showed that neither publication year nor age affected the prevalence of both anxiety and depression (P  = .374 and.091 for depression and P  = .627, and.546 for anxiety, respectively). Interpretation We report an abnormally high rate of psychiatric burden among patients with cancer in the MENA region. Thus, establishing appropriate psycho-oncologic interventions within the MENA region is of utmost importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimum efficiency and responsiveness to callers of mental health helplines can only be achieved if call priority is accurately identified. Currently, call operators making a triage assessment rely heavily on their clinical judgment and experience. Due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with mental illness, there is an urgent need to identify callers to helplines who have a high level of distress and need to be seen by a clinician who can offer interventions for treatment. This study delves into the potential of using machine learning (ML) to estimate call priority from the properties of the callers’ voices rather than evaluating the spoken words. Method: Phone callers’ speech is first isolated using existing APIs, then features or representations are extracted from the raw speech. These are then fed into a series of deep learning neural networks to classify priority level from the audio representation. Results: Development of a deep learning neural network architecture that instantly determines positive and negative levels in the input speech segments. A total of 459 call records from a mental health helpline were investigated. The final ML model achieved a balanced accuracy of 92% correct identification of both positive and negative instances of call priority. Conclusions: The priority level provides an estimate of voice quality in terms of positive or negative demeanor that can be simultaneously displayed using a web interface on a computer or smartphone.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the mental health of healthcare workers (HCW) worldwide. Studies have reported a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder among HCWs, with frontline workers experiencing higher rates of mental health issues. This comprehensive review focuses on the prevalence of mental health problems among HCWs in the aftermath of the pandemic, discussing contributing factors and examining interventions. Factors leading to this increased prevalence include increased workload, high levels of stress, lack of personal protective equipment, stigmatization, and pre-existing mental health disorders. Initiatives to improve the mental health of HCWs may include providing psychosocial support, strengthening organizational backing, offering appropriate training and education, implementing flexible work schedules, conducting mental health screenings, and encouraging self-care practices. Further research is needed to understand long-term outcomes, factors influencing resilience, vulnerability and the impact on HCWs in different settings.

Latar belakang. Respiratory Distress Syndrome adalah masalah kesehatan yang umum, terutama pada bayi prematur. Diagnosis RDS ditegakkan secara klinis ketika sistem pernapasan bayi tidak mampu melakukan pertukaran gas secara normal tanpa bantuan. Derajat distress pernapasan dapat dinilai menggunakan Down score, yang merupakan alat ukur kegawatan pernapasan pada neonatus yang cepat dan sederhana. Down score juga digunakan sebagai acuan untuk menentukan jenis terapi oksigen yang akan diterapkan. Penanganan awal yang tepat sangat menentukan prognosis bayi dengan distress pernapasan di masa mendatang. Tujuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas Early Bubble CPAP sederhana terhadap perbaikan Down Score pada bayi prematur di Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Sambas, Kalimantan Barat. Metode. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain kuantitatif dengan pendekatan observasional analitik secara prospektif. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah accidental total sampling, dan analisis data dilakukan menggunakan SPSS dengan uji Wilcoxon. Hasil. Rata-rata Down score responden sebelum perlakuan adalah 4,50, sedangkan setelah perlakuan rata-rata menjadi 2,82. Hasil analisis menunjukkan nilai Z sebesar 4,097 dan nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,001 (p

Abstract Background Previous studies had found the effects of stress on eating behaviors. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of perceived stress on dietary quality by sexes in Chinese adults. Methods The study population consisted of individuals aged 18 to 59 years participating in the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Perceived stress levels were measured using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), with scores ranging from 0 to 40. Dietary quality was evaluated by Chinese Dietary Guidelines Index (CDGI) ranging 0-110. Using a two-level mixed effects model with community as level 2 and individual as level 1, the study analyzed the impact of PSS-10 scores on CDGI. Additionally, a two-level mixed effects structural equation model was employed to explore the effects of distress factor scores and coping stressor factor scores on dietary quality among different sexes within the population. Results This study involved in 2515 males and 3165 females, and the average age was 45.9 ± 9.6.The PSS-10 score and CDGI were 14.6 ± 5.1 and 44.8 ± 11.6, separately. After adjusting for confounders, there were no effects of PSS-10 score, distress factor score, and coping stressors factor score on CDGI in males. After adjusting for confounders, CDGI in the highest tertile of PSS-10 score group was 1.64 lower than that in the lowest tertile group in females(P = 0.001). The distress factor score was not associated with CDGI (standardized β=-0.164, P = 0.488), while the coping with stressors factor score was significantly negative with CDGI (standardized β=-0.834, P

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder that affects women. The focus on inflammatory PCOS will be the basis of understanding how hormonal imbalances are due to inflammatory diets, stress, and environmental factors that impact symptom severity. The objective of this paper was to provide a systematic review that would determine if symptom severity was associated with psychological stress on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is important to note that PCOS does not have a cure but symptom severity may only be treated, this is due to the cause being unknown and PCOS being used as an umbrella term for issues related to the ovaries and reproductive cycle. As a result, the most commonly suggested findings were to improve diet, improve exercise habits, and seek psychological help if feeling distressed by the symptoms of PCOS.

Background: The cognitive and behavioural changes that occur in around 50% of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may significantly affect people around them, contributing to heightened burden, anxiety, and depression. Despite existing evidence linking behavioural impairment to caregiver distress, the role of cognitive impairment remains less clear, with mixed findings on its impact. Methods: This study assessed the influence of cognitive and behavioural impairments in people with ALS on the distress of their nominated informants. The data were collected face-to-face and remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cognitive and behavioural impairments were measured using established screening tools. Informants' distress was evaluated through composite measures of burden, anxiety, and depression. Regression analyses were employed to determine the predictive value of cognitive and behavioural impairment on informant distress. Results: A total of 98 ALS patients and 84 informants participated. Behavioural impairment predicted informant distress across various tools. In contrast, cognitive impairment was a less consistent predictor of informant distress across screening measures and did not significantly interact with behavioural impairment in predicting distress. Administration mode did not affect predictive relationships. Conclusions: Behavioural impairment in ALS significantly predicts informant distress, with varying predictive power across different screening tools. Cognitive impairment also affects informant distress, but its impact is less substantial compared to behavioural factors. The interaction between cognitive and behavioural impairments did not significantly predict informant distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following Wright’s theory, the process of acceptance of disability helps persons with an acquired disability to change their attitudes toward it. Consequently, a sense of self-satisfaction was developed, a de-emphasis on disability salience was placed, and compensatory behavioral qualities were acquired. Together, these factors promote an individual’s adjustment according to disability-related strengths and difficulties. Our cross-sectional study examines how acceptance of disability influences flourishing, characterized by high well-being and low distress. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, two research questions were formulated: Would each factor of acceptance of disability positively predict each dimension of well-being? (RQ1); Would each factor of acceptance of disability negatively predict distress? (RQ2). Additionally, we considered gender effects. 107 Italian adults with acquired physical disabilities [Myear (SD) = 48.12 (14.87)] filled out an e-survey. Measures of acceptance of disability, well-being, and distress were used. The results indicate that self-satisfaction is a key predictor of flourishing while de-emphasizing disability salience only predicts purpose in life. Compensatory behavioral qualities predicted personal growth, positive relationships, life purposes, and self-acceptance. Gender did not significantly affect outcomes. Despite being preliminary, these initial results support the acceptance of disability as a personal resource for promoting flourishing. They suggest the potential for interventions to help individuals with disabilities process grief and accept their new self-representation.

Detecting stress is important for improving human health and potential, because moderate levels of stress may motivate people towards better performance at cognitive tasks, while chronic stress exposure causes impaired performance and health risks. We propose a Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) system to detect stress in the context of high-pressure work environments. The BCI system includes an electroencephalogram (EEG) headband with dry electrodes and an electrocardiogram (ECG) chest belt. We collected EEG and ECG data from 40 participants during two stressful cognitive tasks: the Cognitive Vigilance Task (CVT), and the Multi-Modal Integration Task (MMIT) we designed. We also recorded self-reported stress levels using the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ). The DSSQ results indicated that performing the MMIT led to significant increases in stress, while performing the CVT did not. Subsequently, we trained two different models to classify stress from non-stress states, one using EEG features, and the other using heart rate variability (HRV) features extracted from the ECG. Our EEG-based model achieved an overall accuracy of 81.0% for MMIT and 77.2% for CVT. However, our HRV-based model only achieved 62.1% accuracy for CVT and 56.0% for MMIT. We conclude that EEG is an effective predictor of stress in the context of stressful cognitive tasks. Our proposed BCI system shows promise in evaluating mental stress in high-pressure work environments, particularly when utilizing an EEG-based BCI.

Abstract Breast cancer impacts the psychological well-being of women, leaving them at risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other stress-related disorders. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) is a widely used measure, although empirical evidence regarding its psychometric properties in the breast cancer population is limited. The purpose of this study was to conduct an exhaustive analysis of the psychometric properties of the DASS-21 in a sample of Spanish women diagnosed with breast cancer. Participants were 289 breast cancer patients who completed the DASS-21 and other questionnaires measuring life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, flourishing, perceived stress, and breast cancer-specific stressors. In terms of validity evidence based on the internal structure of the DASS-21, adequate fit indices were obtained for the model based on three first-order factors (depression, anxiety, stress) and one second-order factor (general psychological distress). Reliability coefficients (McDonald’s omega) ranged from .84 to .95. Validity evidence based on relationships with other variables was also provided by moderate and strong correlations with well-being indicators and stress measures. The results support the use of the DASS-21 for measuring general psychological distress in the breast cancer context, where it may provide useful information for the design of psychological interventions with patients.

Moral injury is a psychological wound resulting from deep-rooted traumatic experiences that corrode an individual’s sense of humanity, ethical compass, and internal value system. Whether through witnessing a tragic event, inflicting injury on others, or failing to prevent a traumatic injury upon others, moral injury can have severe and detrimental psychological and psychosomatic outcomes that may last a lifetime. Post-traumatic experiences do not have to be a permanent affliction, however. From moral injury can come post-traumatic growth—the recovery from trauma in which personal betterment overshadows moral injury. Moral injury may lead to substantial personal growth, improved capacity and resilience. Based on these observations, it seems that from struggles and darkness, there can be positivity and hope. This review will summarize the current concepts of post-traumatic growth and consider potential mechanisms leading to resilience and recovery through post-traumatic growth. These considerations are gaining more importance in light of a growing number of existential threats, such as violent conflicts, natural disasters and global pandemics.

Introduction: Lockdown during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation were discovered to have a negative psychological influence on the general population’s mental health and wellbeing. Aim: This study aims to Trace and compares the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in terms of psychological well-being (PWB), distress and family functioning during the first and second wave. Materials and Methods: A convenient purposive sampling method was used to conduct an online survey during the first COVID wave (May 2020–July 2020) in India, and the same demographic group was re-contacted (March 2021–May 2021) during the second wave. The institute ethical committee was consulted in advance for approval, and participants’ digital consent was obtained. The first and second waves of the COVID-19 epidemic in India were evaluated using the PWB scale, the depression anxiety stress scale 21, and the brief family relationship scale. Results: Among all individuals, there was a 25.4%, 39.3%, and 30% prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively in our study. Participant’s well-being and family relationships were negatively impacted by anxiety and depression. Older participants reported more favorable relationships and higher levels of well-being than younger participants did. Women scored significantly lower on psychological well-being measures and much higher on stress, anxiety, and depression measures than men. Conclusion: The first wave, which has contributed to a significant increase in psychiatric morbidity, affected the general population at a moderate intensity. The present study’s findings may be useful for developing policies, intervention programs, and offering psychosocial help to the community.

Background: Different clinical manifestations were revealed by the distinct waves of the coronavirus. The pandemic had a multifaceted impact on mental health, sleep patterns, and associated fear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was an observational online survey using by using Google Forms in the city of Chandigarh between April 2020 and April 2021 across three waves of the coronavirus outbreak (first wave from March 2020 to May 2020, second wave from June 2020 to January 2021, and third wave from February 2021 to April 2021). Fear of coronavirus disease (COVID), preventive behaviors, insomnia-related problems, and impact of the event were assessed by using standardized scales. Results: The participants who were infected during the first phase exhibited significantly higher levels of distress, loss of control over their reactions, increased fear of coronavirus and sleep problems, and also greater adherence to preventive behaviors compared to those who were infected during the second and third waves. A tendency to emerge post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was seen in 68 (58.1%) of the participants (Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) score >14) and 34 (29.1%) of all the participants (PDI score >23). Overall, 66 (56.4%) participants reported having insomnia. About 24 people (20.5%) had clinical concerns about PTSD, 20 people (17.1%) had probable PTSD diagnoses, and 16 people (13.7%) experienced a severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impact on their lives. Conclusion: The first wave of COVID-19 had a greater psychological impact than subsequent waves. Further research must fill important gaps in our knowledge of the clinical range and long-term effects.

The purpose of this study was to identify the correlates of depressive symptoms and the prevalence of depression, distress, and demoralization among patients with cancer in Taiwan in relation to their sociodemographics. A cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling was used to recruit 191 consecutive patients with cancer from the Cancer Center of a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the determinants of depressive symptoms. The prevalence rates of depression (including suspected cases), distress, and demoralization were 17.8%, 36.1%, and 32.5%, respectively. The regression model explained 42.2% of the total variance, with significant predictors including marital status, life dependence, comorbidity, demoralization, and distress. The results demonstrated that higher levels of distress and demoralization were associated with more depressive symptoms. Demoralization and distress played vital roles in moderating depressive symptoms among patients with cancer. Nursing interventions should integrate appropriate mental health services, such as alleviating distress and demoralization, to prevent the occurrence of depression in patients with cancer.

Background. Diabetes-related distress (DRD) is a psychological syndrome with worsened prognosis in uncontrolled diabetic patients. Risk of DRD progression is increased with uncontrolled diabetes, development of complications, concomitant medical conditions, and complicated treatment regimens. In addition to the di­sease burden, there are other factors that increase the risk of DRD such as lower level of education, younger age, se­dentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and poor self-care behavior. The current study purposed to assess the factors contributing to DRD among the Ukrainian population using the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17) score and its sub-scores. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted between January and June 2024 enrolling 125 diabetic patients from five Ukrainian regions. The survey included two parts: the first section gathe­red sociodemographic data and the second one focused on assessing the DDS-17 score. Results. Participants aged 46 years old and above had higher emotional distress compared to younger patients. Those with a primary educational level showed significantly higher emotional distress than those with a secondary level of education. Participants who were treated with both insulin and non-insulin medications or had a diastolic blood pressure of more than 90 mm Hg showed significant moderate to high distress. Participants who lived in rural areas showed higher distress. Obese and overweight people had significant moderate to high distress. The association between medical history with total distress showed that participants with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of more than 8.0 followed by those who had HbA1c between 7.1 and 8.0 showed moderate to high total distress. Conclusions. It is concluded that the prevalence of DRD is high in Ukraine, more common among rural residents, and among participants with high HbA1c, low educational level and those on complex treatment regimens. Screening for DRD and providing better support can optimize clinical outcomes.

Abstract Background Digital health technologies such as sensor systems are intended to support healthcare staff in providing adequate patient care. In the Department of Palliative Medicine (University Medical Center Freiburg), we developed and implemented a noninvasive, bed-based sensor system in a pilot study. The aim was to detect distress in patients who were no longer able to express themselves by monitoring heart and respiratory rates, vocalizations, and movement measurements. The sensor system was intended to supplement standard care, which generally cannot guarantee constant monitoring. As there is a lack of data on how healthcare professionals experience such a techno-digital innovation, the aim of this study was to explore how the multiprofessional palliative care team who piloted the sensor system perceived its potential benefits and limitations, and how they experienced the broader context of healthcare technology and research in palliative care. Methods We conducted a qualitative interview study with 20 members of the palliative care team and analyzed the recorded, verbatim transcribed interviews using qualitative content analysis. Results The sensor system was described as easy to use and as helpful support for patients, care staff, and relatives, especially against the backdrop of demographic change. However, it could not replace human interpretation of stress and subsequent treatment decisions: this remained the expertise of the nursing staff. A potential reduction in personnel was expected to be a risk of a digital monitoring system. The special conditions of research and digital health technologies in an end-of-life context also became clear. Specifically, healthcare staff were open to health technologies if they benefited the patient and were compatible with professional nursing and/or palliative care attitudes. Additionally, a patient-protective attitude and possible interprofessional differences in priorities and the resulting challenges for the team became apparent. Conclusions A potential digital solution for distress monitoring was considered useful by palliative care practitioners. However, interprofessional differences and compatibility with existing palliative care practices need to be considered before implementing such a system. To increase user acceptability, the perspectives of healthcare professionals should be included in the implementation of technological innovations in palliative care.

Abstract Background Now affecting one in six couples in Canada, infertility is defined as a lack of conception after 12 or more months of regular, unprotected heterosexual intercourse. Infertility is associated with immense psychological burden, particularly for individuals assigned female at birth. Yet existing psychological interventions are not specialized to this population and have been shown to be only marginally effective at relieving distress related to infertility. Thus, a new online self-directed psychological intervention was co-created with a panel of women experiencing infertility, and ultimately consisted of six 10-min video modules addressing the cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal aspects of infertility-related distress. Methods In the current study, 21 women experiencing reduced quality of life related to infertility were recruited to participate in a one-arm pre-post pilot testing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the program. Participant adherence and retention were monitored, and participants rated the credibility of the program and the helpfulness of each module as well as provided feedback on the content and format of the program. Pre-to-post changes in fertility quality of life, anxious symptoms, depressive symptoms, and relationship satisfaction were examined. Results The program modules were highly rated by participants, with average helpfulness ratings ranging from 7.5 to 8.2/10. Two participants became pregnant and therefore stopped prematurely, 79% of the remaining participants completed all six modules, and participants reported completing 52.8 (SD = 82.0) min of homework per week. Participants perceived the intervention as highly credible and generally approved of the format, length, and speed; however, 68% of participants had recommendations for additional content to be included in the intervention. While relationship satisfaction did not change significantly over time, large pre-to-post improvements in fertility quality of life, depression, and anxiety were observed (p

Abstract The influence of naps on tinnitus was systematically assessed by exploring the frequency, clinical and demographic characteristics of this phenomenon. 9,724 data from two different tinnitus databases (Tinnitus Hub: n = 6115; Tinnitus Research Initiative (TRI): n = 3627) were included. After separate analysis of the databases, these results were then compared with each other. In the Tinnitus Hub survey database, a total of 31.1% reported an influence on tinnitus by taking a nap (26.9% in the TRI database), with much more frequent worsening after a nap than improvement (23.0% a little or a lot worse; TRI: 17.7% worse; 8.1% a little or a lot better; TRI: 9.2% better). The influence of napping on tinnitus was associated in both databases with other clinical features, such as the dependence of tinnitus on night quality, stress and somatosensory maneuvers. The present study confirms the clinical observation that more tinnitus sufferers report worsening after a nap than tinnitus sufferers reporting an improvement. It was consistently shown that tinnitus sufferers reporting nap-induced modulation of tinnitus also report more frequently an influence of night sleep on their tinnitus. Further clinical and polysomnographic research is warranted to better understand the interaction between sleep and tinnitus.

Background: Anxiety and depression during the postpartum period can have a significant impact on mothers’ perceived sense of responsive caregiving, causing considerable distress. This association may be affected by mothers’ perception about social support. In the context of low-and-middle-income countries where prevalence rates of maternal mental illnesses are high and access to health care services is limited, informal supports become more relevant. Aim: The study aims to understand the lived experience of mothers who had postpartum depression or anxiety and their perceived distress related to infant care giving. It also explores the role of social support in the motherhood experience. Methods: Six mothers with postpartum depression or anxiety were interviewed to understand their experience of postpartum depression and/or anxiety and their perceptions about social support. The interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Results: The thematic analysis revealed four themes, namely, (a) uncertainty and helplessness, (b) misattunement with the immediate family, (c) personal strength rooted in the family support system, and (d) other means of coping. Mothers with postpartum anxiety and depression can have emotional, informational, and tangible social support needs in the context of uncertainty and helplessness, which are associated with different challenges and barriers for infant care in the Indian context. Conclusion: Support from family members is viewed as a pillar of comfort and recovery for the mothers. At the same time, if it is not adequately attuned to the needs of the mother, it can become a major source of distress.

Abstract Accuracy of memory is critical in legal and clinical contexts. These contexts are often linked with high levels of emotional distress and social sources that can provide potentially distorting information about stressful events. This study investigated how distress was associated with susceptibility to misinformation about a trauma analogue event. We employed an experimental design whereby in Phase 1, participants (N = 243, aged 20–72, 122 females, 117 males, 4 gender diverse) watched a trauma film (car crash) and heard an audio summary that contained misinformation (misled items), true reminders (consistent items), and no reminders (control items) about the film. Participants rated their total distress, and symptoms of avoidance, intrusions, and hyperarousal, in response to the film. They then completed cued recall, recognition, and source memory tasks. One week later in Phase 2, participants (N = 199) completed the same measures again. Generalised linear mixed models were used. A significant misinformation effect was found, and importantly, participants with higher distress levels showed a smaller misinformation effect, owing to especially poor memory for consistent items compared to their less distressed counterparts. Distress was also associated with improved source memory for misled items. Avoidance of the film’s reminders was associated with a smaller misinformation effect during immediate retrieval and a larger misinformation effect during delayed retrieval. Findings suggest that distress is associated with decreased susceptibility to misinformation in some cases, but also associated with poorer memory accuracy in general. Limitations are discussed, and the need for further research is highlighted.