Financial insecurity and mental well-being: experiences of parents amid the lebanese economic crisis.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the impact of financial insecurity on the mental well-being and stress levels of parents in Lebanon amid the country's severe economic crisis. The context of Lebanon's economic collapse, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion, has exacerbated financial and psychological distress among the population. This research aims to understand the correlation between financial instability and parental stress, identifying key factors contributing to mental health challenges in this demographic. METHODS: Employing a quantitative research approach, data was collected through an online survey from 785 parents from different backgrounds in Lebanon. The survey incorporated sociodemographic questions, the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale (IFDFW), and the Arabic version of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: Findings showed significant correlations between high levels of parental stress and factors such as age (r = 0.071, p = 0.047) and lower education levels. Notably, refugees residing in Lebanon exhibited higher stress levels compared to Lebanese parents (mean stress score: 51.73 vs. 45.71, p < 0.001). Similarly, employed participants exhibited higher stress levels compared to the nonworking (mean stress score: 46.75 vs. 44.60, p = 0.003). A significant inverse association was found between financial well-being and parental stress (r=-0.216, p < 0.001), emphasizing the profound impact of economic instability on mental health. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the adverse effects of financial insecurity on parents' mental health, primarily during a period of economic instability, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted support interventions. These findings contribute to the literature on economic crises and mental health, providing a basis for future research and policy development in similar contexts.

Within-couple comparison of maternal and paternal distress in an Italian birth cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared parental distress in 166 couples, using the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF), in the Italian NASCITA cohort at the two-year well-child visits. The study explored the concordance of distress levels within couples (aim 1) and their correlation with child-related stressors (aim 2). BACKGROUND: Previous studies focused on maternal distress or considered maternal and paternal experiences separately, without addressing differences within couples. METHOD: Data on parental distress were collected from the PSI-SF completed separately by parents. The total score was derived from three subscales, with high distress defined by a score above 85. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared the total PSI-SF scores of mothers and fathers. The prevalence of high distress was assessed using chi-square tests, and concordance between parents within the same couple was estimated using Cohen's K statistic. Chi-square tests were also used to compare distress levels in parents exposed to potential child-related stressors versus those not exposed. RESULTS: A slightly higher total score (z = -2.45; p = 0.01) was observed in mothers versus fathers, although the prevalence of distress was similar (15.1% vs. 13.9%, respectively; p = 0.76). Nine children (5.4%) had both parents distressed. Agreement in the high level of distress was observed for 81.9% of the couples, with a fair agreement on the total score (Cohen's K = 0.27).The percentage of children with both distressed parents was slightly higher in the group exposed to potential stressors (6.6% vs. 4%, p = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to evaluate distress in parents exposed to potential stressors related to child characteristics early. This assessment should be part of the pediatric family practice to prevent adverse outcomes in both child and parental wellbeing.

Clinical characteristics, depression, anxiety, and stress of medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has an extremely high infection rate. This study aimed to investigate emotional states and COVID-19 infection of medical workers during the self-management strategy to COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: Questionnaires were collected via an online questionnaire platform from 20 December 2022 to 19 January 2023, including demographic characteristics, number of vaccine doses, COVID-19 test results, occupation, attendant situations of workers, clinical symptoms, disease duration, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21. RESULTS: A total of 748 complete questionnaires were collected. The average age of participants was 33.61 ± 8.94 years, and 79.55% participants were female. The proportion of anxiety was significantly higher in the infection group (52.32%) than in the non-infection group (28.45%) (p < 0.001), as was the proportion of stress (41.47% vs. 31.90%, p = 0.046). Medical students (odds ratios (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.93) and other staff (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.98) had a lower risk for depression than doctors (p = 0.024), and attendant and infective situations of workers was the risk factor for depression (p = 0.007). Occupation (p = 0.029) and infected workers (p = 0.001) were related to anxiety. Infected attendant workers had a higher risk for stress (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.12-3.48) than uninfected attendant workers (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Most medical workers infected with COVID-19 had emotional disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attention and useful measures are suggested to support medical workers.

Burden, Anxiety, and Depression Among Caregivers of Parkinson's Disease Patients.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a disabling neurodegenerative movement disorder. Most PD patients are looked after by caregivers who are close to them regardless of their relationship. Caregivers may experience a notable impact on their mental health as they dedicate a significant amount of time to the patient while observing the progression of the disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of burden, depression, anxiety, and stress among caregivers of PD patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis between July and September 2023 among caregivers of PD patients following in the Movement Disorders Clinic at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and through the Saudi Parkinson's Society. The data collection was done anonymously through an electronic self-administered questionnaire. Caregiver burden was assessed by using the validated Arabic version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) was used to assess the presence and level of anxiety and depression. Results: There were 118 caregivers (53.39% female, 33.9% aged between 35- 45 years, and 73.73% were sons/daughters) caring for 118 patients (57.63%, male, 38.98% aged between 66- 76). The ZBI score was highest among sibling caregivers. Moreover, burden scores were higher among those who provided care more frequently than others. Conclusions: Our study revealed that PD caregivers face a high risk of care burden, especially those who are siblings and spend longer periods in patient care. Additionally, female caregivers reported higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a serious condition that affects movement, and most PD patients are cared for by someone close to them, such as a family member. This caregiving can significantly impact the mental health of the caregiver, who often spends a lot of time caring for the patient and witnessing the disease's progression. We studied caregivers of PD patients at the Movement Disorders Clinic at King Khalid University Hospital and through the Saudi Parkinson's Society from July to September 2023. Caregivers completed an anonymous electronic questionnaire, and we measured caregiver burden using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and assessed anxiety and depression using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Our study included 118 caregivers (53.39% female, most aged 35­ 45 years, and 73.73% were sons or daughters) caring for 118 PD patients (57.63% male, most aged 66­ 76 years). Caregivers who were siblings or cared for the patient daily had higher burden scores, and female caregivers had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to males. Our study revealed that PD caregivers face a high risk of care burden, especially those who are siblings and spend longer periods in patient care, and that female caregivers exhibited an elevated risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, or stress.

Psychological distress and trajectories of sleep duration among Australian adolescents: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association between indicators of psychological distress and well-being and trajectories of sleep duration among a cohort of Australian adolescents. DESIGN: A prospective cohort of adolescents was followed over 27 weeks (8 November 2019-14 May 2020). Data on sleep duration and psychological distress were collected via smartphones, based on ecological momentary assessments. SETTING: Sydney population catchment, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Young people aged 13-19 years were recruited via social media (Instagram or Facebook). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Self-reported sleep duration in the past 24 hours. Sleep duration was dichotomised into 'less than 8 hours' and 'at least 8 hours', to represent those participants not meeting the recommended minimum amount of daily sleep. RESULTS: Participants with high psychological distress had higher odds of sleeping less than 8 hours (OR 1.51 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.96)), compared with those with low psychological distress. Social media use (OR 1.34 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.79)) and longer periods spent on homework (OR 1.37, (95% CI 1.07 to 1.75)) were also associated with a sleep duration of less than 8 hours. Also, decreasing sleep trajectories were associated with increased psychological distress (ß=0.069, (95% CI -0.010 to 0.149)) and increased homework hours (ß=0.078 (95% CI 0.036 to 0.120)). CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the adverse impact of psychological distress and high levels of social media use on sleep duration among adolescents. Longitudinal studies with longer follow-up periods are warranted to further explore the temporal associations between sleep duration and different health outcomes among varying populations.

Predictors of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among maternity nurses and midwives in a Middle Eastern country.

This study assessed anxiety, depression, and stress levels among midwives and maternity nurses in Oman using the DASS-21 questionnaire in a cross-sectional survey of 200 participants from three public hospitals. Results indicated that 27.0% experienced mild to moderate depression, while 33.5% and 32% reported mild to moderate anxiety and stress, respectively. No severe cases were observed, but the findings highlight significant predictors such as sleep quality, job satisfaction, caseload per shift, age, and working area. These factors were significantly associated with the mental health outcomes measured. The study underscores the importance of addressing the psychological and emotional well-being of midwives and maternity nurses through targeted support and interventions, given the substantial percentage experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. Continuous efforts are essential to mitigate these issues and promote a healthier work environment for these healthcare professionals.

Cette étude a évalué les niveaux d'anxiété, de dépression et de stress chez les sages-femmes et les infirmières de maternité d'Oman à l'aide du questionnaire DASS-21 dans le cadre d'une enquête transversale menée auprès de 200 participants de trois hôpitaux publics. Les résultats ont indiqué que 27,0 % souffraient de dépression légère à modérée, tandis que 33,5 % et 32 % rapportaient respectivement une anxiété et un stress légers à modérés. Aucun cas grave n'a été observé, mais les résultats mettent en évidence des prédicteurs importants tels que la qualité du sommeil, la satisfaction au travail, le nombre de cas par équipe, l'âge et la zone de travail. Ces facteurs étaient significativement associés aux résultats en matière de santé mentale mesurés. L'étude souligne l'importance d'aborder le bien-être psychologique et émotionnel des sages-femmes et des infirmières de maternité par le biais d'un soutien et d'interventions ciblés, étant donné le pourcentage substantiel de symptômes légers à modérés. Des efforts continus sont essentiels pour atténuer ces problèmes et promouvoir un environnement de travail plus sain pour ces professionnelles en soins.

Association between hair cortisol concentration and acute stress symptoms in family members of critically ill patients: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between hair cortisol concentrations and acute stress symptoms in family members of critically ill patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an adult intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from August 2021 to February 2022. Family members of intensive care unit patients admitted for more than 10 days were approached for enrollment. We collected sociodemographic data and assessed resilience, religiosity, and symptoms of acute stress among family members. Samples of family members' hair were collected shortly after the interview to measure the hair cortisol concentration. RESULTS: A total of 110 family members were included in this study. Eighty-eight (80.0%) family members presented with symptoms of acute stress. The median hair cortisol concentration was 2.37pg/mg (1.16 - 5.06pg/mg). There was no significant difference in hair cortisol concentration between family members with and without acute stress symptoms (p = 0.419). According to the multivariate analysis, only the fact that the patient was alert at the time of the family member's interview was significantly associated with the prevalence of acute stress symptoms in the family member. CONCLUSION: We did not find an association between the hair cortisol concentration of family members in hair segments in the months prior to admission to the intensive care unit and the occurrence of acute stress symptoms.

Psychological well-being and its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, physical health, substance use and other mental health outcomes among adults in Canada. / Le bien-être psychologique et ses associations avec les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, la santé physique, la consommation de substances et d'autres composantes de la santé mentale chez les adultes au Canada.

INTRODUCTION: Psychological well-being (PWB) is an important component of positive mental health (PMH) and an asset for population health. This study examined correlates of PWB among community-dwelling adults (18+ years) in the 10 Canadian provinces. METHODS: Using data from the 2019 Canadian Community Health Survey Rapid Response on PMH, we conducted linear regression analyses with sociodemographic, mental health, physical health and substance use variables as predictors of PWB. PWB was measured using six questions from the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, which asked about feelings of self-acceptance, personal growth, environmental mastery, autonomy, positive relations and purpose in life during the past month. RESULTS: In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, older age, being married or in a commonlaw relationship and having a BMI in the overweight category (25.00-29.99) were associated with higher PWB, while reporting a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, high perceived life stress, engaging in heavy episodic drinking and frequent cannabis use were associated with lower PWB. Sex, having children living at home, immigrant status, racialized group membership, educational attainment, household income tertile, having a BMI in the obese category (≥30.00), major chronic disease and smoking status were not significantly associated with PWB. CONCLUSION: This research identifies sociodemographic, mental health, physical health and substance use factors associated with PWB among adults in Canada. These findings highlight groups and characteristics that could be the focus of future research to promote PMH.

Biometrically measured sleep in medical students as a predictor of psychological health and academic experiences in the preclinical years.

BACKGROUND: Student wellness is of increasing concern in medical education. Increased rates of burnout, sleep disturbances, and psychological concerns in medical students are well documented. These concerns lead to impacts on current educational goals and may set students on a path for long-term health consequences. METHODS: Undergraduate medical students were recruited to participate in a novel longitudinal wellness tracking project. This project utilized validated wellness surveys to assess emotional health, sleep health, and burnout at multiple timepoints. Biometric information was collected from participant Fitbit devices that tracked longitudinal sleep patterns. RESULTS: Eighty-one students from three cohorts were assessed during the first semester of their M1 preclinical curriculum. Biometric data showed that nearly 30% of the students had frequent short sleep episodes (<6 hours of sleep for at least 30% of recorded days), and nearly 68% of students had at least one episode of three or more consecutive days of short sleep. Students that had consecutive short sleep episodes had higher rates of stress (8.3%) and depression (5.4%) symptoms and decreased academic efficiency (1.72%). CONCLUSIONS: Biometric data were shown to significantly predict psychological health and academic experiences in medical students. Biometrically assessed sleep is poor in medical students, and consecutive days of short sleep duration are particularly impactful as it relates to other measures of wellness. Longitudinal, biometric data tracking is feasible and can provide students the ability to self-monitor health behaviors and allow for low-intensity health interventions.

Factors influencing happiness and depression in high-risk pregnant women: a cross-sectional study using the ecological systems approach.

PURPOSE: The increasing number of high-risk pregnancies has led to a greater emphasis on psychological well-being in nursing care. However, reducing depression does not automatically equate to increasing happiness. This study aimed to systematically examine the factors influencing happiness and depression among high-risk pregnant women in South Korea. METHODS: This correlational, cross-sectional study was based on the ecological systems theory. In total, 152 high-risk pregnant women completed a self-report survey questionnaire available online or offline. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: The first model (individual system) identified pregnancy stress and mindfulness as significant factors influencing both happiness and depression. The second model (microsystem) identified medical status at the time of the survey, maternal-fetal interaction, marital intimacy, and social support as additional significant factors influencing either happiness or depression. In the third model (mesosystem), maternal-fetal interaction and paternal-fetal attachment were no longer identified as significant factors. Although the fourth model (exosystem) did not identify community service as a significant factor, individual (pregnancy stress, mindfulness) and microsystem (marital intimacy) factors were found to influence happiness and depression. Medical status at the time of survey and social support were additional factors that influenced happiness, but not depression. These factors explained 51.2% and 55.5% of the variance in happiness and depression, respectively, among high-risk pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Different factors at the individual and microsystem levels affected happiness and depression among high-risk pregnant women. Hence, efforts to reduce depression among these women should be accompanied by efforts to actively promote happiness.

Effects of postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, and family support on postpartum depression in Chinese first-time mothers: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the levels of postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, family support, and postpartum depression (PPD) experienced by first-time Chinese mothers and to investigate their impact on PPD. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey involved 150 primigravida women attending postnatal checkups in Hebi City, Henan Province, China. Demographic data and information on environmental variables (living conditions, family relationships), postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, family support (expected vs. actual level), and PPD were collected. RESULTS: The average age of the women was 26.25 years (SD, ±3.90), with 78.7% at risk for PPD (score ≥10). Significant correlations were found between PPD and postpartum fatigue (r=.63, p<.001), parenting stress (r=.59, p<.001), and family support (r=.40, p<.001). In model 1, which examined the influence of women's demographic variables on PPD, significant factors included a poor relationship with parents (ß=.24, p=.001), a poor relationship with parents-in-law (ß=.18, p=.029), and a poor relationship with the husband (ß=.20, p=.013). When the three research variables were incorporated into model 2, the factors contributing to a higher level of PPD included a poor relationship with parents-in-law (ß=.14, p=.033), increased postpartum fatigue (ß=.37, p<.001), increased parenting stress (ß=.33, p<.001), and less family support than expected (ß=.12, p=.048). CONCLUSION: The most critical factors influencing PPD include postpartum fatigue, parenting stress, poor relationships with parents-in-law, and low family support among Chinese primiparas. To mitigate PPD levels, healthcare professionals should screen mothers for depression in outpatient clinics and offer education and counseling to both mothers and their families or companions regarding PPD.

Psychological distress among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic: patterns over time.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 added to healthcare provider (HCP) distress, but patterns of change remain unclear. This study sought to determine if and how emotional distress varied among HCP between March 28, 2021 and December 1, 2023. METHODS: This longitudinal study was embedded within the 42-month prospective COVID-19 Cohort Study that recruited HCP from four Canadian provinces. Information was collected at enrollment, from annual exposure surveys, and vaccination and illness surveys. The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was completed approximately every six months after March 28, 2021. Linear mixed effects models, specifically random intercept models, were generated to determine the impact of time on emotional distress while accounting for demographic and work-related factors. RESULTS: Between 2021 and 2023, the mean K10 score fell by 3.1 points, indicating decreased distress, but scores increased during periods of high levels of mitigation strategies against transmission of SARS-CoV-2, during winter months, and if taking antidepression, anti-anxiety or anti-insomnia medications. K10 scores were significantly lower for HCP who were male, older, had more children in their household, experienced prior COVID-19 illness(es), and for non-physician but regulated HCP versus nurses. A sensitivity analysis that included only those who had submitted at least five K10 surveys consisted of the factors in the full model excluding previous COVID-19 illness, occupation, and season, after adjustment. Models were also created for K10 anxiety and depression subscales. CONCLUSIONS: K10 scores decreased as the COVID-19 pandemic continued but increased during periods of high mitigation and the winter months. Personal and work-place factors also impacted HCP distress scores. Further research into best practices in distress identification and remediation is warranted to ensure future public health disasters are met with healthcare systems that are able to buffer HCP against short- and long-term mental health issues.

The relationship between perceived school stress and satisfaction with life among Norwegian school-based adolescents and the moderating role of perceived teacher care: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Perceived stress from schoolwork and perceived teacher care are shown to influence adolescents' life satisfaction. However, there is a need to further explore how levels of perceived school stress affect life satisfaction of Norwegian adolescents across gender and school levels using nationwide data, and whether this association is moderated by perceived teacher care. Hence, this paper sought to: (1) describe perceived school stress, perceived teacher care and satisfaction with life in Norwegian adolescents stratified by gender and school level, (2) examine the association between perceived school stress and satisfaction with life by testing perceived teacher care as a possible moderator and (3) explore the association between perceived teacher care and adolescents' satisfaction with life. METHODS: We utilized cross-sectional data from the Norwegian Ungdata Survey from 2021, encompassing adolescents from lower and upper secondary school. Two-thirds of all Norwegian adolescents participated in the Ungdata Survey from 2021. All data is anonymous. The study variables are presented according to lower and upper secondary school as well as gender. Linear regressions were conducted and adjusted for socioeconomic status (SES) by using SPSS. RESULTS: In total, 139,841 adolescents were included. Girls exhibited higher perceived school stress, lower perceived teacher care, and lower life satisfaction than boys in both lower and secondary school (all p < 0.01). Strong inverse associations on satisfaction with life were found in both genders in lower and upper secondary school among those who reported very frequent perceived school stress, with perceived teacher care moderating the relationship (B= -0.67; 95% CI [-0.70 to -0.65], P < 0.01]). Moreover, robust associations were unveiled between high and low levels of perceived teacher care and life satisfaction across gender and school level. CONCLUSIONS: Higher perceived school stress was strongly inversely associated with life satisfaction in Norwegian adolescents, in both girls and boys, and in both lower and secondary school. Teacher care was identified as a moderator and seems to play a crucial part in the everyday life of Norwegian adolescents. These implications extend to teacher education, practice, and policy, which should be aware of the pivotal role of perceived teacher care on Norwegian school-based adolescents' life satisfaction.

The association of micro and macro worries with psychological distress in people living with chronic kidney disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress can be exacerbated by micro (personal) and macro (societal) worries, especially during challenging times. Exploration of this relationship in people with chronic kidney disease is limited. OBJECTIVES: (1) To identify the types and levels of worries concerning people with chronic kidney disease in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) to explore the association of worries with psychological distress including depression, stress, anxiety, and health anxiety. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional online survey collected data at two time points (Autumn 2020, n = 528; Spring 2021, n = 241). Participants included kidney transplant recipients and people with non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease. MEASUREMENTS: The survey included questions about worry taken from the World Health Organisation COVID-19 Survey, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Short Health Anxiety Index. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. RESULTS: Worries about loved ones' health, the healthcare system becoming overloaded, losing a loved one, economic recession, and physical health were the highest rated concerns. Worrying about mental health was associated with higher depression, stress, anxiety, and health anxiety. Worrying about physical health was associated with anxiety and health anxiety. Worrying about losing a loved one was associated with health anxiety, and worrying about not being able to pay bills was associated with stress. CONCLUSIONS: People with kidney disease reported micro and macro worries associated with psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights factors that should be considered to improve the mental health and well-being of people with kidney disease.

Evaluation of the mental health status of intensive care unit healthcare workers at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: During pandemic periods, mental health issues are highly prevalent, particularly among healthcare workers who are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the mental health status of the intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare workers, who play a vital role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of the quality of sleep, levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, stress and to determine the factors that affect their mental health. Methods: The research was conducted in April 2020 and incorporated a total of 79 participants working in an university hospital ICUs in Turkey. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 42 (DASS-42), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were applied. Results: Among the participants, 58 individuals comprising 73.4% of the cohort were working in the ICUs, managing patients infected with COVID-19. Those working in ICUs with COVID-19 patients had significantly higher DASS-S, BAI, and BDI scores. Doctors' BDI scores were significantly lower compared to both nurses and other healthcare workers. Participants exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms manifested significantly higher BAI scores in compared to those without such symptoms. Conclusion: Healthcare workers involved in ICUs with COVID-19 patients were more significantly affected psychologically, doctors had lower depressive symptoms as compared to other healthcare workers. In addition, individuals with COVID-19 symptoms demonstrated significantly higher levels of anxiety. The findings of our study emphasize the significance of providing psychological support to healthcare workers throughout pandemics.

Psychological impact of peri-implant fractures: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Peri-implant fractures (PIFs) are uncommon yet critical complications following orthopedic surgery. These complications can significantly impact a patient's psychological well-being and overall quality of life. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the psychological effects of PIFs. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that involved 136 patients who underwent surgery for PIFs between 2018 and 2022. We utilized various validated scales and questionnaires such as Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and Brief COPE Inventory (BCI) to assess their psychological state. RESULT: The results revealed that patients with PIFs experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress compared to the general population. Additionally, they reported lower physical and mental health. Factors such as the number of surgeries, treatment delay, post-operative pain levels, and complications significantly influenced their psychological outcomes. Notably, acceptance, positive reframing, and seeking emotional support were the most common coping mechanisms employed by these patients. Conversely, denial, substance use, and self blame were the least employed strategies. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that psychological interventions could significantly benefit patients with PIFs, potentially reducing their distress and improving their quality of life.

Association between weight perception and perceived stress among Korean adults from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Although several studies showed a correlation between weight perception and depression, the association between weight perception and perceived stress is unclear. This study explored this association using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with 37,022 participants. Participants were grouped based on how they perceived their body versus real body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference: accurate, underperception, or overperception. Stress was assessed through a questionnaire. The logistic regression analysis was performed, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was presented. The results showed a correlation between overperception and higher perceived stress. This correlation was especially apparent in women with significant OR and 95% CIs of 1.15 (1.07-1.23) for BMI and 1.15 (1.07-1.23) for waist circumference. In the subgroup analysis according to the real obese status, all misperceptions were associated with higher perceived stress in normal participants. In comparison, underperception showed a correlation with lower perceived stress in obese participants. The results suggest weight perception as a potential marker for many stress-related diseases and an important factor in treating mental disorders. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between stress and weight perception.

Global prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in the elderly population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several preliminary studies have been conducted in the field of the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in the elderly population. These studies have examined the prevalence in limited geographic areas with small sample sizes. Also, there are many limitations in the meta-analysis studies. The objective of the present study was to synthesize the global prevalence statistics of depression, anxiety, and stress in the elderly population through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The present systematic review included retrieval of primary studies from the oldest relevant study up to 2023. To find the relevant studies, international databases such as Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science (WoS) were systematically searched. Also, a manual search was performed through the Google Scholar search engine and a review of the sources of related articles. The qualitative assessment of the studies was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Due to a high heterogeneity among the study results, a Random Effects model was chosen. RESULTS: A total of 42 articles on depression, 47 articles on anxiety and 13 articles on stress were included in the meta-analysis. The overall estimates for prevalence based on a random-effects model were as follows: depression, 19.2% (95% CI: 13.0 - 27.5%); anxiety, 16.5% (95% CI: 11.1 - 22.8%); and stress, 13.9% (95% CI: 5.5 - 30.9%). The highest prevalence of depression and anxiety was recorded in Africa. The prevalence of depression was higher in nursing homes, and stress was more prevalent in individuals with COVID-19 compared to other populations. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in the elderly population. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals and policymakers pay more attention to the prevention and management of these disorders in the elderly population.

The effect of psychological stress on the menstrual cycle among medical students.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of menstrual abnormalities among medical students, and to explore its association with stress levels. METHODS: TThe cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18 to May 28, 2021, in Baghdad, Iraq, after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, and comprised female medical students in Baghdad. Data was collected using simple random sampling technique and employed an online questionnaire that was distributed through e-mail. The questionnaire had 3 domains: demographic and anthropometric data, menstrual history, and psychological stress. The psychosocial stress levels was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: There were 397 subjects with mean age 20.84±1.621 years (range: 17-24 years). Mean age of menarche was 12.65±1.399 years, mean body mass index was 22.71±6.369kg/m2 and the mean stress score was 22.71±6.016. Dysmenorrhoea was seen in 369(92.9%) cases, and premenstrual symptoms in 391(98.5%). Dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome and heavy bleeding were significantly associated with stress level (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most students had heavy bleeding and dysmenorrhoea, which were severe enough to require analgesics. There was a significant association between high stress levels and the occurrence of menstrual abnormalities.

Mental health among parents and their children with eczema in Hong Kong.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional survey research investigated mental health symptoms and quality of life among Chinese parents and their children with eczema at a paediatric dermatology clinic in Hong Kong from November 2018 to October 2020. METHODS: Health-related quality of life, eczema severity, and mental health among children with eczema, as well as their parents' mental health, were studied using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), Infants' Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQOL), Nottingham Eczema Severity Score (NESS), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and the Chinese version of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21). RESULTS: In total, 432 children and 380 parents were recruited. Eczema severity (NESS and POEM) and health-related quality of life (CDLQI) were significantly positively associated with parental and child depression, anxiety, and stress levels according to the DASS-21, regardless of sex (children: r=0.28- 0.72, P<0.001 to 0.007; parents: r=0.20-0.52, P<0.001 to 0.034). Maternal depression was marginally positively associated with increased anxiety in boys with eczema (r=0.311; P=0.045). Younger parents had higher risk of developing more anxiety and stress compared with the older parents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=-0.342, P=0.014 and aOR=-0.395, P=0.019, respectively). Depression level of parents with primary to secondary education was 58% higher than their counterparts with post-secondary education or above (aOR=-1.579; P=0.007). CONCLUSION: Depression, anxiety, and stress among children with eczema and their parents were associated with eczema severity and impaired quality of life in those children. These findings regarding impaired mental health in children with eczema and their parents highlight the need to include mental well-being and psychosocial outcomes in future studies and clinical practice.