[Russian adaptation of the Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire]. / Adaptatsiya russkoyazychnoi versii oprosnika klinicheskogo perfektsionizma.

OBJECTIVE: Adaptation of the Russian version of the Clinical Perfectionist Questionnaire (CPQ, Fairburn, Cooper, Shafran 2002) and evaluation of its psychometric features. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five people (98 (72.6%) women, 37 (27.4%) men) at the age from 18 to 36 (M=25.10; SD=4.92) took part in this study. Fifty-seven participants are diagnosed with eating disorder. Respondents completed the adapted version of CPQ, The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) (Skugarevsky and Sivuha adaptation) and the Three-factor perfectionism questionnaire (Garanyan, Holmogorova). RESULTS: Three-factor structure was found from 12 questions of CPQ: self-esteem based on achievements; correspondence with high standards; negative evaluation of results. Inner coherence of the factors is high and acceptable (Cronbachs alpha 0.784, 0.691 and 0.609, respectively). There are statistically significant positive correlations between scales of CPQ and scales of the Three-factor perfectionism questionnaire. There is a significant positive correlation between CPQ scale «self-esteem based on achievements¼ and summed result of EAT-26 (p<0.05). No significant differences in results of each CPQ scale between people with- and without diagnosed eating disorder is found. CONCLUSION: The adapted Russian version of CPQ showed relevant psychometric characteristics, therefore it may be used as an additional instrument for diagnosing of eating desorders.

Yellowness in skin complexion: Analysis of self-perception of women in China evaluated against clinical parameters of yellowness.

BACKGROUND: Skin "yellowness" is an abstract and subjective term, without a definitive measurement protocol. Objectives were to analyze Chinese women's self-perception of skin yellowness and associated parameters and identify objective clinical measurements that correlate with these perceptions. METHODS: Following focus group discussions, criteria for skin yellowness were defined, and validated by volunteer rankings of facial images. A typology study of 185 women was performed. Participants were grouped into yellow (Color Uniformity, Brightness and Transparency (CUBT) yellow scale grade > 3, chromameter b* value > 16) and non-yellow (CUBT yellow scale grade < 2, b* value < 14) groups. Participants self-evaluated their skin on yellowness, transparency, skin uniformity, dullness, radiance, oiliness, and texture. Expert assessments were performed to grade sebaceous pores, ocular area pigmentation, pigmentary spots and CUBT scores. Instrumental analysis of the skin was employed using corneometer, sebumeter, mexameter chromameter, and AGE reader. RESULTS: Women in the yellow group self-evaluated their skin as significantly duller, less uniform, and less radiant than women in the non-yellow group (P ≤ 0.05). Higher levels of ocular area pigmentation and lower facial skin uniformity and brightness (P < 0.001) were observed in women with yellow skin. CUBT expert grading showed lower pink skin color, but significantly higher beige, yellow, and olive pigmentation (P ≤ 0.05) in women in the yellow skin group. Melanin and b* values were significantly higher in women with yellow skin while L value was significantly lower. CONCLUSION: Self-perceived skin yellowness in Chinese women correlates to chromameter and mexameter measurements, as well as expert evaluation of ocular pigmentation and CUBT parameters.

Feasibility and effectiveness of a 24-weeks outdoor exercise program on the physical and mental health of persons with schizophrenia.

Outdoor exercise can be a novelty and effective therapeutic strategy to achieve positive physical and mental health outcomes in persons with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 24-weeks outdoor exercise program in the physical and mental health of persons with schizophrenia. Fifty-two outpatients with schizophrenia were conveniently assigned to a 24-weeks walking/jogging combined with cycling outdoor program (n = 23, male = 14) or control group (n = 29, male = 20). Demographic and clinical measures were collected. Physical health was evaluated using anthropometric measures, 6 min walk test, Eurofit and accelerometer. Mental health was evaluated using self-esteem, motivation for exercise and quality of life questionnaires. Attendance rate to the outdoor program was 92 %. The exercise program significantly decreased participant's body mass index and improved functional exercise capacity and balance. No effects were reported in the self-esteem, motivation for physical activity and quality of life. Significant decreases were found in abdominal strength, hand grip and self-esteem levels of the control group. The outdoor exercise combining walking/jogging and cycling was an effective intervention to decrease body mass index and to improve physical fitness. It can be suggested as a therapeutic approach with an important impact on the management of schizophrenia.

Association between disturbance of self-organization and irritable bowel syndrome in Japanese population using the international trauma questionnaire.

Disturbance of self-organization (DSO) is defined by affective dysregulation, negative self-concept, and disturbances in relationships. Along with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), DSO is a part of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), which often results from childhood trauma and has life-long consequences. We investigated the association between CPTSD, PTSD, DSO, childhood adversity, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Individuals with IBS exhibited markedly higher prevalences of DSO, CPTSD, and PTSD symptoms and higher trauma scores compared with healthy individuals. The odds of having IBS were 3.718 and 1.924 times greater for those with DSO symptoms (p < .001) and CPTSD symptoms (p = .005), respectively. IBS severity was highest in the DSO group, followed by the CPTSD, PTSD, and non-DSO/CPTSD/PTSD groups. DSO symptoms mediate the impact of childhood adversity on IBS symptoms, explaining half of this effect, whereas PTSD symptoms do not. These findings suggest a significant role of DSO in the development of IBS.

An Automated Text Messaging Intervention to Reduce Substance Use Self-Stigma (Project RESTART): Protocol for a Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Stigma is a barrier to treatment and harm reduction seeking in people who use drugs. Most stigma reduction interventions offer psychotherapy or psychoeducation in group-based clinical settings, failing to reach people who are not in treatment. SMS text messaging is an effective and acceptable modality for delivering health information to people who use drugs and may be a suitable conduit for providing information and advice to understand and cope with stigma. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a 4-week automated SMS text message intervention to increase stigma resistance and reduce self-stigma in people who use drugs. METHODS: We designed a novel automated SMS text message intervention to address the four personal-level constructs of stigma resistance: (1) not believing stigma and catching and challenging stigmatizing thoughts, (2) empowering oneself through learning about substance use and one's recovery, (3) maintaining one's recovery and proving stigma wrong, and (4) developing a meaningful identity and purpose apart from one's substance use. Theory-based messages were developed and pilot-tested in qualitative elicitation interviews with 22 people who use drugs, resulting in a library of 56 messages. In a single-group, within-subjects, community-based pilot trial, we will enroll 30 participants in the Resisting Stigma and Revaluating Your Thoughts (RESTART) intervention. Participants will receive 2 daily SMS text messages for 4 weeks. Implementation feasibility will be assessed through recruitment, enrollment, retention, and message delivery statistics. User feasibility and acceptability will be assessed at follow-up using 23 survey items informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Primary effectiveness outcomes are changes in self-stigma (Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale) and stigma resistance (Stigma Resistance Scale) from baseline to follow-up measured via a self-administered survey. Secondary outcomes are changes in hope (Adult Dispositional Hope Scale) and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed with descriptive statistics; effectiveness outcomes will be assessed with paired 2-tailed t tests, and group differences will be explored using ANOVA. Overall, 12 participants will also be selected to complete acceptability interviews. RESULTS: This pilot study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in April 2023 and received regulatory approval in January 2024 by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Institutional Review Board. Recruitment and enrollment began in March 2024. Follow-up visits are expected to conclude by May 2024. Results will be disseminated in relevant peer-reviewed journals. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to address substance use stigma via a self-help SMS text messaging program. Results will add to the nascent literature on stigma reduction in people who use drugs. This protocol may interest researchers who are considering text messaging to address psychosocial needs in hard-to-reach populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06281548; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06281548. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/59224.

Patient-Reported Variables Affecting Self-Perceived Overall Recovery Among People With Subacute Stroke.

IMPORTANCE: Patients' perception of overall recovery is a critical outcome for stroke rehabilitation. However, the perception of overall recovery cannot be obtained using multidimensional measures, because satisfaction in most domains of life does not guarantee satisfaction in overall recovery. A single overall recovery score seems a straightforward measure. However, the clinical implications of overall scores are restricted, because factors affecting patients' overall recovery are unclear, which can be prioritized to optimize the effectiveness of rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To examine patient-reported variables affecting overall recovery scores in patients with differing stroke severity. DESIGN: The 59 items of the Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 were selected using regression analysis with a forward selection to explain the overall recovery score (0% = no recovery; 100% = full recovery). Stroke severity was determined with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. SETTING: Hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Data of 950 patients collected 90 days after stroke. RESULTS: The models explained about 55% of the variance of the overall recovery scores with five to nine variables, but merely 16% of the variance was explained for patients with moderate stroke. As stroke severity increased, the number of identified variables decreased. Most identified variables were related to social participation and self-care activities (e.g., ability to help others, control the bowels, and dress the torso). Differences in the remaining variables depended on stroke severity. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patients' priorities differ depending on stroke severity. The identified variables may be set as treatment goals to optimize patients' self-perceived overall recovery. Plain-Language Summary: How patients perceive their overall recovery after a stroke is a critical outcome for their stroke rehabilitation. This study demonstrated that patients with different stroke severity may have different priorities that influence their self-perceived levels of overall recovery. The variables identified in this study may help occupational therapy practitioners identify meaningful goals to optimize patients' self-perceived overall recovery.

Self-perceived halitosis and associated factors among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem affecting psycho-social wellbeing of young people. We aimed to explore the extent of self-perceived halitosis and associated factors among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students from November 2021 to April 2022. Six private and two public universities were approached. A total of 318 participants were conveniently selected for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Students unwilling to participate were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with halitosis. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata Version 17. RESULTS: A total of 55.97% of students had self-perceived halitosis, with females (74.53%) having a significantly higher proportion than males (36.94%) (p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of halitosis was found among participants who were overweight ( 61%), had obesity (60.77%), smoked cigarette (46.79%), consumed alcohol (71.43%), lacked exercise (66.29%), were on unhealthy diet (57.35%), consumed coffee/tea (61.35%), breathed through mouth (64.60%), brushed tooth infrequently (85.71%), changed toothbrush after 6 months (77.42%), did not use toothpaste (94.74%), did not use/ sometimes used fluoride toothpaste (75.76%), lacked dental floss use (60.85%), did not use toothpick (62.87%), did chew or sometimes chewed sugar-free chewing gum (75.82%), did not clear / cleaned tongue sometimes (76.14%), did use mouth freshener regularly or occasionally (64.97%), did not use or used mouthwash sometimes (58.87%) were also associated with higher self-perceived halitosis (p < 0.05 for all). Students with gum bleeding, swollen gums, dry mouth, dental caries, food accumulation, and tooth sensitivity had a significantly (p < 0.05 for all) higher proportion of self-perceived halitosis (76.85%, 81.82%, 72.50%, 67.78%, 64.13% and 67.40%, respectively) compared to those without this problem. Being female (OR = 5.04; 95% CI: 2.01-12.62; p < 0.001), alcohol consumers (OR 7.35; 95% CI: 1.77-30.50; p = 0.006); not using sugar free chewing gum (OR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10-0.58; p = 0.001), lack of tongue cleaning (OR 4.62; 95% CI: 2.16-9.84; p < 0.001), and gum bleeding (OR = 7.43; 95% CI: 3.00-18.35; p < 0.001) were independently associated with halitosis on multivariable regression. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high proportion of self-perceived halitosis and relevant factors. There should be more public education on the causes of halitosis and potential management approaches.

Mediating effects of self-esteem and self-compassion on the relationship between body dissatisfaction and depression among adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Introduction: Body dissatisfaction significantly impacts depression among adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This relationship is compounded by various factors. Our study aims to explore the roles of self-esteem and self-compassion in the relationship between body dissatisfaction and depression in adolescent with PCOS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, involving 287 adolescents diagnosed with PCOS from January 2020 to December 2021. Participants completed validated questionnaires covering body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, self-compassion and depression. We utilized correlation and mediation analyses to examine the relationships and mediating effects among these variables. Results: Body dissatisfaction had a significant positive effect on depression (ß = 4.254, p < 0.001). Conversely, self-esteem (ß = -0.944, p < 0.001) and self-compassion (ß = -0.318, p < 0.001) were negative predictors of depression. Both self-esteem [ß = 3.405, 95% CI = (0.151, 0.305)] and self-compassion [ß = 1.525, 95% CI = (0.045, 0.165)] were shown to partially mediate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and depression, explaining 37.07% and 16.61% of the total effect, respectively. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of fostering self-esteem and self-compassion among adolescents with PCOS to buffer the depressive effects of body dissatisfaction. Interventions aimed at promoting accurate and positive body perceptions, enhancing self-esteem, fostering a supportive attitude toward personal challenges, and maintaining positive emotional states are recommended to decrease the incidence of depression.

Exploring the Relationship Between Instagram Use and Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, and Body Dissatisfaction in the Spanish Population: Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of online social networks, particularly among the younger demographic, has catalyzed a growing interest in exploring their influence on users' psychological well-being. Instagram (Meta), a visually oriented platform, has garnered significant attention. Prior research has consistently indicated that Instagram usage correlates with heightened levels of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and diminished self-esteem. Perfectionism is closely linked to self-criticism, which entails an intense self-scrutiny and is often associated with various psychopathologies. Conversely, self-compassion has been linked to reduced levels of perfectionism and stress, while fostering greater positive affect and overall life satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the relationship between Instagram usage (time of use and content exposure) and users' levels of self-compassion, self-criticism, and body dissatisfaction. METHODS: This study comprised 1051 adult participants aged between 18 and 50 years, either native to Spain or residing in the country for at least a decade. Each participant completed a tailored questionnaire on Instagram usage, along with abbreviated versions of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, spanning from January 23 to February 25, 2022. RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed between daily Instagram usage and self-criticism scores. Participants of all age groups who spent over 3 hours per day on Instagram exhibited higher self-criticism scores than users who spent less than 1 hour or between 1 and 3 hours per day. Contrary to previous findings, no significant relationship was detected between Instagram usage time and levels of self-compassion or body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, content centered around physical appearance exhibited a positive correlation with self-criticism and body dissatisfaction scores. Among younger participants (aged 18-35 years), those who primarily viewed beauty or fashion content reported higher self-criticism scores than those consuming science-related content. However, this association was not significant for participants aged 35-50 years. Conversely, individuals who predominantly engaged with sports or fitness or family or friends content exhibited higher levels of body dissatisfaction than those focusing on science-related content. No significant associations were observed between self-compassion scores and daily Instagram usage or most-viewed content categories. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study underscore the considerable impact of Instagram usage on self-criticism and body dissatisfaction-2 variables known to influence users' psychological well-being and be associated with various symptoms and psychological disorders.

Assessment of treatment needs, barriers, and self-perception regarding oral health among female university students: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare the self-perceived oral health status measured through a self-administered questionnaire with clinically determined oral health status measured by decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) and community periodontal index of treatment need (CPITN) indices in university going females. In addition, access barriers to treatment related to oral healthcare were also determined. METHODS: A 3-month analytical cross-sectional study was designed for consenting university going females (aged 18-22 years) in Islamabad, Pakistan. The self-perceived oral health was recorded through a questionnaire requesting information regarding socio-demographics, self-perception of oral health, frequency of dental visits and barriers to seeking oral health. Seven independent examiners performed intraoral clinical examination and assessed the oral health status using globally standardized oral health assessment indices (DMFT and CPITN). RESULTS: A total of 400 students were included in the final sample. The study revealed a significant disparity between self-perceived oral health and clinical assessment. Although perceived oral health was considered "good" by 80.0% of the respondents, clinical examination revealed moderate DMFT scores (mean 2.95 ± 1.41) and periodontal disease requiring treatment in 89.5% of the individuals. The most common barriers in seeking dental care were lack of knowledge, dental phobia, affordability issue and false self-perception. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a notable discrepancy between self-perception of oral health and clinically assessed oral health. These results emphasize the importance of focused educational programs and community outreach programs, especially directed towards this demographic. Prioritizing such initiatives will help individuals to recognize their actual oral health condition thus encouraging positive oral health behaviors and outcomes.

Impact of dental caries and Self-perceived oral health on daily lives of children and mothers in rural Egypt: a household survey.

BACKGROUND: The present study assessed the impact of oral health on the daily lives of children and mothers living in a rural area in Northwestern Egypt. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey including children between 6 and 12 years old and their mothers was conducted in rural Egypt, 2019-2020. Data were collected using clinical examination and interview-based questionnaires of children and mothers. Three binary logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the dependent variables (oral health impact (yes, no) on avoiding smiling, chewing problems, and missing school (children) and avoiding social events (mothers)), and the explanatory variables: oral health (clinically-assessed caries experience and self-reported oral health) controlling for sociodemographic profile (child age and sex, mother's education), daily toothbrushing and village of residence. RESULTS: A total of 211 households with 355 children and 211 mothers were included (91.5% response rate). About 54% of the children were girls, mean (SD) age = 8.7 (2.05) years and 82.3% did not brush their teeth daily. Mother's mean (SD) age was 31.70 (5.45) years. Because of dental problems, 31.3% of children reported chewing difficulties, 31% avoided smiling compared to 76.3% and 43.6% of mothers. Also, 30.4% of children missed school and 76.8% of mothers reported reduced participation in social activities. In children, the number of decayed anterior teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of avoiding smiling (AOR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.44). In mothers, a greater number of posterior missing teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of chewing difficulties (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.45), and a greater number of all missing teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of reduced participation in social events (AOR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.30, 1.57). Good/ very good reported oral health in children and mothers was associated with lower odds of avoiding smiling and chewing problems (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Decayed anterior teeth in children have a negative impact on smiling whereas missing teeth in mothers affect the ability to chew food and socialize. The psychological, functional, and social impacts of caries in this rural setting needs to be mitigated by improving oral health literacy and access to care.

Self-perception of voice and knowledge of vocal health and hygiene in Candomblé religious leaders in Brazil. / Autopercepção da voz e conhecimento em saúde e higiene vocal de líderes religiosos do Candomblé no Brasil.

PURPOSE: To verify possible complaints, voice and aerodigestive symptoms, singing voice handicap, and knowledge of vocal health and hygiene in Candomblé religious leaders in Brazil. METHODS: The study comprised 112 individuals who filled out a questionnaire with their identification and characterization, the stratified classification of their professional activities, and their self-perception of voice. Three self-assessment protocols - VoiSS, QSHV, and MSHI - were also used. RESULTS: The self-assessment of voice ranged from average to good. VoiSS mean total score was 23.04, which is above the cutoff. QSHV mean score was 23.54 points, which is near the cutoff. MSHI mean score (the perception of singing voice handicap) was 25.66 points. There was a substantially strong positive correlation between VoiSS and MSHI total scores (0.789; p<0.001). Women had higher limitation scores (p=0.012) and total scores (p=0.012) in VoiSS and higher handicap scores (p=0.038) in MSHI. Level I professionals - vocal elite (singers and actors) - had significantly higher QSHV scores than those in levels IV (p=0.010) and V (p=0.008). Most respondents had not visited an otorhinolaryngologist (89.29%) within the last year and had not been submitted to speech therapy (83.04%) for voice complaints. CONCLUSION: Candomblé leaders, particularly women, perceived voice symptoms and singing voice handicaps, with no relationship with their knowledge of vocal health and hygiene. Despite the complaints, most subjects reported not having visited health professionals responsible for voice care within the last year.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a autopercepção de sintomas vocais e aerodigestivos, desvantagem vocal no canto e o conhecimento em saúde e higiene vocal em líderes religiosos do Candomblé do Brasil. MÉTODO: Participaram deste estudo 112 indivíduos, que preencheram virtualmente um questionário de identificação, caracterização, classificação das atividades profissionais em níveis e autoavaliação vocal no momento atual, além de três protocolos de autoavaliação: Escala de Sinais e Sintomas (ESV), Questionário de Saúde e Higiene Vocal (QSHV) e Índice de Desvantagem para o Canto Moderno (IDCM). Foram utilizados os testes de correlação de Spearman, teste de Mann-Whitney e teste de Kruskal-Wallis. RESULTADOS: A autoavaliação vocal no momento atual variou de razoável a boa. A média do escore total na ESV foi de 23,04, acima da nota de corte. O QSHV apresentou valor médio de 23,54 pontos, próximo à nota de corte. O Índice de Desvantagem para o Canto Moderno (IDCM) mostrou média de 25,66 pontos. Houve correlação positiva de força substancial entre os escores totais da ESV e IDCM (0,789). Mulheres apresentaram maiores escores no ESV total e ESV limitação, além de maior escore no IDCM desvantagem. Profissionais do nível I - elite vocal (cantores e atores) apresentaram escores significativamente maiores para o QSHV que os profissionais do grupo IV (usuário não profissional não-vocal) e os do nível V (pessoas que estão fora do mercado de trabalho). A maioria dos respondentes não consultou Otorrinolaringologista (89,29%) no último ano e nem realizou fonoterapia (83,04%) por queixas vocais. CONCLUSÃO: Líderes do Candomblé apresentaram percepção de sintomas vocais e desvantagem vocal no canto, mais evidente nas mulheres, não havendo relação com o conhecimento de saúde e higiene vocal. Apesar da identificação de sintomas vocais, a maior parte dos sujeitos relatou não ter acessado profissionais de saúde responsáveis por esses cuidados com a voz no último ano.

Qualitative studies involving users of clinical neurotechnology: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The rise of a new generation of intelligent neuroprostheses, brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and adaptive closed-loop brain stimulation devices hastens the clinical deployment of neurotechnologies to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it remains unclear how these nascent technologies may impact the subjective experience of their users. To inform this debate, it is crucial to have a solid understanding how more established current technologies already affect their users. In recent years, researchers have used qualitative research methods to explore the subjective experience of individuals who become users of clinical neurotechnology. Yet, a synthesis of these more recent findings focusing on qualitative methods is still lacking. METHODS: To address this gap in the literature, we systematically searched five databases for original research articles that investigated subjective experiences of persons using or receiving neuroprosthetics, BCIs or neuromodulation with qualitative interviews and raised normative questions. RESULTS: 36 research articles were included and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Our findings synthesise the current scientific literature and reveal a pronounced focus on usability and other technical aspects of user experience. In parallel, they highlight a relative neglect of considerations regarding agency, self-perception, personal identity and subjective experience. CONCLUSIONS: Our synthesis of the existing qualitative literature on clinical neurotechnology highlights the need to expand the current methodological focus as to investigate also non-technical aspects of user experience. Given the critical role considerations of agency, self-perception and personal identity play in assessing the ethical and legal significance of these technologies, our findings reveal a critical gap in the existing literature. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current qualitative research landscape on neurotechnology and the limitations thereof. These findings can inform researchers on how to study the subjective experience of neurotechnology users more holistically and build patient-centred neurotechnology.

A qualitative approach on long-term indwelling catheter use in an outpatient setting. / Uma abordagem qualitativa sobre o uso do cateter urinário de longo prazo no contexto ambulatorial.

A long-term indwelling catheter may be indicated in clinical situations, such as chronic diseases of the genitourinary or neurological systems. In addition to the risks of infection, trauma, and bleeding, a catheter's permanence can affect psycho-emotional and socioeconomic dimensions. We aimed to understand how the need to use a long-term indwelling catheter affects this patient's self-perception, interrelationships, and self-care. We carried out a qualitative, descriptive study based on interviews with 17 patients, and applied thematic analysis and complex thinking. The different prognoses and expectations regarding the catheter influenced self-perception, adaptation, acceptance, or denial. The presence of a catheter, whether as a curative measure or for comfort, can affect self-image and sexuality, and generate insecurities and uncertainties, which require understanding the multidimensionality of situations that suffer interference from the personal, family, and social environment, as well as health systems' capacity to deal with it. Despite the challenges, the majority of participants reported a favorable disposition towards self-care, whether to enable catheter removal or to prevent injuries in lifelong indications.

O cateter vesical de longa permanência pode ser indicado em situações clínicas, como nas doenças crônicas do sistema genitourinário ou neurológico. Além dos riscos de infecção, traumas e sangramentos, a permanência do cateter pode afetar dimensões psicoemocionais e socioeconômicas. Objetivamos compreender como a necessidade de uso do cateter urinário por um longo prazo afeta a autopercepção, as interrelações e o autocuidado deste paciente. Realizamos um estudo qualitativo, descritivo, a partir da entrevista de 17 pacientes, e aplicamos a análise temática e o pensamento complexo. Os diferentes prognósticos e as expectativas em relação ao cateter influenciaram a autopercepção, a adaptação, sua aceitação ou negação. A presença do cateter, seja como medida curativa ou para conforto, pode afetar a autoimagem e a sexualidade, gerar inseguranças e incertezas, que requerem compreensão da multidimensionalidade das situações, que sofrem interferências do meio pessoal, familiar e social, bem como da capacidade dos sistemas de saúde para o seu enfrentamento. Apesar dos desafios, a maioria dos participantes relatou disposição favorável para o autocuidado, seja para viabilizar retirada do cateter, ou para prevenir agravos em indicações vitalícias.

Negative Emotions Are Associated With Older Self-perceived Age: A Cross-section Study From the UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Prior research has indicated a potential connection between psychological stress and how individuals perceive their own age. Building on this foundation, the current study explores the relationship between negative emotions and self-perceived age. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive cohort study representing the UK population. The analysis included 347 892 participants, aged between 39 and 73 years, of which 184 765 were women, accounting for 53.1% of the sample. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their self-perceived age: feeling younger than their chronological age (group Younger), feeling older than their chronological age (group Older), and feeling as old as their actual age (group Same). To investigate the relationship between negative emotions and self-perceived age, we utilized a multinomial logistic regression model with the Younger group serving as the reference category. RESULTS: Of 347 892 participants, after adjusted for covariates, the results showed that participants with irritability, nervous feelings, worrier/anxious feelings or fed-up feelings, worry too long and loneliness/isolation are more likely to be rated as "about your age" or "older than you are," with "younger than you are" as the reference group, indicating that negative emotions may influence one's self-perceived age. Among those negative emotions, irritability has the most significant impact self-perceived age, with the odds ratios (ORs) being 1.44 (95% CI: 1.35-1.54) and 1.11 (95% CI: 1.09-1.14). CONCLUSION: Negative emotions are associated with older self-perceived age, and irritability has the greatest impact. Further studies analyzing self-perceived age are needed to take psychological factors into consideration.

Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Despite the existence of effective treatments, many individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) do not receive evidence-based therapies. Integrating digital interventions into routine care might reach more patients and reduce the clinical burden of BN. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention for individuals with BN. Design, Setting, and Participants: A 2-group randomized clinical trial without follow-up was conducted between February 2, 2021, and July 9, 2022, in Germany. Participants aged between 18 and 65 years who met the diagnostic criteria for BN were enrolled online via self-referral. Data analyses were conducted from October 24, 2022, to December 23, 2023. Interventions: A web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention including 12 weekly modules was compared with a waiting-list control group only having access to routine care. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the change in the number of bulimic episodes between baseline and posttreatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in global eating disorder symptoms, clinical impairment, well-being, work capacity, comorbid symptoms, self-esteem, and emotion regulation complemented by weekly measures and ecological momentary assessment. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed. Results: Participants (N = 154; mean [SD] age, 29.6 [8.6] years; 149 [96.8%] female) receiving the web-based intervention demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in bulimic episodes compared with the control group (Cohen d = -0.48; 95% CI, -0.75 to -0.20; P < .001), representing a significant change in binge-eating episodes (Cohen d = -0.61; 95% CI, -0.89 to -0.33; P < .001), but not in compensatory behaviors (Cohen d = -0.25; 95% CI, -0.51 to 0.02; P = .21). The intervention was superior in improving global eating disorder symptoms (Cohen d = -0.61; 95% CI, -0.89 to -0.32; P < .001) and clinical impairment (Cohen d = -0.62; 95% CI, -0.92 to -0.33; P < .001). No significant effects were found for well-being (Cohen d = -0.08; 95% CI, -0.37 to 0.22; P > .99) and work capacity (Cohen d = -0.01; 95% CI, -0.68 to 0.66; P = .99). Exploratory analyses indicated significant changes in self-esteem and emotion regulation difficulties, but not in comorbid symptoms. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, a web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention effectively decreased eating disorder symptoms and illness-related burden in individuals with BN, underlining the potential of digital interventions to complement established treatments. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04876196.

Comparing sexual self-concept in women with obesity pre- and post-bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity leads to increased disease burden, decreased life expectancy, and disrupted sexual life. One of the most effective ways of obesity treatment is bariatric surgery. This study was conducted aiming to determine and compare sexual self-concept in women with obesity pre- and post-bariatric surgery. METHOD: A longitudinal study comparing sexual self-concept pre and post- surgery was conducted on women with obesity referring to obesity clinics in the city of Tehran in 2020-2021. Data collection was performed using Snell's Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (MSSCQ), which was completed online. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical software and Fisher's exact test, chi-square, Mann-Whitney, independent t, and logistic and linear regression tests. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: According to the findings, the mean (standard deviation) score of sexual self-concept was 240.26 (26.82) in the post-surgery group and 200.26 (32.24) in the pre-surgery group (P = 0.001), and the highest mean (standard deviation) score of sexual self-concept both in the pre-surgery group (13.06 [4.00]) and in the post-surgery group (15.46 [2.16]) was related to the area of sexual depression (P = 0.05). Also, with increasing educational level, the odds of bariatric surgery increased by 33%, and those who had no private bedroom had lower odds of bariatric surgery by 65%. In those who did not have other individuals living in their house and their spouse was not a smoker, the self-concept score was 52.35 and 23.11 units higher. CONCLUSION: In general, bariatric surgery can improve sexual self-care. Considering the issue of sexual self-concept in bariatric surgery, it is recommended to design appropriate counseling and planning before surgery according to the culture of each country.

Psychometric properties of the arabic translation of the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) in adults.

BACKGROUND: Physical comparison may be a factor in body dissatisfaction and related issues, like eating disorders and depression. The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) is a scale developed to assess the frequency of physical comparison. Because there is no validated scale for body comparison in Arabic, this study aims to address this gap by validating the PACS-R in the Arabic language. METHODS: The PACS-R was translated to Arabic following a conventional forward-backward translation procedure, and was administered to a sample of 359 Lebanese adults along with The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) for convergent validity. The factor structure was studied by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and composite reliability was assessed using McDonald's omega and Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Results suggested a one-factor structure of the Arabic PACS-R, with good internal consistency (McDonald's ω = 0.97 / Cronbach α = 0.97). Measurement invariance was established across sex groups, with no significant difference being reported between males and females in terms of PACS-R scores (15.42 ± 10.64 vs. 13.16 ± 11.88; t(357) = 1.84; p = .066). Finally, adequate convergent validity was tested and found to be adequate, with PACS-R scores found to be correlated negatively with self-esteem and positively with psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The present findings preliminarily establish the Arabic PACS-R as an effective instrument for researchers and practitioners aiming to explore the physical comparison among Arabic-speaking populations, thus contributing to research and clinical work in the Arabic community.

Explicit and implicit sense of agency in depersonalisation experiences.

The sense of agency, the feeling of controlling one's bodily actions and the world is altered in Depersonalisation (DP), a condition that makes people feel detached from one's self and body. To investigate the link between depersonalisation and both implicit and explicit sense of agency, an online study was conducted using the influential Intentional Binding paradigm in a sample of non-clinical DP participants. The results did not reveal significant differences between individuals with low and high occurrences of DP experiences on the implicit and explicit sense of agency. However, participants with high occurrences of DP experiences showed a more time-sensitive explicit sense of agency and greater temporal distortions for short intervals in the absence of self-initiated motion. These results suggest that there is a discrepancy between implicit and explicit sense of agency in people with high levels of depersonalisation. Altogether, these findings call for further investigations of the key role of time perception on altered sense of self and agency in both non-clinical and clinical populations, to disentangle the mechanisms associated with the explicit and implicit sense of agency.

Emotional awareness for self and others and empathic abilities in clinical depression during acute illness and recovery.

BACKGROUND: The present longitudinal investigation had two major goals. First, we intended to clarify whether depressed patients are characterized by impairments of emotional awareness for the self and the other during acute illness and whether these impairments diminish in the course of an inpatient psychiatric treatment program. Previous research based on the performance measure Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS) provided inconsistent findings concerning emotional self-awareness in clinical depression. Second, we investigated whether cognitive and affective empathic abilities change from acute illness to recovery in depressed patients. METHODS: Fifty-eight depressed patients were tested on admission and after 6-8 weeks of inpatient psychiatric treatment. A sample of fifty-three healthy individuals were also examined twice at an interval of 6-8 weeks. The LEAS and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) were administered to assess emotional awareness and empathic abilities. Written texts were digitalized and then analyzed using the electronic scoring program geLEAS, the German electronic Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale. RESULTS: Depressed patients reported more depressive symptoms than healthy controls and less severe depressive symptomatology at time 2 compared to time 1. Independent of time, depressed individuals tended to show lower geLEAS self scores and had lower geLEAS other scores than healthy individuals. Depressed patients showed higher personal distress scores than healthy individuals at both measurement times. No group differences were observed for the cognitive empathy scales of the IRI (perspective taking and fantasy) and empathic concern, but empathic concern decreased significantly in depressed patients from time 1 to time 2. Empathic abilities as assessed by the IRI were not significantly correlated with emotional awareness for others, neither in the whole sample, nor in the patient and control subsample. CONCLUSIONS: Depressed patients seem to be characterized by impairments in emotional awareness of others during acute illness and recovery, but they also tend to show deficits in emotional self-awareness compared to healthy individuals. Self-reported cognitive empathic abilities seem to be at normal levels in depressed patients, but their heightened self-focused affective empathy may represent a vulnerability factor for depressive disorders.