Cultural adaptation and validation of the Arabic version of the multidimensional cognitive attentional syndrome scale (MCASS).

The cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS) is a core concept within metacognitive theory. The premise of the CAS is related to metacognition, however its role in psychopathology is distinct. Due to the complex nature of the CAS, a theoretically driven and psychometrically sound self-report measure of the CAS for the Arabic population is yet to be developed. We translated the Multidimensional Cognitive Attentional Syndrome Scale (MCASS) into the Arabic language and tested its structural validity. The MCASS was translated according to the standard guidelines of forward-translation followed by backward-translation. In Study 1, the MCASS was administered to a larger sample (N = 1027), selected from 22 Arabic-speaking countries in the Arab League countries, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to examine the factor structure of the measure. Those who participated in Study 1 were excluded from participating in Study 2. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used in Study 2 (N = 567) to assess the latent factor structure of MCASS, which supported a six-factor model. Results support multidimensional assessment of the CAS using the MCASS, and demonstrate suitability for use in Arab speaking samples. Implications of this study and recommendations for use of the Arabic version of MCASS are discussed.

In silico analysis and expression profiling of Expansin A4, BURP domain protein RD22-like and E6-like genes associated with fiber quality in cotton.

BACKGROUND: To supply high-quality cotton fibre for the textile industry, the development of long, strong and fine fibre cotton varieties is imperative. An interlinked approach was used to comprehend the role of fibre genes by analyzing interspecific progenies of cotton species. Wild Gossypium species and races are rich source of genetic polymorphism due to environmental dispersal and continuous natural selection. These genetic resources hold mass of outclass genes that can be used in cotton improvement breeding programs to exploit possible traits such as fibre quality, abiotic stress tolerance, and disease and insect resistance. Therefore, use of new molecular techniques such as genomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics is very important to utilize the genetic potential of wild species in cotton improvement programs. METHODS: Interspecific lines and Gossypium species used in the study were grown at Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan. After retrieving DNA sequence of the genes from NCBI, the primers for gene expression and full-length gene sequence were designed. Expression profiling of Expansin A4, BURP Domain protein RD22-like and E6-like fibre genes was performed through Real Time PCR. BLAST and DNA sequence alignment was conducted for sequence comparison of interspecific lines and Gossypium species. Different in silico analysis were used for characterization of fibre genes and identification of cis acting promoter elements in promoter region. RESULTS: Variable expression of genes related to fibre development was observed at different stages. BLAST and DNA sequence alignment demonstrated resemblance of interspecific lines with G. hirsutum. In silico analysis on the sequence data also confirmed the role of Expansin A4, BURP Domain protein RD22-like and E6-like fibre genes in fibre development. Genetic engineering is also recommended by transferring E6-like, Expansin A4 and BURP Domain RD22-like genes in local cotton cultivars. Similarly, several stress tolerant and light responsive cis acting elements were identified through promotor analysis, which may contribute for fibre development in the breeding programs. CONCLUSION: Expansin A4, BURP Domain RD22-like and E6-like have positive role in fibre development with variable expression at fiber length and strength associated stages.

Do metacognitions mediate the path from reading deficits to internalization and externalization behaviours in Pakistani adolescents?

The present research examines the mediating role of metacognition in the relationship between RD and internalization and externalization in a normative sample of Pakistani adolescents. The participants were 210 adolescents ranging from 11 to 17 years. The data were collected using a Metacognitions index of the Behavioral Rating Inventory and two internalization and externalization indexes of the Personality Inventory for Children. A series of regression analyses were conducted to examine metacognition's mediating role in the relationship between reading deficits and internalization and externalization. The findings illustrate that meta-cognition significantly mediated the relationship between reading deficits and internalization and externalization in adolescents. The current findings have implications for clinicians, school psychologists, and policymakers for the early identification and intervention of reading deficits to reduce and manage the occurrence of adolescents' internalization and externalization behaviors.

Factorial validity of the Urdu version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale: Preliminary investigation using a university sample in Pakistan.

The psychological toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt by people around the world. Persistent and disturbed thinking about the disease appears to be contributing to this mental health concern. Although the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS) has been shown to be a reliable and valid instrument in the U.S., it has not been examined with in Pakistan. The current study addressed this problem by examining the validity of an Urdu translated version of the OCS using online survey data from 240 university students and teachers in Pakistan. The results showed that the OCS exhibited factorial validity, as well as measurement invariance for gender. However, the OCS also showed limited evidence of construct validity in terms of showing weak positive correlations with the total scale and social dysfunction and self-confidence subscales of the General Heath Questionnaire and no correlation with the depression and anxiety subscale (GHQ-12). These findings suggest that further research is necessary before the Urdu version of the OCS is widely adopted in Pakistan.

Bereavement in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic: Psychometric analysis of the Pandemic Grief Scale-Urdu Version (PGS-UV).

With nearly 4 million deaths worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in a great loss of life. For many of the bereaved, the grieving process has been especially difficult due to COVID-19 spatial distancing procedures and the traumatic circumstances of this particular form of loss. Consequently, a large number of the world's bereaved are experiencing dysfunctional levels of grief. To assess such grief, the Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS) was created to identify those affected who may benefit from professional support. This study aimed to psychometrically analyze the properties of the Urdu version of the scale, among a sample of 272 Pakistanis who lost a loved one to COVID-19 from March to June 2021. Results revealed that the scale was found to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing dysfunctional pandemic grief for both men and women. However, unique gender differences were found. Additional research should further confirm the psychometric properties of the PGS on other culturally diverse samples.

Work status, death anxiety and psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic: Implications of the terror management theory.

The present study determined the application of terror management theory during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Death anxiety and psychological distress were examined in the context of work status. A sample of 478 from the general population voluntarily participated in the study. Findings revealed a significant moderating role of work status, illustrating the strong relationship between psychological distress and death anxiety for non-working participants. Therefore, psychological distress is related to more significant death anxiety among non-working than those who are working. This study highlights the importance of work as an anxiety buffering factor concerning mortality thoughts.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety among general population in Pakistan during COVID-19 lockdown: An online-survey.

The present study's aim is to find the prevalence of two of the common indicators of mental health - depression and anxiety - and any correlation with socio-demographic indicators in the Pakistani population during the lockdown from 5 May to 25 July 2020. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire sent to volunteer participants. A total of 1047 participants over 18 were recruited through convenience sampling. The survey targeted depression and anxiety levels, which were measured using a 14 item self-reporting Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Out of the total sample population (N=354), 39.9% suffered from depression and 57.7% from anxiety. Binary logistical regressions indicated significant predictive associations of gender (OR=1.410), education (OR=9.311), residence (OR=0.370), household income (OR=0.579), previous psychiatric problems (OR=1.671), and previous psychiatric medication (OR=2.641). These were the key factors e associated with a significant increase in depression. Increases in anxiety levels were significantly linked to gender (OR=2.427), residence (OR=0.619), previous psychiatric problems (OR=1.166), and previous psychiatric medication (OR=7.330). These results suggest depression and anxiety were prevalent among the Pakistani population during the lockdown. Along with other measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, citizens' mental health needs the Pakistani government's urgent attention as well as that of mental health experts. Further large-scale, such as healthcare practitioners, should be undertaken to identify other mental health indicators that need to be monitored.

Sub-clinical borderline personality disorder symptoms as predictor of suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury in young Pakistani females.

The aim of this study was to determine if suicidal and non-suicidal self-injury can be predicted by the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and if non-suicidal self-injury predicts suicidality in young adult females. In this cross-sectional study, 150 undergraduate females (mean age 20.47±3.17) were conveniently sampled and assessed on McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder, Suicidal Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised, and the Inventory of Statements about Self-injury. Borderline Personality features significantly predicted suicidal ideation and behaviour (b=.383, p<.001) and non-suicidal self-injury (b.282, p<.01). Likewise, non-suicidal self-injury was positively associated with suicidality (r =.330, p<.01). Even sub-threshold BPD features in a non-clinical population may be predictive of suicidal and non-suicidal self-injury. Future research should be based on the management and interventional strategies for tested constructs. Further, screening measures need to be introduced to better detect population at risk of subclinical BPD, suicidal ideation and self-injury.

Stress and coping strategies in parents of children with special needs.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the stress level and commonly used coping strategies of parents having children with special needs. METHODS: The correlational study was conducted from January to April 2019 in Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised parents of special children from three special schools of the city. Data was collected using the Coping Strategies Inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Of the 150 children, 98(65%) were aged <10 years. Among the parents, 108(65.5%) faced moderate stress, 8(4.8%) faced low stress and 34(20.6%) faced high level of stress. Mean score was the highest for cognitive restructuring as the coping strategy 14.95±2.87, followed by problem-solving 14.81±2.98. There was a significant negative correlation of stress with cognitive restructuring (<0.01), positive link with problem-focused engagement (p<0.05), positive correlation with self-criticism (p<0.001), social withdrawal (p<0.01), and emotion-focussed disengagement (p<0.001). High level of stress was positively associated with high level of disengagement (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Parents were found to be using more positive and practical strategies to cope with stress induced by taking care of children with special needs.

Alexithymia and anxiety symptoms in Pakistani adolescents: A study of compounded directions.

OBJECTIVE: To identify gender and age differences in alexithymia and anxiety. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019 at Burewala, a city of South Punjab and comprised adolescents selected through random sampling method from different schools. The subjects were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Multiple analysis of variance was applied to determine the direct and interactive effects of age groups and gender on alexithymia and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: Of the 185 subjects, 105(57%) were boys and 80(43%) were girls. The overall mean age was 14.42+/-1.31 years (range: 11-16 years). Boys had significantly (p<0.05) higher level of alexithymia symptoms partially compared to the girls. Significant (p<0.05) interactive effects of age and gender were also noted. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of clinical symptoms in schoolgoing adolescents may hinder physical and psychological health of adolescents.

Perceived Stress in Relation to Obsessions and Compulsions in South Asian Adults: Moderating Role of Socio-demographic Characteristics.

This study examines perceived stress associated with obsessions and compulsions (OC) in a normative sample of adults. The aim was to discover whether socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, marital status, employment status, age and education) had a moderating effect on perceived stress and OC symptoms. The participants were 362 Pakistani adults (M age = 26.82 years, SD = 4.75; males = 188, females = 174) and the findings were based on a demographic questionnaire, the perceived stress scale (Cohen et al., in Applied multiple correlation/regression analysis for the behavioral sciences, Taylor & Francis, London, 1983), and the Padua inventory of obsessive compulsion disorder symptoms (Burns et al., in Behav Res Ther, 34(2), 163-173, 1996). A series of stepwise regression analyses showed that socio-demographic characteristics (employment status, age, and education) significantly moderated the relationship between perceived stress and OC symptoms. The current findings have implications for clinicians and researchers in generating effective stress management programs and learning mechanism for managing OC symptoms, particularly in the context of socio-demographic characteristics.

Interactive role of personal and work related factors in psychological burnout: a study of Pakistani doctors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the direct and interactive role of personal and work-related factors in psychological burnout among doctors. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in September, 2018, at three hospitals of the twin cities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised doctors aged 24-49 years. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire and the self-reporting Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 161 doctors, 66(41%) were males and 96(59%) were female. The overall mean age of the sample was 26.44 4.80 years (range: 24-49 years). There was significant direct effect of work setting and indirect effect of gender and work setting on psychological burnout (p<0.05). Doctors experienced more burnout in emergency room settings compared to wards and outpatient departments (p<0.05). Further, young and low-salaried doctors were more prone to psychological burnout, and continuous working hours added to the adversity of burnout (p<0.05).. CONCLUSIONS: Personal and workplace related factors were found to play a significant role in psychological burnout which may possibly affect the overall efficiency of doctors.

An epidemiological study of prevalence and comorbidity of non-clinical Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia symptoms in Public and Private Schools of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: Dealing with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia symptoms is a major challenge for teachers and school psychologists while addressing students' issues. The present study was designed to examine the prevalence and comorbidity of specific learning disabilities (SLD) symptoms such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia in public and private schools of Lahore, Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four schools of Lahore from June, 2019 to December 2019. We examined 666 participants (boys= 384, girls= 282) from two public (n=409) and two private (n=257) schools of Lahore with a mean age of 13 years (SD±1.44). Participants were assessed on Learning Disabilities Checklist (LDC) along with a demographic sheet. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential analyses of Chi Square test of association and Cohen's Kappa by using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: Findings indicated that 39% participants showed SLD symptoms, 33% dyslexia, 48% dysgraphia and 45% dyscalculia symptoms. Significant co-morbidities were seen, such as 30% for dyslexia and dysgraphia symptoms, dyslexia and dyscalculia 26% and dysgraphia and dyscalculia as 36%. Variations in SLD, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia symptoms were also seen across gender and schools with significant higher prevalence in public schools. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of SLD symptoms and comorbidity in students was found which is alarming, particularly in public sector schools in Pakistan. SLD and dyslexia were higher for boys, whereas girls scored high on dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Therefore, there is great need of introducing screening measure of assessment of SLD and management strategies to deal with these issues.

Sexual functioning as predictor of depressive symptoms and life satisfaction in females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: PCOS is the one of the frequently diagnosed endocrine syndrome in Pakistani women. However, little attention has been devoted to empirical investigation of the role of sexual dysfunction in developing depressive symptoms and reducing life satisfaction. Our objective was to determine the contribution of Sexual dysfunction in developing depressive symptoms and life dissatisfaction in females diagnosed with PCOS. METHODS: This correlation study was carried out from 1st September 2019 to 15th February 2020 at COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus. A sample of 60 women with PCOS between reproductive age 18 - 38 years (Mage = 27.86, SD = 4.58) was selected through purposive sampling technique from the government hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. The participants responded to a Demographic Information Form, Female Sexual Functioning Index, Siddiqui Shah Depression and Life Satisfaction Scale. RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed significant positive link of sexual dysfunction with depressive symptoms and negative link with life satisfaction level. Further, regression analysis revealed sexual functioning as significant predictor of depressive symptoms only. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction play a major role in general mental health of females, therefore, screening and identification as well as preventive measure need to be introduced at early level of development. In addition, current study findings suggest that once females are diagnosed with PCOS, they should be provided sufficient counselling services in order to deal with depressive symptoms and feeling of low life satisfaction. Further, targeted interventions and counselling services may also facilitate in optimising patient care.

Gender comparisons and prevalence of child abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the gender differences, prevalence and cross association of abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in school-going adolescents. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in four government schools of Lahore, Pakistan, from February to June 2016, and comprised students aged 11-18 years who were selected through simple random sampling technique. The Child Abuse Scale: Adolescent Version and Hopkins Symptoms Checklist were used to measure the gender differences, prevalence and cross-association of abuse and post traumatic stress disorder symptoms. SPSS 22 was used to analyse data. RESULTS: There were 478 participants with a mean age of 15.18}1.45 years. Of the total, 247(52%) subjects were males and 231(48%) were females. The overall, 130(27%) male respondents reported significantly high abuse than 101(21%) female adolescents (p=0.032). However, 113(23%) females scored significantly high on physical and emotional sub-scales of abuse than 98(21%) males (p=0.031). No significant gender differences in the prevalence of sexual abuse were observed (p=0.431). On post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, 140(29%) females demonstrated high scores than 102(21%) males (p=0.008). Association of child abuse with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms was also significant (p=0.008) as 133(28%) subjects reporting high abuse also exhibited high symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Significant association of abuse with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms emphasise the need for early identification and timely management of abuse and post traumatic stress disorder symptoms in adolescents.

Mental health problems and psychological burnout in Medical Health Practitioners: A study of associations and triadic comorbidity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mental health problems not only affect the common person but also medical health practitioners (MHPs) dealing with health care issues of patients. The current study aimed to explore the triadic (three dimensional) comorbidity of mental health problems and its association with three forms of psychological burnout (person, client and work related). METHODS: This correlational study was conducted at three hospitals of Islamabad/ Rawalpindi (Holy Family Hospital=57, District Headquarter Hospital=60, and Benazir Bhutto Hospital=40) from June 2018 to September 2018. The sample comprised of 157 medical health practitioners (medical doctors) serving in general ward (n=64), emergency (n=60) and OPD (n=33) sections. The participants were administered self-report measures of DASS-21 and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. RESULTS: Triadic comorbidity of depression, anxiety and stress ranged from 9% to 26% for excessive severe and normal levels respectively. Comorbidity of work related and personal related burnout at severe level was found 8%. Further, depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were strongly associated with psychological burnout at .0001 significance level. CONCLUSION: MHPs demonstrated excessive severe comorbidity of depression, anxiety and stress simultaneously. Along with this triadic comorbidity, the presence of severe psychological burnout is alarming and affecting overall efficiency and mental health of doctors which need to be identified, screened out and managed timely and managed properly.

An epidemiological study of prevalence and comorbidity of obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms (SOCD) and stress in Pakistani Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and comorbidity of subclinical obsessive compulsive disorder (SOCD) symptoms and stress across gender, marital and employment statuses. METHODS: A cross-sectional research was conducted from December, 2016 to March 2017 at two universities of cosmopolitan city Lahore. Two self-report scales measuring SOCD symptoms and stress were used to collect data from 377 adults selected through simple random sampling technique, proportionately distributed across gender, marital and employment status. RESULTS: From the total sample, 52% reported low level of stress and 48% faced high level of stress. Significant differences in prevalence were observed across marital and employment statuses whereas for men and women, it was observed same (24%). Comorbidity of high level of SOCD symptoms and high level of stress was seen 34%. CONCLUSION: Significant prevalence and comorbidity exists between SOCD symptoms and stress and more studies addressing diverse population are needed.

Burnout Mediates the Association between Workplace Bullying and Mental Health Problems of Health Practitioners in Cancer Units.

Background: Medical health practitioners, particularly those working in cancer units, are vulnerable to poor psychological outcomes. The present study was designed to examine the influence of workplace bullying on the mental health of medical and paramedical staff by testing workplace burnout as a mediating factor. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional survey, 220 Muslim medical staff officers from the cancer units of three hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, were assessed for workplace bullying, mental health, and workplace burnout using the standardized psychometric measures (i.e., Negative Act Questionnaire; Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale; and Maslach Burnout Inventory). Data were collected from 2019-2020. Results: Workplace bullying and workplace burnout were directly related to mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Moreover, workplace burnout significantly mediated the paths between workplace bullying and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms), suggesting that workplace burnout increases vulnerability to other mental health issues. Conclusion: A need for counseling and suitable management strategies to support medical staff working in cancer units is required.

Relationship Between Alexithymia, Smartphone Addiction, and Psychological Distress Among University Students: A Multi-country Study.

Objectives: Increasing dependence on smartphones results in the appearance of psychological problems, especially among young people. This study aims to determine the rates of alexithymia and its relationship with smartphone addiction and psychological distress in university students. Methods: A total of 2616 students (mean age = 22.5±3.5 years; 73.1% female) from universities in Egypt, Oman, and Pakistan were included in a cross-sectional and comparative study conducted through a web survey during the COVID-19 pandemic from October to December 2021. The following scales were used: Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). The survey also included questions related to sociodemographic and smartphone usage patterns.

Mediating Role of Optimism Bias and Risk Perception Between Emotional Intelligence and Decision-Making: A Serial Mediation Model.

The commodity market plays a vital role in boosting the economy. Investors make decisions based on market knowledge and ignore cognitive biases. These cognitive biases or judgment errors have a significant effect on investment decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of emotional intelligence on decision-making. In addition, optimism bias and risk perception are the intervening variables between emotional intelligence and decision-making. So, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by examining the mediating role of optimism bias and risk perception. The data were collected from the respondents of the commodity market and the 370 questionnaires were distributed among the investors, of which 337 respondents gave their feedback. The convenience base sampling technique is used due to the easy access of respondents, time factor, and cost factor. Data entered into the SPSS Statistics Version 26 and PROCESS macro model 6 were used for serial mediation. AMOS was used for the validity and model-fit analysis. The results of this study aligned with the literature that there is a significant effect of emotional intelligence on decision-making. It also observed that optimism bias has a positive effect on decision-making. The finding of this study will be helpful for the brokers, the government, and especially the investors. This study also proposed that future studies on the stock exchange and real estate market comparative analysis can be conducted.