Turkish adaptation of the state-trait anxiety inventory short version (STAIS-5, STAIT-5).

AIM: This study examines the validity and reliability of a Turkish version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Short Version. METHODS: The sample consisted of 306 people between the ages of 18-59 who agreed to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected with the demographic questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Short Version, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale. RESULTS: All factor loadings of the State Anxiety Inventory Short Version were between 0.706 and 0.835, and those of the Trait Anxiety Inventory Short Version were between 0.694 and 0.810. The Cronbach alpha coefficients of the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory Short Version were calculated as 0.838 and 0.837, respectively. There was a significant difference between the first-test and retest values of the State Anxiety Inventory Short Version (p = 0.033) and no difference in the Trait Anxiety Inventory Short Version (p = 0.145). CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish-adapted State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Short Version is a valid and reliable measurement tool to determine the anxiety levels of individuals aged 18-59.

Assessment of Stress and Anxiety in Parents of Neonates Admitted in a Tertiary Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Background A newborn's admission into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is one unexpected event capable of causing much stress and anxiety among parents. The current study aims to evaluate and compare parental stress and anxiety levels between mothers and fathers. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in the NICU of a tertiary care center, in Uttarakhand where a total of 306 mothers and fathers were enrolled. Data was compiled using a questionnaire consisting of demographic details of parents and infants' clinical profiles, Parental Stressor Scale (PSS) NICU, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales were used to evaluate stress and anxiety, respectively. Results Mothers mean stress levels were greater and statistically significant. The most affected subscale in both parents was the change in parental role (M: 4.4/F: 3.3; p < 0.001). Parents with high trait anxiety also had high state anxiety (M: 51.3/F: 45.5; p < 0.001). Mothers were found to have higher trait and state anxiety than fathers. Conclusion Parents of newborns admitted in the NICU experience significant stress and anxiety. Mothers had higher levels of stress and anxiety; similar findings have been recorded previously in Indian and western literature.

How Does the Anxiety of Primiparae Affect Their Readiness for Newborn Care? Ethnic Primiparous Experiences.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to investigate the relationship between pregnancy-related anxiety levels of primiparae living in an ethnic region and their readiness for postnatal hygienic care of newborns. METHOD: The study conducted between February and May 2023 included 201 "18-40-year-old primiparae" who lived in an ethnic region and volunteered to participate in the study. The population of the study consisted of all pregnant women who presented to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, Pregnancy Outpatient Clinic of a city hospital. The "Pregnant Women Personality and Obstetric Characteristics Form," "Pregnant Women's Readiness for Newborn Hygienic Care Scale," and "Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory" were used as data collection tools. RESULTS: The mean age of the 201 primiparae participating in the study was 26.11 ± 3.05 years. Although 71.1% of them felt confident about baby care before the baby was born, 95.5% needed help with baby care after birth. Their readiness for stress and newborn hygienic care was at a "medium" level. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between the scores they obtained from the Pregnant Women's Readiness for Newborn Hygienic Care Scale and Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (p = 0.011; r = - 0.180). CONCLUSIONS: The participating primiparae experienced moderate levels of anxiety, and the increase in their anxiety levels negatively affected their readiness for the hygienic care of their newborn babies. Thus, when primiparae are provided with healthy newborn care, their anxiety levels should.

Exploring the relationship between anxiety, patient characteristics and pain outcomes in oral surgery under local anesthesia: The measurement problem.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety during oral surgery can impact patient homeostasis, increase the difficulty of the procedure and create additional stress for the surgeon. Furthermore, it has been associated with more intense and prolonged pain during and after dental treatment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between anxiety, patient characteristics and pain outcomes in oral surgery, as well as to verify the impact of anxiety on patient's perception of pain during and after oral surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study. Several variables were evaluated during the course of the oral surgery. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), the Interval Scale of Anxiety Response (ISAR), and Patient SelfRated Anxiety (PAnx) during the procedure. RESULTS: General anxiety measures (STAI) were not associated with specific dental anxiety or external observations of anxiety. Anxiety levels varied according to gender and body mass index (BMI), and were correlated with increased heart rate (HR) (with variability among assessment tools). Odontectomy, ostectomy and an increased volume of anesthesia were associated with higher anxiety levels (with variability among the assessment tools). There was a correlation between pain and anxiety, with anxiety contributing to approx. 12% of the variability in postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: Dental anxiety is a complex, multidimensional mental phenomenon characterized by high variability due to the influence of several dynamic factors.

Anxiety in couples undergoing IVF: evidence from E-Freeze randomised controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: What are the risk factors and impacts of anxiety in women and men in heterosexual couples undergoing IVF as part of a randomised trial, with a delay in embryo transfer in one arm? SUMMARY ANSWER: Duration of infertility, ethnicity, and male partner's anxiety levels were associated with women's anxiety at the start of treatment, while initial anxiety score, partner's anxiety score at embryo transfer, ethnicity, and clinic location were associated with women's anxiety levels at embryo transfer; although women undergoing IVF were more anxious than their partners for slightly different reasons, their self-reported state anxiety was not associated with achieving clinical pregnancy, nor with switching from delayed frozen embryo transfer to fresh embryo transfer in an IVF trial. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Use of IVF treatment continues to rise and patients undergoing IVF are anxious. Participating in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with uncertainty of arm randomisation might increase their anxiety, while a delay in treatment may add further to anxiety. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: A mixed methods study was conducted using data from the multi-centre E-Freeze RCT cohort conducted across 13 clinics in the UK from 2016 to 2019. A regression analysis on anxiety scores of couples undergoing the IVF trial and a qualitative analysis of participant questionnaires were performed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS: Six hundred and four couples participating in the E-Freeze trial, who had at least one useable State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) State Anxiety subscale (STAI-S) standardised self-report questionnaire for at least one of the partners, were included in the study. STAI-S scores were measured at consent for trial (T1) and again at embryo transfer (T2). Linear and log-binomial regression were used to explore the association between characteristics and STAI-S scores, and the associations between STAI-S scores and non-compliance and clinical pregnancy, respectively. Responses to the open text question were qualitatively analysed inductively using content analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Women's STAI-S scores at T1 (consent) were associated with their ethnicity, duration of infertility, and their male partner's STAI-S score at T1. Women's STAI-S scores at T2 (embryo transfer) were associated with their ethnicity, location of fertility clinic, their STAI-S score at consent, and their male partner's STAI-S score at embryo transfer. The adjusted coefficient (95% CI) for women's STAI-S scores at T2 was -4.75 (-7.29, -2.20, P < 0.001) for ethnic minority versus White, -2.87 (-4.85, -0.89, P = 0.005) for Scotland versus England, 0.47 (0.37, 0.56, P < 0.001) for each point increase in their own score at T1, and 0.30 (0.21, 0.40, P < 0.001) for each point increase in their male partner's score at T2. On average, women had higher STAI-S scores than men at both time points, and a larger increase of scores between the two time points. However, women's STAI-S scores were not associated with either non-compliance with trial allocation in the 'freeze-all' trial arm, or with chances of pregnancy. Both partners, but particularly women, described feeling anxious about the outcome of IVF, with women carrying the added worry of believing that feeling stressed might itself affect the outcome. Participants highlighted the important role of support from staff in helping them to manage their anxiety. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: Data were not available on education level or social support, which might influence anxiety scores. Men's baseline characteristics were not collected. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Identifying couples at increased risk of emotional distress may be improved by using standardised anxiety measures at the start of the fertility treatment. Women can be reassured that their self-reported state anxiety does not affect their chances of achieving clinical pregnancy through IVF, and this may help to reduce anxiety levels. The psychological wellbeing and experiences of couples undergoing IVF could be supported by patient-centred care: making information about the whole process of treatment and choices available to both partners in accessible formats; ensuring interactions with staff are kind and supportive; and acknowledging and addressing the different concerns of women undergoing IVF and their partners. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was an NIHR HTA (National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Technology Assessment) funded study. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN61225414.

A cross-sectional study on dental anxiety and state anxiety related to removal of fixed partial dentures.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the clinical removal of fixed partial dentures on oral health-related quality of life and the anxiety values of individuals and to determine the clinical factors of high anxiety levels. METHOD AND MATERIALS: In total, 300 participants were included in the study. Six different reasons for the clinical removal of fixed partial dentures (oral examination, denture renewal, endodontic treatment, tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, and composite filling restoration) were defined. The United Kingdom Oral Health-Related Quality-of-Life Measure (OHRQoL-UK), the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory- State (STAI-S) and Trait (STAI-T) were answered. The reason groups were compared using one-way analyses of variance. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors for high anxiety. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in OHRQoL-UK scores (P = .279) among the reason groups, but there were significant differences in MDAS, STAI-S, and STAI-T scores (P = .004, P .001, P = .018, respectively) among the reason groups. Endodontic treatment, tooth extraction, and sex were determined to be risk factors, considering the anxiety scales. CONCLUSIONS: Females are 2.2 times more likely to have trait anxiety than men. Although the effect of the reason for the clinical removal of fixed partial dentures on oral health-related quality of life was similar among the groups, it is concluded that endodontic treatment and tooth extraction reasons for the clinical removal of fixed partial dentures could be risk factors for high anxiety regardless of fixed partial denture usage time.

Enhancing Working Memory and Reducing Anxiety in University Students: A Neurofeedback Approach.

(1) Background: Neurofeedback training (NFT) has emerged as a promising approach for enhancing cognitive functions and reducing anxiety, yet its specific impact on university student populations requires further investigation. This study aims to examine the effects of NFT on working memory improvement and anxiety reduction within this demographic. (2) Methods: A total of forty healthy university student volunteers were randomized into two groups: an experimental group that received NFT and a control group. The NFT protocol was administered using a 14-channel Emotiv Epoc X headset (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA) and BrainViz software version Brain Visualizer 1.1 (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA), focusing on the alpha frequency band to target improvements in working memory and reductions in anxiety. Assessment tools, including the Corsi Block and Memory Span tests for working memory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-2 (STAI-2) for anxiety, were applied pre- and post-intervention. (3) Results: The findings indicated an increase in alpha wave amplitude in the experimental group from the second day of NFT, with statistically significant differences observed on days 2 (p < 0.05) and 8 (p < 0.01). Contrary to expectations based on the previous literature, the study did not observe a concurrent positive impact on working memory. Nonetheless, a significant reduction in state anxiety levels was recorded in the experimental group (p < 0.001), corroborating NFT's potential for anxiety management. (4) Conclusions: While these results suggest some potential of the technique in enhancing neural efficiency, the variability across different days highlights the need for further investigation to fully ascertain its effectiveness. The study confirms the beneficial impact of NFT on reducing state anxiety among university students, underscoring its value in psychological and cognitive performance enhancement. Despite the lack of observed improvements in working memory, these results highlight the need for continued exploration of NFT applications across different populations and settings, emphasizing its potential utility in educational and therapeutic contexts.

No Association of Stathmin1 Gene Polymorphism with Trait or State Anxiety in the Chinese Population.

Objective: Stathmin 1 (Stmn1) is a neuronal growth-associated protein which was found to be involved in fear processing both in animals and humans. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Stmn1 gene (rs182455 and rs213641) significantly impacted individual fear and anxiety responses in German. However, there have been no reports on the correlation between Stmn1 SNPs and anxiety in Chinese. The present study thus aimed to explore such correlation. Methods: A sample of 567 healthy Han Chinese adults were genotyped for the Stmn1 SNP, namely rs182455, using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Anxiety was assessed by the Chinese version of 40-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), which measures 2 anxiety dimensions, state and trait anxiety. Results: The numbers of CC, CT, and TT genotypes of rs182455 polymorphism were 227 (40.0%), 263 (46.4%), and 77 (13.6%), respectively. The genotype distribution did not deviate from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ 2 = 0.004, P = .953). There were no significant differences in either state or trait anxiety among the 3 rs182455 genotype groups (F = 0.457, 0.415, P = .634, .660), between the 2 dominant model groups (t = 0.865, -0.195, P = .388, .845), or between the 2 recessive model groups (t = 0.106, 0.906, P = .916, .365). Moreover, no significant gender-specific differences in any STAI scores were found among the rs182455 genotype groups (all P > .05). Conclusion: No evidence was demonstrated for the association of the Stmn1 gene polymorphism rs182455 with either trait or state anxiety in Chinese adults.

Trait-anxiety and glial-related neuroinflammation of the amygdala and its associated regions in Alzheimer's disease: A significant correlation.

Background: Positron emission tomography, which assesses the binding of translocator protein radiotracers, 11C-DPA-713, may be a sensitive method for determining glial-mediated neuroinflammation levels. This study investigated the relationship between regional 11C-DPA713 binding potential (BPND) and anxiety in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum. Methods: Nineteen patients with AD continuum determined to be amyloid-/p-tau 181-positive via cerebrospinal fluid analysis were included in this cross-sectional study (mild cognitive impairment [MCI, n = 5] and AD [n = 14]). Anxiety was evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). A whole-brain voxel-based analysis was performed to examine the relationship between 11C-DPA-713-BPND values at each voxel and the STAI score. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of STAI scores using independent variables, including 11C-DPA-713-BPND values within significant clusters. 11C-DPA-713-BPND values were compared between patients with AD continuum with low-to-moderate and high STAI scores. Results: Voxel-based analysis revealed a positive correlation between trait anxiety severity and 11C-DPA713-BPND values in the centromedial amygdala and the left inferior occipital area [P < 0.001 (uncorrected) at the voxel-level]. 11C-DPA713-BPND values in these regions were a strong predictor of the STAI trait anxiety score. Specifically, patients with AD continuum and high trait anxiety had increased 11C-DPA713-BPND values in these regions. Conclusions: The amygdala-occipital lobe circuit influences the control of emotional generation, and disruption of this network by AD pathology-induced inflammation may contribute to the expression of anxiety. Our findings suggest that suppression of inflammation can help effectively treat anxiety by attenuating damage to the amygdala and its associated areas.

Trait anxiety is associated with attentional brain networks.

Trait anxiety is a well-established risk factor for anxiety and depressive disorders, yet its neural correlates are not clearly understood. In this study, we investigated the neural correlates of trait anxiety in a large sample (n = 179) of individuals who completed the trait and state versions of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We used independent component analysis to characterize individual resting-state networks (RSNs), and multiple regression analyses to assess the relationship between trait anxiety and intrinsic connectivity. Trait anxiety was significantly associated with intrinsic connectivity in different regions of three RSNs (dorsal attention network, default mode network, and auditory network) when controlling for state anxiety. These RSNs primarily support attentional processes. Notably, when state anxiety was not controlled for, a different pattern of results emerged, highlighting the importance of considering this factor in assessing the neural correlates of trait anxiety. Our findings suggest that trait anxiety is uniquely associated with resting-state brain connectivity in networks mainly supporting attentional processes. Moreover, controlling for state anxiety is crucial when assessing the neural correlates of trait anxiety. These insights may help refine current neurobiological models of anxiety and identify potential targets for neurobiologically-based interventions.

Relationship between face recognition ability and anxiety tendencies in healthy young individuals: A prosopagnosia index and state-trait anxiety inventory study.

Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) is a condition that indicates the inability to recognize individuals by their faces from birth, without any history of brain damage. The assessment of face recognition ability and diagnosis of DP involve the use of face tests such as the Cambridge Face Memory Test (CFMT) and the Cambridge Face Perception Test, along with self-reported measures like the 20-Item Prosopagnosia Index (PI20). Face recognition accuracy is affected by anxiety. However, previous studies on the relationship between face recognition ability and anxiety have not used the PI20 measure. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-reported measures of face recognition ability and anxiety tendencies among healthy young individuals for DP diagnosis and its implications. We used a face recognition test, involving the PI20, CFMT, Visual Perception Test for Agnosia-Famous Face Test (VPTA-FFT), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). We assessed the performance of 116 Japanese young adults (75 females, median age of 20.7 years, with a standard deviation of 1.2). Subsequently, we conducted a statistical analysis to examine the relationship between the outcomes of the face recognition tests and STAI scores using Pearson correlation analysis and single correlation coefficients. The results showed a positive correlation between state anxiety and PI20 (r = 0.308, p = 0.007), and a weak positive correlation was also observed between trait anxiety and PI20 (r = 0.268, p = 0.04). In contrast, there was no correlation between CFMT and VPTA-FFT with respect to STAI. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis also suggested that the correlation between the performance on the PI20 (self-report) and objective measures of face recognition performance (the CFMT and the VPTA-FFT) are driven by differences in anxiety. This study is the first to explore the relationship between face recognition abilities and anxiety using the PI20 self-report measure. There are implications for future research on the diagnosis of DP and the relationship between anxiety and face recognition.

Temperamental and Neuropsychological Predictors for Major League Pro-Baseball Success.

BACKGROUND: Securing a professional baseball career is a formidable task, and only a unique few can overcome the obstacles necessary to become a Major League player in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). When achieving a spot in a KBO Major League team, a player's technical aspect may be influenced by their initial neuropsychological status. HYPOTHESIS: Personality and neurocognitive functions influence long-term pro-baseball league success. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort observational study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: From the start of each player's career, we monitored the status and course of 153 baseball players in the KBO from 2009 to 2019 who agreed to participate in this study. The Korean versions of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y (STAI-KY) analyzed traits and estimated state and trait anxiety levels, respectively. The Trail Making Test (TMT) (parts A and B) assessed attention shifting, and, in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), perseverative errors determined cognitive flexibility. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to predict player status variables, with TCI and neurocognitive function variables as covariates. RESULTS: High novelty-seeking scores, low state anxiety, and short TMT A results reliably predict KBO Major League participation in a player's third year. Similarly, low state anxiety scores and high harm avoidance, reward dependence, and self-transcendence scores accurately predict KBO Major League participation in a player's fifth year. Lastly, short TMT A results, low perseverative error scores, and high novelty-seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence, and self-transcendence efficiently predict KBO Major League participation in a player's seventh year. CONCLUSION: Draft ranking, personality, and neurocognitive function are associated with pro-baseball league achievement. In particular, personality and neuropsychological functions are associated with long-term success. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinically, sound personality and neuropsychological functions determine KBO Major League success.

Impact of Student Pharmacist State Anxiety on Vasopressor Calculation Accuracy in Advanced Cardiac Life Support Simulations.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of student pharmacist state anxiety on vasopressor calculation accuracy in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) simulations. METHODS: Third-year professional students participated in 2 ACLS-related simulation laboratory sessions. In week 1, students completed 3 calculations at their workstation with no stressors. Students were then randomized into teams for a bedside simulation where they independently completed 3 additional calculations either with or without stressors. Team assignments were maintained for week 2 where all participants completed a high-fidelity ACLS simulation that included a team vasopressor calculation. At both encounters, calculation accuracy was assessed as well as pre- and post-state anxiety using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) survey tool. RESULTS: Students' (N = 145) trait anxiety aligned with normative data for similarly aged professional students. Post-simulation state anxiety in week 1 was found to be higher for those completing the activity with stressors than without (STAI score 44.7 vs 36.9) paired with lower bedside calculation accuracy, despite similar initial workstation calculation accuracy. In week 2, pre-simulation state anxiety score and calculation accuracy were not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, the state anxiety score significantly increased post-simulation for those exposed to stress in the previous week. CONCLUSION: Stress negatively impacted student pharmacist vasopressor calculation accuracy. However, the repeated exposure to a stressed simulation did not result in a significant difference in pre- or post-simulation state anxiety score or calculation accuracy when compared to a non-stressed control. Consideration should be made whether to include more "real-life" simulations in student pharmacist education.

Preoperative anxiety and associated factors among adult surgical patients in public hospitals, eastern Ethiopia.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and associated factors among adult surgical patients in public hospitals of eastern Ethiopia from 25 April to 26 May 2022. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was undertaken using a systematic sampling technique among 423 participants from patients eligible for elective surgery. The prevalence of preoperative anxiety was assessed using the state and trait anxiety inventory measurement scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive and summary statistics were computed. Binary and multivariable logistic regression were computed. The strength of the association was presented using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of preoperative anxiety among patients scheduled for elective surgery was 51.2%. Being 31-45 aged adult (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.17, 0.78), having moderate (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.96) and strong social support (AOR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.08), being single (AOR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.04, 0.89), listening to music (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.18, 0.74) and finding social and religious support (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.07, 0.33), and orthopedic surgery (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.10, 0.43) were significantly associated with lower odds of preoperative anxiety, whereas having fear of death (AOR = 1.16; 95% CI = 0.64, 2.09) was significantly associated with increased odds of preoperative anxiety. Conclusion: In the current study, the magnitude of preoperative anxiety was high. Being an older adult and having social and treatment support was associated with lower odds of preoperative anxiety. In contrast, lower psychological readiness (fear of death) was associated with increased odds of preoperative anxiety. Patients should be routinely assessed for anxiety during the preoperative appointment, and the proper coping mechanisms and anxiety-reduction approaches should be used. It is also advisable that appropriate policies and procedures for reducing preoperative anxiety should be devised.

The prevalent factors of anxiety in women undergoing mammography.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia. Anxiety is one factor that deters women from participating in mammography. This study aimed to assess the anxiety level and its associated factors in women undergoing mammography. Methods: A three-month cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires, encompassing socio-demographic details, clinical characteristics, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results: The mean age of the participants was 57 years old (SD ±10.098). Repeat mammograms consisted of 48.8% of the participants. One-third (35.7%) of them had a history of breast disease. Most participants (84.5%) did not have a positive family history of breast cancer. The proportion of participants with moderate and high anxiety levels was 41.8%. The cause of anxiety was mainly due to the fear of the results (69%), while familiarity with the procedure reduced anxiety among respondents. Socio-demographic and clinical factors were not significantly associated with anxiety levels. However, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between state and trait anxiety scores (r = 0.568, p = 0.001, n = 213). Limitations: The urban setting and absence of questions on the location of origin in the study may have excluded data from the rural population. This may have prevented a true representation of the Malaysian population. Conclusion: The findings suggest a better understanding of the procedures involved as well as the subsequent disease management would be beneficial in alleviating anxiety prior to, during, and post-mammogram.

Effect of binaural beat music and noise cancelling headphones on intraoperative anxiety in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia - A randomised controlled study.

Background and Aims: This study aimed to determine the effects of music and active noise cancellation on intraoperative anxiety in patients undergoing lower limb surgeries under spinal anaesthesia. Methods: After obtaining ethical approval, this randomised controlled study was conducted in adult patients (18-50 years of age) of either gender. Patients were randomly allocated to binaural beat music (Group A), noise cancellation (Group B) or no headphones (Group C) group (n = 36 in each group). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-6 (STAI-6) score and Visual Analogue Score for Satisfaction (VAS-S) were noted preoperatively and at the end of surgery. In addition, Ramsay sedation scores and Likert communication difficulty scores were noted at 30 min intraoperatively. Haemodynamic parameters were noted preoperatively and at different intervals intraoperatively till the end of the surgery. Results: There was a significant decrease in anxiety scores in Group A, Group B and Group C with postoperative STAI-6 scores (mean ± standard deviation) of 7.8 ± 1.7, 11.7 ± 4.2 and 14.7 ± 5.3, respectively. The difference was significant in Groups A and B compared to Group C (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction scores in Groups A and B were better than in Group C (7.3 ± 1.7 and 6.2 ± 1.6 vs. 5.2 ± 1.3, respectively). Sedation scores and communication difficulty was significantly better in Groups A and B compared to Group C. Systolic blood pressure was significantly better intra- and postoperatively. There were no significant differences in other haemodynamic parameters on most occasions. Conclusion: Music and noise-cancellation headphones can reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction and sedation scores in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia.

Correlates of higher anxiety scores reported by women admitted for elective caesarean section.

Background: An elective caesarean section (CS) has been associated with high anxiety scores, and there are associations between higher anxiety scores and younger age, primigravidae, higher educational level, and previous experience with anaesthesia. In this study, the aim is to measure anxiety scores associated with an elective CS using two measuring scales and identify women's characteristics and obstetrics variables that are associated with higher scores. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between Nov 15, 2019 and Nov 15, 2020. Women were included if they were 18 years of age or more, had viable pregnancies, and were admitted for an elective CS. Anxiety scores were measured on admission using the visual analogue scale for anxiety (VASA) and then the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y). Associated factors were studied using logistic regression analyses. Results: Three hundred women were recruited. Means (SD) for the participant's age and gestation age were 30.5 (5.7) years and 37.6 (1.4) weeks, respectively. Additionally, 29.3% of the participants having a CS were primigravidae and 62.3% were for maternal indications. Furthermore, 55%, 59%, and 61% of the women had scores above the means of VASA and STAI-S components 1 and 2, respectively.Variables that showed statistically significant associations with higher anxiety scores were that the woman's age was 25-34, the CS was for foetal indications, the choice of anaesthesia was general, and the source of information for the choice of anaesthesia was a layperson. Conclusion: Higher anxiety scores are prevalent among women admitted for an elective CS. STAI-Y and VASA correlated well, and the short VASA may replace the lengthy STAI-Y in clinical practice. Identification of women with risk factors may help in implementing strategies to reduce anxiety.

Essential oils for treating anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis.

Background and purpose: The findings of clinical studies exploring essential oils (EOs) for anxiety remain disputed, and no studies have yet clarified the differences in the efficacy of EOs. The purpose of the study was to directly or indirectly compare the efficacy of different types of EOs on anxiety by pooling the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched from inception to November 2022. Only full texts of RCTs that investigated the effects of EOs on anxiety were included. The trial data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed by two reviewers independently. Pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed by Stata 15.1 or R 4.1.2 software. Results: Forty-four RCTs (fifty study arms) involving 10 kinds of EOs and 3419 anxiety patients (1815 patients in EOs group and 1604 patients in control group) were included. Pairwise meta-analyses showed that EOs were effective in reducing State Anxiety Inventory scores (SAIS) [WMD = -6.63, 95% CI-8.17, -5.08] and Trait Anxiety Inventory scores (TAIS) [WMD = -4.97, 95% CI-6.73, -3.20]. Additionally, EOs could decrease systolic blood pressure (SBP) [WMD = -6.83, (95% CI -10.53, -3.12), P < 0.001] and heart rate (HR) [WMD = -3.43, (95% CI -5.51, -1.36), P < 0.001]. Network meta-analyses demonstrated that regarding the outcome of SAIS, Jasminum sambac (L.)Ait. (jasmine) was the most effective with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of-13.61 (95% CrI-24.79, -2.48). Followed by Citrus (citrus aurantium L.), which had a WMD of-9.62 (95% CrI-13.32, -5.93). Moderate effect sizes were observed for Rosa rugosa Thunb. (damask rose) (WMD = -6.78, 95% CrI-10.14, -3.49) and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender) (WMD = -5.41, 95% CrI-7.86, -2.98). Regarding the results of TAIS, citrus aurantium L. was the best ranked intervention with a WMD of-9.62 (95% CrI-15.62, -3.7). Moderate-to-large effect sizes were observed for Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F. (lemon) (WMD:-8.48; 95% CrI-16.67, -0.33) and lavender (WMD:-5.5; 95% CrI-8.7, -2.46). Conclusion: According to the comprehensive analysis, EOs are effective in reducing both state anxiety and trait anxiety, and citrus aurantium L. essential oil seems to be the most recommended type of EO for treating anxiety because of its significant effects in reducing SAIS and TAIS. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022331319.

Comparison of pain catastrophizing and anxiety in patients with dyspareunia and healthy women: a cross-sectional study.

Despite the prominent role of cognitive-affective variables, such as pain catastrophizing and anxiety in chronic pain, little is known about their relationship with dyspareunia. This study compared pain-catastrophizing and anxiety in reproductive-aged women with and without dyspareunia. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted on 398 married women in Iran selected by convenience sampling. Sampling was performed both online and in person. Data were collected using a checklist designed for the study, including background characteristics, self-reported dyspareunia, and two standard questionnaires: the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-6 (STAI-6). Results showed that 49.5% of the women reported dyspareunia in the previous six months, with a reduced figure of 42% and 31% when using more specific criteria for dyspareunia. Women with dyspareunia had significantly higher scores for pain catastrophizing and anxiety than the control group without dyspareunia. Pain-catastrophizing was associated with aversion to genital contact and body image dissatisfaction. Anxiety was correlated with age, marriage duration, and sexual abuse. Managing anxiety and catastrophizing thoughts may help dyspareunia patients better cope with pain.

How Different Preparation Techniques Affect MRI-Induced Anxiety of MRI Patients: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams may cause patients to feel anxious before or during the scan, which affects the scanning outcome and leads to motion artifacts. Adequate preparation can effectively alleviate patients' anxiety before the scan. We aimed to assess the effect of different preparation methods on MRI-induced anxiety: We conducted a prospective randomized study on MRI patients between March and May 2022. We divided 30 patients into two groups: the control group, which received routine preparation (RP), and the experimental group, which received video preparation (VP). We used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to measure anxiety levels before and after the interventions. We assessed patients' self-satisfaction after the scan: After preparation, VP (STAI mean = 10.7500) and RP (STAI mean = 12.7857), we observed a significant association between the pre- and post-STAI results in VP (p = 0.025). The effects of both methods in decreasing anxiety were more significant for first-timers (p = 0.009 in RP/0.014 in VP). We noted high satisfaction levels for both forms of preparation. The VP technique was superior in reducing patient anxiety, especially in first-time MRI patients. Hence, VP techniques can be used in different clinical settings to reduce anxiety and facilitate patients' understanding of the instructions given.