Self-reported psychological problems and coping strategies: a web-based study in Peruvian population during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted health systems across the world and led to major shifts in individual behavior by forcing people into isolation in home settings. Its rapid spread has overwhelmed populations in all corners of Latin-American countries resulting in individual psychological reactions that may aggravate the health crisis. This study reports on demographics, self-reported psychological disturbances and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Peruvian population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study uses an online survey with snowball sampling that was conducted after the state of emergency was declared in Perú (on April 2nd). The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to identify somatic symptoms, incidence of anxiety/ insomnia, social dysfunction and depression and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) mapped personal strategies to address recent stress. RESULTS: 434 self-selected participants ranging in age from 18 to 68 years old (Mean age = 33.87) completed the survey. The majority of participants were women (61.30%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.70%), well-educated (> = 85.00%), Peruvian (94.20%), employed (57.40%) and single (71.20%). 40.8% reported psychological distress, expressing fear of coronavirus infection (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that men had lower somatic-related symptom (ß = - 1.87, 95%, CI: - 2.75 to -.99) and anxiety/insomnia symptom (ß = - 1.91, 95% CI: - 2.98 to 0.84) compared to women. The risk for depression and social dysfunction are less likely with increasing age. Educational status was protective against developing psychological conditions (p < 0.05). While active responses (acceptance and social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological distress; passive strategies (such as denial, self-distraction, self-blame, disconnection, and venting) are more commonly reported. CONCLUSION: This study provides a better understanding of the psychological health impact occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Peruvian population. About half of the respondents reported psychological distress and poor coping responses. This evidence informs the need for broader promotional health policies focused on strengthening individual's active strategies aiming at improving emotional health and preventing psychiatric conditions, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of health literacy on college students' psychological disturbances and quality of life: a structural equation modeling analysis.

BACKGROUND: The literature regarding the effect of health literacy on college students' psychological health and quality of life is scarce. The purpose of conducting this cross-sectional study was to examine the effect of health literacy on certain psychological disturbances (perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and impulsivity) and quality of life of college students. METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative design was utilized in this study. A total of 310 four-year college students participated in this study. The students completed a demographics questionnaire as well as already established and validated measures of health literacy, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, impulsivity, and quality of life. Structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the data to explore the effect of health literacy on the psychological disturbances and quality of life. RESULTS: The results showed that health literacy has a negative effect on three psychological disturbances commonly experienced by college students; perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and impulsivity. In addition, the effect of health literacy on the quality of life was positive. CONCLUSION: The proposed conceptual model was supported. College students' counseling staff could use the findings to better address students' needs pertinent to psychological health and quality of life. Future research is warranted to develop a more comprehensive model that explains the role of health literacy in determining college students' psychological health and quality of life.

Psychological disturbances of survivors throughout COVID-19 crisis: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: In addition to physical problems, patients with COVID-19 suffer from considerable stress throughout the disease crisis. It is important to address mental health needs and not to ignore the psychological dimension in this group of patients. In this regard, the first practical step is to have a clear understanding of patients' psychological issues. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the psychological disturbances of COVID-19 survivors throughout the disease crisis. METHOD: This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach through 14 individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with patients recovered from COVID-19. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. RESULTS: Three themes of "living in limbo", "psychological distress behind the wall" and "psychological burden of being a carrier" were extracted as the psychological disturbances of COVID-19 survivors throughout the disease crisis. CONCLUSION: This study portrayed a better understanding of psychological disturbances of COVID-19 survivors throughout the disease crisis based on their lived experiences. Given the ambiguity in the time of the disease eradication and its continuing course, a deep understanding of these experiences in the current critical situation can help healthcare officials to make appropriate decisions and take measures to assess and identify psychological traumas and perform interventions to improve the mental state of these patients.

Quality of life among post-menopausal women due to oxidative stress boosted by dysthymia and anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Menopause is the onset of aging in women. During this process, some women experience physical changes that may impact upon their psychological and social status, also affecting their quality of life. Furthermore, several psychological changes following menopause have been shown to act as pro-oxidant, but the association between the psychological status that modify the quality of life and oxidative stress in postmenopausal women is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determinate the relationship between oxidative stress with psychological disturbances, low self-esteem, depressive mood and anxiety, and quality of life in the postmenopausal women. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study with101 premenopausal and 101 postmenopausal women from Mexico City. As markers of oxidative stress we measured plasma lipoperoxide levels, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and total antioxidant status. We calculate a stress score as global oxidative stress status, with cut-off values for each parameter; this score range from 0 to 6, representing the severity of markers modifications. All the women were rated using the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scales, and the WHO Quality of Life-brief. RESULTS: The postmenopausal women with low quality of life in the WHO Quality of Life-brief and their subscales had higher stress score compared with premenopausal women with high quality of life (p < 0.05). We found a positive correlation among lipoperoxide levels and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and Zung Self-Rating Depression score (r = 0.226 and r = 0.173, respectively, p < 0.05), and a negative correlation with WHO Quality of Life-brief scores (r = -0.266, p < 0.01) in postmenopausal women. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that average lipoperoxide levels increase by 0.0007 µmol/L for every 1-point increase in the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and by 0.001 µmol/L for every 1-point decrease in the WHO Quality of Life-brief, after adjusted for pro-oxidant factors. Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scales scores also contribute to increase lipoperoxides levels, but not significant. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that oxidative stress is increased in postmenopausal women with psychological disturbances and low quality of life.

High Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Psychological Distress Among Healthcare Workers in COVID-19 Field Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study from Vietnam.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological disturbances in the Vietnamese healthcare workers (HCWs) at COVID-19 field hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) to measure PTSD and the Depression Anxiety Stress scale (DASS) to measure other psychological disturbances. The anxiety about COVID-19 was evaluated by the fear of COVID-19 (FOC) scale. A self-developed questionnaire was used to assess work conditions and HCW's major concerns and preparedness. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the severity of PTSD. A structural modeling equation (SEM) model was fitted to examine the correlation between PTSD and other psychological disturbances. Results: A total of 542 HCWs participated in this study. The prevalence of PTSD was 21.2%, most cases were mild. In the ordinal logistic regression analysis, a history of mental illness, poor preparedness, working in a condition with poor resources, a greater number of concerns, and greater fear of COVID-19 were independently associated with higher severity of PTSD. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 46.8%, 38.3%, and 60.2, respectively. In the SEM model, PTSD and psychological disturbances had a strong correlation (standardized covariance 0.86). Conclusion: The prevalence of PTSD and other psychological disturbances was alarmingly high among HCWs who worked at COVID-19 field hospitals. The reported associated factors can be useful for policymakers and health authorities in the preparation for future pandemics.

A Review of Psychological Stress among Students and Its Assessment Using Salivary Biomarkers.

Numerous psychoneuroimmune factors participate in complex bodily reactions to psychological stress, and some of them can be easily and non-invasively measured in saliva (cortisol, alpha-amylase, proinflammatory cytokines). Cortisol plays a crucial role in the stress response; thus, stressful events (academic examinations, cardiac surgery, dental procedures) are accompanied by an increase in cortisol levels. (A correlation between cortisol blood levels and salivary values has already been confirmed, particularly during stress). Academic stress is defined as everyday stress among students that has an impact on aspects of their psychological and physiological well-being. For example, exams are considered one of the most acute stressful experiences for students. The strength of the association between academic self-efficacy, psychological stress, and anxiety depends on a variety of factors: the type of academic challenge (e.g., oral exam), the presence of an audience, etc. Higher stress levels were predominantly recorded among younger students, primarily regarding their academic tasks and concerns (grades, exams, competing with peers for grades, fear of failing the academic year, etc.). The measurement of stress levels during academic stress can improve our understanding of the character and influence of stressful events in populations of students, preventing adverse reactions to long-term stress, such as a decreased immune response and increased anxiety.

Ant sting-induced whole-body pustules in an inebriated male: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Many ant species can harm humans; however, only a few cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Normally, reactions caused by ants occur in patients who come into contact with ant venom. Venom contains various biologically active peptides and protein components, of which acids and alkaloids tend to cause anaphylaxis. Ant venom can cause both immediate and delayed reactions. The main histopathological changes observed in ant hypersensitivity are eosinophil recruitment and Th2 cytokine production. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old man was bitten by a large number of ants when he was in a drunken stupor and was hospitalized at a local hospital. Five days later, because of severe symptoms, the patient was transferred to our hospital for treatment. Numerous pustules were observed interspersed throughout the body, with itching and pain reported. He had experienced fever, vomiting, hematochezia, mania, soliloquy, sleep disturbances, and elevated levels of myocardial enzymes since the onset of illness. The patient had a history of hypertension for more than 1 year, and his blood pressure was within the normal range after hypotensive drug treatment. He had no other relevant medical history. Based on the clinical history of an ant bite and its clinical manifestations, the patient was diagnosed with an ant venom allergy. The patient was treated with 60 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d, 40 mg methylprednisolone for 3 d, and 20 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d. Oral antihistamines and diazepam were administered for 12 d and 8 d, respectively. Cold compresses were used to treat the swelling during the process. After 12 d of treatment, most pustules became crusts, whereas some had faded away. No symptoms of pain, itching, or psychological disturbances were reported during the follow-up visits within 6 mo. CONCLUSION: This case report emphasizes the dangers of ant stings.

Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Role of Coping Strategies.

Adaptive coping strategies are used to reduce stress in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. These strategies have a major role in physical health, psychological health, quality of life and also affect an individual's response to the disease. The current study was conducted to comprehend the impact of coping strategies on the quality of life of patients suffering from cardiac disease. A purposive convenient sampling method was used to collect data from different hospitals in South Punjab. We applied Carver's Brief Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (Brief COPE) inventory and the WHO quality of life scale. A cross-sectional research design was proposed for the study. The findings of the study showed that coping strategies and quality of life are associated with each other, and the use of emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies have a significant impact on patients experiencing cardiac surgery. Demographic details of patients also revealed the differences in both variables. Implications and future recommendations have also been discussed.

Differences in Sleep Disorders between HIV-Infected Persons and Matched Controls with Sleep Problems: A Matched-Cohort Study Based on Laboratory and Survey Data.

OBJECTIVES: Sleep disturbances are prevalent problems among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. The recognition of comorbid sleep disorders in patients with HIV is currently hampered by limited knowledge of sleep-related symptoms, sleep architecture, and types of sleep disorders in this population. We aimed to compare the differences in sleep-related symptoms and polysomnography-based sleep disorders between HIV-infected persons and controls. METHODS: The study evaluated 170 men with a Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores greater than 5, including 44 HIV-infected men and 126 male controls who were frequency-matched by sex, age (±3.0 years) and BMI (±3.0 kg/m2). For all participants, an overnight sleep study using a Somte V1 monitor was conducted. Differences in sleep-related symptoms and sleep disorders between HIV-infected patients and controls were examined using t-tests or chi-square tests. RESULTS: HIV-infected persons with sleep disturbances more often had psychological disturbances (72.7% vs. 40.5%, p < 0.001) and suspected rapid eye movement behavior disorder (25.0% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.01) than controls. Sleep-disordered breathing was less common in HIV-infected persons than in controls (56.8% vs. 87.3%, p < 0.001). The mean percentage of rapid eye movement sleep was higher among HIV-infected patients than among controls (20.6% vs. 16.6%, p < 0.001). Nocturia was more common in HIV-infected persons than in controls (40.9% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological disturbances and sleep-disordered breathing can be possible explanations of sleep disturbances in HIV-infected persons in whom sleep-disordered breathing is notable. Further studies are warranted to examine the underlying factors of rapid eye movement behavior disorder among HIV-infected persons with sleep disturbances.

Quality of life in overweight (obese) and normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity and has a wide variety of consequences. Approximately half of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, and their obesity may be a contributing factor to PCOS pathogenesis through different mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate if PCOS alone affects the patients' quality of life and to what extent obesity contributes to worsen this disease. DESIGN: To evaluate the impact of PCOS on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), 100 Mediterranean women with PCOS (group A), 50 with a body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 (group A1) and 50 with BMI <25 kg/m2 (group A2), were recruited. They were evaluated with a specific combination of standardized psychometric questionnaires: the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised, the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire. The patients were compared with a normal-weight healthy control group of 40 subjects (group B). Another control group of 40 obese healthy women (group C) was used to make a comparison with PCOS obese patients (A1). RESULTS: Our results showed a considerable worsening of HRQoL in PCOS patients (A) compared with controls (B). In addition, patients with PCOS and BMI >25 (A1) showed a significant and more marked reduction in scores, suggesting a lower quality of life, compared with controls (B) and with normal-weight PCOS patients (A2). CONCLUSION: PCOS is a complex disease that alone determines a deterioration of HRQoL. The innovative use of these psychometric questionnaires in this study, in particular the PCOS questionnaire, has highlighted that obesity has a negative effect on HRQoL. It follows that a weight decrease is associated to phenotypic spectrum improvement and relative decrement in psychological distress.

Salud familiar y psicológica del cuidador primario de adultos mayores dependientes / Saúde familiar e psicológica do cuidador principal de idosos dependentes / Family and psychological health of the primary caregiver of dependent elderly

Introducción: El conocimiento de las influencias socio-familiares en los cuidadores de adultos mayores es necesario para poder ayudar a establecer el grado de funcionalidad familiar y el patrón (alteraciones) psicológico del cuidador. Objetivo: Determinar la salud familiar y psicológica del cuidador primario del adulto mayor de la Comunidad de San Vicente, Centro del Cantón Quero, provincia de Tungurahua, Ecuador en el año 2020. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en los 31 cuidadores primarios de los adultos mayores de la comunidad antes mencionada, que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se aplicaron los instrumentos: cuestionario del APGAR familiar, test de Goldberg, entrevista semiestructurada con datos sociodemográficos, alteraciones psicológicas del cuidador y la escala de Zarit. Se estudiaron variables como la ansiedad, depresión, sobrecarga y funcionalidad familiar. Los datos recolectados se ingresaron a una base de datos en Excel para su análisis en el paquete estadístico SPSS 25.0. Resultados: De los cuidadores, el 83,9 porciento tuvo ansiedad, el 87,1 porciento depresión, el 35,5 porciento estuvo con sobrecarga por los cuidados y el 41,9 porciento constó con sobrecarga intensa; de las familias, se encontró que el 54,8 porciento fue disfuncional mientras que el 16,2 porciento fue disfuncional severa. Conclusiones: La mayor parte de cuidadores primarios presentan una disfuncionalidad familiar severa, con altos niveles de ansiedad y depresión, existiendo por demás una sobrecarga intensa. Al estar alterada la funcionabilidad familiar se produce desgaste del cuidador primario del adulto mayor, siendo la sobrecarga intensa y los estados de ansiedad y depresión unas de las manifestaciones psicológicas más marcadas(AU).

Introduction: Knowledge of the socio-familiar influences on caregivers of the elderly is necessary to help establish the degree of family functionality and the psychological pattern (alterations) of the caregiver. Objective: To determine the family and psychological health of the primary caregiver of the elderly in the Community of San Vicente, Centro del Cantón Quero, Tungurahua province, Ecuador, in the year 2020. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the 31 primary caregivers of the elderly who met the inclusion criteria, living in the aforementioned community. The instruments applied were: family APGAR questionnaire, Goldberg test, semi-structured interview with sociodemographic data, psychological disorders of the caregiver and the Zarit scale. Variables such as anxiety, depression, overload and family functionality were studied. The collected data were entered into an Excel database for analysis in the SPSS 25.0 statistical package. Results: 83.9 percent of the caregivers had anxiety, 87.1 percent had depression, 35.5 percent were overburdened by care and 41.9 percent had intense overload. It was found that 54.8 percent of the families were dysfunctional while 16.2 percent were severe dysfunctional. Conclusions: The majority of primary caregivers have severe family dysfunction, with high levels of anxiety and depression, and intense overload. When family functionality is altered, the primary caregiver of the elderly gets exhausted, with intense overload and states of anxiety and depression being one of the most marked psychological manifestations(AU).

Introdução: O conhecimento das influências sociofamiliares sobre os cuidadores de idosos é necessário para ajudar a estabelecer o grau de funcionalidade da família e o padrão psicológico (alterações) do cuidador. Objetivo: Determinar a saúde familiar e psicológica do cuidador principal de idosos da Comunidade de San Vicente, Centro del Cantón Quero, província de Tungurahua, Equador em 2020. Método: Estudo descritivo e transversal realizado no 31 cuidadores primários de idosos da comunidade citada, que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Os instrumentos foram aplicados: questionário APGAR familiar, teste de Goldberg, entrevista semiestruturada com dados sociodemográficos, transtornos psicológicos do cuidador e escala de Zarit. Variáveis como ansiedade, depressão, sobrecarga e funcionalidade familiar foram estudadas. Os dados coletados foram inseridos em banco de dados Excel para análise no pacote estatístico SPSS 25.0. Resultados: Dos cuidadores, 83,9 porcento apresentavam ansiedade, 87,1 porcento depressão, 35,5 porcento sobrecarga de cuidados e 41,9 porcento sobrecarga intensa; Das famílias, verificou-se que 54,8 porcento eram disfuncionais enquanto 16,2 porcento eram disfuncionais graves. Conclusões: A maioria dos cuidadores primários apresenta disfunção familiar grave, com altos níveis de ansiedade e depressão, e também há uma sobrecarga intensa. Quando a funcionalidade familiar é alterada, o cuidador principal do idoso se esgota, sendo a sobrecarga intensa e os estados de ansiedade e depressão uma das manifestações psicológicas mais marcantes(AU).