The relationship between health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions in college freshmen: a cross-lagged analysis.

Background: The prevalence of mental health issues has been gradually increasing among college students in recent years. Improvements in mental health can be achieved through changes in daily behavior and the use of psychological counseling. This study aims to investigate the relationship between health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions among college freshmen as they enter the university. It also examines the impact of various sub-dimensions of health-promoting behaviors and other factors on the negative emotions (stress, anxiety, and depression) experienced by college freshmen. Methods: Using the Negative Emotion and Health-Promoting Behavior scales, a 7-month longitudinal study was conducted on 4,252 college freshmen, with collection of data at two time points (T1: November 12, 2021; T2: June 17, 2022). Out of this longitudinal study, 3,632 valid samples were obtained. This research aimed to explore the association and impact between negative emotions and the level of health-promoting behaviors among college students during their time at the university. Results: ① There were significant differences in the levels of health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions over the course of 7 months (P < 0.05). Health-promoting behaviors were found to have a significant negative correlation with negative emotions (P < 0.05). ② Negative emotions at T1 significantly negatively predicted health-promoting behaviors at T2 (ß = -0.11, P < 0.01), while health-promoting behaviors at T1 significantly negatively predicted negative emotions at T2 (ß = -0.12, P < 0.001). ③ Stress management (ß = -0.104, P < 0.05; ß = -0.087, P < 0.05), self-actualization (ß = -0.282, P < 0.01; ß = -0.260, P < 0.05), health responsibility (ß = -0.057, P < 0.05; ß = -0.088, P < 0.05), and interpersonal relations (ß = 0.068, P < 0.01; ß = 0.138, P < 0.05) were important components in improving stress and anxiety. Self-actualization (ß = -0.437, P < 0.001), exercise (ß = 0.048, P < 0.001), nutrition (ß = 0.044, P < 0.001), and interpersonal relations (ß = 0.065, P < 0.001) were important components in improving depression. ④ Gender, place of household registration, and whether the individual is the only child were significant factors affecting negative emotions in college freshmen. Conclusion: The level of health-promoting behaviors is an important indicator for assessing the negative emotional states of college freshmen. Enhancing health-promoting behaviors across various dimensions can help alleviate different types of negative emotions. Gender, place of household registration, and being the only child are significant factors that influence negative emotions.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates acute postoperative anxiety in rats by suppressing the NF-ĸB pathway.

Evidence suggests that surgical procedures can effect the central nervous system and lead to changes in mood and behavior, rarely understood about the role of acute inflammation in promoting acute anxiety postoperatively. This study was designed to explore the possible mechanism of dexmedetomidine (DEX, a2-adrenergic receptor agonist) for reducing acute postoperative anxiety, which may be related to the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and downstream signal pathway in the hippocampus. Experiments were conducted with rat, the elevated plus-maze and open field test were performed to evaluate anxiety-like behavior. Inhibit DEX with Atipamezole (AT, α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) and inhibit NF-κB with Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC, inhibit phosphorylation of IκB, prevent the activation of NF-κB), the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1ß, IL-10 and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in the hippocampus and anxiety-like behavior were measured. Rats exhibited anxiety-like behavior at 6h and 12h after surgery. Preoperative administration of DEX significantly alleviated postoperative anxiety-like behavior. DEX premedication inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB alleviate acute postoperative anxiety. These findings are the first to show that acute postoperative anxiety may be related to NF-κB nuclear translocation in the hippocampus in rats, which can be alleviated by DEX premedication.

The Association of Body Image Perceptions with Behavioral and Health Outcomes among Young Adults.

This study was conducted on 5 March 2024, by the Universidad Europea de Madrid. This study aims to explore how body image perceptions influence health behaviors and mental and physical health outcomes among a specific group of 605 young adults aged 20 to 35 engaged in strength training regimes. To measure these perceptions, the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) was employed, an advanced tool that assesses multiple dimensions of body image through its subscales, including feelings of physical attractiveness, investment in one's appearance, and satisfaction with different body areas. Participants were segmented into two groups based on a median split of their self-reported body image. The survey assessed a diverse array of variables, including demographic details, physiological data, resistance training routines, and psychological attributes. In this revision, we consistently use the term 'dietary habits' to ensure clear and uniform language when discussing eating patterns. Notable differences were observed in dietary habits and exercise engagement, influenced significantly by body image perceptions. Negative body image was linked to less healthy dietary habits, diminished physical activity, and worse psychological outcomes, such as increased anxiety and depression. Conversely, a positive body image was associated with healthier dietary habits, more frequent physical activity, and better psychological health. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving body image could be crucial for enhancing overall health within this specific demographic. Due to the non-representative nature of the study group, conclusions are cautiously presented as applicable only to similar populations engaged in strength training. This study underscores the need for holistic strategies that encourage positive body image to improve both physical and psychological health outcomes in young adults.

The midterm psychological effect of cast removal procedures in children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the course of anxiety change in children who used headphones during cast removal with controls in midterm follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients who underwent forearm fracture treatment with closed reduction and long arm casting between June 2021 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of headphones (n=27; 21 males, 6 females; mean age: 8.0±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) or not (n=39; 27 males, 12 females; mean age: 8.9±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) during cast removal with an oscillating saw. Primary outcome measures included preprocedure, postprocedure, and six-month anxiety assessments with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: There was an acute increase in the mean state anxiety scores after the procedure, which returned to below baseline at the six-month follow-up in the headphone (31.4±8.3, 33.3±8.7, and 25.1±4.1, respectively) and control groups (34.9±11.1, 37.4±9.5, and 27.3±5.3, respectively). The mean trait anxiety scores before the procedure, after the procedure, and at six months remained similar in the headphone (33.6±3.0, 34.6±3.2, and 32.4±2.8; p>0.05) and control groups (34.1±2.7, 33.7±3.0, and 33.7±3.0, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the acute anxiety during cast removal did not create anxiety sequelae in the sixth month regardless of headphone use.

Multilevel Characteristics of Cumulative Symptom Burden in Young Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Importance: Symptom burden and its characteristics among survivors of pediatric cancers aged 8 to 18 years remain understudied. Objective: To examine the prevalence of symptom burden among young childhood cancer survivors and identify associations with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological resilience skills, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional analysis using data collected from November 1, 2017, to January 31, 2019, in a survivorship clinic at a US-based comprehensive cancer center was conducted. Participants included 302 dyads of children aged 8 to 18 years who survived at least 5 years beyond diagnosis and their primary caregivers. Data analysis was performed from March 13, 2023, to February 29, 2024. Exposures: Diagnosis, caregiver-reported family conflict, self-reported caregiver anxiety, neighborhood-level social vulnerability, and survivor-reported meaning and purpose. Main Outcomes and Measures: Novel symptom-level burden, integrating the attributes of severity and daily activity interference using the pediatric version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, global cumulative symptom burden, and HRQOL using the EuroQol-5D. Multinomial logistic regression identified characteristics associated with symptom burden; linear regression assessed symptom burden and HRQOL associations. Results: Among 302 survivors (mean [SD] age, 14.2 [2.9] years, mean [SD] time since diagnosis, 10.9 [2.9] years; 153 [50.7%] male), 186 (62.0%) had low, 77 (25.7%) moderate, and 37 (12.3%) high global cumulative symptom burden. Greater caregiver anxiety was associated with moderate (risk ratio [RR], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.09-2.24) global symptom burden. Greater neighborhood deprivation was associated with moderate global symptom burden (RR, 4.86; 95% CI, 1.29-18.26). Survivors with greater meaning/purpose were less likely to have moderate (RR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.29-0.61) and high (RR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.16-0.46) global symptom burden. The burden of individual symptoms displayed similar patterns. Low (Cohen d, -0.60; 95% CI, -0.87 to -0.32) and moderate/high (d, -0.98; 95% CI, -1.53 to -0.43) general pain, moderate/high numbness (d, -0.99; 95% CI, -1.69 to -0.29), and moderate/high worry (d, -0.55; 95% CI, -0.99 to -0.11) were associated with lower HRQOL. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study of young childhood cancer survivors, symptom burden was prevalent. Caregiver anxiety and disparity-related neighborhood factors were associated with greater symptom burden, whereas meaning and purpose was a protective factor. Greater specific symptom burden contributed to poorer HRQOL. The findings suggest that interventions targeting resilience and neighborhood adversity may alleviate symptom burden and improve HRQOL.

Effect of MDMA-assisted therapy on mood and anxiety symptoms in advanced-stage cancer (EMMAC): study protocol for a double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in patients with terminal illness and multiple challenges exist with timely and effective care in this population. Several centres have reported that one dose of the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin, combined with therapeutic support, improves these symptoms for up to 6 months in this patient group. Drawing upon related therapeutic mechanisms, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy may have the potential to achieve similar, positive mental health outcomes in this group. Preliminary evidence also supports the tolerability of MDMA-assisted therapy for anxiety and depression in advanced-stage cancer. METHODS: Up to 32 participants with advanced-stage cancer and associated depression and anxiety will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio into one of two blinded parallel treatment arms. The intervention group will receive 120 mg (+ 60 mg optional supplemental dose) MDMA-assisted therapy. The psychoactive control group will receive 20 mg oral (+ 10 mg optional supplemental dose) methylphenidate-assisted therapy. For each medication-assisted therapy session, participants will undergo two 90-min therapeutic support sessions in the week preceding, and one 90-min support session the day after the experimental session. A battery of measures (mood, anxiety, quality of life, mystical experience, spiritual wellbeing, attitudes towards death, personality traits, holistic health and wellbeing, connectedness, demoralisation, expectations, qualitative data and safety measures) will be assessed at baseline and through to the end of the protocol. Participants will be followed up until either 12 months post-randomisation or death, whichever occurs first. DISCUSSION: This study will examine the effect of MDMA-assisted therapy on symptoms of anxiety and depression in advanced-stage cancer. Potential therapeutic implications include establishing the safety and effectiveness of a novel treatment that may relieve mental suffering in patients with life-threatening illness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registered on Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12619001334190p. Date registered: 30/09/2019. URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378153&showOriginal=true&isReview=true.

Trajectories and influencing factors of social anxiety in postoperative breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Social anxiety among postoperative breast cancer patients is a prevalent concern, with its intensity fluctuating throughout the course of treatment. The study aims to describe the trajectory of social anxiety in postoperative breast cancer patients, explore the influencing factors, and provide theoretical support for the construction of future intervention programs. METHODS: This study was conducted from June 2022 to January 2023, encompassing 213 breast cancer patients from three first-class hospitals in China. Data collection occurred at four distinct time points. A growth mixture model was employed to identify latent categories representing the trajectories of social anxiety changes among patients. A multiple regression analysis was utilized to explore predictive factors associated with different latent trajectory categories. RESULTS: The trajectory of social anxiety changes in postoperative breast cancer patients includes five potential categories: maintaining mild social anxiety group, changing from mild to moderate social anxiety group, maintaining moderate social anxiety group, changing from moderate to severe social anxiety group, and maintaining severe social anxiety group. Cluster analysis results indicated three types: positive, negative, and low. Logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age, spouses concerned about postoperative appearance, chemotherapy with taxol-based drugs, opting for modified radical surgery or radical mastectomy surgical approaches, and breast cancer patients with negative rumination were factors that influenced patients' social anxiety (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The trajectory of social anxiety in postoperative breast cancer patients comprises five potential categories. In clinical practice, it is essential to strengthen the management of high-risk populations susceptible to experiencing social anxiety emotions, including younger age, spouses concerned about postoperative appearance, chemotherapy with taxol-based drugs, opting for modified radical surgery or radical mastectomy surgical approaches, and breast cancer patients with negative rumination.

Application of an egocentric social network approach to examine changes in social connections following treatment for anxiety and depression: A novel measurement tool for clinical trials research?

The epidemic of loneliness and social isolation has been recognized as a public health crisis warranting the same prioritization as other public health issues today, such as obesity, substance use disorders, and tobacco use. Social disconnection is particularly prevalent and disabling among individuals with anxiety and depression, yet it is inadequately evaluated and addressed in most clinical psychology treatment research. Studies generally employ global measures of perceived connectedness, loneliness, or relationship satisfaction, limiting understanding about elements of one's social network that may change with treatment. This study examined changes in the degree (number of people nominated) and quality of one's social network from pre-to post-treatment using an egocentric social network approach in 59 adults (mean age = 30.8 years, range = 18 to 54) with clinically elevated anxiety or depression who were randomized to a cognitive and behavioral positive valence treatment versus waitlist. Participants (egos) named people in their lives (alters) with whom they discussed important issues or spent free time. For each alter, participants rated how close they felt, how close they thought the alter felt to them, and how frequently they communicated. Linear regressions, which included treatment group as a predictor, revealed no group differences in changes in network degree, perceived alter feelings of closeness, or communication frequency, despite prior findings from this sample indicating larger increases in perceived global connectedness in the treatment group. Unexpectedly, the control group reported a greater increase in perceived closeness to alters. Post-hoc analyses revealed this was explained by the treatment group identifying more distal social ties (e.g., extended family, colleagues, roommates) as alters following treatment - an outcome positively associated with global improvements in connectedness. This proof-of-concept study suggests egocentric social network surveys may provide unique information on treatment-related changes in social functioning. Suggestions are provided for adaptations to facilitate application of social network surveys to mental health treatment research.

The Flourishing Scale: Psychometric Properties in Breast Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Promoting well-being is a key goal of cancer care, and it needs to be assessed using appropriate instruments. Flourishing is considered part of psychological well-being and it is commonly assessed with the Flourishing Scale (FS). To our knowledge, no studies have analyzed the psychometric properties of the FS in breast cancer patients. Our aim here was to provide validity evidence for use of the FS in this context. METHOD: Participants were 217 Spanish women with breast cancer who completed the FS and other scales assessing positive psychology constructs (life satisfaction, positive affect, resilience, self-esteem, optimism) and indicators of psychological maladjustment (negative affect, depression, anxiety, and stress). The internal structure of the FS was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We calculated the average variance extracted (AVE) to evaluate convergent validity, and both McDonald's omega and Cronbach's alpha coefficients to estimate reliability. Item analysis was performed by computing corrected item-total correlations. Validity evidence based on relationships with other variables was obtained through Pearson correlation analysis, controlling for age and cancer stage. RESULTS: The CFA supported a single-factor structure, with adequate goodness-of-fit indices (CFI = 0.997, NNFI = 0.996, RMSEA = 0.069, and SRMR = 0.047) and standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.70 to 0.87. The value of the AVE was 0.63, and the reliability coefficient obtained with both procedures was 0.91. Corrected item-total correlations ranged from .62 to .78. Correlation analysis showed direct and strong associations between the FS score and scores on positive psychology constructs (range from 0.43 to 0.74), the strongest correlations being with positive affect and life satisfaction. The FS score was inversely correlated with scores on depression, anxiety, stress, negative affect, and pessimism (range from -0.14 to -0.52), the strongest association being with stress. DISCUSSION: The FS is a useful tool for exploring well-being in the breast cancer context, providing useful information for psychological assessment.

Effectiveness of Karate in Oncology Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Cancer is a global health concern and affects patient quality of life, anxiety, depression, and sleep. Physical exercise shows promise in alleviating these effects. Karate is a holistic intervention that could be used to improve several outcomes related to cancer disease, but to date its effect remains unexplored. This quasi-experimental pre-/poststudy evaluated the effects of a 6-month karate program conducted twice a week for 60 minutes each session on quality of life, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and psychosomatic symptoms in 22 patients with posttherapy oncology. Significant improvements in quality of life (P = .006), anxiety (P < .001), depression (P < .001), and sleep quality (P = .011) were observed. Multidimensional psychophysical evaluation showed significant reductions in symptoms (P < .05). High participant satisfaction was reported across all dimensions. This pilot study shows the potential benefits in oncology patients, but more research is necessary to confirm these findings.

Development and initial validation of an open-access online Behavioral Avoidance Test (BAT) for spider fear.

The behavioral avoidance test (BAT) is a well-known diagnostic tool assessing fear by directly measuring avoidance behavior. For instance, in spider phobia, participants or patients gradually approach a live spider until they feel too uncomfortable to continue. However, the use of different BAT protocols in various studies hampers the comparability of results. Moreover, conducting the test requires considerable preparation by researchers and clinicians. Thus, we have developed an open-access online BAT (vBATon). We validated its efficacy in measuring avoidance behavior and eliciting feelings of anxiety and disgust by comparing it to a real-life BAT (rl-BAT). Spider-fearful (N = 31) and nonfearful (N = 31) individuals completed a rl-BAT and vBATon on two separate dates within a 1-week interval. As expected, both tests successfully distinguished between spider-fearful and nonfearful individuals. Crucially, equivalence tests confirmed that vBATon captures avoidance behavior, anxiety, and disgust equal to the rl-BAT. Assessing validity, we found moderate to high correlations between vBATon and (a) the rl-BAT and (b) self-report measurements of spider fear (Spider Phobia Questionnaire, Fear of Spiders Questionnaire). Overall, our study displayed initial evidence of validity of vBATon and suggests that it is a standardized, efficient, and user-friendly alternative to rl-BATs for measuring spider fear. It can be utilized in both research and clinical practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The mediating role of depressive, anxiety, and physical symptoms on work ability index in employed women with breast cancer: a prospective study from Croatia.

AIM: To explore the relationship between the current work ability index (WAI) and depressive and anxiety symptoms in breast cancer (BC) patients and the role of depressive, anxiety, and physical symptoms in mediating this relationship. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 83 employed women with BC. At baseline assessment (in the first three months following BC diagnosis) and follow-up assessment (one year after baseline), participants completed the WAI, Beck Depression Inventory-II, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire with a breast cancer-specific module. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore the mechanism by which depressive, anxiety, and physical symptoms influenced the relationship between WAI and depressive and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: WAI was negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. The effect of baseline depressive and trait anxiety symptoms on WAI at follow-up was mediated by both depressive and trait anxiety symptoms, as well as by physical symptoms at follow-up. The effect of baseline state anxiety symptoms on WAI at follow-up was mediated only by state anxiety symptoms at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline depressive and anxiety symptoms affect WAI at follow-up not only through persisting depressive and anxiety symptoms observed at follow-up but also through physical symptoms at follow-up. This indicates that efforts aimed at improving psychological health may result in simultaneous improvements in both psychological and physical health, as well as the resulting WAI.

Factors associated with psychological distress during genetic counseling in high-risk women with breast cancer in Turkey.

PURPOSE: This study aims to shed light on the rather neglected area of research of psychological distress in women facing genetic counselling in Turkey, where few institutions providing such counselling exist. METHODS: 105 breast cancer patients presenting for genetic testing completed a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire as well as validated structured questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/T) and the Health Motivation Sub-dimension of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. RESULTS: 69.5% of the participants had lost a family member from cancer; 80% said the term "cancer" elicited negative thoughts (e.g., death, fear, and incurable disease). 62.9% and 37.1% attributed cancer to stress or sorrow, and genetic susceptibility, respectively. There was a negative association between health motivation and BDI scores (r:-0.433, p < 0.001). Married individuals had higher BDI and STAI-S scores (p = 0.001, p = 0.01 respectively), as well as lower STAI-T scores (p = 0.006). BDI, STAI-S and STAI-T scores were higher in those refusing genetic testing (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.003 respectively) and those with metastases (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.03 respectively). Furthermore, individuals with low health motivation were more likely to exhibit high BDI scores (p < 0.001) and low STAI-T scores (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Common perceptions and beliefs about cancer and genetic testing during genetic counselling were found to have a negative impact on distress in high-risk women with breast cancer. The negative relationship between psychological distress and health motivation may reduce patients' compliance with genetic counselling recommendations. A comprehensive psychological evaluation should be considered as an important part of genetic counselling.

Parkinson's disease with anxiety: clinical characteristics and their correlation with oxidative stress, inflammation, and pathological proteins.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to explore the differences in the clinical characteristics and oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory factors, and pathological proteins in serum between Parkinson's disease (PD) with anxiety (PD-A) and with no anxiety (PD-NA) patients, and further correlations among clinical characteristics and above variables were analyzed in PD-A and PD-NA groups. METHODS: A total of 121 patients with PD were enrolled in this study and assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (14 items) (HAMA-14). These patients were divided into PD-A and PD-NA groups according to a cut-off point of 7 of HAMA-14. Demographic variables were collected, and clinical symptoms were assessed by multiple rating scales. The levels of free radicals, inflammatory factors, and pathological proteins in serum were measured by chemical colorimetric method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The differences of above variables were compared between PD-A and PD-NA groups, and the correlations of clinical symptoms with the abovevariables were analyzed in PD-A and PD-NA groups. RESULTS: The frequency of PD-A was 62.81%. PD-A group exhibited significantly impaired motor dysfunction and multiple non-motor symptoms, including fatigue, sleep behavior disorder, restless leg syndrome and autonomic dysfunction, and dramatically compromised activities of daily living compard with PD-NA group. PD-A group displayed prominently increasedlevels of hydroxyl radical (·OH) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and a decreased nitric oxide (NO) level in serum compared with PD-NA group (P<0.001, P = 0.001, P= 0.027, respectively). ·OH, NO, and TNF-α were identified as the risk factors of PD-A (OR = 1.005, P = 0.036; OR = 0.956, P = 0.017; OR = 1.039, P = 0.033, respectively). In PD patients, HAMA-14 score was significantly and positively correlated with the levels of ·OH and TNF-α in serum (P<0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). In PD-A group, ·OH level was significantly and negatively correlated with Aß1-42 level, while TNF-α level was significantly and positively correlated with P-tau (S396) level in serum. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of PD-A is high. PD-A patients present more severe motor dysfunction and multiple non-motor symptoms, and poorer activities of daily living. The increased levels of ·OH and TNF-α levels and the decreased NO level in serum are all associated with more severe anxiety in PD patients.Findings from this study may provide in-depth insights into the clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms of PD-A, and potential correlations among anxiety, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive decline in PD patients.

Social anxiety and psychological distress among polycystic ovarian syndrome patient's in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the fear of negative evaluation as a predictor, and to explore the association of social anxiety with psychological correlates among women with polycystic ovaries. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 to November 2021 after approval form the University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised unmarried women aged 18-26 diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. The sample was raised from different clinics and hospitals based in Lahore and Gujranwala cities. The sample was divided into obese, hirsutism and acne vulgaris groups. Data was collected using a demographic proforma along with standardised Derriford Appearance Scale, Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients, 60(33.3%) were in each of the 3 groups. The overall mean age was 21.4+/-2.27 years. A significant association of fear of negative evaluation was found with appearance distress, social anxiety and loneliness (p<0.05). The fear of negative evaluation and appearance distress also significantly predicted loneliness in the subjects (p<0.01). The obese group scored significantly higher in terms of fear of negative evaluation and social anxiety compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Women with polycystic ovaries were found to be suffering from adverse psychological outcomes and social anxiety.

Post-donation health-related quality of life, mood and life satisfaction in livingkidney donors; an explorative study from kidney transplant centre, Lahore Pakistan.

Objective: To explore post-donation life satisfaction, quality of life and mood status among kidney donors. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from February 5 to July 10, 2021, at the Department of Kidney Transplant Surgery, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised living kidney donors who had donated a kidney at least 6 months before the interview date. Data was collected through telephonic interviews, and, in addition to demographics, the questionnaire comprised the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Brief Version scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire and General Anxiety Disorder. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 41 subjects, 22(53.7%) were females and 19(46.3%) were males. The overall mean age was 41.10±9.648 years (range: 19-62 years). The most common donor-recipient relationship was brother-sister 10(34.1%) and wife-husband 10(24.4%). Among the donors, there was a significant positive correlation between quality of life and satisfaction with life (r=0.381, p=0.014). Quality of life had a negative correlation with anxiety (r=-0.429, p=0.005), and a negative but non-significant association with depression (r=-0.283, p=0.073). Anxiety and depression were highly positively correlated (r=0.681, p=0.000). Quality of life was significantly associated with donor age (p=0.029) with a negative effect (Beta=-0.588), while satisfaction with life had a positive relationship with age (Beta=0.147). Conclusion: Higher life satisfaction among living kidney donors was associated with an improved quality of life, while increased anxiety levels were linked to a lower quality of life. Age was a critical determinant, with older donors reporting a lower quality of life.

Effects of Music Therapy on Negative Emotions and Physiological Parameters in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopic Polypectomy: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the postoperative effects of music therapy on negative emotions, pain, and inflammatory and physiological parameters in patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy in Funan County People's Hospital between March 2020 and June 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Patients were divided into exposure (underwent music therapy) and control (did not undergo music therapy) groups. Baseline characteristics, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, physiological parameters [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR)], and inflammatory marker levels [neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)] of patients before and after exposure to music were determined. The propensity score matching (PSM) method (1:1) was used to balance the baseline characteristics of the two groups. RESULTS: After PSM, the exposure group comprised 50 cases and the control group comprised 50 cases. The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The postoperative SAS score of the exposure group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the postoperative VAS score of the exposure group was nonsignificantly lower than that of the control group (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the postoperative SBP, DBP, and HR levels of the exposure group were significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative levels of NLR, PLR, and ESR were not significantly different between the exposure and control groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Music therapy exerts beneficial effects on the postoperative psychological and physiological parameters of patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy.

[Oncological Rehabilitation for Breast Cancer]. / Onkologische Rehabilitation bei Mammakarzinom.

As a result of increasingly individualized and multimodal therapy, prognosis of breast cancer has improved significantly over the last years. However, multimodal treatment and the use of new medications can lead to a variety of somatic, sometimes new, side effects such as fatigue, polyneuropathy or autoimmune toxicities. This and the oncological diagnosis lead to a high level of psychological distress in the women affected and often to subsequent psychological disorders (sleep/anxiety disorders, depression, ...). Both the diverse complaints after oncological therapy and the increasingly improved overall prognosis underline the importance of multimodal rehabilitation concepts to improve quality of life and successful professional reintegration.In the following, these secondary disorders after breast cancer, their multimodal therapy and their significance for social-medical performance assessment are presented in more detail.

A digital, coach-assisted intervention to address the psychosocial needs of young adult cancer survivors: Randomized controlled trial protocol and intervention adaptation process.

BACKGROUND: Given the increasing number of young adult cancer survivors and the impacts of cancer on various life domains, interventions addressing the psychosocial needs of young adult survivors are crucial. However, such intervention research is limited, and the existing literature has often: 1) overlooked young adult survivors' psychosocial needs; 2) targeted depression, anxiety, or fear of recurrence - rather than positive outcomes like well-being; and 3) failed to consider scalable approaches, like digital health. METHODS: This paper documents the development and refinement of an 8-week digital, coach-assisted intervention targeting hope among young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39, within 3 years of treatment completion) and presents the protocol of the 2-arm RCT (comparing intervention vs. attention control). The intervention builds upon a 2017-2018 pilot trial (n = 56); intervention refinements were based on subsequent semi-structured interviews among young adult survivors (n = 23). RESULTS: The pending trial design involves an increased sample size (n = 150) to increase power and diversified recruitment efforts (i.e., clinic-based, social media, community-based organizations, etc.) to facilitate intervention reach, accessibility, and scalability. The intervention was enhanced by integrating highly relevant theoretical and therapeutic frameworks, specifically the concept of hope and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as updating intervention delivery technology. Intervention outcomes include feasibility and acceptability at end-of-treatment and preliminary efficacy on hope (primary outcome) and quality of life measures (secondary outcomes) at end-of-treatment and 16-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This paper may facilitate discussion regarding approaches for addressing the significant psychosocial challenges faced by young adult survivors and catalyze dissemination of trial results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05905250.

Changes in well-being among socially isolated older people during the COVID-19 pandemic: An outcome-wide analysis.

Older adults experienced major changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions, and it might be expected that those who were already socially isolated before the pandemic were particularly vulnerable. We apply an outcome-wide longitudinal design on 4,636 participants (mean age 66.8 y) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, observed in 2018/19 and early (June/July 2020) and later (November/December 2020) in the pandemic. Social isolation is defined using an index including marital status, social contact, and social participation in 2018/19. Using mixed models, we compare changes in well-being, health, health behaviors, financial well-being, and Internet use, between isolated and nonisolated participants. From before to during the pandemic, isolated participants (29%) experienced smaller declines in life satisfaction and quality of life and a smaller increase in loneliness. They showed greater declines in smoking and physical activity and were more likely to remain worried about their future financial situation. They also did not change in their likelihood of regular Internet use, contrasting with nonisolated participants who increased in this regard. The groups followed a similar trend for general health and sleep quality (no change), depression and anxiety (increase), and expectations of future financial difficulties (decrease). Although isolated older adults generally show poorer outcomes than their socially connected counterparts, they were somewhat protected during the pandemic on some fronts. Our findings highlight the need to continually care for isolated older adults but also to be attentive in times of unexpected crises to those experiencing extreme changes related to necessary policy responses.