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BACKGROUND: Although the availability and use of mobile mental health apps has grown exponentially in recent years, little data are available regarding their efficacy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an app developed to promote stress management and well-being among working women compared with a control app. METHODS: Female employees at a private hospital were invited to participate in the study via mailing lists and intranet ads. A total of 653 individuals self-enrolled through the website. Eligible participants were randomized between control (n=240) and intervention (n=250) groups. The well-being mobile app provides an 8-week program with 4 classes per week (including a brief theoretical portion and a 15-min guided practice). The active control app also provided 4 assessments per week that encouraged participants to self-observe how they were feeling for 20 min. We also used the app to conduct Web-based questionnaires (10-item Perceived Stress Scale and 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index) and ask specific questions to assess subjective levels of stress and well-being at baseline (t1), midintervention (t4=4 weeks after t1) and postintervention (t8=8 weeks after t1). Both apps were fully automated without any human involvement. Outcomes from the control and intervention conditions at the 3 time points were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Among the randomized participants (n=490), 185 participants were excluded at the 4-week follow-up and another 79 at the 8-week follow-up because of noncompliance with the experimental protocol. Participants who did not complete t4 and t8 assessments were equally distributed between groups (t4: control group=34.6% [83/240] and intervention group=40.8% [102/250]; P=.16; t8: control group=29.9% [47/157] and intervention group=21.6% [32/148]; P=.10). Both groups showed a significant increase in general well-being as a function of time (F2,426=5.27; P=.006), but only the intervention group presented a significant increase in work-related well-being (F2,426=8.92; P<.001), as well as a significant reduction in work-related and overall stress (F2,426=5.50; P=.004 and F2,426=8.59; P<.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The well-being mobile app was effective in reducing employee stress and improving well-being. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02637414; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02637414.
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Fuerza Laboral en Salud/normas , Salud Mental/normas , Aplicaciones Móviles/estadística & datos numéricos , Estrés Fisiológico/fisiología , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , PsicoterapiaRESUMEN
The world's population is experiencing an aging process, which is resulting in an increase in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Consequently, more and more people need care, which can lead to overload and harm to their family's quality of life. Objective: Identify the psychosocial factors affected by the burden on family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Forty-nine family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease, from a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil, participated in the study. They filled out a form of sociodemographic variables, and answered the Burden Interview Scale (BI-Zarit), Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver version (CQoL-AD), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Mindfulness and Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Results: All participants were female with an average age of 54.26 (±8.99). Daughters comprised 77.55% of the sample, and 34.69% were sole caregivers. The Bi-Zarit scale positively and significantly correlated with DASS-21 Depression (r=0.440; p=0.002), DASS-21 Anxiety (r=0.415; p=0.003), DAAS-21 Stress (r=0.583; p<0.001). On the other hand, it showed a negative correlation with MAAS (r=-0.429; p=0.002) and CQoL-AD (r=-0.533; p<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease may be overloaded, and that the heavier the burden, the lower level of attention, the worse quality of life and the greater the possibility for the caretaker to present symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
A população mundial vive um processo de envelhecimento que está resultando no aumento de doenças, como a doença de Alzheimer. Consequentemente, cada vez mais pessoas necessitam de cuidados, o que pode gerar sobrecarga e prejuízos à qualidade de vida de seus familiares. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores psicossociais afetados pela sobrecarga em cuidadores familiares de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 49 cuidadores familiares de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer, de um município de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os participantes preencheram um formulário de variáveis sociodemográficas e responderam à escala de Sobrecarga (BI-Zarit), à escala de Qualidade de Vida na Doença de Alzheimer versão Cuidador (CQdV-DA), à escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21), à escala de Atenção Plena e Consciência (MAAS) e à escala de Avaliação Clínica de Demência (CDR). Resultados: Todos os participantes eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 54,26 (±8,99). As filhas representaram 77,55% da amostra e 34,69% eram cuidadoras exclusivas. A escala Bi-Zarit correlacionou-se positiva e significativamente com a DASS-21 Depressão (r=0,440; p=0,002), DASS-21 Ansiedade (r=0,415; p=0,003), DAAS-21 Estresse (r=0,583; p<0,001). Por outro lado, mostrou correlação negativa com MAAS (r=-0,429; p=0,002) e CQoL-AD (r=-0,533; p<0,001). Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que os cuidadores familiares de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer podem estar sobrecarregados e que, quanto maior a sobrecarga, menor o nível de atenção, pior a qualidade de vida e maior a possibilidade de apresentar sintomas de depressão, ansiedade, estresse.
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We evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two psychoeducation programs on the burden and quality of life of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease: one of psychoeducation alone and the other integrated with yoga. Forty-nine participants were randomly allocated to two groups, 25 to the psychoeducation integrated with yoga group (G1) and 24 to the psychoeducation group (G2). The programs took place online through Google Meet and consisted of eight weekly meetings, lasting 30 min for psychoeducation and 30 min for yoga. Participants were evaluated by the Burden Interview Scale (BI-Zarit), Quality of Life Scale in Alzheimer's Disease-Caregiver Version (CQOL-AD), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Mindfulness and Awareness Scale (MAAS) and a satisfaction survey. Both groups showed reduced overload according to the BI-Zarit scale (F(1) = 4.435, p = 0.041, η2p = 0.086) and improvement in the domains of physical health (F(1) = 4.881, p = 0.032, η2p = 0.094), memory (F(1) = 4.192, p = 0.046, η2p = 0.082) and money (F(1) = 4.862, p = 0.032, η2p = 0.094) in the CQOL-AD. We detected a significantly higher improvement of G1 in memory (F(1) = 4.192, p = 0.046 η2p = 0.082), money (F(1) = 7.147, p = 0.010, η2p = 0.132) and friends (F(1) = 4.828, p = 0.033, η2p = 0.093). The G1 when compared to the G2 did not demonstrate significant effects of the BI-Zarit, in the total scores CQOL-AD, MAAS and DASS-21. The study showed that both psychoeducation alone and integrated with yoga reduced the burden of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease, and that the integration of online yoga practice with psychoeducation potentiated the improvement only in some aspects of the quality of life and subjective perception of burden reduction.Clinical trial registration https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/ , identifier RBR-794593r, retrospectively registered.
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Introduction: Considering the relevance of the emotional state, it is necessary to understand how daily stimuli can modulate the emotions. Animated short films are common stimuli, but it is unknown how they can modulate the emotional state. The study aimed to evaluate: how participants' emotional state changed after watching animated short films with positive or negative emotional valence in an online experiment; the relationship between participants' baseline score on an Emotional Intensity Scale and their potential change in the main emotion after watching the films; and the association between the initial main emotion valence and the potential change in this emotion with participants' sociodemographic information. Methods: A sample of 2,269 participants recruited during COVID-19 pandemic were randomly assigned to either watch a negative or positive animated short film. Results: The results showed that, after watching a film with negative valence, participants were in a more negative emotional state than at baseline and compared with those who watched the film with positive valence. Also, individuals who had a negative baseline emotion and maintained the same emotion after the film had presented higher baseline emotional state scores (more negative emotion) than those who changed their emotions. In addition, the individuals who kept the baseline emotion had an association with age, marital status, level of education and psychiatric disorders, use of medication, and emotional awareness, while the individuals who changed the baseline emotion had an association with age, gender, and following or not social distancing recommendations. Conclusion: Baseline emotional state may influence the response to animated short films and sociodemographic characteristics are associated with the initial main emotion valence and its potential change in this emotion.
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This study evaluated how news with positive and negative content about COVID-19, as well as a relaxation pause, affect the emotional state. We also investigated the association between emotional state and practicing meditation/yoga, physical activity or having a mental disease. For that, a sample of 717 participants, recruited through social media, were randomly assigned to listen to negative or positive news about COVID-19. After that, both groups were guided through a short relaxation pause. Their emotional state was measured before they listened to the audios and after each audio. Mixed linear models were used to evaluate the effects of news group, relaxation pause, mental health and well-being practices. Negative news worsened their emotional state, whereas positive news improved it. A brief relaxation pause improved the effects of negative news content and may mitigate the effects of this valence of information. Practicing physical activity, meditation/yoga was associated with better emotional responses.
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A cause of mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic is media exposure, which can impact health care professionals (HCPs) who must keep up to date with the statistics and procedures to fight the outbreak. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of listening to negative and positive news about COVID-19 pandemic and a relaxation pause audio. For that, we measured the emotional state through Likert items in a scale developed to assess how anxious, stressed, hopeful, conscious about emotions, irritated, despondent, joyful, optimistic, and preoccupied, he or she was feeling in the moment of evaluation. In an online experiment, an HCPs sample of 245 participants were randomly assigned to either listen to negative or positive news contents about COVID-19. After that, both groups were guided by a relaxation pause activity in which they paid attention to the body and breath. They were assessed before and after listening to each audio. After listening to negative news, participants entered in a more negative emotional state than at baseline (p < 0.001) and compared with participants who listened to positive news (p < 0.001). Both groups improved their emotional state after performing the proposed brief relaxation (p < 0.001). These results show the importance of HCPs being aware and controlling the content of consumed news. A brief relaxation practice can mitigate the negative effects of consuming information with negative content.
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The procedures to be performed after sudden engine failure of a single-engine helicopter impose high workload on pilots. The maneuver to regain aircraft control and safe landing is called autorotation. The safety limits to conduct this maneuver are based on the aircraft height versus speed diagram, which is also known as "Dead Man's Curve". Flight-test pilots often use subjective methods to assess the difficulty to conduct maneuvers in the vicinity of this curve. We carried out an extensive flight test campaign to verify the feasibility of establishing quantitative physiological parameters to better assess the workload endured by pilots undergoing those piloting conditions. Eleven pilots were fully instrumented with sensors and had their physiological reactions collected during autorotation maneuvers. Our analyses suggested that physiological measurements (heart rate and electrodermal activity) can be successfully recorded and useful to capture the most effort-demanding effects during the maneuvers. Additionally, the helicopter's flight controls displacements were also recorded, as well as the pilots' subjective responses evaluated by the Handling Qualities Rate scale. Our results revealed that the degree of cognitive workload was associated with the helicopter's flight profile concerning the Height-Speed diagram and that the strain intensity showed a correlation with measurable physiological responses. Recording flight controls displacement and quantifying the pilot's subjective responses show themselves as natural effective candidates to evaluate the intensity of cognitive workload in such maneuvers.
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OBJECTIVE: To estimate coronavirus disease 2019-related information consumption and related implications for health care professionals (medical and nonmedical personnel) during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional on-line survey was distributed to employees of a major health care institution located in São Paulo, Brazil between April 3 and April 10, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The sample comprised 2,646 respondents. Most participants (44.4%) reported excessive or almost excessive access to information about the novel coronavirus and 67.6% reported having increased their average time spent on social media. When asked how frequently they consider it was easy to determine the reliability of information, "sometimes" corresponded to 43.2% of the answers in contrast to 14.6% responding "always". Answers related to potential signs of information overload associated with the pandemic indicated that 31% of respondents felt stressed by the amount of information they had to keep up with almost every day or always. Overall, 80.0% of respondents reported having experienced at least one of the following symptoms: headache, eye twitching, restlessness or sleeping difficulty. The frequency of symptoms was higher among participants with a more negative information processing style regarding when dealing with large volumes of information relative to those with a positive information processing style. Likewise, symptoms were more frequently reported by participants who had increased their social media access relative to those reporting reduced access during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: Our survey provides a description of how health professionals consume COVID-19 related information during the pandemic, and suggests that excessive information exposure and high processing demands may impose psychological distress and affect mental health.
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COVID-19 , Adulto , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Sector de Atención de Salud , Humanos , Internet , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , SARS-CoV-2 , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
ABSTRACT The world's population is experiencing an aging process, which is resulting in an increase in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Consequently, more and more people need care, which can lead to overload and harm to their family's quality of life. Objective: Identify the psychosocial factors affected by the burden on family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Forty-nine family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease, from a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil, participated in the study. They filled out a form of sociodemographic variables, and answered the Burden Interview Scale (BI-Zarit), Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver version (CQoL-AD), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Mindfulness and Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Results: All participants were female with an average age of 54.26 (±8.99). Daughters comprised 77.55% of the sample, and 34.69% were sole caregivers. The Bi-Zarit scale positively and significantly correlated with DASS-21 Depression (r=0.440; p=0.002), DASS-21 Anxiety (r=0.415; p=0.003), DAAS-21 Stress (r=0.583; p<0.001). On the other hand, it showed a negative correlation with MAAS (r=-0.429; p=0.002) and CQoL-AD (r=-0.533; p<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease may be overloaded, and that the heavier the burden, the lower level of attention, the worse quality of life and the greater the possibility for the caretaker to present symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
RESUMO A população mundial vive um processo de envelhecimento que está resultando no aumento de doenças, como a doença de Alzheimer. Consequentemente, cada vez mais pessoas necessitam de cuidados, o que pode gerar sobrecarga e prejuízos à qualidade de vida de seus familiares. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores psicossociais afetados pela sobrecarga em cuidadores familiares de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 49 cuidadores familiares de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer, de um município de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os participantes preencheram um formulário de variáveis sociodemográficas e responderam à escala de Sobrecarga (BI-Zarit), à escala de Qualidade de Vida na Doença de Alzheimer versão Cuidador (CQdV-DA), à escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21), à escala de Atenção Plena e Consciência (MAAS) e à escala de Avaliação Clínica de Demência (CDR). Resultados: Todos os participantes eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 54,26 (±8,99). As filhas representaram 77,55% da amostra e 34,69% eram cuidadoras exclusivas. A escala Bi-Zarit correlacionou-se positiva e significativamente com a DASS-21 Depressão (r=0,440; p=0,002), DASS-21 Ansiedade (r=0,415; p=0,003), DAAS-21 Estresse (r=0,583; p<0,001). Por outro lado, mostrou correlação negativa com MAAS (r=-0,429; p=0,002) e CQoL-AD (r=-0,533; p<0,001). Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que os cuidadores familiares de pessoas com doença de Alzheimer podem estar sobrecarregados e que, quanto maior a sobrecarga, menor o nível de atenção, pior a qualidade de vida e maior a possibilidade de apresentar sintomas de depressão, ansiedade, estresse.
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The hippocampus is one of the earliest sites involved in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, we specifically investigated the sensitivity and specificity of hippocampal volume and glucose metabolism in patients being evaluated for AD, using automated quantitative tools (NeuroQuant - magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and Scenium - positron emission tomography [PET]) and clinical evaluation.This retrospective study included adult patients over the age of 45 years with suspected AD, who had undergone fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET-CT) and MRI. FDG-PET-CT images were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. In quantitative volumetric MRI analysis, the percentage of the total intracranial volume of each brain region, as well as the total hippocampal volume, were considered in comparison to an age-adjusted percentile. The remaining brain regions were compared between groups according to the final diagnosis.Thirty-eight patients were included in this study. After a mean follow-up period of 23â±â11 months, the final diagnosis for 16 patients was AD or high-risk mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Out of the 16 patients, 8 patients were women, and the average age of all patients was 69.38â±â10.98 years. Among the remaining 22 patients enrolled in the study, 14 were women, and the average age was 67.50â±â11.60 years; a diagnosis of AD was initially excluded, but the patients may have low-risk MCI. Qualitative FDG-PET-CT analysis showed greater accuracy (0.87), sensitivity (0.76), and negative predictive value (0.77), when compared to quantitative PET analysis, hippocampal MRI volumetry, and specificity. The positive predictive value of FDG-PET-CT was similar to the MRI value.The performance of FDG-PET-CT qualitative analysis was significantly more effective compared to MRI volumetry. At least in part, this observation could corroborate the sequential hypothesis of AD pathophysiology, which posits that functional changes (synaptic dysfunction) precede structural changes (atrophy).
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Enfermedad de Alzheimer/diagnóstico por imagen , Disfunción Cognitiva/diagnóstico por imagen , Fluorodesoxiglucosa F18/metabolismo , Hipocampo/diagnóstico por imagen , Interpretación de Imagen Radiográfica Asistida por Computador/métodos , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Disfunción Cognitiva/metabolismo , Diagnóstico Precoz , Femenino , Glucosa/metabolismo , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Humanos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Tomografía Computarizada por Tomografía de Emisión de Positrones , Estudios Retrospectivos , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
Large-scale brain networks exhibit changes in functional connectivity during the aging process. Recent literature data suggests that Yoga and other contemplative practices may revert, at least in part, some of the aging effects in brain functional connectivity, including the Default Mode Network (DMN). The aim of this cross-sectional investigation was to compare resting-state functional connectivity of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex-precuneus (PCC-Precuneus) in long-term elderly Yoga practitioners and healthy paired Yoga-naïve controls. Two paired groups: yoga (Y-20 women, Hatha Yoga practitioners; practicing a minimum of twice a week with a frequency of at least 8 years) and a control group (C-20 women, Yoga-naïve, matched by age, years of formal education, and physical activity) were evaluated for: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and open-eyes resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-seed to voxel connectivity analysis (CONN toolbox 17.f) with pre-processing-realignment and unwarping, slice-timing correction, segmentation, normalization, outlier detection, and spatial filtering. The analysis included a priori regions of interest (ROI) of DMN main nodes-MPFC and PCC-Precuneus. There was no difference between groups in terms of: age, years of formal education, MMSE, BDI and IADL. The Yoga group had a higher correlation between MPFC and the right angular gyrus (AGr), compared to the controls. Elderly women with at least 8 years of yoga practice presented greater intra-network anteroposterior brain functional connectivity of the DMN. This finding may contribute to the understanding of the influences of practicing Yoga for a healthier cognitive aging process.
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CONTEXT: Mindfulness meditation has been shown to effectively mitigate the negative effects of stress among nursing professionals, but in countries like Brazil, these practices are relatively unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a Stress Reduction Program (SRP) including mindfulness and loving kindness meditation among nursing professionals working in a Brazilian hospital setting. DESIGN: Pilot study with a mixed model using quantitative and qualitative methods was used to evaluate a group of participants. The quantitative data were analyzed at three different time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up. The qualitative data were analyzed at post-intervention. SETTING: Hospital São Paulo (Brazil). PARTICIPANTS: Sample 13 nursing professionals, including nurses, technicians, and nursing assistants working in a hospital. INTERVENTION: Participants underwent mindfulness and loving kindness meditation during a period of six weeks. INSTRUMENTS: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment, and Work Stress Scale (WSS). Qualitative data were collected via a group interview following six weeks participation in the SRP. RESULTS: The quantitative analyses revealed a significant reduction (P < .05) between pre-intervention and post-intervention scores for perceived stress, burnout, depression, and anxiety (trait). These variables showed no significant differences between post-intervention and follow-up scores. The WHOQOL-BREF revealed significant increase (P < .05) just in the physical and psychological domains at post-intervention scores, which remained at the follow-up. Qualitative results showed improvement in the reactivity to inner experience; a more attentive perception of internal and external experiences; greater attention and awareness of actions and attitudes at every moment; and a positive influence of the SRP in nursing activities.
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Ansiedad/prevención & control , Agotamiento Profesional/prevención & control , Depresión/prevención & control , Meditación , Atención Plena , Enfermeras y Enfermeros/psicología , Estrés Psicológico/prevención & control , Adulto , Atención , Concienciación , Brasil , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Personal de Hospital/psicología , Proyectos Piloto , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de Salud , Investigación CualitativaRESUMEN
Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos de um curso de meditação de atenção plena nas emoções e na gentileza dos estudantes de Saúde em relação a si mesmos e aos outros. Métodos Estudo de caso longitudinal e de método misto com inclusão de ferramentas quantitativas e qualitativas. Os grupos de controle (n=14) e de estudo (n=16) foram formados por uma população de 30 estudantes de Enfermagem, Medicina e Fonoaudiologia. Os participantes do grupo de estudo fizeram curso eletivo sobre estratégias para desenvolver a atenção plena incluindo varredura corporal, respiração consciente e movimento consciente, entre outros. Durante as aulas, os alunos também participaram de discussões sobre gentileza e compaixão, com base em espiritualidade e neurociência. O curso teve duração de 36 horas, ao longo de nove semanas. Os alunos dos grupos de estudo e controle foram avaliados por meio de entrevistas em grupo, antes e após o curso. As ferramentas de avaliação incluíram a Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS), a Escala de Atenção Plena e Consciência (MAAS), a Escala de Afeto Positivo e Negativo X (PANAS-X); e o Índice de Bem-Estar OMS-5. Resultados Após o curso, os indivíduos do grupo de estudo alcançaram pontuações significativamente mais baixas no PANAS-X (afeto negativo) em comparação com as pontuações anteriores. Outras variáveis quantitativas não tiveram alterações significativas (p>0,05). Três categorias emergiram das análises qualitativas: (a) dificuldades em viver o momento presente e ansiedade na tentativa de controlar o futuro; (b) práticas de meditação como ferramenta para enfrentar tais dificuldades; e (c) experiência caracterizada pelo afeto. Conclusão O curso eletivo focado na meditação da atenção plena e compaixão ajudou a desenvolver as habilidades socioemocionais de bem-estar, a autoconsciência dos alunos e a reduzir o afeto negativo.
Resumen Objetivo Evaluar los efectos de un curso de meditación de atención plena en las emociones y gentileza de estudiantes de la salud con relación a sí mismos y a los otros. Métodos Estudio de casos longitudinal y de método mixto con inclusión de herramientas cuantitativas y cualitativas. Una población de 30 estudiantes de Enfermería, Medicina y Fonoaudiología formaron los grupos de control (n=14) y experimental (n=16). Los participantes del grupo experimental hicieron un curso electivo sobre estrategias para desarrollar la atención plena, que incluyó exploración corporal, respiración consciente y movimiento consciente, entre otras. Durante las clases, los alumnos también participaron en discusiones sobre gentileza y compasión, basadas en espiritualidad y neurociencia. El curso tuvo una duración de 36 horas, durante nueve semanas. Se evaluó a los alumnos de los grupos experimentales y de control mediante entrevistas en grupo, antes y después del curso. Las herramientas de evaluación incluyeron la Escala de Estrés Percibido (PSS), la Escala de Conciencia y Atención Plena (MAAS), la Escala de Afecto Positivo y Negativo X (PANAS-X) y el Índice de Bienestar OMS-5. Resultados Después del curso, los individuos del grupo experimental alcanzaron una puntuación significativamente más baja en la PANAS-X (afecto negativo) en comparación con la puntuación anterior. Otras variables cuantitativas no tuvieron modificaciones significativas (p>0,05). Surgieron tres categorías de los análisis cualitativos: (a) dificultades de vivir el momento presente y ansiedad en el intento de controlar el futuro; (b) prácticas de meditación como herramienta para afrontar tales dificultades; y (c) experiencia caracterizada por el afecto. Conclusión El curso electivo dedicado a la meditación de atención plena y compasión ayudó a desarrollar habilidades socioemocionales de bienestar y la autoconciencia de los alumnos y a reducir el afecto negativo.
Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of a mindfulness meditation course on healthcare students' emotions and kindness towards themselves and others. Methods Mixed method, longitudinal case study including quantitative and qualitative tools. A population of 30 nursing, medical, and speech therapy students formed the control (n=14) and study (n=16) groups. Participants of the study group took an elective course on strategies for the development of mindfulness, which included body scans, conscious breathing and conscious movement, among others. During classes, students also participated in discussions about kindness and compassion based on spirituality and neuroscience. The course duration was of 36 hours throughout nine weeks. Students in both the study and control groups were evaluated through group interviews before and after the course. Evaluation tools included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS); Positive and Negative Affect Schedule X (PANAS-X); and the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index. Results Individuals in the study group had significantly lower scores on the PANAS-X (negative affect) after the course in comparison to their previous scores. Other quantitative variables were not significantly altered (p>0.05). Qualitative analyses yielded three categories: (a) difficulties living the present moment and anxiety trying to control the future; (b) meditation practices as a tool for facing such difficulties; and (c) experience characterized by affection. Conclusion The elective course focused on mindfulness meditation and compassion helped to develop students' socio-emotional, wellbeing and self-awareness abilities and to reduce the negative affect.
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudiantes del Área de la Salud , Meditación , Atención Plena , Promoción de la Salud , Brasil , Estudios Longitudinales , Estudios de Evaluación como AsuntoRESUMEN
ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate coronavirus disease 2019-related information consumption and related implications for health care professionals (medical and nonmedical personnel) during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional on-line survey was distributed to employees of a major health care institution located in São Paulo, Brazil between April 3 and April 10, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The sample comprised 2,646 respondents. Most participants (44.4%) reported excessive or almost excessive access to information about the novel coronavirus and 67.6% reported having increased their average time spent on social media. When asked how frequently they consider it was easy to determine the reliability of information, "sometimes" corresponded to 43.2% of the answers in contrast to 14.6% responding "always". Answers related to potential signs of information overload associated with the pandemic indicated that 31% of respondents felt stressed by the amount of information they had to keep up with almost every day or always. Overall, 80.0% of respondents reported having experienced at least one of the following symptoms: headache, eye twitching, restlessness or sleeping difficulty. The frequency of symptoms was higher among participants with a more negative information processing style regarding when dealing with large volumes of information relative to those with a positive information processing style. Likewise, symptoms were more frequently reported by participants who had increased their social media access relative to those reporting reduced access during the pandemic. Conclusion: Our survey provides a description of how health professionals consume COVID-19 related information during the pandemic, and suggests that excessive information exposure and high processing demands may impose psychological distress and affect mental health.
RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar o consumo de informações relacionadas com doença do novo coronavírus e seus efeitos em profissionais do setor da saúde durante a pandemia. Métodos: Um questionário on-line foi distribuído para funcionários de uma instituição de saúde em São Paulo, Brasil, entre 3 e 10 de abril de 2020. Os dados foram analisados com estatísticas descritivas. Resultados: Foram incluídos nas análises 2.646 participantes. A maioria (44,4%) reportou ter acessado uma quantidade excessiva ou próxima de excessiva sobre o novo coronavírus, e 67,6% reportaram ter aumentado seu tempo médio em mídias sociais. Quando perguntados se era fácil determinar o que era informação confiável, 43,2% responderam "às vezes", comparados com 14,6% que responderam "sempre". Sobre os possíveis sinais de sobrecarga de informação associada com a pandemia, 31% sempre ou quase todos os dias se sentiram estressados com a quantidade de informações que tinham que acompanhar. Entre os respondentes, 80,0% reportaram sentir pelo menos um sintoma como dor de cabeça, espasmos oculares, inquietação ou dificuldade para dormir. Participantes com um estilo mais negativo de lidar com muitas informações também reportaram maior proporção de sintomas que os participantes com estilo positivo. De forma semelhante, participantes que aumentaram seu acesso a mídias sociais reportaram maior proporção de sintomas do que os que diminuíram seu acesso durante a pandemia. Conclusão: Nossa pesquisa fornece uma descrição de como os indivíduos consomem informações relacionadas com a doença do novo coronavirus durante a pandemia e sugere que a exposição a uma quantidade excessiva de informações e as elevadas demandas podem impor sofrimento psicológico e afetar a saúde mental.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sector de Atención de Salud , Internet , SARS-CoV-2 , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Objective: To estimate coronavirus disease 2019-related information consumption and related implications for health care professionals (medical and nonmedical personnel) during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional on-line survey was distributed to employees of a major health care institution located in São Paulo, Brazil between April 3 and April 10, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The sample comprised 2,646 respondents. Most participants (44.4%) reported excessive or almost excessive access to information about the novel coronavirus and 67.6% reported having increased their average time spent on social media. When asked how frequently they consider it was easy to determine the reliability of information, "sometimes" corresponded to 43.2% of the answers in contrast to 14.6% responding "always". Answers related to potential signs of information overload associated with the pandemic indicated that 31% of respondents felt stressed by the amount of information they had to keep up with almost every day or always. Overall, 80.0% of respondents reported having experienced at least one of the following symptoms: headache, eye twitching, restlessness or sleeping difficulty. The frequency of symptoms was higher among participants with a more negative information processing style regarding when dealing with large volumes of information relative to those with a positive information processing style. Likewise, symptoms were more frequently reported by participants who had increased their social media access relative to those reporting reduced access during the pandemic. Conclusion: Our survey provides a description of how health professionals consume COVID-19 related information during the pandemic, and suggests that excessive information exposure and high processing demands may impose psychological distress and affect mental health. (AU)
Objetivo: Estimar o consumo de informações relacionadas com doença do novo coronavírus e seus efeitos em profissionais do setor da saúde durante a pandemia. Métodos: Um questionário on-line foi distribuído para funcionários de uma instituição de saúde em São Paulo, Brasil, entre 3 e 10 de abril de 2020. Os dados foram analisados com estatísticas descritivas. Resultados: Foram incluídos nas análises 2.646 participantes. A maioria (44,4%) reportou ter acessado uma quantidade excessiva ou próxima de excessiva sobre o novo coronavírus, e 67,6% reportaram ter aumentado seu tempo médio em mídias sociais. Quando perguntados se era fácil determinar o que era informação confiável, 43,2% responderam "às vezes", comparados com 14,6% que responderam "sempre". Sobre os possíveis sinais de sobrecarga de informação associada com a pandemia, 31% sempre ou quase todos os dias se sentiram estressados com a quantidade de informações que tinham que acompanhar. Entre os respondentes, 80,0% reportaram sentir pelo menos um sintoma como dor de cabeça, espasmos oculares, inquietação ou dificuldade para dormir. Participantes com um estilo mais negativo de lidar com muitas informações também reportaram maior proporção de sintomas que os participantes com estilo positivo. De forma semelhante, participantes que aumentaram seu acesso a mídias sociais reportaram maior proporção de sintomas do que os que diminuíram seu acesso durante a pandemia. Conclusão: Nossa pesquisa fornece uma descrição de como os indivíduos consomem informações relacionadas com a doença do novo coronavirus durante a pandemia e sugere que a exposição a uma quantidade excessiva de informações e as elevadas demandas podem impor sofrimento psicológico e afetar a saúde mental.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Personal de Salud/psicología , Conducta en la Búsqueda de Información , COVID-19 , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Initial efforts are reported to develop and validate a Brazilian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite Measure (MSFC-BCTRIMS). MSFC is an outcome measure in multiple sclerosis (MS) which assesses motor functions of legs and arms/hands besides cognitive function. MSFC was designed to have better sensitivity and sounder psychometric foundations than traditional measures in detecting therapeutic benefits of disease-modifying agents. Results from the pilot study indicate that the MSFC-BCTRIMS discriminates between MS individuals and a control group. An initial approach to construct validation, intercorrelating the MSFC-BCTRIMS scores with several other measures, suggests speed of information processing is important for both arm/hand and cognitive function.
Asunto(s)
Evaluación de la Discapacidad , Esclerosis Múltiple/fisiopatología , Examen Neurológico/normas , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adulto , Brasil , Métodos Epidemiológicos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Esclerosis Múltiple/diagnóstico , Esclerosis Múltiple/terapia , Perfil de Impacto de Enfermedad , Encuestas y Cuestionarios/normas , TraducciónRESUMEN
Major and subsyndromic depression are highly prevalent in multiple sclerosis(MS). Assessment of psychosocial functioning in MS requires sound psychometric instruments. Self-report measures offer several advantages, but a valid and reliable depression self-report diagnostic measure is lacking. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) have been validated and widely used in Brazilian neuropsychological context. BDI use in MS may confound depressive symptoms with somatic disease manifestations. We examined the psychometric properties of the BDI, QSG and two additional self-report measures of fatigue (CPF-MS) and self-efficacy (MSSE). All scales presented excellent reliability coefficients. BDI and GHG discriminated MS from control participants. Intercorrelations were observed between depression, general mental health, fatigue and self-efficacy scores, but not between these and traditional indices of neurological impairment such as AI and EDSS. Depressive symptoms and fatigue may represent a different dimension of neurological impairment, unrelated to sensory and motor deficits. Self-report scales are useful in diagnosing subsyndromic distress symptoms in a MS sample.
Asunto(s)
Esclerosis Múltiple/psicología , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica/normas , Psicometría/métodos , Adaptación Psicológica , Adulto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Depresión/diagnóstico , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Fatiga Mental/diagnóstico , Esclerosis Múltiple/diagnóstico , Pronóstico , Autoeficacia , Estrés Psicológico/diagnóstico , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
The scope of this article is to screen the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among the professionals who provided humanitarian aid for the Haitian population after the 2010 earthquake. It involvess a cross-sectional study. The Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R) was used for screening symptoms of PTSD. The participants included 32 Brazilians (mean age = 37.58 +/-7.01), 22 Americans (mean age =33.67 +/-8.03) and 12 Ecuadorians (mean age = 44.80 +/- 15.88). The professionals did not have PTSD symptoms. The relationship between prior experience variables in disaster situations and the total score of the IES-R (F (2) = 4.34, p = 0.017), as well as prior experience in disaster situations and the intrusion subscale (F (2) = 3.94, p = 0.024) were significant in linear regression models. The number of prior experiences was revealed as a significant predictor for the total score of IES (p < 0.05). The results showed that current experiences can be exacerbated by memories of prior experiences, increasing the likelihood of developing PTSD. Therefore the mental health care of the professionals should foster the early identification of prior experience risk factors, thereby not permitting voluntary initiative to transcend selective criteria and specific care.
Asunto(s)
Terremotos , Enfermedades Profesionales/diagnóstico , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/diagnóstico , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Haití , Humanos , Masculino , VoluntariosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of depression and anxiety symptoms in survivors of the Haiti earthquake who were assisted by a healthcare team from the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, and to evaluate the impact that losing a family member during this catastrophe could have on the development of these symptoms. METHODS: Forty survivors of the Haiti earthquake who were assisted by the healthcare team between February and March of 2010 were included in this study. All subjects underwent a semi-structured interview. The group was divided into Group A (individuals who had some death in the family due to the disaster) and Group B (those who did not lose any family member). RESULTS: A total of 55% of the subjects had depression symptoms whereas 40% had anxiety symptoms. The individuals who lost a family member were five times more likely to develop anxiety and depression symptoms than those who did not. CONCLUSION: Catastrophe victims who lost at least one family member due to the disaster were more likely to develop anxiety and depression symptoms. To these individuals, as well as others showing psychological distress, should be offered early mental health care to help them cope with the great emotional distress inherent in these situations.
Asunto(s)
Ansiedad/psicología , Depresión/psicología , Desastres , Terremotos , Sobrevivientes/psicología , Adolescente , Adulto , Ansiedad/epidemiología , Depresión/epidemiología , Familia/psicología , Femenino , Haití/epidemiología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores Sexuales , Apoyo Social , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/psicología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Resumo Sintomas de desconexão inter-hemisférica após lesão cerebral adquirida são pouco usuais na prática clínica atualmente. Os sintomas costumam diminuir espontaneamente e podem incluir anomia táctil, agrafia à esquerda e sinais de competição entre os hemisférios, como o "sinal da mão alienígena". Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar um relato de caso clínico de paciente de 33 anos, que evoluiu com sintomas de desconexão inter-hemisférica e alterações de funções executivas, após intervenção cirúrgica para remoção de tumor em região da hipófise, além de avaliar a aplicabilidade de programa de reabilitação neuropsicológica para as queixas cognitivas apresentadas. O paciente foi avaliado com instrumentos neuropsicológicos padronizados antes de iniciar a reabilitação e próximo à alta do tratamento. O estudo de caso foi realizado a partir da análise de dados de intervenção e evolução clínica do paciente em prontuário institucional (resultados de exame de avaliação neuropsicológica e registros de intervenções em sessões de reabilitação). Ao longo de sua evolução, o paciente apresentou melhora dos sintomas cognitivos e demonstrou benefício com os treinos e estratégias utilizados para sua adaptação, bem como para retomar o trabalho e outras atividades prévias. Destaca-se ainda a importância de se realizar mais estudos de intervenções neuropsicológicas para indivíduos com déficits cognitivos.
Resumen Los síntomas de desconexión interhemisférica después de una lesión cerebral adquirida son inusuales en la práctica clínica actual. Los síntomas generalmente disminuyen de forma espontánea y pueden incluir anomia táctil, agrafía izquierda y signos de la competencia entre los hemisférios. Este estudio tiene como objetivo presentar un caso clínico de un paciente de 33 años, que desarrollaron síntomas de desconexión interhemisférica después de la cirugía para la extirpación del tumor en la región pituitaria y alteraciones en la función ejecutiva y evaluar la aplicabilidad del programa de rehabilitación neuropsicológica para las quejas cognitivas. El paciente fue evaluado con instrumentos neuropsicológicas estandarizadas antes de comenzar la rehabilitación y cerca del máximo tratamiento. El estudio de caso se llevó a cabo a partir del análisis de datos de intervención y el desarrollo clínico del paciente registro médico institucional (resultados de los exámenes de evaluación neuropsicológica y las intervenciones en los registros de las sesiones de rehabilitación). A lo largo de su evolución, el paciente mostró una mejoría en los síntomas cognitivos y demostró un beneficio con la formación y las estrategias utilizadas para adaptarse y para reanudar el trabajo y otras actividades anteriores. También pone de relieve la importancia de llevar a cabo más estudios de intervenciones neuropsicológicas para las personas con déficits cognitivos.
Abstract Symptoms of interhemispheric disconnection after acquired brain injury are unusual in the current clinical practice. Symptoms usually diminish spontaneously and may include tactile anomia, agraphia and left signs of competition between the hemispheres, such as "alien hand sign". This work presents a case report of a 33 year old patient who developed symptoms of interhemispheric disconnection and executive function deficits after surgery for removal of a tumor in the pituitary region, as well as the evaluation of the applicability of the neuropsychological rehabilitation program for the cognitive complaints presented. The patient was evaluated with standardized neuropsychological instruments before starting rehabilitation and again close to the discharge from treatment. The case study was conducted by analyzing intervention data and the clinical outcome of the patient in the institutional records (results of neuropsychological evaluation examination and records of interventions in rehabilitation sessions). Throughout his evolution, the patient showed improvement in cognitive symptoms and demonstrated benefits from the training and strategies used for his adaptation and return to work and other previous activities. The study highlights the importance of conducting more studies of neuropsychological interventions for individuals with cognitive deficits.