Indicators of emotional distress and mindfulness in undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the association between indicators of emotional distress and dispositional mindfulness in health students at a Brazilian federal public university. METHODS: a cross-sectional study, developed with university students in the health area of a public institution from May to June 2022. In the analysis, multiple linear regression was used using SPSS software. RESULTS: the sample was mostly female, ≤ 22 years old, non-white, studying the first semesters, with a higher prevalence for the medicine course. Students presented moderate dispositional mindfulness scores. It was observed that the variables of stress, depression and current suicide risk were associated with the capacity for mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS: knowing the indicators of emotional distress that are related to the potential of mindfulness can contribute as a situational diagnosis to better design strategies that promote the improvement of emotional indicators of health students.

Negative affectivity in university students and its relationship with academic performance and professional outlook after COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the prevalence of negative affectivity in university students in the post-COVID-19 pandemic context and its relationship with academic performance and professional outlook. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate students from a public university in Minas Gerais between September 2022 and September 2023. Data were collected using a sociodemographic and psychosocial characterization questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21. The relationships between negative affectivity, academic performance, and professional outlook were verified using the Kruskal-Wallis test, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: a total of 585 students participated in the study. A high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was found among university students in the post-COVID-19 context, with a notable severity of anxiety. A negative association was detected between the investigated negative affectivity, academic performance, and professional outlook. CONCLUSIONS: the results indicate an emotional vulnerability in university students, with a relationship between negative affectivity and a decline in academic performance and professional outlook.

Analysis of the relationship between perceived stress level and death anxiety in individuals with COPD.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived stress level and death anxiety in individuals with COPD. METHOD: It was planned with a descriptive and relational screening design. It was carried out with the participation of 132 patients diagnosed with COPD. The study data were collected through Patient Information Form, Perceived Stress Scale, and Death Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used in data analysis. RESULTS: The COPD patients' total perceived stress scale and perceived insufficient self-efficacy and perceived stress/distress subscale mean scores were found as 32.75 ± 5.32, 15.81 ± 3.60, and 16.93 ± 2.97, respectively. The patients' Anxiety total scale mean score was determined to be 6.96 ± 3.40. A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between COPD patients' Perceived Stress total scale mean score and their Death Anxiety Scale mean score (F = 4.332, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Perceived stress level of COPD patients was found to be at a high level, while their death anxiety level was determined as moderate. It was also determined that as perceived stress levels of the patients increased, their death anxiety levels also increased.

Effect of cardiovascular biofeedback on nursing staff stress: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the effect of cardiovascular biofeedback on nursing staff stress when compared to an activity without self-monitoring. METHOD: a randomized controlled clinical trial, carried out with nursing professionals from a university hospital. The intervention group (n=58) performed cardiovascular biofeedback, and the control (n=57) performed an online puzzle without self-monitoring, totaling nine meetings over three weeks. The outcome was assessed using the Stress Symptoms and Work-Related Stress scales, and the biological marker heart rate variability. The generalized estimating equations method was used. RESULTS: the intervention had no effect on self-reported instruments (p>0.050). However, there was an effect of time (p<0.050) on all heart rate variability indicators, demonstrating changes over the sessions. CONCLUSION: cardiovascular biofeedback showed promising results in the biological marker, suggesting that it can be used in nursing staff as a complementary therapy by promoting better autonomic nervous system regulation.

Prevalence of the second victim phenomenon among intensive care unit nurses and the support provided by their organizations.

BACKGROUND: Health professionals can be 'second victims' of adverse patient events. Second victimhood involves a series of physical and psychological signs and symptoms of varying severity and is most prevalent among nurses and women and in intensive care units (ICUs). Previous research has described personal and organizational coping strategies. AIM: The objective of this research is to determine the prevalence of second victimhood, focusing on psychological distress, among Chilean adult intensive care nurses and its relationship with the support provided by their organizations. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study was conducted in seven intensive care units of Chilean hospitals. RESULTS: Of a sample of 326 nurses, 90.18% reported having been involved in an adverse event and 67% reported psychological distress resulting from the adverse event. Embarrassment was the most prevalent psychological symptom (69%). Only 2.8% reported that their organization had an action plan for professionals in the event of a serious adverse event. Participants who had spent longer working in an ICU reported more support from their organization around adverse events. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of Chilean adult intensive care unit nurses report psychological stress following an adverse event. These results should be assessed internationally because second victims have major implications for the well-being of health professionals and, therefore, for retention and the quality of care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Critical care leaders must actively promote a safe environment for learning from adverse events, and hospitals must establish a culture of quality that includes support programmes for second victims.

Effect of chronic unpredictable stress in female Wistar-Kyoto rats subjected to progesterone withdrawal: Relevance for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder neurobiology.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is related to an abrupt drop in progesterone and impairments in the HPA axis that cause anxiety. Suffering persons report higher daily-life stress and anxiety proneness that may contribute to developing PMDD, considered a chronic stress-related disorder. Here, we explored the effect of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in rats subjected to progesterone withdrawal (PW) and evaluated gene expression of HPA axis activation in the stress-vulnerable Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat strain that is prone to anxiety. Ovariectomized WKY rats were randomly assigned to CUS or Standard-housed conditions (SHC) for 30 days. To induce PW, animals received 2 mg/kg of progesterone on day 25th for 5 days; 24 h later, they were tested using the anxiety-like burying behavior test (BBT). After behavioral completion, rats were euthanized, and brains were extracted to measure Crh (PVN) and Nr3c1 (hippocampus) mRNA. Blood corticosterone and vasopressin levels were determined. Results showed that PW exacerbated anxiety-like behaviors through passive coping in CUS-WKY. PW decreased Crh-PVN mRNA and the Nr3c1-hippocampal mRNA expression in SHC. CUS decreased Crh-PVN mRNA compared to SHC, and no further changes were observed by PW or BBT exposure. CUS reduced Nr3c1-hippocampal gene expression compared to SHC animals, and lower Nr3c1 mRNA was detected due to BBT. The PW increased corticosterone in SHC and CUS rats; however, CUS blunted corticosterone when combined with PW+BBT and similarly occurred in vasopressin concentrations. Chronic stress blunts the response of components of the HPA axis regulation when PW and BBT (systemic and psychogenic stressors, respectively) are presented. This response may facilitate less adaptive behaviors through passive coping in stress-vulnerable subjects in a preclinical model of premenstrual anxiety.

Distress, Depression, and the Effect of ZIP Code in Pancreaticobiliary Cancer Patients and Their Significant Others.

BACKGROUND: Distress screening of cancer patients is mandated by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Clinical implementation remains limited, particularly in surgical oncology settings in individuals with pancreaticobiliary cancers. STUDY DESIGN: This study evaluated differences in mean distress scores based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer & Problem List for patients with pancreaticobiliary cancers, benign pancreatic conditions, and for their significant others (SOs). The distress screening was conducted at the first office visit and postoperatively in a subset of those who had surgery. Distress Thermometer (DT) scores were dichotomized at ≤5 vs >5 and at ≥7 and correlated with Problem List items. The US ZIP Code database was used to correlate income range, percent poverty, and unemployment in the patient's self-identified ZIP code. Regression models were fitted to identify independent predictors of distress. RESULTS: A total of 547 patients and 184 SOs were evaluated. Thirty percent of patients had DT scores >5, with pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients reporting the highest levels of distress. SOs of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients reported even greater distress than the patients themselves. As the number of pre-existing medical problems increased; so did DT scores. Distress correlated with physical and emotional problems and worry about insurance coverage and transportation. Higher income level predicted higher DT scores, although poverty predicted lower DT scores. Depression was present in 12% of the patients. Distress improved in those undergoing surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Distress and depression in pancreaticobiliary cancer patients and SOs are prevalent. The findings of this study have multiple actionable implications and require diagnosis, treatment, and referral to supportive care resources.

Fear stress promotes glioma progression through inhibition of ferroptosis by enhancing FSP1 stability.

PURPOSE: Patients diagnosed with cancer often suffer from emotional stressors, such as anxiety, depression, and fear of death. However, whether fear stress could influence the glioma progression is still unclear. METHODS: Xenograft glioma animal models were established in nude mice. Tumor-bearing mice were subjected to fear stress by living closely with cats and then their depressive behaviors were measured using an open field test. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, the TUNEL staining and immunochemical staining were used to detect the histopathological changes of tumor tissues. Gene expression profiling was used to screen the aberrant gene expression. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation was used to identify the RNA m6A level. Gene expression was measured by western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS: We found that fear stress promoted glioma tumor progression in mice. Fear stress-induced upregulation of METTL3 and FSP1, increased m6A level of glioma tumor tissues, and inhibited ferroptosis in glioma progression, which were reversed by knockdown of METTL3 and FSP1 in vivo. In addition, we found that when iFSP1 (a ferroptosis inducer by targeting inhibition of FSP1) was introduced to glioma cells, the cells viability of glioma significantly was decreased and ferroptosis was enhanced in glioma cells. CONCLUSIONS: Fear stress-induced upregulation of METTL3 stabilized FSP1 mRNA by m6A modification, leading to tumor progression through inhibition of ferroptosis. Our study provides a new understanding of psychological effects on glioma development, and new insights for glioma therapy.

Efficacy of a single-session online ACT-based mindfulness intervention among undergraduates in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has trickle-down psychological effects on multiple strata of society, particularly university students. Apart from the worry of contracting or spreading COVID-19, Malaysian university students were also locked down on their campuses, suffering significant psychological distress. Hence, an online mindfulness intervention was proposed to alleviate psychological distress and improve psychological flexibility and mindfulness. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study with university students as participants. Intervention group participants were instructed to complete online questionnaires which covered basic demographics and instruments assessing depression, anxiety, stress, mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and fear of COVID-19 before and after the one-hour intervention. The control group also completed before and after questionnaires and were subsequently crossed over to the intervention group. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess time*group effects. RESULTS: 118 participants were involved in this study. There were significant differences in anxiety (F(1,116) = 34.361, p < 0.001, partial eta-squared = 0.229) and psychological flexibility between the two groups (F(1,116) = 11.010, p = 0.001, partial eta-squared = 0.087), while there were no differences in depression, stress, mindfulness, or fear of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The results of this study corroborate the efficacy of online single-session mindfulness therapy as a viable short-term psychological intervention under financial and time constraints. Since university students are in the age group with the highest incidence of depressive and anxiety disorders, it is crucial to utilize resources to address as many students as possible to ensure maximum benefit.

Stress levels and coping strategy of nursing students in online learning during COVID-19 Pandemic. A mixed-methods study.

Objective: To explain the stress level and coping strategies of nursing students in online learning during Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: . Explanatory sequential mixed method QUAN-QUAL study conducted at a private university in Bandung, Indonesia. Of the 260 nursing students, 157 consented to participate and answered a Depression Anxiety Scale-42 (DDAS-42) and The Ways of Coping in the Indonesian version. The participants of the quantitative phase with the indicative of stress were interviewed individually (n=17) to provide an in-depth understanding of the students' experiences of stress and coping strategy in online learning. Results: Almost one out of two students (47.1%) had some level of stress (16% between severe and extremely severe). Most nursing students (45.9%) used emotion focused coping strategies. Stress level was significantly higher among female students and internship academic level (p < 0.05). Nursing students' sources of stress were new experiences and hindrances to online learning. Coping strategies included seeking support and positive acceptance. Conclusion: A high proportion of nursing students experienced stress during their education process in COVID-19 times; they used specially emotion-focused coping strategies to reduce barriers to online learning.

Estrés y espiritualidad relacionado con la sobrecarga en cuidadores de adultos mayores con dependencia total / Stress and Spirituality Related to Overload in Caregivers of Totally Dependent Older Adults

Introducción: La población adulta mayor requiere atención por los cambios del envejecimiento, la atención que los cuidadores otorgan al adulto mayor dependiente suele generar estrés; los cuidadores recurren a la espiritualidad para afrontar la sobrecarga y estresores del cuidado. Objetivo: Relacionar el estrés y la espiritualidad con la sobrecarga en cuidadores de adultos mayores con dependencia total. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y correlacional en una población de cuidadores de adultos mayores de un centro comunitario de jurisdicción sanitaria en Heroica Matamoros, Tamaulipas, México, entre enero y julio del 2021. Muestra de 75 participantes para una población infinita, se aplicó muestreo por conveniencia. Se aplicó una cédula de datos personales, la Escala de Estrés Percibido, el Cuestionario de Espiritualidad y la Escala de Zarit. Los datos se analizaron en el paquete estadístico SPSS versión-21, se utilizó estadística descriptiva y se realizó correlación de Spearman. Resultados: El 56 por ciento de los cuidadores son hijos o hijas del adulto mayor dependiente, en promedio tuvieron 5,21 (DE= 3,68) horas al día dedicadas al cuidado y 7,67 (DE= 2,28) meses. Se encontró relación entre el estrés y la sobrecarga del cuidador (rs= 0,462; p= 0,000), no hubo relación entre la espiritualidad global y la sobrecarga del cuidador (rs= -0,169; p= 0,147). Conclusiones: A pesar de que la relación entre la espiritualidad global y la sobrecarga del cuidador no fue significativa, se observó relación entre el estrés y sobrecarga del cuidador(AU)

Introduction: The older adult population requires attention because of the changes as a result of aging. The caregivers' attention provided to dependent older adults often produces stress. Caregivers turn to spirituality to cope with the overload and stressors of caregiving. Objective: To relate stress and spirituality with overload in caregivers of totally dependent older adults. Methods: A descriptive and correlational study was conducted with a population of caregivers of older adults from a community health jurisdiction center in Heroica Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, between January and July 2021. Through convenience sampling, 75 participants made up a sample obtained as an infinite population. A personal data questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Spirituality Questionnaire and the Zarit scale were applied. The data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS (version 21), descriptive statistics were used and Spearman's correlation was performed. Results: 56 percent of the caregivers were children to dependent older adults, who were, on average, 5.21 (SD = 3.68) daily hours or 7.67 (SD = 2.28) months dedicated to caregiving. A relationship was found between stress and caregiver overload (rs= 0.462; p= 0.000). There was no relationship between overall spirituality and caregiver overload (rs= -0.169; p= 0.147). Conclusions: Although the relationship between overall spirituality and caregiver overload was not significant, there was a relationship between stress and caregiver overload(AU)

Salud mental y COVID-19 en estudiantes de enfermería / Mental Health and COVID-19 in Nursing Students

Introducción: La salud mental de los estudiantes de enfermería en tiempos de COVID-19 ha tenido diversas afectaciones, lo que implica un desafío para la formación. Por ser un tema emergente, es necesario integrar en una perspectiva unitaria los estudios más relevantes, para vislumbrar los impactos inmediatos de la pandemia y las acciones que se han emprendido. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia científica disponible sobre la salud mental de estudiantes de enfermería en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Métodos: Revisión integrativa realizada durante febrero y marzo de 2021, en las bases de datos Scopus, ScienceDirect, Lilacs, PubMed, CINHAL, Web of Science, SciELO y PsycINFO. La ecuación de búsqueda incluyó los términos Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): "Mental Health", "COVID-19" y "Students, Nursing", combinados con el operador booleano AND. Se evaluaron estudios primarios y secundarios con diferentes enfoques o metodologías en idioma español, inglés o portugués, con disponibilidad de texto completo, publicados hasta la fecha de revisión. Se excluyeron artículos de opinión y cartas al editor. De un total de 535 artículos, se incluyeron 25. Se realizó análisis de contenido cualitativo. Conclusiones: Se identificaron impactos inmediatos en las emociones, estados de ánimo y trastornos emocionales como ansiedad, estrés y depresión; todos ellos mediados por determinantes sociales, biológicos y psicológicos. Las acciones emprendidas están relacionadas con estrategias de afrontamiento y respuestas institucionales(AU)

Introduction: The mental health of nursing students in times of COVID-19 has had diverse issues, which implies a challenge for training. Being an emerging matter, it is necessary to integrate in a unitary perspective the most relevant studies, to glimpse the immediate impacts of the pandemic and the actions that have been undertaken. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the mental health of nursing students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Integrative review conducted during February and March 2021 in the databases Scopus, ScienceDirect, Lilacs, PubMed, CINHAL, Web of Science, SciELO and PsycINFO. The search equation included the terms Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): "Mental Health", "COVID-19" and "Students, Nursing", combined with the Boolean operator AND. We evaluated primary and secondary studies with different approaches or methodologies in Spanish, English or Portuguese, with full text availability, published up to the review date. Opinion articles and letters to the editor were excluded. From a total of 535 articles, 25 were included. Qualitative content analysis was performed. Conclusions: Immediate impacts on emotions, mood states and emotional disorders such as anxiety, stress and depression were identified; all mediated by social, biological and psychological determinants. Actions taken are related to coping strategies and institutional responses(AU)

Síndrome de burnout en cirujanos generales en tiempos de la pandemia COVID-19 / Burnout syndrome in general surgeons in time of the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: Evaluar el síndrome de burnout (SB) en cirujanos generales. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal en nuestro centro hospitalario, en agosto de 2021. La muestra estuvo formada por 56 profesionales de la salud que incluyeron a residentes y especialistas en cirugia general quienes prestaron servicio en el contexto de la COVID-19. Resultados: La prevalencia del burnout fue del 71%, la edad media fue de 34 años y los residentes fueron los más afectados (62,5%). La distribución por sexo fue de 82,5% en masculinos y 17,5% en el sexo femenino. Del total de evaluados, 23 son casados y 17 solteros, predominando los cirujanos con hijos (60%). Discusión: Entre los pocos estudios publicados sobre el SB en trabajadores de la salud en tiempos de COVID-19 se ubican como posibles factores predisponentes: a las privaciones de sueño, el riesgo biológico ocupacional intrínseco, la cuarentena obligada a la que tienen que someterse los trabajadores de la salud fuera de casa y los dilemas éticos en la toma de decisiones de atención a pacientes. Sin embargo, un estudio ha mostrado que los estresores vinculados al SB más importantes son la falta de equipo de protección personal, el miedo al contagio de COVID-19 y el miedo de contagiar a los familiares. Conclusión: Existe una alta prevalencia del SB en cirujanos generales en el contexto de la pandemia COVID-19. Los más afectados fueron residentes jóvenes de sexo masculino, casados, con hijos y con bajos ingresos económicos.

Objective: To evaluate the burnout syndrome (BS) in general surgeons. Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in our hospital in August 2021. The sample consisted of 56 health professionals that included residents and specialists in general surgery who provided service in the context of COVID-19 Results: The prevalence of burnout was 71%, the mean age was 34 years and the residents were the most affected (62.5%). Sex was 82.5% in males and 17.5% in females. Of the total evaluated, 23 are married and 17 are single, with a predominance of surgeons with children (60%). Discussion: Among the few studies published on BS in health workers in times of COVID-19, the following are located as possible predisposing factors: sleep deprivation, intrinsic occupational biological risk, the forced quarantine that patients have to undergo. out-of-home health workers and ethical dilemmas in patient care decision-making. However, a study has shown that the most important stressors linked to BS are the lack of personal protective equipment, the fear of contagion of COVID-19 and the fear of infecting family members. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of BS in general surgeons in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most affected were young male residents, married, with children and with low income.

Explanatory model of symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in the general population: Cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact worldwide, specially affecting mental health and has undoubtedly taken part in human behaviour modification, increasing global health burden and with stress, anxiety and depression being the main contributors to this load. Because of the importance of this issue, the objective of this study was the creation of an explanatory model for the causal relationship of the main psychological variables: stress, anxiety and depression in the COVID-19 pandemic context. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 709 volunteers, sociodemographic variables and psychological symptoms were measured through a virtual DASS-21 questionnaire, during the COVID-19 pandemic, dated from November 2 to 6, 2020. A structural equation model using the weighted least squares means and the adjusted variance was employed for the creation and adjustment of the explanatory relational model. The results showed the presence of stress, anxiety and depression symptoms among the general population. The model showed an adequate fit (CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.06; P = 0.000) and was able to explain more than 80% of depressive symptoms (R2 = 0.86) and more than 70% of anxiety symptoms (R2 = 0.72), in addition to showing a unidirectional causal relationship of long-term stress on anxiety, and anxiety on depressive symptoms, showing a linked behaviour of the same, in the adjusted model. It was also outlined that this model was characterized by being expressed mainly in women, with lower quality of sleep and at a younger age.

Psychological distress and fear of Covid-19 in student nurses before clinical placement: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of psychological distress and fear of COVID-19 experienced by undergraduate student nurses who were about to begin their clinical placements. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 100 second- and third-year undergraduate student nurses of the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Measures included the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. RESULTS: Regularly, student nurses did not think of themselves as vulnerable to COVID-19. However, a significant association was observed between the student nurses' level of psychological distress and cohabiting with relatives or people who were considered vulnerable to the infection (p = 0.035). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale results revealed a low level of psychological distress in general; the Fear of COVID-19 Scale indicated moderate fear (2.94). CONCLUSION: Student nurses who lived with their relatives experienced higher levels of stress due to the perceived risk of transmission, but were less fearful of loss of work and income. Anxiety in our sample was associated principally with not knowing their upcoming placement location.

Psychological distress and mental health trajectories during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina: a longitudinal study.

Psychological-distress increased at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina. Longitudinal studies in developing countries are scarce. Particularly, Argentina had one of the longest lockdowns. Differences in preventive measures against the virus spread between countries may differentially affect the mental health of the populations. Here we aimed to characterize distinct psychological-distress and related-symptoms trajectories associated with the pandemic and explore risk/protective factors. In this longitudinal study, data from 832 Argentineans were collected every 3-5 months, between April 2020-August 2021. Mean psychological-distress levels and related-symptoms tended to increase over time. However, latent-class analysis identified four distinct psychological-distress trajectories. Most individuals had consistently good mental health (Resilient). Two classes showed psychological-distress worsening during the initial phase of the pandemic and recovered at different time points (Fast Recovery; Slow Recovery). The remaining class maintained a mild -level of psychological-distress and began to deteriorate in March 2021 (Deteriorating) continuously. Individuals who are younger, female, have pre-existing psychiatric diagnoses, or have high neuroticism or lower resilience were more likely to experiencing fluctuations in psychological-distress. The mental health trajectory during the pandemic had a complex dynamic. Although most participants remained resilient, a vulnerable group was detected, which deteriorated over time and should be considered by health-services.

Validation of an events exposure questionnaire for individuals living in major cities of Argentina.

Most of the validated 'events exposure' questionnaires are focused on lifetime burden and are hardly applicable to Argentina owing to its sociocultural and natural conditions, where corruption and economic crises have been hitting middle-class people's lives in a cyclic manner. This prompted us to develop a new questionnaire, validated in Argentina, to assess the occurrence of exposure to events and their severity over a limited period. Deductive (bibliographic search) and inductive (by a Delphi group) selection was used to create an initial group of 24 questions, which were condensed into a final 14-item questionnaire. After administration to 512 inhabitants of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires and other major cities in Argentina, the questionnaire was shown to have an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.996 and an internal consistency, measured by the omega coefficient, of 0.86. Because this study was conducted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an additional question on how this situation affected individuals was included. The time span used to measure event exposure was 1 year prior to the study. In the case of an affirmative event exposure, the responder selected the severity of the stress perception generated on a Likert-like scale, ranging from 0 (nothing) to 5 (severe). Fifty-eight per cent of the responders were women, and the mean age was 47.14 years (SD: 13.97). The average annual event incidence per person was 2.5 events (SD: 1.88). Thirty-two per cent (164/512) reported at least one 5-point event on the severity scale. Ten per cent (51/512) responded that the COVID-19 pandemic affected them in a different manner than events related to personal or family disease, or the death of a close family member or friend.

La mayoría de los cuestionarios validados de 'exposición a eventos' se centran en la carga durante la vida y son difícilmente aplicables a la Argentina debido a las diferentes condiciones socioculturales y naturales, donde la corrupción y la crisis económica han estado golpeando la vida de las personas de clase media de una manera cíclica. Esto nos impulsó a desarrollar un nuevo cuestionario, validado en Argentina para evaluar la ocurrencia de exposición a eventos y su severidad en un período de tiempo determinado. Se utilizó selección deductiva (búsqueda bibliográfica) e inductiva (por un grupo Delphi) para crear un grupo inicial de 24 preguntas, que se condensaron en un cuestionario final de 14 ítemes con un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0.996 y una consistencia interna medida por el coeficiente Omega de 0.86, luego de la administración a 512 habitantes del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires y otras ciudades importantes de Argentina. Teniendo en cuenta que este estudio se realizó durante la situación de pandemia de COVID-19, se incluyó una pregunta adicional sobre cómo esta situación afectó a las personas. El intervalo de tiempo utilizado para medir la exposición a eventos fue el último año. En caso de una exposición de evento afirmativa, el respondedor tenía que seleccionar la severidad de la percepción del estrés generado en una escala tipo Likert, que va de 0 (nada) a 5 (grave). Cincuenta y ocho por ciento de los que respondieron eran mujeres, y la edad promedio fue de 47,14 años (DE = 13,97). La incidencia anual promedio de 'eventos' por persona fue de 2.5 eventos (DE = 1.88). Treinta y dos por ciento (164/512) informaron al menos un evento de 5 puntos en la escala de severidad. Diez por ciento (51/512) respondió que la pandemia de COVID-19 los afectó de manera diferente que la relacionada con la enfermedad personal o familiar o la muerte de un familiar cercano o amigo.

Dignity therapy in Mexican lung cancer patients with emotional distress: Impact on psychological symptoms and quality of life.

Lung cancer (LC) is the most frequent and deadly neoplasm in the world, and patients have shown a tendency to have more emotional distress than other cancer populations. Dignity Therapy (DT) is a brief intervention aimed to improve emotional well-being in patients facing life-threatening illness. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of DT on anxiety, depression, hopelessness, emotional distress, dignity-related distress, and quality of life (QoL) in a group of Mexican patients with stage IV LC undergoing active medical treatment with baseline emotional distress. METHOD: In this preliminary pretest-posttest study, patients received three sessions of DT and were evaluated with the HADS, Distress Thermometer, Patient Dignity Inventory, single-item questions, and QLQ-30. RESULTS: In total, 24 out of 29 patients completed the intervention. Statistically significant improvements were found in anxiety, depression, emotional distress, hopelessness, and dignity-related distress with large effect sizes. Patients reported that DT helped them, increased their meaning and purpose in life, their sense of dignity, and their will to live, while it decreased their suffering. No changes were found in QoL. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: DT was well accepted and effective in improving the emotional symptoms of LC patients with distress that were undergoing medical treatment. Although more research is warranted to confirm these results, this suggests that DT can be used in the context of Latin-American patients.

Distress in the context of cancer and chemotherapy: A mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND: There are controversial results about the effects of cancer and chemotherapy on the perception of distress. AIMS: The purpose to the study is to explore the meaning of the distress experienced by patients with cancer and verify whether the cancer diagnosis, stage and receiving chemotherapy influence this experience. DESIGN: This is a mixed-methods study with cancer patients. METHODS: Data were collected in 2018 using a phenomenological interview (n = 18) and one suffering inventory (n = 100). Qualitative analysis was performed using the empirical-comprehensive model and quantitative using statistical tests. The results were triangulated. RESULTS: Distress originated from difficulties faced in health services, diagnosis confirmation, beginning treatment and interruption of life projects. Patients mobilized resources in the spiritual dimension that allowed them to redefine their distress positively. Chemotherapy brought hope back and promoted healing expectations. Higher average scores for distress were found in patients with advanced stage and receiving palliative chemotherapy. Not having begun chemotherapy and having head and neck cancer were associated with higher average scores for distress. CONCLUSION: Distress was greater among patients who had not yet begun chemotherapy; nearness of death and difficulty talking about feelings caused distress; distress was redefined by mobilization of spiritual resources.