Prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and perceived stress in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection is associated with significant depressive and anxiety symptoms and stress. We examined the prevalences of depressive and anxiety symptoms and perceived stress among patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Clinically stable patients with COVID-19 aged 18 to 60 years who were admitted between April 2021 and September 2021 to the MES Medical College in Kerala, India were prospectively recruited. They were assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. RESULTS: Of 112 patients screened, 103 were included in the analysis. Depression scores were higher in patients of lower socio-economic status (p = 0.04), of unemployed (p = 0.01), and with longer hospital stays (p < 0.001). Anxiety scores were higher in patients aged 31 to 40 years (p = 0.04), of lower socio-economic status (p = 0.01), with a history of psychiatric illness (p = 0.006), and with a history of self-harm (p = 0.019). Perceived stress scores were higher in patients of lower socio-economic status (p = 0.02), with a history of psychiatric illness (p = 0.001), and with a history of self-harm (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Socio-economic status, employment status, a history of psychiatric illness, and duration of hospital stay are associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among patients with COVID-19.

Hidradenitis suppurativa and psychosocial well-being: a cross-sectional survey analysis from the All of Us research program.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease that often leads to decreased quality of life. Prior research assessing stress and discrimination related to stigmatization of those with HS is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the association between HS and the following factors related to psychosocial well-being: stress, discrimination, and loneliness. We performed secondary analysis of participants 18 years and older registered in the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program in March 2024. The study sample was limited to individuals who had completed ≥ 1 of 4 psychosocial well-being surveys. Among 1,352 individuals with HS, 135 were included in the sample. Among 208,290 individuals without HS, 56,902 were included. The following surveys assessed loneliness, stress, perceived discrimination in everyday settings, and perceived discrimination in medical settings, respectively: the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, Everyday Discrimination Scale, and Discrimination in Medical Settings Scale. The association between HS and survey scores was modeled using multivariable linear regression adjusted for self-reported sex, self-reported race and ethnicity, age, and income. In an unadjusted model, those with HS reported a significantly higher degree of stress (MeanHS (SD) = 21.5 (4.74); Meannon-HS (SD) = 19.8 (3.98); p < 0.001), discrimination in everyday settings (MeanHS (SD) = 18.9 (8.16); Meannon-HS (SD) = 16.0 (7.06); p < 0.0001), and discrimination in healthcare settings (MeanHS (SD) = 1.77 (0.64); Meannon-HS (SD) = 1.56 (0.62); p < 0.001). After adjusting for sex, race, age, and income, the association between HS and discrimination in healthcare settings was non-significant; however, associations between HS and increased levels of perceived stress and everyday discrimination remained significant. Low survey completion rates and demographic differences between those who did and did not complete the study surveys may limit generalizability of results. Findings suggest that those with HS may benefit from regular screening for psychosocial well-being and provision of support resources.

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and their risk and protective factors among secondary students in Rwanda during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Compelling evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has detrimental effects on the mental health of university students. However, little is known about the psychological distress experienced by students from high schools during the pandemic. This study, therefore, sought to examine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and their associated factors among students from high schools in Rwanda. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 students randomly selected from high schools. Data were collected using standardized measures of mental disorders and their associated factors. Bivariate and multivariate analyses based on the odds ratio were used to indicate the associated factors of anxiety, depression, and stress. RESULTS: The results indicated that slightly above half of the participants (51%, n = 195) had clinically significant symptoms of depression, 30.3% (n = 116) had stress and 67.3% (n = 259) had anxiety. Our analyses identified several key risk factors associated with increased odds of these mental disorders. These include exposure to domestic violence, COVID-19 symptoms like cough and myalgia, eating twice per day, having one of the three mental disorders, gender, with females showing higher susceptibility, and direct contact with the people who positively tested covid-19. Conversely, protective factors such as heightened awareness about Covid-19, positive mental health, social support, eating three times, belonging to the third Ubudehe category, and a high resilience emerged as significant elements mitigating the risks of these mental health challenges within our sample. Intriguingly, religious affiliation emerged as a notable factor, with students affiliated with the Witness of Jehovah and Adventist denominations exhibited lower risks for depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlighted a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among students from secondary schools. Interestingly, this study also revealed the associated risk and protective factors of depression, anxiety, and stress in Rwandan students in high schools. Therefore, mental health interventions targeting the impact of COVID-19 on students, as young people are needed.

Internet addiction among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Associations with sociodemographic and psychological distress.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous implications for billions of adolescents worldwide due to school closures, forcing students to embrace internet usage for daily tasks. Uncontrolled use of the internet among adolescents makes them vulnerable to internet addiction (IA). This study aims to determine the prevalence of IA among adolescents and assess its association with sociodemographic factors, smartphone use, and psychological distress during the pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was conducted among students aged 13-17 from May 15th, 2021, until May 30th, 2021, using the Malay version of the Internet Addiction Test (MVIAT), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Coronavirus Impacts Questionnaires, as well as a sociodemographic information form. The data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 23. Results: A total of 420 adolescents participated in the survey. The majority of them (70.7%) were female, with a mean age of 15.47 years (±1.49 years old). About 45.5% of the respondents were classified as internet addicted users. The Chi-square test analysis showed that age (p = 0.002), smartphone usage (p = 0.010), rate of midnight use (p < 0.001), frequency (p < 0.001), duration (p < 0.001) of device usage, and presence of depression, anxiety, and stress (p < 0.001) were all significantly associated with IA. Multiple logistic regression showed age (aOR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.00-1.35], p = 0.048), smartphone usage (aOR =3.52, 95% CI [1.43-8.67], p = 0.006), mild or moderate depression (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI [1.36-4.34], p = 0.003), severe or extremely severe stress (aOR = 6.41, 95% CI [2.18-18.82], p = 0.001) were significantly related to IA. Conclusions: Late adolescence, the use of smartphones, and the presence of psychological distress like depression, and stress were potentially associated with IA. Wise use of smartphones and early identification of any psychological distress among adolescents are warranted, especially during the pandemic.

The measured healthy lifestyle habits among Saudi university females in Medina, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Lifestyle plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's health outcomes, we aim to calculate the prevalence of lifestyle habits among female populations in the College of Medicine, Taibah University including poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity (PA), poor coping with stress, and impaired sleep patterns and to find factors that are correlated to them. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi females at the College of Medicine, Taibah University, from January 1 to June 1, 2023. Data were collected through interviewing them using validated questionnaires assessing 5 different lifestyle domains. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0. A total of 263 cases were interviewed. The mean age was 22 ±â€…8.4 years old. The average sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index of 2.6 ±â€…1.1, suggesting relative difficulty in sleep quality. A total of 68.6% participated in moderate PA. Dietary habits indicated a high prevalence of consumption of sweets, and fast meals, alongside low intake of fruits and vegetables. Emotional well-being, as assessed by the World Health Organization-5 questionnaire, yielded an average score of 7.8 ±â€…5.7, 58.9% moderate stress, and 8% high perceived stress. Adequate sleep quality is crucial for well-being, necessitating lifestyle modifications, particularly weight management, to address sleep disorders. Varied PA levels (46% meeting recommendations) highlight the need for standardized guidelines and tailored interventions. The high prevalence of unhealthy dietary habits underscores the importance of targeted nutritional interventions. Stress prevalence (40%) emphasizes the need for individualized stress management strategies.

Psychological distress and its associated factors among people with specific chronic conditions (diabetes and/or hypertension) in the Sidama region of southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The majority of people with long-term, non-communicable medical conditions experience significant psychological anguish. Poor mental health or psychological distress influences low lifestyle decisions that result in obesity, inactivity, and cigarette use as well as poor health literacy and limited access to health promotion activities. OBJECTIVES: The study's purpose was to measure the prevalence of psychological distress and it's predictors in patients with chronic non-communicable diseases who were being treated in selected hospitals in the Sidama region of southern Ethiopia in 2022. METHODOLOGY: Institutional based cross-sectional study was carried out using a sample of 844 patients receiving medication for either high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus or both between May1 and August 31, 2022. To gauge psychiatric distress, the Amharic translation and Ethiopian validation of the Kessler 6 scale (K-6) was employed. The analysis was done using binary logistic regression and an odds ratio with the corresponding 95% confidence interval was estimated to measure the strength of the association. P value <0.05 was considered to declare the significance. RESULT: Patients with diabetic mellitus, hypertension or both had a 49.6% prevalence of psychological distress at selected Sidama hospitals. Age, drug side effects, history medical complications following diabetic mellitus/hypertension, and body mass index of the patient were all significantly linked with psychological distress (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, psychological distress is far more prevalent than it was in past studies in Ethiopia and other African countries. To lessen the problem, all stakeholders must cooperate, but health agencies, policymakers, and NGOs particularly need to put in extra effort. The study also showed a significant association between body mass index, patient age, drug side effects, and history of medical complications following diabetic mellitus /hypertension.

Midlife stress-related exhaustion and dementia incidence: a longitudinal study over 50 years in women.

BACKGROUNDS: Cognitive problems are common symptoms among individuals with stress-related exhaustion. It is still unknown whether these individuals are at a higher risk of developing dementia later. This study aims to examine the relationship between midlife stress-related exhaustion and dementia incidence. METHODS: A population sample of 777 women (aged 38, 46, 50 and 54 years) without dementia at baseline was followed over 50 years, from 1968 to 2019. Stress-related exhaustion was based on information from the psychiatric examination in 1968/69. Information on dementia incidence between 1968 and 2019 was obtained from neuropsychiatric examinations, key-informant interviews, and hospital registry. Dementia was diagnosed according to the DSM-III-R criteria. A subgroup of non-demented women (n = 284) was examined for cognitive functions by the Gottfries-Bråne-Steen scale 24 years after baseline. RESULTS: Stress-related exhaustion in midlife was associated with higher risk for development of dementia before age 75 (Hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval: 2.95 and 1.35-6.44). The association remained after adjustment for age, major depression, and anxiety disorder. Mean age of dementia onset was younger for women with stress-related exhaustion than women without stress (mean ± SD, 76 ± 9 vs. 82 ± 8 . p = 0.009). Women with stress-related exhaustion in midlife still showed more cognitive impairments 24 years later compared with women without stress (Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 2.64 and 1.15-6.06). CONCLUSIONS: We found that women with stress-related exhaustion in midlife were at a higher risk to develop dementia at relatively younger age. These women showed persistently lower cognitive functions over years even without dementia. Present study results need to be interpreted with caution due to small sample size and should be confirmed in future studies with larger sample size. Our study findings may imply the importance of long-term follow-up regarding cognitive function among individuals with stress-related exhaustion.

Maternal distress, parenting stress, maladaptive parenting and children's problematic media use in China: evidence from 2022 spring in Shanghai.

The COVID-19 lockdown has forced young children to spend more time on media and significantly impacted their mothers' mental health. This study explored how mothers' individual distress influences children's problematic media use during the Shanghai citywide lockdown caused by COVID-19. Data were collected from 1889 Chinese mothers (Mage = 34.69 years, SD = 3.94 years) with preschoolers aged 3-6 years (Mage = 4.38 years, SD = 1.06 years; 49.0% boys) via an online survey. The statistical analyses relied on SPSS Statistics version 26.0 and macro-program PROCESS 3.3. to investigate the associations and mediation analysis among all the study variables. The results indicated a positive association between maternal distress and children's problematic media use, mediated by parenting stress and maladaptive parenting. Specifically, the serial mediation analysis revealed that high levels of maternal distress exacerbate parenting stress, which in turn leads to maladaptive parenting practices. These maladaptive practices subsequently increase problematic media use in preschool children. The findings highlighted that parents need to enhance their ability to manage risk and promote mental health during periods of significant stress and routine disruption to reduce children's problematic media use.

The Role of Psychosocial Stress on Cardiovascular Disease in Women: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

Psychosocial stress can affect cardiovascular health through multiple pathways. Certain stressors, such as socioeconomic disadvantage, childhood adversity, intimate partner violence, and caregiving stress, are especially common among women. The consequences of stress begin at a young age and persist throughout the life course. This is especially true for women, among whom the burden of negative psychosocial experiences tends to be larger in young age and midlife. Menarche, pregnancy, and menopause can further exacerbate stress in vulnerable women. Not only is psychosocial adversity prevalent in women, but it could have more pronounced consequences for cardiovascular risk among women than among men. These differential effects could reside in sex differences in responses to stress, combined with women's propensity toward vasomotor reactivity, microvascular dysfunction, and inflammation. The bulk of evidence suggests that targeting stress could be an important strategy for cardiovascular risk reduction in women.

Assessing Caregiving Burden in Family Caregivers of Depression and Schizophrenia in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Care for family members is a significant characteristic of families in South Asia. A family is one unit, and every other member is emotionally connected and expected to take care of each other. However, the provision of care to a family member with mental illness can be physically as well as emotionally exhausting and distressing for the Family Caregiver. The present study aimed to investigate the caregiving burden in family caregivers of depression and schizophrenia. METHOD: For this cross-sectional research, a purposive sample of 80 Family caregivers taking care of at least one family member with mental health problems of depression (n=40) and schizophrenia (n=40) were recruited for the present study. The age range of the sample was 15 to 60 years. All the respondents were literates who could read and write in Urdu. The scale used to measure the caregiving burden was Zarit Caregiving Burden Scale. The data was collected from the male (n=22) and female (n=58) family caregivers. To access data, family caregivers were approached at the psychological services clinics of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in private and public sector hospitals. RESULTS: The data were analyzed through descriptive and t-test analysis. Analyses of the data revealed that family caregivers of schizophrenia had a greater caregiving burden as compared to family caregivers of depression. Results also showed that females reported a higher caregiving burden as compared to male family caregivers. CONCLUSION: Family caregivers of schizophrenia undergo the severe burden of care and distress, and they may be considered a high-risk group for the development of mental health problems. Comprehensive intervention programs may be developed to involve them and safeguard their mental health.

Predicting psychological distress in advanced ovarian cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: This longitudinal study investigated distress rates in patients with advanced ovarian cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined whether time, illness representations, and coping strategies predicted distress levels. METHODS: UK patients with stage 3 or 4 ovarian cancer were recruited between September 2020 and March 2021. Data were collected at baseline (T0), 2 months (T1), and 4 months (T2) post-enrolment. Validated questionnaires assessed distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear of progression) and predictors (coping strategies and illness perceptions), analysed via multilevel modelling. RESULTS: Seventy-two participants returned a questionnaire at T0, decreasing to 49 by T2. High distress was observed, with over 50% of participants experiencing anxiety and depression consistently. Nearly 60% reported clinical levels of fear of progression at some point. PTSD rates resembled the general population. Although distress levels remained stable over time, some individual variability was observed. Time had minimal effect on distress. Coping strategies and illness perceptions remained stable. Threatening illness perceptions consistently predicted distress, while specific coping strategies such as active coping, acceptance, self-blame, and humour predicted various aspects of distress. Together, these factors explained up to half of the distress variance. CONCLUSION: The findings have implications for routine screening for distress and the inclusion of psychological treatment pathways in advanced ovarian cancer care. Addressing illness representations is crucial, with attention to informational support. Future research should explore the long-term effects of heightened distress and the effectiveness of interventions targeting illness perceptions. This study informs current clinical practice and future pandemic preparedness in cancer care.

Dealing with the challenges of the pandemic - results of a population-based survey during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic contrasting benefits and burden.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic and the associated consequences have been ongoing stressors with severe impacts on the population and particularly on families. Research focusing on groups dealing well with the challenges of the pandemic is scarce. Here, we aimed to identify groups being well-adjusted during the pandemic and associated predictors. METHODS: A representative sample of the German population (N = 2,515, 51.6% women, 50.09 years), and a subsample of persons with children or adolescents under the age of 18 (N = 453, 60.3% women, 40.08 years) was assessed from July to October 2021. As huge differences in coping with the pandemic are seen, cluster analysis was performed. RESULTS: Persons in the "well-adjusted cluster" were characterized by higher quality of life, better coping with the pandemic and lower burden of the pandemic. The family subsample well-adjusted cluster was characterized by lower pandemic-associated burden, lower parental stress compared to before the pandemic and a better relationship with the child. Fewer mental health symptoms and less pandemic-associated negative impact on career predicted membership of the well-adjusted cluster in both samples. An interaction between mental health symptoms and the negative impact of COVID-19 on the career was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underscore the importance of mental health and work-related factors for coping with the pandemic.

Factors influencing postpartum depression in Saudi women: a cross-sectional descriptive study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and stress, as well as factors influencing PPD, among women in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional online survey and recruited participants during postpartum visits to the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Data collection was done using Arabic versions of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and a sociodemographics and obstetric history questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted, including multiple linear regression using a stepwise method. RESULTS: Data from the 270 participants showed low levels of postpartum depressive symptoms with a mean score of 2.54±4.5 and low levels of perceived stress with a mean score of 2.49±6.2. While 94.4% of the participants reported low levels of stress and PPD, 5.6% reported elevated levels (≥10 for PPD, ≥14 for stress). The stepwise regression analysis showed significant results (p<.001), accounting for 34% of the variance in PPD. The factors significantly influencing PPD included the type of family, stress, number of abortions, disease during pregnancy, and family income. Importantly, perceived stress emerged as a factor influencing PPD. CONCLUSION: Although the majority of participants exhibited low levels of PPD, about 1 in 18 showed elevated levels. The identification of significant influencing factors highlights the need for targeted interventions to effectively address mental health concerns in postpartum women.

Impact of COVID-19 on individual mental health and maternal health services in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major outbreak in the 21st century and has led to significant mental health hazards worldwide. To address this issue, a systematic review has been conducted to analyze existing literature on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological well-being of the general population, as well as the associated risk factors. Methods: A comprehensive search was carried out on PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, covering all available literature up until February 20, 2024. This search was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, ensuring a systematic approach. The selection of articles was based on predetermined eligibility criteria, ensuring the inclusion of appropriate and suitable research. In the final analysis, a total of 15 articles focusing on depression and anxiety, 11 articles on stress, and 7 articles on psychological problems were included. These articles specifically examined the outcome variables within the context of English language and specific areas. For the meta-analysis on maternal health services, 11 articles were included for family planning, 25 articles for postnatal care services, 16 articles for institutional delivery, and 14 articles for safe abortion services. These articles were carefully selected for the final pooled analysis. Result: According to a recent systematic review, anxiety, depression, stress, and psychological distress have been prevalent in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates of 40, 41, 23, and 41%, respectively. The review also identified various sociodemographic factors that have impacted the country's response to the pandemic, including female gender, age, marital status, incarceration, low income, and lack of social support. Furthermore, the review found that maternal health services have experienced significant reductions during the pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in psychological distress, which in some cases, is severe enough to require clinical treatment. It is crucial to prioritize efforts to address the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health as a global public health priority. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to maternal health services during COVID-19 mitigation programs.

Association between 29 food groups of diet quality questionnaire and perceived stress in Chinese adults: a prospective study from China health and nutrition survey.

PURPOSE: Diet plays a fundamental role in promoting resilience against stress-related disorders. We aimed to examine the overall and sex-specific association between food groups and perceived stress in adults. METHODS: We analyzed the prospective data of 7,434 adults who completed both the 2011 and 2015 surveys of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). The Diet Quality Questionnaire (DQQ) was used to code all the food items of 2011 dietary intake into 29 food groups, and perceived stress in 2015 was measured using a 14-item perceived stress scale (PSS-14). Univariate analysis and logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between food groups and perceived stress. RESULTS: People who perceived a higher level of stress (PSS-14 total score > 25) made up 41.5% and 45.1% of the male and female groups, respectively (χ2 = 9.605, p = 0.002). Individuals with increased intake of food groups such as legumes, other vegetables, other fruits, yogurt, poultry, fish & seafood, fluid milk, and fruit juice were less likely to experience a higher level of psychological stress (OR range: 0.544-0.892, p < 0.05). Additionally, we found sex-specific associations between food groups and perceived stress. The difference in the proportion of food groups, such as fluid milk and fish & seafood, between the two stress groups in men was statistically significant (p < 0.025). In the female group, the distribution of eight food groups, like legumes and nuts & seeds, between the two stress groups was statistically significant (p < 0.025). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that food groups were differentially associated with perceived stress.

Psychological distress among family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) present growing global health challenges, especially in aging populations, such as Uganda. In Uganda, familial caregiving, predominantly undertaken by female relatives, is the primary form of support provided to patients with ADRD. Cultural stigma around dementia and limited access to support services amplify caregivers' challenges. This study examined psychological distress, depression, and quality of life (QoL) among family caregivers of patients with ADRD in Wakiso District, Uganda. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 90 caregivers from three sub-counties in Wakiso, selected through purposive sampling to capture diverse experiences. Participants included caregivers aged 18 years and older who were knowledgeable and had cared for a person with ADRD for not less than six months, with those providing more than 70% of physical care being prioritised. Data were collected using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Caregiver Dementia Quality of Life Measurement Scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, with an 80% response rate achieved through local collaboration. The statistical analyses focused on psychological distress, QoL, and depression. RESULTS: The study included 82.2% females and 17.8% males, with a median age of 52 years for females and 35 years, respectively. Females were more likely to be single or widowed, whereas males were more likely to be married. The study revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress and depression among caregivers (64.4%) regardless of sex. The analysis indicated that having children was a significant predictor of better QoL (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.79-5.66, p = 0.034) and a lower risk of depression (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.86, p = 0.036). No other sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with health outcomes across the models. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed a heavy burden of psychological distress and depression among Ugandan caregivers of patients with ADRD, highlighting the need for structured support systems, including mental health services and gender-responsive interventions in low-resource settings.

Psychological distress, health-promoting lifestyle and sociodemographic factors in Honduran university students: a structural equation model.

This study sought to analyze an explanatory model on the relationship among sociodemographic factors, health-promoting lifestyle behaviors and psychological distress (depression, anxiety and stress) in college students. This is an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study conducted on a national sample of 4203 students who entered a macro university in Honduras in 2021, 2022 and 2023. We used a sociodemographic survey, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). Univariate analysis and a multivariate structural equation model were conducted. The average HPLP-II score was 117.45 (±â€…23.41), and the average DASS-21 score was 20.06 (±â€…14.16). The multivariate model showed a good data fit (comparative fit index = 0.951; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.957; root mean square error of approximation = 0.067 [90% CI = 0.067-0.068]). Results indicate that being a woman (ß = 0.11; p < 0.001) and being enrolled in biological and health sciences (ß = 0.09; p < 0.001) significantly predict HPLP-II scores. Furthermore, being a woman (ß = 0.17; p < 0.001), age (ß = 0.10; p < 0.001) and having pre-existing medical conditions (ß = 0.16; p < 0.001) significantly explain part of the variance of DASS-21. A significant reverse relationship between health-promoting behavior and psychological distress was shown (r = -0.36; p < 0.001). This study identifies protective and risky sociodemographic factors linked to health-promoting lifestyle behaviors and psychological distress. Our findings have implications for developing comprehensive intervention policies and strategies to promote health in higher education settings.

Internet Use as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Personal Resources and Stress in Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Internet use has dramatically increased worldwide, with over two-thirds of the world's population using it, including the older adult population. Technical resources such as internet use have been shown to influence psychological processes such as stress positively. Following the Conservation of Resources theory by Hobfoll, stress experience largely depends on individuals' personal resources and the changes in these resources. While personal resource loss has been shown to lead to stress, we know little regarding the role that technical resources may play on the relationship between personal resources and stress. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the moderating effect of technical resources (internet use) on the relationship between personal resources and stress in younger and older adults. METHODS: A total of 275 younger adults (aged 18 to 30 years) and 224 older adults (aged ≥65 years) indicated their levels of stress; change in personal resources (ie, cognitive, social, and self-efficacy resource loss and gain); and internet use. Variance analyses, multiple regression, and moderation analyses were performed to investigate the correlates of stress. RESULTS: Results showed that older adults, despite experiencing higher levels of resource loss (questionnaire scores: 1.82 vs 1.54; P<.001) and less resource gain (questionnaire scores: 1.82 vs 2.31; P<.001), were less stressed than younger adults (questionnaire scores: 1.99 vs 2.47; P<.001). We observed that the relationship among resource loss, resource gain, and stress in older adults was moderated by their level of internet use (ß=.09; P=.05). Specifically, older adults who used the internet more frequently were less stressed when they experienced high levels of both loss and gain compared to their counterparts who used internet the less in the same conditions. Furthermore, older adults with low resource gain and high resource loss expressed less stress when they used the internet more often compared to those with low internet use. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of internet use in mitigating stress among older adults experiencing resource loss and gain, emphasizing the potential of digital interventions to promote mental health in this population.

The relationship between challenge-hindrance stressors and innovative behavior among medical postgraduates in China: the mediation role of academic engagement and the moderating effect of relaxation.

This study investigated the relationship between challenge-hindrance stressors and innovative behavior of medical postgraduates in China, examining the mediating role of academic engagement and the moderating effect of relaxation. Drawing from a sample of 437 medical postgraduates from three Chinese universities, our findings revealed that challenge stressors positively correlated with innovative behavior, while the direct relationship between hindrance stressors and innovative behavior was not statistically significant. Furthermore, academic engagement mediated the relationship between two types of stressors and innovative behavior. Challenge stressors enhanced academic engagement, which in turn fostered innovative behavior. Conversely, hindrance stressors were found to diminish academic engagement, which in turn indirectly limited innovative behavior. Additionally, relaxation was identified as a moderating factor that helped mitigate the negative effects of hindrance stressors on academic engagement and indirectly on innovative behavior. These results suggested that academic engagement as a mechanism played a pivotal role in determining how different stressors influenced innovative behavior, underscoring the need for stress management, particularly through relaxation techniques, to maintain high levels of academic engagement and innovative behavior. This study offers practical insights for medical education policymakers and educators in China, emphasizing the importance of balancing stressors and incorporating relaxation practices to enhance the innovative capabilities of medical postgraduates in demanding academic environments.

Psychosocial Problems in Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Changing lifestyles, health care, growing age, and life expectancy have contributed to the occurrence of old age in communities. The elderly population are rising who are aged 60 or older in the present scenario. They are more prone to psychosocial problems such as stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, and anxiety. These problems impact their psychological health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at selected communities of Amritsar, Punjab. A total of 200 older adults were involved using the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a predesigned sociodemographic pro forma and a five-point Likert scale to assess psychosocial problems among the elderly. The data collection method employed was interviewed. In the psychosocial problems assessment tool, a total of 35 items were included, which were further categorized as follows: no psychosocial problem (0-35), mild psychosocial problem (36-70), moderate psychosocial problem (71-105), and severe psychosocial problem (106-140). RESULTS: The average age of the older adults was 69.31 ± 6.63 years, 65.5% were males and 34.5% were females. Regarding psychosocial problems, 69% had moderate, 16% had mild, 10.5% severe, and 4.5% had no problems. The median score was 90 (18). The median score was 17.50 (7) for stress, 38 (17.75) for loneliness, 18 (7.75) for anxiety, and 14 (7) for self-esteem. All the four domains, stress, loneliness, anxiety, and self-esteem, had a statistically significant relationship (P < 0.01). A statistically significant association was found between self-esteem, type of family, and anxiety with educational level. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that older adults in communities have significant psychosocial problems such as stress, loneliness, self-esteem, and anxiety. Collaboratively, health professionals, local community leaders, and social workers can formulate and execute a health awareness campaign to avoid these issues that cause the aged much anguish.

RésuméLes modes de vie changeants, les soins de santé, le vieillissement et l'espérance de vie accrue ont contribué à l'occurrence du vieillissement dans les communautés. La population âgée de 60 ans ou plus est en augmentation dans le contexte actuel. Ils sont plus sujets à des problèmes psychosociaux tels que le stress, la solitude, la faible estime de soi et l'anxiété. Ces problèmes ont un impact sur leur santé psychologique.Matériel et Méthodes:Cette étude transversale a été menée dans des communautés sélectionnées d'Amritsar, au Pendjab. Au total, 200 personnes âgées ont été incluses en utilisant la technique d'échantillonnage raisonné. Les données ont été collectées à l'aide d'un formulaire sociodémographique préconçu et d'une échelle de Likert à cinq points pour évaluer les problèmes psychosociaux chez les personnes âgées. La méthode de collecte de données utilisée était l'entrevue. Dans l'outil d'évaluation des problèmes psychosociaux, un total de 35 items ont été inclus, qui ont été ensuite catégorisés comme suit: aucun problème psychosocial (0­35), problème psychosocial léger (36­70), problème psychosocial modéré (71­105) et problème psychosocial sévère (106­140).Résultats:L'âge moyen des personnes âgées était de 69,31 ± 6,63 ans, 65,5 % étaient des hommes et 34,5 % étaient des femmes. En ce qui concerne les problèmes psychosociaux, 69 % avaient un problème modéré, 16 % un problème léger, 10,5 % un problème sévère et 4,5 % n'avaient aucun problème. Le score médian était de 90 (18). Le score médian était de 17,50 (7) pour le stress, 38 (17,75) pour la solitude, 18 (7,75) pour l'anxiété et 14 (7) pour l'estime de soi. Les quatre domaines, le stress, la solitude, l'anxiété et l'estime de soi, avaient une relation statistiquement significative (P < 0,01). Une association statistiquement significative a été trouvée entre l'estime de soi, le type de famille et l'anxiété avec le niveau d'éducation.Conclusion:L'étude a conclu que les personnes âgées dans les communautés ont des problèmes psychosociaux significatifs tels que le stress, la solitude, l'estime de soi et l'anxiété. En collaboration, les professionnels de la santé, les leaders communautaires locaux et les travailleurs sociaux peuvent formuler et exécuter une campagne de sensibilisation à la santé pour éviter ces problèmes qui causent beaucoup de souffrance aux personnes âgées.