Effect of acceptance and commitment therapy-based interventions on mental health and cognitive impairment for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The mental and emotional health of persons diagnosed with cancer is frequently affected. The acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is one of the psychological interventions that has proven successful in easing these psychological symptoms and enhancing cancer patients' psychological well-being. METHODS: A two-arm randomized controlled trial study was utilized, 30 eligible clients with colorectal cancer were chosen randomly and were given ACT therapy at a 1:1 ratio. ACT was delivered in six sessions for 3 weeks, followed by 3 months follow-up. RESULTS: The table shows a statistically significant increase in the mean scores of the mental health and its flourishing level among the study group than those of the control group. Cognitive impairment was significantly decreased among the study group than for those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The ACT-based interventions may be a promising approach for improving mental health and cognitive function in cancer patients, particularly those with advanced disease.

The feasibility of a psychological first aid intervention as a supportive tactic for feelings of psychological distress and mental health recovery outcomes among earthquake survivors in Northern Syria.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of implementing a psychological first aid intervention for psychological distress, resilience capacity, quality and meaning of life among survivors affected by earthquake adversity in Northern Syria. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, pre-posttest, two-group research design was utilized. A convenience sample of 95 survivors (46 in the study group and 49 in the control group) was recruited for the psychological First Aid intervention at a 1:1 ratio. The psychological first aid intervention was delivered in 10 sessions, twice weekly, followed by 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement in the mean scores of resilience capacity, quality and meaning of life among survivors, along with a significant reduction in psychological distress, was registered among the study group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Our work verified the suitability of implementing psychological first aid following the catastrophic temblors which struck Northern Syria. Given that the psychological first aid intervention is grounded in psychological safety, cognitive reframing, mobilization of social support and installation of hope, the feasibility of its path following public health emergency, traumatic events or even a personal crisis can be favourable.

The feasibility of motivational interviewing on adherence to care practices, emotional intelligence, and dispositional optimism among patients with permanent pacemakers.

AIMS: Motivational interviewing (MI) has been recognized as highly effective for treating chronic diseases and various conditions, with encouraging results demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting health behaviour change. The current study was proposed to evaluate the feasibility of MI on adherence to care practices, emotional intelligence (EI), and dispositional optimism among patients with permanent pacemakers. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study was a parallel arm randomized controlled trial. Seventy clients with permanent pacemakers were randomly allocated to a six-session MI intervention (n = 35) or a waiting list control group (n = 35). A statistically significant improvement in the mean scores of adherence to care practices, EI, and dispositional optimism, along with a significant reduction in pessimism, was registered among the study group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Following the intervention for 1- and 2-month follow-up measurements, there were statistically significant improvements in self-care practice adherence. After 1 month of intervention, there were statistically significant gains in EI and dispositional optimism, but at the 2-month follow-up measurement, this improvement had somewhat lessened. The findings suggest that MI may be a feasible and practical approach for improving adherence to care practices, EI, and dispositional optimism in patients with permanent pacemakers. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05883514.

Effect of hand reflexology in ameliorating anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Reflexology is a popular non-invasive complementary medicine technique to enhance anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hand reflexology in ameliorating anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: A quasi-experimental research design was used on 60 patients undergoing coronary angiography at Alexandria Main University Hospital's cardiology department (30 patients in each study and control group). Four tools were used to collect data: the socio-demographic and clinical data assessment sheet, the visual analogue scale, the Rhoten fatigue scale, and the Beck anxiety inventory. RESULTS: Scores of moderate anxiety, intractable pain, and severe fatigue among the study group significantly decreased after 2 h and three days of applying hand reflexology. CONCLUSION: The current study findings showed that hand reflexology is a simple, non-invasive nursing intervention that is effective and useful for managing pain, fatigue, and anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography as it resulted in a significant reduction in the severity of pain, fatigue, and anxiety after coronary angiography in the study group compared to the control group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the clinical trial.gov database (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05887362 , 23/05/2023).

Relationship between craving to drugs, emotional manipulation and interoceptive awareness for social acceptance: the addictive perspective.

BACKGROUND: Drug addiction (DA) is a global psychiatric worldwide problem. Patients with substance use disorder are more likely to use the numerous defenses at their disposal to control their surroundings emotionally. This could virtually cause a tidal wave of social rejection of them in the community. The study aims to investigate drug craving, emotional manipulation, and interoceptive awareness for social acceptance among patients with substance use disorder. METHODS: This study followed a descriptive correlational design on a sample of 110 patients with substance use disorder who were recruited to complete the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale, the Emotion Manipulation Questionnaire, and the Perceived Acceptance Scale. RESULTS: Most respondents recorded high levels of PACS and emotional manipulation ability. A highly positive and significant correlation was found between scores on emotional manipulation ability and PACS. CONCLUSION: Craving for drugs was a significant predictor of emotional manipulation ability. Incorporation of effective nursing interventions to enable patients with substance use disorder to engage in self-reflection related to how their cravings for drugs may lead them to prioritize their needs over others.