Even worse for Black girls: the longitudinal association of racial bullying with the initiation of alcohol and tobacco use.

We used Poisson's linear regression to examine the association between racial bullying (RB) and the initiation of alcohol and tobacco uses after nine months. Two cluster randomized controlled trials were conducted in 2019 with fifth (girls: 50.0%; 10 years old: 82.0%; White: 36.8%; Black: 58.7%; Others: 4.5%) and seventh graders (girls: 49.5%; 12 years old: 78.1%; White: 33.2%; Black: 60.4%; Others: 6.4%) from 30 public schools in the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil. We restricted our analyzes on two subsets of students in each grade: those who reported no lifetime alcohol use at baseline and those who reported no lifetime baseline tobacco use. At baseline, 16.2% of fifth and 10.7% of seventh graders reported suffering from RB in the 30 days before data collection. After nine months, 14.9% of fifth graders started using alcohol and 2.5%, tobacco. Among seventh graders, the figures were 31.2% and 7.7%, respectively. RB predicted the initiation of use of alcohol (risk ratio - RR=1.36, 95%CI=1.07-1.70) and tobacco (RR=1.81, 95%CI=1.14-2.76) among seventh graders, with race-gender differences, particularly in Black girls (alcohol: RR=1.45, 95%CI=1.07-1.93; tobacco: RR=2.34, 95%CI=1.31-3.99). School-based programs and policies must explicitly address issues related to racism and gender in alcohol and tobacco prevention strategies.

Preventing cognitive decline via digital inclusion and virtual game management: an intervention study with older adults in the community.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of cognitive stimulation via digital inclusion and the practice of video games on the cognition of the older population. METHOD: This is a randomized controlled intervention study, nested in a population cohort study. Based on the application of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) test, individuals aged 60 years or older with scores 0 and 0.5 were included and randomly allocated in the Intervention Group (IG) or Control Group (CG). Initially, 160 participants met the selection criteria and underwent neuropsychological evaluation via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), applied before and after intervention. The IG (n = 62) participated in computer-based intervention once a week for one-and-a-half hours, for 4 months. The CG (n = 47) participated in the mindfulness workshops held in the same period. RESULTS: The digital literacy intervention group averaged 2.6 points more in the MoCA after 4 months. The change in the final MoCA decreased in 0.46 points at each unit in the basal MoCA. Individuals with average schooling had an increase of 0.93 points in the change of the MoCA in relation to individuals with low or high schooling. CONCLUSION: Digital inclusion combined with the practice of video games has the potential to improve the cognition of the older population.

The Toronto Mindfulness Scale and the State Mindfulness Scale: psychometric properties of the Spanish versions.

Objectives: The Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS) and the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) are two relevant self-report measures of state mindfulness. The purpose of this study was to examine the internal structure and to offer evidence of the reliability and validity of the Spanish versions of the TMS and SMS. Methods: Data from six distinct non-clinical samples in Spain were obtained. They responded to the TMS (n = 119), SMS (n = 223), and measures of trait mindfulness, decentering, non-attachment, depression, anxiety, stress, positive and negative affect, self-criticism, and self-reassurance. The internal structure of the TMS and SMS was analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity to change analyses were performed. Results: The correlated two-factor structure (curiosity and decentering) was the best-fitting model for the TMS (CFI = 0.932; TLI = 0.913; RMSEA = 0.100 [0.077-0.123]; WRMR = 0.908). The bifactor structure (general factor, mindfulness of body, and mindfulness of mind) was the best-fitting model for the SMS (CFI = 0.961; TLI = 0.950; RMSEA = 0.096 [0.086-0.106]; WRMR = 0.993). Adequate reliability was found for both measures. The reliability of the SMS specific factors was very poor when controlling for the general factor. The patterns of correlations were mainly as expected and according to previous literature. The TMS and SMS have been able to detect state mindfulness changes after different meditation practices. Conclusion: Validity evidence is provided to support the use of the TMS and SMS in Spanish populations, though the reliability of the SMS specific factors merit revision.

Eating disorders in weight-related therapy (EDIT): Protocol for a systematic review with individual participant data meta-analysis of eating disorder risk in behavioural weight management.

The Eating Disorders In weight-related Therapy (EDIT) Collaboration brings together data from randomised controlled trials of behavioural weight management interventions to identify individual participant risk factors and intervention strategies that contribute to eating disorder risk. We present a protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis which aims to identify participants at risk of developing eating disorders, or related symptoms, during or after weight management interventions conducted in adolescents or adults with overweight or obesity. We systematically searched four databases up to March 2022 and clinical trials registries to May 2022 to identify randomised controlled trials of weight management interventions conducted in adolescents or adults with overweight or obesity that measured eating disorder risk at pre- and post-intervention or follow-up. Authors from eligible trials have been invited to share their deidentified IPD. Two IPD meta-analyses will be conducted. The first IPD meta-analysis aims to examine participant level factors associated with a change in eating disorder scores during and following a weight management intervention. To do this we will examine baseline variables that predict change in eating disorder risk within intervention arms. The second IPD meta-analysis aims to assess whether there are participant level factors that predict whether participation in an intervention is more or less likely than no intervention to lead to a change in eating disorder risk. To do this, we will examine if there are differences in predictors of eating disorder risk between intervention and no-treatment control arms. The primary outcome will be a standardised mean difference in global eating disorder score from baseline to immediately post-intervention and at 6- and 12- months follow-up. Identifying participant level risk factors predicting eating disorder risk will inform screening and monitoring protocols to allow early identification and intervention for those at risk.

Mediation analysis of circadian preferences and other behavioral and sociodemographic factors associated with subjective well-being in undergraduate students.

Undergraduate students are usually subjected to a routine with constant pressure, stress, circadian misalignment, and sleep irregularity that impairs their subjective well-being. Recent evidence suggests that circadian preference is also a risk factor for impaired mental health and factors related to subjective well-being. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with subjective well-being and describe the mediating behavioral variables. Between September 2018 and March 2021, 615 Brazilian students enrolled in higher educational institutions completed an electronic form containing questionnaires on subjective well-being, sociodemographic, and behavioral-related factors (convenience sample). A statistical mediation model was applied to describe how these variables influence subjective well-being. We observed that Morningness (p < .001), identification with the male gender (p = .010), not working while studying (p = .048), and the practice of Pilates/yoga (p = .028) were associated with greater subjective well-being. Except for employment status, no direct effects were observed, which reinforces the need to consider a multidimensional approach. The relationship between subjective well-being and sociodemographic factors exists only in the presence of behavioral mediators, specifically perceived stress, daytime sleepiness, symptoms of depression, sleep quality, and positive and negative affects. Future work should investigate in more detail the impact of sleep, stress, and circadian preferences on this relationship.

Mindfulness para dor em mulheres com câncer de mama: protocolo de revisão de escopo / Mindfulness for pain in women with breast cancer: a scope review protocol

OBJETIVO: Protocolo de revisão de escopo que será conduzida de acordo com a metodologia do Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) para mapear e caracterizar evidências disponíveis sobre o uso de intervenções baseadas em mindfulness para manejo da dor em pessoas com diagnóstico de câncer de mama, nas diferentes etapas de tratamento. MÉTODO: Serão incluídos estudos realizados em mulheres adultas com 18 anos ou acima, que tenham recebido diagnóstico de câncer de mama e que passaram por intervenções baseadas em atenção plena direcionadas para manejo da dor. Será considerado o contexto clínico das participantes. Incluiremos artigos de estudos quantitativos e qualitativos, além da chamada literatura cinzenta, sem limites de idioma e tempo. Será utilizada uma estratégia de pesquisa em 3 etapas. As bases de dados utilizadas serão PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, BVS, PsycInfo e Google Scholar. Os resultados serão apresentados de forma gráfica e resumo narrativo, redigidos de acordo com o PRISMA-ScR.

OBJECTIVE: A scope review protocol that will be conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology to map and characterize available evidence on the use of mindfulness-based interventions for pain management in people diagnosed with breast cancer throughout different stages of treatment. METHOD: Studies conducted in adult women aged 18 years or older, who have received a diagnosis of breast cancer and who have undergone mindfulness-based interventions aimed at pain management will be included. The clinical context of the participants will be considered. We will include articles from quantitative and qualitative studies, in addition to the so-called grey literature, with no limits on language and time. A 3-step research strategy will be used. The following databases will be used: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, VHL, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar. The results will be presented in a graphic and narrative summary, written in accordance with PRISMA-ScR.

Exploring perceptions about Mindfulness and Mindful Eating Programs for low-income women with overweight in primary health care.

Background: Obesity and overweight are public health problems of multifactorial etiology, aggravated by the challenge that is maintaining weight loss. Used in the context of general health, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have also showed positive effects when targeting changes to overweight-related eating behaviors. Methods: This study consists of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial conducted with 284 women from primary health care units. Data were collected from the last session with 16 focus groups, considering each intervention group (mindfulness or mindful eating) Aim: This article aims to present the perceptions of low-income overweight women who participated in Mindfulness and Mindful Eating intervention groups in primary health care according to each type of intervention. Results: Seven themes were identified: course challenges; valorization of the teacher's attitudes; mindfulness understanding; self-awareness development; change of expectations; development of a different food-weight relationship; and discover of a wide range of benefits. Conclusion: Mindfulness and Mindful eating interventions affect not only an individual's relationship with body and food, but also life and human relations. The results indicate the feasibility of the intervention, which addresses a large number of patients who lack treatment options for overweight or emotional and psychological issues associated with this condition. MBIs such as mindful eating are applicable in primary health care facilities, targeting overweight women and supporting treatment by addressing a repressed demand in the system. Similar to mind-body therapies, these interventions allow for comprehensive care.ClinicalTrials.gov, (NCT02893150) on 30 March 2017.

'Mindful eating' for reducing emotional eating in patients with overweight or obesity in primary care settings: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of a 'mindful eating' programme for reducing emotional eating in patients with overweight or obesity. METHOD: A cluster randomized controlled trial (reg. NCT03927534) was conducted with 76 participants with overweight/obesity who were assigned to 'mindful eating' (7 weeks) + treatment as usual (TAU), or to TAU alone. They were assessed at baseline, posttreatment and 12-month follow-up. The main outcome was 'emotional eating' (Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, DEBQ); other eating behaviours were also assessed along with psychological and physiological variables. RESULTS: 'Mindful eating' + TAU reduced emotional eating both at posttreatment (B = -0.27; p = 0.006; d = 0.35) and follow-up (B = -0.53; p < 0.001; d = 0.69) compared to the control group (TAU alone). 'External eating' (DEBQ) was also significantly improved by the intervention at both timepoints. Significant effects at follow-up were observed for some secondary outcomes related to bulimic behaviours, mindful eating, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Weight and other physiological parameters were not significantly affected by 'mindful eating' + TAU. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the efficacy of the 'mindful eating' + TAU programme for reducing emotional and external eating, along with some other secondary measures, but no significant changes in weight reduction were observed.

An Overview of the Methods Used to Measure the Impact of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Sleep-Related Outcomes.

Introduction Systematic reviews and metanalyses have shown that mindfulness-based interventions can have positive effects on health, such as reducing anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. However, their effect on sleep-related outcomes is not yet well established. Sleep can be assessed subjectively (questionnaires, sleep logs, self-reporting) and/or objectively (actigraphy, polysomnography, biological markers), and outcomes may differ depending on which type of assessment is used. Objective In this study, we present a literature overview on mindfulness and sleep, innovatively presenting and discussing studies that address sleep subjectively and objectively. Methods The search was undertaken using four databases (Pubmed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Psychinfo) in September 2019, and repeated in May 2021. Studies were analyzed through a two-step process: (1) reading titles and abstracts, and (2) full text analysis that met the review's eligibility criteria, with the final sample comprising 193 articles. We observed a growth in the number of studies published, particularly since 2005. However, this was mostly due to an increase in studies based on subjective research. There is a moderate to nonexistent agreement between objective and subjective sleep measures, with results of subjective measures having higher variability and uncertainty.We identified 151 articles (78%) using an exclusively subjective sleep evaluation, which can cause a misperception about mindfulness effects on sleep. Conclusion Future studies should place greater emphasis on objective measurements to accurately investigate the effects of mindfulness practices on sleep, although subjective measures also have a role to play in respect of some aspects of this relationship.

Subacute thyroiditis and thyroid inflammatory nodule secondary to COVID-19: a primary care case report.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) secondary to COVID-19 in the primary health care (PHC). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 51-year-old woman was treated in a PHC facility for flu-like symptoms for 5 days and pain in the lower neck. Symptomatic drugs were prescribed, and the patient was tested for COVID-19. On reassessment, the patient presented a painful oedema on the thyroid gland, dysphagia, and improvement in flu-like symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories were prescribed, and thyroid function analysis and inflammatory markers were collected. Reassessment after 1 week showed positive polymerase chain reaction-rapid test for COVID-19, partial improvement of neck pain, alterations in thyroid hormone tests (suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone and slightly elevated T4), and elevated C-reactive protein. Thyroid gland ultrasonography (USG), anti-thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroid peroxidise (anti-TPO) antibodies were requested and prednisone was prescribed. Anti-thyroglobulin and anti-TPO antibodies were negative; thyroid USG showed a solid nodule in the left lobe (approximately 4 cm), classified as TIRADS-4. The patient was sent to the Endocrinology Service, and a thyroid fine needle aspiration was requested. USG prior to the examination evidenced a complete regression of the nodule, which was diagnosed as an inflammatory pseudo nodule. CONCLUSION: We presented the case of a patient who was treated in a PHC facility for rare findings of SAT secondary to mild COVID-19, concomitant with a thyroid nodule that had complete remission after approximately 3 months and was interpreted as an inflammatory pseudo nodule secondary to SAT. PHC professionals should be aware of this condition and conduct adequate follow-up of these patients.

Reduced circulating folate among older adults caused by continuous work: nested cross-sectional study conducted in a country with folic acid fortification program.

Population aging is 1 of the biggest challenges facing public health today, and cognitive dysfunction is an important concern. Cognitive impairment may be associated with high folate concentrations and low vitamin B12 concentrations; the latter is a common problem among elderly people. Therefore, we hypothesized there was a high circulating folate concentration among older people living in a country with a mandatory folic acid fortification program. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate nutritional status of folate and vitamin B12 among aged people. Three dietary recalls, serum folate (sfolate), erythrocyte (red blood cell) folate (RBC folate), and serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine were collected. Linear regression models were used to investigate factors associated with circulating vitamins. We interviewed 169 participants. Half reported inadequate consumption of folate. However, RBC folate deficiency was observed in 27%, 13% in the serum, and a 10% excess of sfolate. One-quarter reported inadequate consumption of B12, but only 5% had deficiency. Factors negatively associated with circulating folate were continuous work and smoking, and positively associated with polyunsaturated fatty acid. Factor negatively associated with the circulating B12 were use of a dental prosthesis and intake of saturated fatty acid. Permanent investigation of excess of sfolate and B12 deficiency, especially among older adults living in countries exposed to a mandatory folic acid fortification program, is important because of the possible relation to the cognitive function.

The impact of a brief mindfulness training on interoception: A randomized controlled trial.

Interoception is a collection of different representations of signals originating within the body. The way of perceiving these signals seems to be related to both emotion regulation and dysregulation, and its dysfunction is implicated across a variety of affective disorders. There is a growing body of research investigating the relationship between mindfulness meditation practices and interoception showing an increase in interoceptive processes with regular training. In this study, we assessed the effects of a three-day mindfulness training on interoceptive accuracy and sensibility in a young healthy adult sample. Moreover, we also performed a mediation analysis on interoceptive sensibility and anxiety. Healthy participants (n = 40) naive to mindfulness practices were randomized to a brief mindfulness training (MT) (n = 20, females = 10) or to an active control group (n = 20, females = 10). Participants were assessed before and after the 3-days intervention for both groups on measures of interoception and anxiety in a modified intention-to-treat approach. The brief mindfulness training group increased interoceptive sensibility while active control had no effects on this variable. Five out of eight subdomains of interoceptive sensibility were significantly improved after mindfulness training. There was no significant difference in interoceptive accuracy after training. The effect of a brief mindfulness training on interoceptive sensibility mediated changes in the anxiety state. To date, this is the first study showing a plausible mechanism of a brief mindfulness training to explain the anxiolytic effects of meditation practices. Trial registration: RBR-7b8yh8, March 28th 2017 http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7b8yh8/.

Comparative effectiveness of mindfulness and mindful eating programmes among low-income overweight women in primary health care: A randomised controlled pragmatic study with psychological, biochemical, and anthropometric outcomes.

Obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease, with growing rates in the last 50 years worldwide, reaching pandemic levels. It is a major public health problem and is difficult to treat. Different approaches have been used to improve this scenario, including mindfulness-based interventions to enhance dietary behaviour and nutritional status. We compared the effectiveness of a 10-week mindful eating programme with that of a 10-week mindfulness programme and of a no-treatment control group. The sample was composed of adult, low-income women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 to < 40 receiving primary health care in São Paulo, Brazil. The participants (n = 284) were randomised into 3 groups: the control, mindfulness, and mindful eating. We took anthropometric and body composition measurements, applied psychometric measures, and performed biochemical tests at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and after 3 months. We estimated the regression coefficients among the analysis of adherent participants (per protocol: PP) and among those of all participants randomised to treatment (intention-to-treat: ITT) in addition to multiple imputation (MI). Both groups showed improvement in eating behaviour and reduction of binge eating both in the post-intervention and follow-up periods, but without significant changes in weight or most of the biological tests. Those in the mindful eating programme performed slightly better than those in the mindfulness and control groups in terms of improving eating behaviour and reducing binge eating among low-income overweight women.

Fostering emotional self-regulation in female teachers at the public teaching network: A mindfulness-based intervention improving psychological measures and inflammatory biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a mindfulness-based program specifically designed for teachers in reducing perceived stress and improving the quality of experienced emotion in female active working teachers. A second outcome evaluated is the associated change in cellular inflammatory activity, measured by peripheral blood levels of cytokines. METHOD: Eighty-eight female active teachers from public schools from São Paulo Municipality were recruited, and randomly allocated to an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Health Program for Educators (MBHP-Educa) or to Neuroscience for Education Program (Neuro-Educa: active control group). The venue of both programs were several public school facilities, where many of the teachers actually worked. Both groups received activities during eight weeks in a 2 â€‹h/week regimen, totalizing 16 â€‹h. Sixty-five participants completed the program and pre- and post-interventions measures were taken from the following scales: Interpersonal Multidimensional Reactivity Scale (IRI), Positive-and-Negative Affects Scale (PANAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and a primary outcome in Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale (PBWS). At pre-and post-intervention, blood samples were collected for the measurement of several important inflammatory biomarkers, Tumor Necrosis Factor - α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 8 (IL-8), Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and Interleukin 12p70 (IL-12P70) through flow cytometry assay. Intervention effects were analyzed via Generalized mixed models (GLMM). RESULTS: According to the GLMM, MBHP-Educa significantly reduced the scores of perceived stress (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001), and negative affect (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001) compared to active control group (Neuro-Educa). Conversely, an increase was observed on Psychological Well Being Scale in dimensions of Self-acceptance (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001), and Autonomy (p â€‹= â€‹0.001), as well as improvements in Resilience (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001), and Positive Affect (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001). MBHP-Educa also promoted a reduction in the levels of IL-6 (p â€‹= â€‹0.003), IL-8 (p â€‹= â€‹0.036), and increase in the levels of IL-10 (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001) and IL-12p70 (p â€‹< â€‹0.044). TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-10p70 showed results below theoretical limit of detection accepted for CBA kit. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that mindfulness-based interventions introduced as a strategy for reducing stress, promoting well-being and improve immune function can be a useful asset in promoting psychological health among teachers in Basic Education.

Narrative medicine and compassion: dis(encounters) in the husband tale, by Lídia Jorge / Medicina narrativa y compasión: des(encuentros) en el cuento El marido, de Lidia Jorge / Medicina Narrativa e Compaixão: des(encontros) no conto Marido, de Lidia Jorge

This article aims to discuss the main assumptions of narrative medicine, its articulation with compassion and its applicability for the analysis of a short story ­ "Marido". The article is divided into four parts. A brief introduction, which places the reader from the theoretical framework of narrative medicine and its opposition to the traditional biomedical model. Then, theoretical-practical convergences between narrative medicine and compassion will be articulated. Subsequently, the short story "Marido", by Lígia Jorge (1997), is brought under the lens of narrative medicine and compassion. The final considerations elucidate the central place of compassion in narrative medicine, privileging the alleviation of human suffering as a primary function. It is hoped to bring the reader closer to the power of narrative medicine as an ethical and human action, and to raise insights that bring the theory closer to a unique, compassionate and careful medical practice.

El artículo tiene como objetivo discutir los principales presupuestos de la medicina narrativa, su articulación con la compasión y aplicabilidad para análisis de un cuento literario ­ "Marido". El artículo está dividido en cuatro partes. Una breve introducción, que ubica el lector desde su referencial teórico de la medicina narrativa y su contraposición al modelo biomédico tradicional. Después, se articularán convergencias teórico prácticas entre la medicina narrativa y la compasión. Posteriormente, es traído el cuento "Marido", de Ligia Jorge (1997), bajo las lentes de la medicina narrativa y de la compasión. Las consideraciones finales elucidan el lugar central de la compasión en la medicina narrativa, privilegiando el alivio del sufrimiento humano como función primordial de la práctica médica. Se espera acercar el lector de la potencia que tiene la medicina narrativa mientras actuación ética y humana, y suscitar insights que puedan aproximar la teoría de una práctica médica singular, ética, compasiva y cuidadosa.

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir os principais pressupostos da medicina narrativa, sua articulação com a compaixão e aplicabilidade para análise de um conto literário. O artigo está dividido em quatro partes. Uma breve introdução, que situa o leitor a partir do referencial teórico da medicina narrativa e sua contraposição ao modelo biomédico tradicional. Em seguida serão articuladas convergências teórica-práticas entre a medicina narrativa e a compaixão. Posteriormente, é trazer o conto "Marido", de Lígia Jorge (1997), sob a consciência da medicina narrativa e da compaixão. Como considerações finais elucidam o lugar central da compaixão na medicina narrativa, privilegiando o alívio do sofrimento humano como função primordial. Espera-se aproximar o leitor da potência que tem a medicina narrativa enquanto atuação ética e humana, e suscitar insights que aproximam a teoria de uma prática médica singular, compassiva e cuidadosa.

A Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Online-Treatment with Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion and Positive Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests the use of different forms of therapy as a way of decreasing dropout rates in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychotherapies to be assessed in this study are trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT), mindfulness-based health promotion (MBHP) and positive psychotherapy (PPT). OBJECTIVES: (1) to assess the online efficacy of TBCT compared to MBHP and PPT to reduce the symptoms of PTSD in the context of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; (2) to compare the efficacy of these psychotherapies in improving anxiety, depression, guilt and in promoting well-being; and (3) to describe how professionals perceive online treatment. METHODS: A randomized, multicenter, single-blind clinical trial will be conducted, with three separate arms. An estimated sample of 135 patients will receive either TBCT, MBHP or PPT and will be treated through online, individual, weekly visits, totaling 14 sessions. The primary outcome will be CAPS-5 and secondary outcomes will be HADS and WHO-5. The variables used to mediate these outcomes will be the Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI), Negative Core Beliefs Inventory (NCBI) and the California Psychotherapy Alliance Scale (CALPAS-P). EXPECTED RESULTS: PTSD symptoms are expected to be reduced after TBCT, MBHP and PPT. No statistical difference is expected to be found among the three. DISCUSSION: The present study will evaluate and contribute towards the development of new psychotherapeutic options for patients with PTSD. The results of this study will allow the dissemination of new effective and adaptable interventions for patients with PTSD.

Experiential Avoidance in Primary Care Providers: Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian "Acceptance and Action Questionnaire" (AAQ-II) and Its Criterion Validity on Mood Disorder-Related Psychological Distress.

BACKGROUND: A sizeable proportion of Brazilian Primary Care (PC) providers suffer from common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In an effort to cope with job-related distress, PC workers are likely to implement maladaptive strategies such as experiential avoidance (EA). The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II) is a widely used instrument that evaluates EA but has shown questionable internal consistency in specific populations. This study assesses the psychometric properties of the AAQ-II among Brazilian PC providers, evaluates its convergence and divergence with self-criticism and mindfulness skills, and explores its criterion validity on anxiety and depressive symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was conducted in Brazilian PC services, and the sample included 407 PC workers. The measures evaluated EA, self-criticism, mindfulness, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS: The one-factor model of the AAQ-II replicated the original version structure. The AAQ-II presented good internal consistency among Brazilian PC providers. A multiple regression model demonstrated higher relationships with self-criticism than mindfulness skills. The criterion validity of the AAQ-II on anxiety and depression was stronger in the context of more severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The AAQ-II is an appropriate questionnaire to measure the lack of psychological flexibility among Brazilian PC workers in the sense of EA.

Mindful eating for overweight and obese women in Brazil: An exploratory mixed-methods pilot study.

Background: Worldwide, approximately 95% of obese people who follow diets for weight loss fail to maintain their weight loss in the long term. To fill this gap, mindfulness-based interventions, with a focus on mindful eating, are promising therapies to address this challenging public health issue. Aim: To verify the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT) protocol by exploring quantitative and qualitative data collected from Brazilian women. Methods: A single-group, mixed-methods trial was conducted at a public university with adult women (n = 34). Four MB-EAT groups were offered weekly for 2.5-h sessions over 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included body mass index (BMI) and self-report measures of anxiety, depression, mindfulness, self-compassion, and eating behaviour. Qualitative information was collected using focus groups in the last session of each group, including both participants and MB-EAT instructors. The qualitative data were examined using thematic analyses and empirical categories. Results: Twenty participants (58.8%) completed both pre- and post-intervention assessments, with adequate attendance (≥4 sessions). There was a significant average decrease in weight of 1.9 ± 0.6 kg from pre- to post-intervention. All participants who had scored at the risk level for eating disorders on the EAT-26 decreased their score below this risk level. Qualitative analysis identified that participants were able to engage a more compassionate perspective on themselves, as well as greater self-awareness and self-acceptance. Conclusion: The MB-EAT showed preliminary efficacy in promoting weight loss and improvements in mindfulness and eating behaviour. This intervention promoted effects beyond those expected, extending to other life contexts.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention on the Chronic use of Hypnotics in Treatment-Seeking Women with Insomnia: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypnotics are one of the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide, especially for women, and their chronic use may lead to tolerance, dosage escalation, dependence, withdrawal syndrome, and cognitive impairments, representing a significant public health problem. Consistent evidence from previous studies shows benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for substance use disorders (SUD) and insomnia. However, to date, there is a lack of research about effects of MBIs on reduction/cessation of chronic hypnotic use among women with insomnia. METHOD: The present randomized trial evaluated the efficacy of the 8-week group-delivered mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) program in an intervention group (IG, n = 34) compared with weekly phone monitoring only in the control group (CG, n = 36) in reducing hypnotic use and insomnia severity over a 6-month follow-up period. RESULTS: There were significant differences between groups at baseline regarding hypnotic use but not insomnia. Group effects on hypnotic use were found immediately after the intervention (bT1 = 2.01, p < 0.001) and at the 2-month follow-up (bT2 = 2.21, p < 0.001), favoring the IG. The IG also had a greater reduction from baseline levels than the control group in insomnia severity at the 4-month (bT3 = 0.21, p = 0.045) and 6-month (bT4 = 0.32, p = 0.002) follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide preliminary evidence of benefits of MBRP for reducing insomnia severity and potentially chronic hypnotic use. However, IG effects on chronic hypnotic use may have resulted from IG and control group differences in chronic hypnotic use at baseline. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02127411.