The outbreak of the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war: mental health of poles and their attitude to refugees.

Introduction: The outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war on 24 February 2022 has sparked a migration crisis in Europe. As a result, Poland has emerged as the country with the highest number of refugees. Due to differing social and political sentiments, this has been a significant challenge for the hitherto mono-ethnic Polish society. Methods: Computer-assisted web interviews (CAWIs) were conducted with 505 Poles, mainly women with higher education from large urban centers, involved in helping refugees. Their attitudes toward refugees were assessed using an original questionnaire, while their mental health was also evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Results: The vast majority of respondents reported favorable attitudes toward refugees from Ukraine. In addition, 79.2% believed refugees should be given free access to medical care, and 85% supported free access to education for migrants. Nearly 60% of respondents were not worried about their financial status due to the crisis; moreover, 40% believed that immigrants could boost the Polish economy. And 64% believed it would enrich Poland culturally. However, the majority of respondents feared infectious diseases and believed migrants should be vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule applicable in the country. Fear of war correlated positively with fear of refugees. On the GHQ-28, almost half of the respondents scored above clinical significance. Higher scores were typical for women and those fearing war and refugees. Conclusion: Polish society has shown a tolerant attitude in the face of the migration crisis. The vast majority of respondents showed positive attitudes toward refugees from Ukraine. The ongoing war in Ukraine has a negative impact on the mental health of Poles, which correlates with their attitude toward refugees.

General health and its relation to the quality of life and alcohol consumption in a Polish cohort of medical students - preliminary results of POLLEK survey.

Introduction: First-year students of medicine are at higher risk of stress related to the new environment and study overload. Such factors can play a role and have an impact on their quality of life and general health status which can cause possible problems with alcohol use. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between mentioned factors in the Polish cohort of first-year medical students. Materials and methods: The quality of life has been assessed within the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, the general health status was assessed via GHQ28, and alcohol consumption was assessed the by AUDIT questionnaire. Due to the lack of signature informed consent and lack of data, 381 (72%) students out of 525 were included in the final analysis. Result: The majority of the 1-year students were females 68%; (n = 259) vs. 32% (n = 122) males. Half of the students had lowered risk of distress. However, females had a higher risk of having higher scores in GHQ-28 than males. In relation to the assessment of the quality of life, the students with a lower level of distress (<32 points in GHQ-28) had better results in each WHOQOL domain. There was no association between general health status and alcohol use. For the students who had possible problems with alcohol use the OR was 1.15 95% CI (0.73-1.80) and for students who were probably addicted OR was 1.07 95% CI (0.33-3.41). Conclusion: The total quality of life in first-year Polish medical students is relatively high; however, half of them suffer because of distress and around 30% have some alcohol problems. Females are more likely to have higher GHQ-28 scores than males.

Mental Health of Students at Polish Universities after Two Years of the Outbreak of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Mental health deterioration in young adults in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic is being increasingly studied. It is clear that the psychological consequences of the pandemic will be evident for many years, especially among the younger generation, who did not have time to acquire adaptive coping strategies before the outbreak of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to assess the condition of the mental health of students at Polish universities after two years of the pandemic. The types of coping strategies used by the respondents to deal with stress were also evaluated in order to establish which of them could have a beneficial effect on the psyche of young people. METHODS: This study included 721 participants (age [years]: M = 25.7, SD = 5.3; 269 (37.2%) males) recruited using snowball sampling from students at two universities in Lodz, Poland, and full-time doctoral students from across Poland (phase I of the study was conducted in March 2019 (N = 352); phase II of the study was conducted in April 2022 (N = 369)). The following tools were used in this study: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) by D. Goldberg, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress (Mini-COPE) by Carver et al. Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The results detailing the condition of the mental health of the subjects, as measured using GHQ-28, were significantly worse in the group surveyed after two years of the pandemic than the results of the survey conducted in March 2019 (adjusted odds ratio for GHQ-28 ≥ 5: 3.66, 95%CI 2.12-6.30, p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were seen for each of the subscales of the GHQ-28 questionnaire. Most often, the subjects complained of anxiety symptoms and sleep disorders, in addition to somatic symptoms. The risk factors for worsening mental health included female (odds ratio 1.70, 95%CI 1.20-2.40, p = 0.003) and professional inactivity (odds ratio 1.55, 95%CI 1.04-2.31, p = 0.031). On the other hand, the ages of the people surveyed, their relationship status, whether they had children, or the type of university they attended all proved to be insignificant. The following coping strategies had a positive impact on the mental health of the respondents: positive reframing (Z = -2.951; p = 0.003) and seeking emotional support (Z = -2.351; p = 0.019). In contrast, strategies such as self-distraction (Z = 2.785; p = 0.005), denial (Z = 2.948; p = 0.003), venting (Z = 2.337; p = 0.019), self-blame (Z = 5.511; p < 0.001) and behavioral disengagement (Z = 4.004; p < 0.001) were associated with poorer mental health among the respondents. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Of the students surveyed, 33% reported elevated stress levels after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. The overall mental health of students at Polish universities, as measured by GHQ-28, was significantly worse in the group evaluated after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly in respect of anxiety symptoms and sleep disorders. 3. Female gender and professional inactivity appeared to be risk factors for the students' worsening mental health, which may be an indication of the need for further research and planning of psychotherapeutic interventions.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being among health care workers: A 6-month cohort longitudinal survey study.

Introduction: Health care workers (HCW) have been identified as a risk group to suffer psychological burden derived from Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, possible gender differences in the emotional reactions derived from COVID-19 pandemic have been suggested in this population. The aims of the study were to explore the impact of COVID-19 as well as possible gender differences on mental health status and suicidality in a cohort of HCW. Materials and methods: One thousand four hundred and thirty-two HCW responded to an online survey including sociodemographic, clinical, and psychometric tests in May 2020 while 251 HCW answered in November 2020. Mental health status was measured by General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28) in both time periods. Results: HCW informed of a worsening in somatic symptomatology over the follow up period. Gender differences were found in all GHQ-28 dimensions as well in the total score of the questionnaire. Post hoc analyses displayed significant interaction between the time and gender in somatic and anxiety dimensions as well as in GHQ-28 total score. Stress produced by COVID-19 spreading and the feeling of being overwhelmed at work resulted the main predictors of psychological distress although each domain is characterized by a specific set of predictors. Conclusions: Somatic reactions represent the most sensitive dimension over the follow-up period. Moreover, women are characterized by a greater psychological distress at the beginning, although these differences tend to disappear over time. Finally, a complex network of factors predicted different dimensions of psychological distress, showing the complexity of prevention in high-risk populations facing major disasters.

Introducción: Los trabajadores sanitarios (TS) han sido identificados como un grupo vulnerable de sufrir consecuencias emocionales derivadas de la pandemia causada por la COVID-19. Además, se han sugerido posibles diferencias de género en las reacciones emocionales derivadas del afrontamiento de la pandemia. Los objetivos del estudio fueron explorar el impacto de la COVID-19, así como posibles diferencias de género en las reacciones emociones derivadas de la COVID-19 en una cohorte de TS. Materiales y métodos: Un total de 1.432 TS respondieron a una encuesta en línea que incluía preguntas referidas a datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y psicométricos en mayo de 2020, mientras que 251 TS respondieron en noviembre de 2020. El estado de salud mental se midió mediante el Cuestionario de Salud General 28 (General Health Questionnaire 28 [GHQ-28]) en ambos periodos de tiempo. Resultados: Los TS informaron de un empeoramiento de la sintomatología somática. Se encontraron diferencias de género en todas las dimensiones del GHQ-28. Los análisis post hoc mostraron una interacción significativa entre el tiempo y el género en las dimensiones somáticas y de ansiedad, así como en la puntuación total del GHQ-28. El estrés producido por ser fuente de infección y la sensación de agobio en el trabajo resultaron ser los principales predictores del malestar psicológico, aunque cada dominio se caracteriza por un conjunto específico de predictores. Conclusiones: Las reacciones somáticas representan la dimensión más sensible. Además, las mujeres se caracterizan por un mayor malestar psicológico al principio, aunque estas diferencias tienden a desaparecer con el tiempo. Por último, una compleja red de factores predijo las diferentes dimensiones de la angustia psicológica.

Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Background Poor sexual function is a widespread problem affecting about 40% of women and this may worsen their quality of life. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) an adaptogenic herb has been reported to improve sexual satisfaction, sleep, and quality of life in women. Objective The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of standardized Ashwagandha root extract in improving sexual function in healthy females. Methods In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 80 women between 18 and 50 years of age without any hormonal disturbances and having hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) with a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score <26, or Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) score >11 were randomized to receive either capsule containing standardized Ashwagandha root extract 300mg twice daily (n=40), or identical placebo (n=40) for eight weeks. Sexual function was assessed using FSFI, FSDS, and Satisfying Sexual Encounters (SSEs). Assessments were done at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) scale, and safety was assessed using clinical signs and symptoms. Repeat measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the assessment of treatment effect at different time periods. Nominal data were analyzed for differences using Fischer's Chi-square test. Results There was statistically significant improvement (p<0.0001) in FSFI scores with Ashwagandha [14.20 (0.98) at baseline to 22.62 (2.06) at week 8] as compared to placebo [14.17 (0.71) at baseline to 19.25 (2.23) at eight weeks], and this improvement was observed in all sub-scales (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain) of the FSFI scale. There was a greater improvement (p<0.0001) in FSDS scores with AG as compared to placebo. Although not statistically significant (p, 0.078), there was a greater reduction (improvement) in GHQ-28 scores at eight weeks with Ashwagandha as compared to placebo, and this trend was observed for all domains of GHQ-28 (global, physical, psychological, and social function). More women with Ashwagandha had improvement in SSEs at week 4 (p, 0.017) and week 8 (p, 0.002) as compared to placebo. Adverse events were comparable in the two groups. Two women reported nausea and one reported drowsiness with AG, whereas two reported nausea, one reported drowsiness and one reported nausea with drowsiness in the placebo group. Conclusions Oral administration of Ashwagandha 300mg twice daily administered for eight weeks improves the female sexual health in otherwise healthy women who do not have any hormonal disturbances. Ashwagandha is a known adaptogen, maintains general well-being and improves vitality.

Relationship between physical activity and mental health in women after childbirth: a cross-sectional exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is recommended for women after childbirth. However, it is unknown whether PA, such as housework and child-rearing, is associated with mental health. This study aimed to measure daily PA in women 2 months postpartum as well as investigate the relationship between daily PA and mental health. METHODS: In this cross-sectional quantitative exploratory study conducted between September 2017 and May 2018, 110 women were approached for participation. Mental health was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire-28, and PA measurements were performed using accelerometers that the participants wore for 2 days. Welch's t-test and linear regression analysis were performed to assess the relationship between PA and mental health. RESULTS: This study included 99 participants. The mean amount of daily activities from housework and child-rearing was 3.21 ± 1.14 metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs)-h/day and that of time spent sitting was at least 7.5 h/12.5 h. PA time spent in light child-rearing and housework activities was significantly longer among multiparous women than among primiparous women (t = - 3.41). PA time comprising the duration of moderate (3 METs) or more vigorous PA was 73 min/day. No significant relationship between mental health and PA was observed. However, the amount of daily activities tended to increase with an improvement in mental health. The amount of daily activities exceeded 3 METs-h/day regardless of the mental health status. CONCLUSIONS: No significant relationship was found between the amount of daily activities and mental health. The former increased as the latter improved. The amount of daily activities met the standard recommended by the World Health Organization, regardless of the mental health status.

Anxiety, Distress, and Depression in Elderly Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and affective disorders (anxiety/depression) constitute important pathologies in the elderly population, and their coexistence creates synergistically increased problems in functional ability and quality of life of the patients. Purpose: Evaluation of anxiety, distress, and depression in elderly (≥65 years old) patients with RA. Patients ­ methods: 114 patients from the cities of Patras, Arta and Ioannina (all located in Western Greece) were included. Demographics and medical information regarding RA were recorded, including disease duration, medication, previous treatments, disease activity measures, comorbidities etc. Patients answered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire -Disability Index (HAQ-DI) questionnaires, for evaluation of anxiety, general health and functional ability, respectively. Statistical analysis was made by using STATA. Results: 88 women (78.07%) and 25 men (21.93%) with median age 70 years and median disease duration 10 years were studied. Female patients, with longer disease duration and higher disease activity, had statistically significant higher levels of anxiety, worse general health and decreased functional ability. A strongly significant association was found between the levels of anxiety and distress, with disease activity and functional inability. Conclusions: Levels of anxiety and distress are strongly associated with disease activity and functional inability in elderly patients with RA. Women with longer disease have higher levels of anxiety and distress. Controlling disease activity is of upmost importance for improvement of anxiety and distress and functional ability. Larger studies are needed for evaluation of anxiety and distress in elderly patients with RA.

Demographic and health characteristics of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine users (MDMA, ecstasy). / Charakterystyka demograficzna i zdrowotna osób zazywajacych 3,4-metylenodioksymetamfetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy).

OBJECTIVES: MDMA is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. Clinical studies are currently being conducted around the world on the use of this substance in the treatment of PTSD and alcoholism. However, little demographic information is available on users who use the substance for recreational purposes. The aim was to determine basic demographic and helath characteristics with validated tools. METHODS: The authors prepared an original questionnaire on the demography of MDMA users and combined it with the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The survey was sent to Polish MDMA users via the Internet. RESULTS: 304 responses were received from people over 18 years of age. MDMA is widespread among young adults, in many different places of residence and regardless of gender. The users take MDMA in both pill and crystal form and very rarely test drugs bought from a dealer. Most users feel that MDMA has had a good impact on their lives. CONCLUSIONS: MDMA is rarely used as the only psychoactive substance. MDMA users rate their health higher than people using other psychoactive substances.

Status of mental health and its associated factors among the general populace of India during COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 is an international public health emergency and threatens psychological resilience. Here we assess the general health status of the public in India during the COVID-19 outbreak. A population-based cross-sectional study conducted using a General Health Questionnaire and the relationship between mental health and sociodemographic factors were analyzed. The mean score for the general health of citizens was 24.18. About 40.63% of the elderly and 40.18% of the female population was under severe physiological distress. The prevalence of psychological stress among the general population was higher than expected. Hence, there is a need to intensify awareness about the pandemic and should provide mental health management programs.

The Mental Well-Being of Health Care Workers during the Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Nationwide Study in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: The current epidemiological situation has quickly led to several changes in the daily functioning of people around the world, especially among medical personnel, who in this difficult period were burdened with new professional duties, which significantly affects their mental health. MATERIALS: This study aims to assess the mental health of health professionals at a critical point in their workload, to compare the results with those the general population, and to explore the potential determinants affecting it. The CAWI survey includes a sociodemographic section, work experience and a standardised psychometric tool (GHQ-28). Data were collected during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland (3-29 November 2020), which had the highest mortality rates and SARS-CoV-2 morbidity rates, as well as during the period of a significant increase in deaths, compared to the corresponding pre-pandemic period. RESULTS: A total of 2150 surveys were eligible for analysis. Among them, 848 (39.4%) were active health professionals. In the analysis of the scores of the GHQ-28 scale and its sub-scales, evaluating anxiety/insomnia and somatic symptoms, medical workers scored significantly higher scores than non-medical professions (p < 0.001). Frontline medical workers (p < 0.001) and those who were forcibly seconded to work with COVID-19-infected patients (p = 0.011) achieved significantly higher GHQ-28 scores. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental deterioration among health professionals, especially among those directly working with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and those who were forcibly seconded to work with such patients. To mitigate the effects of the pandemic, appropriate psychological care for medical personnel needs to be implemented.

Mental Health in the Era of the Second Wave of SARS-CoV-2: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on an Online Survey among Online Respondents in Poland.

The main objective of this study was to assess mental health during the COVID-19 second wave. The study was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire that had been provided via the Internet to online respondents in Poland. The questionnaire questions included a socio-geographic assessment, proprietary questions assessing the respondents' current approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a standardised psychometric tool-GHQ-28. The study involved 2155 respondents, 99.8% of whom gave their consent for the participation in the study. A mean GHQ score was 29.25 ± 14.94 points. The criterion for minor mental disorders (≥24 points) was met by 1272 (59.2%) respondents. In overall interpretation as well as in each of GHQ-28 subscales, women obtained significantly higher scores than men (p < 0.001). The restriction on earning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly associated with the feeling of anxiety/insomnia severity among the respondents (9.96 vs. 8.82 points; p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic, although it has already been experienced for nearly a year, has had a significant association with the general mental health of the respondents in Poland. There is a strong need to implement special programs that offer psychological support in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those who had direct experience with COVID-19 infection.

[The state of mental health in people with a diagnosis of neuroborreliosis]. / Stan zdrowia psychicznego osób z rozpoznaniem neuroboreliozy.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the number of recorded cases of Borrelia burgdorferi infections causing Lyme borreliosis has been on a steady rise in Poland. A wide spectrum of disorders in the peripheral and central nervous system is observed in the course of such infections. Symptoms which are not clear-cut are reported by approx. 10-25% of all people infected with B. burgdorferi. They may concern both the somatic and mental spheres, which in turn significantly impedes the daily functioning of the patients. The main purpose of the research was to compare the mental health status of people with neuroborreliosis with that of healthy people. An answer was also obtained to the question of whether people with neuroborreliosis experience difficulties in functioning in the following areas: family, social, professional and educational. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 60 people: 30 people with the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis and 30 healthy people aged 18-47. The mean age in the study group was 28.6 years. As a research tool, the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28) by Goldberg was used along with a socio-demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: The subjects diagnosed with neuroborreliosis obtained higher results in GHQ-28, both on individual scales: Somatic Symptoms, Anxiety, Insomnia, Social Dysfunction, Severe Depression, as well as the overall result, which is an indicator of the mental health status. As much as 70% of the patients experienced difficulties in functioning in the social area, 66% in the professional area, and 60% in the educational area. No impact of the disease on functioning in the family area has been demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate some significant differences in the mental health status of people diagnosed with neuroborreliosis and that of healthy people. The patients obtained significantly higher results in GHQ-28 than the healthy subjects, which proves the poor mental health of the former. It was also confirmed that people diagnosed with neuroborreliosis experience difficulties in functioning in the social, professional and educational areas. Therefore, it becomes crucial to deepen research into mental health in tick-borne diseases, including neuroborreliosis, and to adapt and implement appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures. Med. Pr. 2021;72(3):259-66.

Influence of Psychological Disorders on the Functional Outcomes in the Survivors of Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Stroke has the greatest disabling impact of any chronic disease. The survivors of stroke, experience an average of 2.38 stroke related emotional, and behavioral components. In this study we decided to find out the frequency of psychological disorders and its association with impairment of daily living. We assessed the association of psychological symptoms after stroke and study their impact on physical functional recovery. METHODS: This is a hospital based observational cross-sectional study to assess the impact of early psychological symptoms on outcomes for patients with new or recurrent stroke. All subjects were evaluated in detail as per the case report for neurologic manifestations, psychological symptoms, stroke risk factors, complications and comorbidities. Relevant clinical information were recorded using the Duke Severity of Illness Scale. General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ28), Modified Barthel Index along with statistical tests like Chi square test was used in the study. RESULTS: Depression is the most prevalent psychological disorder as assessed by GHQ28 and Present State Examination in survivors of acute ischemic stroke. In survivors of acute ischemic stroke diabetes mellitus is most significantly associated with impairment of daily living. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking and dyslipidemia were found to be the most important risk factors in the present study. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor in these cases. But diabetes was found to be statistically significantly associated with impairment of daily living in the survivors of acute ischemic stroke. DISCUSSION: Present study entitled as Influence of psychological disorders on the functional outcomes in the survivors of acute ischemic stroke included 50 cases of survivors of acute ischemic stroke. Male to female ratio was 12:13. Mean ages in cases was 66.96 years. Physical disability was present in 24% patients. There was statistically significant prevalence of psychological disorders in cases with physical impairment than those without physical impairment p value 0.001. Psychological disorders in stroke survivors are associated with physical disability in survivors of acute ischemic stroke. Present study also found association of diabetes with physical disability in cases of survivors of acute ischemic stroke.

Psychometric Properties And Factor Invariance For The General Health Questionnaire (Ghq-28): Study In Peruvian Population Exposed To The Covid-19 Pandemic

@#Large-scale epidemics are known to significantly disrupt the mental health and perceived well-being of most populations. In spite of the wide range of screening tools, there are not many reliable and widespread tools for the identification of psychological symptoms in non-clinical populations during a health crisis. Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a psychometric analysis of the Goldberg's GHQ-28, through a sample of Peruvian adults by using a confirmatory factor analysis. Materials and Methods: 434 individuals have been examined, studying the goodness and structure of the Goldberg GHQ-28 questionnaire. Result: We found high reliability indicating optimal values (Cronbach α=0.829), also there are four correlated factors that show strict invariance among the 28 items. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to examine the structure of the subscales. There are high levels of anxiety (X=1.01) and social dysfunction (X=1.21) in the assessed sampling. Conclusion: The factorial structure obtained in this study is similar to that originally described by the researchers involved in the original questionnaire. It is concluded that GHQ-28 is suitable to explore prevalence of psychopathologies in sanitary emergency contexts for general non-psychiatric population.

Mental Health and the SARS-COV-2 Epidemic-Polish Research Study.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the mental state of Poles in the first weeks of the SARS-COV-2 epidemic. Methods: In the study, the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-18), The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Mini-Cope were used. Results: The study was conducted on a group of 443 individuals, including 348 women (78.6%) and 95 men (21.4%). There were more women (χ2 = 6.42, p = 0.02) in the group of people with high results in the GHQ-28 questionnaire and the differentiating factors between those with sten scores above 7 (significantly deteriorated mental health) and those with average or low results (sten score below 7) turned out to be: treatment for mental disorders before the pandemic (χ2 = 19.57, p < 0.001) and the use of psychotherapy during the pandemic (χ2 = 4.21, p = 0.04) and psychiatric pharmacotherapy (χ2 = 8.31, p = 0.01). The presence of suicidal thoughts since the appearance of the pandemic-related restraints and limitations significantly differentiates the compared groups (χ2 = 38.48, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Every fourth person in the examined group (over 26% of the respondents) recorded results that indicate a high probability of mental functioning disorders. Approximately 10% of the respondents signalled the occurrence of suicidal thoughts since the beginning of the pandemic. The respondents complain mainly about problems in everyday life, lack of satisfaction from one's own activities, tension, trouble sleeping, and feelings of exhaustion. Individuals with significantly reduced mental well-being use non-adaptive coping strategies, such as denying problems, emotional discharge, taking substances, discontinuation of action, and blaming themselves for the situation. The risk factors for the deterioration of the mental state of the respondents during the pandemic include psychiatric treatment before the beginning of the pandemic, the presence of suicidal thoughts during forced isolation, and the use of non-adaptive coping strategies (denial of the existence of problems, emotional discharge, use of psychoactive substances, discontinuation of action, and blaming oneself for the situation).

Validade fatorial do Questionário de Saúde Geral (QSG-28) / Factorial validity of the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) / Validez factorial del Cuestionario de Salud General (GHQ-28)

Conduzimos pesquisa com objetivo de avaliar a validade fatorial e a consistência interna do Questionário de Saúde Geral de Goldberg com 28 itens (QSG-28) no Brasil, comparando os ajustes de sua estrutura fatorial com quatro, três e cinco fatores. Realizamos procedimento de tradução reversa (inglês-português-inglês) do instrumento. Aplicamos o QSG-28 em 878 estudantes de duas faculdades de Belo Horizonte/MG. Desenvolvemos análise fatorial exploratória, Smallest Space Analysis e análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC). Na AFC, nenhum dos modelos apresentou bons ajustes. O modelo de três fatores do QSG-28 se mostrou mais adequado que os modelos de quatro e cinco fatores para a avaliação de estudantes universitários, ainda que o modelo de quatro fatores possa ser adotado. Concluímos que o instrumento se configura em uma alternativa para rastrear alterações na saúde mental em indivíduos não clínicos, podendo ser utilizado em estudos no campo do trabalho.(AU)

This study evaluated the factorial validity and internal consistence of the Brazilian version of the 28-item Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (QSG-28), comparing the four, three and five factor adjustments of its factorial structure. A reverse translation procedure (English-Portuguese-English) of the instrument was carried out. We applied the QSG-28 with 878 students from two colleges in Belo Horizonte/MG. Exploratory factorial analysis, Smallest Space Analysis and confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) were performed. In the CFA, none of the models presented a good fit. The three-factor model of the QSG-28 was more appropriate than the four- and five-factor models for the evaluation of college students, although the four-factor model could be adopted. It was concluded that the instrument is an alternative for screening for changes in mental health in non-clinical individuals and can be used in occupational studies. (AU)

Se llevó a cabo una investigación con el objetivo de evaluar la validez factorial y consistencia interna del Cuestionario de Salud General de Goldberg con 28 ítems (QSG-28) en Brasil, comparando los ajustes de su estructura factorial con cuatro, tres y cinco factores. El procedimiento de traducción inversa (Inglés-Portugués-Inglés) del instrumento fue realizado. El QSG-28 fue aplicado en 878 estudiantes de dos facultades de Belo Horizonte/MG. También se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio, Smallest Space Analysis y análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC). En el AFC, ninguno de los modelos presentó buenos ajustes. El modelo de tres factores del QSG-28 se mostró más adecuado que los modelos de cuatro y cinco factores para la evaluación de estudiantes universitarios, aunque el modelo de cuatro factores pueda ser utilizado en estudios en el campo del trabajo. Concluimos que el instrumento se configura en una alternativa para el seguimiento de alteraciones en la salud mental en individuos no clínicos, pudiendo ser utilizado en estudios en el ámbito del trabajo. (AU)

Quality of life and mental health status in patients with lichen planopilaris based on Dermatology Life Quality Index and General Health Questionnaire-28 questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a relatively uncommon inflammatory skin condition that causes permanent hair loss. Irreversible hair loss can have a significant psychosocial and psychological impact on patients' lives. Limited studies have assessed the psychological status of patients suffering from LPP, and to our knowledge, none have evaluated patients with LPP as a separate group in this regard. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) and general health of patients with LPP using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), respectively. METHODS: Our study employed a cross-sectional design. In total, 41 patients with LPP attending the follow-up skin clinic at the Razi Hospital in Tehran, Iran were asked to complete the DLQI and GHQ-28. Furthermore, selected demographic information was obtained from patients to evaluate their association with general health and QoL. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (14 men and 27 women) with a mean age of 44.02 ±â€¯10.8 years completed both questionnaires. QoL was affected moderately to extremely in 70.7% of patients. Also, 26 patients (63.4%) were at risk for psychological disorders. Lower QoL was reported by patients age <45 years (p < .05). Both QoL and general health had a negative relation with the disease activity index (p < .05), but were not affected by sex, marital status, education level, treatment type, presence of mucous lesions, and disease duration. CONCLUSION: LPP significantly affects patients' QoL and general health. Dermatologists should address these issues in patients with LPP alongside treating physical symptoms.

A Within-Sample Comparison of Two Innovative Neuropsychological Tests for Assessing ADHD.

New innovative neuropsychological tests in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD have been proposed as objective measures for diagnosis and therapy. The current study aims to investigate two different commercial continuous performance tests (CPT) in a head-to-head comparison regarding their comparability and their link with clinical parameters. The CPTs were evaluated in a clinical sample of 29 adult patients presenting in an ADHD outpatient clinic. Correlational analyses were performed between neuropsychological data, clinical rating scales, and a personality-based measure. Though inattention was found to positively correlate between the two tests (r = 0.49, p = 0.01), no association with clinical measures and inattention was found for both tests. While hyperactivity did not correlate between both tests, current ADHD symptoms were positively associated with Nesplora Aquarium's motor activity (r = 0.52 to 0.61, p < 0.05) and the Qb-Test's hyperactivity (r = 0.52 to 0.71, p < 0.05). Conclusively, the overall comparability of the tests was limited and correlation with clinical parameters was low. While our study shows some interesting correlation between clinical symptoms and sub-scales of these tests, usage in clinical practice is not recommended.

Predictive Outcome Validity of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) in Substance Abuse Patients Treated in Therapeutic Communities.

Objective: The use of psychoactive substances has been one of the most important global public health problems over the last few decades. Among the problems associated with substance use, dual diagnosis is one of the most relevant. This study aims to investigate the predictive validity of the GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire-28; "probable psychiatric cases") in relation to poor treatment outcome measured by (a) "early treatment dropout" and (b) "nonclinically relevant improvement at discharge." Methods: A longitudinal prospective design was used. A sample of 219 substance use disorder patients, who received treatment in a therapeutic community, was selected. Patients were assessed using the GHQ-28 and the outcome variables were registered. A hierarchical logistic regression model was performed to identify factors independently associated with the outcome measure ("early treatment dropout" and "nonclinically relevant improvement at discharge"). Results: Of the total sample, 79 subjects (36%) were considered "early treatment dropouts" and 56.6% (102) presented a "nonclinically relevant improvement at discharge." The two hierarchical logistic regression results show that being classified as a "probable psychiatric case" was significantly and directly associated with "early treatment dropout" and "nonclinically relevant improvement at discharge," as a poor in-treatment outcome indicator. Conclusions: The results of this study support the notion that the probable psychiatric cases identified by the GHQ-28 scale have a greater probability of "early treatment dropout" and have a greater probability of "nonclinically relevant improvement in discharge" of the therapeutic community. These data indicate that GHQ-28 is a suitable clinical instrument for predicting dropout and treatment effect in residential substance use disorder treatment.

Bam Earthquake Survivors' Mental Health Status 12 Years after the Earthquake: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Mental health is one of the characteristic benchmarks of public health. This research aimed to evaluate mental health of survivors of the Bam earthquake which occurred in 2003 twelve years after the earthquake in fall of 2015. METHODS: The statistical population of this cross-sectional study were people over 16 years of age who were present at the time of the earthquake in the city of Bam. The sample of the study consisted of 1500 people selected from the survivors by multistage sampling. The general health questionnaire-28 was used as a screening tool for mental disorders. The independent sample test, ANOVA test, Welch test, one-sample t test and the multiple logistic regression test were used to analyze the data. The analysis of data in the current study was carried out using the SPSS-18 software. RESULTS: Using the GHQ Likert scoring method, the results showed 52% of the people surveyed were suspected of having mental disorders (49.93% of men and 54.27% of women). Somatization and anxiety is more frequent than severe depression in respondents. The obtained statistics revealed that the prevalence of mental disorders amplified with loss of close relatives and age (odds ratio [OR] =1.457 and 1.828 respectively). The results also indicated that widows and divorcees (66.66%), illiterates and drop-outs (57.48%) and the elderly (77.12%) had the highest average in terms of having mental disorders. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed more than half of the Bam earthquake survivors are suspected to be suffering from mental disorders. Since natural disaster-related mental illness effects can last for many years, comprehensive screening programs at regular intervals are required. Mental health services should be available to the elderly and people at risk in order to ensure restoration of mental health after a catastrophe.