Experiences of families living with Nyaope users in Tshwane, Gauteng province.

Background: Nyaope is one of the commonly used drugs in many low socio-economic communities in South Africa. Because of its highly addictive properties, the vast majority of users are not able to quit, which results in long-term difficulties for their families. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of families living with nyaope users in a township in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Setting: Data were collected at the Social Development Centre, which serves a variety of social needs of families, including the various needs of families whose problems emanate from nyaope use. The family members were recruited from the registry of the centre. Methods: A qualitative design and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from a sample of family members who were purposively sampled. NVIvo 12 was used for thematic analysis of the data. Results: Three major themes emerged from the data, these being, consequences of nyaope use on the family, family interventions, and coping strategies. Conclusion: Although the families have devised interventions and developed coping strategies, nyaope use remains a serious mental health challenge in affected families. Contribution: The study highlighted the negative impact of nyaope on the social and mental health of the families. The assistance offered at Social Development is broad and general for substance abuse, but does little to mitigate the complex difficulties brought about by nyaope use.

Brief Coping Scale TCS-9: Optimising the Assessment of Coping Strategies. The case of Health Care Workers.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the focus on mental health, particularly on the coping strategies of healthcare workers who have faced unparalleled stress due to their pivotal role in addressing health disparities and determinants of health. Constantly operating in high-risk environments and managing the surge of critically ill patients, these professionals' psychological resilience has been sternly tested, necessitating robust assessment tools. Aim: This study aims to refine the extensive 54-item Toulouse Coping Scale into a more pragmatic and less time-consuming instrument while preserving its statistical integrity, to support the mental well-being of healthcare workers. Setting: The setting for this study was amongst healthcare workers in Greece, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by significant psychological demands on medical staff. Methods: We conducted an unbiased exploratory factor analysis on the Toulouse Coping Scale's 54 items, drawing from a sample of 144 healthcare workers, adhering to strict methodological criteria. Results: Data completeness was achieved across the sample, which comprised 40 (28%) males and 104 (72%) females, predominantly aged between 31 and 50 years. The final instrument, encapsulating two domains with a total of nine questions, demonstrated strong internal consistency, with an eigenvalue of 3.438 for the first domain and 1.478 for the second, validated by a scree plot. Conclusion: The streamlined TCS-9 scale facilitates a more rapid assessment of coping strategies while reducing redundancy. The two-domain structure ensures that the revised scale retains the original's thoroughness in a more concise form. Contribution: By enabling quicker and more efficient evaluations, the TCS-9 enhances the practicality of assessing coping mechanisms in healthcare settings, thereby contributing to the sustenance of health systems and the promotion of health equity.

The effect of coping strategies on health-related quality of life in acromegaly patients.

PURPOSE: Patients with acromegaly oftentimes exhibit a reduced physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Maladaptive coping styles are associated with poor HRQoL in a number of diseases and patients with pituitary adenomas in general exhibit less effective coping styles than healthy controls. This study aimed to assess coping strategies in acromegaly patients in order to explore leverage points for the improvement of HRQoL. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we administered self-report surveys for coping strategies and HRQoL (Short Form SF-36, Freiburg questionnaire on coping with illness, FKV-LIS) in patients with acromegaly. These were set into relation with a variety of health variables. RESULTS: About half of the 106 patients (44.3% female) with a mean age of 56.4 ± 1.3 years showed impaired physical and psychological HRQoL on average 11.2 years after the initial diagnosis. Body mass index, age at survey date and concomitant radiotherapy explained 27.8% of the variance of physical HRQoL, while depressive coping added an additional 9.2%. Depressive coping style and trivialization and wishful thinking were pivotal predictors of an impaired psychological HRQoL with a total explained variance of 51.6%, whereas patient health variables did not affect psychological HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Our results show that maladaptive coping styles have a substantial negative impact on psychological HRQoL in patients with acromegaly, whereas physical HRQoL is influenced to a lesser extent. Specialized training programs aimed at improving coping strategies could reduce long-term disease burden and increase HRQoL in the affected patients.

Experiences of family caregivers in dealing with cases of advanced breast cancer: a qualitative study of the sociocultural context in Punjab, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced breast cancer require consistent help and support from family caregivers. These caregivers often endure financial burdens and psychological stress, with their experiences significantly influenced by sociocultural factors. This study aims to explore the experiences of family caregivers of advanced breast cancer patients in Punjab province, Pakistan. METHODS: Data was collected through in-depth interviews with fifteen family caregivers of advanced breast cancer patients in three major cities of Punjab, Pakistan. Caregivers, who had been in close contact with the patient for the last two years, were purposively sampled from five major hospitals. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The study revealed that the experiences of family caregivers are deeply rooted in the sociocultural context. Key themes identified include social responsibility and cultural reciprocity norms; limited awareness and mobility options for caregivers; financial responsibility and strain; impacts of beauty myths and shyness on caregiving attitudes and decisions; the stressful and emotional nature of caregiving; treatment perspectives influenced by social groups; challenges in consulting male physicians and associated stigma; the role of religious beliefs in caregiving; and stress management, with religion often being a coping mechanism. These factors can contribute to delayed treatment decisions for patients. CONCLUSIONS: Family caregivers are crucial in facilitating timely treatment decisions for advanced breast cancer patients in the Pakistani context. To minimize treatment delays and alleviate caregiver stress, addressing sociocultural barriers in care-seeking is essential. A tailored approach, considering sociocultural and religious factors, is imperative for the management and early diagnosis of breast cancer, necessitating appropriate policymaking and implementation.

Impact of Workplace Bullying on Quiet Quitting in Nurses: The Mediating Effect of Coping Strategies.

Workplace bullying is common among nurses and negatively affects several work-related variables, such as job burnout and job satisfaction. However, no study until now has examined the impact of workplace bullying on quiet quitting among nurses. Thus, our aim was to examine the direct effect of workplace bullying on quiet quitting and to investigate the mediating effect of coping strategies on the relationship between workplace bullying and quiet quitting in nurses. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 650 nurses in Greece. We collected our data in February 2024. We used the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised, the Quiet Quitting Scale, and the Brief COPE to measure workplace bullying, quiet quitting, and coping strategies, respectively. We found that workplace bullying and negative coping strategies were positive predictors of quiet quitting, while positive coping strategies were negative predictors of quiet quitting. Our mediation analysis showed that positive and negative coping strategies partially mediated the relationship between workplace bullying and quiet quitting. In particular, positive coping strategies caused competitive mediation, while negative coping strategies caused complimentary mediation. Nurses' managers and policy makers should improve working conditions by reducing workplace bullying and strengthening positive coping strategies among nurses.

Stress and Coping Strategies among Women in Late Motherhood.

Background: The shifting reproductive age of women is reflected in European populations. Pregnancy in women older than 35 years is considered high-risk and can be an additional source of stress. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived stress of women experiencing late motherhood and the coping strategies used. Methods: The study was conducted in Poland by means of a diagnostic survey, using the COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), and a self-administered questionnaire. The study included 310 women who gave birth to their first child after the age of 35 and 313 respondents in a control group who gave birth before this age. Results: Based on the results, there were no statistically significant differences in feelings of stress among women who gave birth to their first child after the age of 35 (M = 18.33) compared to the control group (M = 18.14). However, statistically significant differences were observed regarding stress coping strategies. Conclusions: Women giving birth after the age of 35 were more likely to use strategies including active coping, planning, positive reformulation, acceptance, turning to religion, and seeking instrumental support.

The Strategies Used to Balance Health and Work Across the Solid Organ Transplantation Trajectory.

Introduction: Workers who undergo solid organ transplantation report frequent conflicts between the unpredictable demands of their health condition and the rigid requirements of their employer and of health services. The present study aimed to describe the self-management strategies adopted by workers while staying at work before transplantation and during sustainable return-to-work posttransplantation. Methods: Fifteen employed kidney, liver, and lung transplant recipients were recruited from 2 large urban university health centers in Montreal, Canada. Three focus groups were held, and thematic analysis was performed. Findings: Seven strategies were identified: responding promptly and consistently to fatigue-related needs, planning ahead with immediate supervisors while remaining strategic about when to disclose transplantation, requesting work accommodations, requesting flexibility in healthcare provision, consulting physicians about work-related issues, informing co-workers about work limitations and immunosuppression and asking not to be treated differently in the workplace. Conclusion: Access to work accommodations, support from physicians and flexibility in treatment and appointment schedules supported workers' ability to manage their health while staying at work before and after undergoing solid organ transplantation. In light of findings, it may be useful for healthcare professionals to address workers' concerns about work limitations and work accommodation implementation, especially when the illness-management burden increases before transplantation and during posttransplantation sick leave. Future studies could describe the strategies used by other important stakeholders when attempting to provide support to workers.

Tongue edema as an adverse drug reaction to low-dose olanzapine in a cancer patient receiving palliative care.

OBJECTIVES: Olanzapine is an atypical neuroleptic indicated for treatment of various psychiatric disorders, but it has also several indications in palliative care (PC) patients: opioids misuse, nausea not related to chemotherapy, anorexia-cachexia syndrome, and sleep and mood disorders. Peripheral and facial edema are a rare side effect of the treatment with olanzapine. I report a case of an advanced cancer patient cared receiving PC who developed moderate tongue edema on day 1 of a low dose of olanzapine. METHODS: A patient with advance and metastatic colon cancer presented moderate tongue edema on day 1 of a low dose (2.5 mg) of olanzapine for the treatment of his nausea, anorexia-cachexia syndrome, and mood disorder (mainly anxiety). RESULTS: The patient discontinued the drug with resolution of the edema. The day after he called our outpatients' service, a prompt physical examination, together with blood tests, excluded other differential diagnosis. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case reporting head and neck localized edema due to olanzapine treatment in a patient with advanced cancer receiving PC. Considering the increasing use of olanzapine as off-label treatment in these patients (often for cluster symptoms), our report could help clinicians in daily practice and researchers on put a deeper focus on indications for olanzapine in PC.

Repeated sexual intercourse as a coping strategy for men with premature ejaculation.

BACKGROUND: Patients with premature ejaculation (PE) are often concerned and distressed about their sexual performance. Hence, they may be more willing to exploit their refractory period to employ sexual coping strategies in order to improve their unsatisfactory sexual intercourse compared with patients without PE. AIM: The study sought to verify the sexual coping strategies of patients with PE in the daily sexual activities. METHODS: We included both patients with PE and individuals without PE and analyzed their sexual behaviors and attitudes by means of detailed interviews and questionnaires. OUTCOMES: The main outcomes were perceived intravaginal ejaculatory latency time recording, Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score, and sexual frequency, attitudes, and behavior log. RESULTS: A total of 182 young patients with PE (age 31.2 ± 6.2 years) and 92 individuals without PE (age 30.7 ± 5.1 years) were included in the study. A total of 53.3% of patients with PE vs 17.4% of individuals without PE reported engaging in multiple sexual intercourse sessions within a single day in the past 4 weeks. PE patients who engaged in multiple intercourse sessions displayed better performance during the second attempt but performed poorly compared with individuals without PE. Scores for the first attempt in PE vs second attempt in individuals with PE vs without PE were the following: intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, 2.4 ± 1.6 vs 4.8 ± 5.7 vs 9.9 ± 9.4 (P < .001); Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, 14.9 ± 3.1 vs 12.7 ± 4.8 vs 5.2 ± 2.5 (P < .001); satisfaction, 2.9 ± 1.0 vs 3.1 ± 0.8 vs 3.7 ± 1.4 (P < .001). A total of 57.1% of patients held a negative attitude toward precoital masturbation, for reasons such as a reduced sexual desire (21.2%), the belief that masturbation is harmful (17.6%), concerns about erectile function (15.7%), fatigue (9.8%), and other mixed reasons (35.3%). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Engaging in multiple intercourse sessions within a day is more common among the young PE population, and using precoital masturbation as a coping strategy is not universally applicable among patients with PE. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first study to explore symptom-coping strategies in patients with PE compared with individuals without PE. However, the conclusions cannot be generalized to the entire male population. CONCLUSION: Patients with PE, compared with individuals without PE, are more inclined to engage in multiple sexual intercourse sessions within a single sexual session, likely in an attempt to compensate for their first unsatisfactory sexual encounter. Moreover, the majority of patients with PE here studied hold a negative attitude toward using precoital masturbation as a coping strategy for symptoms.

Resilience among organ donation coordinators: a Canadian mixed-methods study.

Background: Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinators (OTDCs) are key to the success of deceased organ donation processes. However, reduced resilience can leave them susceptible to the incidence of work-related issues and decrease the quality of the care provided. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the extent of resilience and influencing aspects among OTDCs in Canada. Methods: Mixed-method (QUAN-qual) explanatory sequential design. Quantitative data was collected using an online cross-sectional survey approach with demographic data and the validated scales and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was collected using a descriptive approach with a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed using content analysis. Results: One hundred twenty participants responded to the survey, and 39 participants were interviewed. Most participants from the survey were female (82%), registered nurses (97%) and on average 42 years old. The quantitative data revealed that OTDCs had a high level of perceived compassion satisfaction (ProQOL-CS = 36.3) but a resilience score (CD-RISC = 28.5) lower than other groups of healthcare professionals. OTDCs with over a year of experience in the role were more likely to have higher levels of resilience. The qualitative data identified that participants saw resilience as crucial for their work-related well-being. Although coping strategies were identified as a key factor that enhance resilience, many OTDCs reported difficulty in developing healthy coping strategies, and that the use of unhealthy mechanisms (e.g., alcohol and smoking) can result in negative physical consequences (e.g., weight gain) and reduced resilience levels. Conclusion: Participants reported using a series of coping and protective strategies to help build resilience, but also difficulty in developing healthy mechanisms. The lack of healthy coping strategies were seen as contributing to negative work-related issues (e.g., burnout). Our findings are being used to develop tailored interventions to improve resilience and healthy coping strategies among organ donor coordinators in Canada.

Sobrecarga, afrontamiento y soporte social en progenitores de niños con cáncer / Caregiver burden, coping and social support in parents of children with cancer

Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre las estrategias de afrontamiento, el soporte social, las características de padres cuidadores migrantes y sus niños con cáncer en la sobrecarga del cuidador de dichos padres. Método: Participaron 82 cuidadores (67 madres y 15 padres) en condición de bajo recursos que residían en albergues para niños con cáncer y sus cuidadores, quienes migraron a la ciudad para recibir el tratamiento. Se utilizó la Escala de Sobrecarga de Zarit (Zarit et al., 1980), el Inventario de Afrontamiento COPE (Carver et al., 1989) y el Cuestionario MOS de apoyo social (Sherbourne y Stewart, 1991). Resultado: Se realizaron dos modelos de regresión para evaluar el impacto de las variables demográficas y psicológicas en la carga del cuidador, el primer modelo involucra la escala global de apoyo social (R2 ajustado=,43, F=9,73, p<,001) y el segundo las escalas específicas (R2 ajustado=,45, F=8,23, p<,001). Los resultados evidencian el rol predictivo de las estrategias de afrontamiento como la aceptación, la reinterpretación positiva y enfocar y liberar emociones; el soporte social global y de tipo afectivo; y características sociodemográficas como el nivel de instrucción del progenitor y la edad del hijo en la sobrecarga del cuidador. La mayoría de estas variables tienen una relación inversa con la sobrecarga. Conclusiones: Los resultados del estudio subrayan la importancia de investigar la sobrecarga del cuidador en situación de vulnerabilidad. Además, el estudio destaca la relevancia de factores como las estrategias de afrontamiento y el apoyo social, que desempeñan un papel clave en la sobrecarga del cuidador.(AU)

Aim: To analyze the relationship between coping strategies, social support, characteristics of migrant parent caregivers and their children with cancer on caregiver overload of such parents. Zarit Burden Interview (Zarit et al., 1980), the COPE Inventory (Carver et al., 1989) and the MOS Social Support Questionnaire (Sherbourne y Stewart, 1991) were used. Method: Eighty-two caregivers (67 mothers and 15 fathers) residing in shelters for children with cancer and their caregivers, who migrated to the city to receive treatment, participated in this study. Results: Two regression models were performed to evaluate the impact of demographic and psychological variables on caregiver burden, the first model involves the global social support scale (R2 adjusted=.43, F=9.73, p<.001) and the second the specific scales (R2 adjusted=.45, F=8.23, p<.001). Results: There is evidence the predictive role of coping strategies such as acceptance, positive reinterpretation and growth, focus and venting of emotions; global and affective social support; and sociodemographic characteristics such as parental level of education and child age in caregiver burden. Most of these variables have an inverse relationship with caregiver burden. Conclusions: The results of the study underline the crucial importance of investigating caregiver burden in the context of vulnerability. In addition, the study highlights the importance of factors such as coping strategies and social support, which play a key role in influencing caregiver burden.(AU)

Food insecurity and coping strategies associate with higher risk of anxiety and depression among South African households with children.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate food insecurity and related coping strategies, and their associations with the risk of anxiety and depression, among South African households with children. DESIGN: Nationally representative cross-sectional study. Tools for assessing food insecurity, coping strategies, risk of anxiety and depression were assessed from the Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project, Coping Strategies Index, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. We used ordered logistic regression to test associations of food insecurity and coping strategies with the risk of anxiety and depression. Moderating effects of each coping strategy were tested in the associations of food insecurity with anxiety and depression. SETTING: South Africa, post COVID-19 restrictions, May-June 2022. PARTICIPANTS: 1,774 adults, weighted to 20,955,234 households. RESULTS: Food insecurity prevalence was 23·7 % among households with children. All coping strategies were used to some extent, but relying on less preferred and less expensive foods was the most used strategy (85·5 % of food-insecure households). Moving to a higher level of food insecurity was associated with >1·6 greater odds of being in a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Sending a household member to beg for food was the strongest associated factor (OR = 1·7, P < 0·001). All coping strategies partly moderated (lessened) the associations of food insecurity with a higher risk of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity among households with children was high following the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborative efforts between government, private sector and civil society to eradicate food insecurity should prioritise poorer households with children, as these populations are the most vulnerable.

Supporting athletes during a challenging situation: recommendations from a global insight of COVID-19 home-based training experience.

BACKGROUND: For athletes, overcoming obstacles in challenging situations like pandemic home training is crucial. Strategies and approaches in this context are not well-documented. Our study aims to investigate such a scenario from a performance standpoint, based on a major global crisis: the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. METHODS: This cross-sectional study surveyed athletes without disabilities using online questionnaires (35 languages) from May to July 2020. Questions included aspects of alternative routines, training monitoring, recovery, sleep patterns, injury occurrence/prevention based on structured answers, and an open-ended question on lockdown training experiences. RESULTS: Of the 11,762 athletes from 142 countries, 63% were male, including at World-Class, International, National, State and Recreational levels. During lockdown, 25% athletes used innovative or modern ways to maintain or improve fitness e.g., virtual reality and tracking devices (favoring World-Class level, 30%). Many athletes, regardless of gender (43%) watched video competitions to improve/maintain their mental skills and performance [World-Class (47%) and International (51%)]. Contact frequency between athletes and their coaches was mainly at least once a week (36%), more among higher-level (World-Class/International) than lower-level athletes (27 vs. 16%). Higher-level athletes (≥ 54%) monitored training load and were assisted by their coaches (21%). During lockdown, stretching (67%) was considered one of the primary means of recovery, especially for higher-level athletes (> 70%). Compared to pre-lockdown, about two-thirds of athletes reported "normal" or "improved" sleep quality and quantity, suggesting a low sleep quality pre-lockdown. On average, 40% utilized injury prevention exercises (at least) once a week [World-Class (51%) and International (39%)]. Most injury occurrences during lockdown involved the knee (18%), ankle (16%), and back (9%). Four key themes emerged regarding lockdown experiences: remote training adaptation (e.g., shifting training focus), training creativity (e.g., using household items), performance enhancement opportunities (e.g., refocusing neglected aspects), and mental and motivation challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Both male and female athletes, particularly those of higher levels, displayed some adaptalibity during the COVID-19 lockdown, employing innovative approaches and technology for training. Many athletes implemented load monitoring, recovery, and attentive of injury prevention, while optimizing their sleep quality and quantity. Athletes demonstrated their abilities to navigate challenges, and utilized different coping strategies in response to the lockdown's constraints.

Nurse Managers Coping Strategies for Crisis Management: Qualitative Systematic Review.

Stressor-related disorders are a growing issue for both the individual and the organizations. The aim of the study was to analyze the strategies used by nurse managers to face crises. A systematic review of the literature, including qualitative studies was performed. Data were analyzed using framework-based synthesis and summarized into domains. Quality was evaluated using the JBI QARI Checklist. 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data collection was based on interviews, followed by questionnaires and focus groups. Good communication, organizational commitment and emotional support were the principal domains. Institutions should support nurse managers to cope with stress and make suggestions for adaptations.

Prediction of high-level fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors: An integrative approach utilizing random forest algorithm and visual nomogram.

PURPOSE: This study is the first attempt to use a combination of regression analysis and random forest algorithm to predict the risk factors for high-level fear of cancer recurrence and develop a predictive nomogram to guide clinicians and nurses in identifying high-risk populations for high-level fear of cancer recurrence. METHODS: After receiving various recruitment strategies, a total of 781 survivors who had undergone breast cancer resection within 5 years in four Grade-A hospitals in China were included. Besides demographic and clinical characteristics, variables were also selected from the perspectives of somatic, cognitive, psychological, social and economic factors, all of which were measured using a scale with high reliability and validity. This study established univariate regression analysis and random forest model to screen for risk factors for high-level fear of cancer recurrence. Based on the results of the multi-variable regression model, a nomogram was constructed to visualize risk prediction. RESULTS: Fatigue, social constraints, maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, meta-cognition and age were identified as risk factors. Based on the predictive model, a nomogram was constructed, and the area under the curve was 0.949, indicating strong discrimination and calibration. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of two models enhances the credibility of the prediction outcomes. The nomogram effectively transformed intricate regression equations into a visual representation, enhancing the readability and accessibility of the prediction model's results. It aids clinicians and nurses in swiftly and precisely identifying high-risk individuals for high-level fear of cancer recurrence, enabling the development of timely, predictable, and personalized intervention programs for high-risk patients.

The Lived Experiences of Individuals and Coping Strategies in the Context of Internet Gaming Disorder: A Qualitative Study Within Higher Education Setting in Uganda.

Background: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), recognized as a mental disorder in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), poses significant threats to physical, social, and mental well-being. This study aims to delve into the experiences of individuals grappling with IGD. Methods and Materials: The study employed an interpretive phenomenology, conducting interviews with 10 graduate students at Makerere University. Participants were purposefully sampled until data saturation was achieved during interviews, which took place between May and July 2023. An interview guide facilitated data collection (Supplementary File 1), and thematic analysis was manually applied for data interpretation, utilizing intuition and imaginative approaches. Results: The findings revealed that the majority of participants started gaming during childhood, starting with offline games. Exposure to gadgets and games, idle time, and stress emerged as key triggers for IGD. Participants reported experiencing sleep deficits, deteriorating interpersonal relationships, declining job performance, unhealthy eating habits, academic challenges, and wastage of money and time. The study also identified strategies employed by participants to mitigate their gaming behaviors, such as refraining from purchasing data, seeking support from friends, and uninstalling the game app, although relapses were common. Conclusion: The study highlights a global pattern of early initiation into gaming, emphasizing the need for early intervention and preventive measures. Factors such as easy accessibility and affordability of gaming platforms, idleness, and stress play significant roles in motivating internet gaming, contributing to a higher prevalence among the studied population. The research underscores the adverse effects of IGD on students, affecting academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. Notably, participants demonstrate agency in addressing IGD through practical coping strategies, including controlling data access, seeking social support, and uninstalling games. These coping mechanisms provide valuable insights into the complex nature of addressing IGD and form a basis for developing targeted interventions and support systems within the higher education setting in Uganda.

Disease Burden and Coping Strategies of Spouses of Patients with Psoriasis: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythema, papules, and scales. It imposes a heavy psychological and social strain on both patients and their families. Surprisingly, there's limited research delving into the disease burden and coping strategies of spouses contending with psoriasis. Objective: The objective is to explore the disease burden faced and coping strategies utilized by spouses of individuals living with psoriasis. This exploration aims to offer insights crucial for devising mental health support and intervention strategies. Methods: The research methodology employed in this study was phenomenological, a qualitative approach. A total of fifteen spouses of patients with psoriasis were selected using an objective sampling method for in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was then applied to the recorded interview data to derive meaningful themes. Results: This study has identified and analyzed three core themes concerning the disease burden and coping strategies of spouses of patients with psoriasis: Overwhelming disease burden; Lack of support system; Coping strategies (Problem - centered coping strategies: Proactive acquisition of disease knowledge; Active confrontation of illness - related issues; Behavioral habit alteration; and Emotional - centered coping strategies: Active acceptance and normalization; Passive acceptance and internalized stigma; Avoidance of disease - related problems). Conclusion: This study adds valuable insights into comprehending the disease burden encountered by spouses of patients with psoriasis and sheds light on the coping strategies they employ. Healthcare providers should proactively recognize and address the burden experienced by spouses early on. Establishing a robust support network is crucial, and promoting adaptive coping strategies can significantly aid spouses in effectively navigating and managing the complexities associated with psoriasis.

Postradiation trismus in head and neck cancer survivors: a qualitative study of effects on life, rehabilitation, used coping strategies and support from the healthcare system.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the experiences of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors with postradiation trismus, specifically how oncological treatment affected their lives, rehabilitation, use of coping strategies, and healthcare experiences. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was used and semi-structured interviews of 10 HNC survivors with postradiation trismus were conducted 6-30 months after completing oncological treatment. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis of interviews yielded four main categories: Bodily symptoms, Effects on life, Support from the healthcare system, and Strategies to handle life and symptoms. Participants reported ongoing problems with xerostomia, dysgeusia, eating, and limited physical fitness. Pain related to trismus was not a major issue in this cohort. Participants expressed limitations in their social lives due to their eating difficulties, yet a sense of thankfulness for life and overall satisfaction with the healthcare they received. Psychological and practical coping strategies developed by the participants were also revealed. CONCLUSION: The results highlight areas of unmet need among HNC survivors that healthcare providers can target by establishing multi-professional teams dedicated to individualizing post-cancer rehabilitation care.

Death Anxiety in Patients with a History of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Spiritual Well-Being and Coping Strategies.

Patients who have previously undergone coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) were prone to death anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. It appears that spiritual well-being and appropriate coping strategies may mitigate the harmful effects of death anxiety. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of death anxiety in patients with CABG during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being, coping strategies and death anxiety.This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with CABG history in Tehran from June 2021 to February 2022. The face-to-face questionnaire, containing questions on demographics, Templer's death anxiety scale, the spiritual well-being questionnaire, and the ways of coping questionnaire was administered to collect data. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive-analytical statistics, correlation tests, and logistic regression models.Participants' mean age was 55.59 ± 12.78 years. The mean death anxiety score was 10.00 ± 2.16, with 87% of participants reporting high levels and 13% reporting low levels of death anxiety. Based on the results, there was a significant negative correlation between death anxiety and coping strategies, as well as subscales of distancing, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, and planful problem-solving. Logistic regression showed that with the increase in the score of spiritual well-being, the odds of having high levels of death anxiety decreased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, increasing the total score of coping strategies, and the score of self-controlling, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, and planful problem-solving, significantly reduced the odds of high levels of death anxiety (p < 0.05).The study showed that patients with a CABG history experienced high death anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the findings, spiritual well-being and coping strategies, especially self-controlling, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, and planful problem-solving, may reduce the odds of severe death anxiety. These should be considered as effective targets for psychological intervention in these patients.

Consequences and coping strategies of nurses and registered nurses perceiving to work in an environment characterized by workplace bullying.

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the well-being and coping strategies of nurses working in an organizational setting perceived as characterized by workplace bullying. The innovative aspect of this study is that we considered only those who perceive to work in an organizational environment characterized by workplace bullying, and not those who see themselves as victims and those who perceive they work in an organizational environment not characterized by workplace bullying. Method: A questionnaire with the NAQ-R, PGWBI, Val.Mob. and Brief COPE scales was administered to nurses. To better understand this phenomenon, a comparison was made between 331 nurses and 166 workers in other professions who also work in an organizational environment perceived to be characterized by workplace bullying. Results: In both groups (nurses and workers), the results were approximately the same in terms of personal bullying and workplace bullying episodes and the number of physical and emotive symptoms. The PGWBI score was lower for nurses than for workers in other fields. Among the individual symptoms, nurses and registered nurses were more likely to report gastritis, insomnia and heartburn than workers in other contexts. Workers in other contexts were more likely than nurses to report symptoms of anxiety, fear, feelings of insecurity, inferiority and guilt. In terms of coping strategies, nurses were more likely than other workers to report distraction, substance use, emotional support, disengagement, venting, positive reframing, humor, and religion. Workers in other professional context were more likely than nurses to report active coping, denial, instrumental support, planning, acceptance, and self-blame. Conclusion: Results suggest that the consequences of working in a perceived organizational environment characterized by workplace bullying are similar for both groups of workers, with nonstatistical differences in perceived workplace bullying episodes and sum of physical and emotive symptoms. Implication: Overall, findings suggest that workplace bullying prevention is a fundamental element in training workers in all types of workplaces and should be an integral part of curriculum activities.