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PCN Reports : Psychiatry and Clinical... Dec 2023Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) sometimes undergo a chronic course, and they hardly maintain social participation. Work and social adjustment impairments are...
AIM
Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) sometimes undergo a chronic course, and they hardly maintain social participation. Work and social adjustment impairments are generally significantly associated with the clinical symptoms of eating disorders. Psychopathologies associated with the subjective social difficulties of patients with AN have been unclear. This study examined the association between AN psychopathologies and work and social adjustment impairments in adult female patients with AN.
METHODS
This study included 36 Japanese adult female patients with AN who completed the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) and the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between WSAS and EDI-2 or demographic variables.
RESULTS
The mean age was 31.8 years, the mean current body mass index was 13.4 kg/m, and the median illness duration was 5 years. Patients demonstrated social difficulties, especially in social leisure activities. The total WSAS scores were significantly correlated with EDI-2 "impulse regulation" and "asceticism." WSAS "social leisure" was significantly correlated with EDI-2 "bulimia," "interoceptive awareness," "impulse regulation," and "asceticism."
CONCLUSION
Psychopathologies, such as impulse regulation, asceticism, and interoceptive awareness, may be related factors to social difficulties. Emotion regulation, such as impulse regulation and emotional awareness, could be an important realm of treatment not only for psychopathology but also for social functioning in patients with AN.
PubMed: 38868735
DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.151 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Narrative Medicine and Nursing are clinical-supporting intervention methodologies that aim to enhance professionals' communication skills and place patients at the heart...
Narrative Medicine and Nursing are clinical-supporting intervention methodologies that aim to enhance professionals' communication skills and place patients at the heart of their therapeutic path. A narrative interview (NI) is a communication tool between practitioner and patient. The role of NI is debated extensively in the literature, but no studies focus on its use by nurses responsible for first-diagnosed cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of NI, carried out by Nurses, in managing people recently diagnosed with cancer. A pilot mixed-methods study with before-and-after-intervention evaluation, qualitative longitudinal data analysis, and concurrent data triangulation was conducted. The Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer assessed disease adaptation, while the Psychological Distress Inventory investigated psychological distress. The qualitative analysis of the narrative interviews assessed the usefulness of this intervention. 13 out of 14 eligible patients took voluntary part in the study. Of those, 9 (69 %) completed T1 and T2 questionnaires and NI. The following five themes emerged from thematic analysis: reaction to the disease, feelings related to the new condition of life, changes, importance of relationships and perception of care. Patients reported being highly stressed and recognized the importance of a supporting social network for better coping with the condition. The adoption of an NI approach at the time of cancer diagnosis is feasible. Due to the limited sample size, it is unclear if NI may positively impact psychological distress in this patient population. Further studies would benefit from the integration of an additional investigation tool aiming to clarify whether NI promotes disease awareness in cancer patients. Furthermore, the recruitment of a larger sample is equally recommended.
PubMed: 38868003
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31802 -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2024This study aimed to explore the needs and constraints to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) among patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) in a community-based...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the needs and constraints to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) among patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) in a community-based setting, and thereby facilitating the implementation of effective CR programs for this population.
METHODS
Focus group interviews were used as the primary research methodology. A total of 11 community-dwelling individuals diagnosed with CHD were selected from a community hospital to participate in in-depth interviews, aiming to discern and analyze their requirements and constraints experienced concerning medical resources and healthcare agency. The textual data underwent examination using Colaizzi's method of descriptive data analysis.
RESULTS
Deficits existed in the perceptions of patients with CHD within a community-based setting about their condition and CR, and in the social support for this disease. Patients expressed expectations for professional guidance during CR, gained an understanding about the beneficial effects of emotional stability on cognitive function. Patients expressed their thoughts and feelings regarding the diversity of physical exercise options. Two main themes and seven sub-themes were identified: (a) "Insufficient CR resources for patients": Lack of awareness about CHD; inadequate knowledge about secondary prevention/CR; insufficient support from family and friends. (b) "Patient CR initiative": Patient self-adjustment; expectation of professional rehabilitation guidance; stable emotions improving cognition; diverse attitudes and awareness of exercise.
CONCLUSION
For more effective CR, community-based medical teams should provide more comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation programs. They should focus on individual variations and preferences of patients, as well as enhance the autonomy of patients and improve their self-care ability through effective empowerment measures.
PubMed: 38863947
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S462138 -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2024The aim of this study was to investigate the sleep quality as well as the influence of social support on the sleep quality of elderly people in nursing homes in...
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate the sleep quality as well as the influence of social support on the sleep quality of elderly people in nursing homes in northeast China, and analyze the chain-mediating role of psychological adjustment and coping styles in social support and sleep quality, thereby to provide a scientific basis for the development of effective intervention measures in this direction.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This study was conducted during January-March 2023 and adopted a cluster sampling method to select 5 elderly care institutions from across the Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang provinces in Northeast China. A questionnaire survey was conducted using the Self-mate General Situation Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Nursing Home Adjustment Scale for the Elderly, Social Support Rating Scale, and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire. Statistical analysis methods, including ANOVA, logistic multi-factor regression, and Pearson's correlation were employed in SPSS 26.0, while Amos 26.0 was used to build a structural equation model to analyze the interaction path and the mediating role between the variables.
RESULTS
The sleep quality of elderly individuals in elderly care institutions was relatively low 8.43(3.456). Social support of elderly individuals in elderly care institutions affected their sleep quality through i) both psychological adjustment and face-to-face coping style (B = 0.493, P < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.050-0.122) and ii) both psychological adjustment and avoidance coping style (B = -0.302, P < 0.001, 95% CI = -0.119 to -0.048). Psychological adjustment, confrontation coping, and avoidance coping played a mediating role in the sequential relationship between social support and the sleep quality of elderly individuals in elderly care institutions.
CONCLUSION
Psychological adjustment and coping styles have a chain-mediating effect between social support and sleep quality of the elderly in northeast China's elderly care institutions.
PubMed: 38863944
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S461449 -
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and... Dec 2024In China, there is a unique type of second marriage (SM) family where the woman is remarried, and the man is experiencing his first marriage. Additionally, the woman is...
OBJECTIVE
In China, there is a unique type of second marriage (SM) family where the woman is remarried, and the man is experiencing his first marriage. Additionally, the woman is older than the man. Therefore, these families experience many challenges: psychological, emotional, and societal pressure. Such family is a typical sample for studying sociocultural and psychological stress influencing on outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This study aimed to investigate the impact of social psychological stress on the live birth outcomes AR.
METHODS
In this retrospective cohort, second marriage (SM) families who visited the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University reproductive center between January 2012 to December 2022 were screened, and 561s marriage families (the SM group) with 5600 first marriage (FM) families (the FM group) were included undergoing their first ART cycles. The primary outcome of this study was the live birth rate (LBR).
RESULTS
The live birth rate (LBR) of SM group (30.7%) is lower than that of the FM group (43.6%) ( < 0.01). After adjustment by logistic regression, the second marriage group (OR = 1.269, 95%CI 1.031-1.562, = 0.025) were independent factors associated with the outcome of live birth. After propensity score matching (PSM), the live birth rate of SM group (28.7%) is lower than the FM group (35.9%) (0 = 0.011).
CONCLUSION
The SM family experience higher levels of social and psychological pressure, which lead to lower level of LBR than FM family.
Topics: Humans; Female; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Adult; Marriage; Stress, Psychological; Retrospective Studies; China; Male; Pregnancy; Live Birth
PubMed: 38860635
DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2024.2351809 -
BMC Psychiatry Jun 2024Depressive symptoms and sarcopenia, often observed among middle-aged and elderly individuals, are significant health concerns in China, particularly given the country's...
Association between depressive symptoms and sarcopenia among middle-aged and elderly individuals in China: the mediation effect of activities of daily living (ADL) disability.
BACKGROUND
Depressive symptoms and sarcopenia, often observed among middle-aged and elderly individuals, are significant health concerns in China, particularly given the country's rapidly aging population. Depressive symptoms, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, can significantly impact quality of life. Little is known about the underlying pathway connecting these two conditions.
METHODS
The data for this study were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CSED) scale. Logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the association between depressive symptoms, activities of daily living (ADL) disability, and sarcopenia, while adjusting for potential confounding factors. The selection of predictor variables, including social activity, chronic diseases, demographic factors, and lifestyle habits, was based on their known associations with mental health, physical functioning and sarcopenia. These variables were included to ensure a comprehensive adjustment for potential confounding factors and to provide a more accurate estimation of the relationship between depressive symptoms and sarcopenia. Additionally, mediation analysis was conducted to assess the mediating role of ADL disability in the relationship between depressive symptoms and sarcopenia.
RESULTS
A comprehensive study was conducted on a total of 8,238 participants aged 45 years and older, comprising 3,358 men and 4,880 women. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify significant associations between depressive symptoms (OR = 1.30, P = 0.0269,95%CI = 1.03-1.63), ADL disability (OR = 1.94, P < 0.001,95%CI = 1.37-2.75) and sarcopenia. The results revealed significant relationships among these variables. Furthermore, mediation effect analyses demonstrated that ADL disability partially mediated the association between depressive symptoms and sarcopenia (estimated indirect effect: 0.006, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.008, proportion of mediation effect: 20.00%).
CONCLUSIONS
The study underscores a significant association between depressive symptoms and sarcopenia among middle-aged and elderly individuals in China, with ADL disability acting as a mediator. These findings offer novel insights for targeted health interventions. Future interventions should effectively combat sarcopenia by integrating psychological support with muscle-strengthening exercise programs. By addressing both depressive symptoms and ADL disability, clinicians and public health professionals can enhance outcomes for this demographic. Collaborative efforts across disciplines are essential for providing comprehensive health management tailored to the needs of middle-aged and elderly individuals. Future research should longitudinally assess the impact of such integrated interventions on sarcopenia prevention and depressive symptom alleviation. Additionally, investigating the role of social and environmental factors in mediating this relationship is crucial for developing more effective health strategies for this vulnerable population.
Topics: Humans; Activities of Daily Living; China; Male; Female; Aged; Depression; Sarcopenia; Middle Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Aged, 80 and over; Mediation Analysis; Disabled Persons
PubMed: 38858698
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05885-y -
Comprehensive Psychiatry Aug 2024More than half the domestic population in China were infected with COVID-19 in two months after ending "zero-infection policy", which severely overwhelmed frontline...
BACKGROUND
More than half the domestic population in China were infected with COVID-19 in two months after ending "zero-infection policy", which severely overwhelmed frontline healthcare providers with stress and fear. However, there is no study to date investigating the associations between nurses' fear of pandemic and cyberchondria. This study aimed to 1) investigate the correlations between fear pandemic and cyberchondria among frontline nurses, and 2) discover its potential mechanism.
METHODS
A cross-sectional sample of frontline nurses (N = 8161) was recruited from 98 hospitals across China in February 2023. Participants were invited to complete an online, self-rated standardized questionnaire focused on pandemic fear, alexithymia, psychological distress, and cyberchondria. Environmental, clinical and socioeconomic information were collected for adjustment while conducting chain mediation analysis.
RESULTS
When other covariates were controlled, it was found that fear of the pandemic significantly contributed to cyberchondria (b = 0.58, 95%CI [0.56, 0.60], p < .001). The chain mediation model suggested that both alexithymia and psychological distress were mediating factors between pandemic fear and cyberchondria.
CONCLUSIONS
The higher the perceived fear, the greater the cyberchondria, which suggests that reducing fear about the pandemic and providing adequate support could reduce the incidence of cyberchondria. As alexithymia and psychological distress may be transdiagnostic mechanisms between fear and cyberchondria, targeted interventions focused on expression dysregulation and emotional identification could be useful.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Female; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Psychological Distress; China; Male; Affective Symptoms; Fear; Surveys and Questionnaires; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics
PubMed: 38852302
DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152505 -
Alzheimer's Research & Therapy Jun 2024Higher order regulation of autonomic function is maintained by the coordinated activity of specific cortical and subcortical brain regions, collectively referred to as...
BACKGROUND
Higher order regulation of autonomic function is maintained by the coordinated activity of specific cortical and subcortical brain regions, collectively referred to as the central autonomic network (CAN). Autonomic changes are frequently observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia, but no studies to date have investigated whether plasma AD biomarkers are associated with CAN functional connectivity changes in at risk older adults.
METHODS
Independently living older adults (N = 122) without major neurological or psychiatric disorder were recruited from the community. Participants underwent resting-state brain fMRI and a CAN network derived from a voxel-based meta-analysis was applied for overall, sympathetic, and parasympathetic CAN connectivity using the CONN Functional Toolbox. Sensorimotor network connectivity was studied as a negative control. Plasma levels of amyloid (Aβ, Aβ), neurofilament light chain (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were assessed using digital immunoassay. The relationship between plasma AD biomarkers and within-network functional connectivity was studied using multiple linear regression adjusted for demographic covariates and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Interactive effects with APOE4 carrier status were also assessed.
RESULTS
All autonomic networks were positively associated with Aβ ratio and remained so after adjustment for age, sex, and APOE4 carrier status. Overall and parasympathetic networks were negatively associated with GFAP. The relationship between the parasympathetic CAN and GFAP was moderated by APOE4 carrier status, wherein APOE4 carriers with low parasympathetic CAN connectivity displayed the highest plasma GFAP concentrations (B = 910.00, P = .004). Sensorimotor connectivity was not associated with any plasma AD biomarkers, as expected.
CONCLUSION
The present study findings suggest that CAN function is associated with plasma AD biomarker levels. Specifically, lower CAN functional connectivity is associated with decreased plasma Aβ, indicative of cerebral amyloidosis, and increased plasma GFAP in APOE4 carriers at risk for AD. These findings could suggest higher order autonomic and parasympathetic dysfunction in very early-stage AD, which may have clinical implications.
Topics: Humans; Female; Alzheimer Disease; Aged; Male; Biomarkers; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Brain; Peptide Fragments; Autonomic Nervous System; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Aged, 80 and over; Neurofilament Proteins; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 38851772
DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01486-9 -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B Jun 2024Over recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring the utility of seizure risk forecasting, particularly how it could improve quality of life for people...
OBJECTIVE
Over recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring the utility of seizure risk forecasting, particularly how it could improve quality of life for people living with epilepsy. This study reports on user experiences and perspectives of a seizure risk forecaster app, as well as the potential impact on mood and adjustment to epilepsy.
METHODS
Active app users were asked to complete a survey (baseline and 3-month follow-up) to assess perspectives on the forecast feature as well as mood and adjustment. Post-hoc, nine neutral forecast users (neither agreed nor disagreed it was useful) completed semi-structured interviews, to gain further insight into their perspectives of epilepsy management and seizure forecasting. Non-parametric statistical tests and inductive thematic analyses were used to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.
RESULTS
Surveys were completed by 111 users. Responders consisted of "app users" (n = 58), and "app and forecast users" (n = 53). Of the "app and forecast users", 40 % believed the forecast was accurate enough to be useful in monitoring for seizure risk, and 60 % adopted it for purposes like scheduling activities and helping mental state. Feeling more in control was the most common response to both high and low risk forecasted states. In-depth interviews revealed five broad themes, of which 'frustrations with lack of direction' (regarding their current epilepsy management approach), 'benefits of increased self-knowledge' and 'current and anticipated usefulness of forecasting' were the most common.
SIGNIFICANCE
Preliminary results suggest that seizure risk forecasting can be a useful tool for people with epilepsy to make lifestyle changes, such as scheduling daily events, and experience greater feelings of control. These improvements may be attributed, at least partly, to the improvements in self-knowledge experienced through forecast use.
PubMed: 38851123
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109876 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2024To investigate if maternal stress in pregnancy is associated with pubertal timing in girls and boys and to explore potential mediation by childhood body mass index (BMI)...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate if maternal stress in pregnancy is associated with pubertal timing in girls and boys and to explore potential mediation by childhood body mass index (BMI) and childhood psychosocial stress.
DESIGN
Cohort study.
SUBJECTS
In total, 14 702 girls and boys from the Puberty Cohort, nested within The Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC).
EXPOSURE
Maternal stress was obtained from a computer-assisted telephone interview in gestational week 30-32 as maternal life stress and emotional distress in pregnancy using questions based on validated screening tools. Maternal life stress and emotional distress in pregnancy was analysed separately and in an interaction analysis.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Pubertal timing was measured half-yearly from age 11 years and throughout pubertal development and assessed as Tanner stages 1-5 (breast and pubic hair development in girls and genital and pubic hair development in boys), menarche in girls, voice break and first ejaculation in boys and occurrence of acne and axillary hair in both girls and boys. A combined estimate for overall pubertal timing was derived using Huber-White robust variance estimation. Mean differences in age at attaining the pubertal milestones according to prenatal exposure to no (reference), low, moderate, or high maternal stress in pregnancy were estimated using a multivariable censored regression model. Potential mediation by childhood BMI and childhood psychosocial stress was investigated in separate models.
RESULTS
After adjustment for potential confounding factors, prenatal exposure to high maternal life stress (combined estimate: -1.8 months (95% CI: -2.7, -0.8) and -0.9 months (95% CI: -1.8, 0.0)), high maternal emotional distress (combined estimate: -1.5 months (95% CI: -2.5, -0.5) and -1.7 months (95% CI: -2.8, -0.7)), and both high maternal life stress and emotional distress (combined estimate: -2.8 months (95% CI: -4.2, -1.4) and -1.7 months (95% CI: -3.1, -0.2)) was associated with earlier pubertal timing in girls and boys, respectively. The associations were not mediated by childhood BMI or childhood psychosocial stress.
CONCLUSIONS
Prenatal exposure to maternal stress in pregnancy was associated with earlier pubertal timing in girls and boys in a dose-dependent manner. The associations were not mediated by childhood BMI or childhood psychosocial stress.
PubMed: 38848953
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.06.001