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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 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jun 2024This study aims to investigate the Readiness for Return-to-Work (RRTW) of patients with head and neck tumours and to analyse the relationships among self-efficacy,...
PURPOSE
This study aims to investigate the Readiness for Return-to-Work (RRTW) of patients with head and neck tumours and to analyse the relationships among self-efficacy, disease uncertainty, psychosocial adaptation, and RRTW in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 259 HNC patients with a discharge length of ≥1 month at a tertiary hospital in Liaoning Province. The research tools included a self-designed general information questionnaire, the Readiness for Return-to-Work (RRTW) Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS), and the Self-Reporting Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS-SR). Descriptive statistical analysis, the rank sum test, Spearman correlation analysis, and ordered multiple and dichotomous logistic regression analyses were used.
RESULTS
The overall RRTW among HNC patients was low (41.9%). HNC patients who did not return to work were mainly in the precontemplation stage (38.1%) and contemplation stage (29.9%). HNC patients who returned to work were mainly in the active maintenance stage (64.2%). Children's status (OR = 0.218, 95% CI 0.068-0.703), self-efficacy (OR = 1.213, 95% CI 1.012-1.454), unpredictability (OR = 0.845, 95% CI 0.720-0.990), occupational environment (OR = 0.787, 95% CI 0.625-0.990), and family environment (OR = 0.798, 95% CI 0.643-0.990) influence the RRTW of HNC patients who have not returned to work. Educational level (OR = 62.196, 95% CI 63.307-68.567), children's status (OR = 0.058, 95% CI 1.004-2.547), self-efficacy (OR = 1.544, 95% CI 3.010-8.715), unpredictability (OR = 0.445, 95% CI 1.271-2.280), and psychological status (OR = 0.340, 95% CI 1.141-2.401) influence the RRTW of HNC patients who have returned to work.
CONCLUSION
Children's status, education level, self-efficacy, illness uncertainty, and psychosocial adjustment are crucial to RRTW. This study provides a theoretical basis for formulating intervention measures aimed at improving the RRTW of patients.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Return to Work; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Self Efficacy; Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adaptation, Psychological; Aged; China; Uncertainty
PubMed: 38850487
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08622-z -
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 -
ESMO Open Jun 2024Cancer patients with minor children but also their families suffer from significant psychological distress and comorbidity. Protective factors predicting successful...
BACKGROUND
Cancer patients with minor children but also their families suffer from significant psychological distress and comorbidity. Protective factors predicting successful coping are well known. Corresponding systematic interventions are rare and limited by access barriers. We developed a comprehensive family-centered intervention for cancer patients with at least one dependent minor.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Family-SCOUT represents a multicentric, prospective, interventional, and controlled study for families with parental cancer and their minor children. In the intervention group (IG), all family members were addressed using a care and case management approach for nine months. Families in the control group (CG) received standard of care. Participating parents were asked to complete the Hospital-Anxiety-Depression-Scale (HADS) questionnaire at enrolment (T0) and after 9 months (T2). The primary outcome was a clinically relevant reduction of distress in at least one parent per family, measured as minimal important difference (MID) of ≥1.6 in the HADS total score. The percentage of families achieving MID is compared between the IG and CG by exact Fisher's test, followed by multivariate confounder analyses.
RESULTS
T0-questionnaire of at least one parent was available for 424 of 472 participating families, T2-questionnaire after 9 months was available for 331 families (IG n = 175, CG n = 156). At baseline, both parents showed high levels of distress (HADS total: sick parents IG: 18.7 ± 8.1; CG: 16.0 ± 7.2; healthy partners: IG: 19.1 ± 7.9; CG: 15.2 ± 7.7). The intervention was associated with a significant reduction in parental distress in the IG (MID 70.4% in at least one parent) compared with the CG (MID 55.8%; P = 0.008). Adjustment for group differences from specific confounders retained significance (P = 0.047). Bias from other confounders cannot be excluded.
CONCLUSIONS
Parental cancer leads to a high psychosocial burden in affected families. Significant distress reduction can be achieved through an optimized and structured care approach directed at the family level such as family-SCOUT.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Child; Adult; Parents; Adaptation, Psychological; Surveys and Questionnaires; Stress, Psychological; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38848662
DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103493 -
Journal of American College Health : J... Jun 2024This study was aimed at examining the relationship between acculturation strategies and both psychological and socio-cultural adjustment, while concurrently assessing...
This study was aimed at examining the relationship between acculturation strategies and both psychological and socio-cultural adjustment, while concurrently assessing the moderating role of perceived second language proficiency. The premise was that proficiency in the host country's language could potentially facilitate successful acculturative outcomes. We used self-report measures to collect data on a sample of 237 international students in Los Angeles. A General Linear Model was applied for data analyses. Overall, integration emerged as the most adaptive acculturation strategy, whereas marginalization was identified as the least adaptive. Noteworthy, moderating effects were observed in the relationships between marginalization and life satisfaction, integration and socio-cultural adjustment, assimilation and psychological problems, as well as socio-cultural adjustment. Our findings lend support to the Integration Hypothesis, highlighting that adopting integration is associated with superior adaptive outcomes, also pointing out that the pattern of associations between acculturation strategies and both psychological and socio-cultural adjustment could fluctuate depending on the level of perceived second language proficiency.
PubMed: 38848413
DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2361310 -
Maternal and Child Health Journal Jun 2024This study investigates the impact of both maternal psychopathological factors and adaptive psychological changes within the couple on fetal growth, emphasizing the...
OBJECTIVE
This study investigates the impact of both maternal psychopathological factors and adaptive psychological changes within the couple on fetal growth, emphasizing the importance of evaluating pregnancy from the perspectives of the couple, the mother, and the fetus collectively. A "couple" in this context refers to heterosexual partners engaged in the pregnancy process together, whether married or in a stable relationship.
METHODS
We included 189 pregnant women in their first trimester, tracking maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, prenatal attachment, and the couple's adjustment level across each trimester. Fetal growth parameters measured include biparietal diameter, femur length, humerus length, abdomen circumference, head circumference, β-HCG, and amniotic fluid levels, with relationships between these variables being modeled accordingly.
RESULTS
Our findings indicate stable levels of maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, and couple's adjustment throughout the pregnancy, with a significant increase in prenatal attachment levels in each subsequent trimester. Prenatal attachment in the first trimester and maternal depression levels in the second and third trimesters were found to directly influence fetal growth, while other variables exhibited indirect effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Fetal growth is influenced by a myriad of biopsychosocial factors. Ensuring healthy pregnancy and fetal development necessitates close monitoring and support of the mother's adaptive psychological changes, early identification and treatment of potential psychopathologies, and maintenance of the psychosocial health of the couple.
PubMed: 38847991
DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03953-z -
Medicine Jun 2024This study aimed to investigate the different impacts of sensorial and mobility frailty on overall and domain-specific cognitive function. Further, the independent... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
This study aimed to investigate the different impacts of sensorial and mobility frailty on overall and domain-specific cognitive function. Further, the independent associations between other intricate capacity (IC) dimensions, including vitality and psychological dimensions, and overall and domain-specific cognitive function were investigated. A total of 429 participants (mean age, 72.91 ± 7.014 years; 57.30% female) underwent IC capacity assessment. Other covariates, such as demographics, health-related variables were also assessed. Overall or domain-specific cognitive impairment was used as a dependent variable in logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographic, health-related, and psychosocial confounders. After adjustment for demographic, health-related, and psychosocial confounders, individuals with sensorial frailty (odds ratio [OR] = 0.435; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.236-0.801; P = .008) had a significantly lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), marginally low delayed memory impairment (OR = 0.601, 95% CI = 0.347-1.040; P = .069), and language impairment (OR = 0.534, 95% CI = 0.305-0.936; OR = 0.318, P = .029; OR = 0.318,95% CI = 0.173-0.586; P < .001) by Boston naming and animal fluency tests than did those with both sensorial and mobility frailty or mobility frailty only. Depressive symptoms had a significant negative influence on executive function. Cardiovascular disease and non-skin malignancy were independent determinants of MCI, and diabetes mellitus was independently associated with processing speed, attention, and executive function. Sensorial and mobility frailty were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. Mobility frailty had a greater negative influence on the overall cognitive function and memory and language function than did sensorial frailty. The reserve decline in the psychological dimension of IC and chronic diseases also had a significant adverse influence on overall and domain-specific cognition function.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Aged; Cognitive Dysfunction; Independent Living; China; Cognition; Frailty; Frail Elderly; Aged, 80 and over; Geriatric Assessment; Cross-Sectional Studies; Mobility Limitation; East Asian People
PubMed: 38847667
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038500 -
JACC. Advances May 2024Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) can negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Strengthening resilience may improve this and other psychosocial outcomes important...
BACKGROUND
Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) can negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Strengthening resilience may improve this and other psychosocial outcomes important for living a meaningful life.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to describe resilience and key psychosocial health outcomes in ACHD and evaluate the associations between resilience and these outcomes.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective cohort study of outpatients with moderate or complex ACHD between May 2021 and June 2022. Participants completed surveys at baseline and 3 months, evaluating resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10), health-related QOL (EQ5D-3L, linear analog scale), health status (Euroqol visual analog scale), self-competence (Perceived Competence Scale), and psychological symptom burden (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and distress (Kessler-6).
RESULTS
The mean participant age (N = 138) was 41 ± 14 years, 51% were female, and 83% self-identified as non-Hispanic White. ACHD was moderate for 75%; 57% were physiologic class B. Mean baseline resilience score (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10) was 29.20 ± 7.54. Participants had relatively good health-related QOL, health status, and self-competence, and low psychological symptom burden and distress. Higher baseline resilience was associated with better values of all outcomes at 3 months (eg, 1 point higher resilience was associated with 0.92 higher linear analog scale; 95% CI: 0.52-1.32) with or without adjustment for demographics. After further adjusting for the baseline psychosocial measure, only the association between resilience and QOL measures at 3 months remained statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Resilience is positively associated with health-related QOL for outpatients with moderate or complex ACHD, though relationships are small in magnitude. Study findings can guide the application of resilience-building interventions to the ACHD population.
PubMed: 38846320
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100917