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Children (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Cyberbullying has emerged as a pervasive problem among high school students, with potentially severe consequences for their mental well-being. This study aimed to...
Cyberbullying has emerged as a pervasive problem among high school students, with potentially severe consequences for their mental well-being. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and associations of cyberbullying with stress and mental well-being among high school students in Zagazig, Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 562 high school students using a random sampling technique. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included the Cyberbullying Scale, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Descriptive statistics, independent samples -tests, multiple regression, mediation, and logistic regression analyses were employed for data analysis. The prevalence of cyberbullying victimization was 38.3%, with 20.6% exposed to two or three cyberbullying behaviors and 4.1% exposed to four or more. Female students, those under 18 years old, those with lower educational achievement, and those with higher daily internet use were more likely to experience cyberbullying. Cyberbullied students reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress and poorer mental well-being compared to non-cyberbullied students. Perceived stress likely mediated the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and general psychological health. Cyberbullying is a significant problem among high school students in Zagazig, Egypt, with detrimental effects on their stress levels and mental well-being. Targeted interventions and prevention strategies are needed to address cyberbullying and promote the well-being of adolescents in the digital age.
PubMed: 38929214
DOI: 10.3390/children11060634 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are often associated with impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, a critical pathophysiological alteration in CVDs and an important... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are often associated with impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, a critical pathophysiological alteration in CVDs and an important target for therapeutic interventions. Recent studies have revealed the potential of inorganic nitrite and nitrate as sources of NO, offering promising alternatives for managing various cardiovascular conditions. It is now becoming clear that taking advantage of enzymatic pathways involved in nitrite reduction to NO is very relevant in new therapeutics. However, recent studies have shown that nitrite may be bioactivated in the acidic gastric environment, where nitrite generates NO and a variety of S-nitrosating compounds that result in increased circulating S-nitrosothiol concentrations and S-nitrosation of tissue pharmacological targets. Moreover, transnitrosation reactions may further nitrosate other targets, resulting in improved cardiovascular function in patients with CVDs. In this review, we comprehensively address the mechanisms and relevant effects of nitrate and nitrite-stimulated gastric S-nitrosothiol formation that may promote S-nitrosation of pharmacological targets in various CVDs. Recently identified interfering factors that may inhibit these mechanisms and prevent the beneficial responses to nitrate and nitrite therapy were also taken into consideration.
PubMed: 38929130
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060691 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Gambling is a popular leisure activity in many countries, often expected to boost regional economies. Nevertheless, its negative impacts remain a significant concern....
BACKGROUND
Gambling is a popular leisure activity in many countries, often expected to boost regional economies. Nevertheless, its negative impacts remain a significant concern. Gambling disorder is recognized as the most severe consequence; however, even non- or low-risk gamblers may also face negative impacts. This study aimed to estimate the number of Japanese gamblers experiencing gambling-related harm (GRH) and its distribution across six life domains, financial, relational, emotional, health, social and other aspects, based on the severity of their problem gambling risk.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study relied on an online survey conducted between August 5 and 11, 2020. Participants aged 20 years and above, who engaged in gambling during 2019 were recruited via a market research company. The survey assessed the prevalence of GRH 72 items among four gambler risk groups (non-problem, low-, moderate-, and high-risk), as categorized by the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The data was adjusted for population weighting using representative national survey data: the 2017 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions and the 2017 Epidemiological Survey on Gambling Addictions.
RESULTS
Out of the 28,016 individuals invited to the survey, 6,124 participated in the screening, 3,113 in the main survey, and 3,063 provided valid responses. After adjusting the survey data, it was estimated that 39.0 million (30.8%) of Japan's 126.8 million citizens gambled in 2019. Among them, 4.44 million (11.4%) experienced financial harm, 2.70 million (6.9%) health harm, 2.54 million (6.5%) emotional harm, 1.31 million (3.4%) work/study harm, 1.28 million (3.3%) relationship harm, and 0.46 million (1.2%) other harm. Although high-risk gamblers experienced severe harm at the individual level, over 60% of gamblers who experienced GRHs were non- and low-risk gamblers, with the exception of other harm, at the population level.
CONCLUSIONS
The study highlighted the prevention paradox of gambling in Japan. While national gambling policies primarily focus on the prevention and intervention for high-risk gamblers, a more effective approach would involve minimizing GRH across the entire population.
Topics: Humans; Gambling; Japan; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Adult; Female; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Aged; Cost of Illness; Prevalence
PubMed: 38926686
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19197-z -
Nursing Reports (Pavia, Italy) Jun 2024The use of standardized patient simulation in psychiatric nursing education addresses the unique challenges presented by mental healthcare settings. Students' attitudes...
The use of standardized patient simulation in psychiatric nursing education addresses the unique challenges presented by mental healthcare settings. Students' attitudes toward clinical simulation remain predominantly favorable, with many expressing enthusiasm for the opportunities it provides in terms of embracing challenges, enhancing realism, and promoting critical thinking through problem solving, decision-making, and adaptability. This quantitative study used a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlation design to investigate the effectiveness of standardized patient simulation as a teaching method in the Psychiatric and Mental Health nursing course in a university setting. A total of 84 nursing students were recruited for the convenience sample. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire survey which included the following: a demographic data sheet, the Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning Scale, and a narrative open-ended question asking the participants to write the advantages and disadvantages of their simulation experience. Data were analyzed using the statistical software JMP pro17. The total satisfaction with learning subscale score ranged between 5 and 25 with a mean score of 19.36 ± 6.32. The total self-confidence subscale score ranged between 8 and 40 with a mean score of 30.87 ± 9.1. Pearson's correlation coefficient r revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between the participants' satisfaction with the learning experience and their self-confidence (t = 0.923, < 0.0001). Approximately 91.7% of the students recommended using simulation. The results confirmed the students' recommendations of simulation use in teaching psychiatric and mental health courses; furthermore, the results showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the total SSLS ( = 0.01) and satisfaction with learning subscale (0.003). Participants reported that authentic, practical, comfortable, and safe learning environments contributed to an enriched learning experience. Additionally, factors such as timesaving, access to information, cost-effectiveness, standardized teaching, varied exposure, skill development, and immediate feedback also enhanced the learning experience through patient simulation in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Simulations can contribute efficiently and positively to psychiatric and mental health nursing education in a manner that optimizes the learning experience while ensuring the consistency of student learning in a safe learning environment.
PubMed: 38921717
DOI: 10.3390/nursrep14020107 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Child abuse is a global problem. Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a result of child abuse, with shaking being the most common form of maltreatment, causing mortality or...
Child abuse is a global problem. Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a result of child abuse, with shaking being the most common form of maltreatment, causing mortality or severe brain damage in infants. A lack of awareness of SBS among current and future healthcare professionals can have serious consequences. To date, no studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to examine student nurses' awareness of SBS, so we sought to assess this issue in an academic institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For this questionnaire-based study, we employed a cross-sectional, descriptive design. The target population was nursing students from every year of study in the institution's five-year undergraduate nursing programme, who received an online questionnaire during the 2022-2023 academic year. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Of the 293 respondents, 100.0% confirmed that they were not aware of SBS through their nursing curricula, and 62.1% reported not being made aware of SBS at all during their academic journey. The majority of participants were unaware of the negative consequences of shaking a baby. Most were not aware that shaking a baby vigorously can cause permanent blindness (73.4%), postural impairments (56.7%), sleep disorders (61.1%), or convulsions (60.1%). The results of our study revealed a statistically significant relationship between nursing students' awareness of SBS and both their year of study and marital status. Those at higher academic levels and those who were married were more aware of SBS. To improve nursing students' knowledge of SBS and help them to better inform the public of this syndrome, particularly parents, child maltreatment topics should be added to nursing curricula in Saudi Arabia, and their importance should be emphasised. This will help reduce the prevalence and burden of SBS nationally.
PubMed: 38921317
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121203 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024(1) Background: While medication and various forms of psychotherapy are common treatments for severe mental illness, peer support programs have also proven to be... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: While medication and various forms of psychotherapy are common treatments for severe mental illness, peer support programs have also proven to be effective in managing mental disorders. These programs, which involve individuals with similar experiences in navigating mental health challenges, aim to improve coping skills and foster supportive community networks. However, despite the prevalent mention of peer support programs, especially those with supervision, there has been no systematic review or meta-analysis of peer support supervision. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the forms and effectiveness of peer support programs for individuals with severe mental illnesses. (2) Methods: A literature search focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between February 2003 and January 2024 was conducted. (3) Results: Sixteen RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria and involving a total of 4008 participants were reviewed. These studies utilized various peer support program strategies, with eight studies included in the qualitative analysis. The combined effect sizes for depressive symptoms (d = 0.12; 95% CI, -0.14, 0.37; = 0.37), empowerment (d = 1.17; 95% CI, -0.81, 3.15; = 0.25), quality of life (d = 0.70; 95% CI, -0.12, 1.52; = 0.09), psychiatric symptoms (d = -0.05; 95% CI, -0.20, 0.10; = 0.54), and self-efficacy (d = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05, 0.36; = 0.01) were assessed. (4) Conclusions: Our analysis emphasizes the need for further studies on peer support programs for individuals with severe mental illness, particularly those focused on self-efficacy outcomes across diverse geographic locations involving more countries and with larger scales to bolster the strength of the evidence.
PubMed: 38921293
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121179 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024(1) Background: There is a global demand for more psychiatric nurses, with nursing students' attitudes toward mental illness and working in mental health facilities...
(1) Background: There is a global demand for more psychiatric nurses, with nursing students' attitudes toward mental illness and working in mental health facilities playing a pivotal role in their career choices. This study aims to evaluate attitudes toward working in mental health facilities among undergraduate nursing students in Saudi Arabia, both before and after exposure to psychiatry courses, and examine their relationship with perceptions of mental illness. (2) Methods: A quantitative descriptive and correlational cross-sectional design was employed. Nursing students' attitudes toward working in mental health facilities were assessed using the Attitude Toward Psychiatry 18 (ATP-18) questionnaire and the Beliefs Toward Mental Illness (BMI) scale. (3) Results: No significant relationship has been found between the frequency of negative views of both ATP-18 and BMI, and exposure to the psychiatry course. However, nurses who completed the psychiatry course held more positive views towards psychiatrists and found psychiatric patients less demanding, were less likely to view psychological disorders as dangerous, more confident in trusting mentally ill colleagues, and felt less embarrassed by the term "psychological disorder" compared to those who had not taken the course. (4) Conclusion: Based on our findings, it is evident that exposure to psychiatric courses and training enhances the potential of nursing students to contribute effectively to the psychiatric field. Therefore, integrating mental health and illness community services training into nursing education programs can play a pivotal role in raising awareness and attracting students who may hold negative attitudes towards individuals with mental illness.
PubMed: 38921283
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121168 -
BMC Nursing Jun 2024Mental illness stigma is often common among mentally ill patients. This stigma can come from others or the patients themselves, which is called 'self-stigma'. The...
BACKGROUND
Mental illness stigma is often common among mentally ill patients. This stigma can come from others or the patients themselves, which is called 'self-stigma'. The present study explored the widespread impacts of self-stigma on adult patients with depression. Additionally, this review compared the severity of self-stigma levels among psychiatric disorders and to review and update thoughts about self-stigma of depression.
METHODS
An etiology and risk systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach as a guideline. The search process was performed via research databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. The inclusion criteria are studies include participants diagnosed with depressive disorders, both genders, participants' exposure to mental illness self-stigma, participants' experience of self-stigma consequences and any geographical site or clinical settings are included, the type of the included studies must be observational studies. The included studies were limited to the English language studies that were published from 2016 and onwards. Patients with depression under the age of eighteen and patients diagnosed with multiple mental illnesses were excluded. The JBI critical appraisal checklist were adopted to assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS
In December 2022, a comprehensive search yielded eight cross-sectional studies that were included in this systematic review, involving a total of 783 patients diagnosed with depression, and 28 studies were excluded for not fulfilling the inclusion criteria of the review. The findings were extracted and synthesized through textual narrative synthesis into three main categories negatively affected by self-stigma of depression. These are: (1) the impact on the quality of life, (2) the impact on self-esteem and (3) the impact on self-worth. Moreover, in regard to the comparison of self-stigma levels among psychiatric disorders, self-stigma for people with schizophrenia was higher than self-stigma of depression.
CONCLUSION
Self-stigma of depression has negatively impacted multiple aspects of the patient's life. Thus, the review brings the following recommendations: increase community awareness, educate the healthcare providers, include the topic of mental illness stigma in academic curriculums. The main limitation of the review is the limited number of included studies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The research proposal for this review has been registered to Prospero (ID number: CRD42022366555).
PubMed: 38918754
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02047-z -
BMC Psychiatry Jun 2024Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to complications such as depression and grief, which are more prevalent in veterans than in the general population.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to complications such as depression and grief, which are more prevalent in veterans than in the general population. Recently, art-making, including mandala coloring, has gained attention as a potential treatment for PTSD patients.
METHODS
This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 84 male veterans diagnosed with PTSD and hospitalized at the Milad Psychiatric Center in Tehran, Iran. The patients were recruited using a convenience sampling method and were assigned to either the mandala coloring group or the free coloring group. The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist DSM-5 and the Oxford Happiness Scale were used to collect data. The intervention group colored mandala designs, while the control group colored squares freely. Coloring was done twice a week for three weeks.
RESULTS
The mean baseline happiness scores did not differ significantly between mandala coloring group and free coloring group (p = 0.376). However, at the end of study, happiness scores were significantly higher in mandala coloring group than in free coloring group (p < 0.001). After the intervention, happiness score of both groups increased significantly (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Both coloring methods increased veterans' happiness scores; however, mandala coloring was more effective than free coloring. It is recommended that art-making be added to conventional treatments for veterans with PTSD.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study was registered in Iranian Registry of clinical trials (No. IRCT20210604051491N1, 29/08/2021).
Topics: Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Veterans; Male; Happiness; Iran; COVID-19; Adult; Middle Aged; Art Therapy
PubMed: 38918742
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05886-x -
BMC Nephrology Jun 2024Self-efficacy of patients on hemodialysis is considered a main component of the successful management of chronic kidney diseases. The self-efficacy of these patients may...
BACKGROUND
Self-efficacy of patients on hemodialysis is considered a main component of the successful management of chronic kidney diseases. The self-efficacy of these patients may be influenced by many individual and social factors. This study aimed to assess the association between perceived self-efficacy and social support by patients on hemodialysis treatment and the resilience of their families.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 183 patients and 183 families of hemodialysis patients in the largest hemodialysis center in northwest of Iran. Data was collected from July to December 2021 using chronic kidney disease self-efficacy, multidimensional perceived social support (MSPSS), and the Walsh family resilience questionnaire (WFRQ). The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
RESULTS
The findings showed that the mean score of patients' self-efficacy was 171.63 ± 38.19 in a possible range of 25 to 250. Moreover, the mean score of perceived social support was 62.12 ± 16.12 in a possible range of 7 to 84. The mean total score of family resilience was 119.08 ± 26.20 in a possible range of 32 to 84. Also, the results of the study showed a positive and significant relationship between the self-efficacy of patients with their perceived social support and the resilience of their families (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The results of the study showed that there is a significant relationship between patient self-efficacy and family resilience and social support received in chronic kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis. Therefore, it is suggested to consider practical strategies in the field of family resilience and social support to improve patients' self-efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Self Efficacy; Social Support; Cross-Sectional Studies; Renal Dialysis; Resilience, Psychological; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Family; Aged; Iran; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38918709
DOI: 10.1186/s12882-024-03629-4