Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 104 in total

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  1. Wang G, Sabran K
    Sci Rep, 2024 Feb 02;14(1):2759.
    PMID: 38308079 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53292-w
    It has been well established that pandemics affect mental health, yet few studies have been conducted in China regarding this issue following COVID-19's gradual decline and the recent H1N1 influenza outbreak. In response to this research gap, this investigation explores the risk factors linked to depression and anxiety symptoms among young adults in this specific setting. Data were collected via an online cross-sectional survey of 385 young adults living in Anyang city, Henan Province, China, between June 15 and July 21, 2023. Respondents were assessed for anxiety and depression symptoms using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales. Additionally, to examine the factors that influenced the study, we utilized an ordered logit regression model. Results revealed depression and anxiety prevalence rates of 33.3% and 21.6%, respectively. Several factors were found to increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety among young adults, including gender, age, education status, marital status, and attitudes towards epidemics. Participants' concerns about pandemics and viruses had a significant negative impact relationship on depression levels. Women report moderate to severe anxiety more frequently than men. An evident correlation can be observed between the educational attainment level and the influence of depression and anxiety.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  2. Ting YL, Ng TG
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):696-704.
    PMID: 38031209
    INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a chronic disorder resulting in skin depigmentation with reported global prevalence of 1-2%. This disease is often accompanied by psychosocial distress owing to the cosmetic disfigurement associated with it. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among adults with vitiligo in a local tertiary hospital. In addition, this study also evaluated the association of depression and anxiety with patients' characteristics.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among vitiligo patients aged 18 years and older in Hospital Klang, Selangor between October 2021 and June 2022. Assessment instruments used were Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Demographic data and clinical characteristics of vitiligo patients were recorded.

    RESULTS: Of the 100 participants, 12 (12%) and 21 (21%) had depression and anxiety, respectively. The mean depression score (HADS-depression component) was 3.4 (SD 3.4) and mean anxiety score (HADS-anxiety component) was 4.7 (SD 3.9). There were significantly higher number of patients with abnormal HADS-D score in the age group of 35-51 years (p=0.029), single status (p=0.001), with employment (p=0.014) and disease duration <2 years (p=0.004). Patients in the divorced/widowed group had a significant association with anxiety (p=0.011).

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of depression was 12% while anxiety was 21% in our cohort. Vitiligo has a significant psychosocial impact, thus clinicians should actively evaluate the mental health of these patients with the use of screening tools such as HADS and provide appropriate referrals and management.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  3. Wang S, Zhang Q, Goh PH, Hu J, Liu X, Du J, et al.
    J Clin Psychol Med Settings, 2023 Sep;30(3):645-653.
    PMID: 36385422 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09927-z
    Breast cancer impacts not only the physical and mental health of patients but also the people around them-especially their caregivers. This study examined the relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and caregiver burden in breast cancer patients through the mediating pathway of anxiety and depression.

    METHODS: A total of 236 breast cancer patients from China completed the Chinese Version of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (PSS), the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Chinese version of the General Anxiety Symptoms Scale (GAD-7). In addition, caregivers of these breast cancer patients were surveyed by the Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire (CSAQ).

    RESULTS: Structural equation model showed that our model fitted well [χ2 /df = 1.966, TLI = 0.959, CFI = 0.994, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.065 (0-0.12)] and revealed that anxiety, but not depression, mediated the relationship between PTSS in breast cancer patients and caregiver burden.

    CONCLUSION: The level of PTSS was positively correlated with anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients, and the level of anxiety and depression was positively related to caregiver burden. The PTSS of patients positively predicted caregiver burden and this relationship appears to be mediated by the patient's anxiety.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  4. N Fountoulakis K, N Karakatsoulis G, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol, 2023 Sep;58(9):1387-1410.
    PMID: 36867224 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02438-8
    INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to investigate the rates of anxiety, clinical depression, and suicidality and their changes in health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data came from the larger COMET-G study. The study sample includes 12,792 health professionals from 40 countries (62.40% women aged 39.76 ± 11.70; 36.81% men aged 35.91 ± 11.00 and 0.78% non-binary gender aged 35.15 ± 13.03). Distress and clinical depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm, respectively.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses, and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables.

    RESULTS: Clinical depression was detected in 13.16% with male doctors and 'non-binary genders' having the lowest rates (7.89 and 5.88% respectively) and 'non-binary gender' nurses and administrative staff had the highest (37.50%); distress was present in 15.19%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics, and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (24.64% vs. 9.62%; p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  5. Mansor M, Chong MC, Chui PL, Hamdan M, Lim CC
    Psychol Health Med, 2023 Jul;28(6):1549-1561.
    PMID: 36120729 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2124288
    This scoping review describes the research-based mindfulness intervention on anxiety, distress, and depression. The search strategy retrieved articles published in English from 2014 to 2019 and were retrieved across Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. The PRISMA-Scr checklist is a tool to evaluate the quality of the articles. The selection criteria initially included all original articles in English, with 1,527 that were related to mindfulness intervention for anxiety, distress, and depression. A total of 490 full texts were retrieved, and after the abstracts were reviewed, 124 full-text articles were included for eligibility, and the final eight studies were determined. The articles were reviewed and screened for relevance to mindfulness intervention in reducing anxiety, distress, and depression among those with chronic diseases. The results have shown that mindfulness intervention reduces anxiety, distress, and depression among patients with chronic diseases. The review contributes further insight into the fact that mindfulness intervention is also appropriate for other conditions to facilitate reducing psychological symptoms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  6. Siau CS, Chan CMH, Wee LH, Wahab S, Visvalingam U, Chen WS, et al.
    Omega (Westport), 2023 Jun;87(2):469-484.
    PMID: 34096373 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211021746
    We examined whether burnout, depression, anxiety, stress, lifetime suicidal ideation, self-efficacy in preventing suicide and demographic factors predicted the understanding of and willingness to help suicidal patients among hospital healthcare workers. A total of 368 healthcare workers from the major surgical and medical departments in a general hospital setting were recruited. Participants responded to the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, Self-efficacy in Suicide Prevention, and Understanding Suicide Attempt Patient Scale. Those from the psychiatric department, with higher suicide prevention self-efficacy, and lower personal accomplishment indicated more understanding and helpful attitudes; doctors, depressed and anxious healthcare workers reported less understanding and helpful attitudes. Suicide prevention efforts must be conducted in tandem with equipping and supporting the healthcare workers who manage suicidal patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  7. Ladwig KH, Johar H, Miller I, Atasoy S, Goette A
    Sci Rep, 2023 Mar 31;13(1):5284.
    PMID: 37002346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32412-y
    The Covid-19 pandemic during its early phases posed significant psychological threats particularly for medical frontline personal. It is unclear whether the medical workforce with the passage of time has adapted to these threats or have generalized to wider medical settings. An online survey was conducted reaching 1476 physicians in Germany with valid data from 1327 participants. Depression and anxiety were screened with the PHQ-2 and the GAD-2. Among a subtotal of 1139 (86.6%) physicians reporting personal treatment experiences with Covid-19 patients, 553 (84.8%) worked in a private practice (PP) and 586 (88.3%) in a hospital (HP). Covid-19 provoked profound conflicts between professional and ethical values: more physicians in PPs than HPs reported external constraints on their medical care being in conflict with the code of medical ethics (39.1 vs. 34.4%, p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  8. Tan KP, Ang JK, Koh EBY, Pang NTP, Mat Saher Z
    PMID: 36901243 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054232
    Caregivers of People with dementia (PwD) commonly experience burdens and other mental health issues, e.g., depression and anxiety. At present, there are limited studies that examine the relationships between caregiver psychological factors and caregiver burden, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Therefore, this study's objectives were to examine the relationships between psychological flexibility and mindfulness in caregivers of PwD, and to determine the predictors of these three outcomes. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the geriatric psychiatry clinic of Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia, and the sample (n = 82) was recruited via a universal sampling method over three months. The participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of the sociodemographics of the PwD and caregivers, illness characteristics of the PwD, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Zarit Burden Interview Scale (ZBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The results show that despite significant relationships between psychological flexibility and mindfulness and lower levels of caregiver burden, and depressive and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.01), only psychological inflexibility (p < 0.01) remained as a significant predictor of the three outcomes. Therefore, in conclusion, intervention programs that target the awareness of the caregiver's psychological inflexibility should be implemented to alleviate these adverse outcomes in dementia caregivers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  9. Tan ST, Lee L
    Psychol Health Med, 2023 Feb;28(2):419-426.
    PMID: 35638111 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2083643
    Total lockdown caused deleterious mental health to many, resulting from a sudden change in daily routine, working and self-isolation at home, and job and income losses. Therefore, the current study aims to assess the social determinants of self-reported psychological distress in Malaysian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Snowball and purposive sampling approaches were adopted to enroll potential respondents. Respondents were required to self-report gender, age, ethnicity, educational attainment, marital status, number of dependents, and the presence of clinically diagnosed psychological disorders. Psychological distress during the pandemic was assessed using 21-item of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). The findings revealed that respondents with primary/secondary educational attainment were 1.962 times (95% CI: 1.018-3.781, p= 0.044) more likely to suffer from depression than those with tertiary educational attainment. Conversely, the Malaysian Indians had significantly lower odds for depression compared to Malaysian Malays (AOR = 0.538, 95% CI: 0.302-0.957, p= 0.035). Likewise, females were found to have significantly greater odds for anxiety (AOR = 2.369, 95% CI: 1.317-4.260, p= 0.004) and stress (AOR = 1.976, 95% CI: 1.007-3.879, p = 0.048) than males. Being single was at significantly higher odds for anxiety (AOR = 2.032, 95% CI: 1.133-3.646, p= 0.017) during the pandemic. This study highlights the urgency to address the escalated psychological distress in Malaysian adults during the pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  10. Tan YQ, Wang Z, Yap QV, Chan YH, Ho RC, Hamid ARAH, et al.
    Ann Surg, 2023 Jan 01;277(1):50-56.
    PMID: 33491983 DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000004775
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of psychological impact among surgical providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The COVID-19 pandemic has extensively impacted global healthcare systems. We hypothesized that the degree of psychological impact would be higher for surgical providers deployed for COVID-19 work, certain surgical specialties, and for those who knew of someone diagnosed with, or who died, of COVID-19.

    METHODS: We conducted a global web-based survey to investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19. The primary outcomes were the depression anxiety stress scale-21 and Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores.

    RESULTS: A total of 4283 participants from 101 countries responded. 32.8%, 30.8%, 25.9%, and 24.0% screened positive for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD respectively. Respondents who knew someone who died of COVID-19 were more likely to screen positive for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD (OR 1.3, 1.6, 1.4, 1.7 respectively, all P < 0.05). Respondents who knew of someone diagnosed with COVID-19 were more likely to screen positive for depression, stress, and PTSD (OR 1.2, 1.2, and 1.3 respectively, all P < 0.05). Surgical specialties that operated in the head and neck region had higher psychological distress among its surgeons. Deployment for COVID- 19-related work was not associated with increased psychological distress.

    CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic may have a mental health legacy outlasting its course. The long-term impact of this ongoing traumatic event underscores the importance of longitudinal mental health care for healthcare personnel, with particular attention to those who know of someone diagnosed with, or who died of COVID-19.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  11. Wong SS, Wong CC, Ng KW, Bostanudin MF, Tan SF
    PLoS One, 2023;18(1):e0280680.
    PMID: 36696454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280680
    INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess the impacts of COVID-19 pandemics among university students in Malaysia, by identifying the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among them and their respective predictors.

    METHODOLOGY: An online cross-sectional study was conducted via non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, COVID-19 related influences. Mental health status was assessed with depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21).

    RESULTS: 388 students participated this study (72.4% female; 81.7% Bachelor's student). The prevalence of moderate to severe depression, anxiety and stress among university students are 53.9%, 66.2% and 44.6%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that the odds of depression were lower among students who exercise at least 3 times per week (OR: 0.380, 95% CI: 0.203-0.711). The odd ratio of student who had no personal history of depression to had depression, anxiety and stress during this pandemic was also lower in comparison (OR: 0.489, 95% CI: 0.249-0.962; OR: 0.482, 95% CI: 0.241-0.963; OR: 0.252, 95% CI: 0.111-0.576). Surprisingly, students whose are currently pursuing Master study was associated with lower stress levels (OR: 0.188, 95% CI: 0.053-0.663). However, student who had poorer satisfaction of current learning experience were more likely to experience stress (OR: 1.644, 95% CI: 1.010-2.675).

    LIMITATIONS: It is impossible to establish causal relationships between variables on mental health outcomes, and there is a risk of information bias.

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of mental health issues among university students is high. These findings present essential pieces of predictive information when promoting related awareness among them.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  12. Pachaiappan S, Tee MY, Low WY
    Int J Clin Exp Hypn, 2023;71(4):338-349.
    PMID: 37611140 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2023.2246512
    Test anxiety comprises cognitive, physiological, and behavioral reactions due to anxiety about failure or a lower academic performance score on an exam or evaluation. This study examined the effect of self-hypnosis on reducing test anxiety among upper secondary school students using a quantitative methodology with a pre-experimental design. The prevalence of test anxiety was measured using the Friedben Test Anxiety Scale (FTAS) and students' demographic data were collected. Twenty-two 16-year-old students with moderate to high test anxiety were selected for a self-hypnosis intervention over a period of 5 weeks. The FTAS questionnaire was administered 4 times: at baseline, 3rd week, 5th week, and at follow-up (3 weeks after the intervention). Students' test anxiety differences were statistically significant across 4 time points. Self-hypnosis intervention decreased students' overall test anxiety scores and in the 3 constructs: social, cognitive, and tenseness. The outcomes indicate that self-hypnosis training can help students cope with test anxiety and should be further explored for managing test anxiety in school settings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  13. Mir IA, Ng SK, Mohd Jamali MNZ, Jabbar MA, Humayra S
    PLoS One, 2023;18(1):e0280562.
    PMID: 36662687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280562
    BACKGROUND: Young adults, particularly university students might be at greater risk of developing psychological distress, and exhibiting symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary objective of this study was to explore and compare the determinants and predictors of mental health (anxiety and depression) during and after the COVID-19 lockdown among university students.

    METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a sample size of 417 students. An online survey utilizing International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was distributed to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman students via Google forms.

    RESULTS: During lockdown, family income [χ2 (1, n = 124) = 5.155, p = 0.023], and physical activity (PA) [χ2 (1, n = 134) = 6.366, p = 0.012] were associated with anxiety, while depression was associated with gender [χ2 (1, n = 75) = 4.655, p = 0.031]. After lockdown, family income was associated with both anxiety [χ2 (1, n = 111) = 8.089, p = 0.004], and depression [χ2 (1, n = 115) = 9.305, p = 0.002]. During lockdown, family income (OR = 1.60, p = 0.018), and PA (OR = 0.59, p = 0.011) were predictors for anxiety, while gender (OR = 0.65, p = 0.046) was a predictor for depression. After lockdown, family income was a predictor for both anxiety (OR = 1.67, p = 0.011), and depression (OR = 1.70, p = 0.009).

    CONCLUSION: Significant negative effects attributed to the COVID-19 lockdown, and certain factors predisposed to the worsening of mental health status in university students. Low family income, PA, and female gender were the major determinants and predictors linked to anxiety and depression.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  14. Islam A, Mahbuba P, Ahmed T, Haque S
    PLoS One, 2023;18(3):e0283422.
    PMID: 36952537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283422
    BACKGROUND: People worldwide have experienced various mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the modifiable and nonmodifiable predictors of anxiety, depression, and stress among Bangladeshi participants after one year of the pandemic.

    METHOD: A large group of adult participants (N = 1897), recruited from eight administrative divisions in Bangladesh, completed an online survey in May and June 2021 when the Movement Control Order was in place. We used the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Perceived Stress Scale-4 to assess the participants' anxiety, depression, and stress. We also gave the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and Life-Orientation Test-Revised to assess mindfulness and optimism.

    RESULTS: The results revealed that the prevalence rates for anxiety and depression were 62.5% and 45.3%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that several nonmodifiable factors, such as those who were students, unmarried and females, and those living in the Northern region (Rajshahi and Mymensingh division) and dwelling in the rural areas, suffered from worse mental health (accounted for 5%-23% of the variances in the mental health outcome scores). Modifiable factors accounted for an additional 10%-25% of the variances in the same outcome variables. Adults with higher mindfulness and optimism, living in the country's Southern region (Chattogram division) and those who took both vaccine doses and had no history of mental illness reported better mental health.

    CONCLUSION: Anxiety, depression, and stress remained high in Bangladeshi adults after one year of the pandemic. The community-based interventions should aim to increase the mindfulness and optimism levels among the sufferers. More accelerated vaccination programs across the country could protect people from suffering from overall mental distress.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  15. Mat Zain NS, Lee LK
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Dec 06;19(23).
    PMID: 36498443 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316371
    Aquaculture is seen as an essential food-producing sector for improving global food security and nutrition indices. This cross-sectional study examined the health complaints and mental health status of aquaculture workers, as well as their relationship with quality of life, with respect to the brackish water and freshwater aquaculture cultivation system in Penang, Malaysia. The workers’ health complaints were collected, and mental health status was evaluated as means of depression, anxiety, stress and self-esteem. Self-perceived quality of life was assessed using a structured questionnaire. This study involved the participation of 88 brackish water (84.6%) and 16 freshwater (15.4%) aquaculture workers. A total of 72.7% of the brackish water aquaculture workers were aged beyond 50 years old and had worked within five years (77.3%) in the aquaculture industry. Both brackish water and freshwater cultivation workers were confronted with fatigue, pain and insomnia. Up to 48%, 40.4%, 26% and 24% of them were facing depression, anxiety, stress and low self-esteem, respectively. A total of 3.4% of the brackish water aquaculture workers were having bad quality of life. The complaints of neck/shoulder/arm pain (F = 13.963; p < 0.001), back pain (F = 10.974; p < 0.01), hand/wrist pain (F = 8.041; p < 0.01), knee/hip pain (F = 12.910; p < 0.01) and insomnia (F = 10.936; p < 0.01) were correlated with bad quality of life among the workers. For mental health status, self-esteem (F = 4.157; p < 0.05) was found to be negatively correlated with quality of life scores. The results outlined the concerning level of health complaints and psychological distress among the aquaculture workers. The study emphasized the importance of developing an appropriate occupational health strategy in the aquaculture industry. Longitudinal investigations aimed to explore the effects of psychological distress on employment productivity among the high-risk workers are warranted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  16. Ostovar S, Modarresi Chahardehi A, Mohd Hashim IH, Othman A, Kruk J, Griffiths MD
    Eur J Cancer Care (Engl), 2022 Nov;31(6):e13669.
    PMID: 35934684 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13669
    Psychological distress (including depression and anxiety) is common in the first years of cancer diagnosis but can differ by country and region. The aim of the present paper was to review the prevalence of psychological distress among cancer patients in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region. A systematic literature search was carried out using several databases (i.e., PubMed, PsychARTICLES, Embase, CINAHI, Web of Sciences, Plus, Scopus, and AHMED). Papers originally published in English language were taken into consideration if they (i) were published from 2010 to 2021 and (ii) reported the prevalence of psychological distress among patients with different types of cancer. A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently employed psychometric instrument for anxiety and depression screening was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The prevalence of anxiety (ranging from 7% to 88%) was wider than that of depression (ranging from 3% to 65.5%) among patients with different types of cancer and living in various countries in the SEA region. The overall prevalence rate of psychological distress among cancer patients from the SEA region was not fundamentally very different from that of general populations. These findings provide useful information for health professionals and cancer patients to understand the negative role of psychological distress in quality of life and health. The research findings demonstrate the importance of counselling for psychological distress among cancer patients as means of effectively resolving their psychological problems and ultimately improving the quality of oncology medical care. Clinical recommendations for cancer management should incorporate the early identification of (and therapy for) psychological distress, as well as their monitoring during treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  17. Mutang JA, Chua BS, Hon KY, Siau CS, Wider W, Ismail R
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 07;19(18).
    PMID: 36141527 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811258
    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact not only on healthcare systems and economic threats but also on relationships. Due to the massive measures of the Movement Control Order, such as social distancing, strictly limited physical activities, and making adjustments to working from home-merged with the pandemic's fear-romantic partners may face challenges that affect the quality of their relationships. The purpose of this study was to (i) identify stressors experienced by participants during the COVID-19 lockdown, (ii) evaluate participants'psychological well-being before and during the lockdown, and (iii) see if participants' perceived relationship quality differed before and during the lockdown. An online self-report questionnaire was used to recruit 334 adults (58.1 percent female, 41.9 percent male) with partners (married = 304, engaged = 12, and in committed relationships = 17). Participants were asked about stressors they encountered as a result of COVID-19 using an open-ended question. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) were used to assess mental health, and the Perceived Relationship Quality Component (PRQC) Inventory was used to assess relationship quality. According to the findings, the top three common stressors reported by participants were financial problems, restricted movement, and fear of COVID-19 infection. Participants reported significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression during the lockdown than before. The findings also revealed that participants' relationship quality improved during the lockdown compared to before the lockdown. The current study contributes by providing information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the quality of couples' relationships during the pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  18. Sugawara D, Chishima Y, Kubo T, Shah RIABRR, Phoo EYM, Ng SL, et al.
    J Affect Disord, 2022 Aug 15;311:500-507.
    PMID: 35561884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.032
    BACKGROUND: The current study examined how psychological resilience acted as a buffer against mental health deterioration during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We conducted an online survey in four countries (Japan, Malaysia, China, and the U.S.) to examine how psychological resilience functions toward the maintenance of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    METHODS: We collected data from 1583 citizens from four countries via an online survey between October 14 and November 2, 2020. We gathered demographic data and measured mental distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) and fear of COVID-19. Data on sense of control, ego-resilience, grit, self-compassion, and resilience indicators were also collected.

    RESULTS: Sense of control was negatively associated with mental distress in all four countries. Self-compassion was negatively associated with mental distress in the samples from Japan, China, and the U.S. We also found an interaction effect for sense of control: the lower the sense of control, the stronger the deterioration of mental distress when the fear of COVID-19 was high.

    LIMITATIONS: This study's cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences. Further, lack of data from people who were actually infected with the virus limits comparisons of people who were and were not infected. Finally, as this study only compared data from four countries, comparisons with more countries are needed.

    CONCLUSIONS: A sense of control and self-compassion may help buffer against mental health deterioration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sense of control was consistently associated with mental health across cultures.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  19. A Wahab I, Goh KW, Zainal ZA, Mohamed Yusof NS, Huri HZ, Jacob SA, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Aug 05;19(15).
    PMID: 35954990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159629
    The global depression burden has remained a challenge throughout the pre- and post-pandemic era. The pandemic effect has led to the spiraling of mental disorders among young people who will be the next generation of leaders. This study aims to identify university students’ sociodemographic, psychosocial and academic backgrounds and performance associated with depression symptoms for the development of primary and secondary preventive strategies for mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to 19 institutions in Malaysia offering a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree program. The self-rated Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42) was used to assess depression symptoms. Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the investigated variables with depression symptoms. Independent T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare means of depression score across variables. Binary logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between the investigated variables and depression symptoms. A total of 610 pharmacy students participated, of which 47% (n = 289/610) were having depression symptoms. Students who smoke nicotine and those who have separated parents, family history of mental illness, and poor academic performance were associated with depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Differences in geographical areas, race and religion also showed significant associations with depression symptoms. Parental marital status, poor academic performance, history of mental illness and comorbidities were statistically predicting depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Primary preventive strategies allowing students to harness healthy coping skills for stress, nicotine-free campaigns and a holistic curriculum are warranted. Secondary measures on mindfulness and compassion skills activities to benefit students who experienced early life crises are highly recommended. Enforcing these targeted strategies in collaboration with health and social sectors should be the primary agenda of universities to ensure their uptake.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
  20. Karibayeva I, Turdaliyeva B, Zainal NZ, Bagiyarova F, Kussainova D
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2022 Aug 01;23(8):2813-2819.
    PMID: 36037138 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.8.2813
    INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of breast cancer is associated with high psychological distress. There is a lack of studies examining the prevalence of anxiety among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in Kazakhstan.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the mean prevalence and associated sociodemographic and clinical factors of anxiety symptoms in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. It also aims to determine independent predictors of anxiety risk.

    METHODS: An analysis of 162 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at the oncology institute in Almaty was performed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on social, demographic, and clinical information, as well as the Beck Anxiety Inventory. In addition, multiple regression analysis was used to model the relationship between anxiety risk and independent predictors.

    RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 54.41 years (SD=8.1; min.-max: 32-75). The majority of the patients were married (52%), employed or self-employed (51%), had children (91%), had a bachelor's or a graduate degree (50%), lived in an urban area (54%), did not drink (41%), did not smoke (67%), did not engage in physical activity (54%), and had social support (91%). A total of 48% of patients had symptoms of moderate anxiety, and 33% had symptoms of severe anxiety. Based on the multivariate analysis, factors associated with a lower risk of anxiety symptoms included higher household income (OR -2.21 (95 CI: -1.35, -3.07)) and having reliable social support (OR -2.93 (95% CI: -2.25, -3.61)).

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anxiety symptoms is very high among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Anxiety is more likely to develop in patients from low-income households and those without reliable social support.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/psychology
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