METHODS: We recruited PWE who received treatment at specialized medical facilities for epilepsy in Japan, Malaysia (Chinese, Malay), and Turkey from February to October 2023. The Epilepsy Self-Stigma Scales (ESSS), Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) in local languages were used to assess self-stigma, depressive symptoms, and anxiety.
RESULTS: The ESSS total scores were significantly higher among the Turkish and Japanese cohorts (F [3, 406] = 6.57, p self-stigma observed moderate positive correlations for depressive symptoms (rs = 0.41-0.50, Ps self-stigma, as found in the one-way ANOVA conducted across four cultures, were reduced when taking into consideration depressed symptoms. Our finding highlights the potential influence of mental health factors over cultural factors concerning self-stigma.
SIGNIFICANCE: The manifestation of self-stigmatization within epilepsy exhibits distinctions across diverse cultural cohorts, regardless of the demographic and clinical variation, yet demonstrates a significant correlation with psychological factors. In subsequent research endeavors, we should comprehensively investigate these subtle differences, their potential impact on patient care, and the development of supportive approaches.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This cross-cultural study reveals significant variations in self-stigma among people with epilepsy across different cultural contexts, with Turkish and Japanese cohorts showing higher levels. Self-stigma demonstrated moderate positive correlations with depressive symptoms and anxiety across all cultures. Notably, differences in self-stigma were reduced when accounting for depressive symptoms, suggesting that mental health factors may have a stronger influence than cultural factors. These findings underscore the importance of considering both cultural and psychological aspects in developing targeted interventions to address self-stigma in epilepsy care.
METHODS: The study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional approach with 468 recently unemployed office workers in 2023. The participants ranged from ages 22 to 49 years and worked in different fields including technology, finance, consumer services, and infrastructure services.
RESULT: The results indicated severe to extremely severe mental health symptoms, with 54.5%, 50.9%, and 38.9% of respondents reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Our results have shown that psychological capital can significantly predict mental health issues including depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation. Self-esteem was found to play a moderating role in the relation between psychological capital and stress, depression, and suicidal ideation but not anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS: Businesses or government agencies should provide mental health support for unemployed workers. Employees should realize that they must improve their psychological capital and self-esteem to propose mental well-being in the post-pandemic period.
OBJECTIVE: This study developed, implemented and evaluated the outcome of a chemotherapy counseling module among oncology patients by pharmacists based on their psychological effects (depression, anxiety) and selfesteem.
METHODS: A randomized, single blind, placebo controlled study was conducted among 162 patients undergoing chemotherapy in a government hospital in Malaysia.
INTERVENTION: Counseling sessions were conducted using the 'Managing Patients on Chemotherapy' module for oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy at each treatment cycle.
OUTCOME: The outcome of repetitive chemotherapy counseling using the module was determined at baseline, first follow-up, second follow-up and third follow-up.
RESULTS: The findings revealed that there was significant improvement in the intervention group as compared to the control group with large effect size on depression (p = 0.001, partial η(2) = 0.394), anxiety (p = 0.001, partial η(2) = 0.232) and self-esteem (p = 0.001, partial η(2) = 0.541).
CONCLUSION: Repetitive counseling using the 'Managing Patients on Chemotherapy' module was found to be effective in improving psychological effects and self-esteem among patients undergoing chemotherapy.