Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 422 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Ruhaila AR, Chong HC
    Med J Malaysia, 2018 08;73(4):226-232.
    PMID: 30121685 MyJurnal
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, correlates and independent predictors of self-reported depression, anxiety and stress in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Hospital Melaka.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey using convenient sampling of 192 RA patients who attended the Rheumatology Clinic outpatient appointment, Hospital Melaka from June 2013 to December 2013. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21) questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. RA disease activity was assessed using the DAS28-ESR formula. Functional status was assessed via the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI).

    RESULTS: Out of 189 completed questionnaires, 46%(n=86) patients reported psychological distress symptoms, and 25%(n=48) experienced more than one negative emotional states. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among our patients were 23.3%(n=44), 42.3%(n=80) and 20.1%(n=38) respectively. There were significant positive correlations (p<0.05) between these psychological symptoms with disease activity, number of tender joints, general health, pain and HAQ score. Age was inversely correlated with depression, anxiety and stress. Higher number of swollen joints correlated positively with depression but not with anxiety and stress. HAQ was the only independent predictor for depression (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.07; 95%CI: 1.19 to 3.61) and anxiety (OR=1.81; 95%CI: 1.1 to 3.0) whilst pain was found to be independent predictor for stress (OR=1.04; 95%CI: 1.0 to 1.1).

    CONCLUSION: The incidence of depression and anxiety in our Malaysian sample of RA patient was comparable to that observed in Caucasian populations. Functional status was an independent predictor of depression and anxiety, whereas pain was an independent predictor of stress.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology*; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology
  2. Ong SL, Abdullah KL, Danaee M, Soh KL, Soh KG, Lee DSK, et al.
    J Clin Nurs, 2019 Feb;28(3-4):641-649.
    PMID: 30182455 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14659
    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program on maternal stress and NICU-related maternal ability after the admission of premature infants to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

    BACKGROUND: Mothers of premature infants may face stress having premature infants, and their infants may be admitted to the NICU for a few weeks or months. The mothers' experience of stress would be worse if they have low knowledge and poor NICU-related maternal ability. Mothers of infants admitted to the NICU require well-planned interventions to cope with psychological matters arising after an infant hospitalisation.

    DESIGN: Quasi-experimental design.

    METHODS: A total of 216 mothers were consecutively assigned to control and intervention groups. Each group consisted of 108 mothers. The mothers in both groups received questionnaire concerning maternal stress and NICU-related ability during their first visit to NICU (within 48 hr of admission). A structured nursing intervention was implemented for 10 days on mothers in the intervention group. The control group continued to receive existing practice nursing care. Mothers of both groups were again given the questionnaire on maternal stress and NICU-related ability after 14 days of admission.

    RESULTS: In the intervention group, the difference between the mean total score of maternal stress and parental role and relationship subscale decreased significantly, compared to the control group (p = 0.04; p = 0.01) respectively. Maternal ability improved significantly in mothers in the intervention group 2 weeks postintervention, p stress and promote maternal NICU-related abilities.

    RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results of the study could help neonatal nurses to develop an appropriate nursing intervention for parents with premature infants in the NICU.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/nursing*; Stress, Psychological/prevention & control
  3. Beng TS, Yun LA, Yi LX, Yan LH, Peng NK, Kun LS, et al.
    Ann Palliat Med, 2019 Sep;8(4):401-410.
    PMID: 30943744 DOI: 10.21037/apm.2019.03.04
    BACKGROUND: The population of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) receiving dialysis treatment is increasing worldwide. For most patients with ESRF, dialysis can extend their life. However, treatment can be demanding and time-consuming. Despite dialysis treatment, many patients continue to experience various sufferings.

    METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of suffering of ESRF patients on maintenance dialysis in Malaysia. The results were thematically analyzed.

    RESULTS: Nineteen ESRF patients were interviewed. The themes and subthemes were: (I) physical suffering-physical symptoms and functional limitations, (II) psychological suffering-the emotions and thoughts of suffering, (III) social suffering-healthcare-related suffering and burdening of others and (IV) spiritual suffering-the queries of suffering.

    CONCLUSIONS: These findings may help healthcare professionals to fill in the gaps in the delivery of best renal palliative care.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology*; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology
  4. Chan CMH, Wong JE, Yeap LLL, Wee LH, Jamil NA, Swarna Nantha Y
    BMC Public Health, 2019 Jun 13;19(Suppl 4):608.
    PMID: 31196025 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6859-1
    BACKGROUND: 1Little is known of the extent of workplace bullying in Malaysia, despite its growing recognition worldwide as a serious public health issue in the workplace. Workplace bullying is linked to stress-related health issues, as well as socioeconomic consequences which may include absenteeism due to sick days and unemployment. We sought to examine the prevalence of workplace bullying and its association with socioeconomic factors and psychological distress in a large observational study of Malaysian employees.

    METHODS: This study employed cross-sectional, self-reported survey methodology. We used the 6-item Kessler screening scale (K6) to assess psychological distress (cutoff score ≥ 13, range 0-24, with higher scores indicating greater psychological distress). Participants self-reported their perceptions of whether they had been bullied at work and how frequently this occurred. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted with ever bullying and never bullying as dichotomous categories.

    RESULTS: There were a total of 5235 participants (62.3% female). Participant ages ranged from 18 to 85, mean ± standard deviation (M ± SD): 33.88 ± 8.83. A total of 2045 (39.1%) participants reported ever being bullied. Of these, 731 (14.0%) reported being subject to at least occasional bullying, while another 194 (3.7%) reported it as a common occurrence. Across all income strata, mean scores for psychological distress were significantly higher for ever bullied employees (M ± SD: 8.69 ± 4.83) compared to those never bullied (M ± SD: 5.75 ± 4.49). Regression analysis indicated significant associations (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/epidemiology*; Stress, Psychological/psychology
  5. Khor YM, Soga T, Parhar IS
    Gen Comp Endocrinol, 2016 Feb 1;227:84-93.
    PMID: 26686318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.12.004
    Early-life stress can cause long-term effects in the adulthood such as alterations in behaviour, brain functions and reproduction. DNA methylation is a mechanism of epigenetic change caused by early-life stress. Dexamethasone (DEX) was administered to zebrafish larvae to study its effect on reproductive dysfunction. The level of GnRH2, GnRH3, Kiss1 and Kiss2 mRNAs were measured between different doses of DEX treatment groups in adult zebrafish. Kiss1 and GnRH2 expression were increased in the 200mg/L DEX treated while Kiss2 and GnRH3 mRNA levels were up-regulated in the 2mg/L DEX-treated zebrafish. The up-regulation may be related to programming effect of DEX in the zebrafish larvae, causing overcompensation mechanism to increase the mRNA levels. Furthermore, DEX treatment caused negative impact on the development and maturation of the testes, in particular spermatogenesis. Therefore, immature gonadal development may cause positive feedback by increasing GnRH and Kiss. This indicates that DEX can alter the regulation of GnRH2, GnRH3, Kiss1 and Kiss2 in adult zebrafish, which affects maturation of gonads. Computer analysis of 1.5 kb region upstream of the 5' UTR of Kiss1, Kiss2, GnRH2 and GnRH3 promoter showed that there are putative binding sites of glucocorticoid response element and transcription factors involved in stress response. GnRH3 promoter analysed from pre-optic area, ventral telencephalon and ventral olfactory bulb showed higher methylation at CpG residues located on -1410, -1377 and -1355 between control and 2mg/L DEX-treated groups. Hence, early-life DEX treatment can alter methylation of GnRH3 gene promoter, which subsequently affects gene regulation and reproductive functions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/genetics*; Stress, Psychological/metabolism
  6. Salari N, Khazaie H, Hosseinian-Far A, Khaledi-Paveh B, Kazeminia M, Mohammadi M, et al.
    Hum Resour Health, 2020 12 17;18(1):100.
    PMID: 33334335 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-020-00544-1
    BACKGROUND: Stress, anxiety, and depression are some of the most important research and practice challenges for psychologists, psychiatrists, and behavioral scientists. Due to the importance of issue and the lack of general statistics on these disorders among the Hospital staff treating the COVID-19 patients, this study aims to systematically review and determine the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression within front-line healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients.

    METHODS: In this research work, the systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression approaches are used to approximate the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression within front-line healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. The keywords of prevalence, anxiety, stress, depression, psychopathy, mental illness, mental disorder, doctor, physician, nurse, hospital staff, 2019-nCoV, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and Coronaviruses were used for searching the SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science (ISI) and Google Scholar databases. The search process was conducted in December 2019 to June 2020. In order to amalgamate and analyze the reported results within the collected studies, the random effects model is used. The heterogeneity of the studies is assessed using the I2 index. Lastly, the data analysis is performed within the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.

    RESULTS: Of the 29 studies with a total sample size of 22,380, 21 papers have reported the prevalence of depression, 23 have reported the prevalence of anxiety, and 9 studies have reported the prevalence of stress. The prevalence of depression is 24.3% (18% CI 18.2-31.6%), the prevalence of anxiety is 25.8% (95% CI 20.5-31.9%), and the prevalence of stress is 45% (95% CI 24.3-67.5%) among the hospitals' Hospital staff caring for the COVID-19 patients. According to the results of meta-regression analysis, with increasing the sample size, the prevalence of depression and anxiety decreased, and this was statistically significant (P stress increased with increasing the sample size, yet this was not statistically significant (P = 0.829).

    CONCLUSION: The results of this study clearly demonstrate that the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression within front-line healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients is high. Therefore, the health policy-makers should take measures to control and prevent mental disorders in the Hospital staff.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology*
  7. Liu G, Chong HX, Chung FY, Li Y, Liong MT
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Jun 29;21(13).
    PMID: 32610495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134608
    We have previously reported that the administration of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 for 12 weeks reduced stress and anxiety in stressed adults as compared to the placebo group, in association with changes along the brain neurotransmitters pathways of serotonin and dopamine-norepinephrine. We now aim to evaluate the effects of DR7 on gut functions, gut microbiota compositional changes, and determine the correlations between microbiota changes and the pathways of brain neurotransmitters. The administration of DR7 prevented an increase of defecation frequency over 12 weeks as compared to the placebo (p = 0.044), modulating the increase of stress-induced bowel movement. Over 12 weeks, alpha diversity of gut microbiota was higher in DR7 than the placebo group across class (p = 0.005) and order (p = 0.018) levels, while beta diversity differed between groups at class and order levels (p < 0.001). Differences in specific bacterial groups were identified, showing consistency at different taxonomic levels that survived multiplicity correction, along the phyla of Bacteroides and Firmicutes and along the classes of Deltaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, and Bacteroidales which were reduced in abundance in the placebo group showed opposing correlation with gene expression of dopamine beta hydrolase (DBH, dopamine pathway; p < 0.001), while Bacteroidia and Bacteroidales showed correlation with tryptophan hydroxylase-II (TPH2, serotonin pathway; p = 0.001). A correlation was observed between DBH and Firmicutes (p = 0.002), Clostridia (p < 0.001), Clostridiales (p = 0.001), Blautia (p < 0.001), and Romboutsia (p < 0.001), which were increased in abundance in the placebo group. Blautia was also associated with TDO (p = 0.001), whereas Romboutsia had an opposing correlation with TPH2 (p < 0.001). Deltaproteobacteria and Desulfovibrionales which were decreased in abundance in the placebo group showed opposing correlation with DBH (p = 0.001), whereas Bilophila was associated with TPH2 (p = 0.001). Our present data showed that physiological changes induced by L. plantarum DR7 could be associated with changes in specific taxa of the gut microbiota along the serotonin and dopamine pathways.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/microbiology; Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
  8. Czepczor-Bernat K, Swami V, Modrzejewska A, Modrzejewska J
    Nutrients, 2021 Apr 20;13(4).
    PMID: 33924010 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041384
    To limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many countries have introduced mandated lockdown or social distancing measures. Although these measures may be successful against COVID-19 transmission, the pandemic and attendant restrictions are a source of chronic and severe stress and anxiety which may contribute to the emergence or worsening of symptoms of eating disorders and the development of negative body image. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to: (1) classify different conditions associated with COVID-19-related stress, COVID-19-related anxiety, and weight status; and (2) analyze and compare the severity of dimensions typically related to eating disorders symptomatology and body image in individuals with different COVID-19-related stress, COVID-19-related anxiety, and weight status. Polish women (N = 671, Mage = 32.50 ± 11.38) completed measures of COVID-19-related stress and anxiety along with body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and bulimia symptomatology subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory, and the appearance evaluation, overweight preoccupation, and body areas satisfaction subscales of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire. The following four clusters were identified through cluster analysis: (a) Cluster 1 (N = 269), healthy body weight and low COVID-related stress (M = 3.06) and anxiety (M = 2.96); (b) Cluster 2 (N = 154), healthy body weight and high COVID-related stress (M = 5.43) and anxiety (M = 5.29); (c) Cluster 3 (N = 127), excess body weight and high COVID-related stress (M = 5.23) and anxiety (M = 5.35); (d) Cluster 4 (N = 121), excess body weight and low COVID-related stress (M = 2.69) and anxiety (M = 2.83). Our results showed that Clusters 3 and 4 had significantly greater body dissatisfaction and lower appearance evaluation and body areas satisfaction than Clusters 1 and 2. Cluster 3 also had a significantly higher level of drive for thinness, bulimia, and overweight preoccupation than Clusters 1 and 2. These preliminary findings may mean that the COVID-19 pandemic and attendant anxiety and stress caused by the pandemic are exacerbating symptoms of eating disorders and negative body image, with women with excess weight particularly at risk.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/epidemiology*; Stress, Psychological/psychology
  9. Mando Z, Mando H, Afzan A, Shaari K, Hassan Z, Mohamad Taib MNA, et al.
    Behav Brain Res, 2024 May 28;466:114976.
    PMID: 38599249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114976
    Although there are various treatments available for depression, some patients may experience resistance to treatment or encounter adverse effects. Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) is an ancient medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenating, neuroprotective and psychoactive properties. This study aims to explore the antidepressant-like effects of the major constituents found in C. asiatica, i.e., asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside at three doses (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg, i.p), on the behavioural and cortisol level of unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) zebrafish model. Based on the findings from the behavioural study, the cortisol levels in the zebrafish body after treatment with the two most effective compounds were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, a molecular docking study was conducted to predict the inhibitory impact of the triterpenoid compounds on serotonin reuptake. The in vivo results indicate that madecassoside (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg), asiaticoside and asiatic acid (5 mg/kg) activated locomotor behaviour. Madecassoside at all tested doses and asiaticoside at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg significantly decreased cortisol levels compared to the stressed group, indicating the potential regulation effect of madecassoside and asiaticoside on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis overactivity. This study highlights the potential benefits of madecassoside and asiaticoside in alleviating depressive symptoms through their positive effects on behaviour and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)- axis in a chronic unpredictable stress zebrafish model. Furthermore, the in silico study provided additional evidence to support these findings. These promising results suggest that C. asiatica may be a valuable and cost-effective therapeutic option for depression, and further research should be conducted to explore its potential benefits.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/drug therapy; Stress, Psychological/metabolism
  10. Saravanan C, Heidhy I
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2014;15(18):7629-34.
    PMID: 25292039
    BACKGROUND: Cigarette smokers have their own motivation and justification to smoke. For example, smoking reduces their stress or enhances their pleasure. This study aimed to identify the (a) prevalence of cigarette smokers among undergraduates in Malaysia, (b) gender differences in nicotine dependence among current smokers, (c) differences in psychological problems (depression, anxiety and stress) based on the status of smoking cigarettes (current, former and non-smokers) and (d) extent to which precipitating factors (tension reduction, addiction, automatism, handling, social interaction, pleasure, and stimulation) predict the smoking behavior among current smokers.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 780 undergraduate students participated from a private university in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state in Malaysia. The Depression, Stress and Anxiety Scale, Modified Reason for Smoking Scale and Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Test were used to measure psychological problems, predictors of smoking behavior and nicotine dependency among current smokers.

    RESULTS: The results showed that 14.7%(n=106) of the students were smokers. Current smokers exhibited more psychological problems (depression, anxiety and stress) compared to former and non-smokers. Addiction, tension reduction, pleasure and automatism were predictors of smoking behavior among the current smoking students. Step wise regression analysis showed that smoking behavior was highly predicted by nicotine dependency or addiction. Smoking students were motivated to smoke cigarettes as they believed that it reduced their tension and enhance pleasure.

    CONCLUSIONS: Hence, there is a need for health promotion and anti-tobacco prevention as cigarette smokers experience more psychological problems. Nicotine dependency or addition was one of the major causes for smoking behavior among the student population in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/diagnosis*; Stress, Psychological/etiology; Stress, Psychological/psychology
  11. Din MO, Noor NM
    Women Health, 2009 Dec;49(8):573-91.
    PMID: 20183102 DOI: 10.1080/03630240903495897
    Due to a dearth of research on depressive symptoms in Malaysia, particularly in Malay women, a community study was conducted to examine the prevalence and factors associated with current depressive symptoms in rural and urban Malay women with low socioeconomic status.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/ethnology; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology*; Stress, Psychological/psychology
  12. Enkelmann HC, Bishop GD, Tong EM, Diong SM, Why YP, Khader M, et al.
    Int J Psychophysiol, 2005 May;56(2):185-97.
    PMID: 15804452
    This study tested the hypotheses that ambulatory heart rate and blood pressure would be higher for individuals high but not low in hostility when they experienced negative affect or social stress and that this interaction would be stronger for Indians compared with other Singapore ethnic groups. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was done on 108 male Singapore patrol officers as they went about their daily duties. After each BP measurement participants completed a computerized questionnaire including items on emotional experience. Individuals high in hostility showed higher systolic blood pressure when reporting negative affect whereas this was not true for those low in hostility. Ethnic differences were obtained such that Indians showed an increase in mean arterial pressure when angered whereas MAP was negatively related to anger for Malays and unrelated for Chinese. Also a three-way interaction between ethnicity, hostility, and social stress indicated that hostility and social stress interacted in their effects on DBP for Indian participants but not for Chinese or Malays. Finally, a three-way interaction was obtained between ethnicity, hostility and negative affect for heart rate in which heart rate increased with increasing levels of negative affect for Chinese high in hostility and Malays low in hostility but decreased with increasing negative affect for all other participants. These data are consistent with higher CHD rates among individuals high in hostility and also provide additional evidence on ethnic differences in cardiovascular reactivity in Singapore.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/ethnology; Stress, Psychological/physiopathology; Stress, Psychological/psychology
  13. Tan MP, Morgan K
    Curr Opin Psychiatry, 2015 Sep;28(5):371-7.
    PMID: 26181666 DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000181
    To evaluate recent literature on psychological interventions in cardiovascular disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/complications; Stress, Psychological/etiology; Stress, Psychological/therapy*
  14. Loh KY
    Int J Palliat Nurs, 2004 Mar;10(3):131-2.
    PMID: 15126957
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/ethnology; Stress, Psychological/etiology*; Stress, Psychological/prevention & control
  15. Khor, Poy Hua, Muhamad Hairiss B Ishak, Lim, Khong Chiu
    MyJurnal
    This study evaluates the depression, anxiety, and stress level among student members of armed uniform
    body at Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis Branch. Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis Branch offered
    15 co-curriculum activities included SUKSIS, Komander Kesatria, Bomba, and Angkatan Pertahanan
    Awam Malaysia. Unfortunately, in the selection system of co-curriculum activities, some students did
    not have the opportunity to select curriculum activities of their choice and interest. Questionnaire
    developed by Lovibond and Lovibond’s (1995) entitled Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS21) was issued to 120 student members of SUKSIS, Komander Kesatria, Bomba, and Angkatan
    Pertahanan Awam Malaysia. In terms of the level of mental health, the student members of SUKSIS
    and Komander Kesatria suffered mild level of depression, while members of Bomba and Angkatan
    Pertahanan Awam Malaysia experienced normal level of depression. In relation to anxiety level,
    members of Suksis and Komander Kesatria suffered moderate level of anxiety, while members of
    Bomba and Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia experienced mild level of anxiety. Although the
    members of Komander Kesatria, Bomba and Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia experienced normal
    level of stress, the members of SUKSIS armed uniform body are mildly stressed. These findings provide
    an insight on mental health among students of tertiary education which is a very serious health issue
    that demands further exploration for development of effective co-curriculum activities. Hopefully,
    future researchers could relate this health issue with studies on other populations and demographic
    characteristics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological
  16. Abdul Latiff R, Wan Sulaiman WS, Hoesni S
    Postpartum depression is one of the major depressions experienced by women during three months after giving birth to their babies. The symptoms of this type of depression cannot be taken lightly as it affects not only the women but also the development of the babies, family harmony and functioning and can in fact harm themselves and other individuals in their surrounding. Thus, this research was conducted to identify the influence of parental stress towards postpartum depression. A total of 181 women participated in this study and they were from two groups namely married and unmarried women who just gave birth. Two instruments were used and they were the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale and the Parental Stress Index Short Form. Results obtained showed that parental stress and its dimensions were significantly correlated with postpartum depression. In addition, maternal stress and difficult child characteristics were significant predictors of postpartum depression. Findings also showed that there were significant differences of parental stress and its dimensions between married and unmarried women who just gave birth. These findings imply the importance of coping with parental stress to prevent women from experiencing postpartum depression.
    Keywords Postpartum Depression · Parental Stress · Child Characteristics · Regression
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological
  17. Lew B, Kõlves K, Osman A, Abu Talib M, Ibrahim N, Siau CS, et al.
    PLoS One, 2020;15(8):e0237329.
    PMID: 32822365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237329
    BACKGROUND: Although the suicide rate in China has decreased over the past 20 years, there have been reports that the younger age group has been experiencing an increased incidence of completed suicide. Given that undergraduate groups are at higher risks of suicidality, it is important to monitor and screen for risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviors to ensure their well-being.

    OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk and protective factors contributing to suicidality among undergraduate college students in seven provinces in China.

    METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 13,387 college students from seven universities in Ningxia, Shandong, Shanghai, Jilin, Qinghai, Shaanxi, and Xinjiang. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires.

    RESULTS: Higher scores in the psychological strain, depression, anxiety, stress, and psychache (psychological risk factors for suicidality) and lower scores in self-esteem and purpose in life (psychological protective factors against suicidality) were associated with increased suicidality among undergraduate students in China. Demographic factors which were associated with higher risks of suicidality were female gender, younger age, bad academic results, were an only child, non-participation in school associations, and had an urban household registration. Perceived good health was protective against suicidality.

    CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the common risk and protective factors for suicidality among Chinese undergraduate students is useful in developing interventions targeted at this population and to guide public health policies on suicide in China.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/complications; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology; Stress, Psychological/psychology
  18. Zuria Idura A.M., Noorlaili M.T., Rosdinom R., Azlin B.., Tuti Iryani M.D.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Caring for those with dementia affects the quality of life for both the caregivers and the patients themselves, particularly in the informal care system here in Malaysia. To date, only a few studies have explored from the family caregivers’ perspectives in the communities of different cultural background. The purpose of this study is to describe the Malaysian family caregivers’ perspectives of their experiences in providing care to for their family members suffering from moderate to severe dementia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: This qualitative study involved in-depth individual interviews with twelve caregivers to patients with moderate to severe dementia. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling from the outpatient psycho-geriatric clinic at UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcribed data was later analysed using a thematic approach. Results: Four themes identified in this study were; i) the feeling that ‘it is like caring for a baby’, ii) the caregivers’ perception of inadequate knowledge and skills, iii) the need for caregivers’ support system and iv) the importance of spirituality in enhancing care giving experiences. Conclusions: The framework of care shared by the caregivers in this study demonstrated strong cultural and spirituality influences in addition to the common issues of the challenges in managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms in people with dementia. Hence, culture and spirituality aspects should be addressed in the development of appropriate intervention to manage the needs of informal caregivers in this community.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological
  19. Mazlinda Musa, Segaran Ramodran, Floreta Yusop, Nur Shiela Abdul Majid, Nur Fatihah, Aqilah Roslin, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Nursing is an emotionally stressful occupation where nurses themselves are at risk of internalizing negative emotions when caring for patients who are suffering, in pain, anguish, and facing death. Studies indicate an individual`s ability to emotionally express or vent these internalize negative emotions is associated with intrinsic happiness and well-being. Similarly, in the context of UMS, student nurses are at times exposed to overwhelming negative emotions during clinical postings and raise the question to what extent students use emotional expressive- ness to vent such emotions. This study is to assess perceived happiness and emotional expressiveness and determine correlates of these attributes among student nurses in UMS. Methods: This study entails a cross-sectioned design involving 90 (N) participants selected through convenient stratified sampling from 1st year (n=30), 2nd year (n=30) and 3rd year (n=30) student nurses. Ethical clearance for this study was obtained from REC UMS and the respon- dent’s consent. Two validated instruments, the Intrinsic Happiness Index (IHI, with 10 Likert scaled items, α =0.78) and Emotional Expressiveness Scale (EES, 17 Likert scaled item α =0.82) were used in this study. Results: Among 90 nursing students in this study, 81%(n=72) scored high and 19% (n=18) scored low in the happiness index. On emotional expressiveness ratings, 68% scored high with 32% scoring low. Higher happiness index scores correlated positively with high emotional expressive scores. First year students had significantly higher perceived happiness score (p=0.02) and higher emotional expressiveness score (p=0.03) compared to 2nd or 3rd-year students. Conclu- sion: Finding in this study imply that although the majority of student had good emotional disposition, but a small percentage of students have lower perceived happiness and emotional expressiveness, which may affect long term psychological well-being. This paper will discuss some remedial strategies to address the issue.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological
  20. Ng JS, Chin KY
    Int J Med Sci, 2021;18(3):604-614.
    PMID: 33437195 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.50680
    Chronic psychological stress affects many body systems, including the skeleton, through various mechanisms. This review aims to provide an overview of the factors mediating the relationship between psychological stress and bone health. These factors can be divided into physiological and behavioural changes induced by psychological stress. The physiological factors involve endocrinological changes, such as increased glucocorticoids, prolactin, leptin and parathyroid hormone levels and reduced gonadal hormones. Low-grade inflammation and hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system during psychological stress are also physiological changes detrimental to bone health. The behavioural changes during mental stress, such as altered dietary pattern, cigarette smoking, alcoholism and physical inactivity, also threaten the skeletal system. Psychological stress may be partly responsible for epigenetic regulation of skeletal development. It may also mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status and bone health. However, more direct evidence is required to prove these hypotheses. In conclusion, chronic psychological stress should be recognised as a risk factor of osteoporosis and stress-coping methods should be incorporated as part of the comprehensive osteoporosis-preventing strategy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/complications*; Stress, Psychological/metabolism; Stress, Psychological/psychology
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links