Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among private medical college students in South India: A cross‑sectional study

. Sangeetha Raja; . Gayathri Balasubramanian; . Jamuna Rani R

Volume 12, Issue 10 , November 2022, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Medical education is competitive across the globe. The long duration of the medicaland paramedical courses and exposure to clinical settings potentially causes mental health ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Medical education is competitive across the globe. The long duration of the medicaland paramedical courses and exposure to clinical settings potentially causes mental health issues.The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress amongundergraduate students in a private medical college in South India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted among paramedical andmedical students at a private medical college hospital and research center in South India in theyear 2021. The required sample size was calculated as 783 with an expected prevalence of 53%,95% confidence interval (CI), design effect 2.0, and non‑response of 10%. The study participantswere selected based on simple random sampling. After obtaining informed consent, the data wascollected using an email questionnaire. Standard data collection tools such as the Perceived StressScale (PSS); and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale ‑ 21 (DASS‑21) questionnaire wereused. The investigator computed the odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% CI.RESULTS: Out of 1200 students, 1015 (85%) responded to the email questionnaire. Among them, 639were females (63%), and 925 were paramedics (91%). Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stresswere 59%, 43% and 11%, respectively. Almost 95% of students experienced moderate‑to‑severestress in the last one month. Prevalence was higher among females and students of medicalcourses. Students of final year of college (aOR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.2–3.5) and students of medicalcourse (aOR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1–2.4) were independently associated with stress among the studyparticipants.CONCLUSION: There is high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among medical collegestudents in south India. The final year of study and medical course were independently associatedwith higher stress than others. We recommend periodic assessment of mental health status andadditional mental health care for final year students and medical students.

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The role of psychological resilience in reducing psychological stress among teachers

. Nahed El‑Sayed

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, , Pages 1-4

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Workplace causes tress which negatively affects the physical as well as theemotional well‑being of individuals. However, it is widely reported in the literature that a ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Workplace causes tress which negatively affects the physical as well as theemotional well‑being of individuals. However, it is widely reported in the literature that a number offactors have received significant attention in the professional life, stressing their significance to theindividual’s psychological, social, and professional life.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research is a descriptive that study adopted a quantitativemethod, involving 40 female teachers. A survey method was randomly distributed to teachers whoare identified to have worked with students with disability using randomly sampling, and data werethen exposed to the descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation.RESULTS: The results showed that respondents had good psychological resilience level withmoderate occupational stress level. Furthermore, a significant correlation between psychologicalresilience and occupation stress is supported.CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that the participants have acceptance level ofpsychological resilience which helps them to reduce their stress when performing their work. Thestudy, therefore, encouraged decision academicians to regularly organize several positive counselingand psychological training to the teachers.

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Academic burnout among trainee teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effect of sociodemographic factors

. Abdelmounaim Bouhaba; . Youssef El Madhi; . Abdelmajid Soulaymani; . Hinde Hami

Volume 12, Issue 5 , June 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The trainee teacher seems to be more and more faced with frustration andstress during the training phase, caused by accumulation of requirements and duties, making themsusceptible ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The trainee teacher seems to be more and more faced with frustration andstress during the training phase, caused by accumulation of requirements and duties, making themsusceptible to the risk of burnout. The purpose of this work is to study the academic burnout of traineeteachers at the Rabat‑Sale‑Kenitra region’s Regional Center for Education and Training Professionsduring the COVID‑19 pandemic.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred thirty‑nine trainee teachers responded to aself‑questionnaire comprising the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey scale in its Frenchvalidated version, as well as stress factors during the academic year 2020–2021. Both inferentialand descriptive methods of data analysis were used to represent the effect of sociodemographicvariables on burnout levels during the COVID‑19 pandemic.RESULTS: In agreement with the literature, most of trainee teachers show moderate and high levelsof academic exhaustion; the main stressors presented are financial instability and training overload,and the level of study influences the scale of burnout among trainee teachers.CONCLUSION: The result of this study can serve as a predictor of academic burnout amongMoroccan trainee teachers.

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Investigating the effectiveness of psychological interventions in response to stress, anxiety, and depression in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: A systematic review

. Fatemeh Rahmati; . Robabe Khalili

Volume 12, Issue 5 , June 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) has caused different kinds of psychological consequences.Identifying and providing psychological plans and protocols can be effective in promoting ...  Read More Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) has caused different kinds of psychological consequences.Identifying and providing psychological plans and protocols can be effective in promoting patients’mental health. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of psychological interventions inresponse to stress, anxiety, and depression in COVID‑19 patients. The present study was performedbased on a systematic review. The studies were done by using different combinations of keywordsin databases such as Science Direct, ProQuest, PubMed, and Google scholar search engines andin Persian databases such as Magiran, SID, Iranmedex from July 25 to September 7, 2020. Outof 4533 articles that were found after extensive search, 9 articles were evaluated and qualitativelyanalyzed for data extraction with the 2010 consort checklist. The final articles were from differentcountries of China, the USA, France, Italy, and Iran and were about COVID‑19 patients and theirhealth‑care providers. Interventions ranged from relaxation, music therapy to mental health andextensive psychological skills including adaptation methods, mindfulness and self‑care, and crisismanagement. Anxiety was the highest and then stress and depression were the next indicators. Theresults showed a positive effect of these interventions on stress, anxiety, depression, and even thequality of life, sleep and family and child function. The number of studies in this field is increasing. Wesee a variety of psychological and educational interventions every day. It is hoped that by designingstandard protocols for psychological intervention, effective steps can be taken to improve the mentalhealth of patients and health‑care providers.

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Perceived stress and quality of life among frontline nurses fighting against COVID‑19: A web‑based cross‑sectional study

. Sajedeh Amjadi; . Sepideh Mohammadi; . Ali Khojastehrad

Volume 12, Issue 4 , April 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease‑2019 (COVID‑19) crisis has changed many aspects of frontline nurses’ lives. Nurses caring for patients with COVID‑19 reported experiencing ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease‑2019 (COVID‑19) crisis has changed many aspects of frontline nurses’ lives. Nurses caring for patients with COVID‑19 reported experiencing significant psychological distress and work‑related anxiety. This study aimed to assess the perceived stress and quality of life among frontline nurses fighting against COVID‑19.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This web‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted on 322 frontline nurses fighting against COVID‑19 in hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using the two following online questionnaires: the Perceived Stress Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief. Data were compiled from October 23, 2020, to November 25, 2020. Data were analyzed using the independent sample t‑test, Pearson’s correlation test, and regression analysis test in the SPSS‑21.RESULTS: Average perceived stress scores was 30.27 (standard deviation [SD] = 7.01). Average quality of life subscale scores consist of physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment were 57.71 (SD = 12.74), 44.3 (SD = 15.58), 45.61 (SD = 16.99), and 47.6 (SD = 18.11), respectively. There was an inverse significant association between all the subscales of quality of life and perceived stress (P = 0.008). Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, the variables of age, gender, marital status, and perceived stress were the significant predictors of quality of life subscales.CONCLUSIONS: Paying serious attention to addressing the concerns of frontline nurses, especially those who are at high risk, is necessary. It is recommended to take action as soon as possible to reduce the perceived stress and improve quality of life on nurses who care for patients with COVID‑19.

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Evaluation the relationship between social health and stress of assisted reproductive techniques in infertile women

. Sahar Panahi; . Parvin Bahadoran; . Masoume Pirhadi

Volume 12, Issue 3 , March 2022, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Fertility is highly valued in most cultures. In contrast, infertility as a crisis has the potential to threaten the stability of individuals, relationships, and communities. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Fertility is highly valued in most cultures. In contrast, infertility as a crisis has the potential to threaten the stability of individuals, relationships, and communities. Many infertile people are at risk in the early stages of infertility treatment for health and mental health problems and severe stress. The present study was conducted to assess the relationship between the social health of infertile women and the stress of infertility treatment.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed descriptively longitudinal correlation on 2020 women in infertility canters in Isfahan. Data collection tool in this study was three parts questionnaire. The first contained demographic information, the second was stress, and the third was the social health dimension questionnaire. Analyze the data was performed using the descriptive statistical methods for the quantitative variables Pearson correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: The results showed that the mean standard deviation (SD) of social health was 155.1 (16.46), and the mean (SD) score of treatment stress was 22.91 (7.93). Pearson correlation coefficient showed that treatment stress score was not significantly related to overall social health score and its dimensions (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: In this study, no statistically significant relationship was identified between these two variables. Probably, due to the living conditions of the people of our country in these years and the existence of stress and their great concern about economic issues, etc. The results were not observed contrary to the researcher’s expectations.

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The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among high school adolescent’s children in public and private schools in Rangareddy district Telangana state: A cross‑sectional study

. Kranthi Kumar R; . Aruna G; . Nandini Biradar; . Kola Srikanth Reddy; . Soubhagya M; . Sushma SA

Volume 12, Issue 3 , March 2022, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The depression, anxiety, and stress is a major educational problem among students all around the world. The purposes of this study were to determine the depression, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The depression, anxiety, and stress is a major educational problem among students all around the world. The purposes of this study were to determine the depression, anxiety, and stress among the high school adolescent children in public and private schools in Rangareddy district, Telangana state.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a cross‑sectional study. The study sample considered 120 children from private schools and 259 children from public schools were studied. The study tool used was a questionnaire containing DASS (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale and sociodemographic characteristics. The data were expressed as proportion and mean values (Analysis of variance, independed t‑test, and Pearson correlation) spatially tests were used at a significance level of P < 0.05).RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depression in children from the public school was found to be only 5%, that of anxiety was 20.8%, and that of stress was 15.8%; the overall prevalence of depression in children from private schools was found to be 1.9%, that of anxiety was 20.5%, and that of stress was 20.1%.CONCLUSION: In both schools, anxiety and atress were found to be more among study participants. Depression was observed to be less. But if they have more anxiety and stress and if not taken proper care at this point of time, it might get converted into a state of Depression.

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Health‑care workers’ experience of stressors and adaptation strategies for COVID‑19: A qualitative research

. Vajihe Atashi; . Shahla Abolhasani; . Atefeh Afshari

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The mental health of health‑care workers with their unique role in respondingto the COVID‑19 pandemic is strictly essential. Hence, to react effectively to the pandemic, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The mental health of health‑care workers with their unique role in respondingto the COVID‑19 pandemic is strictly essential. Hence, to react effectively to the pandemic, it isessential to collect further data on the stressors and adaptation strategies. The aim of this study isto explain the health‑care workers’ experiences of stressors and adaptation strategies used duringthe COVID‑19 pandemic outbreak.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative content analysis approach was employed in thisstudy, with semi‑structured in‑depth interviews. Nineteen health‑care workers participated in thestudy by purposeful sampling method. The study setting included selective educational hospitalsthat admitting patients infected with COVID‑19. The data were analyzed using content analysismethod.RESULTS: Stressors were classified under four major categories: idiopathic, i.e., arising fromunknown causes, individual and familial, stressful work environment, and socially imposed stressors.The adaptation strategies were classified under inactive and active adaptation strategies.CONCLUSIONS: The stressors include the stresses arising from the unknown nature of the disease,stressful work environment, individual and familial stresses, and the socially imposed stresses. Theadaptation strategies include inactive and active adaptation strategies. Identification of these factorscan help workers and management to effectively react to the pandemic.

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Psychosocial perception of health‑care workers in a COVID‑19‑designated hospital in eastern India

. Subrata Das; . Avik Chakraborty; . Samatirtha Chandra

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 pandemic has changed the life of people in many facets, economic,social, and psychological. Frontline health‑care workers (HCWs) fighting against this pandemic ...  Read More BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 pandemic has changed the life of people in many facets, economic,social, and psychological. Frontline health‑care workers (HCWs) fighting against this pandemic facedsome psychological as well as social issues which are of major concern. The objective of the study isto evaluate the magnitude of mental health problems, namely depression, anxiety, and stress amongfrontline HCWs as well as their perception on ongoing events and surroundings.MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective, observational study on n = 85 HCWs overa 4‑month period. Study participants were sampled purposively in accordance with inclusion andexclusion criteria; data were collected by online survey method. A semi‑structured scale was used:Part A of which assessed the demography and perception of HCWs on surrounding along with ongoingsocial events and Part B consisted of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‑21 that was usedto assess mental health issues. All the associations were tested in percentages and proportions.Statistics was calculated by using SPSS 24th version.RESULTS: Majority of the participants were female doctors and belonged to 21–30 years’ agegroup. Most of them were marginally worried of contacting infection (73%) but were substantiallyapprehensive of transmitting infection to their family (56.5%) and hoped positive outcome ultimatelyin the form of recovery from infection. Majority (96.4%) gathered information from authentic sourcesand were confident of adequacy of their knowledge. Majority (88.3%) were satisfied about theiroccupational safety and responded on scientific solution of pandemic. However, we got a mixedresult about their professional appreciation. Depression symptom score was higher than anxiety andstress symptom score in our participants.CONCLUSIONS: Doctors and nurses both were suffering from mental health issues, and provisionof adequate information and occupational safety may lessen these burdens.

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Relationship between psychological factors and perceived stigma of addiction among women with substance use disorders, Thailand

. Suneerat Yangyuen; . Manop Kanato; . Thidarat Somdee

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are one of the most stigmatized health conditionsthat impact drug user’s treatment engagement. However, to date, little is known about ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are one of the most stigmatized health conditionsthat impact drug user’s treatment engagement. However, to date, little is known about perceivedstigma and its correlates with psychological factors among high‑risk groups such as people withSUDs in the criminal justice system. This study aimed to determine the association of psychologicalfactors and perceived stigma of addiction among women with SUDs.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional design was conducted on 652 women with SUDswho were treated in all 7 compulsory drug detention centers in Thailand with consecutive samplingtechnique. The data were collected by standardized interviewers with interviewing questionnaire.Multiple logistic regression was applied to examine the effect of psychological factors and perceivedstigma.RESULTS: More than half of SUD patients (57.2%) were methamphetamine abuse or dependence,approximately 69.9% reported high level of perceived stigma, 56.7% had mild depression, 34.8% hadlow level of perceived social support, and the average perceived stress score was 19.2 (standarddeviation, 7.5). The perceived stigma was positively related to depressive symptom and perceivedstress while was inversely related to perceived social support.CONCLUSION: The psychological factors were strongly associated with perceived stigma of addiction.Thus, the detection of psychological problems among SUD patients may be benefit clinicians foridentifying which patients are most at risk of perceived stigma and are the potential targets ofintervention to reduce stigma in clinical practice.

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Emotional difficulties in pregnant females who tested positive for COVID‑19: A cross‑sectional study from South Kashmir, India

. Tanzeela Nazir; . Rehana Amin; . Masood Maqbool

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: It is evident that the novel coronavirus disease pandemic inevitably resulted inincreased stress and anxiety in the general population. Pregnancy is a challenging period, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: It is evident that the novel coronavirus disease pandemic inevitably resulted inincreased stress and anxiety in the general population. Pregnancy is a challenging period, andCOVID‑19 has added risk to women pregnant during the pandemic.AIM: The present study was aimed to assess the emotional difficulties in pregnant females whotested positive for COVID‑19. The current study estimated the prevalence of depression, anxiety,and stress among 63 pregnant ladies who tested positive for COVID‑19.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Child and Maternity Hospital of GMCAnantnag, Kashmir, India, from April to December 2020. A total of 63 pregnant females who testedpositive for COVID‑19 participated in the study. The COVID‑positive pregnant ladies were interviewedin the outpatient department of the child and maternity clinic 2 weeks after the infection. The interviewscale used was Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‑21. The data were analyzed using Chi‑squaretest and Fisher’s exact test.RESULTS: We found that the mean age of participants was 33.5 ± 7.4. We found that 38.1% of thefemales had positive bad obstetric history. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was33.32%, 50.83%, and 60.3%, respectively. In correlation analysis, notably bad obstetric history andworking females were significant independent factors for higher levels of depression, anxiety, andstress. The depression was also found more in literate females and the third trimester.CONCLUSION: The study indicates high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant femaleswho tested positive for COVID‑19. The emotional difficulties were found to be higher in educated andworking females. The bad obstetric history was found to be an independent factor for higher levels ofemotional difficulties in COVID‑positive pregnant females. This calls for extra measures to promotethe mental health and resilience of pregnant females, especially during a crisis.

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Development and validation of English version of COVID‐19 Depression Scale for health‑care workers

. Anusha Divvi; . Shivashankar Kengadaran; . Lakshmi Subhashini Katuri; . Ravindranath Jampani; . Jayashri Prabakar; . Kavitha Muthukrishnan; . Sivabalakumaran Kengadaran

Volume 11, Issue 11 , December 2021, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health‑care workers (HCWs) are highly vulnerable to depression during anepidemic outbreak. Protecting the mental well‑being of HCWs is a priority while battling withCOVID‑19. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health‑care workers (HCWs) are highly vulnerable to depression during anepidemic outbreak. Protecting the mental well‑being of HCWs is a priority while battling withCOVID‑19. However, documentation on COVID‑19‑related depression among HCWs is scarcedue to the limited availability of measuring scales. Hence, this study was purposed to developa scale to measure depression relating to COVID-19 and evaluate its psychometric propertiesamong HCWs.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validation study was carried out among 320 HCWs includingphysicians of various medical specialties, dental specialists, and nurses in the year 2020. Exploratoryfactor analysis using Promax rotation with Kaiser normalization for the determination of factor structurewas employed in data analysis using SPSS version 16 software.RESULTS: COVID-19 Depression Scale for HCWs (CDS‑HW) demonstrated a two-componentstructure identified as “work‑related anxiety” and “psychological distress.” The mean CDS‑HW scoreof the study participants was observed to be 23.67 ± 2.82, and the scale demonstrated good internalconsistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.741).CONCLUSION: CDS‑HW is a rapidly administrable, valid, and reliable tool that can be used tomeasure COVID-19-related depression among HCWs.

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Anxiety, stress and depression levels among nurses of educational hospitals in Iran: Time of performing nursing care for suspected and confirmed COVID‑19 patients

. Hojjat Sheikhbardsiri; . Mohammad Mahdi Doustmohammadi1; . Parya Jangipour Afshar; . Majid Heidarijamebozorgi; . Hamidreza Khankeh; . Mehdi Beyramijam

Volume 11, Issue 11 , December 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Following the global emergency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19),health‑care workers, especially nurses were encountered with an increasing workload. Therefore, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Following the global emergency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19),health‑care workers, especially nurses were encountered with an increasing workload. Therefore, dueto the importance of this issue, the present study aimed to examine stress, anxiety, and depressionlevels among nurses during the COVID‑19 pandemic in Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in four educational hospitalsaffiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2020. The standard Depression, Anxiety andStress Scale‑21 questionnaire was applied to assess the levels of stress, anxiety, and depressionin nurse personnel with a census method (n = 403). Data were analyzed using descriptive statisticsand analytic statistics such as Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and multiplelinear regression tests through the version 20, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA, Software at the levelof P < 0.05.RESULTS: The results of the study showed that the mean scores of depressions (9.18 ± 4.45),stress (9.62 ± 4.94), and anxiety (10.32 ± 4.85) in nurses were at moderate level. A significantrelationship was observed between stressed, anxious, and depressed participants in the gender,marital status, level of education, and working hours per month. No statistically significant relationshipwas found between other demographic variables including age, work experience, and employmentstatus with anxiety, depression, and stress categories.CONCLUSION: The results of this study can increase the awareness of health system managers,especially hospitals, about the level of stress, anxiety, and depression and can help in order to providepsychological support programs for improving the mental health of nurses during the COVID‑19pandemic.

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Depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behaviors among dental students of Neo‑state capital region in India

. Nijampatnam P. M. Pavani; . G. Anirudh; . Nandita Rani Kothia; . Parveen Sultana Shaik; . K. Krishna Priya; . Suresh Chand Yaddanapalli

Volume 11, Issue 10 , November 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The challenges of dental education place students at high risk of stress. Becausedental education is a highly demanding and challenging course, placing heavy demands on ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The challenges of dental education place students at high risk of stress. Becausedental education is a highly demanding and challenging course, placing heavy demands on themental resources of the students, making them vulnerable to high levels of stress, this study aimed todetermine the prevalence of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behaviors in dental students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was done on a conveniencesample of 388 dental students in a teaching dental institution. Data were collected using standard,prevalidated, self‑administered questionnaires (Patient Health Questionnaire‑9 and SuicidalBehaviours Questionnaire‑Revised [SBQ‑R]). Analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Descriptivestatistics, Chi‑square test, and logistic regression were performed.RESULTS: At least half of the students were in major depression with different levels of severity.When students from different years were analyzed, majority from each year fell under II and IIIcategories (P < 0.001). Most of the students reported that they do not have any suicidal ideationor behavior (SBQ‑R). Nearly 16% of the students either presented the threat of suicidal attemptor likelihood of suicidal behavior in future. Almost 13% of the dental students thought of killingthemselves in the past year for at least two times. Around 16% of them expressed to someone abouttheir thought of committing suicide.CONCLUSION: Even though depression and suicidal tendencies were not prominent in dentalstudents, there is a need to shed light on those who responded positively and take necessary reformsto relieve academic stress.

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Internet addiction, mental health, and sleep quality in students of medical sciences, Iran: A cross‑sectional study

. Arezo Arzani‑Birgani; . Javad Zarei; . Leila Favaregh; . Erfaneh Ghanaatiyan

Volume 11, Issue 10 , November 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Internet addiction (IA) is a severe problem, especially in academic communities.The association between IA and unfavorable emotional conditions (e.g., anxiety, stress, anddepression) ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Internet addiction (IA) is a severe problem, especially in academic communities.The association between IA and unfavorable emotional conditions (e.g., anxiety, stress, anddepression) can harm students’ relationships and academic and career performance. The presentstudy evaluated (a) the prevalence of IA in a sample of medical sciences university students; (b) theassociation between IA and depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders; and (c) the associationbetween demographic characteristics and IA, depression, anxiety, and stress.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive cross‑sectional study, 268 students from AbadanUniversity of Medical Sciences were selected using Morgan Table. The participants responded tothe Young Internet Addiction Test, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales‑42, and the PittsburghSleep Quality Index. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient,independent sample t‑test, one‑way ANOVA, and least significant difference.RESULTS: The mean score of IA was 45.65 ± 35.40. IA was found to be significantly related todepression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders (except for sleep disturbance) (P < 0.001). Maleswere found to be more likely than females to suffer from IA, depression, anxiety, stress, and sleepdisorders. Furthermore, age was inversely related to IA, depression, and stress. Finally, medicalsciences students suffered from depression, anxiety, and stress more than students majoring inother fields.CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous occurrence of IA and depression, anxiety, stress, and sleepdisorders in students indicates that IA is associated with other psychological problems. Therefore,researchers and policymakers need to identify preventive measures to help internet‑addicted students.

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Relationship between mindfulness and maternal stress and mother – Infant bonding in neonatal intensive care unit

. Ashraf Khoramirad; . Zahra Abedini; . Zohre Khalajinia

Volume 11, Issue 8 , September 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Having a baby admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is so stressful, hasa negative impact on mother well‑being, and also disrupts mother‑infant bonding process ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Having a baby admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is so stressful, hasa negative impact on mother well‑being, and also disrupts mother‑infant bonding process becausethe infant spend the first several weeks or months in the NICU. Previous studies have shown thepositive association of the mindfulness and various health conditions. This study investigated therelationship between mothers’ dispositional mindfulness and level of stress and bonding in motherswith infants in the NICU.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was performed during 2019 on 140 motherswith newborns admitted to the NICUs in two hospitals in Qom city in Iran. The self‑report measures ofdispositional mindfulness, Parental Stressor Scale: NICU, and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnairewere administered to mothers on the 2nd–5th day after birth. The data analysis was carried out byusing a stepwise multiple regression model.RESULTS: The mean scores of mindfulness, stress, and bonding were 3.32 ± 0.52, 2.32 ± 0.77,and 0.47 ± 0.37, respectively. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between totalmindfulness score and stress (P < 0.001). Furthermore, high scores of mindfulness were associatedwith better bonding (P = 0.04).CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in mindfulness helps mothers to reduce stress and make betterbonding with infants. It is recommended that mindfulness interventions use during pregnancy alsoafter birth, especially for mothers that their infants admitted to in the NICUs.

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Prevalence of stress, stressors, and coping strategies among medical undergraduate students in a medical college of Mumbai

. Parmeshwar Satpathy; . Nafeha Siddiqui; . Darshan Parida; . Roshan Sutar

Volume 11, Issue 7 , August 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Stress is a subjective experience which creates an obstacle in a person’s path ofachieving his or her goals. It creates negative outcomes among the population. Medical ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Stress is a subjective experience which creates an obstacle in a person’s path ofachieving his or her goals. It creates negative outcomes among the population. Medical curriculumis very vast and stressful. As doctors are the very important part of society, medical students mustbe allowed to learn their trade in a stress‑free environment. The present study aimed to assess theperceived stress, various sources of stress among medical undergraduate students, and the copingstrategies adopted.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross‑sectional study conducted among medicalunder‑graduate students studying at a tertiary care hospital situated in Mumbai city of Maharashtrabetween January and June 2018. Using purposive sampling technique, a total of 450 medical studentsfrom 1st year to final year were invited to participate in the study. A self‑administered questionnaireconsisting of sociodemographic details and perceived stress scale questions was used. Logisticregression analysis was carried out to assess the determinants of stress. Odds ratio, 95% confidenceinterval was calculated. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: The overall response rate was 79.11%, with 356 out of 450 students returning thequestionnaire. Among 356 participants, 324 participants (91%) were suffering from high levelsof stress. Factors such as curriculum vastness, frequency of examination, competition with peer,performance in examinations, worry about future, loneliness, relation with opposite sex, and qualityof food played a major role in creating additional stress.CONCLUSIONS: The perceived stress was higher among female medical students. Academic factorsare greater perceived cause of stress in medical students in this study. A substantial proportion ofmedical undergraduate students were found to be stressed which necessitates appropriate and timelyinterventions. Reframing the academic curriculum along with examination and evaluation patterns,incorporating extracurricular activities, and establishment of counselling cells in the institution is theneed of the hour.

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New psychometric evidences on the Dental Environment Stress questionnaire among Romanian students

. Ruxandra Sfeatcu; . Beatrice Adriana Balgiu; . Ioanina Parlatescu

Volume 11, Issue 7 , August 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The academic environment is a challenge for dental students due to the multiplesources of stress they face. For this reason, the present study analyzes the psychometric ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The academic environment is a challenge for dental students due to the multiplesources of stress they face. For this reason, the present study analyzes the psychometric propertiesof the Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire. The secondary objective was to identify thespecific sources of stress perceived by dental students related to gender and years of study.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among dentalstudents (n = 340; Mage = 22.45) from the Romanian University of Medicine and Pharmacy inOctober– December 2019. The factorial structure of the questionnaire was performed by meansof the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the multi group‑CFA. The convergent and divergentvalidities were measured by associating DES with scales that measure depression, anxiety, andtension/stress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‑21‑R), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale‑14),and life satisfaction (Satisfaction with Life Scale).RESULTS: New measure obtained supported a five‑factor and thirty‑item structure, which is genderinvariant. All the factors within DES have a significant positive correlation with depression, anxiety,tension/stress, and perceived stress and a negative correlation with life satisfaction. The Cronbach’sα coefficients are acceptable (range: 0.67–0.89). The female students perceive aspects related toperformance, the relations with the faculty, clinical responsibilities, and personal life to be morestressful than males. Senior students perceive more stressed aspects related to personal life, whilefreshmen have higher scores on stress associated with clinical responsibilities.CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that DES has psychometric properties which are adequatefor the assessment of dental stress in the case of Romanian students; nevertheless, it is necessaryto extend the use of DES to students attending other universities and to dental practitioners.

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Factors affecting the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression in undergraduate Indian dental students

. Abdul Ahad; . Puneet Chahar; . Ekramul Haque; . Afshan Bey; . Meena Jain; . Waseem Raja

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The objective was to assess the prevalence and the associated demographicfactors of stress, anxiety, and depression among undergraduate (UG) Indian dental students anddetermine ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The objective was to assess the prevalence and the associated demographicfactors of stress, anxiety, and depression among undergraduate (UG) Indian dental students anddetermine whether the pattern is different in government‑run institutions and those managed byprivate authorities.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among dental UG studentsfrom five dental colleges. Snowball sampling was used to approach 776 potential participants, resultingin a complete response from 507 students. The questionnaire consisted of demographic data; yearof study; type of college; accommodation; and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS)‑42.Descriptive data and inferential statistics were obtained. Chi‑square test was applied for categoricaldata to test for significance, and higher analysis was done using multiple linear regression.RESULTS: Females and males comprised 71.8% (n = 364) and 28.2% (n = 143) of the studypopulation, respectively. The prevalence of anxiety was highest (66.86%, n = 339), followed bydepression (57.39%, n = 291) and stress (43.99%, n = 223). In terms of severity also, anxiety wasthe most prevalent condition as more than one‑fourth of the students presented with severe andvery severe scores in this aspect (25.43%, n = 129) compared to depression (14.39%, n = 73) andstress (10.09%, n = 51). Regression analysis revealed age as a strong positive predictor for all thethree conditions, while staying in the hostel was a positive predictor for anxiety and stress. Beingfemale was also an independent predictor for the high prevalence of stress.CONCLUSION: Stress, anxiety, and depression are highly prevalent among Indian dental students.Clinical students and interns have a higher prevalence of stress than preclinical students. Age,being female, and staying in the hostel are positive predictors for the severity of stress. There is nosignificant difference between government and private colleges, regarding the prevalence of anypsychological condition.

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Iranian University students’ stressors and coping strategies: A qualitative study

. Fatemeh Khademian; . Azam Aslani; . Ramin Ravangard; . Mohammad Nami; . Samaneh Abbasi; . Peivand Bastani

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-10

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Although a certain amount of stress is essential, excessive stress can adverselyinfluence the physiological and mental health. Hence, this study aims to assess common stressorsand ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Although a certain amount of stress is essential, excessive stress can adverselyinfluence the physiological and mental health. Hence, this study aims to assess common stressorsand coping strategies among university students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted from October to November2019 in Iran. Twelve students were recruited based on purposeful sampling to participate focus groupdiscussions (FGD). Transcripts of three sessions of FGD were analyzed applying Graneheim andLundman (2004) approach, and a thematic network was applied to illustrate the findings.RESULTS: The finding emerged 78 codes, 14 subthemes, and 4 main themes. Stressors wereclassified in two main themes, including individual stressors and the social ones. Behavioral strategiesand the cognitive ones were among two categories of coping strategies. According to the thematicnetwork, a full stress student affecting the precious stressors and the social, cultural, and the economiccontext may manage his/her stress applying the coping strategies.CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that university students experienced different kinds of stress,and usually, they do not apply right coping strategies. It is important to establish stress counselingprograms for university students. Besides, it is proposing to provide 1st year university students withworkshops about the cause of stress and effective coping strategies.

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Effect of positive thinking training on stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial

. Nasrin Shokrpour; . Shima Sheidaie; . Mehdi Amirkhani; . Leila Bazrafkan; . Ameneh Modreki

Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Given the relationship between positivity interventions and psychological problems,this study aimed to investigate the effect of positive thinking training on stress, anxiety, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Given the relationship between positivity interventions and psychological problems,this study aimed to investigate the effect of positive thinking training on stress, anxiety, depression,and quality of life of hemodialysis patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental and interventional study conductedon 70 hemodialysis patients referred to Fasa hemodialysis centers, Iran, between April 2019 andOctober 2019. Patients were selected using a simple sampling method and randomly divided intocontrol (n = 35) and intervention (n = 35) groups. The intervention group was trained on positivethinking skills in eight sessions of a workshop. Before and after the intervention, stress, anxiety,depression, and quality of life in both the groups were measured using the Depression, Anxiety,and Stress Scale-21 and Short Form-36 Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired t-test,independent t-test, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, and Chi-square tests.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean scores of stress, anxiety, depression,and quality of life in the two groups before the intervention.(P > 0.05), and in the control group, therewas no statistically significant difference before and after the intervention (P = 0.092, P = 0.228,0.280, respectively). In the intervention group, the mean score of stress and anxiety decreased from23.65 ± 4.12 to 16.68 ± 4.41 (P < 0.001) and from 17.77 ± 5.15 to 14.57 ± 4.18 (P = 0.002), respectively,and that of the patients’ quality of life also increased from 35.19 ± 10.07 to 55.98 ± 11.71 (P < 0.001).However, the mean score of depression did not change significantly after the intervention (P = 0.689).CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, the use of positive thinking interventionprograms with other methods for hemodialysis patients’ care and treatment is recommended as anonpharmacological, cost-effective, and uncomplicated method.

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Adaptive coping strategies used by people during coronavirus

. Sarah Javed; . Heena Parveen

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Coronavirus (COVID‑19) a worldwide pandemic has significantly affectedlife of people around the globe. It has also caused various psychological issues among publicsuch ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Coronavirus (COVID‑19) a worldwide pandemic has significantly affectedlife of people around the globe. It has also caused various psychological issues among publicsuch as uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and of course stress. Globalization has facilitated it and hasadded greater complexity to the containment of infection leading to urgent call for public healthchallenge. Consequently, a multilevel stress coping adjustment process is going on. Hence, it isimperative to explore how people are affected psychologically and how they are coping with it.People are adopting different strategies for coping up from this challenging situation. In this sense,the present study intended to: explore which coping strategies were of relevance for people foradjusting in COVID‑19 crises and were sociodemographic factors influencing the coping strategies.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research is descriptive study. For the present study, a sampleof 475 participants was asked for coping strategies used by them using valid and reliable scales.RESULTS: Results revealed that positive attitude and trust in God were the most used adaptivecoping strategies and sociodemographic variables were playing a significant role in adaptive copingstrategies.CONCLUSION: Hence, understanding and identification of coping strategies and their relationshipwith demographic variables can help health professionals to direct interventions to control stressorsrelated to the pandemics.

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Prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression among health care and nonhealth‑care professionals in India

. Kishore Kumar Singh; . Jyotirmay; . Avanindra Kumar; . Aashana Goel; . Saakshi Gulati; . Bikash Bishwadarshee Nayak

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The psychological impact of anxiety, stress, and depression among health careand nonhealth‑care professionals in India contribute significantly to the global burden of ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The psychological impact of anxiety, stress, and depression among health careand nonhealth‑care professionals in India contribute significantly to the global burden of mentalillness in the world. Impaired mental health and stress influence the efficiency and productivity ofwork. Long‑term professional stress among individuals can lead to chronic illness, increased bloodpressure, and many systemic disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence ofanxiety, stress, and depression among the health care and nonhealth‑care professionals in India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective survey‑based study included 200 studyparticipants (80 nonhealth care and 120 health‑care workers) who were asked to submit theirfeedback and opinion on a questionnaire survey. Depression, stress, and anxiety were scored asper patient health questionnaire‑4 and UCLA scale. The reliability of questionnaires was assessedusing the Cronbach’s alpha (r = 0.90). The statistical analysis was done using the Chi‑square test.RESULTS: Higher prevalence ratio of anxiety, depression, and stress was observed among nonhealthcare compared to health‑care professionals.CONCLUSION: Psychological disturbances were found to be higher among nonmedical whencompared to health‑care workers or professionals. Thus, psychological counseling is required tomanage the stress levels in both health care and nonhealth‑care professionals.

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Relation between stress, time management, and academic achievement in preclinical medical education: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

. Soleiman Ahmady; . Nasrin Khajeali; . Masomeh Kalantarion; . Farshad Sharifi; . Mehdi Yaseri

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Identifying the learners’ problems is important. Besides, many factors are associated with academicfailure, among which time management and stress are more important than any ...  Read More Identifying the learners’ problems is important. Besides, many factors are associated with academicfailure, among which time management and stress are more important than any others basedon evidence. By using a systematic review and meta‑analysis, this study aims to synthesize thefindings of studies about the correlation of time management and stress with academic failureto suggest a more in‑depth insight into the effect of these two factors on academic failure. Fourdatabases were searched from the inception of January 2018. Publication bias was evaluated visuallyusing funnel plots and sized up by Egger’s test. Ninety‑four articles were found to be qualified forinclusion after full‑text review and additional manual reference made. Of these, 8 were studies ofeducational interventions that were reviewed in this paper. Regarding the relation of stress andacademic performance, the Funnel plot (results not shown) and Egger’s test showed no publicationbias in the studies (P = 0.719). Based on this result, the estimated pooled correlation (reverted byhyperbolic tangent transformation) between stress and academic performance was found to be −0.32(95% confidence interval: −0.38–−0.25). In conclusion, the review recognized a series of potentiallymutable medium‑to‑large correlates of academic achievement, time management, and stress. Itwould be essential to have experimental data on how easily such self‑regulatory capacities can bealtered, and these interventions could help students enhance their potential, providing empirical testsfor offered process models of academic achievement.

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The association between social support and psychological factors with health‑promoting behaviours in pregnant women: A cross‑sectional study

. Nasrin Rashan; . Nasibeh Sharifi; . Azita Fathnezhad‑Kazemi; . Khadijeh Golnazari; . Safoura Taheri

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Health promotion is one of the most important aspects in pregnancy, andhealth‑promoting behaviors are one of the major determinants of health under the influence of ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Health promotion is one of the most important aspects in pregnancy, andhealth‑promoting behaviors are one of the major determinants of health under the influence of variousfactors. This study aimed to determine the association between social support and psychologicalfactors with health‑promoting behaviors in pregnant women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional was performed on 375 pregnant women whenthey had 24–28 weeks in Ilam, October 2018 to May 2019. Two‑stage cluster sampling was performedafter checking the inclusion criteria. Data collection tools consisted of four questionnaires that werecompleted in self‑report form. The collected data were analyzed by the descriptive and inferentialtests with the SPSS software version 19.RESULTS: The mean score of health‑promoting behaviors was 139.87 (21.26) and self‑healing andphysical activity had the highest and the lowest mean 27.67 (4.84) and 16.29 (4.84), respectively.Linear regression analysis showed a significant difference between different level of stress, anxiety,depression, and social support with health‑promoting behaviors (P < 0.001). The results showedthat one‑point increase in the score of stress, anxiety, and depression led to the 2.2%, 6.1%, and24.1% reduction of health‑promoting behaviors, respectively, and one‑point score increase in socialsupport resulted in 40% increase in health‑promoting behaviors (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: A negative association was found between psychological factors and a positiverelationship with health‑promoting behaviors. Although perceived moderate health promotionbehaviors and perceived social support were moderate, they did not have a good status in terms ofpsychological factors. Given awareness of the issues under study in each region is essential andplanning to improve stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as promoting and correcting inappropriatebehaviors through planned interventions are required.

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