Premenstrual syndrome, coping mechanisms and associated factors among female students of a health sciences campus in South India

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of distressing physical and psychological symptoms occurring cyclically during the luteal phase of each menstrual cycle that begin a few days before menstruation and resolves within a few days of the onset of menstruation. This study focuses on finding the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms among university students and also to assess the socio-demographic, dietary and lifestyle factors associated with premenstrual symptoms.Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted were participants were asked to fill a premenstrual syndrome scale (PMSS) questionnaire based on which they were categorised as 憄ositive PMS� or 憂egative PMS�. Any coping mechanism applied were also reported.Results: A total of 202 participants were part of the study of which 137 (67.8%) of them had premenstrual symptoms and of which 49 (79%) of them had a familial history of PMS. Menstrual related factors like familial history of PMS, perceived menstrual pain intensity, quantity of menstrual bleed, Duration of symptoms in the premenstrual periods were found to be significantly associated with PMS. Mood swings, abdominal cramps and generalised aches and pains were predominant symptoms reported by the students. Taking rest, sleeping and listening to music were the commonly applied coping mechanisms to relieve the symptoms.Conclusions: The prevalence of PMS is on the higher side i.e. 68.3% compared to many studies around the world. The health seeking behaviour knowledge about PMS seems to be quite low among the students and thereby indicates the need to provide awareness and give emphasis on the management of premenstrual symptoms both pharmacologically (if required) and non-pharmacologically.

Psychological coping mechanisms among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction@#Globally, COVID – 19 (SARS COV -2) became an enormous challenge with serious threat to the healthcare workers. This study aimed to provide the psychological coping mechanisms among healthcare workers in tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in the locale of Eastern Visayas.@*Objective@#This study was conducted to determine the psychological coping mechanisms among healthcare workers in tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objectives were to determine the demographic profile of health care workers as to: age, sex, civil status, profession and area of assignment, to identify the issues of concern that contribute to the mental or psychological stress affecting the healthcare workers, to identify the psychological coping mechanisms of healthcare workers to ease their stress and to determine the correlation between issues of concern and coping mechanisms to the demographic profile of the healthcare workers. @*Methods@#Utilized a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical component. Sample size of 142 was computed using the Epi Info 7 software with confidence interval of 95% and the margin of error of 5%. Descriptive analysis was utilized to identify the socio- demographic profile of HCWs and Pearson r tests in SPSS used in correlation to issues of concern and psychological coping mechanisms.@*Results@#One hundred forty two healthcare workers were included in the study. Of these, almost all respondents belong to aged 20-39 (92.3%). Majority were female and single. As to profession, many were physicians and nurses while as to area of assignments, some in the COVID Ward (24.6%). As to issues of concern, the results showed moderately in physical issues (2.55), mental and emotional issues (2.12). With regards to coping mechanisms, appraisal- focused (adaptive –cognitive) (3.55), emotion- focused (3.50) and problem- focused (adaptive – behavioral) coping mechanisms (3.18) were all very important. The correlational analysis showed that issues of concern and psychological coping mechanisms experienced by HCWs were not significantly related or associated to their demographics profile. @*Conclusion@#Based on the findings, the appraisal- focused (adaptive – cognitive), emotion- focused and problem- focused (adaptive – behavioral) coping mechanisms were all very important coping mechanisms among HCWs. Demographic profiles were not significantly associated with issues of concern and psychological coping mechanisms of HCWs in a tertiary hospital during COVID-19 pandemic.

The C.O.P.E. typology of coping with stressors at sea among Filipino merchant marine ratings: A Q methodology study

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> The seafarers' poor mental health has been associated with significant morbidity, inefficiency, and accidents on board. Mental and physical health is largely dependent on the way seafarers handle stressors.<br />Anchored on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, this study aimed to identify the typology of Filipino merchant marine ratings according to their coping strategies to stressors on board vessels.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> Thirty-seven (37) Filipino merchant marine ratings participated in this study. They were chosen by purposive sampling. They rank-ordered 25 opinion statements on various stressors and coping mechanisms. The rank-ordered sorts were subjected to by-person factor analysis with Varimax rotation using the PQ Method version 2.32. The resulting factors were interpreted using the inductive approach, aided by the interview done after Q sorting.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> Four factors were generated: solution-focused seafarers, stressor-focused seafarers, self-management- focused seafarers, and the social milieu-focused seafarers. There is a consensus on the supplication-focused seafarers who ask for God's help in times of stress.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The generated typology provides a better understanding of seafarers' outlook on stress and coping and may help the stakeholders craft individualized strategies to help improve their coping mechanisms and overall mental health. Occupational health research must continue to focus on understanding the role of culture and adaptation on stress and coping behaviors to retain quality seafarers and promote a healthier workplace.</p>

Estrés Académico en Alumnos Ingresantes a la Carrera de Odontología en la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina / Academic Stress of Freshmen Students at the Faculty of Dentistry Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Argentina

RESUMEN: El estrés es un estado de inestabilidad y angustia emocional que dificulta la capacidad para concentrarse y funcionar eficazmente de forma rutinaria. En el ámbito de la educación, el estrés académico cuenta con tres dimensiones: estresores, reacciones sobre la salud en general y los reguladores del estrés. Varios estudios han señalado que los estudiantes de carreras de la salud pueden estar expuestos a niveles de estrés más elevados que la población en general. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el estrés académico autopercibido en alumnos ingresantes a la Carrera de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Córdoba, Argentina). Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, donde la muestra estuvo conformada por 291 estudiantes. La información se recolectó a través del cuestionario autoadministrado Inventario Sisco del Estrés Académico (Barraza Macías, 2007a,b). El análisis de los datos se llevó a cabo empleando baremos específicos, y para la asociación entre variables se utilizaron las pruebas de Pearson y Anova, fijando el nivel de significación estadística en p<0,05. Una mayoría significativa de los alumnos (98,3 %) presentó estrés académico, con un 88,81 % de los participantes inclinándose por las categorías de intensidad más altas de estrés. Se identificó una muy significativa correlación entre las dimensiones Estresores y Reacciones (p<0,001) y entre Estresores y Estrategias (p= 0,034). La identificación de estrés académico, su caracterización y la prevención respecto a la potencial instalación de hábitos o empleo de medicamentos en muchos casos insalubres, permitirá desarrollar estrategias que favorezcan a los estudiantes el poder hacer frente a las situaciones que el nuevo entorno demanda.

ABSTRACT: Stress is a state of instability and emotional anguish that complicates the ability to focus and function effectively on a routine basis. In educational science, it is called academic stress encompassing three dimensions: stressors, general health reactions, and stress regulators. Several studies have indicated that health career students may be exposed to higher stress levels than the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-perceived academic stress in freshmen students at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba (Cordoba, Argentina). A descriptive study was carried out, where the sample consisted of 291 students. The information was collected through the self-administered questionnaire Sisco Inventory of Academic Stress (Barraza Macias, 2007). Data analysis was carried out using specific scales, and for the association between variables, Pearson and Anova tests were used, setting the level of a statistical significance at p<0.05. A significant majority of the students (98.3 %) presented academic stress, with 88.81 % of participants leaning towards the highest intensity categories of stress. A very significant correlation was identified between the Stressors and Reactions dimensions (p<0.001) and between Stressors and Strategies (p=0.034). The identification of academic stress, its characterization and prevention of potential habits or use of medication often considered unhealthy, will promote the development of strategies for students, in order to better face situations encountered in the new environment.

A case control study on family functionality and coping mechanisms among healthy siblings of pediatric patients with Leukemia in Kythe-affiliated hospitals in the Philippines

Background@#Leukemia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pediatric patients in the Philippines, but it also significantly affects family dynamics and behaviors. Aside from the parents, siblings are also vulnerable to the effects of a chronic disease within the family but are not usually the topic of family studies.@*Objective@#To determine if having control-oriented or escape-oriented coping mechanisms is associated with the different levels and dimensions of family functioning among children ages 13 to 18 years old who have siblings diagnosed with leukemia.@*Methodology@#This case control study was conducted in two Kythe-affiliated hospitals in Luzon, Philippines. Using McMaster Family Assessment Device, adolescent siblings of leukemia patients who belong to dysfunctional families (n=8) were considered as the cases, while siblings who belong to functional families (n=5) were the controls. KidCOPE was used to identify coping mechanisms. Odds ratio for escape- and control-oriented coping mechanisms were computed using Fisher’s exact test through MedCalc, while association of coping mechanisms with demographics was determined using Chi square test through SAS 9.4.@*Results@#Siblings of leukemia patients who belong to dysfunctional families are more likely to use escape-oriented coping mechanism (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 0.0746 to 64.9082; p = 0.648) but also more likely to feel that it is not helpful to them (OR = 0.6471; 95% CI = 0.0111 to 37.6665; p = 0.8337). However, an association between coping mechanisms and family functionality cannot be established because the computed odds ratios are not significant. A significant association was found between the number of extended family members living with the sibling and efficiency of control-oriented coping mechanisms (p = 0.024).@*Conclusion@#Association between coping mechanisms of adolescent siblings of leukemia patients and family functionality was not established, but further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm this.

Coping mechanisms of Filipino parents with leukemia children: a case study

Background and Objectives: Leukemia, though proven to be curable, still poses a serious problem for thecountry as the number of patients steadily increases every year. To address this concern, a number of studieswere conducted to analyze not just the physical but also the psychological effects of diagnosis on patients.However, data are still lacking on the effects of this illness on parents of the patients, especially on how parentscope with the imminent distress brought about by the situation. The study aims to explore the copingbehaviors of parents of leukemia patients towards their children's illness and to determine the factors thataffect the distress of these parents.Methodology: The coping mechanisms of Filipino parents of leukemia patients and the factors that contributefurther to their distress were investigated. A case study was conducted involving six parents from the LeukemiaIndigent Fund Endowment in the Lung Center of the Philippines who qualified under the inclusion criteria set inthe study. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Their responses wererecorded, transcribed, and assessed through thematic analysis.Results and Conclusions: The major coping mechanisms gathered were: Denial, Acquiring Social Support, andFaith. The nature of their coping mechanisms greatly depends on factors that induced their distress afterdiagnosis of their child. On one hand, for those whose distress was provoked by their knowledge that leukemiais fatal, their immediate coping mechanism was total denial followed by social support from other parents ofleukemia patients. On the other hand, for those whose distress was prompted by the financial constraints thatcome along with the illness, while there is denial, the major coping mechanism was acquiring social support interms of financial needs. Only after having these immediate actions that they become open to emotional andmoral support, together with other coping mechanisms such as having faith, repression of other activities,being optimistic or being passive.

Apróximación teórica al constructo resiliencia / Theoretical approach to the resilience construct

This essay aims to carry out a theoretical approach to the resilience construct through some reflections. Every day humans get on in various levels, achieving various roles and facing constant challenges of all kinds. The period lived as a student during the individual life cycle does not constitute an exception to these facts; and, it requires the appropriate use of all competences which he has. However, the occasions in which the student reflects that it does not have the necessary tools to have a triumphant result cannot be ruled out or be weakened, taking into account that the conditions for the achievement of goals are not always the best, and there are various obstacles that go beyond the individual, either personally or interpersonal, coupled with the system and own current context in which this develops; and, it must be survived by the Venezuelan citizen. That is why, the ability of people to develop psychologically well, despite of living in contexts of risk, refers both to individuals as to groups that are able to minimize and overcome the damaging effects of adversities and disadvantaged contexts.

El presente ensayo tiene como propósito llevar a cabo una aproximación teórica al constructo de la resiliencia a través de algunas reflexiones. Diariamente los seres humanos se desenvuelven en diferentes niveles, cumpliendo variados roles y afrontando constantes retos de toda índole, el período que se vive como estudiante durante el ciclo vital individual no constituye una excepción a estos hechos y el mismo exige el uso adecuado de todas las competencias con las cuales se cuenta. Sin embargo, no se pueden descartar las ocasiones en que el estudiante refleja que no posee las herramientas necesarias para tener un resultado triunfante o se encuentran debilitadas, teniendo en cuenta que las condiciones para la consecución de las metas no siempre son las mejores y existen diferentes obstáculos que superan al individuo, ya sea en lo personal, lo interpersonal, aunado al sistema y contexto actual propio en el que se desarrolla y debe subsistir el ciudadano venezolano. Es por esto que la capacidad que tienen las personas para desarrollarse psicológicamente con normalidad, a pesar de vivir en contextos de riesgo, se refiere tanto a los individuos en particular como a los grupos que son capaces de minimizar y sobreponerse a los efectos nocivos de las adversidades y los contextos desfavorecidos.

Study of psychological morbidity & coping mechanisms in family members of persons with mental illnesses

Background: The psychological morbidity of family members of mentally ill is generally overlooked. This studyfocuses on the psychological morbidity in family members.Aim : To study psychological morbidity and coping mechanisms used by the family members of mentally ill admittedin psychiatric hospital.Methods: A sample of 45 family members of mentally ill admitted in The Institute of Mental Health, Hyderabad wastaken. Severity of illness in patients and psychological morbidity and coping mechanisms used by the family memberswere assessed.Results : There is no significant psychological morbidity among the family membersConclusions Acceptance is the most common coping mechanism used by family members of persons with mental illness.