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Introduction: Presence of stress among medical students is well known but there are very few studies that objectively prove it. This study aims to assess stresssubjectively and objectively in first year medical students by a) GHQ (General Health Questionnaire) scoring system b) measuring the biochemical parameters: serum cortisol and IgA(Immunoglobulin A). Materials and Methods: 75 students were included in the present study. Estimation of serum cortisol and Immunoglobulin A at the end of first month (time 1) and sixth month (time 2) were done by using autoanalyzers. GHQ scoring and assessment was also made at the end of the first month (time 1) and sixth month (time 2) of the first year. Results: GHQ scoring and serum cortisol for stress had significantly increased at time 2 when compared to time1. IgA levels were significantly decreased at time 2 when compared to time 1. All were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The study showed that first year medical course to be stressful by both subjective and objective parameters. It calls for measures to reduce stress in health professional’s education, in a process to improvise it.
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Objectives: To evaluate the physical strength, cerebral function, and mental health conditions in elderly persons, and to examine the correlation between these functions. Methods: The subjects were 151 independent-living elderly Japanese women, mean age 70 +/− 5 years (+/− SD; range, 60 to 80 years), with normal abilities in daily life. The health check-up was conducted from April to May 1997. Physical strength was estimated by measuring seven activities. Cerebral functions were assessed by six sub-tests of the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). Their mental health status was measured by four sub-scales of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-28. Results: The physical strength and almost all of the cerebral functions decreased with age. Social dysfunction and severe depression on the GHQ sub-scales also worsened with age. Physical strength was strongly correlated with cerebral functions after adjusting for the confounding effect of aging. There were also interrelations between physical strength and mental health. Conclusions: This study provided important information on the correlation between physical and mental status in elderly women. Future longitudinal studies with the intervention of physical training are required to determine whether a causal relationship exists between these factors.
Assuntos
Saúde Mental , IdosoRESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To evaluate the physical strength, cerebral function, and mental health conditions in elderly persons, and to examine the correlation between these functions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The subjects were 151 independent-living elderly Japanese women, mean age 70 +/-5 years (+/-SD; range, 60 to 80 years), with normal abilities in daily life. The health check-up was conducted from April to May 1997. Physical strength was estimated by measuring seven activities. Cerebral functions were assessed by six sub-tests of the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). Their mental health status was measured by four sub-scales of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-28.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The physical strenght and almost all of the cerebral functions decreased with age. Social dysfunction and severe depression on the GHQ sub-scales also worsened with age. Physical strength was strongly correlated with cerebral functions after adjusting for the confounding effect of aging. There were also interrelations between physical strength and mental health.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study provided important information on the correlation between physical and mental status in elderly women. Future longitudinal studies with the intervention of physical training are required to determine whether a causal relationship exists between these factors.</p>