A study on mental distress among the undergraduate students of medical college, Kolkata

Background: Medical students are reported to have high levels of mental distress that includes problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress due to the highly competitive curriculum. In the post-pandemic era with a renewed perspective toward health system and popularization of online classes, current batch of students are exposed to diverse sources of mental distress. Aims and Objectives: Objectives of this study were to find out the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, family background and academic profile of the study participants, and to estimate the proportion of different varieties of mental distress among them, and to examine relationship of mental distress with sociodemographic, behavioral and academic profile. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 649 undergraduate students by census method using depression anxiety stress scale-21 items. Results: The study participants are predominantly Hindu, urban, unmarried, hostelites, males from nuclear families and belonging to upper socioeconomic class according to Modified B.G Prasad Socioeconomic Status Scale (January 2022). The proportion of depression, anxiety, and stress among study participants was found to be 49.61%, 58.86%, and 33.13%, respectively. Proportion of mental distress was significantly higher in the age group of 21–24 years. Those who preferred to study more at night were more anxious and stressed. Stress was higher in students with addiction to gadgets too. Participants hailing from rural areas, hostelites, and paying guests were relatively more depressed. Conclusion: There is urgent need for emotional support and provision of personalized counseling for the MBBS students as unchecked mental distress can turn into severe psychological morbidity.

Psychosocial impact of the implementation of COVID-19 protocols

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally since the first case was diagnosed in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and we are now experiencing the fourth wave. Several measures are being taken to care for the infected and to curtail the spread of this novel infectious virus. The psychosocial impact of these measures on patients, relatives, caregivers, and medical personnel also needs to be assessed and catered for. METHODS: This is a review article on the psychosocial impact of the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. The literature search was done using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline. DISCUSSION: Modalities of transportation of the patient to isolation and quarantine centres have led to stigma and negative attitudes towards such individuals. When diagnosed with the infection, fear of dying from COVID-19, fear of infecting family members and close associates, fear of stigmatization, and loneliness are common among COVID-19 patients. Isolation and quarantine procedures also cause loneliness and depression, and the person is at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. Caregivers are continually stressed out and have the constant fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2. Despite clear guidelines to help with closure for family members of people dying from COVID-19, inadequate resources make this unrealistic. CONCLUSION: Mental and emotional distress resulting from fear of SARS-Cov-2 infection, the mode of transmission, and consequences have a tremendous negative impact on the psychosocial well-being of those affected, their caregivers, and relatives. There is a need for the government, health institutions, and NGOs to establish platforms to cater to these concerns

Machine learning approaches to identify profiles and predictors of psychosocial discomfort among Italian college students / Enfoques de machine learning para identificar perfiles y predictores de malestar psicosocial entre estudiantes universitarios italianos

Abstract Introduction College students live a crucial period of transition from late adolescence to adulthood when they have to deal with important stressful tasks. Thus, university often represents a stressful environment, pushing students to cope with a high academic pressure. As a result, this period constitutes a sensitive age for the onset of mental disorders. Typically, students are not aware of the early signs of their own compromised mental health until symptoms aggravate to an overt disorder. Therefore, it is important to timely detect subthreshold symptoms mostly related to generic mental distress. Objective First, to assess psychophysical well-being and mental distress among college students in northern Italy, and to detect predictors, among socio-demographic and academic characteristics, and risky drug use of these two outcomes. Method The study involved 13,886 students who received an email explaining the purpose of the e-research. The questionnaires used were the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the University Stress Scale (USS), and a modified version of World Health Organization-ASSIST v3.0. Results 3,754 students completed the web-survey. Students showed poor well-being and mental distress. The strongest predictor of mental distress and compromised well-being was physical health, followed by sex, study field, risky drug use, and academic performance concerns. Discussion and conclusion This study shows that it is very important to promote in college students healthy behaviors in order to increase their physical exercise and reduce substance use. Moreover, it would be desirable to improve academic counselling facilities as an important front-line service to intercept mental health issues among young adults.

Resumen Introducción Los estudiantes universitarios pasan por un periodo crucial en su transición de la adolescencia tardía a la edad adulta, periodo en que tienen que lidiar con tareas estresantes. La universidad representa un entorno estresante, que empuja a los estudiantes a hacer frente a una alta presión académica. Como resultado, este periodo constituye una edad sensible para la aparición de trastornos mentales. En general, los estudiantes no cobran consciencia de los primeros signos de que su propia salud mental está en riesgo sino hasta que los síntomas se agravan y se convierten en un trastorno manifiesto. Por tanto, es importante detectar oportunamente los síntomas subumbrales relacionados ante todo con la angustia mental genérica. Objetivo Evaluar el bienestar psicofísico y la angustia mental entre estudiantes universitarios del norte de Italia, y en segundo lugar, detectar predictores entre las características sociodemográficas y académicas, y el uso de drogas de estos dos resultados. Método En el estudio participaron 13,886 estudiantes que recibieron un correo electrónico que explicaba el propósito de la investigación. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el Cuestionario de Salud General (GHQ-12), la Escala de Estrés Universitario (USS) y una versión modificada de la Organización Mundial de la Salud-ASSIST v3.0. Resultados 3,754 estudiantes completaron la encuesta en línea. Los estudiantes mostraron bienestar y angustia mental. El predictor más fuerte de angustia mental y bienestar comprometido fue la salud física, seguido del sexo, el campo de estudio, el uso de drogas y el rendimiento académico. Discusión y conclusión Este estudio muestra que es muy importante promover entre los estudiantes universitarios comportamientos saludables para promover el ejercicio físico y reducir el consumo de sustancias. Además, sería deseable mejorar la orientación académica que es un importante servicio de primera línea para interceptar los problemas de salud mental en los estudiantes.

The mental health of Brazilian healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study

Objective: To compare the distress level among Brazilian healthcare professionals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and estimate risks by sex, age, and occupation. Methods: In a longitudinal cohort design, a nationally distributed online survey was used to collect data from 10,490 active healthcare professionals who worked during the pandemic. Participants were mostly female, aged 18 to 82 years; 13 different health professions and all states of Brazil were represented. Results: The most frequent professions were psychology, dentistry, and nursing. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) score suggested an increased distress perception among health professionals. Females showed poorer mental health than males, but the absolute rise in Global Severity Index (GSI) score was larger in males than in females. Younger adults reported more symptoms of psychological distress than older adults. The most impacted age group was between 30-39 years. Nurse technicians presented the highest risk of distress. Conclusion: Health professionals are essential to overcoming the pandemic; thus, their mental health status should be monitored, and features associated with increased distress should be identified. Our findings suggest distress risk should be stratified by occupation, age, and sex. Health professionals showed an increased distress perception. Women, individuals between the ages of 30 and 39, nursing personnel, and physicians were more likely to report distress compared with other health professionals.

The Impact of Loneliness, Anger, and Regular Physical Activity on Mental Health During the Pandemic

@#The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the entire world and mandatory restrictions have increased mental health problems. This descriptive study aimed to examine the impact of loneliness, anger, and regular physical activity on mental health and investigate their interaction with regular physical activity. The universe of the study was people who lived in K?r?ehir, Turkey, 560 people participated via stratified sampling. Data of the study were collected through socio-demographic information form, General Health Questionnaire-12, UCLA Loneliness Scale-8, and Trait Anger Scale in March 2021. In the data analysis, the seven-way mixed-factor (ANOVA) variance analysis of such groups as regular physical activity, gender, loneliness, anger, body mass index, and educational status was compared in terms of GHQ-12 total score and the interaction effect of physical activity with each of other six independent variables were examined. The study found a statistically significant difference between physical activity groups, loneliness groups, anger groups, and age groups in terms of GHQ-12 total score, and there was no interaction effect among these variables. According to these results, it can be said that age, loneliness, anger, and regular physical activity are effective on mental distress, and it is suggested that advanced studies are conducted to examine mental distress. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 22(5), July 2021: 1-11.

"A gente fica doente também": percepção do cuidador familiar sobre o seu adoecimento / "We get sick too": family caregivers' perception on their sickening

O objetivo com este estudo foi compreender a percepção de 20 cuidadores sobre o processo de seu adoecimento quando em cuidado de um familiar em sofrimento mental. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de uma abordagem qualitativa, do tipo descritiva, e o instrumento utilizado para a coleta de dados foi a entrevista semiestruturada. As informações foram analisadas seguindo as orientações da Análise de Conteúdo e interpretadas sob a perspectiva sócio-histórica. Os depoimentos mostraram que a percepção do cuidador sobre o seu adoecimento está atrelada à falta de apoio da família no cuidado e à abdicação da vida social e profissional após assumir a responsabilidade de cuidar do familiar em tratamento. O cuidador compreende, ainda, o cuidado como predestinação ou obrigação a ser cumprida. Evidencia-se a importância de uma relação colaborativa entre os serviços de saúde mental e a família como estratégia de apoio ao cuidador principal a fim de prevenir o seu adoecimento.

The objective of this study is to understand the perception of 20 caregivers about their own process of becoming ill when taking care of a family member in mental distress. The study was conducted through a qualitative approach of the descriptive type, and for the data collection we used a semi structured interview. The information was analyzed following the guidelines of Content Analysis and interpreted from the socio-historical perspective. The testimonies showed that the caregivers' perception of their illness is linked to the family's lack of support in the care and their abdication of their social and professional life after taking on the responsibility of caring for the family member under treatment. Caregivers also understand care as predestination or obligation to be fulfilled. The importance of a collaborative relationship between mental health services and families as a strategy to support the primary caregiver in order to prevent their own illness is evidenced.

Sentidos de ser mulher cuidadora de um familiar com transtorno mental grave na região Amazônica / The significance of being a woman caregiving a family member with severe mental disorder in the Amazon region

Neste estudo objetivou-se compreender os sentidos produzidos sobre o papel de cuidadora de um familiar em sofrimento mental grave. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada com seis mulheres de um município do interior de Rondônia. As informações foram obtidas através de entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisadas por meio da técnica de Análise do Discurso sob a perspectiva do construcionismo social. Das entrevistas emergiram os seguintes repertórios interpretativos: a) a construção social do cuidado como função feminina; b) a sobrecarga familiar da mulher cuidadora; e c) a fé como fonte de alívio do sofrimento. Os resultados mostraram que, ao assumir o papel de cuidadora do familiar em tratamento psiquiátrico, a mulher deixa de exercer suas atividades profissionais, abdica da vida social e convive diariamente com uma sobrecarga física e emocional. Mesmo após a evolução dos papéis sociais exercidos por homens e mulheres, as estratégias de cuidado continuam a fundamentar-se na figura feminina.

This study aimed to understand the meanings produced about the role of caregiver of a family member in severe mental distress. This is a qualitative research conducted with six women from a municipality in the interior of Rondônia. The information was obtained through semistructured interviews and analyzed using the Discourse Analysis technique from the perspective of social constructionism. From the interviews emerged the following interpretative repertoires: a) the social construction of care as a female function; b) the family burden of the caregiver woman; and c) faith as a source of relief from suffering. The results showed that, when assuming the role of caregiver of the family member in psychiatric treatment, the woman ceases to perform her professional activities, abdicates social life and lives daily with a physical and emotional overload. Even after the evolution of social roles played by men and women, care strategies continue to be based on the female figure.

Design specifications of ergonomic sofa through sofa makers perception: a case study in Malaysia

Development of ergonomic sofa design is a design process that has the basic framework specification and type of material that is applied on the sofa design. This is due to human consumption that is closely related to ergonomic design of this specification which will affect human physical. To achieve this goal, a survey involving 30 respondents of sofa makers was conducted to get feedback regarding the sofa design specifications. Survey questions emphasize on the basic specifications and material dimensions of sofa materials used. The results of data analysis show that the size of basic dimensions and materials is essential in designing an ergonomic sofa. The survey is very important to find out the basic specifications in the development of ergonomic design through perception of sofa maker.

Limitações do paradigma científico hegemônico no acolhimento ao sofrimento psíquico na atenção básica / Limitations of the hegemonic scientific paradigm for dealing with mental distress at primary healthcare units / Limitaciones del paradigma hegemónico científico en el acogimiento del sufrimiento psíquico en la atención primaria

O problema que motivou a realização do presente trabalho foi a dificuldade em se acolher o sofrimento psíquico nas unidades de atenção básica. Neste trabalho, investigamos se esta dificuldade se deve à inadequação epistemológica do paradigma hegemônico. Realizamos uma revisão de literatura e analisamos a utilização do termo paradigma na produção científica brasileira recente. Após busca pelas palavras-chave paradigma e medicina e seleção prévia, foram escolhidos 17 textos. A análise foi feita em duas etapas: análise linguística e levantamento da temática emergente. Levantamos as cinquenta palavras mais frequentes e as agrupamos em comunidades de coocorrência, utilizando o algoritmo de Clauset. Os textos discutiam as ideias de Kuhn e trouxeram tanto experiências inovadoras já implantadas em unidades de saúde quanto exemplos de mudanças curriculares nos cursos de medicina. A promoção da saúde aparece como um novo e promissor paradigma para a saúde.

The problem that motivated the present study was the difficulty in dealing with mental distress at primary healthcare units. In this study, we investigated whether this difficulty was due to epistemological deficiencies of the hegemonic paradigm. We reviewed the literature and analyzed the use of the term paradigm in recent Brazilian scientific articles. After searching using the keywords paradigm and medicine and making a preselection, 17 texts were chosen. The analysis was done in two stages: linguistic analysis and surveying of emerging themes. We surveyed the fifty most commonly used words and grouped them into communities of co-occurrence using the Clauset algorithm. The texts discussed Kuhn's ideas and presented innovative experiences already implemented in healthcare units and examples of curricular changes in medicine courses. Health promotion appeared as a new and promising paradigm for healthcare.

El problema que motivó este trabajo fue la dificultad para aceptar el sufrimiento psíquico en las unidades de atención primaria. Este trabajo investiga si esta dificultad se debe a la inadecuación epistemológica del paradigma hegemónico. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura y fue analizado el uso del término paradigma en la producción científica brasileña. Después de buscar las palabras paradigma y medicina y selección previa, combinadas con la selección anterior, 17 textos fueron seleccionados. El análisis se realizó en etapas: análisis linguístico y una revisión de los temas emergentes. Determinamos las 50 palabras más frecuentes y las agrupamos en comunidades de co-ocurrencia con el algoritmo de Clauset. Los textosdiscutían las ideas de Kuhn frayendo experiencias innovadoras implementadas en unidades de salud y los cambios en los cursos de medicina. La promoción de la salud aparece como un paradigma prometedor para la salud.

Encontros para a construção coletiva de reflexões: uma possibilidade de lidar com o sofrimento mental para além da consulta / Meetings for the construction of collective reflections: a possibility of dealing with mental distress in addition to consultation / Reuniones para la construcción de la reflexión colectiva: la posibilidad de hacer frente a los transtornos mentales, además de la consulta

Este trabalho descreve uma maneira de ampliar as possibilidades de participação de pessoas com sofrimento mental no entendimento e consequente melhora de suas queixas. Percebeu-se durante os atendimentos em consultas psiquiátricas que, sob os sintomas de parte dos pacientes, ocultavam-se dificuldades existenciais humanas, como, por exemplo, intolerância aos períodos de tristeza que podem fazer parte da vida. Tais dificuldades permaneciam inconscientes, como se os sintomas fossem algo que surgisse do nada, causando passividade e exagerada expectativa no efeito exclusivo dos medicamentos. Criamos encontros abertos à população baseados nessas percepções, com a intenção de, por meio de temas e de formas de apresentação provocativas, convidar os participantes a uma reflexão ativa e conjunta. Tais encontros tiveram por objetivo favorecer o surgimento de novos olhares e atitudes frente aos sintomas, colocando o “doente/sofredor” no papel de cocriador de novas possibilidades frente ao sofrimento e à própria vida e, por fim, favorecendo a transformação dos sintomas em possibilidade de cura.

This study describes a way to expand the opportunities for people with mental distress to understand their complaints and, in consequence, to improve. It was noticed during the psychiatric consultations that behind the symptoms of the patients, human existential difficulties were hidden, such as intolerance to periods of sadness that can be part of life. Such difficulties remained unconscious, as if the symptoms were something that arose from nowhere, causing exaggerated expectations and passivity in the exclusive effect of drugs. We created meetings open to the population, with the intention to invite, through themes and provocative presentations, participants to join an active and conjoint reflection. These meetings were intended to encourage the emergence of new perspectives and attitudes towards symptoms, positioning the "patient / sufferer" in the role of co-creator of new possibilities in response to suffering and life itself, and finally, promoting the transformation of symptom into the possibility of cure.

Este estudio describe una forma de ampliar las oportunidades de participación de las personas con trastornos mentales en la comprensión y la consiguiente mejora de sus quejas. Se observó durante las visitas en las consultas psiquiátricas que, debajo de los síntomas de los pacientes, se ocultaron humanos dificultades existenciales, como la intolerancia a los períodos de tristeza que puede ser parte de la vida. Estas dificultades se mantuvieron inconscientes, como si los síntomas fueron algo que surgió de la nada, haciendo que las expectativas exageradas y la pasividad en el efecto único de los medicamentos. Sobre la base de estas percepciones se crearon las reuniones abiertas a la población, con la intención, a través de temas y presentaciones de provocación, de invitar a los participantes a una reflexión conjunta y activa. Estas reuniones tenían por objeto favorecer la emergencia de nuevas perspectivas y actitudes de los síntomas, haciendo que el "paciente / víctima" en el papel de co-creador de nuevas posibilidades en respuesta al sufrimiento y la vida misma, y, por último, promover la transformación de los síntomas en posibilidad de cura.

Prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns e avaliação da qualidade de vida no climatério / Prevalence of mental disorders and assessment of quality of life in the climaterium

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns e a qualidade de vida (QV) relacionados à saúde em mulheres no climatério. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas 191 mulheres (entre 45 e 65 anos) em estudo analítico transversal. Um questionário, contendo informações pessoais, hábitos/saúde e dados demográficos, foi administrado em associação a instrumentos validados para medir qualidade de vida (SF-36, Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey) e estimar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns (SRQ-20, Self Reporting Questionnaire). RESULTADOS: Com a utilização do SRQ-20 e empregando ponto de corte de oito ou mais respostas afirmativas, 39,8 por cento das mulheres foram classificadas como apresentando transtornos mentais comuns. Evidenciou-se maior prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns e piores escores de QV nas mulheres com pouca escolaridade, baixa renda familiar e que não exerciam atividades profissionais fora do domicílio. Os escores médios para todos os domínios do SF-36 foram significativamente mais baixos nas mulheres categorizadas por apresentarem transtornos mentais comuns. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns é elevada na amostra de mulheres no climatério e está associada com repercussões negativas sobre sua qualidade de vida. Fatores psicossociais exercem significativa influência, e estratégias de suporte psicológico deveriam ser instituídas no contexto das políticas de saúde voltadas para mulheres no climatério.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prevalence of mental distress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in climacteric women. METHODS: A total of 191 women (45 to 65 years of age) were included in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire about personal information, habits/health, and demographic data was administered in association with the two validated instruments to measure HRQoL, SF-36, Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey and to estimate prevalence of common mental distress (20-item SRQ, Self Reporting Questionnaire). RESULTS: By using the 20-item SRQ for assessing mental distress, and establishing a cut-off level of at least 8 items, 39.8 percent of the women were categorized as having mental distress. A higher prevalence of mental distress and lower SF-36 scores were found in women in the perimenopause, particularly those with poor education and low family income who did not work outside the home. All SF-36 domains were significantly lower in women with mental distress than those in women without mental distress. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of mental distress is high in this sample of climacteric women and is associated with negative repercussions on the quality of life. This shows that psychosocial factors are significantly involved and psychological support strategies should be instituted in the form of health policies for climacteric women.