Psychological Disorders and Coping among Undergraduate College Students: Advocating for Students' Counselling Services at Kuwait University.

Objectives: The objectives of the current study are twofold. First, it aimed to explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms (i.e., psychological disorders) among Kuwait University students. Second, it sought to identify and quantify the associated risk factors as well as the students' coping strategies utilized to address these psychological disorders. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study at Kuwait University and selected students using a multistage stratified cluster sampling design among the 15 faculties of Kuwait University. To serve the study purposes, two cross-cultural and validated instruments were used, including the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and the Brief-COPE scale. Descriptive statistics, as well as logistic regression analysis, were used to analyze the study findings. Results: A sample of 1142 students from various faculties participated in this study. We found that 681 (59.6%), 791 (69.3%) and 588 (51.5%) of the participants had depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, respectively. The highest coping strategies for stressors and challenges faced were moderate and high emotion-based coping strategies (n = 1063, 93.1%). Students from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences as well as students from the Faculty of Engineering had significantly higher stress levels compared with students from other faculties (p < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that family problems were consistently a significant predictor of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among Kuwait University students (p < 0.05). We further found that students who presented with stress and anxiety symptoms and those who practiced avoidant-focused coping strategies were substantially more likely to experience depression (ORs ≥ 2.7, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings inferred that the majority of Kuwait University students have a remarkably high prevalence of mental health problems, mainly anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms along with inconsistent coping strategies toward the faced challenges during their studies. Therefore, the most important recommendation of the current study is the establishment of counselling centers in all faculties at Kuwait University. In turn, doing so facilitates the integration of wellness programs and the provision of comprehensive educational seminars, specialized training sessions and self-management techniques for Kuwait University students, leading to desired academic outcomes.

Effect of Physical Activity and Exercise on the Level of COVID-19 Antibodies and Lifestyle-Related Factors among Vaccinated Health Science Center (HSC) Students: A Pilot Randomized Trial.

A vaccine is a type of medicine that increases immunity and the number of antibodies (IgM and IgG) when injected into the body, preparing it in case of an actual viral infection. It has been shown in several studies that there is a significant relationship between physical activity and vaccination. Furthermore, it has been documented that physical activity can play a major role in reducing stress. Evidence also shows the existence of a relationship between immunity, vaccine response, and sleep duration. To investigate the effects of physical activity on the level of COVID-19 antibodies and lifestyle-related factors, Health Science Center (HSC) students who had taken the third dose of the vaccine and had no prior infection of the COVID-19 virus were investigated. To serve the purpose of this study, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 test was applied by taking a blood sample from the students. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires and the Borg's 15-point scale were given to the participants to fill out. The study utilized a two-arm randomized control research design in which 40 participants were randomly assigned into one of two groups, either the control group (n = 20) or the treatment group (n = 20). All tests and assessments were performed before and after intervention for both groups. The control group walked less than 5000 steps every day for one month with a 20 min rest during the exercise session, while the treatment group walked more than 12,000 steps every day for the same time and exercise task session. The students' steps were monitored using an Apple watch. There was a significant decrease in the IgG antibody level in the treatment group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The IgM antibody level of all groups did not show any significant difference before starting the intervention. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the IgM level of the treatment group after treatment compared to before treatment. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the treatment group's stress level and sleep disruption, indicating better sleep quality, compared to the control group (p < 0.035). The levels of IgG and IgM did not improve for the treatment group. However, the treatment group improved their stress level and sleep disruption. Therefore, further rigorous research is needed to investigate vaccine efficacy among more physically active people.

Adaptation and Preliminary Validation of the Arabic Version of the Role Checklist Version 3 (RCv3).

Arab occupational therapists are in need either to develop their own outcome measures or to translate well-known outcome measures to their culture. The objective of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate preliminarily the Role Checklist Version 3 (RCv3) into Arabic language. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process of the RCv3 into Arabic language was conducted in four main steps: (a) forward translation, (b) back translation, (c) expert panel review process, and (d) psychometric testing (Validity). The expert panel established the face validity and the content validity of the Arabic RCv3. Pilot testing was conducted, and the utility and content validity of the tool were confirmed. The final version of the Arabic RCv3 is now available for use in the Arab countries. However, further psychometric properties including reliability and responsiveness of this tool is warranted, thus supporting its wide use and proper application.

Cognitive Assessments Used in Occupational Therapy Practice: A Global Perspective.

This exploratory study was aimed at evaluating the current status of global occupational therapy practice on the use of assessments for clients with cognitive impairments and providing recommendations for ongoing evidence. We targeted international occupational therapy clinicians working with clients experiencing neurocognitive impairments. 323 occupational therapists from a wide range of clinical practice areas participated in the study. A large number of therapists used noncognitive specific assessments with a focus on functional approaches. The most commonly used standardized assessments were the COPM (56.7%), followed by MMSE (54.2%) and MoCA (45.5%), while the nonstandardized assessments were clinical observation (38.4%) and generic ADL assessment (34.1%). The use of main assessments was significantly different across world regions (p < 0.05), as were the reasons for choosing them (p < 0.05). The occupational therapists' use of assessment tools with clients suffering from neurocognitive impairments is inconsistent across the globe. The identification of international best practices for selecting and implementing proper outcome measures is warranted. It is essential to promote the development of an occupational therapy initiative to support the use of appropriate assessments at the international levels to facilitate consistent best practice.

Knowledge about and Attitudes of Interdisciplinary Team Members toward Occupational Therapy Practice: Implications and Future Directions.

OBJECTIVES: In Kuwait, knowledge and attitudes of the health care teams toward occupational therapy practice (OTP) have not been investigated. This current study sought to explore the knowledge about and attitudes of interdisciplinary team members toward OTP. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved developing and validating a tool to serve the purpose of the study. We used a modified Delphi method to develop a tool that assessed occupational therapy (OT) knowledge (OT areas of practice, domains, and philosophy) as well as attitudes toward OTP. Descriptive statistics were utilized, and nonparametric tests were used to compare knowledge and attitudes along with the demographic data. RESULTS: A convenience sample of 98 participants from various disciplines participated in this study. The tool was found to have an adequate content validity for a total of 27 items and satisfactory reliability (internal consistency); Cronbach's α-values for the knowledge and attitudes subscales were 0.88 and 0.74, respectively. The overall knowledge level of OTP among the participants was limited, whereas their attitudes were favorable. Characteristics of being a female (p = 0.01), a nurse (p = 0.02), and working experiences ≥10 years (p = 0.01) contributed significantly to the knowledge of OTP. The results further indicated that participants working in general hospitals (p = 0.02) and working with occupational therapists (p < 0.001) showed significantly better attitudes toward OTP. CONCLUSION: For effective collaborative practice and better patients' outcomes, the study findings recommend the development of interprofessional initiative committees targeting educational settings as well as clinical environments.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Arabic version of the knee outcome survey-activities for daily living scale.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to cross-culturally adapt the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale into Arabic and to assess its psychometric properties (internal consistency, reliability, validity, and responsiveness) in patients with knee disorders. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation process for the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale into Arabic was performed consistent with the published guidelines. The psychometric properties of this Arabic version were then evaluated. Participants completed this version three times: at baseline, 2-4 days later, and 4 weeks later. Correlations between the Arabic version of Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale and the Arabic version of the Short Form-36 Health Survey, Get Up and Go, and Ascending/Descending stairs tests were evaluated. RESULTS: Linguistic and cultural issues were addressed. The Arabic version of the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97) and excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97). Construct validity of the Arabic version of the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale with the Arabic version of Short Form-36 Health Survey subscales ranged from r = 0.28 to 0.53, p < 0.001. Criterion validity with the Get Up and Go and Ascending/Descending stairs tests ranged from r = -0.47 to -0.60, p < 0.01. This Arabic version was able to detect changes 4 weeks later (effect size = 1.12 and minimum clinically important difference = 14 points). CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic version of the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale is a reliable, valid and responsive measure for assessing knee-related symptoms and functional limitations Implications for rehabilitation The Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale-Arabic is a reliable, valid and responsive measure for assessing knee-related functional limitations. This Arabic version can be used in clinical practice and for research purposes to assess symptoms and functional limitations in Arabic-speaking patients with knee disorders. This scale is responsive to track therapeutic outcome of Arabic-speaking patients with knee disorders.

Benefits and Challenges of Supervising Physical Therapy Students in the State of Kuwait: A National Study.

One common component of allied health education is clinical fieldwork. It is the bridge between the didactic curriculum and clinical practice. Clinical supervisors perceive that being a clinical supervisor has both benefits and challenges. A modified questionnaire was distributed to 75 physical therapists who had previously or were currently engaged in supervising physical therapy students in 12 public hospitals in the State of Kuwait. In addition to demographic data, the questionnaire asked about the benefits and challenges associated with supervising students. The results indicated that the clinical fieldwork supervisors regarded their student supervision process as highly beneficial and reported that it improved their professionalism, problem-solving skills, and clinical reasoning. Challenges to supervision included students' lack of theoretical knowledge, poor hands-on skills, and poor writing/documentation skills. Suggestions are put forth to promote additional benefits and overcome existing challenges to develop a more successful physical therapy clinical education process for the supervisors and the students.

Reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Arabic version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH-Arabic).

PURPOSE: To investigate the psychometric properties (reliability, validity and responsiveness) of the DASH-Arabic in a cohort of Arabic patients presenting with various upper extremity conditions. METHODS: Participants were 139 patients with various upper extremity conditions, who completed the DASH-Arabic at the baseline, 2-5 days later and 30-36 days later. Participants completed demographic data forms, the SF-36 and VAS at baseline, and a Global Rating of Change scale at first and second follow-ups. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha of the DASH-Arabic was 0.94. Test-retest reliability was excellent with an ICC of 0.97. The SEM was 3.50 and the MDC95 was 9.28. Construct validity of the DASH-Arabic with the SF-36 subscales and VAS scores ranged from r -0.32 to -0.57, all statistically significant (p < 0.001). The effect size (ES) for the DASH-Arabic was 1.39 and its standard response mean was 1.51. The area under the curve was 0.82 (95% CI = 0.72-0.92, p < 0.001). The optimally efficient cutoff for an improvement was found to be a difference of 15 DASH points. CONCLUSIONS: The DASH-Arabic is a reliable, valid and responsive upper extremity outcome measure for patients whose primary language is Arabic; it can be used to document patient status and outcomes and support evidence-based practice. Implications for Rehabilitation The DASH-Arabic demonstrated sound psychometric properties of reliability, validity and responsiveness. It is an effective patient status and outcome tool that will support evidence-based practice. This tool is recommended for evaluating upper extremity work-related injuries and tracking therapeutic outcomes.

The impact of driving cessation on older Kuwaiti adults: implications to occupational therapy.

Older adults consider driving as a fundamental part of their identity and independence. In most western countries, driving cessation has been recognized as a major issue affecting their health and well-being. This study aimed to compare older Kuwaiti adults who were active drivers and those who had ceased driving, and to explore the impact of driving cessation on the psychological well-being and lifestyle of older ex-drivers. Participants included 114 community-dwelling older adults aged 55 years and older. A questionnaire based on the driving rehabilitation literature was administered along with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results indicated that active drivers did not place greater importance on driving and spend more time in leisure pursuits. The overarching feelings following driving cessation were loss of control over one's life and an increased sense of dependency. Driving cessation also contributed to a reduced ability to perform family duties, and it was associated with giving up previously performed leisure activities. Our findings indicate that driving cessation adversely affects older adults' independence and role performance. Older ex-drivers may require assistance and intervention to facilitate their psychological well-being and community participation.

Research amongst physical therapists in the state of Kuwait: participation, perception, attitude and barriers.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this descriptive study were to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of physical therapists regarding research, the intention to engage in research and the barriers to participating in research amongst physical therapists in the State of Kuwait. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A previously validated questionnaire was distributed to 200 non-randomly selected physical therapists. The questionnaire gathered demographic data as well as information regarding research-related activities. Descriptive statistics, frequency and χ(2) analyses were used in this study. RESULTS: Of the 200 questionnaires distributed to physical therapists 122 (61%) were completed and returned. The physical therapists had a positive attitude towards reading these findings in order to update their knowledge. However, only 16 (17%) of the physical therapists participated in clinical research. The common reasons given were: minimal role and reduced ability, intention and level of engagement in initiating research, probably due to work overload, time constraints and limited access to resources. CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapists in Kuwait had a positive attitude towards the application of research findings to their practice. However, they were not confident in initiating research due to work overload and lack of time as well as limited access to library resources. Therefore, we recommend stimulation to engage in research activities to be a requirement and to develop a system to improve the skills and knowledge of doing research.

The cross-cultural adaptation of the disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH): a systematic review.

A systematic review of cross-cultural adaptations of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand into other languages was undertaken focusing on the translation and adaptation process, the problems during the translation process and proposed solutions. Nine articles were selected for analysis. All were written in English and addressed the qualitative issues of the cross-cultural adaptation process. The results demonstrated strong evidence that translation, adaptation and technical issues are most influential in the cross-cultural adaptation process. Awareness, understanding and incorporation of these issues will assist in future translations and adaptations of occupational therapy evaluation tools for use in other countries with different cultures. Implications for occupational therapy education, practice and research are discussed.