Correlates of body mass index in women with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: Excess weight in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) may further contribute to joint pain and fatigue. However, there is little research addressing weight issues in this population. PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship of body mass index (BMI) to quality of life. METHODS: Quality of life was measured by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, severity of FMS, nutritional intake, Barriers to Health Promoting Behaviors for Disabled Persons Scale (BS), and self-efficacy for health-promoting behaviors (Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale) in women with FMS. Baseline data were collected on 179 women diagnosed with FMS. FINDINGS: Controlling for age, BMI was significantly (p < .05) correlated with 36-Item Short Form Health Survey subscales of physical functioning, bodily pain and vitality, severity of FMS using the Tender Point Index, calories, protein, fat, saturated fat, BS, and Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale subscale for exercise. The findings support a growing body of evidence that excess weight is negatively related to quality of life and pain in women with FMS.

The association between positive screen for future persistent posttraumatic stress symptoms and injury incident variables in the pediatric trauma care setting.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress (PTS) disorder after injury is a significant yet underaddressed issue in the trauma care setting. Parental anxiety may impact a child's risk of future, persistent PTS symptoms after injury. This study aimed to: (1) identify injury incident and demographic variables related to a positive screen for future, persistent PTS symptoms in children; and (2) examine the relationship between parental anxiety and a positive screen for future, persistent PTS symptoms in children. METHODS: From November 2009 to August 2010, 124 patients were enrolled at a pediatric trauma center. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) age 7 years to 17 years; (2) hospitalized for at least 24 hours after physical trauma; and (3) English or Spanish speaking. State and trait anxiety were measured for both pediatric patients and their parents/guardians via the state trait anxiety inventory for children and state trait anxiety inventory, respectively. Risk for future, persistent PTS, among pediatric patients was assessed via the screening tool for early predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (STEPP). RESULTS: Of 116 participants assessed via the STEPP, 32 (28%) screened positive for risk of future, persistent PTS symptoms. Motor vehicle collision and parental presence at injury were associated with a positive STEPP screen. The effect of parental presence on positive STEPP screen was modified by parental trait anxiety. Children of anxious parents present at injury were over 14 times as likely to screen positive for risk of future, persistent PTS, as those without a parent present. CONCLUSION: The risk of future, persistent PTS, after injury among the pediatric population is substantial. Parents with existing trait anxiety are shown to influence their child's risk for future, persistent PTS, particularly if present at the injury event. Further study of PTS prevention and control strategies are needed among this population within the trauma care setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiological study, level II.

Asian Americans' lay beliefs about depression and professional help seeking.

Guided by a culturally informed illness representation self-regulation model (CIRSRM), this study analyzed the relations among 223 Asian Americans' lay beliefs about depression, enculturation to Asian values, and their likelihood of seeking professional help for depression. Participants' lay beliefs were assessed through an analysis of written responses to open-ended questions about depression. Enculturation as well as beliefs in biological causes, situational causes, and a short duration of depression were significantly related to the likelihood of professional help seeking. In addition, enculturation moderated the association between several lay beliefs and the endorsement of professional help seeking. The findings are discussed in light of how clinicians can incorporate mental illness lay beliefs in their work with Asian Americans.