Exploration of the Hungarian Version of Test Your Memory in General Practice: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study of a Convenience Sample of Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a significant health issue worldwide. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can transform into dementia over time. General practitioners (GPs) may be the first to notice the cognitive deficit; therefore, it is crucial for them to have access to a screening test that can be administered quickly and efficiently. We explored the Hungarian version of the Test Your Memory self-administered dementia screening test in general practice for the early detection of dementia and cognitive impairment. METHODS: In the four Hungarian cities with medical universities, 368 patients over the age of 50 attending GPs filled out the questionnaire within the framework of our cross-sectional study. RESULTS: The total scores of the test showed a significant correlation with education and type of occupation and a significant negative correlation with age. The results of this research showed that the clock drawing and recall subtest scores deteriorate at the earliest age. CONCLUSION: The test can be filled out in a GP's office easily and two of its subtests can raise the possibility that patients may need further assessment, especially if they have symptoms, at an earlier age than the other subtests.

Lifestyle Medicine in Focus: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Domestic and International Students.

This study investigated lifestyle factors among Hungarian and international students, utilizing lifestyle medicine principles to enhance overall well-being. Conducted at the University of Debrecen through a cross-sectional survey, we examined selected lifestyle factors, more specifically sleep patterns, weight management, nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being, and alcohol use. Hungarian (N = 122) and international (N = 139) students were compared, revealing significant differences. Hungarian students slept less (p = 0.041), desired weight loss (p = 0.040), ate more fruits and vegetables (p = 0.014), exercised longer (p = 0.002), and reported higher purpose and social support (p = 0.009), with higher alcohol use (p < 0.001). These findings highlight distinct experiences and challenges faced by these student groups including variations in sleep, weight management, diet, exercise, and social support. Targeted interventions and tailored support are essential to address their specific needs. To promote the well-being of both Hungarian and international students, educational programs addressing various facets of a healthy lifestyle are crucial. This study offers valuable insights into lifestyle factors and health outcomes among Hungarian and international students and underscores the importance of addressing the unique needs of each group through tailored interventions.

Effects of Health Anxiety, Social Support, and Coping on Dissociation with Mediating Role of Perceived Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to examine whether health anxiety, social support, and ways of coping relate to dissociation directly or only through the mediation of perceived stress, moderated by the time of measurement (lockdown). We investigated the effect of perceived stress on different forms (sub-scales) of dissociation. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted by an online form at two points in time: the beginning and the later stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: We received a total of 1711 responses. Perceived stress moderately correlated with dissociation in both international and Hungarian samples. Health anxiety showed a strong direct and indirect correlation with dissociation. Regarding social support, the support of family significantly decreased the dissociative experiences in the Hungarian sample mediated by perceived and direct stress. In the international sample, goal-oriented coping strategies strongly decreased all dissociation scales in the first measurement, through the mediation of perceived stress. As for the Hungarian sample, positive thinking was found to decrease dissociation by decreasing perceived stress. CONCLUSION: health anxiety, coping, and social support appeared to influence dissociation directly and through the mediation of perceived stress. Social support, mainly support of the family and problem-focused coping strategies may decrease the level of stress, this way decreasing dissociative behavior.

The Effects and Differences of Social Support, Depression, and Vital Exhaustion during the COVID-19 Pandemic among International and Domestic University Students.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to assess the differences between domestic and international students in terms of social support, vital exhaustion, and depression during the period of COVID-19 and to examine the relationships and potential effects of these factors on each other. METHODS: The online cross-sectional survey was conducted via Google Forms® at three time intervals during the pandemic. RESULTS: Here, 1320, 246, and 139 students completed our questionnaires in the different time intervals. The international students reported significantly lower values in terms of perceived social support. Concerning depression, the international female students reported higher values than the domestic female students. Significant correlations were found in both samples between vital exhaustion and depression, as well as between perceived social support and depression. CONCLUSION: In this study, the international students reported lower levels of perceived social support and higher levels of depression, particularly among females. The correlations between depression, social support, and vital exhaustion might highlight protective and risk factors. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing social support and mental health among university students, especially among international students who have a difficult time finding social support during times of stress, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health anxiety, perceived stress, and coping styles in the shadow of the COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: In the case of people who carry an increased number of anxiety traits and maladaptive coping strategies, psychosocial stressors may further increase the level of perceived stress they experience. In our research study, we aimed to examine the levels of perceived stress and health anxiety as well as coping styles among university students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online-based survey at the University of Debrecen during the official lockdown in Hungary when dormitories were closed, and teaching was conducted remotely. Our questionnaire solicited data using three assessment tools, namely, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), and the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI). RESULTS: A total of 1320 students have participated in our study and 31 non-eligible responses were excluded. Among the remaining 1289 participants, 948 (73.5%) and 341 (26.5%) were Hungarian and international students, respectively. Female students predominated the overall sample with 920 participants (71.4%). In general, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between perceived stress and health anxiety. Health anxiety and perceived stress levels were significantly higher among international students compared to domestic ones. Regarding coping, wishful thinking was associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety among international students, while being a goal-oriented person acted the opposite way. Among the domestic students, cognitive restructuring as a coping strategy was associated with lower levels of stress and anxiety. Concerning health anxiety, female students (domestic and international) had significantly higher levels of health anxiety compared to males. Moreover, female students had significantly higher levels of perceived stress compared to males in the international group, however, there was no significant difference in perceived stress between males and females in the domestic group. CONCLUSION: The elevated perceived stress levels during major life events can be further deepened by disengagement from home (being away/abroad from country or family) and by using inadequate coping strategies. By following and adhering to the international recommendations, adopting proper coping methods, and equipping oneself with the required coping and stress management skills, the associated high levels of perceived stress and anxiety could be mitigated.