Investigating the linkages between food insecurity, psychological distress, and poor sleep outcomes among U.S. college students.

OBJECTIVE: Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that sleep is key to human health and wellbeing. Several factors likely contribute to sleep quality, including factors, such as food security and low income. In addition, exposure to structural inequalities early in life likely have downstream effects upon multiple dimensions of health. The objective of this study is to fill gaps in literature by specifically examining the associations between childhood food insecurity, current food insecurity, psychological distress, and sleep among college students. METHODS: QR codes were randomly distributed to students, linking them to an online quantitative survey. The survey measured sociodemographic variables, food security (current and childhood), diet, mental distress, and sleep quality. A total of n = 134 completed the entire survey. Data were analyzed using binary and multiple linear regressions, as well as cross-tabulations. RESULTS: The findings revealed that psychological distress was the primary factor influencing sleep health (𝛽 = 1.51, p < .01). Students reporting higher childhood food insecurity were more likely to experience extreme psychological distress (OR = 4.61), food insecurity in college (OR = 8.41), and lack of stable housing (OR = 5.86). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that potential linkages exist between childhood food insecurity, poor sleep, and greater psychological distress. While acknowledging the contribution of other factors, the study highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity in relation to sleep health, considering the significant impact of sleep to overall health and wellbeing.

Intensity of pain, disability and psychosocial factors in women with chronic pelvic pain: cross-sectional study / Intensidade da dor, incapacidade funcional e fatores psicossociais em mulheres com dor pélvica crônica: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pelvic pain can be considered one of the main causes of morbidity and functional disability in women. The influence of psychosocial factors on chronic pelvic pain has been little explored in the literature. This study sought to characterize the profile of chronic pelvic pain in women, the presence of psychosocial factors and the association with pain and disability. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included women with chronic pelvic pain. Data on pain, disability and psychosocial factors was collected using specific questionnaires. Analysis of frequency, central tendency and dispersion were presented. Pearson's correlation test was used to verify the correlation between pain, disability and psychosocial factors. The statistical significance was set as alpha=95%. RESULTS: The study consisted of 25 women, with a mean age of 45.4 years. The mean pain intensity at the time of the assessment was 4.76±3.39. The mean disability was 4.01±2.32. Anxiety presented a mean of 7.16±3.36 and stress 7.04±3.16. The level of disability had a negative correlation with pain intensity (r = -0.474; p=0.017), with the pain severity domain (r=-0.566; p=0.003) and with kinesiophobia (r = -0.550; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Women with chronic pelvic pain had moderate levels of pain intensity and disability. The psychosocial factors with the highest mean score were anxiety and stress. The intensity of pain and disability were correlated with each other and with kinesiophobia.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor pélvica crônica pode ser considerada uma das principais causas de morbidade e incapacidade funcional para as mulheres. A influência dos fatores psicossociais na dor pélvica crônica foi pouco explorada na literatura. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o perfil da dor pélvica crônica em mulheres, bem como buscar a presença de fatores psicossociais e a associação com dor e incapacidade. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que incluiu mulheres com dor pélvica crônica. Os dados referentes da dor, incapacidade e os fatores psicossociais foram coletados utilizando questionários específicos. Foram apresentadas as análises de frequência, tendência central e dispersão dos dados. O teste de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para verificar a correlação entre dor, incapacidade e fatores psicossociais. O valor de significância estatística adotado foi de alfa=95%. RESULTADOS: O estudo foi composto por 25 mulheres, com média de idade de 45,4 anos. A intensidade de dor média no momento da avaliação foi de 4,76±3,39. A média de incapacidade foi de 4,01±2,32. A ansiedade apresentou média de 7,16±3,36 e estresse 7,04±3,16. O nível de limitação funcional teve correlação negativa com a intensidade da dor (r= -0,474; p=0,017), com o domínio gravidade da dor (r=-0,566; p=0,003) e com cinesiofobia (r= -0,550; p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: As mulheres com doença pélvica crônica apresentaram níveis moderados de intensidade de dor e limitação funcional. Os fatores psicossociais com maior pontuação média foram a ansiedade e estresse. A intensidade de dor e o nível de limitação funcional estiveram correlacionados entre si e com a cinesiofobia.