Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common cyclical disorder among reproductive-aged women that adversely affects physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. It is associated with impaired daily functioning, reduced academic performance, and diminished quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, PMS often remains under-recognized and undertreated among young women. Aim This study aims to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among female medical students aged 18-25 years and to evaluate its association with lifestyle factors and its impact on academic productivity. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 250 female medical students aged 18-25 years at Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, between May and September 2024. Results Among the 250 participants, 188 (75.2%) were identified with PMS. Mood swings (76.4%), abdominal cramps (61.2%), and overthinking (56.0%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Junk food consumption (70.8%), mental stress (59.6%), and inadequate sleep (49.2%) were common lifestyle factors. PMS was significantly associated with reduced productivity (73.4% versus 14.5%; p<0.001), increased mental stress (p<0.001), and greater analgesic use (p<0.001). Conclusion Premenstrual syndrome was highly prevalent among young female medical students and was associated with unhealthy lifestyle factors and impaired academic productivity. Early identification, appropriate counselling, and timely management may reduce symptom burden and improve academic performance and overall quality of life.

MSK (musculoskeletal) disorders (MSDs) significantly limit physical activity and the general quality of life of patients. Prison inmates have poor access to quality health care, which may hinder their rehabilitation journey. This study assessed the prevalence of MSDs among prison inmates.

Electronic databases were searched from inception to July 2025. Studies were screened, and relevant data were extracted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to pool the prevalence of MSDs among inmates. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and bias was measured using the funnel plot, the Egger test, and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis.

A total of 16 studies were included from 1089 initially retrieved from database searches. A total of 21 536 prison inmates were included in these studies, of which 4016 had MSDs. Pooled prevalence of overall MSDs (diagnosed and self-reported) among prisoners was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 18%-33%). Clinically diagnosed and self-reported MSDs had a prevalence of 18% (95% CI = 13%-24%) and 30% (95% CI = 20%-39%), respectively. The funnel plots and the Egger tests show no publication bias, with sensitivity analyses showing that no single research significantly influences the pooled effect sizes.

Musculoskeletal disorders may affect 1 in 4 prison inmates, with associated debilitating effects on both physical and mental health. Given that this population has limited access to quality care and considering that the aim of incarceration is rehabilitation, it is essential to prioritize and address the health effects of MSK disorders among prison inmates.

Transgender and gender-diverse young adults, most of whom identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer, encounter considerable health, social, and systemic inequalities, leading to higher rates of trauma exposure, mental health difficulties, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The complex relationship between sexual orientation, gender identity, and suicide has received considerable attention, primarily from quantitative research focused on risk narratives, rather than an individual's lived experiences or specific healthcare needs. The aim was to explore the lived experiences of transgender and gender-diverse young adults, highlighting the impact of navigating multiple minoritised identities, exposure to trauma, victimisation, unmet healthcare needs, suicidal distress, and barriers and facilitators to accessing mental health services and gender-affirming care. Six young adults from Northern Ireland (UK) were recruited via social media and participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), following a process of coding, theme development, and interpretative synthesis. Five group experiential themes were identified: (1) Delicate peace, delicate progress; (2) Queer suffering, safety and otherness; (3) Queerness shaping ones' worldview; (4) Unresolved trauma, and unmet healthcare needs; (5) Suicidal distress, and recovery. The findings elucidated two central narratives; the psychosocial impact of negotiating multiple minoritised identities in a heteronormative and cisnormative society and navigating suicidal distress by regaining a sense of control over your life. The findings provide valuable insights into the unique lived experiences, and specific healthcare needs of this population. Clinical implications are discussed, including the importance of trauma-informed care, cultural competence among healthcare practitioners, and tailored suicide prevention strategies for LGBTQ+ youth.

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-026-00877-4.

Older adults with mental health (MH) challenges often face significant barriers when navigating complex healthcare systems, especially during critical transitions, such as hospital discharge. These challenges are compounded by comorbid physical illnesses, cognitive impairments, and social determinants of health.

This qualitative study aimed to gain insights from patients and providers on factors influencing the implementation of an innovative occupational therapy (OT) led Patient Navigation Program (PNP) supporting older adults with complex MH care needs.

We conducted a qualitative study that was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

Seven patients and caregivers, and 17 healthcare professionals who served as the MH PNP or collaborated with the MH PNP participated in the study. MH Navigators offered valuable, specialized skills to address gaps in MH and functional outcomes among older adults and were highly effective at bridging hospital and community care. However, the success of such a role depends on alignment across organizations, sufficient professional support, clear role expectations, and integrated team structures. Significant barriers for implementation included organizational cultural differences, system constraints, and the high complexity of patient needs.

The OT-led MH PNP holds significant promise for optimizing care delivery for older adults with MH care needs by bridging gaps in the healthcare system and fostering better continuity of care. Insights from this study can refine navigation processes, enhance interprofessional collaboration, improve patient experiences, and provide valuable guidance for implementing MH navigation programs at other sites.

Childhood maltreatment is one of the global public health crises that contributes to increased risk of developing mental health problems for young people living with HIV in resource-constrained settings. This study examines the association between childhood maltreatment and psychological distress among adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALWHIV) in Zimbabwe. This national cross-sectional survey used data from the 2017 Zimbabwe Violence Against Children Survey (N = 249 AYALWHIV). Four logistic regression models were performed to determine significant associations between childhood maltreatment and psychological distress as measured by Kessler 6 scale during the past 30 days. The findings indicated that AYALWHIV who experienced cumulative childhood maltreatment (58.8%; AOR = 3.43 [CI = 1.83-6.41]), including emotional abuse (69.7%; AOR = 3.43, CI = 1.83-6.41) and sexual abuse (58.8%; AOR = 2.97 CI = 1.05-8.41) were associated with higher odds of reporting moderate-to-severe psychological distress during the past 30 days after adjusting for other factors. Therefore, this study underscores the need for comprehensive interventions that prioritize tailored anti-stigma education, HIV prevention support groups, community violence prevention strategies, expanded access to mental health counseling services, and promotion of acceptance and empathetic environments for AYALWHIV in resource-constrained settings. Furthermore, integrating mental health and violence prevention services into HIV care through targeted policy initiatives is critical for building coordinated and sustainable support systems in communities where AYALWHIV lives in Zimbabwe.

Lay counselor delivery of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) may be a promising strategy to increase access to trauma-focused care and prevent trauma-related health disparities among youth in low-resource settings in the United States. This pre-registered systematic review sought to synthesize how TF-CBT has been tailored for lay counselor delivery globally, which can inform broader dissemination. Specifically, we examined (1) the modification process, (2) treatment modifications, and (3) implementation strategies (e.g., training and supervision) to support lay counselor delivery of TF-CBT. In May 2024, a literature search was conducted across PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, and PILOTS. Grey literature was identified through Google Scholar and ProQuest. A narrative synthesis summarized findings by research question. Ten trials (21 articles) met inclusion criteria and described modifications or implementation strategies for lay counselor-delivered TF-CBT. All trials implemented culturally tailored versions of TF-CBT, with most (90%) conducted in low- and middle-income countries. The modification process relied on input from local experts through community-researcher collaborations. TF-CBT modifications were contextual (e.g., modality) or surface-level (e.g., language), with no trials reporting modifications to core components. Implementation strategies included enhancing training and supervision, addressing implementation barriers, and preserving counselor wellbeing. Findings suggest that TF-CBT can be successfully delivered by lay counselors with peripheral modifications, enhanced counselor supports, and strong community partnerships. This review provides a foundation for future research aimed at disseminating lay counselor-delivered TF-CBT in low-resource settings - a critical direction to close the mental health treatment gap and promote health equity in the United States and globally.

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-026-00852-z.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated known risk factors for mental health deterioration, including economic instability, social isolation, and uncertainty, while also disrupting access to mental healthcare. Suicide remains a major public health concern in the United States, and self-inflicted injuries, although a minority of emergency department presentations, are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Objective This study examines whether the number of trauma evaluations related to violent suicide attempts or self-harm increased during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective review of trauma registry data from one Level 1 and one Level 2 trauma center within Bon Secours Mercy Health, a regional hospital system. The pre-pandemic period extended from September 1, 2018, through February 29, 2020, and the pandemic period extended from March 1, 2020, through August 31, 2021. Adults aged 18 years or older who underwent trauma evaluation for a suicide attempt or self-harm were included. Patients younger than 18 years and those pronounced dead on arrival were excluded. The primary outcome was the number of trauma evaluations resulting from suicide attempts or self-harm. The secondary outcome was in-hospital mortality among patients who arrived alive and underwent trauma evaluation. Data were analyzed using two-tailed Wilcoxon two-sample tests, chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact tests, as appropriate. Crude risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for in-hospital mortality and ICU admission. Results A total of 147 trauma evaluations occurred among 129 unique patients during the study period. The pre-pandemic period included 76 evaluations among 61 unique patients, whereas the pandemic period included 71 evaluations among 68 unique patients, representing five fewer evaluations during the pandemic period. No patient underwent a qualifying trauma evaluation during both study periods. In-hospital mortality was 18.0% before the pandemic and 22.1% during the pandemic, corresponding to a crude risk ratio of 1.22 (95% CI, 0.61-2.46). ICU admission occurred in 42.6% of pre-pandemic patients and 50.0% of pandemic patients, corresponding to a crude risk ratio of 1.17 (95% CI, 0.81-1.71). Conclusion The pandemic period included slightly fewer trauma evaluations than the pre-pandemic period. No statistically significant differences were observed in the measured patient-level characteristics or in-hospital mortality between the study periods. Although the point estimates for in-hospital mortality and ICU admission rose slightly during the pandemic, the large confidence intervals reflected considerable uncertainty and prevented any conclusion that the periods were comparable. Repeat evaluations demonstrated continued utilization of trauma-system resources by a subset of patients. Larger multicenter studies are warranted to further evaluate temporal patterns in suicide-related trauma presentations.

Students of color are disproportionately affected by racial trauma - the stressful impact or emotional pain that comes from experiencing racism. Interventions that address racial trauma in schools offer a promising approach to promote healing and prevent negative outcomes among students of color. This study aimed to examine the perspectives of teachers, parents, and students of color on ways schools can address racial trauma among adolescents and become more equitable in their policies and practices. We conducted nine focus groups at three racially and ethnically diverse middle schools in the Midwest of the United States. Participants were asked open-ended questions about trauma and racism experienced by adolescents in their community, psychosocial consequences of trauma and racism, and availability of school and community services to address these experiences. Participants were also asked questions to inform intervention strategies to address racial trauma among adolescents. Separate focus groups were conducted with parents (N = 12), students (N = 24), and school staff (N = 27). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify priorities for racial trauma interventions in schools. The following themes were identified reflecting priority areas to address racial trauma among adolescents in schools: (1) the criminalization of students and families of color; (2) race-based violence; (3) exclusionary practices; and (4) lack of representation in staff and curriculum. Through centering the lived experiences of those most impacted by racial trauma the current study identifies the importance of multi-level intervention strategies that include changing specific school policies and practices that are needed to mitigate racial trauma in schools.

Background Natural disasters have a significant impact on the mental health of affected populations, particularly children and young people. The reported risks have become more severe as environmental and climate challenges increase. Thus, it is imperative to identify vulnerable groups to design early warning and effective interventions. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on how natural disasters affect the mental health of young people (aged 15-24 years) and to explore factors influencing their vulnerability and resilience. Methods Four databases, namely PubMed, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, were searched using pre-established keywords to find peer-reviewed English-language studies. Using predefined eligibility criteria, two reviewers independently examined the titles, abstracts, and full texts. Rayyan software was used for screening. For quantitative articles, we used the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool (NIH-QAT), and for qualitative studies, we used the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist. Additionally, the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was applied to mixed-method studies. Results A total of 97 articles were extracted from the database search. 70 articles were assessed by title and abstract, and 58 were eligible for full-text review. Finally, 33 studies were included: 14 cohort studies, 16 cross-sectional studies, 1 qualitative study, and 2 mixed methods studies. Most were rated "good" in terms of methodological quality but had a significant risk of bias. The findings reported that young people exposed to natural disasters experience stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation or behaviors. Identified risk factors included female gender, older adolescence, low socioeconomic status, direct disaster exposure, family member loss, displacement, lack of social support, and substance abuse. Resilience was variably defined and did not always indicate well-being, but in some contexts, it reflected forced or adaptive coping. Conclusions Natural disasters have an adverse impact on young mental health, increasing the risk of stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. Strengthening community and school-based support systems, implementing psychological first aid, and ensuring access to early and sustained mental health interventions are critical. Long-term mental health outcomes are influenced by the availability of social, institutional, and healthcare resources. Reducing psychological harm requires coordinated efforts involving caregivers, educational institutions, health systems, and community stakeholders.

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-026-00853-y.

Schizophrenia is considered a neuro-developmental disorder leading to disastrous lifelong disability of the patients and their families. There is a lack of data regarding pharmacogenomics of schizophrenia in Sudan. This study aimed to identify different genes affecting the treatment outcomes in Sudanese patients with schizophrenia.

A case-control study was conducted on seven families having more than one member diagnosed with schizophrenia. This was a small exploratory family-based sequencing study involving 18 affected individuals and 8 controls from seven families. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained. Demographic data were collected using a standardized data collection sheet. DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from patients and control groups. Then, whole-exome and genome sequencing were performed. Sixty-six genes associated with schizophrenia, treatment, and treatment resistance were selected from the variant calling file. Variants showing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. These variants were then classified based on their impact on the protein-coding sequence into high- and moderate-impact. Moreover, indel mutations were also identified.

Twelve variants of seven genes (COMT, FMO1, LPL, CYP2E1, ABCC1, GRM3, CYP2C9) were identified as genes with impact and potential association with schizophrenia (p-value=0.006632). Forty-three genes had a moderate impact, and they showed a potential association with schizophrenia (p-value=0.0004436). Two variants were indel mutations (CYP2D6, DTNBP1) and showed association with schizophrenia (p-value=0.004741). The p-values were generated from different databases.

This exploratory family-based sequencing study identified several potentially relevant pharmacogenomic and schizophrenia-associated variants in Sudanese families, warranting validation in larger and ethnically diverse cohorts.