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Recognizing Trauma-related Dissociation Behind Psychotic Phenomena.3 weeks agoMental HealthAccess
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Trauma Profiles and Cocaine Use Among Formerly Incarcerated Black Men Who Co-Use Opioids and Stimulants.3 weeks agoTrauma exposure and structural inequities contribute to mental health disparities among Black men and create barriers to care. Black men face elevated risk from opioid and stimulant co-use, including overdose from unintentional opioid exposure, yet heterogeneity in trauma exposure among men who co-use substances is understudied. Using latent class analysis, this study identified unobserved trauma subgroups and examined associations with cocaine use in a sample of Black men co-using opioids and stimulants; most were formerly incarcerated (88%). Three profiles emerged: Low Trauma (36%), High Non-Sexual Trauma (42%), and High Trauma Across All Categories (21%). In regression models, men in the High Trauma Across All Categories class had higher odds of lifetime powder cocaine use (OR=4.13, p<.01) and crack cocaine use (OR=2.08, p<.05) versus the Low Trauma class. Older age was associated with stimulant use, while incarceration history predicted powder cocaine use only. Findings underscore within-group heterogeneity and support trauma-informed interventions to reduce overdose risk among Black men who co-use opioids and stimulants. Targeted screening and tailored services may strengthen engagement in care and harm reduction.Mental HealthAccess
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Prevalence of Depression Among Patients with Epilepsy in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.3 weeks agoTo assess the pooled prevalence of depression among epilepsy patients and find the associated demographics and psychosocial factors. Mood disorders are significant comorbidity between patients diagnosed with epilepsy, adversely influencing quality of life and complicating disease management. However, the incidence, prevalence, and associated risk factors of depression in patients diagnosed with epilepsy in Saudi Arabia are not well elucidated.
This review was employed used studies retrieved from medical databases and the Saudi Digital Library. Observational and cross-sectional studies assessing depression between patients diagnosed with epilepsy in Saudi Arabia were included. Data were analyzed using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation model for pooled events using random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics, and publication bias was determined by Egger's test and visualized via funnel plots.
Eleven articles were included, with 2,534 patients with epilepsy from various Saudi Arabian regions. The pooled incidence rate of depression between patients diagnosed with epilepsy was 33%. Subgroup analyses showed incidence rates of 20.1% for mild degree, 14.9% for moderate degree, and 6.6% for severe degree depression. No statistically significant association was found between male participants, generalized epilepsy, and depression.
Depression mood is highly prevalent between patients diagnosed with epilepsy in Saudi Arabia, with significant variations observed across gender, regions, and clinical characteristics. Our findings spotlight in the need for integrated mental health screening and interventions within epilepsy care. Addressing stigma, optimizing medication management, and enhancing psychosocial support could substantially improve outcomes for this population.Mental HealthAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Acceptability of a digital program for training community health workers in the early detection and referral of schizophrenia in rural India: A mixed-methods pilot study.3 weeks agoDelays in detecting and treating schizophrenia result in elevated disability for patients. This mixed-methods pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a digital program for training community health workers on early detection and referral of schizophrenia in primary care in rural India.
Using convenience sampling, female community health workers, called ASHAs, enrolled in a large depression care study were invited to complete a supplemental digital training on identifying and responding to schizophrenia. Acceptability of the training was assessed through qualitative focus group discussions and satisfaction questionnaires. Framework analysis was used to code participants' feedback about the training and generate representative themes. Pre-post changes in knowledge about schizophrenia were also explored.
In total, N = 20 ASHAs completed the training and participated in focus group discussions. Qualitative data revealed that participants found the training helpful, while they reflected on their limited prior understanding of schizophrenia. Participants emphasized that they had previously observed symptoms of schizophrenia in their communities, yet they did not realize that schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can be treated, and that rehabilitation efforts can be successful. Participants recommended conducting the training with other ASHAs to expand access to this information. Participants' reported high satisfaction with the training, though showed no significant pre-post improvement in knowledge about schizophrenia.
A scalable digital training may help equip community health workers to recognize schizophrenia and link people to care. Further evaluation is needed to assess effects on patient outcomes, and integration of schizophrenia care into primary care.Mental HealthAccess -
Workplace stress: prevalence, sources, and consequences among academic staff at the University of Calabar, Nigeria.3 weeks agoWorkplace stress among university academics in sub-Saharan Africa remains insufficiently investigated, particularly in studies that combine validated psychometric assessment with objective clinical measurements and evaluation of stress-related lifestyle behaviours. This study addressed this gap by examining workplace stress and associated factors among academic staff at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Nigeria.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 401 permanently employed academic staff drawn from all 15 faculties of UNICAL. Sample size was calculated using the Kish formula (Z = 1.96, p = 0.75, d = 0.05), incorporating finite population correction, design effect, and a 15% non-response allowance, yielding a minimum target of 364 participants. Systematic random sampling was used within faculties. Workplace stress was assessed using the validated A Shortened Stress Evaluation Tool (ASSET), with scores classified as low (≤142), moderate (143-231), or high (≥232). Objective anthropometric and physiological measurements were collected alongside self-reported data. Associations were examined using chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Workplace stress was highly prevalent, with 84.3% of respondents classified within the moderate ASSET stress category and 15.0% within the high category. Self-reported stress was significantly associated with gender, educational attainment, academic rank, and teaching experience (all p < 0.001). Using ASSET-derived stress categories, significant associations remained for educational level, rank, and experience (all p < 0.001), whereas gender was not significant (p = 0.145). Work overload emerged as the leading productivity-related stressor (15.2% first-ranked), while inadequate pay and benefits was the principal job satisfaction stressor (17.7% first-ranked). High-stress respondents reported more frequent alcohol consumption (χ2 = 9.84, p = 0.043), lower physical activity levels (χ2 = 11.27, p = 0.024), and greater hypertension medication use. No significant association was observed between BMI category and ASSET stress level (χ2 = 2.17, df = 4, p = 0.704).
Workplace stress is pervasive among UNICAL academics and is linked to adverse lifestyle behaviours and hypertension. Institutional interventions should prioritise workload management, equitable remuneration, career advancement opportunities, and access to mental health and occupational wellness services.Mental HealthAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
A latent profile analysis of opioid-related knowledge, social relationships, and campus connectedness among college students.3 weeks agoTo identify distinct patterns of opioid-related knowledge, social relationships, and campus connectedness in a national sample of college students.
Data were collected from 7,087 students (ages of 18-25) from 17 colleges and universities who participated in the 2021-2022 Healthy Minds Study (HMS).
Using latent profile analysis (LPA), four profiles were empirically derived: Profile (1) high knowledge and willing to intervene during an overdose (14%); Profile (2) disconnected from campus and resources (12%); Profile (3) neutral/hesitant (14%); and Profile (4) low knowledge but willing to intervene during an overdose (60%). There were significant differences in opioid misuse, naloxone knowledge, presence of school-based Good Samaritan policies, and mental health status between profiles.
While opioid-related knowledge was generally low, the majority of students felt connected to their campus community and were willing to call for help during an overdose event. By understanding what proportion of their student body falls into each profile, schools can tailor their approach. These results can inform tailored efforts at colleges and universities to implement overdose education programs, expand naloxone access, or implement Good Samaritan policies on campus.Mental HealthAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare Utilization Among Youth in the Child Welfare System.3 weeks agoYouth in the child welfare system have high healthcare needs, yet little is known about service utilization patterns across racial and ethnic groups. This study addresses these gaps by analyzing longitudinal trends and racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare utilization.
This retrospective cross-sectional study measured health and mental health service utilization among youth in the Ohio child welfare system, aged 5-17 years, with a first case opened between 2010-2019.
The sample included 98,015 youth: 73.7% were aged 5-12 years, 64.8% were non-Hispanic White, 29.8% non-Hispanic Black, and 5.4% Hispanic. Physical health outpatient visits were the most common visit type for all groups, however, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black youth had lower odds of outpatient visits compared to White youth (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.93, 95% confidence intervals [CI]=.89-0.97; AOR=0.73, 95% CI=.71-0.74, respectively). Trends in utilization changed over time, with rates of outpatient physical and mental health services increasing at higher rates. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic youth had higher odds of increased service use compared to non-Hispanic White youth.
This study highlights persistent racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare utilization among youth in the child welfare system. While outpatient visits increased over time, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black youth consistently had lower odds these visits as compared to White youth. Findings suggest that despite progress, inequities in access to preventive and lower-intensity care remain.Mental HealthAccess -
Enhancing support for postpartum psychosis through a socio-ecological lens: A qualitative analysis.3 weeks agoPostpartum psychosis (PP) is a severe psychiatric disorder affecting 1 to 2 per 1000 births. While effective treatments are available, barriers to treatment and recovery persist. This analysis aims to deepen understanding of recovery support across sociocultural contexts. Participants were individuals enrolled in the Massachusetts General Hospital Postpartum Psychosis Project who completed an open-text follow-up survey on recovery experiences. Data included 131 responses to the question addressing how to best support those experiencing PP. A qualitative content analysis guided by the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) was performed. Key themes, including the importance of self-acceptance, support systems, provider education, improved clinical practices, and reducing stigma, were mapped onto the levels of the SEM. Applying SEM to the analysis not only highlights individual experiences but also examines the systemic factors influencing PP recovery. Findings provide a framework for future multi-level, theory-driven approaches to facilitate recovery for individuals with PP.Mental HealthAccessCare/Management
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Intraoperative OR-Stretch Microbreaks: A pre-implementation study on two break scheduling strategies.3 weeks agoBackgroundSurgeons face elevated risks of musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged operating times, awkward postures, and repetitive tasks, which can impair performance and well-being. Microbreaks have emerged as a potential ergonomic intervention to reduce discomfort and fatigue during surgery.ObjectiveThe main goal of this study was to investigate and compare the intraoperative usability and effectiveness of two break scheduling strategies using the OR-StretchTM Web-App. Furthermore, surgeons' feedback on the primary barriers to implementation of the OR-Stretch Web-App was recorded.MethodsThis study used a randomized, within-subjects crossover design. Fourteen surgeons (eight females) performed three surgical procedures with the following microbreak schedules; (1) microbreaks every 30 min with an optional ten-minute snooze (Break-30), (2) microbreaks every 60 min with an optional ten-minute snooze (Break-60), or (3) no microbreaks (Baseline). Outcomes were measured using self-reported subjective surveys (e.g., discomfort, fatigue, workload, and usability).ResultsSurgeons found both Break-30 and Break-60 conditions aided physical performance, mental focus, body pain/discomfort, and level of fatigue (self-reported improvement between 28.6% and 78.6%). No significant differences were observed in surgeons' subjective evaluations of the Break-30 and Break-60 conditions; however, the data suggest that Break-60 is preferable to the Break-30 condition.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence supporting the OR-Stretch Web-App as a potential surgical ergonomic intervention. However, enhancing the Web-App's user-friendliness and developing strategies to synchronize microbreaks with appropriate times during surgeries, to avoid disrupting the surgical workflow, are critical areas for future studies.Mental HealthAccess
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Identifying Latent Profiles of Interpersonal Conflict Among Psychiatric Nurses and Exploring Their Associations With Psychological Capital, Sleep Quality, and Coping Styles: A Person-Centered Study.3 weeks agoTo explore the classification of interpersonal conflicts among psychiatric nurses and to compare the differences in psychological capital, sleep quality, and conflict coping styles among nurses with different conflict types.
From July to August 2024, a survey was conducted among all clinical nurses in 6 tertiary psychiatric hospitals in Shandong Province using the General Information Questionnaire, Workplace Interpersonal Conflict Scale (WICS), Psychological Capital Questionnaire-Revised (PCQ-R), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Latent profile analysis was applied to explore the classification of interpersonal conflicts among psychiatric nurses. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify the influencing factors of nurses' conflict types.
The survey revealed that clinical psychiatric nurses could be divided into four types: low conflict-adaptive type, moderate-to-high conflict-clinical high-pressure type, moderate-to-high conflict-management contradiction type, and ultra-high conflict-omnidirectional high-pressure type. Age, married status, total score of psychological capital, total score of sleep quality, and negative coping style of psychiatric nurses had significant effects on their conflict types.
There is group heterogeneity in the conflict types of clinical psychiatric nurses. Poor sleep quality and negative coping styles increase the likelihood of belonging to higher-risk conflict profiles, while psychological capital may not always function as a protective factor in interpersonal interactions. These findings highlight the importance of adopting person-centered conflict management approaches for psychiatric nurses.
Nursing managers should pay more attention to nurses with moderate-high conflict and ultra-high conflict profiles. Measures such as improving the working environment, providing sufficient organizational support, and optimizing the scheduling system should be taken to reduce the incidence of interpersonal conflicts among psychiatric nurses. In addition, management should focus not only on enhancing psychological capital but also on fostering empathy and interpersonal collaboration skills to reduce conflict escalation and improve nursing care quality.Mental HealthAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacyEducation