The Perceived Stress Scale: Evaluating Configural, Metric and Scalar Invariance across Mental Health Status and Gender

BACKGROUND Mental health is an emerging topic on university campuses, with students reporting higher levels of psychological distress than the general population of the same age. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time have been proved promising measures to promote mental health in the general population. However, to derive and implement effective measures to promote mental health among university students, further exploration of the associations between physical activity, sedentary time, and perceived stress in this specific setting is needed. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify associations between physical activity, sedentary time, and perceived stress after controlling for sociodemographic and behavioral variables among university students in Germany. We hypothesize that perceived stress is inversely related to physical activity and positively associated with sedentary time. Furthermore, we hypothesize that combined associations of concurrently high physical activity and low sedentary time on perceived stress are stronger compared with either alone and that the association between physical activity and perceived stress depends on activity intensity. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional analyses from a large-scale internet-based student health survey (n=4189; response rate=10.0%). Physical activity, sedentary time, and engaging in moderate and vigorous activity intensities were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form with categorization into low, intermediate, and high levels. We measured perceived stress using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (range 0-40). RESULTS The results indicate that higher physical activity and lower sedentary time are associated with reduced levels of perceived stress. Following adjustment for gender, BMI, income, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality, perceived stress scores were lower for students reporting high physical activity levels and low sedentary time compared with the least active and highly sedentary students (Perceived Stress Scale –2.2, 95% CI –2.9 to –1.5, P<.001 for physical activity and –1.1, CI 95% –1.7 to –0.5, P<.001 for sedentary time). Combined associations with perceived stress revealed that students concurrently reporting high total physical activity and low sedentary time reported the lowest perceived stress scores of all possible combinations following adjustment for confounders (Perceived Stress Scale –3.5, CI 95% –4.6 to –2.5, P<.001 compared with students reporting low physical activity levels and concurrently high sedentary time). Associations between vigorous physical activities and perceived stress were not stronger compared with moderate activity intensities. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported physical activity and low sedentary time are favorably associated with perceived stress, while the intensity of physical activities seems to be of minor importance. These results help to effectively implement health-promoting measures on campus among university students through increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time.

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A Mental Health Surveillance System for the General Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Multiwave Cross-sectional Survey Study

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

10.2196/23748 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. e23748

Author(s):

Nasser F BinDhim ◽

Nora A Althumiri ◽

Mada H Basyouni ◽

Asem A Alageel ◽

Suliman Alghnam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Health Status ◽

National Level ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Monthly Basis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

And Gender

Background The COVID-19 outbreak can potentially be categorized as a traumatic event. Public health surveillance is one of the cornerstones of public health practice, and it empowers decision makers to lead and manage public health crises and programs more effectively by providing timely and useful evidence. Objective This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to identify, track, and monitor trends in the population in Saudi Arabia at risk of major depressive disorders and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study utilizes continuous, cross-sectional, national-level mental health screening via computer-assisted phone interviews, conducted in four waves on a monthly basis (between May and August 2020). Arabic-speaking adults, aged ≥18 years, and living in Saudi Arabia were recruited via a random phone list. This surveillance system used the proportional quota sampling technique to achieve an equal distribution of participants, stratified by age and gender, and region, within and across the 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. A sample size of 4056 participants per wave was calculated to achieve enough power to detect changes in mental health status. The questionnaire includes the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to measure depressive symptoms and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to measure anxiety. In addition, it will collect data on sociodemographic variables and potential risk factors. Results Study recruitment began in May 2020. The data analysis was completed in October 2020, and the final report is expected to be published by the end of December 2020. Conclusions Monitoring the population’s mental health status during the COVID-19 pandemic will inform decision makers of any potential deterioration in mental health on a national level and among subgroups, including across regions, age groups, and gender groups. It will allow decision makers to recognize issues and intervene sooner. It will also provide valuable scientific data to help understand the effects of epidemics and pandemics on mental health. As far as we know, this is the only study that attempts to monitor the mental health status of the general population on a monthly basis. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/23748

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Correlational Study among Anger, Perceived Stress and Mental Health Status in Middle Aged Women

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing ◽

10.4040/jkan.2003.33.6.856 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 856 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Pyoung Sook Lee

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Correlational Study ◽

Middle Aged

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Mental health screening questionnaire: A Study on reliability and correlation with perceived stress score

Journal of Psychiatrists Association of Nepal ◽

10.3126/jpan.v8i2.28017 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 4-8

Author(s):

P. Sharma ◽

G. Devkota

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Health Screening ◽

Mental Health Screening ◽

Self Report ◽

Perceived Stress Scale ◽

Screening Questionnaire ◽

Stress Scale ◽

Distress Scale

Introduction: Screening of mental disorders and psychological distress is important in clinical as well as research setting. The objective of this study is to test the reliability of mental health screening questionnaire developed by authors and see its correlation with perceived stress scale scores. Material and Method: A self-report screening instrument was designed by the authors in consultation with experts and was tested for reliability among 162 participants from general population gathered for stress management program. The correlation of the designed scale was tested with the Perceived Stress Scale score. Results: Scale reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) for the designed psychological distress scale was found to be 0.7558 which is regarded as having acceptable internal consistency. The questions of the designed scale had weak to moderate positive correlation with the score on Perceived Stress Scale. Conclusion: Despite many shortcomings of the designed scale we may be able to use it for basic screening of psychological distress and mental health problems. We recommend the validity of scale be tested in larger sample size.

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243 Mental health status and sexual habits in young patient after acute coronary syndrome

European Heart Journal Supplements ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/suab140.036 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽

Author(s):

Claudio Nicolò ◽

Marco Franzino ◽

Lorenzo Pistelli ◽

Giulia De Sanctis ◽

Francesca Parisi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽

Health Status ◽

Sexual Activity ◽

Mental Status ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Young Patients ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Aims Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has a huge potential impact on patients’ life, and little is known on the long-term effect on mental health in young patients. Methods and results We included consecutive young patients (≤45 years at presentation) with ACS referred from October 2013 until March 2021 to our clinic. Physical and mental status was evaluated through the standardized SF12 scale for physical (PCS) and mental status (MCS). Depression and perceived stress were evaluated with the patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) and perceived stress scale (PSS). A total of 91 patients have been included and followed for a median of 40 months. History of anxiety or depression at baseline was reported in 1.1% and 2.2%, respectively. Physical and mental health status was impaired in 65.8% and 42.1% of patients, respectively (Figure). Predictors of poorer physical health were lower LVEF, WMSI, and multivessel disease. Predictors of poorer mental health were age and nuisance bleeding during follow-up. Mild/moderate depression was reported in 47.3%. Moderate/high stress was reported in 78.1%. 37.1% patients affirmed that their career trajectory worsened after the event and 37.8% declared a reduction of income. 53.8% declared mild to significant changes in their sexual activity, while 83.8% declared to have received no advises on sexual activity from their Doctor. Conclusions In conclusion, ACS is a dramatic event with a significant impact on young patients’ life at a physical, mental, and social level. Measures of social/psychological support in the aftermath of the event merit consideration in future research.

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The mental health status and access to antenatal care information among pregnant women during COVID-19 epidemic: a cross-sectional study in China (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18722 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hong Jiang ◽

Longmei Jin ◽

Xu Qian ◽

Xu Xiong ◽

Xuena La ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Health Status ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Care Information

BACKGROUND China is the first country experienced the large scale of COVID-19 epidemic. To interrupt the transmission, social distancing strategies were required. Many routine health care services were severely disrupted, including antenatal care services. The mental health status as well as how pregnant women reacted to the situation, where and how did they obtain antenatal care information are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine mental health status by measuring perceived stress, anxiety and depression, to explore approaches of obtaining antenatal health information and to determine their associations with the mental health status among pregnant women during COVID-19 epidemic in China. METHODS We conducted an online survey to assess mental health status among pregnant women and collected information on approaches of accessing antenatal care information during the COVID-19 epidemic from February 5 to 28, 2020. RESULTS A total of 1,873 women from 22 provinces/regions of China participated in the survey. The occurrence of experiencing perceived stress, anxiety and depression among pregnant women was 89.1% (95% CI: 87.6%, 90.4%), 18.1% (95% CI: 16.4%, 19.9%) and 45.9% (95% CI: 43.6%, 48.1%), respectively. Hospitals’ official accounts in the Chinese social media platforms WeChat and Weibo were the most popular channels for pregnant women to obtain antenatal care information. Access to antenatal care information and services via the hospitals’ official social media accounts were associated with a significantly lower risk of suffering from stress (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30 to 0.73, P=0.001), anxiety (aOR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.68, P<0.001) and depression (aOR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.90, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 epidemic, occurrence of experiencing perceived stress, anxiety and depression was high in Chinese pregnant women. Mental health care in the current pandemic is urgently needed to reassure and support pregnant women. Developing specific contents for pregnant women on how to cope in emergency and major disease outbreak via social media platforms could be an effective way to mitigate mental health disorders in future epidemic preparedness and response. CLINICALTRIAL NA

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INVESTIGATION OF THE EMOTIONS OF HEALTH PERSONNEL DURING THE PANDEMIC PROCESS IN TERMS OF SOME VARIABLES

Gevher Nesibe Journal, IESDR ◽

10.46648/gnj.196 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (12) ◽

pp. 29-39

Author(s):

Nihal ALOĞLU ◽

Tuba GECDİ

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Health Workers ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Psychosocial Problems ◽

Medical Personnel ◽

Perceived Stress Scale ◽

Stress Scale ◽

Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale ◽

Mental Trauma

Objective: The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of stress, insomnia and depression amongst medical personnel during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study, which uses a quantitative approach, is descriptive research based on the general screening model. The sample of the study consisted of 849 health workers who used social media and agreed to support research online. In the study, a questionnaire containing demographic information, The Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HAD), and the Perceived Stress Scale (ASÖ) were used as a data collection tool. Analysis of the obtained data was performed by performing an independent sample t test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the SPSS 20 program. Results: The study recruited 849 participants, of which 59.5.2% were nurse, 11.3 % were doctor and 29.2 % other medical personnel. When the distribution of anxiety (HAD-A), depression (HAD-D), Perceived Stress Scale score averages was examined, the distribution of anxiety (HAD-A), depression (HAD-D), perceived stress score averages of participants was found to have moderate levels of questionnaire and depression, while perceived stress was higher. There are statistically significant differences between depression (HAD-D) and anxiety (HAD-A) scores and participants ' “working or not working in a pandemic clinic” status. Result: As a result of the findings, it can be stated that health workers working in the pandemic clinic have higher stress, anxiety and depression scores It has been concluded that medical staff working as nurses and midwives are under more stress than specialists and general practitioners. During the covid-19 pandemic, measures that can be taken to identify the situations affecting the mental health of medical personnel working at the front line, the psychosocial problems they experience, the protection of the mental health of employees and the Prevention of mental trauma should be taken into account.

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Stress, coping, and mental health status among nursing students at a private university in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

GHMJ (Global Health Management Journal) ◽

10.35898/ghmj-23263 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 63

Author(s):

Stephanie Molina ◽

Sarah Jane Racal

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Private University ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Stress Coping ◽

Brief Cope

Background: Stress, especially among young people, leads to life-threatening mental conditions such as depression and suicide. Nursing students, in particular, are exposed to different kinds of stress such as pressures from both academic and clinical exposures coupled with expectations to succeed. These stressors influence individual coping styles which may eventually affect students’ mental, physical, and over-all wellbeing leading to the decline in their learning and academic performance. Aims: This descriptive-correlational study was aimed at exploring the relationships among stress, coping, and mental health status among nursing students at a private university in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Methods: Using a systematic random sampling, a descriptive cross-sectional study was done among one hundred and fifty 3rd and 4th year nursing students under the international nursing program. The Perceived Stress Scale, Brief COPE, and the General Health Questionnaire were used to assess the level of stress, the coping strategies used, and the mental health status of the respondents. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and Pearson’s correlation were used to answer the research questions. Results: It revealed that the nursing students had moderate level of perceived stress, used acceptance as the most common form of coping, and substance use and denial as the least used. Furthermore, the respondents had mild level of mental health related-illness. Significant gender differences were found in the perceived level of stress, and use of coping strategies. While mental health status significantly differed according to year level and interest in nursing. Significant mild to moderate relationships were found among perceived stress level, coping strategies, mental health status, and selected socio-demographic variables. Conclusion: The findings of the study provide additional useful information on the relationships of stress, coping, and health outcomes. Results can also be useful in creating a stress management program for nursing students such as awareness on individual stress response and reinforcing the use of healthy coping strategies.

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Mindfulness & Music Interventions in the Workplace: Assessment of Mind Wandering and Working Memory Using a Crowdsourcing Approach

10.21203/rs.3.rs-881039/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Johanne Axelsen ◽

Jacob Stig Jarnot Meline ◽

Walter Staiano ◽

Ulrich Kirk

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Working Memory ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Working Memory Capacity ◽

Mind Wandering ◽

Cognitive Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Music Intervention ◽

Perceived Stress Scale ◽

Stress Scale

Abstract Background Occupational stress has huge financial as well as human costs. Application of crowdsourcing might be a way to strengthen the investigation of occupational mental health. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess Danish employees’ stress and cognition by relying on a crowdsourcing approach, as well as investigating the effect of a 30-day mindfulness and music intervention. Methods We translated well-validated neuropsychological laboratory- and task-based paradigms into an app-based platform using cognitive games measuring mind wandering and working memory and measuring stress via. Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale. A total of 623 healthy volunteers from Danish companies participated in the study and were randomized into three groups, which consisted of a 30-day intervention of either mindfulness or music, or a non-intervention control group. Results Participants in the mindfulness group showed a significant improvement in the coefficient of mind wandering, working memory capacity and perceived stress (p < .001). The music group showed a 38% decrease of self-perceived stress. The control group showed no difference from pre to post in the survey or cognitive outcome measures. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between usage of the mindfulness and music app and elevated score on both the cognitive games and the Perceived Stress Scale. Conclusion The study supports the nascent field of crowdsourcing by being able to replicate data collected in previous well-controlled laboratory studies from a range of experimental cognitive tasks, making it an effective alternative. It also supports mindfulness as an effective intervention in improving mental health in the workplace.

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