Understanding and Describing PTSD in Kosovo: A Systematic Evidence-Based Review

Mental health problems related to the psychological trauma of war still represent a public health concern in postwar Kosovo. Despite the universal character of exposure to trauma, there are suggestions that the manifestation posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or related psychosocial factors might vary across cultures. The aim of the present article was to provide a critical overview of research on PTSD in the specific sociocultural context of Kosovo by examining prevalence rates, as well as related demographic and psychosocial variables. For this purpose, 51 studies were evaluated. Results showed that, even 10 years postwar prevalence rates for PTSD are still high among civilians exposed to trauma, refugees, and veterans. As regards psychiatric and psychological constructs correlating with PTSD, studies suggested the following: anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, anger, and revenge thoughts. Moreover, socioeconomic factors and social support were identified as highly influential on quality of life of individuals with PTSD. Nonetheless the studies considered for review had numerous methodological problems such as sample size, self-selection, nonrandomized process, and lack of control groups, findings of existing studies still need to be carefully considered and future research is necessary.

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Mindfulness in Motion for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study

International Journal of MS Care ◽

10.7224/1537-2073.2015-095 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (5) ◽

pp. 225-231 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Rachel M. Gilbertson ◽

Maryanna D. Klatt

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Mindfulness Meditation ◽

Short Form ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Future Research ◽

Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire ◽

Anxiety Depression

Background: Mindfulness in Motion is an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention that uses yoga movement, mindfulness meditation, and relaxing music. This study examined the feasibility of using Mindfulness in Motion in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the effect of this program on stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life in people with MS. Methods: Twenty-two people with MS completed the 8-week mindfulness program as well as assessments 1 week before and after the intervention. Results: Pre/post comparison of four self-reported questionnaires—the Mental Health Inventory, 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire—showed significant improvement in physical functioning, vitality, and mental health. Specifically, improvements were seen in anxiety, depression, and positive affect; cognitive, psychosocial, and overall functioning regarding fatigue; and mindfulness in the areas of observing, acting with awareness, nonjudgment, and nonreactivity. Conclusions: Due to the uncertainty in disease progression associated with MS, and the multiplicity of mental and physical symptoms associated with it, programming that addresses anxiety, depression, and fatigue is a key area of future research in MS disease management. Mindfulness in Motion proved to be a feasible program yielding positive results, supporting the need for research to determine the extent to which the program can improve quality-of-life outcomes for people with MS.

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DIFFERENTIATION OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES BETWEEN FIVE DISEASE AREAS: RESULTS FROM AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF PATIENTS

International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care ◽

10.1017/s0266462318000557 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (5) ◽

pp. 498-506 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Olina Efthymiadou ◽

Jean Mossman ◽

Panos Kanavos

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Policy Decision ◽

Future Research ◽

Common Disease ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Health Policy Decision ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Anxiety Depression

Objectives:Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data generated by generic, preference-based instruments (i.e., EQ-5D) are highly demanded in health policy decision making, because they allow for direct comparisons of HRQoL outcomes between disease areas. We aimed to quantify HRQoL outcomes in breast cancer (BC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), rare cancers (RC), and rare disease (RD) patients and understand the patterns that differentiate HRQoL outcomes between these disease areas, and more specifically between rare and more common disease population groups.Methods:An international, Web survey of patients measured HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L), self-perceived health (EQ-5D-5L Visual Analogue Scale), and additional QoL dimensions, such as patient disability level.Results:We received 675 completed responses. Average utility loss was 53.5 percent, 32.5 percent, and 33.3 percent for RD, RA, and MS patients, respectively, in contrast to 18.6 percent for BC and RC patients. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) were observed between disease groups in all EQ-5D-5L domain outcomes, apart from that of “Anxiety/Depression.” Severe and/or extreme problems were reported in performing usual activities for RD and RC (34 percent and 13 percent of overall problems reported respectively), mobility for MS (18 percent), pain/discomfort for RA (13 percent), and anxiety/depression for BC (7 percent) patients.Conclusions:We demonstrated significant differences in the dimensions that drive HRQoL outcomes between rare and more common diseases and showcased that the same EQ-5D utility may reflect very different severities depending on the patient population under investigation. Future research should examine whether outcomes in other, critical HRQoL domains not included in generic measures also highlight significant differences across disease areas.

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Current Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Options for the Management of Insomnia

Clinical Medicine Insights Therapeutics ◽

10.4137/cmt.s10239 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. CMT.S10239 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Wilfred R. Pigeon ◽

Todd M. Bishop ◽

Jonathan A. Marcus

Keyword(s):

Detrimental Effect ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Empirical Support ◽

Health Concern ◽

Future Research ◽

Pharmacological Treatments ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

The Past ◽

Care Costs

Insomnia continues to be a major public health concern and to have a pronounced and detrimental effect on health care costs, productivity, and quality of life. Efficacious pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions have emerged over the past few decades, giving providers several options for addressing this disruptive condition; these are herein reviewed. Benzodiazepines have long been the pharmacological treatment of choice for insomnia; however, novel hypnotics being developed by the pharmaceutical industry show promise in addressing insomnia with fewer side effects. From the nonpharmacological perspective, several different single-component interventions such as stimulus control have been shown to be effective, although a combination of these approaches (eg, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia) also enjoy strong empirical support. Future research should continue to examine how sequencing of treatment components, treating different patient cohorts, and combinations of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments influence patient outcome.

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Measuring Quality of Life in Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trials—Can We Improve Objectivity and Cross Trial Comparisons?

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers12113296 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 3296

Author(s):

Gita Bhat ◽

Katherine Karakasis ◽

Amit M. Oza

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Ovarian Cancer ◽

Decision Making ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Psychological Trauma ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Future Research ◽

Patient Centered ◽

Treatment Benefit

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a lethal disease for the majority of women diagnosed with it worldwide. For the majority of patients, diagnosis occurs late, in the advanced setting. Disease-induced as well as treatment-related adverse events can negatively impact quality of life (QoL). Research to date has captured these data through use of patient-related outcomes (PROs) and, increasingly, has become an area of increased attention and focus in clinical trial reporting. QoL/PRO measurements in EOC clinical trials at different transition points in a patient’s journey are increasingly being recognized by patients, clinicians and regulatory agencies as the key determinants of treatment benefit. Various context-specific PROs and PRO endpoints have been described for clinical trials in EOC. Standardized approaches and checklists for incorporating PRO endpoints in clinical trials have been proposed. In a real-world clinical practice setting, PRO/QoL measures, which are meaningful, valid, reliable, feasible and acceptable to patients and clinicians, need to be implemented and used. These may assist by serving as screening tools; helping with the identification of patient preferences to aid in decision making; improving patient–provider communication; facilitating shared decision making. Importantly, they may also improve quality of care through an increasingly patient-centered approach. Potential areas of future research include assessment of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. In good prognostic groups, such as maintenance clinical trials, following patients beyond progression will capture possible downstream effects related to delaying the psychological trauma of relapse, symptoms due to disease progression and side-effects of subsequent chemotherapy. Identifying PRO endpoints in next-generation-targeted therapies (including immunotherapies) also warrants investigation.

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Insomnia During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Brazil

Revista de Saúde ◽

10.21727/rs.v11i1.2336 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 84-86

Author(s):

Marco Antônio Orsini ◽

Jacqueline Stephanie Fernandes do Nascimento ◽

Marco Azizi ◽

Carlos Eduardo Cardoso ◽

Renata Castro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sleep Quality ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Future Research ◽

Web Conferencing ◽

Brazilian Literature ◽

Bibliographic Search ◽

The Moment ◽

Political Uncertainties ◽

Anxiety Depression

Introduction: The outbreak of COVID-19 among humans in Brazil and its spread around the world is strongly impacting mental health. Health problems such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and fear were the most related to. High levels of stress during the day can impair quality and time of sleep. Method: The purpose of this article was to update, through a bibliographic search, the effects of the pandemic on sleep disorders, with insomnia being the most related. A systematic search had been carried out in the main databases: Lilacs, Bireme and PubMed. The languages used in the search were Portuguese and English, from articles published this year. Using the following keywords: Sleep quality, COVID-19, Insomnia, Cognitive behavioral therapy. Discussion: The concern about financial and political uncertainties, feelings of impotence and fear of self-contamination and of family members are factors that corroborate with the worsening of the sleep quality of the population and health professionals’ working on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic, leading to increased cases of insomnia. Behavioral Cognitive Therapy, hypnotherapy and social interaction mediated by Web conferencing tools are the best ways to treat these symptoms at the moment. Even so, the brazilian literature on the subject is extremely scarce, making it an extremely relevant subject for future research.

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Shiga toxin-producingE. coli(STEC) in swine: prevalence over the finishing period and characteristics of the STEC isolates

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268814001095 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 143 (3) ◽

pp. 505-514 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

M. TSENG ◽

P. M. FRATAMICO ◽

L. BAGI ◽

D. MANZINGER ◽

J. A. FUNK

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Shiga Toxin ◽

Health Concern ◽

Future Research ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

E Coli ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

High Prevalence ◽

First Time

SUMMARYThis descriptive longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the faecal shedding of Shiga toxin-producingE. coli(STEC) in finishing swine and to characterize the swine STEC isolates that were recovered. Three cohorts of finishing swine (n = 50/cohort; total 150 pigs) were included in the longitudinal study. Individual faecal samples were collected every 2 weeks (8 collections/pig) from the beginning (pig age 10 weeks) to the end (pig age 24 weeks) of the finishing period. STEC isolates were recovered in at least one sample from 65·3% (98/150) of the pigs, and the frequency distribution of first-time STEC detection during the finishing period resembled a point-source outbreak curve. Nineteen O:H serotypes were identified among the STEC isolates. Most STEC isolates (n = 148) belonged to serotype O59:H21 and carried thestx2egene. One O49:H21 STEC isolate carried thestx2eandeaegenes. High prevalence rates of STEC during the finishing period were observed, and STEC isolates in various non-O157 serogroups were recovered. These data enhance understanding of swine STEC epidemiology, and future research is needed to confirm whether or not swine STEC are of public health concern.

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Occupational Stress and Mental Health: A Comparison Between Frontline Medical Staff and Non-frontline Medical Staff During the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease Outbreak

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2020.555703 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Xie Zhang ◽

Ke Zhao ◽

Guohua Zhang ◽

Ruihua Feng ◽

Jianjun Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Occupational Stress ◽

Medical Staff ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Concern ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Health Symptoms ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Management Interventions ◽

Anxiety Depression

Background: During an epidemic, both frontline and non-frontline medical staff endure stressful work circumstances that render their mental health a major public health concern. This study aims at investigating and comparing the prevalence and severity of mental health symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression and insomnia) between frontline medical staff and non-frontline medical staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. It also seeks to evaluate the association of their mental health with occupational stress.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Wenzhou, China from 2020 February 16th to 2020 March 2th. A total of 524 medical staff responded to the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Occupational stress Questionnaire, and a demographic data form. Data were principally analyzed with logistic regression.Results: Of the 524 participants, 31.3% reported depression, 41.2% reported anxiety, and 39.3% reported insomnia. Compared with the citizens during the COVID-19 epidemic, medical staff experienced higher level of anxiety, depression and insomnia, especially the frontline medical staff. Furthermore, male, married medical staff with poorer physical health reported lower mental health. Frontline medical staff endorsed higher self-reported occupational stress, especially higher occupational hazards, than non-frontline medical staff. In addition, four indicators on occupational stress (working intensity, working time, working difficulty and working risk) were correlated positively with mental health symptoms. Regression analyses found a significant association between occupational stress and mental health symptoms in both frontline and non-frontline medical staff during COVID-19 outbreak.Conclusion: The results indicated that during the COVID-19 epidemic, medical staff experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression and insomnia than citizens, and their occupational stress had positive effects on their psychological distress. These findings emphasize the importance of occupational stress management interventions to decrease the risk of developing mental health problems among the medical staff during a biological disaster.

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The impact of childhood psychological maltreatment on mental health outcomes in adulthood: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-021-01777-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhuoni Xiao ◽

Mina Murat Baldwin ◽

Franziska Meinck ◽

Ingrid Obsuth ◽

Aja Louise Murray

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Psychological Maltreatment ◽

Future Research ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Research suggests that childhood psychological maltreatment (i.e., emotional abuse and emotional neglect) is associated with mental health problems that persist into adulthood, for example anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and aggression; however, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature would help clarify the magnitude and moderators of these associations, and the extent to which they may be affected by publication bias, as well as the methodological strengths and weakness of studies in this area. Method The reporting of this protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) Statement. Searches will be carried out via several databases, including Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, Applied Social Science Index and Abstract, ERIC and EMBASE. Empirical peer-reviewed research articles that fit pre-specified eligibility criteria will be included in the review. Studies will be eligible if they include participants age 18 or over at time of mental health assessment, include information on childhood psychological maltreatment (emotional abuse and/or neglect) perpetrated by a primary caregiver or adult in the same household, and provide quantitative information on the association between these factors. Studies using prospective and retrospective designs and written in either English or Chinese will be eligible. Two independent reviewers will screen and assess studies for inclusion in the review as well as extract the data, with consensus reached through discussion in cases of discrepancy. A third reviewer will be consulted to resolve any discrepancies that remain. The relevant Newcastle–Ottawa scales will be used for assessing the quality of studies. If a sufficient number of comparable studies are retrieved, a meta-analysis will be conducted using a random effects model. Study-level moderators (i.e., year of publication, quality of the study and study geographical location) will be examined in the meta-analyses. Discussion This systematic review will provide an understanding of the long-term effects of childhood psychological maltreatment on adult mental health, which adds to previous reviews focusing primarily on the effects of physical and sexual abuse. The results of the review will help inform clinical practice in approaches to treating those with a history of psychological maltreatment in childhood. The gaps and weaknesses in the evidence identified will also inform recommendations for future research.

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Microbial Quality of Ready-to-Eat Street Vended Food Groups Sold in the Johannesburg Metropolis, South Africa

Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control ◽

10.18502/jfqhc.7.1.2448 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

C.V. Asiegbu ◽

S.L. Lebelo ◽

F.T. Tabit

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Health Concern ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Microbial Quality ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Salmonella Spp ◽

Street Food ◽

E Coli ◽

Significant Difference

Background: In many developing countries, the risk of contracting a food-borne disease is high after consuming contaminated ready-to-eat Street-Vended Foods (SVFs). The main objective of this research was to assess the microbiological quality of SVF groups sold in the Johannesburg Metropolis, South Africa. Methods: A stratified random sampling procedure was used for collecting the ready-toeat SVF samples. Methods prescribed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) were used for analyses for aerobic colony count, Enterobacteriaceae count, presence of Escherichia coli O15:H7, detection of Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. The bacterial isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics V25.0. Results: Of the 205 ready-to-eat SVF samples, 85.37% had aerobic growth. The vast majority (78.18%) of the 110 ready-to-eat SVF samples had Enterobacteriaceae growth. From the 110 SVF samples, the prevalence rates of L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, Salmonella spp., and E. coli O15:H7 were 46.36, 31.8, 21.8, and 1.8%, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence rates of L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, Salmonella spp., and E. coli O15:H7 in the various SVF groups. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the microbial quality and safety of ready-to-eat SVFs sold in the Johannesburg Metropolis remain a serious public health concern. Hence, it is necessary to educate street food vendors and enforce food safety legislation in the street food sector in the country.

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Emerging Opportunities to Improve Treatment Access for Substance Use Disorders and Other Comorbid Health Issues Among Women Enrolled in WIC

Health Promotion Practice ◽

10.1177/15248399211069094 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 152483992110690

Author(s):

Yukiko Washio ◽

Bradley N. Collins ◽

Linda M. Kilby

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

Substance Use Disorders ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Concern ◽

Future Research ◽

Routine Practice ◽

Health Issues ◽

Underserved Communities ◽

Increased Risk

Women living in underserved communities are at an increased risk for substance use disorders and other comorbid health issues, a public health concern that was exacerbated as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. In response to the challenges the pandemic presented, services delivered by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) adapted nimbly, including WIC nutrition managers’ and counselors’ efforts to provide reactive referrals of clients raising concern about substance misuse and related consequences. This adaptation signaled an opportunity to consider integrating more proactive, evidence-based strategies for substance use disorders such as standardized brief assessments, advice, and referral procedures (i.e., Screening, Brief Interventions, and Referral to Treatment [SBIRT]), as part of routine WIC operations. Integration of such routine practice would improve the quality of care WIC provides to their clients and families, while addressing a major gap in public health by connecting clients at high risk for substance use disorders and substance-related problems to much needed services. Given the adaptability of WIC to reactively manage the wide array of psychosocial and mental health problems that increased during the pandemic, opportunities exist for future research to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of proactive implementation of brief screening, advice, and treatment referral to reduce substance-related harm among women living in underserved communities.

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