The Evolution of Mental Health in Patients with Psoriasis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health on a sample of 37 patients with psoriasis in Brăila County. Methods: A cross-sectional study on a sample of 37 patients with psoriasis was conducted by questionnaires e-mailed to patients. The study was conducted between November 20th, 2020 - January 15th, 2021. Mental health was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Assessment Scale (HAS). Data collected on predictors included, but were not limited to, sex, age, background, marital status, level of education, smoking, alcohol consumption, comorbidities, period of self-isolation, severity of psoriasis, and type of treatment for psoriasis. Results: There were 37 participants included. Factors associated with poor mental health were: place of origin (54% from urban areas), sex (62.1% women), age (67.5% between 65 and 80 years old), period of self-isolation (81% in self-isolation for more than 14 days), comorbidities (75.6% with multiple comorbidities) and form of treatment for psoriasis (48.6% are systemically administered treatment for psoriasis). Conclusions: In this sample of patients with psoriasis from Brăila County who isolate or socially distance themselves, urban patients, women, elderly, those with comorbidities and those who are systemically administered treatment for psoriasis were associated with a high score on the Hamilton anxiety assessment scale. However, we have to admit that our research has some limitations. First, the number of participants included in the study was small. Secondly, we used an online way to conduct the study. Thirdly, we used a self-assessment scale to assess the anxiety symptoms of psoriasis patients, which might have some deviation from the outcome. Looking beyond the current situation, it is essential to evaluate and restructure the way we think about patient’s care.

Hormonal Effect of High Protein Diets Among Females

Objectives A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates are common occurrences in the clinical practice. We explore the effect that those diets have on endocrine system among a sample from 5 continents. Methods Data from n = 8252 unique participants that completed a self reported Depression and Anxiety Assessment Test was used. From the n = 8252 sample, n = 5662 were females and that is the data that was used for the study they had an average age of 46.5 [SD 17]. The Depression and Anxiety Assessment Test (registration TX 7–398-022) is a an questionnaire of 85 questions that included questions of demographics, and also the question “Do you currently take part in a low carbohydrate diet, such as the Atkins diet?” the group was divided in two those that follow the low carbohydrate diet and those that didn't. The questionnaire also ask about alcohol abuse, thyroid problem, being an uncontrolled diabetic and having painful menstrual periods on a regular basis. Results Among the females n = 552 were following a low carbohydrate diet (LCD), those had an average age of 48.5 [SD 16]. The females that were not following a LCD had a mean age of 45.7 [SD 17]. Regarding thyroid problems, 8.6% of the LCD group had a thyroid problem compared to 6.5% of those not following a LCD. Regarding uncontrolled diabetes, 6.9% of the LCD group had uncontrolled diabetes compared to 3.8% not following a LCD. Regarding regular painful menstruation, 27.5% of the females following the LCD group had them compared to 23.5% of females not following a LCD. Regarding current alcohol abuse, 8.9% following the LCD had them compared to 7.6% of those not following a LCD. Conclusions It seems that females following a LCD tend to have more endocrine problems. A follow up with laboratories should be done to confirm the impact. Funding Sources Self funded.

Instrumento de Avaliação da ansiedade acadêmica no Ensino Superior em Biologia / Academic Anxiety Assessment Instrument in Higher Education in Biology

Este é um estudo transversal observacional que objetiva a construção de um questionário para a identificação de indivíduos com ansiedade relacionada à graduação em Ciências Biológicas no contexto brasileiro. Formou-se um grupo focal para levantar as principais situações ansiosas vivenciadas no curso, o que forneceu informações para a construção de um questionário inicial, o qual foi avaliado por juízes professores e alunos do curso acerca de sua clareza e objetividade. Selecionamos 73 itens julgados melhores para o questionário aplicado a um grupo de 325 alunos. A Análise dos Componentes Principais encontrou 4 componentes que explicam a ansiedade no curso, restando 37 itens significantes: (1) 18 itens relacionados às avaliações, (2) 10 itens aos conteúdos específicos do curso, (3) 5 itens ao professor, (4) e 4 itens aos conteúdos matemáticos. A multiplicidade de componentes era esperada devido à complexidade associada à ansiedade.

Implementation of dance therapy in 13–14 year old students in order to reduce stress and anxiety

Problem statement: Investigating numerous articles and studies on the effects of dance on the body, we can say that this type of movement brings many benefits to our health both physically and mentally regardless of the age. Purpose of study: This paper aims to analyse the level of stress in students aged 13–14 years, as well as reducing the level of stress felt by them by applying dance therapy. Study hypothesis: Indicators of stress (such as anxiety, emotional distress, etc.) can be improved with a focused dance-intervention therapy program, created specifically for this purpose. Objectives of the study proposed by us take into account the well-being of young people, more precisely of students aged 13–14. We intend to reduce stress by applying intervention plans based on a succession of specific dance steps, an artistic program created by us especially for this purpose. Subjects, duration and place of study: The study took place between October 2016 and January 2017, in Cluj-Napoca, in the gym of the ‘George Baritiu’ National College, a number of 30 students. Tests and assessment tools used in research: To find out the emotional state of students, we apply: Relaxation technique R. Bandler, Jacobson, Endler Scale of Multidimensional Anxiety Assessment Test – Endler Scales for Multidimensional Anxiety Assessment (Anxiety Scale), Emotional Distress Profile. We use Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, for the analysis of three or more samples, the analysis of variance test was used in the case of data with normal distribution or the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, in the case of values with uneven distribution or ranks. Conclusions and recommendations: The obtained results underline the importance of using psychological tests to detect the level of stress in order to decrease its intensity and to raise awareness of well-being. Following the results obtained, which are statistically significant, we conclude that students need a special intervention program created by us that will reduce the accumulated stress. Keywords: Dance-therapy, stress, anxiety.