bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional study on anxiety in confinement due to covid-19 in a sub-acute and long-stay mental health unit
Authors: Llimona González A. , Mayans Henares J. , Pechuan Martínez E. , Orejas Pérez O. , Masferrer Herrera C. , Muro Celma C. , Vargas Puertolas L. , Peñalver Aguilar J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionChronic psychiatric patients admitted to subacute and long-stay hospital units are especially vulnerable to the situation of confinement due to the pandemic. Throughout 2020 and 2021 they have suffered the consequences of multiple strict confinements given the differences in isolation protocols in hospitalized patients compared to the general population. This has repercussions on the increase in anxious symptomatology, which influences a more torpid and prolonged evolution of mental disorders in this subpopulation.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to study the anxiety levels of patients admitted to a sub-acute and long-stay mental health unit in a situation of confinement due to covid-19.MethodsWe have carried out a cross-sectional descriptive observational study in 25 patients admitted to the subacute and long-stay unit of the Barcelona Forum Center between December 8 and 23, 2021 in the context of confinement due to a covid-19 outbreak. Sociodemographic and clinical variables are collected. We have used the self-administered STAI scale to assess clinical anxiety.ResultsThe mean age is 47.7 years; women 60%. 80% with single marital status. 90% of the patients presented active tobacco consumption, with an average of 21.2 cigarettes/day. The mean score on the STAI scale was 58.8 for state anxiety and 46.7 for trait anxiety, both levels above the 75th percentile for adults, both men (state anxiety 28, trait anxiety 25) and women (state anxiety 31, trait anxiety 32).ConclusionsThe state and trait anxiety scores of the STAI scale of hospitalized patients are higher than the average of the general population, which could be due to the situation of confinement due to the covid pandemic.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
José Saramago’s “Blindness” and a Vision for Mental Healthcare: perspectives in the fields of Literature, Architecture, Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Authors: Jorge B. , Carvalho J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe Portuguese writer and Nobel prize winner José Saramago, is well-known for his sharp depiction and reflection of human condition. The recent events of the COVID pandemic juxtapose with his novel “Blindness” (1995) – original title: “Ensaio sobre a Cegueira”–, where the expression of fear of dehumanization in a globalized world where any contemporary society may lead to the obligation to follow what power structures define and establish. In his epidemic of blindness, an abandoned psychiatric asylum was chosen by the author as a quarantine ward and the centre of the plot. A question imposes: why an asylum? What is the focus of such a place in a cultural postmodernism message?ObjectivesAn historic background revision is proposed, glancing at the evolution of the architectural concept of asylum evolved until modern times, while setting a reflection towards today’s mental health services and European models.MethodsA narrative review was performed, gathering points of view in the fields of Literature, Architecture, Philosophy, Politics and Economics.ResultsBertolt Brecht claims that “all art is political and the question is simply whether art attacks existing structures of power or refuses such attacks and thereby contributes to the continuation of those structures”. Regarding evolution of Asylum Architecture, and the principles which ought to control Modern Construction, In “Blindness”, the thematic of space appears above all through the reference of Marc Augé’s Non-Place. Initially extended to the city, gives way to the funneling of the space that leads to the “asylum” - a space that centralizes all the action. Through Saramago’s description, the floor plans were designed by Portuguese architect José Cardoso. As the first waves of blind people are imprisoned, it is characterized as a heterotopia, the embodiment of Foucaudian panopticism, as it is constituted as a prison whose role is to isolate, even if this attitude is motivated by despair of the government. A mental healthcare system assumes a multidisciplinary approach to psychiatric disorders. Evidence points to a balance between community-based and modern hospital-based care, with frontline services based in the community and hospitals playing a more specialized role. For most European countries, mental healthcare is financed in the same way as other healthcare services, using either national, regional or local budgets and four ways to purchase mental health services are looked at in depth. Therefore, general decisions about such financing may not be in line with mental health policy-maker or planner.ConclusionsWhere culture meets anthropology, social policies, legal boundaries and ethic reflections, a time for a joint dialogue arises. How to surpass the differences and heterogeneity between countries? Is there a place for a common system in mental health care?Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Study on cultural representations in mental health and psychosocial support in the Ituri region of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Dozio E. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionIn the Ituri region of eastern DRC, Djugu territory has been the epicenter of violent clashes in 2020 and significant displacement since 2017. An initial assessment conducted by Action Contre la Faim (ACF) in January 2021 showed a significant level of psychological distress among 85% of respondents. Following this finding, an emergency response was proposed with the aim of contributing to the improvement of the psychological state of men, women, boys and girls affected by displacement and conflict while strengthening their psychological resilience. As part of this response, prior to the intervention, the NGO conducted a study on the representations of mental health and psychosocial needs as well as locally existing support mechanisms.ObjectivesThe study aimed to better understand the cultural dimension of the perception of mental health and psychological suffering as well as the use of traditional care or support systems. This will allow for better adaptation of clinical approaches to psychosocial intervention as well as the identification of risks incurred by communities in the context of mental health programming, in a context of inter-community tensions, and the development of mitigation measures, co-constructed with the targeted communities.MethodsAn analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the local perception of mental health issues and pre-existing community support mechanisms was conducted using a mixed methodology. A quantitative approach was used to estimate the prevalence of psychological/psychiatric pathologies present in the intervention area and relate it to known data in the country. This was complemented by qualitative data collection including semi-structured interviews with key informants and focus group discussions with community members (adult men and women) as well as health workers, legal and customary authorities, religious leaders, community leaders, traditional practitioners, humanitarian actors, etc.Results12 interviews, 8 focus group discussions and 316 questionnaires confirmed the high rates of distress in the community surveyed.The cultural representations of mental suffering were better understood (i.e. the origin of suffering and mental illness is exogenous and a spiritual cause is often evoked: witchcraft, curse, divine punishment). Resilience factors (the most resilient would be children and women) and local support mechanisms have been identified, notably in religious leaders.A very strong group cohesion and solidarity was highlighted.ConclusionsThis study helped to understand the issues related to a mental health care and psychosocial support proposal. This type of study is fundamental to culturally adapting care in humanitarian aid contexts. Concrete details of adaptation will be presented as an example.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Explanatory Style in Asian Populations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Siu C. , Gacayan E. , Tsang V. W. L. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionCultural upbringing is an important factor that affects how one perceives the world and determines how blame is assigned when facing unfavorable outcomes. Governed by explanatory style, which refers to one’s pattern of causal explanations towards positive and negative situations, pessimism is defined as classifying bad events as internal, stable, and global within the personalization, permanence, and pervasiveness dimensions respectively (Peterson, 1992). This indicates that a pessimistic person would attribute a bad event as their own fault, as lasting, and as having great impact across all domains of their lives (Peterson, 1992).ObjectivesPrevious research has shown that when comparing the levels of pessimism between Mainland Chinese individuals, Chinese American individuals, and White American individuals, the Mainland Chinese group is found to be the most pessimistic (Lee & Seligman, 1997). However, much of the existing research to date assessing pessimism and optimism in Asian samples do not define these concepts within the realms of the explanatory style. Instead, a broader and more generalized understanding is usually used. This review therefore seeks to investigate whether Asians are more pessimistic compared to people of other races as defined by the explanatory style (Peterson, 1992).MethodsA search was conducted in two bibliographic databases (Medline OVID and PsycINFO) to identify articles for inclusion. Two reviewers screened the search independently through Covidence and performed a result analysis.ResultsA total of 20 peer-reviewed articles published between 1972 and 2022 are included that broadly compare the explanatory styles of Asians to other racial groups. Of the 20 studies, 3 papers specifically compare optimism versus pessimism in Asian groups, 4 papers mention coping strategies for “bad events”, 2 papers mention self-esteem, and 2 papers each mention causal attributions for success and failure respectively. When compared to other races, Asians were found to be more pessimistic, turn to faith and religion as a coping mechanism, have lower self-esteem, attribute success to external factors and internalize failure.ConclusionsIt is concluded that Asian groups internalize bad events, and view good events as external, which aligns with Asian groups being more pessimistic on the personalization dimension as defined by the explanatory style (Spencer-Rodgers et al., 2004; Anderson, 1999; Park & Kim, 1998). By understanding the cultural implications of the explanatory style, one can recognize why and in what way people behave and cope differently across cultures when facing adversity.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Associations in time between salivary cortisol and emotions in depressed patients and controls
Authors: Koning A.-S. , Booij S. H. , Meijer O. C. , Riese H. , Giltay E. J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionDepression can be understood as a complex dynamic system, where depressive symptoms can directly affect each other. Knowledge on this symptom-symptom interaction is still scarce and is likely to differ between individuals. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is often implicated in depression, with hypercortisolism and impaired glucocorticoid receptor-mediated feedback inhibition being commonly reported. High salivary cortisol levels may reflect a reaction to symptoms, or may rather be a cause, effectively ‘binding’ symptoms.ObjectivesWe aimed to analyze the temporal interplay between salivary cortisol and emotions in depressed patients and controls by using the novel Dynamic Time Warp analysis (DTW) approach.MethodsThe ‘Mood and movement in daily life’ (MOOVD) study consisted of 30 pair-matched (15 depressed and 15 control) participants. Salivary cortisol was collected three times a day for 30 days, resulting in 90 measurements per individual. At the same moments, participants completed questionnaires on an electronic diary, which included different momentary positive (PA) and negative (NA) affect items. The dynamic interplay between salivary cortisol and affect were analyzed by DTW, which extends momentarily associations to include one earlier and one later time point, in both undirected and directed analyses.ResultsIndividual networks differed substantially within groups. At the group level, undirected and directed network analyses showed differences between depressed patients and controls. In undirected analysis, connectivity of PA items was comparable between depressed patients and controls, but the NA items showed a less dense network in depressed patients. Directed DTW analyses indicated (p = 0.07) that increases in salivary cortisol preceded that of some NA items (e.g., tiredness) in controls, but tended to follow upon NA item increase (e.g., not feeling appreciated) in depressed patients.ConclusionsAt the group level, connectiveness between NA items was substantially weaker in depressed patients compared to controls. As in complex systems strong internal connectivity facilitates “critical transitions” to different states, this may reflect (or explain) the persistence of a chronically depressed state. We preliminary conclude that high salivary cortisol in depression may be a consequence of NA, rather than a cause. Replication of these first exploratory findings are needed.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Disorder after Exposed Prolonged Traumatic Event
Authors: Yoon B.-H. , Kim M.-D. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionDepressive disorder is one of the most typical psychiatric disorder that occurs after a traumatic event. However, there has been minimal research regarding the prevalence and associated factors of depression after a traumatic event.ObjectivesTherefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors in the residents of the Gangjeong village, who have been exposed to a traumatic event recently for a prolonged period.MethodsThe subjects of this study were the residents of the Gangjeong village, who have been exposed to a traumatic event related to the construction of the Jeju Civilian-Military Complex Port. The questionnaires were used to assess the participants` general characteristics (sex, age, marital status, occupation, self-perceived health, etc.); in addition, for the clinical evaluation, overall stress was assessed through the Global Assessment of Recent Stress Scale (GARS), social support through Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) and suicide risk through Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus (M.I.N.I-Plus). In order to evaluate the depressive symtpoms, CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) was used.ResultsIn 713 subjects, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 18.5% (95% CI=15.66-21.36) (Table 1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the length of residence and marital status as factors associated with depressive symptoms (Table 2). Furthermore, the depression group has a significantly higher score of overall stress (GARS), suicide risk and the lack of social support (FSSQ), in comparison with the non-depression group (Figure 1) group (depression gr. vs non-depression gr. : 28.8±15.0 vs 12.8±10.1, 4.9±8.0 vs 1.1±3.6, 44.8±13.2 vs 34.0±13.9, respectively).ConclusionsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among the study population compared to the general population. People exposed to the traumatic event, especially after prolonged exposure, should be assessed environment factors, the status of overall stress, social support and the suicidal risk.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Three Months of Text4Hope-Addiction Support Program mitigates substance craving and improves mental health.
Authors: Obuobi-Donkor G. , Shalaby R. , Vuong W. , Agyapong B. , Gusnowski A. , Surood S. , Agyapong V. I. O. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionProblematic substance use is rising, and other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression correlate with substance abuse. Diverse interventions to reduce this effect are emerging. Supportive text messages offer the prospect of improving symptoms of drug misuse and other associated comorbidities.ObjectivesThe study aims to evaluate the impact of the Text4Hope-Addiction program in mitigating craving, anxiety, and depression symptoms in subscribers.MethodsIndividuals self-subscribe to Text4Hope Addiction program by texting “Open2Change” to 393939 to receive daily addiction-related text messages for three months. Subscribers are invited via text message to complete online questionnaires which assess cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms using the Brief Substance Craving Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 on subscription (baseline), six weeks and three months. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 with descriptive and inferential statistics. Satisfaction responses were used to assess various aspects of the Text4Hope- Addiction program.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the mean baseline and three-month BSCS scores ( -2.17, 95% CI of -0.62 to -3.72), PHQ-9 scores (-5.08, 95% CI of -1.65 to -8.51), and the GAD-7 scores (-2.93, 95% CI of -0.48 to -5.56). Participants agreed that the supportive text messages helped them cope with addiction-related stress (89%), anxiety (81%) and depression (69%).ConclusionsThe Text4Hope-Addiction program effectively reduced cravings, anxiety, and depression among subscribers, with high satisfaction rates for the program. Healthcare practitioners and policymakers should consider implementing supportive text-based strategies to complement conventional treatments for addiction.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A qualitative investigation of healthcare professionals’ viewpoints of the healthcare process of persons with a serious mental illness in prisons with a traditional model for mental health care provision in Spain
Authors: Calcedo-Barba A. , Paz Ruiz S. , Estévez Closas V. , López López Á. , Barrios L. F. , Antón Basanta J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionHealthcare delivery in prisons depends on the national Ministry of Interior in 14 of 17 autonomous regions in Spain. A traditional model for health and mental health care provision prevails.ObjectivesTo increase understanding of the mental health care process of imprisoned persons with a serious mental illness (SMI) in Spanish prisons with a traditional model of health care provision.Methods10 healthcare professionals (6 physicians, 3 nurses, 1 pharmacist) working in small (<450 imprisoners), middle size (450-1,000) and big (>1,000) prisons took part in 3 online focus groups between 31st May and 2nd June 2022. The moderator used open-ended questions to research into the healthcare process (diagnosis, treatment, follow up, prevention) of imprisoners with SMI. Focus groups lasted 2 hours, and were audiotape recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analysed applying constant comparative method and theoretical saturation.ResultsMental healthcare provision varies across prisons, but commonalities exist. Healthcare professionals reported that about 60% of SMI are diagnosed by the correctional general practice physician (GP) at incarceration. Severe cases are assessed by an external psychiatrist. Once a week (average) the psychiatrist visits the prison to either confirm diagnoses or adjust treatments. One third of imprisoners who would benefit from a psychiatric assessment has it. Follow up occurs in the prison infirmary for close supervision. If addiction concurs, referral to therapeutic modules happen. Polypharmacy and overmedication are common. Simplification of therapies and slow-release injectable formulations of antipsychotics are desirable. Everyday mental health care and rehabilitation take place throughout a specific, little equipped, psycho-social support programme implemented in most prisons but restricted to the most disabled SMI persons. Acute psychiatric episodes occur due to treatment interruptions or deviations and are managed by the correctional GP. Hospital referrals are problematic without protocols. Prevention of relapses relies on imprisoners supervision and staff observation. Healthcare records are only available to healthcare professionals working in prisons. Outside prisons, continued care needs of mental health and social support in the community. Due to healthcare services modest readiness to respond to needs and poor social networks, SMI persons are prone to relapse and recidivism.ConclusionsFocus groups found that working in isolation from the public healthcare system, shortage of psychiatrists, poorly implemented therapeutic and rehabilitation programmes, and lack of mental health and social care services in the community negatively affect the care of imprisoners with SMI in Spain.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Lessons from the Impact of War in Ukraine on Combatants’ Mental Health during the Last Decade
Authors: Haydabrus A. , Giménez-Llort L. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe threat and preservation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine are not new issues. During the last decade, peacetime (Peace, until 2013) was disrupted by active hostility (AH, 2014–2015) and trench warfare (TW, 2016–2021). War exert acute and chronic impacts on mental health, may be a substrate for mental health disorders, especially worrisome since, today, the large-scale conflict has demanded the recruitment of adult civilians to defend and fight alongside armed forces troops.ObjectivesThe analysis aimed to unveil the impact of those conflicts on the mental health of the army and help us to anticipate risk factors (ranks, time period) and need for resources (admissions and days of hospitalization per time period, rank and disease).MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional analysis of an anonymized part of the internal database included 3995 anonymized records.Data are expressed as the frequency (%), fold-increase, or mean ± SEM. Chi-square analysis and ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc correction were performed with Jamovi.ResultsThe temporal distribution of admissions (Figure 1) showed a 6.97 (AH) and 3.62 (TW) [5.02 (TW1, 2016–2017), 3.91 (TW2, 2018–2019), and 1.95 (TW3, 2020–2021)] fold increase per year compared to peacetime. The most frequent mental health problems, accounting for 76.1% of cases, were ‘anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic disorders’ (F40-F48, ANXd, 40.1%) and ‘mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use’ (F10–F19, PSUd, 36.0%). ‘Reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders (F43, 76.5%) and ‘Alcohol-related disorders (F10, 89.3%) were the predominant mental health disorders, respectively.The ICD-10 category depended on the war period (Figure 2), with peacetime to TW2 accounting for 90% of cases. ‘ANXd’ were the main mental health problem in any period, with 61.8% of cases occurring in peacetime. PSUd, residual in peacetime 6.1%, reached their peak in active hostility (47.4%), with 97.9% of ‘Alcohol-related disorders’ as the cause of these admissions, which could agree with the use of alcohol serving as a coping mechanism in front traumatic events. In trench warfare, PSUd decreased (TW1, 39.2%; TW2, 25.1%).Hospital stays for people with ANXd or PSUd lasted at least one month in peacetime but significantly decreased in war periods (Figure 3). This could be explained by a ‘need for free beds effect’ and the distribution of admissions by ranks.Image:Image 2:Image 3:Conclusions-The dominance of ANXd, mainly among professional soldiers and high ranks, points to the need for rank-tailored psychological training in skills to reduce the ANXd burden.-The large number of PSUd in nonprofessional soldiers during wartime dictates the need to strengthen the selection of military personnel.-Hospitalizations in military operations are heterogeneous and depend on the military rank.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared