Angst Wetenschap

A nurse-led intervention for fear of cancer progression in advanced cancer: A pilot feasibility study.

Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2020 Oct 07;49:101855

Authors: Reb AM, Borneman T, Economou D, Cangin MA, Cope DG, Ma H, Ruel N, Sharpe L, Patel SK, Cristea M, Koczywas M, Ferrell B

Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a nurse-led intervention for managing fear of cancer progression in advanced cancer patients.
METHODS: A single group mixed methods study was conducted in patients with stage III or IV gynecologic or lung cancer (n = 31) with dysfunctional levels of fear of progression or distress. The intervention consisted of seven videoconferencing sessions with skills practice. Feasibility measures included enrollment rate, attendance, attrition, and home practice adherence. Acceptability was based on exit interview responses. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Participants completed quantitative questionnaires assessing fear of progression and secondary outcomes at baseline, eight, and 12 weeks. Linear mixed model analysis was used to assess changes in outcome measures.
RESULTS: The average enrollment rate was seven participants/month over 4.5 months. Participants attended a mean of 5.3 of seven sessions. Attrition rate was 30%. The analysis showed improvements over time in fear of progression and exploratory outcomes. Participants reported feeling calmer and more focused. The skills practice helped to manage anxiety and fears. Themes included: Struggling with fears, Refocusing the fears, and Realizing/reaffirming what is important in life. The most beneficial components included the values clarification exercise, detached mindfulness and worry postponement practices.
CONCLUSION: The intervention was acceptable; most feasibility criteria were met. Preliminary data suggest that the intervention reduced fear of progression and improved secondary outcomes. The intervention required a significant time commitment by participants, which may have contributed to increased attrition. To decrease burden, we will shorten the intervention.

PMID: 33120211 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Fear of COVID-19 scale: Validity, reliability and factorial invariance in Argentina's general population.

Death Stud. 2020 Oct 29;:1-10

Authors: Caycho-Rodríguez T, Vilca LW, Cervigni M, Gallegos M, Martino P, Portillo N, Barés I, Calandra M, Burgos Videla C

Abstract
This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Scale of Fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S) in a sample of 1,291 Argentines. The two-related factor structure of the FCV-19S had satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices using structural equation modeling and item response theory. Further results showed that the reliability was adequate, the factor structure was strictly invariable across age groups, and the model that evaluated the relationships between fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and depression had adequate goodness of fit indices as well. The results indicated that FCV-19S has strong psychometric properties to measure fear of COVID-19 in the general population of Argentina.

PMID: 33118860 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Review: Social networking sites and associations with depressive and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents - a systematic review.

Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2020 Nov;25(4):201-216

Authors: Piteo EM, Ward K

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given social networking sites (SNSs) have become a pervasive part of culture; it is critical to understand the ways in which they may be advantageous or detrimental to the mental health of young people. This systematic narrative review examined the relationships between SNS and depressive and anxiety symptoms in the child and adolescent population (5-18 years).
METHODS: Four databases were searched, and all articles between January 2005 and March 2019 were identified.
RESULTS: Increased time spent or frequency of SNS use, and problematic and addictive behaviour on SNS were significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Two cross-sectional studies found that increased time spent or frequency of SNS use and higher levels of investment on SNS were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety symptoms. However, other potential confounding factors could explain the relationship between SNS and depressive and anxiety symptoms, including perceived social support, social comparison and fear of missing out (FoMO).
CONCLUSIONS: While there is evidence that there is a relationship between SNS and anxiety and depressive symptoms, the effect size tends to be small and informed by studies of poor quality. Therefore, results should be interpreted cautiously. Methodological issues in conceptualising SNS complicated the findings. Future studies should explore the various conditions by which SNS may either interfere or enhance the development of emotional regulation in young people. These findings help to inform clinicians and educators in targeting vulnerable young people who are at risk of developing mental health problems.

PMID: 33118256 [PubMed - in process]

Restructuring of Academic Tracks to Create Successful Career Paths for the Faculty of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

J Healthc Leadersh. 2020;12:103-115

Authors: Wieder R, Carson JL, Strom BL

Abstract
Background: We report faculty affairs lessons from the formation and academic restructuring of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. Our approach may be a blueprint for development of a new track system that can be adapted by other institutions, after consideration of their own special circumstances.
Methods: We created new Appointments and Promotions guidelines consisting of one Tenure Track and four Non-Tenure Tracks, each with different missions. We restructured faculty performance evaluations to include mission-based criteria, an expanded rating scale, and specific expectations. After negotiating these new processes with our faculty union, we enacted central oversight to ensure uniform application of these processes and their associated criteria. We communicated the guidelines and the evaluation system widely. We created programs for universal mentoring, publishing education, diversity, and faculty development.
Results: All faculty in our seven schools went through track selection. Anxiety and incomplete understanding improved after implementation. Evaluations with expectations for the following year and an expanded scale for more nuanced assessment served as mentoring tools. Requirements for mentor assignments and diversity education created an atmosphere of nurturing and inclusion. Publications, extramural support, and faculty satisfaction increased after implementation of the guidelines.
Conclusion: Lessons included the need to review and learn from guidelines at other institutions, to create tracks that align with different jobs, the necessity for central oversight for uniform application of criteria, the need for extensive and frequent communication with faculty, and that fear of change is only reduced after evidence of success of a new structure. The most important lesson was that faculty rise to expectations when clear, ambitious criteria are delineated and universally applied.

PMID: 33117034 [PubMed]

COVID-19 and Anxiety amongst Doctors: A Pakistani Perspective.

J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2020 Oct;30(10):106-109

Authors: Arshad AR, Islam F

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess anxiety in Pakistani doctors in context of COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate possible causes.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Departments of Nephrology, Combined Military Hospital Peshawar and Combined Military Hospital Malir, Karachi, during March 2020.
METHODOLOGY: Doctors working in different parts of Pakistan were approached online through snowball sampling technique. Those with history of psychiatric disorders were excluded. They were administered a questionnaire including Seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Reasons why they felt anxious were also explored.
RESULTS: Responses from 431 doctors, including 238 (55.2%) males, were evaluated. Most of them were younger than 30 years (286; 66.4%), in training (335; 77.7%), and working in public hospitals (347; 80.5%). Mild, moderate and severe anxiety was seen in 120 (27.8%), 103 (23.9%) and 42 (9.7%) doctors, respectively. Median score on GAD-7 was 6 (interquartile range = 3 - 11). Lady doctors had higher scores than males (7 vs. 5; p=0.024). No significant differences in scores were found amongst doctors from different workplaces or of different professional status. A greater proportion of females had anxiety as compared to males (67.9% vs. 56.3%; p=0.014). Frequency of anxiety was not different amongst doctors of different professional status, types of workplace and amongst different age groups. Commonest reasons for anxiety were lack of personal protective equipment (83.8% doctors); and the fear that they could spread infection to family members (79.8% doctors).
CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the psychological well-being of doctors. Greater attention needs to be paid towards lady doctors to ensure their mental well-being. Key Words: Anxiety disorders, Pandemic, Personal protective equipment, Workforce.

PMID: 33115580 [PubMed - in process]