Search Results (161)

In humans, the master circadian clock, present in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, plays an important role in controlling life-sustaining functions. The development of the circadian clock begins in the fetal period and is almost completed during infancy to early childhood, based on the developmental program that is influenced by the mother’s daily rhythms and, after birth, with the addition of information from the daily life environment. It is known that circadian rhythms are deeply related not only to the balance of a child’s mental and physical development but also to maintaining mental and physical health throughout one’s life. However, it has been suggested that various health problems in the future at any age may be caused by the occurrence of circadian disturbances transmitted by the mother during the fetal period. This phenomenon can be said to support the so-called DOHaD theory, and the involvement of the mother in the maturation of appropriate and stable circadian rhythms cannot be ignored. We consider the problems and countermeasures during the fetal and infant periods, which are important for the formation of circadian clocks. Full article

The extensive use of digital media among adolescents has raised concerns about its impact on emotional development and mental health. Understanding the psychological factors behind problematic digital media use is essential for effective prevention. This study examined whether the relationships between emotion regulation (negative and positive), compulsive use, cognitive preoccupation, and negative outcomes linked to digital media are consistent across sex and academic year. We used a cross-sectional design with 2357 adolescents (12–16 years old) from Compulsory Secondary Education. Participants completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing problematic digital media use, and associated consequences in four domains: internet, video games, social networking, and messaging. Four structural equation models (SEMs), each focused on a media type, tested whether these relationships remained stable across sex and academic year. All models showed good fit, and differences between groups were minimal, supporting valid comparisons. Results confirm that emotion regulation difficulties and problematic digital media use are consistently associated with negative outcomes in all adolescents, regardless of sex or academic level. Preventive strategies targeting emotional regulation and digital media behaviors may be broadly applied to reduce emotional and functional problems related to excessive media use. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parenting stress, the emotional strain resulting from the demands of child-rearing, can profoundly affect both parental well-being and children’s emotional and behavioral development. This study examined the impact of maternal parenting stress during early childhood on the longitudinal progression of children’s internalizing, externalizing, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, from early childhood through adolescence. Methods: The study included 406 mother–child pairs from the Rhea mother–child cohort in Crete, Greece. Maternal parenting stress was assessed at age 4 using the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Children’s symptoms were evaluated at ages 4 (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, ADHD Test), 6, 11, and 15 years (Child Behavior Checklist, Conners’ Parent Rating Scale) through maternal reports. Multivariate mixed regression models, incorporating a random intercept for each child and a random slope for age at follow-up, were used to analyze the trajectories of symptoms from ages 4 to 15. Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to identify trajectory groups from 4 to 15 years, and multinomial logistic regression models were implemented to examine the associations between parental stress and group trajectories. Results: The results revealed that higher parental stress at age 4 was significantly associated with increased internalizing (b = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.68, 1.21), externalizing (b = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.30), and ADHD symptoms (b = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.58, 1.14) over the study period. Notably, the impact of parenting stress on behavioral problems decreased with age (interaction with age, p = 0.032). Additionally, higher parenting stress at age 4 was linked to a greater likelihood of belonging to adverse symptom trajectories, including high decreasing, low increasing, and stable high trajectories for both internalizing and externalizing problems. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of early maternal parenting stress as a predictor of long-term emotional and behavioral difficulties in children, emphasizing the need for early intervention programs that support maternal mental health and children’s emotional development. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), commonly known as “forever chemicals”, are synthetic compounds with highly stable carbon–fluorine bonds, making them resistant to environmental degradation. These chemicals accumulate in ecosystems and water supplies, posing significant risks to human health, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and neurological disorders. However, the mental health impacts of PFAS exposure remain underexplored, particularly in marginalized communities. This review examines the emerging evidence linking PFAS exposure to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, with a focus on communities of color who face heightened vulnerability due to environmental and social health disparities. The review highlights the persistence of PFASs in the environment, common exposure pathways, and the disproportionate effects on populations living near contaminated sites. Despite some regulatory progress, U.S. regulations on PFASs are limited, especially compared to international standards. The review calls for stronger policy frameworks and emphasizes the need for environmental justice, health equity, and public awareness. By connecting environmental health, social justice, and mental well-being, the review aims to guide future research and policy reforms to mitigate the mental health consequences of PFAS exposure in vulnerable populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic intensified stress among students, though its impact on burnout symptoms remains mixed. Previous research emphasized examining both study-related behavior such as academic engagement and burnout for a fuller understanding of students’ well-being in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we examined stress, burnout, study-related behavior, and typical coping patterns among three cohorts of university students before (2016), at the start of (2020), and after (2024) the pandemic, with 1016 students participating. Results: Perceived stress was significantly higher during the pandemic but returned to pre-COVID-19 levels afterward. Depression scores remained stable across cohorts. Burnout symptoms, particularly cynicism and academic efficacy, were significantly lower in the COVID-19 cohort. Study commitment, including subjective importance of studying, academic goals/ambition, willingness to exert oneself, and striving for perfection were lower during and after the pandemic than before. Emotional distancing peaked in 2020, suggesting disengagement as a coping strategy. Pre-COVID-19 students exhibited higher active coping scores than the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 cohorts, while satisfaction with studies was highest post-pandemic, likely due to the return of in-person academic and social experiences. Conclusions: These findings reveal fluctuations in students’ stress, burnout, and study-related behavior over time. While stress-levels have normalized, study commitment and typical coping patterns such as active coping remain altered, indicating the pandemic’s lasting impact on students’ academic behavior and mental health. Full article

Background: East Asia accounts for the highest number of anxiety disorders cases globally, with China, Japan, and Republic of Korea representing 17.5% of global incidence according to GBD 2021. These nations offer a unique context for examining how different modernization paths impact anxiety disorders patterns. This study examined anxiety disorders incidence trends across these countries from 1992 to 2021 to compare disease burdens and inform public health strategies. Methods: Using GBD 2021 data, we employed age–period–cohort analysis to evaluate factors affecting anxiety disorders incidence, examining age-specific rates, period effects, and birth cohort influences. Results: All three countries experienced sharp increases in anxiety disorders following COVID-19. Age-standardized incidence rates decreased by 4.89% in China and 10.52% in Japan from 1992 to 2019, while remaining stable in Republic of Korea. Net drift was −0.40% for China, −0.50% for Japan, and approximately 0 for Republic of Korea. Local drifts were positive among older adults in China and Japan, and middle-aged adults in Republic of Korea. Longitudinal age curves showed inverted V-shaped patterns, peaking in the 10–14 age group across all three countries. China and Republic of Korea exhibit a second peak during middle age, while Japan shows continuous decline after the 10–14 age group. Period and cohort effects indicating overall decreases in China and Japan, with minimal changes in Republic of Korea. Conclusions: Different modernization trajectories have produced distinct anxiety disorders patterns across these East Asian nations. The elevated risk among adolescents across all countries warrants targeted interventions, while high risks among middle-aged adults in China and Republic of Korea requires age-specific approaches. Countries should utilize their healthcare systems’ strengths to create targeted strategies for reducing anxiety disorders while addressing pandemic-related mental health impacts. Full article

Background/Objectives: The homeless population (HP) is a heterogeneous group characterized by the absence of stable and conventional housing, often relying on public spaces and deteriorated environments for shelter and survival, either temporarily or permanently. This group is exposed to multiple health vulnerabilities, with substance use disorder (SUD) identified as a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review of the relationship between PAS use and suicide among homeless individuals. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using five databases: PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the topic, and data were extracted regarding substance use, suicide-related outcomes, and associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. Results: The findings indicated a strong association between PAS use and increased suicidal ideation and behavior among homeless individuals, particularly among youth, men, and women. Opioids and alcohol were the most frequently reported substances in this context. Additional factors such as unemployment, exposure to violence, social inequalities, and mental health disorders further exacerbated the risk of suicide in this population Conclusions: The reviewed literature underscores the urgent need for integrated, context-sensitive interventions addressing both substance use and mental health among the homeless. Tailored public health strategies focused on prevention, harm reduction, and psychosocial support are essential to reducing suicide risk and promoting overall well-being in this highly vulnerable group. Full article

Background: Perinatal depression and anxiety can be experienced simultaneously and change over time. This study aimed to explore the independent and joint developmental trajectories and predictors of perinatal depression and anxiety. Methods: From January 2022 to December 2023, a total of 1062 pregnant women from Affiliated Women’s Hospital of Jiangnan University were surveyed for depression and anxiety symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) in early pregnancy (T1, 0–13⁺⁶ weeks), mid-term pregnancy (T2, 14–27⁺⁶ weeks), late pregnancy (T3, 28–41 weeks), and 42 days postpartum (T4). Parallel-process latent class growth model (PPLCGM) was performed to identify the joint developmental trajectories of perinatal depression and anxiety, and logistic regression was used to analyze factors of joint trajectories. Results: Perinatal depression and anxiety each showed four heterogeneous developmental trajectories, and three joint developmental trajectories were identified: “high–slightly decreasing depression and high decreasing anxiety group” (3%), “low–stable depression and low–stable anxiety group” (71%), and “moderate–slightly increasing depression and moderate–decreasing anxiety group” (26%). Adverse maternal history, history of anxiety and depression, and work stress were risk factors for the joint developmental trajectory of perinatal depression and anxiety, while regular exercise, paid work and social support were protective factors. Conclusions: Three joint developmental trajectories for perinatal depression and anxiety were identified, demonstrating group heterogeneity. Perinatal healthcare providers should pay attention to the mental health history of pregnant women, conduct multiple assessments of perinatal anxiety and depression, prioritize individuals with risk factors, and advocate for regular exercise, work participation, and provide greater social support. Full article

This study aims to develop a strategic framework for biophilic residential design (BRD) tailored to the diverse health profiles of seniors. To achieve this, a nationwide survey of 424 seniors in South Korea was conducted to assess their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and preferences for BRD elements. Through principal component and cluster analyses, three HRQoL dimensions—social-economic, mental-sensory, and physical QoL—were extracted, and four distinct senior clusters were identified: Optimal Health, Physically Declining, Overall Low Health, and Socially Vulnerable. Statistically significant differences in BRD preferences were found across clusters for 11 out of 28 BRD elements (p < 0.05), particularly in categories related to sensory-based physiological stability, cognitive stimulation, and external-social connectivity. Notably, the Physically Declining Group expressed a strong preference for restorative and stable features (e.g., natural colors and ventilation systems), while the Socially Vulnerable Group prioritized elements promoting external interaction and social engagement (e.g., balconies, indoor gardens, and walkways). Based on these results, BRD elements were reclassified by function and mapped to the spatial needs of each cluster, leading to a strategic design matrix that supports adaptive and user-centered residential planning. This HRQoL-driven framework contributes a novel link between multidimensional health diagnostics and biophilic design application, moving beyond generalized aging-in-place models. The findings offer practical insights by linking BRD strategies to distinct health profiles. For practitioners, the matrix can inform spatial layouts and design priorities. For policymakers, it provides a basis for developing differentiated housing standards aligned with seniors’ health conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are common among patients with ostomies, significantly impacting quality of life and increasing healthcare utilization. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Dermamecum protocol, a risk-stratified educational intervention, on the prevention of PSCs, self-care improvements, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction over a 90-day follow-up period. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 305 patients stratified into three risk-based groups (green, yellow, and red paths) according to the Dermamecum protocol. Primary outcomes included PSC rates at 30, 60, and 90 days. Secondary outcomes included self-care scores, HRQoL, and patient satisfaction. Comparative analyses and trend assessments were performed across groups and time points. Temporal trends in PSCs were analyzed using Poisson regression. Results: Early PSC rates were 8.5% at 30 days, with late complications at 7.9% and 6.2% at 60 and 90 days, respectively. No significant differences in PSC rates were observed between paths. Self-care scores improved over time, with stability across groups and domains. HRQoL remained stable, with minor fluctuations in physical and mental components. Patient satisfaction was high across all paths. Poisson regression identified significant temporal trends in PSC rates, with higher risks at 30, 60, and 90 days compared to baseline. Age, BMI, and path assignment (lower risk for the green path) were significant predictors of PSCs. Conclusions: The Dermamecum protocol effectively maintained low PSC rates, supported self-care, and sustained HRQoL and patient satisfaction. These findings highlight the value of risk-stratified, patient-centered interventions in ostomy care. Further studies are needed to validate these results and explore long-term outcomes. Full article

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL), impacting physical and mental well-being. This study aimed to identify the key determinants influencing HRQoL among patients with CKD. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from July 2022 to March 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi Cooperative Multi-Specialty Hospital, Palakkad, Kerala, South India, including 154 patients diagnosed with CKD stages 3 to 5. Eligible participants were required to be at least 18 years of age and have a confirmed diagnosis of CKD, specifically stages 3 to 5, with prior treatment. CKD stages were defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 guidelines, based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds as follows: Stage 3 (eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m²), Stage 4 (eGFR 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m²), and Stage 5 (eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m²). Participants were classified into stages based on their most recent stable eGFR value at the time of recruitment. HRQoL was assessed using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire. Chi-square, ANOVA, and multivariate regression were used to analyze associations with EQ-5D-3L domains. Results: Out of 154 participants, 68.8% were male, 91.6% were aged over 50 years, and 63.6% were from rural areas. Most had primary education (55.2%) and were unemployed, retired, or housewives (66.2%). As CKD progressed, comorbidities, particularly diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease (CAD), increased, with Stage 5 showing the highest prevalence. Clinical markers showed significant declines in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (Stage 3: 49.16 ± 7.59, Stage 4: 22.37 ± 3.88, Stage 5: 8.79 ± 1.68) and hemoglobin (Stage 3: 10.45 ± 0.84, Stage 4: 8.88 ± 0.60, Stage 5: 7.12 ± 0.53) and an increase in serum creatinine (Stage 3: 1.72 ± 0.40, Stage 4: 3.21 ± 0.44, Stage 5: 7.05 ± 1.46). HRQoL assessments showed significant declines in mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety/depression with advancing CKD. Mobility issues increased from 61.2% in Stage 3 to 62.0% in Stage 5, with greater difficulties in self-care and usual activities at Stage 5. Pain and anxiety/depression worsened across stages. Multivariate analysis identified female gender, older age (≥50 years), lower education, unemployment, multiple comorbidities, smoking, lack of social support, and advanced CKD stages as significant factors linked to impaired HRQoL. CKD stage 5 (GFR < 29 mL/min/1.73 m²) and high serum creatinine (>1.2 mg/dL) were associated with significantly higher odds of impairment in all HRQoL domains. Conclusions: This study highlights that factors such as female gender, older age, lower education, unemployment, multiple comorbidities, smoking, advanced CKD stages, and high serum creatinine levels are associated with reduced quality of life in CKD patients. Conversely, social support acts as a protective factor. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions that address both medical care and psychosocial aspects, including lifestyle changes, patient education, mental health support, and community involvement, to improve CKD patients’ well-being. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted care aides in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), exacerbating existing challenges and introducing new stressors that profoundly affected their job satisfaction, mental health, and overall well-being. This study investigates these multifaceted effects by conducting a comprehensive literature review of 18 studies from 2020 to 2023 across multiple countries. The findings reveal that care aides, mostly older and female and often immigrants with limited formal education, faced increased workloads, emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, anxiety, and heightened stress levels during the pandemic. These factors led to decreased job satisfaction, higher burnout rates, and further pressure on LTCFs. The review emphasizes the need for strong support systems and targeted interventions, including mental health resources, counseling, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), effective workload management, professional development opportunities, fair compensation, and supportive work environments. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining a stable and effective LTC workforce, improving care outcomes for residents, and enhancing the healthcare system’s resilience against future challenges. Full article

Brain activity plays a fundamental role in science and technology, particularly in the advancement of cognitive process therapies. Gaining a deeper understanding of brain function can contribute to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing cognitive performance and mental well-being. Advances in technological innovation in the health sector have allowed the creation of portable wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) devices, which make recordings in contexts outside the laboratory or clinical area. This work aims to design, manufacture, and acquire data on the Chameleon-1 helmet used by young and adult people people in different health states. The data acquisition of the EEG signals is carried out using two electrodes positioned at points $F_3$ and $F_4$, which are placed with the international 10–20 system. Tests were performed on several university participants. The recorded results show reliable, precise, and stable data in each patient with an average concentration of 91%. Excellent results were obtained from patients with different health conditions. In these records, the efficiency and robustness of the Chameleon-1 helmet were verified in adapting to any skull and with good data precision without noise alteration. Full article

Objectives: The longitudinal relationship between sarcopenia, depression, and cognitive impairment has been insufficiently studied in China. This study aimed to characterize the association between sarcopenia and cognitive impairment and the mediating role of depression using nationally representative data. Methods: 7091 middle-aged and older adults were analyzed from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) across three waves (2011, 2013, and 2015). Cognitive trajectories were modeled using a group-based trajectory model (GBTM), while multivariable ordinal logistic regression was employed to evaluate the associations with cognitive trajectories. The mediating role of depressive symptoms was assessed through bootstrap mediation analysis and cross-lagged panel modeling (CLPM). Results: Trajectory analysis identified four distinct cognitive function patterns: “High and Stable” trajectory (n = 2563, 36.73%), “Middle and Stable” group (n = 2860, 38.76%), “Middle and Decline” group (n = 1280, 18.62%), and “Low and Decline” group (n = 388, 5.90%). Sarcopenia and depressive symptoms were associated with the “Low and Decline” trajectory of cognitive function [Overall: OR (95%CI) of 0.315 (0.259, 0.382) and 0.417 (0.380, 0.459)]. Mediation analysis indicated that depressive symptoms accounted for 11.78% of the relationship between sarcopenia and cognitive trajectories. The cross-lagged panel modeling demonstrated a significant mediation pathway of “T1 cognitive function → T2 depression → T3 sarcopenia”, with T2 depression mediating 5.31% of the total effect. Conclusions: Our study identified four distinct cognitive trajectories, with sarcopenia and depressive symptoms significantly associated with worse cognitive trajectories over time. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between sarcopenia and cognitive function. This highlights the importance of integrating mental health and physical health interventions to address the interconnected risks associated with aging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period for mental health, with depression increasing rapidly and often leading to lifelong consequences. In recent decades, the prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms among adolescents has steadily risen, making it a significant public health concern. While research supports the benefits of mindfulness-based practices in reducing adolescent depressive symptoms, the role of trait mindfulness remains underexplored. Although some studies suggest a link between trait mindfulness and lower depressive symptomatology, a longitudinal perspective could provide deeper insights into this relationship. Given adolescents’ heightened vulnerability to mental health issues, understanding the potential causal link between trait mindfulness and depression is crucial for both prevention and intervention efforts. Methods: This study examines the relationship between mindfulness and depression in a three-wave longitudinal study of 1618 secondary school students (Males: N = 671, M = 16.4 years, SD = 0.60; Females: N = 947, M = 16.3 years, SD = 0.65) using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model. Results: Findings indicate that mindfulness and depression share a substantial proportion of variance (r = 0.48) at the stable trait level, suggesting that sustained attentional focus, a hallmark of mindfulness, is consistently associated with fewer depressive symptoms. At the within-person level, momentary deviations from stable mindfulness levels in the first and second waves were linked to lower depressive symptoms in subsequent waves (β = −0.21, p = 0.016; β = −0.44, p = 0.03, respectively). These findings suggest that even temporary increases in mindfulness may provide additional protection against depression. Conclusions: Overall, the results suggest that trait mindfulness is associated with a reduced risk of developing depressive symptoms at both the between-person and within-person levels. Specifically, adolescents with higher stable levels of mindfulness tend to report fewer depressive symptoms over time, and even momentary increases in mindfulness beyond an individual’s typical level are linked to reductions in subsequent depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the potential of mindfulness-based interventions in mitigating adolescent depression and underscore the importance of cultivating mindfulness as a protective factor during this critical stage of development. Full article