The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms and perceived stress among people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nepal. Using a cross-sectional design, we collected data from 481 participants with T2DM in Kavrepalanchok and Nuwakot districts of Nepal. Depressive symptoms and perceived stress were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Perceived Stress Scale, respectively. Associated independent variables were examined using binary logistic regression analyses. Of 481 participants, 123 (25.8%) had depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥5) and 156 (32.4%) experienced perceived stress. Low monthly income (

BACKGROUND: College students are vulnerable to high perceived stress (PS) and emotional eating (EE) levels, which are associated with their food consumption. In this study, we aimed to examine the links between perceived stress, emotional eating, and adherence to a healthy eating index. Furthermore, we aimed to test whether sociodemographic data and health measures, including body mass index and physical activity, are associated with perceived stress, emotional eating, or healthy eating index.
METHODS: This study included students from King Abdulaziz University. The participants completed validated perceived stress, emotional eating, and short healthy eating index surveys via an online questionnaire from September to December 2022. Univariate linear regression analysis was performed to examine the association between perceived stress, emotional eating, and adherence to healthy eating index using the short healthy eating index.
RESULTS: Of 434 students (49.8% male, mean age 21.7 ± 3.0 years), 11.3% had low, 72.0% moderate, and 16.7% high perceived stress. Students with moderate perceived stress had the highest short healthy eating index score (P = 0.001), outperforming those with low and high perceived stress for fruit juice (P = 0.002), fruits (P[Formula: see text]0.001), vegetables (P=0.03), greens and beans (P<0.001), whole grains (P=0.009), and seafood/plant proteins (P = 0.001) consumption. Also, emotional eating was significantly associated with short healthy eating index score (P = 0.04), fruit juice (P = 0.01) fruit consumption (P<0.001), added sugar (P=0.02) and saturated fatty acids (P = 0.03). Academic major was associated with perceived stress (P = 0.006) and emotional eating (p=0.04). Higher physical activity levels were associated with low perceived stress levels (P<0.001) and high short healthy eating index score (P=0.001), while high body mass index was associated with high emotional eating score (P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirmed that students are highly vulnerable to moderate and high perceived stress levels. Furthermore, high perceived stress is inversely associated with adherence to a healthy eating index, especially for fruits, vegetables, greens and beans, whole grains, and seafood and plant proteins consumption. Emotional eating, also, associated with students dietary pattern. Physical activity will be beneficial for reducing the level of perceived stress and improving overall dietary patterns.

BACKGROUND: Perceived Stress has been shown as a key contributor to sleep quality, but the underlying mechanism between perceived stress and sleep quality remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of perceived stress on sleep quality of college students and the chain mediating roles of presence of meaning in life (PML) and depression, as well as the moderating role of search for meaning in life (SML).
METHODS: Participants were 8178 college students (4599 boys and 3579 girls; Mage = 19.10 years, SD = 1.08) who completed self-report questionnaire, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
RESULTS: The results showed that higher perceived stress was directly related to poorer sleep quality. This negative impact on sleep quality was mediated through the chained roles of PML and depression. Additionally, the study found that SML moderates the influence of perceived stress, PML and depression on sleep quality. Specifically, for individuals actively search for meaning, the adverse effects of perceived stress and depression on sleep quality are diminished. Concurrently, the positive influence of PML on sleep quality is enhanced.
CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the PML and depression mediate the effect of perceived stress on sleep quality, with SML playing a significant protective role. These results emphasize the necessity of integrating strategies to enhance PML and SML into interventions designed to improve emotion management and sleep quality among college students.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the functioning and well-being of pregnant women. Negative feelings during pregnancy and the difficult pandemic situation may be the reason behind the perceived fear of childbirth, which can negatively affect the pregnant women\'s life satisfaction. On the other hand, some protective factors, such as self-esteem, might mediate the relationship between perceived stress and well-being in pregnant women.
METHODS: Our study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived stress, fear of childbirth, self-esteem and life satisfaction. A total of 262 Polish pregnant women participated in this study. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Fear of Childbirth Scale (KLP II), Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used in the study.
RESULTS: The results showed that perceived stress, fear of childbirth and self-esteem acted as significant predictors of life satisfaction in the tested group of pregnant women. Additionally, fear of childbirth and self-esteem played a mediational role in the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction.
CONCLUSIONS: According to Diener\'s concept, life satisfaction is an important component of one\'s subjective well-being and health. Therefore, it is important to analyse factors that may mediate the impact of stress on pregnant women\'s life satisfaction. The present results might suggest that during pregnancy and preparation for childbirth, women should be provided with appropriate psychological care. Support from medical and psychological specialists, as well as from relatives, can reduce the level of perceived fears and strengthen personal resources. Based on the present results, we conclude that the fear of childbirth and the self-esteem of pregnant women should not be underestimated, as they are important predictors of their life satisfaction.

UNASSIGNED: Following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, academicians from the universities in Malaysia needed to ensure that the quality-of-service delivery to the stakeholders is undisturbed by adopting new challenging norms. This compromises the work-life balance (WLB), causes more stress and potentially affects their quality of life (QoL).
UNASSIGNED: This study investigates how perceived stress (PS) impacts the QoL of Malaysian academicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the mediating role of WLB.
UNASSIGNED: Academics working in Malaysia during COVID-19 pandemic.
UNASSIGNED: A cross-sectional study, using a voluntary response sampling method, was conducted among 417 academicians from universities in Malaysia in September 2021. A self-reported online questionnaire, measuring PS, WLB and QoL, was distributed.
UNASSIGNED: The QoL scored a mean of 50 (standard deviation [s.d.] = 9.84), PS scored a mean of 24.26 (s.d. = 8.19) and WLB had a mean score of 51.12 (s.d. = 18.73). Work-life balance was a significant mediator of PS and QoL (β = -0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.52 to -0.35, p = 0.0001). Perceived stress was a significant predictor of WLB (β = 1.62, p = 0.0001).
UNASSIGNED: Institutions should consider implementing flexible working arrangements, and providing workshops on crisis management, time management, and resilience. Stress coping methods are recommended for enhancing WLB among academicians.
UNASSIGNED: This study contributes to the pool of evidence to support intervention strategies and policy recommendations aimed to enhance well-being.

UNASSIGNED: Breast cancer is the second most prevalent disease among women in India and one of the most dangerous and lethal. Chemotherapy-treated breast cancer patients may have perceived stress, which is defined as emotions of mental or physical exhaustion that make them feel angry or anxious. Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) gives some ideas in line with the conventional mindfulness technique.
UNASSIGNED: (i) To assess the effect of MBI on perceived stress among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. (ii) To determine the association between perceived stress with selected demographic variables among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
UNASSIGNED: The current quantitative pre- and postexperimental study was carried out in two oncology departments of selected cancer hospitals, Bhubaneswar. A total number of 40 breast cancer patients of perceived stress receiving chemotherapy and data were gathered by using a self-structured socio-demographic proforma and a structured Perceived Stress Scale 10. The experimental group received MBI, and a posttest was conducted on the 17th day on both the groups after 10 days of the termination of intervention. This MBI was provided to breast cancer patients for five sessions over five days continuously, each session for 45 min with mindfulness breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation techniques, practising meditation, and guided imagery technique.
UNASSIGNED: The study findings illustrated that reduction of perceived stress among female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with (t = 2.2463) (P = 0.0306) at the P < 0.05; furthermore, there is one socio-demographic variable which had association with perceived stress that is history of psychiatric illness (χ 2 = 14.1176) (P = 0.0009) and others had no association with perceived stress.
UNASSIGNED: MBI was an effective therapy for reducing the perceived stress of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Dental students face the rigorous demands of coursework, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress. These pressures can negatively influence self-efficacy and cause neglect in practicing healthy behaviors that encompass oral health. Identifying the associations of these variables with oral hygiene practices can help in the formulation of interventions tailored toward supporting young students. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of health behaviors, perceived stress and self-efficacy on oral hygiene practices among undergraduate dental students in Pakistan.
METHODS: A national online survey was carried out among 904 students across the dental colleges of Pakistan. The survey assessed general health behaviors such as tobacco use, sleep, and exercise, among other demographic variables. Perceived stress was evaluated via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and self-efficacy was evaluated via the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Twice daily brushing, brushing for 2 min, and changing toothbrushes after 3 months informed oral hygiene practice of the participants.
RESULTS: The students experienced moderate perceived stress (20.82 ± 5.92) and high self-efficacy (29.19 ± 5.43). The majority of participants were in their third year (31.9%), were female (65.9%), and resided in home during their studies (64.4%). Perceived stress was observed to have no significant effect on the oral practice of participants. Female gender, non tobacco user, regular exercise, frequent dental visits and higher self-efficacy were associated with good oral hygiene practices.
CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of addressing stress, enhancing self-efficacy and encouraging healthy behaviors among dental students to improve their oral health, which could be reflected in their professional practice and personal well-being. This study contributes to the understanding of behavioral determinants and emphasizes the need for supportive measures to foster better health behaviors in future dental professionals.

Background. Previous research has examined the individual effects of uncertainty, time pressure, perceived stress, and team support on decision making. However, scant research has investigated how team support and perceived stress collectively influence providers\' perception of decision conflict and satisfaction with decision. Objectives. The present study aims to fill this void by examining the potential mediating role of perceived stress and team support in the relationship between time pressure, uncertainty, decision satisfaction, and decision conflict. Methods. Obstetrics and gynecology (Obs and Gynae) physicians (N = 347) working in tertiary care hospitals were approached through snowball and purposive convenient sampling. Self-reported data were collected in the form of questionnaires. Results. Structural equation modeling was used to uncover the complex linkages. Perceived stress was found to be a significant mediator between uncertainty and decision conflict (b = -0.033, P < 0.05). In addition, team support was also found to be a significant mediator between uncertainty and decision satisfaction (b = 0.082, P < 0.05) as well as between time pressure and decision satisfaction (b = 0.086, P < 0.05). Conclusion. Team support acts as a bridge between uncertainty and decision satisfaction and also between time pressure and decision satisfaction, underscoring its critical role in provider perceptions of decision making in the Obs and Gynae context. Implications. This study highlights the significance of managing stress, enhancing team support, and giving priority to patient-centered care. These findings provide insights into risk and uncertainty management in medical decision making, advancing patient-centered care, and optimizing health care outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: Stressors in hospital settings such as the complexity and uncertainty of tasks create stress among physicians, potentially leading to decision conflicts.Team support plays a fundamental role in mitigating the negative effects of stressors such as time pressure and uncertainty.Implementing stress management and team support interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness may enhance decision making among Obs and Gynae physicians.

Cortisol levels in fingernail samples are known to represent cumulative hormone levels. However, findings on the association between fingernail cortisol and perceived stress have been inconsistent. Since the effect of confounding factors cannot be excluded in cross-sectional studies, this study longitudinally examined the effects of perceived stress and negative life events on changes in fingernail cortisol levels over a period of six months. In total, 113 university students rated their perceived stress and negative life events twice, fingernail samples were collected every 15 days during a six-month period. Furthermore, fingernail cortisol levels were quantified according to each stress and negative life event assessment. We conducted longitudinal multilevel analyses to estimate the effects of perceived stress and negative life events in changes within an individual (within-person change) as well as individual differences of them over the study period (between-person level) on changes in fingernail cortisol levels. Within-person increase in perceived stress and negative life events did not significantly predict within-person increase in fingernail cortisol levels. In the between-person level, higher average levels of negative life events did not significantly predict the rate of increase in fingernail cortisol levels than those with lower levels. However, individuals with higher average levels of perceived stress showed a steeper slope of time in fingernail cortisol levels. These findings suggest that prolonged high levels of perceived stress may be associated with fingernail cortisol levels.

UNASSIGNED: Students of color in the United States experience elevated stress across the entire spectrum of education, spanning from early stages of K-12 to the more advanced stages of postgraduate studies. This sustained state of chronic stress decreases learning and curtails opportunities, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math (ST EM) fields, where stress levels are considered exceptionally high. Mindfulness-based practices such as MBSR have a proven effective for stress reduction in college students. However, to date, mindfulness practices have yet to be designed to support the unique needs of minoritized students with intersectional identities (e.g., poor, English as second language learners, and sexual/gender minorities) that are stigmatized in ST EM.
UNASSIGNED: This article describes the development of an online, eight-week modified mindfulness practice (MMP) for minoritized students adapted from traditional MBSR. The MMP was purposely designed to be culturally inclusive and anti-racist, with the goal to reduce stress in undergraduate students of color in ST EM.
UNASSIGNED: In this pilot study, we assessed the impact of MMP using both biological and perceived stress measures. Specifically, cortisol was measured from donated biospecimen hair samples, the Perceived Stress Scale measured perceived stress, and key informant interviews were conducted to understand student stressors and coping strategies before and after the intervention.
UNASSIGNED: While the observed decrease biological and perceived stress before and after the intervention was not statistically significant due to the small sample size of this pilot study, we see a dramatic positive change in student coping strategies.
UNASSIGNED: This study highlights the importance of providing minoritized students with options for stress reduction that are relevant and accessible.