Academic experience satisfaction of pharmacy and dentistry students

Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of the Academic Experience Satisfaction Scale (ESEA) applied to Pharmacy and Dentistry students and investigate the effect of demographic and course-related characteristics on the ESEA factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Academic satisfaction was assessed by the ESEA. Construct validity was measured by confirmatory factor analysis (CFI, TLI, RMSEA). The composite reliability (CR) and the ordinal α were estimated. Structural model was elaborated considering demographic and course-related characteristics as the independent variable and ESEA factors as the dependent variables. The model fit and path estimates significance (β) were evaluated (z test; α = 5%). Results: 544 students participated in the study (70.0% female; mean age: 21.4 ± 2.4 years; 52.4% dental students). ESEA showed adequate fit to the data (CFI = 0.90; TLI = 0.90; RMSEA = 0.064, CR and α ≥ 0.88). In general, students reported being satisfied with their academic experience. Dental students and those from the first and second years of the course showed greater satisfaction with the academic experience. Sex did not have a significant impact on any of the scale's factors. Conclusion: ESEA produced valid and reliable data. Course-related characteristics, but not demographic characteristics, significantly affected the academic experience of students.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Symptoms related to mental disorder in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Background Studies of previous pandemics indicate that healthcare workers have a high risk of developing symptoms related to mental health, especially depression, anxiety, and stress. Objective To identify mental disorder symptoms among Brazilian healthcare workers during the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic and compare findings in different work categories. Methods This was an online cross-sectional study. Information related to the pandemic and mental disorder symptoms was collected. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and the Impact of Event Scale-revised were used. Associations were estimated by the chi-square test. The mean scores were compared among work categories with ANOVA (α = 5%) and the prevalence of symptoms was estimated. Results 1,609 healthcare workers participated in the survey [mean age: 36.9 (SD = 11.6) years, women = 83.6%]. There was no association between work category and changes in mental health during the pandemic (p = 0.288) or prevalence of unsafe feeling (p = 0.218). A significant relationship was observed between maintaining work activities during the pandemic and work category (p < 0.001). Physicians had the lowest out-of-work prevalence (9.5%) while dentists had the highest (32.3%). Physicians and nurses showed the highest prevalence of in-person work routine. Psychologists presented the highest prevalence of remote work (64.0%) while dentists had the lowest (20.2%). A high prevalence of depression (D), anxiety (A), and stress (S) symptoms was observed in all professional categories (D: 57.2, 95% CI 48.3–66.1%; A: 46.20%, 95% CI = 37.2–55.2%; S: 55.80%, 95% CI = 46.8–64.8%), with physicians (D = 38.4%, A = 25.80%, S = 37.90%), psychologists (D = 50.2%, A = 39.0%, S = 43.1%), and nurses (D = 50.0%, A = 40.9%, S = 49.0%) having significantly lower scores. Psychologists had the lowest pandemic-related psychological impact (42.70%, 95% CI 36.8–48.6%). Conclusion Extreme changes in the work routine of dentists and psychologists and an overall high prevalence of mental symptoms due to the pandemic were found. Researchers should focus on gathering information that can identify workers at increased risk of mental illness to guide discussions and develop actions to minimize the harm of the pandemic. In addition, we suggest that healthcare and support systems urgently adopt mental health care measures with specialized professionals to protect the psychological well-being of the healthcare community.· · · · ·info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Exercise motives among university students : A Brazil-Portugal transnational study

Background: Identifying the motives why people exercise is interesting for the planning of effective health promoting strategies. Objectives: To estimate the psychometric properties of the exercise motivations inventory (EMI-2) in Brazilian and Portuguese university students, and to compare motive-related factors for exercise among students. Methods: One thousand Brazilian (randomly splitted into “Test sample” [n = 498] and “Validation sample” [n = 502]) and 319 Portuguese students participated in this cross-sectional study. Motives for exercise were evaluated using EMI-2. Exploratory factor analysis was performed in the test sample. Then, confirmatory factor analysis was performed in the validation and Portuguese samples. The EMI-2 scores were compared according to sex, exercise, and weight status (ANOVA, α = 5%). Results: EMI-2 factor model was explained by 5 factors and presented adequate fit (χ2/df ≤ 3.2; CFI ≥ 0.9; TLI ≥ 0.9; RMSEA ≤ 0.07; and α ≥ 0.83). The motives for exercising were mainly related to psychological and interpersonal factors for men, health-related factors for women, and body-related factors for overweight and obese individuals. People who practice exercise had higher EMI-2 scores. Conclusion: The 5-factor model is suggested for a comprehensive assessment of motives for exercise. Individual characteristics should be considered for development of tailored protocols.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI): Adaptation to Orthodontic Patients and Its Psychometric Properties

Background: Pain perception may result from orthodontic treatment and should be considered in clinical management. Its assessment should not be limited to the intensity of perceived pain but should also consider the psychosocial and behavioral aspects involved. Objective: The aims of this study were to adapt and validate the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) for orthodontic patients, and present a proposal to calculate an overall score of the pain-related aspects and compare these scores with the usual methodology used. Methods: Face validity of the MPI was estimated and orthodontic version (MPI-Orthodontic) was developed. Factorial validity was evaluated by confirmatory analysis. Convergent and discriminant validity and reliability were estimated. The fit of Second-Order Hierarchical Models was estimated. Concurrent validity of MPI-Orthodontic was evaluated against the Visual Analogue Scale. Invariance of the factorial models was evaluated for independent samples and according to sex and age. Overall score was calculated using the matrix of regression weights and compared to simple arithmetic mean. Results: 507 individuals (63.3% women; age: 26.32 (SD = 11.70) years) participated. For the fit of Part I (psychosocial aspects) of the MPI-Orthodontic, it added correlation between two items and excluded one item; for Part II (behavioral aspects) two items were excluded. The models presented adequate fit to the sample. Reliability was adequate. MPI-Orthodontic presented invariance for independent samples and adequate concurrent and divergent validity. Score obtained with the simple arithmetic mean was overestimated for Part I and underestimated for Part II. Conclusion: MPI-Orthodontic was valid, reliable and invariant for the evaluation of the orthodontic pain. It is recommended to calculate overall weighted scores for pain assessment.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil (CAPES)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

COVID-19 pandemic : Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Brazilian psychologists

Introduction: Symptoms related to mental health disorders became the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, and psychologists had to adapt to the demands, while they themselves were exposed to the pandemic and its stressors. Objectives: To identify demographic and professional characteristics of Brazilian psychologists in different phases of pandemic and their reported care practices, concerns, and symptoms. Methods: This was an observational study conducted online in four independent phases with no pairing among the samples (May/June 2020, n = 263; November/December 2020, n = 131; May/June 2021, n = 378; November/December 2021, n = 222). Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used. The validity and reliability of the data obtained with the DASS-21 were attested to by confirmatory factor analysis. Basic lexographic and similarity analysis were conducted to obtain textual information. Prevalence of variables was estimated and compared between phases using the z-test (α = 5%). Similarity analysis was performed to identify the psychologists’ concerns. Results: Most of participants were women and were self-employed or employed. There was rapid adjustment to remote work and more than 70% reported changes in their mental health since the onset of pandemic. One in four participants had a previous mental health disorder, and there was a high prevalence of symptoms such as anxiety, fear, and angst. The prevalence of professionals who reported not caring about their own mental health was significant. In 2020, one cluster (health) of concern was identified, while in 2021 there were three clusters (health, family, and COVID-19). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was high and did not change during the pandemic. Conclusions: Psychologists adapted to the demands of the population in the face of the pandemic. However, there was a high prevalence of mental health symptoms and a disregard for self-care among these professionals.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Locus of control among individuals with different pain conditions

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control – Form C (MHLC-C) scale applied to a sample of adult Brazilian patients with different pain conditions. The scores were then identified and compared on each of the subscales and profiles regarding locus of control. The sample consisted of 1,149 adult individuals (79% women; mean age: 36.6 years) of which 334 reported not feeling pain in the prior 24 hours, 386 reported pain in the prior three months, 250 reported recurring pain for the prior three months or longer, and 179 reported continuous pain for the prior three months or longer. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The invariance of the MHLC-C was tested on independent samples. The weighted global score was calculated for each of the factors and tested using ANOVA (α = 5%). Individuals were classified according to the eight health locus of control (HLC) profiles. The factors fit the data adequately after the model was refined. A higher score for the Health Professionals HLC was found among individuals reporting less than three months of pain. The “believer in control” profile was the most prevalent among the groups, while the least prevalent profile was the “pure chance” profile. The MHLC-C was found to be valid and reliable for assessing locus of control among people with different pain conditions. Only the Health Professionals HLC factor exhibited significantly different results for these individuals. The “believer in control” profile was the most prevalent among the pain conditions considered

Brief Pain Inventory: A proposal to extend its clinical application

Background: This study presents an adaptation of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) extending its use in clinical/epidemiological contexts and the evaluation of the properties of BPI (short form) in a sample of Brazilian adults. Methods: Part of item 1 of this instrument was removed because it prevented the participation of individuals with usual pain. In addition to the reference period of original response “last 24 hours”, a new period “last pain experience” was proposed. Individuals responded about the presence/lack and onset of pain. Individuals who reported pain in the last 24 hours before the interview answered the BPI considering both reference periods. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to check the fit of five theoretical BPI models. Results: A total of 1,176 adults participated (79.0% women; 38.7 (SD=10.8) years), 29.2% did not report pain in the last 24hs, 33.6% reported pain <3 months, and 37.2% pain ≥3 months. All theoretical BPI models presented adequate fit indices (GFI0.9; RMSEA<0.1; 0.7) when both reference periods were used. In conclusion, the adaptations proposed can contribute to extend the use of BPI. Conclusions: The reference period of responses and the theoretical model used must be chosen according to the needs of the researcher and/or physician. Significance: This study presents evidence related to the validity of applying the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) in adults with and without pain considering the present pain or memory of pain, enabling the clinician to collect additional information that may be relevant to the clinical management of pain.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale in young Brazilian adults

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was originally proposed in the English language to measure the individual's overall perception in relation to life. The study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of SWLS when applied to young adults and estimate the influence of demographic characteristics on life satisfaction, in a non-probabilistic sample of young adult individuals (18 to 35 years) of both sexes in Araraquara, São Paulo State, Brazil. We assessed the fit of SWLS to the data by confirmatory analysis, using the comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR). Reliability was estimated by the alpha ordinal coefficient and omega. Factor invariance was estimated by multigroup analysis, with CFI test of statistical difference (ΔCFI). Comparison of the mean scores on satisfaction with life according to sex, age, economic stratum, and employment status was performed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Participation included 2,170 individuals (females: 67.8%; age: 22.09 years). The model's fit to the different samples was adequate (CFI = 0.981-0.998; TLI = 0.962-0.996; SRMR = 0.026-0.040; omega = 0.842-0.869; alpha = 0.862-0.889). Strict invariance was seen for the target variables. Life satisfaction was greater among individuals in higher economic strata. The data obtained with SWLS were valid, reliable, and invariant between samples with different sex, age, economic strata, and employment status. Life satisfaction was greater among individuals from higher economic strata and did not differ by sex, age, or employment status.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Image_1_COVID-19 pandemic: Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Brazilian psychologists.TIFF

IntroductionSymptoms related to mental health disorders became the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, and psychologists had to adapt to the demands, while they themselves were exposed to the pandemic and its stressors.ObjectivesTo identify demographic and professional characteristics of Brazilian psychologists in different phases of pandemic and their reported care practices, concerns, and symptoms.MethodsThis was an observational study conducted online in four independent phases with no pairing among the samples (May/June 2020, n = 263; November/December 2020, n = 131; May/June 2021, n = 378; November/December 2021, n = 222). Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used. The validity and reliability of the data obtained with the DASS-21 were attested to by confirmatory factor analysis. Basic lexographic and similarity analysis were conducted to obtain textual information. Prevalence of variables was estimated and compared between phases using the z-test (α = 5%). Similarity analysis was performed to identify the psychologists’ concerns.ResultsMost of participants were women and were self-employed or employed. There was rapid adjustment to remote work and more than 70% reported changes in their mental health since the onset of pandemic. One in four participants had a previous mental health disorder, and there was a high prevalence of symptoms such as anxiety, fear, and angst. The prevalence of professionals who reported not caring about their own mental health was significant. In 2020, one cluster (health) of concern was identified, while in 2021 there were three clusters (health, family, and COVID-19). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was high and did not change during the pandemic.ConclusionsPsychologists adapted to the demands of the population in the face of the pandemic. However, there was a high prevalence of mental health symptoms and a disregard for self-care among these professionals.</p

Table_1_COVID-19 pandemic: Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Brazilian psychologists.docx

IntroductionSymptoms related to mental health disorders became the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, and psychologists had to adapt to the demands, while they themselves were exposed to the pandemic and its stressors.ObjectivesTo identify demographic and professional characteristics of Brazilian psychologists in different phases of pandemic and their reported care practices, concerns, and symptoms.MethodsThis was an observational study conducted online in four independent phases with no pairing among the samples (May/June 2020, n = 263; November/December 2020, n = 131; May/June 2021, n = 378; November/December 2021, n = 222). Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used. The validity and reliability of the data obtained with the DASS-21 were attested to by confirmatory factor analysis. Basic lexographic and similarity analysis were conducted to obtain textual information. Prevalence of variables was estimated and compared between phases using the z-test (α = 5%). Similarity analysis was performed to identify the psychologists’ concerns.ResultsMost of participants were women and were self-employed or employed. There was rapid adjustment to remote work and more than 70% reported changes in their mental health since the onset of pandemic. One in four participants had a previous mental health disorder, and there was a high prevalence of symptoms such as anxiety, fear, and angst. The prevalence of professionals who reported not caring about their own mental health was significant. In 2020, one cluster (health) of concern was identified, while in 2021 there were three clusters (health, family, and COVID-19). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was high and did not change during the pandemic.ConclusionsPsychologists adapted to the demands of the population in the face of the pandemic. However, there was a high prevalence of mental health symptoms and a disregard for self-care among these professionals.</p