Validation of a German Version of the Stress Overload Scale and Comparison of Different Time Frames in the Instructions

Abstract: Introduction: The Stress Overload Scale (SOS; Amirkhan, 2012 , 2018 ) was introduced as a two-factorial self-report measure of stress to overcome limitations of other scales. Methods: We developed a German translation of the SOS and validated it in addition to a short version and an extra-short version. Furthermore, we tested whether manipulating the time frame introduced as retention interval in the instructions affected its psychometric properties. Results: Using two independent age-heterogeneous convenience samples ( Ntotal = 1,239), we found good psychometric properties for a modified German short version of the SOS-S (SOS-S-G) and a new extra-short version (SOS-XS-G), but not for the German long version of the SOS. Moreover, manipulating the time frame of the SOS did not affect its psychometric quality. Discussion The SOS enriches the repertoire of self-report measures of stress as it captures the nonpathological core facets of stress in line with theoretical stress conceptualizations

Mental health symptoms in German elite athletes: a network analysis

IntroductionElite athletes are exposed to a variety of sport-specific stressors that may put them at particular risk for mental health symptoms and disorders. The aim of the present study was to assess data on mental health of elite athletes and investigate associations and interconnections among different variables using network analysis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to December 2022. The sample consisted of 275 German elite athletes (167 females) aged ≥18 years. Next to sociodemographic, medical and sport-related data, psychometric data such as psychological distress, symptoms of generalized anxiety, depression, and somatic symptom disorder have been gathered through questionnaires and analyzed by means of network analysis.ResultsOver 95.0% of the athletes showed elevated distress and 28.6% reported symptoms of depression. Results of the network analysis show, among other findings, that symptoms of somatic symptom disorder were associated with severe injuries and substance use. Moreover, elite athletes who reported a better financial situation reported fewer symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety, and somatic symptom disorder. They also reported a lower incidence of mild to moderate injuries and severe injuries, fewer years spent in elite sports, less substance use, and fewer training sessions per week. Conversely, these athletes reported a higher level of distress. Furthermore, sex, financial situation and number of training units per week emerged as significant predictors for mental health symptoms.DiscussionElite athletes showed increased numbers regarding mental health symptoms. Providing appropriate mental health interventions for elite athletes and further analysis of factors that influence the mental health of elite athletes and their interplay seem to be of central importance for the general well-being of elite athletes

Validation of a German Version of the Stress Overload Scale and Comparison of Different Time Frames in the Instructions

Introduction: The Stress Overload Scale (SOS; Amirkhan, 2012, 2018) was introduced as a two-factorial self-report measure of stress to overcome limitations of other scales. Methods: We developed a German translation of the SOS and validated it in addition to a short version and an extra-short version. Furthermore, we tested whether manipulating the time frame introduced as retention interval in the instructions affected its psychometric properties. Results: Using two independent age-heterogeneous convenience samples (N sub total = 1,239), we found good psychometric properties for a modified German short version of the SOS-S (SOS-S-G) and a new extra-short version (SOS-XS-G), but not for the German long version of the SOS. Moreover, manipulating the time frame of the SOS did not affect its psychometric quality. Discussion The SOS enriches the repertoire of self-report measures of stress as it captures the nonpathological core facets of stress in line with theoretical stress conceptualizations

Acceptance, drivers, and barriers to use eHealth interventions in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome for management of post-COVID-19 symptoms: a cross-sectional study

Background: Post-COVID-19 syndrome is a new and debilitating disease without adequate treatment options. eHealth could be a reasonable approach for symptom management. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the acceptance for eHealth interventions for symptom management in individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome, as well as drivers and barriers influencing acceptance. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: This study was conducted from January 19 until 24 May 2022. Recruitment took place with a web-based survey. Acceptance and predictors of eHealth interventions were measured by the extended UTAUT model. Included in the model were the core predictor performance expectancy, social influence, and effort expectancy. Previously diagnosed mental illness was estimated and mental health by using the well-established Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 and the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale. The effect of sociodemographic and medical data was assessed. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses as well as group comparisons were performed. Results: 342 individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome were examined. The acceptance of eHealth interventions for symptom management was moderate to high (M = 3.60, SD = 0.89). Acceptance was significantly higher in individuals with lower/other education, patients with moderate to severe symptoms during initial COVID-19 infection, still significantly impaired patients, and individuals with a mental illness. Identified predictors of acceptance were age (β = .24, p  < .001), current condition including moderate (β = .49, p  = .002) and still significantly impaired (β = .67, p  < .001), digital confidence (β = .19, p  < .001), effort expectancy (β = .26, p  < .001), performance expectancy (β = .33, p  < .001), and social influence (β = .26, p  < .001). Conclusion: Patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome reported a satisfying level of acceptance and drivers and barriers could be identified. These factors need to be considered for the implementation and future use of eHealth interventions

Needs and Demands for e-Mental Health Interventions in Individuals with Overweight and Obesity: User-Centered Design Approach

Introduction: Several studies indicate an association between mental disorders and overweight or obesity. E-mental-health interventions offer an effective way to overcome barriers to health care access for individuals with overweight and obesity. The objective of this study was to examine the needs and demands for e-mental health interventions among individuals with overweight and obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2020 to 2021 in Germany. A total of 643 participants were recruited through specialized social media platforms and the Alfried-Krupp hospital in Essen, Germany. Sociodemographic and medical data were analyzed, as well as data on depressive symptoms and on the needs and demands for e-mental health interventions. Results: Contact with and recommendation by experts appear to be key aspects in the acceptance and use of e-mental health interventions. In summary, most participants preferred a 20- to 30-minute weekly session via smartphone over a four-month period. The highest preference in terms of features included practicing coping skills and being provided with information; in regard to desired topics, nutrition consultation, quality of life and adapting to new life situations were considered most important. Discussion: E-mental health interventions can be highly beneficial for individuals, especially when developed through a user-centered design approach. The results of the study indicate which content and design are preferred and, thereby, provide valuable information for consideration when developing a tailored e-mental health intervention

Mental health burden of patients with diabetes before and after the initial outbreak of COVID-19: predictors of mental health impairment

Background!#!The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people's mental health worldwide. Patients with diabetes are at risk for a severe course of illness when infected with SARS-CoV-2. The present study aims to retrospectively examine mental health changes in patients with diabetes in Germany before and after the initial COVID-19 outbreak, and to furthermore explore potential predictors of such changes.!##!Methods!#!Over the course of eight weeks from April to June 2020, 253 individuals diagnosed with diabetes participated in an online cross-sectional study. Participants completed an anonymous survey including demographics, depression (PHQ-2) and generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD-2), distress (DT), and health status (EQ-5D-3L). In addition, all instruments used were modified to retrospectively ask participants to recall their mental health and health status before the outbreak had started. Additionally examined factors were COVID-19-related fear, trust in governmental actions to face the pandemic, and the subjective level of information about COVID-19.!##!Results!#!This study shows a significant increase in prevalence of depression symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms and distress, as well as significantly decreased health statuses in diabetes patients after the initial COVID-19 outbreak. Increased depression symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms and distress were predicted by COVID-19-related fear, whereas trust in governmental actions to face COVID-19 predicted higher depression symptoms.!##!Conclusions!#!The results indicate a negative impact of the initial COVID-19 outbreak on mental health and health status in patients with diabetes. In order to improve the efficacy of psychological support strategies for diabetes patients during the pandemic, possible predictors of mental health impairment such as the aforementioned should be examined more thoroughly and addressed more openly

Increased Safety Behavior and COVID-19-Related Fear in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis during the Pandemic

People with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) face great challenges during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research found equal levels of distress in pwCF and healthy controls (HC). The current study aimed to investigate the mental health burden and safety behavior in pwCF. Sixty-nine adult pwCF and sixty-nine propensity-score-matched HC participated in this study. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing distress, generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, COVID-19-related variables, self-reported adherent safety behavior (ASB), and dysfunctional safety behavior (DSB). PwCF showed equal amounts of distress (W = 2481.0, p = 0.669), depressive symptoms (W = 2632.5, p = 0.268), and generalized anxiety symptoms (W = 2515.5, p = 0.565) compared to the HC. COVID-19-related fear (W = 1872.0, p = 0.028), ASB (W = 1630.0, p = 0.001), and DSB (W = 1498.5, p &lt; 0.001) were significantly elevated in pwCF. The pwCF estimated that the probability of suffering from symptoms (W = 954.5, p &lt; 0.001), experiencing a severe course (W = 806.5, p &lt; 0.001), or dying (W = 1079.0, p &lt; 0.001) from COVID-19 is significantly higher than that of the HC. ASB was associated with a CF diagnosis, COVID-19-related fear, and a subjective level of information (R2 = 0.414, F(13, 124) = 6.936, p &le; 0.001). DSB was associated with a diagnosis of CF and COVID-19-related fear (R2 = 0.196, F(13, 124) = 3.169, p &le; 0.001). The data suggest that pwCF show functional and adequate behaviors towards the risk caused by the pandemic. Therefore, functional coping behaviors may provide advantages in addressing pandemic challenges