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Stockton MA, Mazinyo EW, Mlanjeni L, Sweetland AC, Scharf JY, Nogemane K, Ngcelwane N, Basaraba C, Bezuidenhout C, Sansbury G, Olivier D, Grobler C, Wall MM, Medina-Marino A, Nobatyi P, Wainberg ML. Validation of screening instruments for common mental disorders and suicide risk in south African primary care settings. J Affect Disord 2024:S0165-0327(24)01002-4. [PMID: 38908555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In South Africa, there is limited mental health infrastructure and resources. Valid screening tools are needed to facilitate identification and linkage to care. We evaluated the performance of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Primary Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) among adults in South Africa against a diagnostic gold standard. METHODS Adults present at healthcare facilities were screened with the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PC-PTSD-5, and the C-SSRS. Nurses used a structured diagnostic interview to identify depression, anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD and elevated suicide risk. We assessed the internal consistency, criterion validity, and the sensitivity and specificity of these tools. RESULTS Of the 1885 participants, the prevalence of common mental disorders and suicide risk was 24.4 % and 14.9 %, respectively. The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5 showed good internal consistency (0.80-0.89). All screeners demonstrated good criterion validity. For depression, a cut-off of ≥5 on the PHQ-9 yielded sensitivity of 84.24 %, while ≥10 yielded sensitivity of 48.77 %. For anxiety, the GAD-7 performed similarly. A cut-off of ≥4 on the PC-PTSD yielded sensitivity of 61.96 %. The C-SSRS yielded lower sensitivity than expected. LIMITATIONS The prevalence data is not generalizable to the larger South African adult population given the use of a targeted, healthcare facility-based sampling and recruitment strategy. CONCLUSIONS The performance of the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5 demonstrated good internal consistency and criterion validity, though sensitivity and specificity trade-offs were enhanced with lower cut-offs. Further research into suicide risk screening is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Stockton
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ernesha Webb Mazinyo
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa; University of California Global Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Lungelwa Mlanjeni
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Annika C Sweetland
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Psychiatry, New York, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Jodi Y Scharf
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Kwanda Nogemane
- Buffalo City Metro Health District, Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health, Bisho, South Africa
| | - Nondumiso Ngcelwane
- Buffalo City Metro Health District, Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health, Bisho, South Africa
| | - Cale Basaraba
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, NY, New York, USA
| | - Charl Bezuidenhout
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David Olivier
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Christoffel Grobler
- University of Pretoria, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Systems and Public Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Melanie M Wall
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Psychiatry, New York, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Medina-Marino
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Phumza Nobatyi
- Buffalo City Metro Health District, Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health, Bisho, South Africa
| | - Milton L Wainberg
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Psychiatry, New York, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Malaeb D, Farah N, Stambouli M, Cheour M, Obeid S, Hallit S. The relationship between cyberbullying perpetration/victimization and suicidal ideation in healthy young adults: the indirect effects of positive and negative psychotic experiences. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:121. [PMID: 38355556 PMCID: PMC10865539 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05552-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though not all cyber bullies or victims think of (or consider) suicide, they clearly appear to be at an increased risk. One possible strategy to reduce suicide risk is to decrease cyberbullying occurrence; but this approach has its limitations, as it is certainly an illusion to believe that cyberbullying could be controlled or eliminated in a digitalized world. Another alternative and interesting strategy is to consider mediating factors that may indirectly affect suicidality. To this end, our purpose was to test the hypothesis that positive and negative psychotic experiences (PEs) mediate the relationship from cyberbullying perpetration/victimization to suicidal ideation (SI). METHOD The study followed a cross-sectional design, and was conducted during the period from June to September 2022. A total of 3103 healthy community participants from Lebanon were included (mean age 21.73 ± 3.80 years, 63.6% females). RESULTS After adjusting over potential confounders, mediation analysis models showed that both positive and negative PEs partially mediated the associations between cyberbullying victimization/perpetration and SI. Higher cyberbullying perpetration and victimization were significantly associated with greater positive and negative PEs; more severe positive and negative PEs were significantly associated with higher levels of SI. Higher cyberbullying victimization and perpetration were significantly and directly associated with higher levels of SI. CONCLUSION In light of our preliminary findings, there appears to be an urgent need for a new focus on carefully assessing and addressing attenuated psychotic symptoms in healthy individuals engaged in cyberbullying either as victims or bullies and who present with SI. It is important that school counselors and decision-makers consider a holistic approach taking into account both external/environmental (bullying) and internal/individual (PEs) factors in their suicide prevention programs. Future longitudinal research in larger samples are still required to confirm our findings and further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the relationship between cyberbullying and suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nour Farah
- Faculty of Science, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Manel Stambouli
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Majda Cheour
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, P.O. Box 446, Lebanon.
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, 21478, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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Kfoury M, Malaeb D, Moubarak P, Sakr F, Dabbous M, Hallit S, Fekih-Romdhane F, Obeid S. Mediating effect of suicidal ideation in the association between child abuse and premenstrual syndrome among female adults. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:98. [PMID: 38326825 PMCID: PMC10848495 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02949-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Premenstrual symptoms encompass a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that cyclically occur before menstruation. Childhood abuse has been associated with subsequent mental health challenges, yet its relationship with exacerbating premenstrual symptoms remains an understudied area. Furthermore, suicidal ideation often emerges from traumatic backgrounds such as child abuse, creating another layer of complexity. Given the rising suicide rates in Lebanon, and the concurrent increase in reported child abuse cases, this research focuses on the role of suicidal ideation as a mediator between child abuse and premenstrual syndrome. METHODS This cross-sectional study involved 915 female university students in Lebanon. Participants completed an online questionnaire encompassing demographic details, health lifestyle, the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), and Child Abuse Self Report Scale (CASRS-12). The mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS MACRO v3.4 model 4; three pathways derived from this analysis: pathway A from the independent variable to the mediator, pathway B from the mediator to the dependent variable, Pathway C indicating the direct effect from the independent to the dependent variable. RESULTS The results of the mediation analysis showed that suicidal ideation mediated the association between all types of child abuse and the presence of PMS. Higher psychological (Beta = 0.21; p < 0.001), neglect (Beta = 0.02; p = 0.017), physical (Beta = 0.19; p < 0.001) and sexual (Beta = 0.20, p < 0.001) child abuse were significantly associated with higher suicidal ideation, which was significantly associated with the presence of PMS (Beta = 0.38, p = 0.001; Beta = 0.57, p < 0.001; Beta = 0.45, p < 0.001; and Beta = 0.50, p < 0.001) respectively. Finally, higher psychological (Beta = 0.17, p < 0.001), physical (Beta = 0.11, p = 0.024), but not sexual (Beta = 0.07, p = 0.198) child abuse was directly and significantly associated with the presence of PMS, whereas higher neglect (Beta = -0.06, p = 0.007) was significantly associated lower odds of having PMS. CONCLUSION This study highlights the mediating role of suicidal ideation in the complex association between different types of childhood abuse and premenstrual symptoms. The findings emphasize the need for trauma-informed care and tailored interventions to address the diverse impact of these factors. Recognizing the intricate relationships between child abuse, suicidal ideation, and PMS can aid healthcare providers in comprehensively addressing young women's mental and reproductive well-being. Trauma-informed care, tailored interventions and awareness of potential connections between childhood maltreatment are essential in managing these complex challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Kfoury
- School of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Perla Moubarak
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- École Doctorale Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi hospital, Manouba, 2010, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
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Chabbouh A, Charro E, Al Tekle GA, Soufia M, Hallit S. Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the short entrapment scale in a non-clinical sample of young adults. PSICOLOGIA-REFLEXAO E CRITICA 2024; 37:3. [PMID: 38236551 PMCID: PMC10796859 DOI: 10.1186/s41155-024-00286-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Entrapment is the feeling of wanting to leave an unbearable situation but believing that there are no options to do so. An Arabic entrapment Scale will assist healthcare professionals in the region in the prevention of suicide as the tool is tailored to the specific sociocultural context, which would enhance entrapment detection. OBJECTIVE In the current study, we aim to evaluate the psychometric properties of a translated Arabic version of the Entrapment Scale Short Form (E-SF). METHODS Three hundred eighty-nine Lebanese citizens were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 23.03 years (SD = 2.93), 69.4% being women. To examine the factor structure of the entrapment scale, we used an exploratory-to-confirmatory factor analysis (EFA-to-CFA) strategy. EFA and CFA results indicated that the fit of the unidimensional model of the Arabic Entrapment Scale (A-ES) was generally acceptable. Composite reliability of scores was adequate in the total sample (ω = .87). All indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across genders. Entrapment was positively and significantly correlated with suicidal ideation, alcohol use disorder, psychological distress, and orthorexia nervosa, suggesting convergent and divergent validity. CONCLUSION The A-ES was found to be a valid and reliable tool to assess the degree of entrapment in Lebanese young adults. The A-ES will assist healthcare professionals in the region in the prevention of suicide as the tool is tailored to the specific sociocultural context, which would enhance entrapment detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Chabbouh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Elie Charro
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Georges-Alain Al Tekle
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Michel Soufia
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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Salameh G, El Khoury N, Hallit R, Malaeb D, Sakr F, Dabbous M, Fekih-Romdhane F, Obeid S, Hallit S. The mediating effect of dysmorphic concern in the association between avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and suicidal ideation in adults. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:42. [PMID: 38200526 PMCID: PMC10782566 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reflecting on the existing literature on suicidal ideation and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), this article investigates the complex relationship between them, hypothesizing about the possibility of dysmorphic concerns, being a mediator linking ARFID to suicidal ideation. METHODS Using a snowball sampling approach, a survey was created on Google Forms and circulated across messaging applications and social media networks (WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger). The sample involved 515 participants recruited between February and March 2023. The questionnaire included the following scales: Nine-items Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder screen (NIAS), Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ), and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). When filling the questionnaire, respondents were warned that they can experience distress when answering certain questions and received information about mental health services. Five hundred fifteen adults participated in this study, with a mean age of 27.55 ± 10.92 years and 60.1% females. RESULTS After adjusting over potential confounders (i.e., age, education, marital status, and household crowding index), analyses showed that dysmorphic concerns fully mediated the association between avoidant restrictive eating and suicidal ideation. Higher avoidant restrictive eating was significantly associated with more dysmorphic concerns, and higher dysmorphic concerns were significantly associated with the presence of suicidal ideation. Finally, avoidant restrictive eating was not significantly associated with suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION This study highlights the potential indirect link between ARFID and suicidal ideation mediated by dysmorphic concerns. While no direct connection was observed between ARFID and suicidal ideation, the presence of dysmorphic concerns appeared to be a crucial factor in amplifying the risk of suicidal ideation in individuals with ARFID. This emphasizes the importance of addressing dysmorphic concerns alongside ARFID treatment to enhance mental health interventions and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle Salameh
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Khoury
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Rabih Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Byblos, Postal Code 3, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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Ji Y, Liu X, Zheng S, Zhong Q, Zheng R, Huang J, Yin H. Validation and application of the Chinese version of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale: Suicidality and cognitive deficits in patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2023; 342:139-147. [PMID: 37714386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a significant risk factor for death by suicide. Additionally, patients with depression who have neurocognitive dysfunction are at a higher risk of exhibiting suicidal behaviors. We aimed to validate the Chinese version of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and then employ it to examine the association between suicidality and cognitive deficits in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). METHODS Data from 456 patients with MDD who underwent baseline assessment and 3-month follow-up were used for psychometric validation of the C-SSRS. 430 patients were divided into a mild cognitive impairment group (N = 390) and a severe cognitive impairment group (N = 40) using cluster analysis and compared with healthy controls. The relationship between C-SSRS scores and the degree of cognitive impairment was analyzed. RESULTS 1) The Chinese version of C-SSRS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.884/0.842), convergent and divergent validity. 2) The severity of suicidal ideation (SI), the intensity of SI, and the lifetime history of suicide attempts were significant independent predictors of short-term suicide attempts. 3) Higher worst-point lifetime SI severity and intensity scores in patients with MDD were significantly associated with severe cognitive impairment. LIMITATIONS The analysis of cognition and suicide was based on cross-sectional studies. Hence, changes in SI and cognitive function over time could not be analyzed. CONCLUSIONS The Chinese C-SSRS is a reliable and valid assessment tool for suicidal ideation and behavior in patients with depression. Suicidal ideation in patients with MDD is associated with cognitive dysfunction. These findings provide a reference for suicide prevention in patients with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Ji
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingchang Liu
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuqiong Zheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quan Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongxin Zheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honglei Yin
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Brain Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Youssef L, Salameh P, Sacre H, Akel M, Hallit S, Obeid S. Association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking addiction, and alcohol use disorder among a sample of Lebanese adults. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295114. [PMID: 38033004 PMCID: PMC10688648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia can be associated with worse addictive traits, while emotional intelligence is associated with better addictive outcomes. In Lebanon, the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking is on the rise, although people are aware of the associated harms. Also, around 11% of Lebanese adults have experienced alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study aimed to assess the association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking (cigarette and waterpipe), and AUD among a sample of Lebanese adults. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional study carried out between February and April 2020, during the lockdown period, enrolled 408 community-dwelling adults. The survey link was shared on social media to reach participants from all Lebanese districts/governorates. RESULTS Taking antidepressants (Beta = 4.37) was significantly associated with more cigarette dependence, while female gender (Beta = -1.52) and having a high vs. low monthly income (Beta = 1.02) were significantly associated with less cigarette dependence. None of the variables, including alexithymia, were significantly associated with waterpipe dependence. Female gender (Beta = -0.15) and higher emotional intelligence (Beta = -0.003) were significantly associated with less AUD, whereas higher alexithymia (Beta = 0.003) was significantly associated with more AUD. CONCLUSION This study could demonstrate a significant association between alexithymia and cigarette smoking and alexithymia and alcohol consumption. Future research is warranted to investigate the mediating effect of emotional intelligence and how these results may be used to meet the needs of alexithymic individuals with addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Youssef
- Modern Dagher Medical Laboratories, Batroun, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Hala Sacre
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- Drug Information Center, Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jall-Eddib, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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Fekih-Romdhane F, El Tawil N, El Zouki CJ, Jaalouk K, Obeid S, Hallit S. Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the shortest version of the Central Religiosity Scale (CRS-5) in a sample of young adults. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:400. [PMID: 37980533 PMCID: PMC10657561 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01431-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a dearth of research on religiosity in Arabic-speaking populations, partly due to a lack of universal, standardized and valid instruments to assess this construct. We sought through this study to establish the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the shortest version of the Central Religiosity Scale (CRS-5), a widely used measure of religiosity that can be applicable to most religious traditions, thus allowing for worldwide cultural and trans-religious comparisons. METHOD A total of 352 Lebanese young adults enrolled in this study with a mean age of 25.08 years (SD = 9.25) and 73.3% women. The forward-backward method was adopted to translate the original English version of the CRS-5 to Arabic. RESULTS We ran an Exploratory Factor Analysis for the CRS-5 to test whether the expected dimensionality is suitable for the subsequent Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The model found replicates the originally proposed five items and one-factor model. Our findings demonstrated that the Arabic CRS-5 achieved good levels of composite reliability, with a McDonald's ω coefficient of .85. A multi-group CFA was modelled for the examination of measurement invariance of the Arabic CRS-5 across gender at the metric, configural, and scalar levels. Between-gender comparisons revealed no significant differences between males and females regarding CRS-5 scores. Finally, we found that religiosity was positively correlated with positive mental health aspects (i.e., social support) and inversely correlated with negative mental health aspects (i.e., suicidal ideation, depression, social anxiety and entrapment); thus attesting for the convergent validity of the CRS-5 as a measure of centrality of religiosity. CONCLUSION Pending further validations with larger and more representative populations, we preliminarily suggest that the Arabic CRS-5 is psychometrically sound, and can be recommended for use for research and clinical purposes in Arabic-speaking people of various religions and cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nathalie El Tawil
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Christian-Joseph El Zouki
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- UFR de Médecine, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 1 Rue des Louvels, Amiens, 80037, France
- Faculté d'Ingénierie et de Management de la Santé, 42 rue Ambroise Paré, Loos, 59120, France
| | | | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Efat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
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9
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Farah N, Obeid S, Malaeb D, Haddad C, Fekih-Romdhane F, Hallit S. Mediation effect of insomnia symptoms between positive psychotic like experiences and suicidal ideation among Lebanese young adults. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:272. [PMID: 37081441 PMCID: PMC10116113 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04778-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychotic symptoms reported by healthy individuals in the general population are referred to as psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and have been proven to increase the risk of suicidal ideation (SI) in these individuals. As it is well established that PLEs and insomnia share a bidirectional association and also that insomnia is linked to SI, we hypothesized that insomnia may represent a mediator underlying the relationship between PLEs and SI. Our aim was to validate this hypothesis among Lebanese young adults. METHODS A total of 3103 young adults (mean age 21.73 ± 3.80 years; 63.6% females) recruited from all Lebanese governorates completed a self-administered online questionnaire. PLEs were assessed using the CAPE-42 scale, SI using the Columbia Suicide Rating Scale, and insomnia using the Insomnia Severity Index). We conducted a mediation analysis using SPSS PROCESS v3.4 model 4 with three pathways. Variables that showed a p < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were entered in the path analysis. RESULTS A total of 1378 participants (44.4%) had insomnia; 18.8% had SI; 42.5% reported at least one positive PE 'nearly always', and 30.5% reported at least one negative PE with this frequency. The results of the mediation analysis showed that insomnia severity partially mediated the association between positive dimension and SI; higher positive dimension was significantly associated with more insomnia severity, which was, in turn, significantly associated with more SI. Finally, more positive dimension was significantly and directly associated with more SI. CONCLUSION These preliminary findings might encourage the implementation of new preventive measures to reduce SI among PLEs patients. Treating symptoms of insomnia might help reduce the risk of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Farah
- Faculty of Science, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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10
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Bitar Z, Elias MB, Malaeb D, Hallit S, Obeid S. Is cyberbullying perpetration associated with anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation among lebanese adolescents? Results from a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:53. [PMID: 36829238 PMCID: PMC9951827 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01091-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As cyberbullying is a new area of investigation, results worldwide point to the prevalence of cyberbullying perpetration. This study aimed to assess the association between cyberbullying perpetration, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation among Lebanese adolescents. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2021 and included a sample of adolescents aged between 13 and 16 years old, recruited from private schools chosen in a convenient way from all Lebanese districts. A total of 520 students accepted to participate in our study. To collect data, a questionnaire was shared by google form including: Cyber Bully/Cyber victim questionnaire; Lebanese Anxiety Scale; and Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents. RESULTS The results of the linear regressions, taking anxiety and depression as dependent variables, showed that female gender, having kind of hard and very/extremely hard influence of problems on daily work, sexual cyberbullying in cyberspace, embarrassing and inserting malicious content in cyberspace and older age were significantly associated with more anxiety and depression. Having kind of hard influence of problems on daily work compared to not at all, higher anxiety, higher depression and higher household crowding index (lower socioeconomic status) were significantly associated with higher odds of having suicidal ideation in the last month. CONCLUSION Cyberbullying perpetration and its associated factors reported in this study are significant enough to call for early detection and prevention strategies for Lebanese adolescents. At the school level, effective programs implemented in the school years are needed, aiming to develop social/emotional control, and conflict resolution skills as they might decrease engagement in cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents. Preventive interventions are needed to reduce the engagement of Lebanese adolescents in cyberbullying perpetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Bitar
- grid.460789.40000 0004 4910 6535Faculty of medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marie-Belle Elias
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- grid.411884.00000 0004 1762 9788College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, P.O. Box 4184, Ajman, United Arab Emirates ,grid.444421.30000 0004 0417 6142School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon. .,Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan. .,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
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11
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Malaeb D, Loch AA, Farah N, Stambouli M, Cheour M, Obeid S, Hallit S. Problematic Smartphone Use Mediates the Pathway from Suicidal Ideation to Positive Psychotic Experiences: a Large Cross-Sectional, Population-Based Study. Int J Ment Health Addict 2023:1-18. [PMID: 36820017 PMCID: PMC9930705 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-023-01028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study followed the newly hypothesized "suicidal drive for psychosis" suggesting that psychosis may be consequential to suicidal ideation (SI) and behavior and attempted to explain parts of the pathway between these variables. To this end, we aimed to test whether problematic smartphone use (PSU) has an indirect mediating effect in the cross-sectional relationship between SI and positive psychotic experiences (PEs). Lebanese community young adults (N=4158; 64.4% females; mean age 21.91±3.79) have been invited to participate to a cross-sectional, web-based study in the period from June to September 2022. After adjusting for potential confounders (i.e., the living situation, marital status, household crowding index, economic pressure, cannabis use, other drugs use, and past history of mental illness other than psychosis), we found that higher levels of suicidal ideation was significantly associated with greater PSU, which was also positively and significantly associated with more positive PEs. Finally, greater suicidal ideation was significantly and directly associated with more positive PEs. Our findings suggest that SPU may be regarded as a potential target for prevention and intervention in psychosis. Clinicians, educators, and school administrators ought to give greater attention to PSU among vulnerable young people who present with SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, 2010 Manouba, Tunisia
- Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alexandre Andrade Loch
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnológico, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nour Farah
- Faculty of Science, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Manel Stambouli
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, 2010 Manouba, Tunisia
- Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Majda Cheour
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, 2010 Manouba, Tunisia
- Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478 Saudi Arabia
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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12
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Association between Experiences in Life and Quality of Life among Lebanese University Students in a Collapsing Country: The Moderating Role of Religious Coping and Positivity. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11010149. [PMID: 36611609 PMCID: PMC9819168 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11010149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: No goal can be more important than optimal individual quality of life (QOL); life experiences, religious coping, and positivity play pivotal roles in achieving this goal. The aim is to assess the correlation between positive/negative experiences in life and QOL, taking into consideration the moderating role of positivity and positive/negative religious coping among a sample of Lebanese university students. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between November and December 2021, and enrolled 333 university students, aged between 18 and 30 years, from various areas in Lebanon’s governorates. The 12-item Short Form Health Survey, the brief religious coping methods scale, and the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience were included in the questionnaire. Forward linear regressions were conducted to check for correlates associated with physical and mental QOL scores. All variables that showed a correlation or effect size > |0.24| were entered in the multivariable and moderation models as independent ones. Significance was set at a p < 0.05. (3) Results: A linear regression, taking the physical QOL score as the dependent variable, showed that living in rural areas compared to urban and more positivity were significantly associated with a better physical QOL, whereas more negative religious coping was significantly associated with a lower physical QOL. More positivity and more positive religious coping were significantly associated with a better mental QOL. The moderation analysis showed that in people with high positive experiences, those with higher negative religious coping had lower mental QOL. (4) Conclusions: In a society as deeply religious as Lebanon, it is crucial to organize awareness programs to help in discriminating between religious coping mechanisms. Across order to stop further detrimental effects on QOL, our findings may serve as a solid foundation for future studies of QOL with additional variables, in other groups and nations.
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13
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Dissociative experiences among Lebanese university students: Association with mental health issues, the economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut port explosion. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277883. [PMID: 36399459 PMCID: PMC9674130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dissociative experiences are psychological manifestations characterized by a loss of connection and continuity between thoughts, emotions, environment, behavior, and identity. Lebanon has been facing indescribable events in the last few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion, a crushing economic crisis with the highest inflation rate the country has known in over three decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between dissociative experiences and post-traumatic stress symptoms from the economic crisis, the Beirut blast, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other mental health issues in a sample of Lebanese university students. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 419 active university students (18-35 years) from all over Lebanon (May and August 2021). The respondents received the online soft copy of a survey by a snowball sampling technique through social media and messaging apps. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES-II), the PTSD Checklist Specific Version (PCL-S), the Financial Wellbeing Scale, the Beirut Distress Scale, the Lebanese Anxiety Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire. RESULTS The two-factor model of the DES fitted best according to CFI, RMSEA and χ2/df values, but modestly according to TLI. The two factors were absorption and amnesia/depersonalization. Higher stress (Beta = 0.95) and more PTSD from the Beirut blast (Beta = 0.29) and from the economic crisis (Beta = 0.23) were significantly associated with more absorption. A personal history of depression (Beta = 6.03), higher stress (Beta = 0.36) and more PTSD from the Beirut blast (Beta = 0.27) and from the COVID-19 pandemic (Beta = 0.16) were significantly associated with more amnesia/depersonalization. CONCLUSION Significant rates of dissociative experiences and their sub-manifestations (amnesia/depersonalization and absorption) were found among Lebanese university students, with remarkable co-occurrence of a traumatic/stressful pattern, whether on an individual (history of PTSD) or a collective level (Post-traumatic manifestations from Beirut blast, COVID-19 pandemic and/or economic crisis), or whether correlated to an acute single event or to certain chronic stressors, or even to a personal history of depression. Such findings must raise the attention to serious mental and psychosocial alteration in the Lebanese national identity.
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Sfeir M, Saliba G, Akel M, Hallit S, Obeid S. Association between perfectionism and life satisfaction among a sample of the Lebanese population: The indirect role of social phobia and validation of the Arabic version of the Social Phobia Inventory. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:2513-2523. [PMID: 35383939 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the psychometric properties of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), and evaluate the indirect effect of social phobia between perfectionism and life satisfaction (LS). METHODS A cross-sectional study enrolled 683 Lebanese adults (April-May 2021). RESULTS The confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed the one-factor solution of the SPIN items (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92). Social phobia had an indirect effect in the association between rigid, self-critical, and narcissistic perfectionism and life satisfaction. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The study results confirm the psychometric properties of the SPIN to assess social phobia and constitute a preliminary database of the variables that interplay with LS in the Lebanese population. Future studies should suggest clinical tools and techniques to cope with anxiety or reduce perfectionism to enhance LS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Sfeir
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (SSP), Institute of Psychology (IP), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gisele Saliba
- Faculty of Arts and Science, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia.,School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.,Department of Research, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, P.O. Box 60096, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
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15
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Lee HJ, Lee DH, Jeon HJ, Lee DH, Yook V, Jeon JY. Development and Validation of the Self-Rating Suicide Risk Screening Questionnaire. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221119029. [PMID: 35968773 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221119029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Since suicide is one of the major health problems worldwide, the goal of the present study is to develop a psychometrically sound suicide risk screening tool named Suicide Screening Questionnaire- Self-Rating (SSQ-SR) to quantify the risk of suicidal behavior. The development process includes item generation, item revision and refinement, and validation. A total sample of 2,238 adults in South Korea was used for analysis. The results of factor analysis showed that the SSQ-SR, containing 25 items, supported a three-factor model: "Situational factors," "Negative self-perceptions and mental health factors," and "Suicidal thoughts and behaviors." Also, SSQ-SR showed satisfying internal consistency, concurrent validity and discriminant validity. Lastly, the results of ROC analysis showed a cut-off point of 33.5 for the low-risk group and 36.5 for the high-risk group. Considering these results, the current results demonstrate the SSQ-SR is a valid scale and therefore can contribute to future suicide-related studies and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Jung Lee
- Department of Education, Traumatic Stress Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hun Lee
- Department of Education, Traumatic Stress Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok Hee Lee
- Department of Education, Traumatic Stress Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Vidal Yook
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeol Jeon
- Department of Education, Traumatic Stress Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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16
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Azzi V, Iskandar K, Obeid S, Hallit S. Parental divorce and smoking dependence in Lebanese adolescents: the mediating effect of mental health problems. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:471. [PMID: 35922838 PMCID: PMC9351249 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03523-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lebanon has the highest prevalence estimates among Middle Eastern countries and Arab women regarding cigarette smoking, with 43% of men and 28% of women involved in such trends. Marital disruption is a tremendous source of irritability and discomfort that may hinder a child's healthy development, creating perturbing distress and increasing disobedience that may exacerbate smoking addiction. Additionally, Lebanese adolescents are inflicted by high emotional and economic instability levels, rendering increased susceptibility to distress and propensity to engage in addictive behavior. This study aims to investigate the association between parental divorce and smoking dependence among Lebanese adolescents, along with exploring the potential mediating effect of mental health disorders of such correlation. METHODS A total of 1810 adolescents (14 and 17 years) enrolled in this cross-sectional survey-based study (January-May 2019). Linear regressions were conducted to check for variables associated with cigarette and waterpipe dependence. PROCESS v3.4 model 4 was used to check for the mediating effect of mental health disorders between parental divorce and smoking dependence. RESULTS Higher suicidal ideation and having divorced parents vs living together were significantly associated with more cigarette and waterpipe dependence. Higher anxiety was significantly associated with more waterpipe dependence. Insomnia and suicidal ideation played a mediating role between parental divorce and cigarette/waterpipe dependence. CONCLUSION Our results consolidate the results found in the literature about the association between parental divorce and smoking addiction and the mediating effect of mental health issues. We do not know still in the divorce itself or factors related to it are incriminated in the higher amount of smoking in those adolescents. Those results should be used to inspire parents about the deleterious effect of divorce on their children to lower their risk of smoking addiction. Further longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the complexity of such associations and to see whether the divorce experience by itself or the factors that accompany it are involved in the increased smoking addiction among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Azzi
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Katia Iskandar
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, 1105, Lebanon.,Lebanon Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, 1103, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon. .,Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia. .,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
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17
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Validation of the Arabic version of the ORTO-R among a sample of Lebanese young adults. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2073-2080. [PMID: 35092001 PMCID: PMC8799435 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01350-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the literature, there is a variety of different measurement methods for orthorexic behaviours. The ORTO-15 is the one that attracted most research attention. Many scholars criticized the ORTO-15 for its unstable factor structure and over-estimation of the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa. For this purpose, Rogoza and Donini (Eat Weight Disord 26:887-895, 2020) re-assessed the original data and created a new tool, ORTO-R. The development of the ORTO-R theoretically solved many ambiguities associated with its parent measure. However, to date, no study, including the original one, tested the validity of the ORTO-R, leaving its utility somewhat speculative. METHODS We gathered data from 363 Lebanese individuals, who answered the ORTO-R questions and a set of measures used to determine the validity of the scale (eating attitudes, perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression). Within this study, we analysed the internal consistency of the scale and different aspects of its validity (factorial, convergent, and divergent). RESULTS Results supported all expectations; we successfully confirmed a one-factor measurement model of the ORTO-R, which appeared to be internally consistent. The ORTO-R score correlated positively to other orthorexic behaviours as well as to disordered eating attitudes, perfectionism, anxiety, and depression. It was also negatively related to self-esteem, but was unrelated to body dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION The ORTO-R may be deemed as a valid instrument for the assessment of orthorexic behaviours. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: Opinions of authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.
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18
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El Frenn Y, Hallit S, Obeid S, Soufia M. Association of the time spent on social media news with depression and suicidal ideation among a sample of Lebanese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Lebanese economic crisis. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 35582433 PMCID: PMC9099267 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03148-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The main objectives were to associate between social media news consumption during these unstable times and depression, as well as suicidal ideation among a sample of Lebanese adults, in addition to associate between fear of Covid-19, depression and suicidal ideation. Secondary objectives aimed to check the mediating effect of depression in the association between time spent on social media to get the news and the presence of suicidal ideation. This is a cross-sectional study executed between April and May 2021. It involved 402 Lebanese citizens aged 18 years and above, selected randomly from all Lebanese districts. Having cancer (Beta = 0.20) or lung disease (Beta = 0.27), more fear of COVID-19 (Beta = 0.16), a higher time spent on social media for news (Beta = 0.13) and a higher household crowding index (Beta = 0.29) were significantly associated with more depression, whereas having a pet in the house (Beta = -0.13) and working in the medical field (Beta = -0.17) were significantly associated with less depression. Higher depression (aOR = 1.19) was significantly associated with higher odds of having suicidal ideation, whereas more fear of COVID-19 (aOR = 0.84) and older age (aOR = 0.96) were significantly associated with less odds of having suicidal ideation. Depression did not mediate the association between time spent on social media to get the news and suicidal ideation. This study showed that more time spent on social media reading the news is associated with higher depression but not suicidal ideation. Fear of Covid-19 is associated with more depression, but less suicidal ideation. Further studies are needed to identify the causality between social media news consumption, depression and suicidal ideation. Moreover, awareness campaigns should be organized to teach people how to consume social media news in a responsible way, without letting it affect their emotions directly, which may cause psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara El Frenn
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478 Saudi Arabia
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Michel Soufia
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
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Younes Y, Hallit S, Obeid S. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and childhood maltreatment, adulthood stressful life events and depression among Lebanese university students: a structural equation modeling approach. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:548. [PMID: 34753455 PMCID: PMC8576788 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03567-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a cyclic sequence of physical and behavioral symptoms that arise in the second half of the menstrual cycle. The extreme type of PMS is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The current study aims at examining 1) the effects of childhood maltreatment and current life's stressful events on PMDD, and 2) the mediating role of depression in these associations among Lebanese university female students. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lebanese students were recruited using a snowball technique from all national universities in Lebanon via an auto-administrated online survey. Structural equation modeling was performed to examine the structural relationship between childhood maltreatment and life's stressful events, depression and PMDD. RESULTS Higher life's stressful events (Beta = 0.18; p < 0.001), physical (Beta = 0.19; p < 0.001), sexual (Beta = 0.18; p < 0.001) and psychological (Beta = 0.33; p < 0.001) abuse were significantly associated with higher depression. Moreover, higher sexual (Beta = 0.11; p = 0.021) and psychological (Beta = 0.11; p = 0.040) abuse and higher depression (Beta = 0.37; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher PMDD. The indirect relationships between psychological abuse/sexual abuse, depression and PMDD showed that depression mediated the association between both psychological (Beta = 0.22; p = 0.001) and sexual (Beta = 0.38; p = 0.004) abuse and PMDD. CONCLUSION This work presents a unique analysis using the structural equation model that enlightens the effect of childhood maltreatment, particularly sexual and psychological abuse on PMMD symptoms, with depression playing the role of a mediating factor. It would be interesting to test, in future studies, whether there are other mediating factors besides depression that could be indirect indicators of PMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorgo Younes
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.
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20
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Sfeir E, Hallit S, Akel M, Salameh P, Obeid S. Smartphone addiction and personality traits among Lebanese adults: the mediating role of self-esteem. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2021; 28:1190-1200. [PMID: 34670447 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.1995886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Smartphone usage in Lebanon is increasing constantly. Lebanese population especially university students were described to be at a higher risk of smartphone addiction compared to the general population. To our knowledge there has been no study in the literature that investigated the mediating effect of self-esteem when assessing personality traits and smartphone addiction in young adults. The aim of our study was to assess factors associated with smartphone addiction and investigate the mediating role of self-esteem in the association between smartphone addiction and personality traits. A cross-sectional study was carried out between August and September 2020, during the lockdown period imposed by the government for the COVID-19 pandemic and that coincides with the summer season vacation for most Lebanese, using a sample of community-dwelling participants aged 18 to 29 years. The snowball technique was followed for participants' recruitment. The results showed that the mean age of the participants was 22.25 ± 2.87 years, with 70.9% females. The results showed that 216 (46.9%) of the participants had smartphone addiction. Higher negative emotionality (Beta = 0.17) was significantly associated with more smartphone addiction, whereas higher self-esteem (Beta = -0.37) and household crowding index (Beta = -1.58) were significantly associated with less smartphone addiction. Self-esteem mediated the association between negative emotionality and smartphone addiction. Lebanese young adults were found to be at a high risk of smartphone addiction. These results might serve as a first step towards implementing preventive measures to reduce smartphone addiction. Improving face to face communication, as well as setting specific time for cell phone usage might help reduce the development of addictive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Sfeir
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,Department of Pediatrics, Notre-Dame des Secours University Hospital, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,Research and Psychology Departments, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.,School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.,University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Lebanon.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
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21
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Obeid S, Al Karaki G, Haddad C, Sacre H, Soufia M, Hallit R, Salameh P, Hallit S. Association between parental divorce and mental health outcomes among Lebanese adolescents: results of a national study. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:455. [PMID: 34657599 PMCID: PMC8522189 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02926-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Lebanon, divorce rates have jumped from nearly 7000 in recent years to 8580 in 2017, an increase of 22.5%, with North Lebanon recording the highest number, followed by Beirut, likely resulting in increased behavioral problems in the offspring of divorced parents. Furthermore, one out of two Lebanese adolescents whose biological parents were divorced, separated, or deceased has a psychiatric disorder. More information regarding the impact of divorce on the mental health of Lebanese adolescents is still missing. The objective of this study was to explore the association between divorce and mental health outcomes, particularly depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among Lebanese adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted between January and May 2019 enrolled 1810 adolescents aged 14 to 17 years, using a simple randomization method to choose schools. A proportionate number of schools was selected from each of the five Lebanese Mohafazat (Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North, South, and Beqaa), based on the list of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. A total of 18 private schools were approached; two declined, and 16 accepted to participate. Results The mean age of participants was 15.42 ± 1.14 years, with 53.3% females. After adjustment for the covariates (age, sex, and house crowding index), the results showed that adolescents whose parents are separated compared to living together had more social fear (Standardized Beta (SB = 0.270) and avoidance (SB = 0.188), higher depression (SB = 0.045), and higher suicidal ideation (SB = 0.370). Conclusion Our findings reveal that teens with divorced parents had higher social fear and avoidance, depression, and suicidal ideation, highlighting the need for adequate prevention programs to support both children and parents during this emotionally difficult period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Obeid
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon. .,INSPECT-LB: National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology, and Toxicology, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Gloria Al Karaki
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.,Université de Limoges, UMR 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000, Limoges, France
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB: National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology, and Toxicology, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Michel Soufia
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Rabih Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB: National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology, and Toxicology, Beirut, Lebanon.,University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon. .,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
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