Effects of online coping skills training on stress, anxiety and social problem solving in young people: A randomised controlled study

BACKGROUND

Although most young people successfully manage the transition from childhood to adulthood, the speed and magnitude of these changes can cause stress that can exceed the coping abilities of many young people. Previous studies have suggested that adolescence is a vulnerable period for the development of psychiatric disorders; therefore, an adequate coping repertoire must be developed.

AIMS

Our aims were to develop and implement a coping skills training for young people and to evaluate the results of the training. Therefore, the components of the coping skills training programs in the existing literature were used.

METHODS

Young people from Turkey participated in this cluster randomised controlled trial (n = 89; mean age, 20.06 ± 1.44 years). Ten sessions of the coping skills training were applied in the study group (SG; n = 33), and one session was applied in the control group (CG; n = 56). To assess the effects of the coping skills training, all participants completed several psychological questionnaires (for stress, anxiety, coping and social problem-solving evaluations) at the beginning and end of the training. We performed an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). In cases where ANCOVA assumptions could not be met, the efficacy of the intervention was determined using the mixed design/split-plot analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Compared with the CG, the SG had significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels and increased adaptive coping skills. Social problem-solving skills remained relatively similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Complete and correct implementation of coping skills training among the youth may contribute positively to the development of adaptive coping skills by reducing their stress and anxiety levels. This online coping skills training program allowed young people to directly experience their response to stress and offered opportunities to try and develop different coping strategies. Coping skills should be considered for successful stress and anxiety management in everyday life.

Investigation of Predictors of Psychological Resilience in Occupational Therapy Students in Terms of Different Variables

There is an increased number of publications concerning the mental health of occupational therapy students. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictors of psychological resilience in occupational therapy students in terms of different variables. Four scales measuring resilience, psychological flexibility, coping and coping attitudes were used in this study. Predictors of resilience were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis with the backward elimination. It was determined that psychological resilience, psychological flexibility, and coping attitudes are interrelated concepts (p < 0.05). This is the first study to examine the predictors of the concept of resilience in occupational therapy students in terms of different variables. The results show that students' psychological flexibility and positive coping behaviors need to be improved to develop psychological resilience.

Clinical practices, challenges, and job satisfaction of occupational therapists working in Community Mental Health Centers in Turkey

Introduction:

Occupational therapists have been involved in Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) since 2016 in Turkey. To the best of our knowledge, no data about occupational therapists’ practices in CMHCs is available in the extant research literature. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the clinical practices, challenges, and job satisfaction of occupational therapists working for CMHCs in Turkey.

Method:

We conducted a cross-sectional survey study in which 28 volunteer occupational therapists working in CMHCs participated. The participants filled out the Sociodemographic and Professional Experience Information Form and the Job Satisfaction Scale.

Results:

Occupational therapists were experienced practitioners implementing various occupational therapist practices in community mental health and they were generally satisfied with their job. The challenges facing Occupational therapists were communicating with caregivers, motivating the client, enabling the client to perform occupational participation. Collaborative teamwork and participation in training about community mental health were found as the important factors contributing to occupational therapist professionals’ job satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Investigating the professional behaviors of Occupational therapists, an emerging health profession in Turkey, is important for the development of the profession. The education and supervision specially adapted for community mental health and the supportive teamwork seem to be significant for the job satisfaction of community mental health Occupational therapists.

Joint Attention-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention in Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IMPORTANCE

A viable occupational therapy program based on joint attention is needed to ensure that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) lead lives in which they interact socially.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the benefit of a joint attention-based occupational therapy program offered simultaneously with the usual special education program (USEP) compared with USEP alone.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled study, including pre-, post-, and follow-up testing.

SETTING

Special education and rehabilitation center.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty children with ASD in the study group, M = 4.80 yr (SD = 0.78 yr), and the control group, M = 5.10 yr (SD = 0.73 yr), were included.

INTERVENTION

All children received USEP (2 sessions/wk for 12 wk). Joint attention-based occupational therapy was applied to the study group in addition to USEP (3 sessions/wk for 12 wk).

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Motor-Free Visual Perception Test-4 (MVPT-4) were implemented.

RESULTS

The study group had a statistically and clinically significant improvement in SCQ, ABC, and MVPT-4 scores after the intervention (p < .001). The control group did not show statistically significant improvement in measurements (p > .05). The mean values of SCQ-Total, ABC-Total, and MVPT-4 variables measured at 3-mo follow-up were significantly different than preintervention (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Joint attention-based intervention, including a child-centered approach, can improve social communication, reduce ASD-related behaviors, and improve visual perception. What This Article Adds: This study emphasizes the importance of occupational therapy with a holistic perspective, based on joint attention, in terms of increasing the effectiveness of special education programs attended by children with ASD and reinforcing visual perception, communication, and positive behaviors in children with ASD.

Translation, Psychometric and Concept Analysis of the Occupational Balance-Questionnaire Based on a Turkish Population

Occupational balance is a crucial concept in occupational therapy, accepted as a key component of health and well-being. The Occupational Balance-Questionnaire (OB-Quest) is designed as a standardized instrument to assess occupational balance. This study investigated the validity and reliability of the OB-Quest Turkish, which consisted of translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and analysis psychometric properties phases. The factor structure of the OB-Quest indicated a good model fit. The criterion-related validity showed a positive correlation with Beck Depression Inventory and a negative correlation with the 12-item Short Form Survey. The OB-Quest-Turkish showed questionable internal consistency and an excellent correlation between test-retest.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2021.2010160 .

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Revised Low Vision Independence Measure (LVIM-R)

IMPORTANCE

Few tools are available for assessing the activity performance of people with low vision. Additional practical instruments are required for occupational therapy evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Revised Low Vision Independence Measure (LVIM-R).

DESIGN

We analyzed Turkish LVIM-R items using confirmatory factor analysis with parceling. Test-retest reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The study was conducted between April 2020 and July 2021.

SETTING

Ophthalmology clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 89 people with low vision who applied to an ophthalmology training and research clinic. Participants were age ≥18 yr, had visual acuity of 0.5 to 1.3 logarithms of the minimum angle of resolution, and consented to participate.

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Turkish version of the LVIM-R, a self-report measure of activity performance for people with low vision.

RESULTS

In the principal-components analysis, the highest eigenvalue was Armor's θ = .966. ICCs were .995 for Visual Field or Scotoma, .997 for Visual Acuity, and .997 for Total score. Other results included χ2 = 9.566 (p = .297), comparative fit index = .998, Tucker-Lewis Index = .996, and root mean square error of approximation = .047. Goodness-of-fit indices support the structural validity of the two-factor model.

CONCLUSION

The Turkish version of the LVIM-R is a valid and reliable assessment tool for occupational therapy practice in low vision rehabilitation. What This Article Adds: The Turkish LVIM-R is a valid and reliable assessment for use in low vision rehabilitation.

Evaluation of Brain Functions in Conversion Disorder with PET/MRI

Introduction

Since there is no objective criteria, unique clinical symptom or laboratory test to make the diagnosis of conversion disorder; its diagnosis and treatment is challenging which leads to a poor prognosis.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the brain metabolic activity of patients with conversion disorder with PET/MRI.

Methods

12 conversion disorder patients were included. Somatosensory Amplification Scale, Somatoform Dissociation Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-15, Toronto Alexithymia Scale were filled in by the participants. Neurological, mental status examinations, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Form (WAIS-R) and brain F18-FDG-PET/MRI were performed. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scales were administered.

Results

83% of the patients were female, the mean age was 33 years and average education period was 10,2 years. WAIS-R total scores were consistent with low avarage intelligence level.Cerebral hypermetabolism was detected in the primary visual cortex. Average regional brain metabolic activity had a tendency to increase in bilateral prefrontal, right sensorimotor (SM),cingulate,right inferior parietal,occipital lateral,right temporal lateral cortices and cerebellum. Each region was metabolically correlated with the homologous contralateral regions. Significant correlations in the same direction was found between frontal and occipital lateral & primary visual cortices; cerebellum and left sensorimotor cortex; anterior cingulate cortex(ACC) and superior parietal cortex & cerebellum. No correlations were found between ACC and left SM cortex.

Conclusions

Findings of our study indicate that there are moderate changes in regional brain metabolic activities and inter-regional correlations in patients with conversion disorder. In order to confirm these findings, furter functional neuroimaging studies are needed.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Effects of Occupational Therapy via Telerehabilitation on Occupational Balance, Well-Being, Intrinsic Motivation and Quality of Life in Syrian Refugee Children in COVID-19 Lockdown: A Randomized Controlled Trial

We aimed to evaluate the effects of an occupational training program via telerehabilitation on well-being (WB), occupational balance (OB), intrinsic motivation (IM), and quality of life (QoL) in Syrian refugee children resettled in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, non-blinded trial in which children aged 13-15 years and attending a secondary school were recruited. OB, WB, IM, and QoL were evaluated via the OB Questionnaire (OBQ11), the Well-Star Scale (WSS), the IM Scale (IMS), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The intervention group attended online occupational therapy classes. Online classes were carried out as five sessions per week, each session lasting 1 h, for 3 weeks. Questionnaires were performed at the outset of the study and following the training program. Overall, 52 refugee children were randomized into the intervention and control groups, each including 26 children. The mean OBQ11, WSS, IMS, and PedsQL scores significantly improved more in the intervention group than in the control group. This was the first study investigating the effects of a customized online training course on OB, WB, IM, and QoL in Syrian refugee children, also affected unfavorably by the COVID-19 lockdown. Our results showed significant improvements in all the study scales that we used to quantify the alterations in the aforementioned traits.

The effect of occupation-based postural stability training on postural stability and occupational performance in visually impaired individuals: A randomised controlled trial

Introduction

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of occupation-based postural stability training on occupational performance and postural stability in visually impaired individuals.

Method

The research was designed as pre-test/post-test, with two groups (study group and control group). A total of 34 individuals with visual impairment were randomly assigned to the two groups. Participants were evaluated using a sociodemographic information form, the Biodex Balance System for postural stability, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement for assessing performance and satisfaction of occupations and the semi-structured interview form. The control group received only postural stability training with the Biodex Balance System and the study group received individualised occupation-based postural stability training with the Biodex Balance System BBS during a 12-week intervention (24 sessions).

Results

A statistically significant difference was found between the postural stability values of the study group and the control group when looking at pre and post-training measurements ( p < 0.05). It was observed that there was an improvement in the postural stability of the participants in both groups. There was a statistically significant increase in the occupational performance and satisfaction of participants in the study group ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Adding person-centred, meaningful and purposeful occupations into rehabilitation programmes that use technological devices increases functionality in activities of daily living.

Recombinant human thyrotropin versus thyroid hormone withdrawal in differentiated thyroid carcinoma follow-up: a single center experience

INTRODUCTION

Our goal was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic utility of thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) and recombinant thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) methods in detecting recurrence/persistence (R/PD) of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).

METHODS

The study included 413 patients with DTC who underwent total thyroidectomy and had remnant ablation. DxWBS, s-Tg levels, R/PD were evaluated retrospectively. A s-Tg level≥2 ng/mL was considered as "positive s-Tg".

RESULTS

DxWBS and s-Tg levels were evaluated with rhTSH in 116 and THW in 297 subjects, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of "positive s-Tg" for R/PD in THW group were 77.3% and 92.7%, with 90.3% accuracy, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of "positive s-Tg" for R/PD in rhTSH group were 58.8% and 100% with 93.9 % accuracy, respectively. An uptake outside thyroid bed at WBS showed a sensitivity of 17.1%, specificity of 100% for R/PD with 89.4% accuracy in THW group. An uptake outside thyroid bed at WBS showed a sensitivity of 7.7%, specificity of 100% for R/PD with 88.8% accuracy in rhTSH group.

CONCLUSION

Method of TSH stimulation did not influence the reliability of DxWBS. The "positive s-Tg level" had a higher sensitivity with THW when compared to rhTSH in detecting R/PD.

Serum chitotriosidase levels in cancer patients undergoing high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Human chitotriosidase (ChT) is an active chitinase expressed by activated phagocytes. Increased ChT activity has been reported in systemic Candida albicans infections and in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial infections, indicating that an increase in ChT activity reflects phagocyte activation. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in serum ChT activity in patients who underwent high dose chemotherapy (HDC) and stem cell transplantation (SCT), who are at an increased risk for fungal and bacterial infections due to depression of the immune system during the neutropenic period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 55 SCT patients were included in the study. Serum ChT activity was determined before the initiation of HDC and during the neutropenic period after hematopoietic stem cell reinfusion on post-transplant first, fifth and tenth days.

RESULTS

Chitotriosidase levels before transplantation were significantly lower than the results at first, fifth and tenth days post-hematopoietic stem cell reinfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the number of neutrophils was low, ChT enzyme activity was high in newly produced granules of neutrophils. Chitotriosidase may be supplemented as a drug for preventing and treating infections in the near future.