Depression Screening Using Daily Mental-Health Ratings from a Smartphone Application for Breast Cancer Patients

BackgroundMobile mental-health trackers are mobile phone apps that gather self-reported mental-health ratings from users. They have received great attention from clinicians as tools to screen for depression in individual patients. While several apps that ask simple questions using face emoticons have been developed, there has been no study examining the validity of their screening performance.ObjectiveIn this study, we (1) evaluate the potential of a mobile mental-health tracker that uses three daily mental-health ratings (sleep satisfaction, mood, and anxiety) as indicators for depression, (2) discuss three approaches to data processing (ratio, average, and frequency) for generating indicator variables, and (3) examine the impact of adherence on reporting using a mobile mental-health tracker and accuracy in depression screening.MethodsWe analyzed 5792 sets of daily mental-health ratings collected from 78 breast cancer patients over a 48-week period. Using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as the measure of true depression status, we conducted a random-effect logistic panel regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the screening performance of the mobile mental-health tracker. In addition, we classified patients into two subgroups based on their adherence level (higher adherence and lower adherence) using a k-means clustering algorithm and compared the screening accuracy between the two groups.ResultsWith the ratio approach, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) is 0.8012, indicating that the performance of depression screening using daily mental-health ratings gathered via mobile mental-health trackers is comparable to the results of PHQ-9 tests. Also, the AUC is significantly higher (P=.002) for the higher adherence group (AUC=0.8524) than for the lower adherence group (AUC=0.7234). This result shows that adherence to self-reporting is associated with a higher accuracy of depression screening.ConclusionsOur results support the potential of a mobile mental-health tracker as a tool for screening for depression in practice. Also, this study provides clinicians with a guideline for generating indicator variables from daily mental-health ratings. Furthermore, our results provide empirical evidence for the critical role of adherence to self-reporting, which represents crucial information for both doctors and patients.     

Self-Efficacy Mediates the Associations of Social Support and Depression with Treatment Adherence in Heart Failure Patients

Background

Nonadherence to treatment recommendations is a leading preventable cause of rehospitalization and premature mortality in chronic heart failure (HF) patients.

Purpose

This study examined whether self-efficacy mediates the contributions of social support and depression to treatment adherence.

Methods

A sample of 252 HF outpatients with a mean age of 54 years completed self-report questionnaires assessing depression, perceived social support, self-efficacy, and treatment adherence.

Results

Self-efficacy mediated the associations of social support and depression with treatment adherence after adjusting for demographic (age, gender, marital status, education, and ethnicity) and medical (New York Heart Association Classification and comorbidity) covariates.

Conclusion

Self-efficacy explains the influence of social support and depression on treatment adherence and may be a key target for interventions to improve disease management and self-care behaviors in HF patients.     

Relationship Between Health-Related Quality of Life Measures and High HIV Viral Load in HIV-Infected Triple-Class-Experienced Patients

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been recognized as a central measure of the overall health status in HIV patients. With the availability of different highly effective drug combinations, maximizing quality-adjusted survival has become a major target of HIV treatment. Although the association of HIV RNA and CD4 cell count with clinical HIV progression has been well established, the relation between these markers and HRQoL measures is still unclear. Method: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship linking HIV RNA and CD4 to HRQoL measures in 181 triple-class-experienced patients with advanced HIV disease. The instrument used was the ISSQoL, a self-administered and HIV-specific HRQoL questionnaire. Results: Data showed no correlation between HRQoL measures and CD4 counts. Higher HIV RNA levels were, however, associated with poor HRQoL scores in 3 out of 9 scales of social functioning, depression and anxiety, and satisfaction with quality of life. In multivariable analyses, only the satisfaction with quality of life mean score remained significantly lower for the HIV RNA >100,000 copies/mL group compared to the HIV RNA 50 to 10,000 copies/mL group. Conclusions: Although other determinants of HRQoL in people with HIV should also be considered, this finding suggests a negative impact of high viral load on perceived HRQoL that adds to other described determinants of lower quality of life in people with HIV, such as lower social support and self-reported symptoms.     

Impairments in life satisfaction in infertility: Associations with perceived stress,affectivity, partnership quality,social support and the desire to have a child

Abstract

Between 10% and 15% of couples in western society are affected by infertility. As a major source of psychological distress, infertility may be accompanied by a substantial decline in well-being, and mental symptoms including those of depression and anxiety. This study aimed to quantify impairments in life satisfaction in infertile couples and to identify psychosocial variables moderating these impairments. For this purpose, 228 infertile couples completed the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSQ), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), Partnership Questionnaire (PQ), Social Support Questionnaire, (SSQ) and Questionnaire on the Desire to Have a Child (QDC). Our sample scored below the norm of the general population on the LSQ sum score and various subscales, including those assessing social relationships, health, sexuality, leisure activities, and self-evaluation. Correlation and regression analysis revealed an inverse association of life satisfaction (LSQ) with stress (PSQ), negative affect (PANAS), and worry (PSWQ), and positive associations with positive affect (PANAS), partnership quality (PQ), social support (SSQ), and the strength of the desire to have a child (QDC). These findings support the notion of markedly reduced satisfaction with numerous life areas in the context of infertility. Psychosocial factors such as increased stress related to infertility treatment, affective impairments, partnership problems, lack of social support or social exclusion may contribute to this reduction. Psychological interventions aimed at controlling stress, strengthening partnerships, and improving social inclusion may be helpful in reducing the burden of infertility and improving the life satisfaction of affected couples.     

Impact of family environment and support on adherence,metabolic control,and quality of life in adolescents with diabetes

Background: Diabetes is a common disease in pediatric populations. Family functioning has been related to child adaptation to diabetes. Purpose: To determine the impact of family factors on diabetes, particularly the influence of family support and family environment on adherence to treatment, quality of life, and metabolic control in Portuguese adolescents with type 1 diabetes, taking in consideration age, sex, duration of disease, and social class. Method: This study used a cross-sectional design. A sample of 157 Portuguese diabetic patients filled disease-specific measures on adherence and quality of life and family functioning measures. Hypotheses were that family support and an organized family environment (high cohesion and low conflict) would be positively associated with better adherence, metabolic control, and quality of life. Results: This study’s results confirmed that adherence was predicted by family support for females and lower-class patients while metabolic control was predicted by family conflict for upper-class patients. Quality of life was predicted by lack of family conflict and family social support for both males and females as well as lower-class patients. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of studying family variables in adolescents’ diabetes care within the wider cultural factors affecting the patient.     

2型糖尿病患者生活质量与抑郁状态、社会支持的关系

目的评估2型糖尿病患者生活质量与抑郁状态、社会支持的关系。方法应用Zung氏抑郁自评量表(SDS)、社会支持评定量表(SSRS)与糖尿病特异性生活质量量表(A-DQOL)对临床确诊的82例2型糖尿病患者进行调查。结果①男性忧虑程度Ⅰ得分较女性高(t=2.019,P<0.05);年龄<50岁者忧虑程度Ⅰ得分较≥50岁者高(t=2.286,P<0.05);②2型糖尿病合并抑郁状态发生率为69.5%,生活质量显著下降;③客观支持低者满意度、忧虑程度Ⅱ得分高(t=2.918,2.540,P均<0.05);④生活质量与客观支持呈负相关,与SDS评分呈正相关;⑤SDS评分及客观支持可以较好地预测满意度;SDS评分还可较好地预测影响程度、忧虑程度Ⅰ和Ⅱ。结论抑郁状态与客观支持是影响2型糖尿病患者生活质量的主要因素,SDS评分可以较好地预测生活质量。     

Decision-making support among racial and ethnic minorities diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer: A systematic review of the literature

ObjectiveTo describe the types of decision-making support interventions offered to racial and ethnic minority adults diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer and to draw any associations between these interventions and patient-reported quality of life (QoL) outcomes.MethodsWe conducted literature searches in five bibliographic databases. Studies were screened through independent review and assessed for quality. Results were analyzed using inductive qualitative methods to determine thematic commonalities and synthesized in narrative form.ResultsSearches across five databases yielded 2496 records, which were screened by title/abstract and full-text to identify 10 studies meeting inclusion criteria. The use of decision aids (DAs), trained personnel, delivery models and frameworks, and educational materials were notable decision-making support interventions. Analysis revealed six thematic areas: 1) Personalized reports; 2) Effective communication; 3) Involvement in decision-making; 4) Health literacy; 5) Social support; and 6) Feasibility in clinical setting.ConclusionEvidence suggests decision-making support interventions are associated with positive outcomes of racial and ethnic minorities with patient-reported factors like improved patient engagement, less decisional regret, higher satisfaction, improved communication, awareness of health literacy and cultural competence.Practice implicationsFuture decision-making interventions for racial and ethnic minority cancer patients should focus on social determinants of health, social support systems, and clinical outcomes like QoL and survival.     

个体及集体干预对维持性血液透析患者生存质量的影响

背景：随着血液透析技术的不断改进,维持性血液透析患者的长期生存率亦不断上升,如何提高其生存质量,已经引起患者乃至全社会的广泛关注,也逐渐成为综合评价透析效果的可靠指标。 目的：探讨个体化干预与集体化干预对维持性血液透析患者生存质量的影响。 方法：选择透析时间大于3个月的维持性血液透析患者80例,采用随机数字表法分为试验组和对照组,每组40例。对照组患者在血液透析常规护理的基础上,按预先制定的周计划进行个体化护理干预,为期6周;试验组患者在对照组干预基础上,按预先制定的周计划进行集体化护理干预,为期6周。干预前后,均采用简明健康状况调查表(MOS 36-item short form health survey,SF-36)和终末期肾脏疾病透析患者调查简表(kidney disease quality of life short form,KDQOL-SFTM)评价2组患者生存质量变化。 结果与结论：干预后2组患者SF-36及KQQOL-SF评分均高于干预前(P < 0.01);试验组患者SF-36体能影响、整体健康、情感状态、情感影响、社会功能、精力等6个维度评分高于对照组干预后水平(P < 0.01);试验组患者KQQOL-SF社交质量、睡眠、社会支持、患者满意度4个维度评分高于对照组同期水平(P < 0.01)。提示个体化干预及在个体化干预基础上进行集体化干预均能提高维持性血液透析患者的生存质量,同时后者能从生理、心理、社会等多个方面更好的改善患者生存质量。     

The role of patient attachment and working alliance on patient adherence, satisfaction, and health-related quality of life in lupus treatment

Objective

Researchers tested the hypothesis that patients’ working alliance with their physicians, and patients’ attachment styles would predict patients’ adherence, satisfaction, and health-related quality of life.

Methods

One hundred ninety-three patients diagnosed with lupus participated in an online survey. They completed measures of the Physician–Patient Alliance Inventory, Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, SF-36, General Adherence Inventory, and the Medical Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Results

Working alliance was significantly and positively associated with all three outcome variables of adherence, satisfaction, and quality of life. Attachment avoidance was significantly and negatively related to adherence, and attachment anxiety was significantly and negatively related to health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

A working alliance between physician and patient, characterized by agreement communication on goals and tasks of treatment, along with trust and patient liking of his/her doctor, predicts patient adherence, satisfaction, and quality of life. Psychological dimensions of attachment also predict patient adherence and quality of life.

Practice implications

Doctors and other health service providers ought to actively set goals and tasks of treatment, and foster patient trust and liking. A strong relationship with patients can increase treatment efficacy and effectiveness and improve outcomes for individuals with debilitating chronic illnesses such as lupus.     

Predicting health-related quality of life in dialysis patients: Factors related to negative outcome expectancies and social support

ObjectivesDialysis patients report a low health-related quality of life (HRQOL) due to high disease burden and far-reaching consequences of dialysis treatment. This study examined several cognitive-behavioral and social factors, with a focus on negative outcome expectancies, that might be relevant for HRQOL in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients treated with dialysis.MethodsPatients treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis were recruited from Dutch hospitals and dialysis centers. Patients completed self-report questionnaires at baseline (n = 175) and six months follow-up (n = 130). Multiple regression analyses were performed.ResultsHigher scores on factors related to negative outcome expectancies at baseline, especially helplessness and worrying, and less perceived social support were significantly related to worse HRQOL six months later. When controlling for baseline HRQOL, besides sex and comorbidity, helplessness remained significantly predictive of worse HRQOL six months later, indicating that helplessness is associated with changes in HRQOL over time.ConclusionsNegative outcome expectancies and social support are relevant markers for HRQOL and/or changes in HRQOL over time.Practice implicationsNegative outcome expectancies could be prevented or diminished by enhanced treatment information, an improved patient-clinician relationship, and interventions that promote adaptive and realistic expectations. Additionally, increasing supportive social relationships could be a relevant treatment focus.     

The Physician–Patient Working Alliance in Hemodialysis Treatment

Over the past 20 years, the role of psychological and social factors, including the physician–patient working alliance, have emerged as integral components of medical care for patients with a myriad of health conditions. The current study examines a model comprised of psychological–interpersonal factors and the extent to which it explains patient satisfaction with and adherence to hemodialysis treatment. One hundred and seven adults with end-stage renal disease who were receiving regular outpatient hemodialysis participated in the study. Path analyses show that the physician–patient working alliance indirectly predicts patient adherence through patient satisfaction and patients' outcome expectations. The working alliance directly predicts patients' quality of life. It is concluded that consistent with previous research, the physician–patient working alliance is a significant factor in predicting key patient behaviors in medical care.     

SUPPORT,SENSE OF COMMUNITY,AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STATUS IN THE SURVIVORS OF THE YAAN EARTHQUAKE

This research examined associations among social support, governmental support, sense of community, and psychological status, including depression and life satisfaction, in Yaan earthquake survivors, based on a cross‐sectional survey conducted in June 2014. The survey applied a nonprobability sampling method and a total of 495 survivors aged 18 years and older completed the questionnaire. Regression analyses revealed that social support and sense of community were associated with depression. Sense of community mediated the relationships between depression and both social and governmental support. Governmental support and sense of community were associated with life satisfaction. Sense of community mediated the relationships between life satisfaction and both social and governmental support. The findings suggest that social support, governmental support, and sense of community would enhance the psychological well‐being of disaster survivors.     

Citalopram for the Prevention of Depression and Its Consequences in HIV-Hepatitis C Coinfected Individuals Initiating Pegylated Interferon/Ribavirin Therapy: A Multicenter Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Depression related to interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is common, may reduce adherence, and can be treatment limiting. HIV-HCV coinfected persons experience lower sustained virologic response rates and commonly have psychiatric comorbidities, thus they may benefit from prevention of depression. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether prophylactic citalopram can increase HCV treatment adherence and reduce the incidence of moderate depression in HIV-HCV coinfected patients initiating PEG-IFN-α/ribavirin therapy. Methods: This was an investigator-initiated Canadian multicenter randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. HIV-HCV coinfected patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive citalopram or placebo 3 weeks prior to starting PEG-IFN-α2b/ribavirin, stratified by study center and HCV genotype. The protocol design permitted the comparison of prophylaxis with the treatment of emergent depression. The primary outcomes were adherence (assessed through questionnaire and returned medication) and time to moderate depression measured by Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score greater than 15, confirmed 2 weeks apart. Results: Seventy-six patients (36 citalopram/40 placebo) were randomized. Overall adherence was high, ranging from 95% (week 12) to 91% (week 48). There was no difference between arms with respect to mean or median adherence at any study time point. Cumulative incidence of moderate depression did not differ significantly by group (log rank P = .32). The hazard ratio for moderate depression was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.26 to 2.54) for citalopram compared with placebo when adjusted for baseline BDI-II score. Conclusions: A strategy of prophylactic citalopram compared to treatment of emergent depression was not associated with higher adherence or a reduction in treatment-limiting depression nor did it significantly reduce depressive symptoms among HIV-HCV coinfected persons during treatment for HCV.     

Effects of Social Ties on Self-rated Physical Health Among African American Adults

ObjectivesTo examine associations between social ties and self-rated physical health among midlife and older African Americans.MethodsCross-sectional analysis of the 2005-2006 Milwaukee African American oversample of the second Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS II) study. Multivariate logistic regression examined associations between type of social ties (family or friends), their frequency (number of contacts), and their quality (support and strain) with better self-rated physical health (SRPH). We defined better SRPH to include self-reports of good, very good, or excellent SRPH; this category was compared with fair or poor SRPH. Control variables included demographic factors; social engagement characteristics such as working, volunteering, and caregiving; and measures of social structure such as types of discrimination experience and ratings of neighborhood quality.ResultsIn adjusted results, each additional degree of family support was associated with better self-rated physical health (odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.22). Each additional reported incident of daily discrimination was associated with 9% lower odds of reporting better SRPH (OR, 0.91; CI, 0.83-0.99).DiscussionResults suggest quality of family support may contribute importantly to the health of African Americans. When working with midlife and older African Americans, providers should engage and support families as a vital resource to improve health.     

Beyond social support: using family expectations to predict psychological adjustment in end-stage renal disease patients

One hundred fifty-nine hemodialysis patients completed questionnaires measuring three interpersonal processes, specifically, family expectations, social support, and negative support, and psychological adjustment as measured by depression, optimism, and quality of life. Follow-up assessments were collected three months later. Cross-sectionally family expectations predicted depression when social support was controlled and both depression and quality of life when negative support was controlled. Prospectively, family expectations predicted depression at Time 2 after controlling for social support. Family expectations also predicted depression, optimism and quality of life at Time 2 after controlling for negative support. Implications for designing relevant intervention research are discussed.     

The effect of home care based on the Neuman systems model on symptomatic relief and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis

BackgroundChronic renal failure (CRF) is an important common health problem with high morbidity and mortality rate in the world and in Turkey.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to determine the effect of home care based on the Neuman Systems Model on relief of physical and psychological symptoms and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis.MethodsThis study was conducted as a pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial. The sample of the study was composed of 160 hemodialysis patients. The patients were randomly and sequentially assigned to experimental and control groups as 80 hemodialysis patients.ResultsAfter the intervention, it was determined that the symptoms levels of the patients in the experimental group reduced and their quality of life increased.ConclusionThe care provided based on the Neuman Systems Model reduced the symptoms of the patients having hemodialysis treatment and enhanced their quality of life. Care given using a model is important in improving the quality of life of hemodialysis patients.     

Course of social support and relationships between social support and life satisfaction in spouses of patients with stroke in the chronic phase

Objective

To describe the course of social support in spouses of patients with stroke, and to examine direct and indirect relationships between social support and life satisfaction over time.

Methods

Prospective cohort study (N = 180) with measurements at 2 months after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, 1 year, and 3 years after stroke. Social support was assessed using the Social Support List-12, Life satisfaction with the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-9) and Caregiver strain with the Caregiver Strain Index. Random coefficient analyses was used.

Results

Total social support and the 3 subtypes of social support decreased significantly over time. In all models, caregiver strain was associated with lower life satisfaction and social support was associated with higher life satisfaction, but there were no interaction effects between caregiver strain and social support on life satisfaction.

Conclusion

Spouses of patients with stroke experienced a decline of social support over time. Social support was positively associated with life satisfaction, regardless of the amount of caregiver strain experienced by the spouses.

Practice implications

It is important to discuss with caregivers of stroke patients the importance of maintaining their own social contacts and to facilitate this by arranging support if appropriate.     

血液透析患者的抑郁发生及其相关因素研究

目的了解血液透析患者抑郁的发生与社会支持、应对方式的关系以及各因素之间的相关性。方法采用问卷调查的形式对行血液透析治疗的68例患者进行抑郁及其社会支持、应对方式的调查。结果66.2%的血液透析患者处于不同程度的抑郁状态;血液透析患者非抑郁组与抑郁组,在人均月收入方面有显著性差异(P<0.05);两组在社会支持方面无显著性差异(P>0.05);在应对方式中,两组在解决问题、自责、幻想、退避方面有显著性差异(P<0.05);在相关性方面,抑郁与应对方式量表中的解决问题、求助因子之间有显著负相关,与幻想、退避因子正相关极显著;应对方式量表中,解决问题、求助因子与社会支持显著正相关;退避因子与抑郁之间存在线性关系。结论血液透析患者抑郁的发生率高,经济状况对透析患者抑郁的产生有着重要的影响;血液透析患者在生活中多使用"退避"等消极的应对方式,消极的应对方式可以加重或促发血液透析患者的抑郁情绪;良好的社会支持可以改善血液透析患者的应对方式,从而减轻或缓解患者的抑郁状态。     

Psychological effects and mediators of a group multi-component program for breast cancer survivors

This study evaluated the short-term impact of YWCA Encore, a mixed-modality group exercise and information support program for breast cancer patients situated in the community setting. Australian post-surgical breast cancer patients (N = 162) were assigned to either the 8-week Encore intervention or a Waitlist control. Intervention impact was assessed in terms of quality of life, cancer-specific distress, and social support. Changes in familiarity with exercise, self-efficacy and social support were tested as mediators of the intervention impact on quality of life. Overall adherence and satisfaction with the program were high. Significant enhancements at follow-up for quality of life and social support were evident for intervention compared with control participants. Familiarity with exercise and self-efficacy satisfied the requirements for mediation of quality of life. These findings provide evidence for psychosocial benefits of YWCA Encore multi-component program and support the use of such community-based programs for breast cancer survivors. The role of exercise familiarity and self-efficacy as probable mediators of the multi-component intervention is a critical finding and highlights the need for future investigations into the underlying mediating processes of similar interventions for cancer patients.     

Evaluation of the Patient Medication Adherence Questionnaire As a Tool for Self-Reported Adherence Assessment in HIV-Infected Patients on Antiretroviral Regimens

Abstract

Purpose: Adherence to antiretroviral medications is critically important for the success of therapy in patients treated for HIV infection. Patient self-report is a simple method to measure and explore adherence. Even though a variety of surveys have been developed to monitor self-reported adherence, there is no standardized instrument that may be used in routine clinical practice. The usefulness of the Patient Medication Adherence Questionnaire (PMAQ) was evaluated in HIV-infected patients on protease inhibitor (PI)-containing regimens. Method: Data from 149 patients were collected. Study participants completed the PMAQ and provided blood samples to measure plasma HIV-1 RNA concentrations and trough plasma levels of PI. Patients were considered adherent if they had a virologic response and/or had an adequate trough plasma level of PI. Results: A close relationship was found between patient reports of adherence during the previous 4 days and objective measures such as HIV RNA level and plasma levels of PI. Motivation with regard to antiretroviral treatment, confidence in personal skills, and an optimistic attitude to life were identified as important determinants of adherence. On the other hand, sociodemographic background, social support, alcohol and illicit drug use, bothersome symptoms, and depression were not associated with a lower medication adherence. Conclusion: Patients’ psychological and behavioral factors are central in the acceptance and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. To improve the feasibility and the reproducibility of the PMAQ, we propose a revised form of the PMAQ, focusing on the variables identified as strong predictors of adherence.