Patients and Study DesignThe study recruited 800 consecutive patients with HF who were hospitalized between 2018 and 2019 at the Gunma Prefectural Cardiovascular Center. After excluding patients who died during hospitalization, 743 patients who were discharged were enrolled.SRC was conducted by professional nutritionists (registered dietitians) to help HF patients reduce salt intake to <6 g/day after discharge. The counseling session was held once during HF hospitalization, and session lasted at least 30 min. Patients were followed up after discharge to record any deaths or HF rehospitalization events, which were analyzed as outcomes, together with the combined outcome of with or without SRC.
The purpose of the present study was to clarify the long-term effects of frequent chewing of unflavored and odorless gum (hereafter, gum base) on oral hygiene and mental health. This single-arm study, which started with a 4-week control and ended with a 4-week intervention period, was conducted in two phases: one in 2017 and one in 2018. The participants comprised 36 dental hygiene students (17 in 2017, 19 in 2018). During the intervention period, all participants were required to chew a piece of gum base 7 times a day for 10 min each time. The unstimulated salivary flow rate and masticatory efficiency were measured and chewing number counted. Two questionnaires -the Profile of Mood States, second edition (POMS2) and the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30)-were administered to assess mental health. In both phases, the unstimulated salivary flow rate showed a significant increase after the intervention period (p<0.05). In 2017, the GHQ-30 scores and masticatory efficiency showed a tendency toward a negative correlation after the intervention period (r=-0.4647, p=0.06). In 2018, a significant negative correlation was observed between chewing number and the POMS2 scores after the intervention period (r=-0.6296, p<0.01). These findings suggest that frequent chewing of gum base increases unstimulated salivary flow rate. However, no significant change was observed in the mental health.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s emergency declarations in Japan may have influenced people’s mental health. In particular, among women, there are concerns about the occurrence of neuroses, such as depression and anxiety.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify the factors related to mental distress among women in Japan who were raising children amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
An online survey was conducted in 2020 among 730 Japanese women raising preschoolers. The survey included questions about child-rearing, anxiety, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The average age of the respondents was 34.4 years (21–52 years), and 31.5% of the respondents were living in “Prefectures under Specific Cautions” areas.
Results:
The prevalence of clinically significant levels of mental distress according to GHQ-12 scores was 41.5%. The highest predictor of mental distress was “Maternal anxiety about child-rearing” (Odds Ratio = 3.27, 95% Confidence Interval: 2.41–4.45). Other factors that affected their mental condition included concerns about children’s health and avoiding visiting hospitals for treatment.
Conclusion:
Mothers raising preschoolers experienced increased mental distress because of pandemic-related closures and heightened maternal anxiety about child-rearing. Thus, women who are raising preschoolers and confined to their homes need to be provided mental healthcare.
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