Articles

Comparison of Anxiety Levels Between Primigravida and Multigravida Pregnant Women in the Working Area of Bola Community Health Center, Sikka Regency

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Background: Anxiety during pregnancy is a common mental health concern arising from physiological and psychological changes that may adversely affect both maternal and fetal well-being. Primigravida women may experience heightened anxiety due to their first exposure to pregnancy, whereas anxiety among multigravida women may be shaped by previous pregnancy experiences. Anxiety that is not adequately managed during pregnancy may result in significant physical and psychological consequences, including prolonged labor, preeclampsia, postpartum depression, and developmental impairments in the infant.

Objective: This study aimed to compare anxiety levels between primigravida and multigravida pregnant women in the working area of Bola Community Health Center Sikka Regency.

Methods: This quantitative study employed an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. Stratified random sampling was used to recruit 40 pregnant women, consisting of 18 primigravida and 22 multigravida participants. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and the Mann–Whitney test for group comparison.

Results: No significant difference in anxiety levels was observed between primigravida and multigravida participants, with p-value 0.095 (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Anxiety levels did not differ significantly between primigravida and multigravida pregnant women in the working area of Bola Community Health Center Sikka Regency.

Pets as Healers: The Role of Pets in Promoting Owners’ Mental Well-being among Adults in Bangkok, Thailand

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This study aims to investigate the relationship between pet ownership, pet attachment, and mental well-being among adults in Bangkok, Thailand. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting quantitative data through standardized self-report questionnaires and demographic information. A total of 61 participants completed the survey, including both pet owners and non-owners. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, independent sample t-tests, and multiple regression analyses will be used to examine whether pet attachment significantly predicts mental well-being outcomes. Preliminary descriptive results suggest that most participants own dogs and cats, report moderate-to-high levels of pet attachment, and perceive psychological benefits such as reduced loneliness and emotional comfort. The findings are expected to provide evidence on the psychological benefits of pet companionship and inform future mental health interventions.

Characteristic of Anxiety Levels and Risk Factors Among Fishermen with Hypertension in Coastal Lampung

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Anxiety disorders are mental health problems that frequently affect vulnerable groups. In Indonesia, the prevalence of anxiety disorders is 6.9% among individuals aged 55–64 years, 9.7% among those aged 65–74 years, and 13.4% among those over 75 years (Ministry of Health, 2020). This study aims to provide an overview of anxiety levels among hypertensive fishermen. A quantitative observational study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. The study was carried out from February to May 2025 in the coastal area of Lampung, specifically in the working area of the Sukaraja Health Center, Bandar Lampung City. The study population consisted of 100 hypertensive fishermen. Anxiety levels were measured using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), and blood pressure was also measured. The results showed that 60 fishermen (60%) did not experience anxiety (32%) had mild anxiety,  (6%) had moderate anxiety, and  (2%) experienced severe anxiety. Risk factors associated with mild anxiety included adult age (37.6%), low education (35.9%), low income (27.8%), family support (32.1%), working morning shifts (34,6%), poor sleep quality (35.8%), exposure to bad weather (41.2%), social conflict (41.8%), and uncontrolled hypertension treatment (30.1%).

Prevalence and Comorbidity of Generalized Anxiety and Depression among Medical Students at Selected Universities in Lusaka, Zambia

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Research shows that medical students suffer from anxiety and depression, which are the 2 biggest mental health disorders, and their health only deteriorates upon entering the medical field. Although studies have been conducted to investigate their existence, very few to none have explored their prevalence and association amongst medical students in Zambia. This study will therefore investigate on the prevalence and comorbidity of both anxiety and depression amongst medical students in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 376 medical students from 2 medical universities which were selected using a combination of convenience and voluntary sampling techniques. The Patient health questionnaire was used to assess depression whilst the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale was used to assess anxiety amongst medical students. The data was analyzed using both Descriptive statistics, specifically measures of central tendencies and cross-tabulation were used to explain the study participant in relation to study variables. The study employed inferential statistics, specifically, the Pearson’s Product Moment correlation coefficient (r) was used to measure the correlation between anxiety and depression. The study revealed that the prevalence of depression amongst the participants was 68% and the comorbidity of anxiety and depression was found to be 60.4% (p < 0.001). The study revealed high prevalence and comorbidity of anxiety and depression. Universities should collaborate with non-governmental organizations to treat, educate and improve on the management of anxiety and depression among medical students.

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health from a Psychological Perspective: A Review of the Contemporary Literature

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Social media has become deeply embedded in society, with most individuals spending several hours on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter each day. While social media provides opportunities for connection, entertainment, and information, increasing research indicates use can negatively impact mental health. This paper reviews literature examining the psychological effects of social media on wellbeing. Key areas explored include social comparison and its links to depression and anxiety, exposure to idealized self-representation and impacts on body image, online harassment and cyberbullying, associations between social media addiction and mental distress, fear of missing out (FOMO), and sleep issues. The complex bi-directional relationship between social media and mental health is discussed, acknowledging both potential benefits and drawbacks. Recommendations are provided for individuals aiming to use social media in a psychologically healthy way, as well as areas needing further research. Ultimately, moderate usage paired with conscious digital habits may allow society to harness social media’s upsides while minimizing its risks to well-being.

The Relationship between Intensity of Gadget Use with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Students in Metro, Lampung, Indonesia

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The number of gadget users (smartphones) globally is increasing yearly. Gadgets are also used as learning media and entertainment for students, so the possibility of negative impacts from using gadgets cannot be avoided. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the intensity of gadget use and depression, anxiety, and stress in students. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 461 students recruited using a multistage random sampling technique, from six public high schools (SMAN) in Metro, Lampung, Indonesia, from February to May 2023. The instruments used were the gadget usage intensity questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)—analysis with a Chi-Square correlation test. The results of the study show that there is a significant relationship between the intensity of gadget use and depression (ρ-value < 0.001), anxiety (ρ-value < 0.001), and stress (ρ-value < 0.001). This study concludes that the intensity of using gadgets is related to depression, anxiety and stress in high school students in Metro City, Lampung, Indonesia. It is recommended that schools carry out outreach and education to students to be wiser in using gadgets and to follow up on respondents who experience health problems with depression, anxiety, and stress by coordinating with parents so that they can receive further treatment at health care facilities.

A Survey on the Perceived Impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Dental Undergraduate Students in the North Gujarat Region, India

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Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare the perceived impact of covid 19 pandemic on dental undergraduate students in the north Gujarat region.

Objective: To assess & compare the percentage difference in impact of covid 19 on dental undergraduate students based on their academic year.

Material and method: This questionnaire study utilized a validated 28 questions survey. The questionnaire distributed to 200 dental undergraduate students. The questions were divided into categories : demographic and academic information, study career, knowledge about covid 19 infection, risk perception and psychological reactions. The survey was administered through online google form and all the responses kept confidential. The impact of covid 19 on students were recorded.

Result: The questionnaire was completed by 160 students (80%). Responses were from all the academic years in which majority of respondents were interns. Most of the students experienced difficulties in clinical training during and post COVID-19 emergency due to lack of patients’ OPD and reduced training hours. For over half of them online teaching could  replace traditional face-to-face lessons. The negative impact on the study career was particularly high by interns. The level of concern of contracting COVID-19 during clinical activities were higher among students. Most of the students showed symptoms related to high to moderate levels of fear and anxiety. Conclusion: The data showed that the students perceived the COVID-19 pandemic as a negative impact on their study career and their future practice with higher impact on interns compared to other years. Most of the students showed  high to moderate levels of fear and anxiety related to effect of pandemic on their study career. This data could help universities to implement communication modalities to reduce students’ fear and anxiety.

A Questionnaire Based Study to Evaluate the Prevalence of Mental Stress among Undergraduates in an Engineering College in South Gujarat, India

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Background: In the last few years, there has been an increase in mental stress and consequently mental illness and suicide rates worldwide. Young adults entering college are one of the most vulnerable population due to the major transition from teenage to adulthood. This study evaluates the prevalence of mental stress among the engineering college students.

Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey conducted in an engineering college after obtaining approval from the institutional ethical board and the Dean of the college. The questionnaire was distributed online via Google form links using a non-probability sampling approach. The questionnaire contained two parts – first part contained questions regarding the demographic details of the students and the second part contained ten multiple-choice questions to assess the mental health of students. The questions were inspired from the questionnaires available online from previous studies on similar topics as well as by patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) which is used for screening and diagnosing individuals with anxiety, stress and depression. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze and report results.

Results: A total of 246 completely filled questionnaires were evaluated. The age range of study population was from 17 to 26 years with mean age being 20.85 ± 3.16 years. 61.79% were male. Approximately half of the study population showed some symptoms of mental stress and depression such as little interest in doing things, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, change in eating habits and being fidgety or slow. 48.78% students felt bad about themselves and 19.51% had thoughts of self-harm several days a week. Majority of the students believed that mental health awareness programs will be beneficial for their psychological well-being.

Conclusion: The prevalence of stress among the engineering college students was quite high. Various measures such as awareness, counseling, and mentorship program, as well as reducing their academic burden may help them to cope with stress in a better way.

Social Media Addiction Effects on Well-Being among Tertiary School Graders an Empirical Study in Viaskhapatnam

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Psychological well-being has become one of the crucial aspects of modern psychology. It has attracted not only psychologists but also medical practitioners in compliance with the mental health, emotions, depression, stress, etc. of the individual’s academic and social life. Right from the existence of behavioral sciences, efforts have been made by researchers of different disciplines to get a deep understanding of the various and different dimensions and correlates of psychological well-being. Social media platforms are an online association site where individuals cooperate to construct, offer and change their thought and remarks concerning any data. Over the past decade, online long distance social networking communication has brought significant changes in the way people communicate and collaborate.

The study aimed to determine the impact of social media’s early health issues such as student depression and anxiety.

A descriptive study was conducted among Tertiary level educated students in Visakhapatnam with a sample of 130 respondents. It included questions on demographical information, the pattern of social networking usage, social relationship, and health effects.

Results: Present study results found that there is a significant association between time spent on social media and the number of social networking apps. There is a positive correlation between Depression feelings with serious active on social networking apps than in real life.

Conclusion: This study concludes that more usage of social networking sites is affecting the Tertiary school student’s well-being such as depression and anxiety.

Sleeping Disorders as a Symptom of Depression

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Recently, people pay less attention to their sleep since there are a lot of stimulants to keep them awake more than sleeping. According to many reports, the results have shown that many are facing a serious condition, which is sleeping disorder.  This condition is related to sleep and affects the ability to sleep well on a regular basis. It is a serious problem that if left untreated, the condition can lead to many more severe problems. There is a significant correlation between sleeping disorder and depression which is called “bidirectional relationship”. The studies show that sleeping disorders are a “symptom” of almost all types of depression such as Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder and so forth. On the other hand, depression itself can also be a cause of sleeping disorders. In addition, the studies show chronic sleep deprivation can cause the changes in Serotonin, which is the brain’s neurotransmitter, and will have a chance to lead to depression greater than acute sleep deprivation. As a result, people should raise awareness in sleeping and usually examine their sleep. To have less chance of depression, a person requires a healthy sleep period and effective care.