Mental Health

Researchers are investigating the relationship between functional measures of balance and gait and objective kinetic and kinematic parameters in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This cross-sectional observational study aims to understand how biomechanical gait and balance data collected through the Vicon motion analysis system relate to clinical assessments of balance, gait, and physical performance. The study seeks to identify which biomechanical factors are most closely linked to functional abilities and mobility challenges in MS. Participants will attend a single laboratory session where they will undergo biomechanical analysis of balance and gait using the Vicon motion capture system. They will also complete standardized functional tests including the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Functional Gait Assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, and a 2-Minute Walk Test. Additionally, they will fill out questionnaires assessing fear of falling and fatigue and have their lower-limb spasticity evaluated with the modified Ashworth Scale. During the session, which takes about 40 minutes for the primary kinetic and kinematic analysis and additional time for functional assessments, researchers will collect detailed movement data alongside clinical measures. This data will be analyzed to explore correlations between biomechanical parameters and functional outcomes. The study includes assessments of postural control, gait performance, physical endurance, fatigue, and spasticity. The findings aim to improve understanding of movement impairments in MS and support better clinical assessments and rehabilitation approaches.

Researchers are evaluating erectile function changes in male patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for either a heart attack or stable angina. The study aims to understand how myocardial infarction affects erectile function over time and to explore whether erectile dysfunction can predict future cardiac events. This observational study compares erectile function between patients with myocardial infarction and those with stable angina using standardized questionnaires. Participants are grouped into two sets: those treated with PCI after a heart attack and those treated due to stable angina. Erectile function is assessed at baseline (after recovery from PCI), and at 3 and 6 months post-procedure using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Additional assessments include the Beck Depression Inventory and Fear of Cardiac Recurrence and Progression Scale. Researchers also collect clinical data such as cardiac vessel scores, ejection fraction, testosterone levels, body measurements, medication use, and the intervention method. During the study, male participants aged 30 to 75 will complete face-to-face interviews and questionnaires at specified intervals: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after PCI. The study measures changes in erectile function scores over time and examines associations with cardiac health, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Safety and participation are monitored throughout the follow-up period. The total duration of involvement is up to 6 months, with evaluations focusing on erectile function and related health parameters.

This research aims to evaluate whether taking antipsychotic medication every other day is as effective as the usual daily dosing for people with schizophrenia or related disorders. The study also explores if the alternate day dosing reduces side effects compared to daily treatment. It is a randomized, double-blind trial designed to compare these two dosing schedules over one year. Participants will be randomly assigned to either continue their current daily antipsychotic medication (risperidone, olanzapine, or paliperidone) or switch to an alternate day dosing schedule. To maintain blinding, active medication and placebo capsules are provided in matching blister packs so participants and staff cannot tell which regimen is assigned. Doses range from 1 mg to 16 mg for risperidone, 5 mg to 20 mg for olanzapine, and 3 mg to 12 mg for paliperidone. Treatment is individualized, and other psychotropic medications can continue if stable. Participants will attend 22 visits over 52 weeks, with visits every two weeks for the first six months and monthly visits for the final six months. Researchers will assess symptom severity and side effects using several scales, including the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and multiple symptom and wellbeing questionnaires. The main outcome focuses on clinical deterioration at the start and end of the study. Safety and medication adherence will be closely monitored throughout the trial.

Researchers are evaluating the "One All" curriculum, which uses the sport Ultimate Frisbee to improve mental health resilience among young tribal people in two communities in South India. The study aims to see if this intervention is feasible and acceptable while assessing its effectiveness in building resilience and mental well-being. The research involves young tribal adults aged 12 to 25 years from Gudalur in Tamil Nadu and BR Hills in Karnataka. The intervention includes a three-year curriculum delivered by trained community facilitators who adapt the program to fit local needs. Participants attend two or more sessions each week, each lasting about one and a half hours. Sessions involve warm-up activities, drills, ultimate frisbee games with modified rules, and group discussions called spirit circles. The program focuses on developing skills such as self-management, social awareness, empathy, identity building, and conflict resolution. Participants undergo assessments before the program starts, after 12 months, and after 18 months. These include questionnaires measuring resilience (Child Youth Resilience Measure and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), mental health (GHQ12), and self-efficacy. Researchers will track attendance and reflections from sessions but will not access medical records. The study involves a baseline interview collecting socioeconomic data and assigns participants codes to protect privacy. Total participation lasts at least 18 months to evaluate outcomes.

This research aims to evaluate how a structured productivity training program affects nurses' perceived job stress and their attitudes toward productivity. The study is designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial with assessments before the training, immediately after, and three months later. Researchers want to see if nurses who receive the training report lower stress and better productivity attitudes compared to those who do not. The study involves two groups: an experimental group that receives a three-week productivity training totaling 20 hours, and a control group that receives no training during the same period. The training covers nursing productivity concepts, time and stress management, teamwork, leadership, digital tools, and coping with job stress. Various teaching methods like lectures, case studies, simulations, and group work are used to improve cognitive, emotional, and practical skills. Participants will complete assessments using the Nurses' Attitudes Toward Productivity Scale and the Perceived Job Stress Scale at three time points: before training, right after the training, and three months later. The control group also completes these assessments without receiving training during the study but will get access to the training materials afterward. The total study duration includes the training period plus follow-up assessments to monitor lasting effects.

Researchers are evaluating how forming a physical activity (PA) identity within families can promote long-term physical activity among children aged 6 to 12 years. The study compares an identity formation approach, which includes education and planning plus additional coaching, to a standard education and planning condition. The main goal is to see if children in the identity formation group increase their moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) more over six months. Participants are divided into two groups. One group receives sessions, informational booklets, and worksheets based on Canada's PA guidelines, focusing on how parents can support their child's physical activity through encouragement, logistical help, and doing activities together. This group also receives materials on healthy family eating. The other group receives the same materials plus two extra coaching sessions that include family PA identity activities, such as assigning fun PA roles to family members and creating family PA items like t-shirts and photos, to strengthen social identity related to physical activity. During the six-month study, researchers will monitor children's MVPA at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Additional assessments include parent-child activity tracking through accelerometers and self-reports, body measurements, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness tests, and social identity questionnaires. The study aims to understand how family support and identity impact children's physical activity and health outcomes, with the University of Victoria leading the research.

This research aims to evaluate whether creating dedicated HIV teams in hospitals across ten European countries can increase HIV testing rates among patients showing signs of HIV-related conditions. The study uses a stepped-wedge design, where hospitals switch from routine care to the new intervention in sequence. This approach compares outcomes before and after the teams are in place, helping to understand the impact of the intervention across various locations and medical specialties. The intervention involves establishing local HIV teams led by specialists and supported by nurses and data experts. These teams identify patients needing HIV tests through electronic health records, provide feedback to doctors to encourage testing, offer education to healthcare staff about HIV, reduce stigma, and improve connections to prevention and care services. This program integrates smoothly into regular hospital routines and aims to close gaps in HIV diagnosis. Participants' HIV testing rates will be monitored by reviewing records before and after the intervention. Researchers will also assess new HIV diagnoses, changes in testing patterns by country and specialty, and healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes toward HIV. The study includes ongoing evaluation of how well the teams operate, resource use, and cost-effectiveness. Data collection extends up to several years to observe long-term effects, with continuous monitoring of care access and prevention services.

Young adults aged 18 to 25 who experience frequent thoughts about killing themselves are the focus of this study, which evaluates the (cost-)effectiveness of Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) compared to Treatment As Usual (TAU). Suicide is a leading cause of death among young adults, and current treatments have limited success. This trial aims to determine if involving family through ABFT can better reduce suicidality and improve outcomes, informing clinical guidelines and care practices in Belgium and the Netherlands. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental group receives ABFT as an add-on to TAU, which includes treatments like antidepressants, CBT, or DBT, with weekly ABFT sessions lasting about 16 weeks. The control group receives TAU alone, allowing up to four sessions of systemic family therapy. ABFT focuses on strengthening parent-child attachment bonds to provide a supportive base for young adults, involving parents or caregivers actively in therapy. Throughout the study, suicidality is measured at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at follow-ups 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention using tools like the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire Junior. Researchers also assess depressive symptoms, family functioning, attachment, quality of life, and healthcare costs. The trial includes 138 participants across multiple sites, with double-blind randomized allocation. Safety, adherence, and cost-effectiveness are closely monitored during and after the treatment period.

This research aims to evaluate a 5-session cognitive behavioral program called 1MoreStep, designed for Black women living with HIV who have experienced intimate partner violence in the past two years. The study focuses on teaching skills to access personal and external strengths, safety strategies, knowledge about HIV care and stigma, communication skills to handle stigma, and addressing barriers to HIV care. It also examines the program's acceptability and feasibility among participants. Participants are randomly assigned to either the 1MoreStep intervention or an equal attention control group. The intervention includes seven group sessions and one individual session held weekly, led by experienced facilitators from the Black community. Sessions cover topics such as safety planning, HIV care engagement, stigma communication, and goal setting using cognitive behavioral skills. The control group attends weekly support group sessions that cover general health topics important to Black women living with HIV but not directly related to the intervention's goals. Throughout the study, participants complete assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to measure changes in safety strategies and HIV care engagement. Measures include surveys, medical record reviews, and interviews to evaluate treatment acceptance, session attendance, and participant experiences. The study spans approximately 6 months post-baseline, with follow-up surveys and qualitative interviews to explore program fit and barriers to participation.

Researchers are evaluating a new behavioral training program called the 4-STEP-Training Program for Social Media Addiction (4-STEP-TPS) aimed at young adults aged 18 to 30 years. The program is designed to help manage social media addiction by addressing dysfunctional patterns such as Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and phubbing, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, daily activities, and improving productivity. This randomized control trial is conducted by the Government College University Faisalabad to develop effective treatment guidelines for social media addiction. The 4-STEP-TPS involves four weekly sessions, each lasting about 90 minutes, delivered either individually or in group settings. The program includes modules on screening and psychoeducation, treatment planning, management strategies, and prevention of relapse. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the training in either one-on-one or group formats, or placed on a waitlist with no intervention. Participants will undergo assessments at screening, after the 4-week program, and follow-ups up to 6 months. These assessments measure social media addiction levels, flourishing, FoMO, phubbing, fatigue, insomnia, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. The study involves questionnaires and scales to monitor progress and the impact of the training on participants' mental health and daily functioning over time.