Since the start of the pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have faced a range of infectious and psychosocial risks. Contracting SARS-CoV-2 has impacted their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, with sleep also likely being affected.

Our study aims to assess the impact of SARS-CoV2 infection on sleep quality in HCWs.

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among staff at Sfax University Hospital who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 between October 2020 and June 2021, during post-COVID follow-up consultations. A questionnaire was utilized, with the medical section completed by a physician to assess sociodemographic, professional, and clinical characteristics of the infection. A self-administered section evaluated the impact of the infection on sleep quality using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

Our study included 200 healthcare workers with an average age of 42.97 years. Nurses comprised 53.5% of the sample, and 41% of the participants were involved in the care of patients with SARS-CoV-2. Workplace infections accounted for 39% of the cases. At the post-COVID follow-up consultation, 83% reported persistent symptoms. According to the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), 47.5% had no sleep disturbances, 3.5% had mild insomnia, 26% had moderate insomnia, and 8% had severe insomnia. Additionally, 38% of the staff were dissatisfied with their sleep quality following their SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts the sleep of healthcare workers, highlighting the need for strategies to improve sleep quality. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining staff well-being and ensuring the quality of care provided.

None Declared

The COVID-19 pandemic placed an unprecedented burden on healthcare workers worldwide, particularly those in primary care settings, who faced both physical and emotional challenges.

The study aimed to assess the levels of psychological distress and anxiety, and the coping strategies among healthcare workers after the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined changes in professional quality of life and the broader impact on personal life during the post-pandemic period.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 100 healthcare workers from various primary care centers in Patras, Greece. The following validated psychometric instruments were used:

• - Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS): assessing symptoms of secondary traumatic stress, reflecting the emotional impact of indirect exposure to trauma through patient care.

• - Quality of Professional Life Scale (5th edition): assessing both the positive (compassion satisfaction) and negative (burnout, secondary traumatic stress) dimensions of professional life.

• - Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI): measuring positive psychological changes and personal growth experienced as a result of coping with pandemic stressors.

• - Brief-COPE Scale: identifying coping strategies used by nurses, distinguishing between adaptive and maladaptive mechanisms.

The results of the study indicate a persistent and significant psychological distress among caregivers in the post-pandemic context of 2024. The STSS scores revealed elevated levels of secondary traumatic stress, underscoring the enduring emotional impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers. As demonstrated by the Quality of Professional Life Scale, a divergence in outcomes was observed. While a subset of nurses reported elevated levels of compassion satisfaction, a considerable proportion continued to exhibit high levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. This finding suggests that the adverse impact of the pandemic on professional well-being persists. The PTGI results revealed that some HCW experienced post-traumatic growth, suggesting the potential for positive psychological development despite the challenges encountered. Analysis of the Brief-COPE Scale depicted a diverse range of coping strategies, with evidence of both adaptive coping mechanisms, such as problem-focused strategies, and less adaptive responses, including avoidance behaviors.

In conclusion, the results emphasize the persistent psychological impact of the ongoing pandemic on healthcare professionals, even in the post-pandemic era. These findings underscore the necessity for the provision of sustained psychological assistance and interventions that are specifically designed to address post-pandemic stressors, with the aim of ensuring the long-term well-being of healthcare workers.

None Declared

The advent of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in late 2019 precipitated a profound transformation in the daily lives of individuals across the world, with notable implications for global mental health. The fear of the virus became a significant source of anxiety and stress, compounded by the rapid dissemination of information, both accurate and inaccurate, through digital media. The growing reliance on digital platforms for health information during the pandemic underscored the significance of eHealth literacy, which pertains to the capacity to locate, comprehend, and utilize health data from digital sources. As reliance on digital platforms for health information increased, it became imperative to examine the potential impact of digital health literacy on fear and anxiety levels related to the novel coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV), also known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between fear of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and mental health, while investigating the influence of eHealth literacy on these fears.

The study was conducted on a sample of 158 individuals from the general population, representing a diverse range of demographic characteristics. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising three sections: demographic information, the Fear of Coronavirus Scale (FCV-19S), and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHeals). A statistical analysis was conducted to investigate the relationships between demographic factors, levels of fear, and eHealth literacy. Additionally, a comparative analysis was performed to assess the differences between individuals who had and had not contracted the virus.

The analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the levels of fear regarding the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) or eHealth literacy between different demographic groups, including gender, age, education, and health status. Nevertheless, a statistically significant discrepancy was observed in the level of fear between individuals who had contracted the virus and those who had not. Specifically, those who had not been infected exhibited higher levels of fear compared to those who had previously contracted the virus. No significant differences were identified in eHealth literacy based on infection status.

In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that while demographic factors do not appear to influence the level of fear or digital health literacy, personal experience with a confirmed case of infection does. Those who have not contracted the virus tend to experience greater fear, suggesting that familiarity with the disease may reduce anxiety. These findings underscore the necessity for interventions.

None Declared

While most individuals adhere to preventive measures during pandemics, a subset engages in behaviors that may intentionally spread COVID-19, presenting unique challenges to public health efforts.

This study explores the psychological, social, and environmental factors influencing deliberate virus-spreading behavior in the Saudi Arabian population during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between April 3 and May 5, 2020, with 1,817 participants. The survey collected demographic information and variables related to virus-spreading inclinations. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-squared tests were used to analyze associations between deliberate virus-spreading behavior and various characteristics, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Individuals who intentionally spread the virus (2% of the sample) were younger (mean age 22.9 vs. 29.3 years, p < 0.001), predominantly female (81.1% vs. 65.6%, p = 0.033), and more likely to have a history of mental health issues (24.3% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.001) and conspiracy beliefs (45.9% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.003) compared to those who did not engage in virus-spreading behaviors. No significant differences were found regarding marital status, education level, or traumatic life events.

This study highlights key factors associated with intentional virus-spreading behaviors, such as younger age, mental health history, and conspiracy beliefs, underscoring the need for integrated mental health support and targeted misinformation interventions. Public health strategies should include age-appropriate messaging and digital outreach to mitigate the risks posed by intentional spread behaviors and enhance pandemic response efforts. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is recommended to expand understanding and improve intervention strategies

None Declared

As psychiatrists, we provide care to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, whose mental health is often affected by migratory trajectories and post-migration factors in the destination country, such as exposure to adversities and inequalities in access to healthcare. Moreover, culture plays a significant role in the presentation of symptoms and influences explanatory models of illness, health objectives, resources mobilized, and treatment styles. Thus, the social determinants of health are often distinct from those of the community of origin.

The development of culturally sensitive and adapted services becomes essential to reduce healthcare inequalities. We intend to review the concept of cultural diversity and explore various models studied for intervening in mental health care in culturally diverse communities.

Narrative literature review through bibliographic research and publications in the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases, using the terms “cultural psychiatry,” “cultural competence,” and “migration.”

Some barriers to healthcare access for the migrant population include ethnolinguistic barriers, stigma, resilience and minimization of symptoms and complaints, and issues related to accessibility and service costs. On the other hand, healthcare professionals also identify bureaucratic issues and report a lack of knowledge regarding different cultural practices, showing interest in obtaining more training in the area. Some strategies to adapt mental health services to cultural diversity include health literacy, “ethnic matching” techniques, interpreter and cultural mediator training, and building cultural competence for both healthcare professionals, institutions and healthcare systems. Cultural formulation uses specific tools to gather clinical information and cultural context, showing positive preliminary results.

Cultural competence represents a comprehensive response to the needs of migrant and culturally diverse population, requiring the acquisition of knowledge and skills at both the individual and organizational levels. Investing in training and research on cultural competence will further enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of mental health care, contributing to the reduction of inequalities and better health outcomes.

None Declared

More than any other field in medicine, psychiatry is marked by an individual’s life experiences and the cultural context surrounding them. When a patient presents a set of somatic and seemingly unrelated symptoms that can’t be explained by an underlying physical condition, the diagnosis can become challenging. However, when these symptoms are seen through the lense of their particular cultural context and their traumatic family history, these manifestations start to make sense.

This paper aims to examine the relationship between transgenerational trauma and somatic manifestations without an underlying physical condition in an adult female partient N.

In order to investigate the psychological functioning of the patient N, we conducted a semi-structured interview followed by a set of psychological tests. We administered the Draw-a-Family Picture Test, the Rorschach Test and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). We also analysed the patient’s diary entries.

N initially came to us with unexplained somatic symptoms and a generally depressive mood, finding it difficult to discuss certain topics like her sexual issues. The various elements we have collected through the tests and the interviews with the patient N have shed light on an event that occured within the father’s family, an incestuous rape. This event was the cause of the family’s breakdown, and we believe that the depressive symptoms, suicide attempts, as well as the incestuous atmosphere related to the patient N and her family are connected to this event and have continued to be unconsciously transmitted across generations.

This case study showed the importance of taking family history and cultural context into consideration when examining psychological functioning. Family secrets and seemingly unrelated past events can cause a transgenerational trauma affecting the descendants mental and physical health.

None Declared

Foreign students are confronted to the multiple obstacles along their university studies. These obstacles can be related to the nature of the medical studies, the diversity and dense quantity of the subjects, and also to the interaction of the students with their colleges, their patients and the paramedical staff during the training. Psychological distress can, also affect the process of integration in society.

To assess the factors influencing the social integration and the satisfaction of the foreign students in the faculty of medicine in Sfax-Tunisia.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, carried out between July and September 2023 among foreign students at the Sfax Faculty of Medicine, via an anonymous self- questionnaire via “Google Forms shared via social media. Social integration was evaluated via the French version of the need to belong scale by Richer and Vallerand. The satisfaction of the medical studies was evaluated using the scale of satisfaction of studies by Vallerand and Bissonnette. Psychological distress was assessed using the “DASS-21” Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale.

Seventy-two foreign medical students completed the survey. The average age was 25 ± 3.45 years. Males represented 57% of the total participants. The majority of the participants were north Africans 87.5% (Moroccan: 68.05%, Mauritanian: 18.05% and Algerian 1.4%). The majority of respondents were single (77.8%). Sixty-one percent were enrolled in the third cycle of medical studies, 26.5% were enrolled in the second cycle of medical studies and 12.5% were enrolled in the first cycle of medical studies. The average length of stay in Tunisia was 6.5 years. Seventy-seven percent were satisfied with the choice of Tunisia for the medical studies. The male gender was statistically associated to the feeling of a better social integration (p=0.045). In addition, social integration was statistically associated to satisfaction in medical studies (p=0.004, r=0.034) and to academic performance (p=0.008). We found no statistical association between the level of the students nor the length of the stay in Tunisia. We found no statistical association between social integration and psychological distress.

The feeling of being an integral part of the social community can help alleviate the stress of adjusting to a new environment and improve emotional well-being, which can positively influence the learning experience and satisfaction of these foreign students.

None Declared

Foreign medical students in Tunisia represent a dynamic academic community, making an essential contribution to the global medical training. Their presence creates a vibrant academic ecosystem, conducive to discovery, intercultural exchange and medical innovation.

To determine the socio-cultural and the personal profile of foreign medical students, in order to optimize their academic performance and facilitate access to a high-quality professional training.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, from July to September 2023 among foreign students at the Sfax Faculty of Medicine via an anonymous self-questionnaire via “Google Forms” shared among students through social media. We used scale of satisfaction in studies, which is a 5-item scale, each rated on a 7-point Likert scale indicating the degree of agreement or disagreement with the statements.

Seventy-two foreign student completed the survey. The average age was 25 ± 3.45 years. Students of Moroccan origin accounted 68.1%. The socioeconomic status was average in 93.1%. The majority of respondents were single (77.8%). One-third of the students lived with a roommate. Fifty-one per cent of the students had at least one family member in the healthcare field. Of those surveyed, 61.1% were enrolled in the third cycle of medical studies, 26.5% were enrolled in the second cycle of medical studies and 12.5% were enrolled in the first cycle of medical studies. The average length of stay in Tunisia was 6.5 years. Seventy-seven percent were satisfied with the choice of Tunisia for the medical studies. Seventy-nine percent of the students were satisfied with their academic performance. Coffee was the most consumed substance (88.9%) followed by tobacco (47.2%), alcohol (36.1%) and illicit drugs (26.7%). Fifty-nine percent (N=41) practiced sports and 16.7% had an artistic leisure activity. We found a statistical association between satisfaction and the practice of a leisure activity (p=0.007) and a statistical negative association with having a family member in the healthcare field (p=0.022). We found no statistical association with the choice of Tunisia as a destination even though the mean score was higher among the students that was satisfied with their choice. The quality of the studies in Tunisia as well as the geographic localization were the main reasons for choosing Tunisia No statistically significant association was found with gender, socioeconomic status or marital status, substance consumption.

The medical field studies are still challenging for students in general due heavy learning process and training process adding to that the personnel, cultural changes that a foreign student can face. Highlighting these aspects can contribute to improving their experience, by focusing on the learning process as well as making time to practice their leisure activities in order to break the routine.

None Declared

The process of successfully joining medical schools, represents an important event for each student globally. The transition from one year to another needs much effort, sacrifice and perseverance in order to obtain the final goal of being a practitioner.

To assess the strength of motivation for medical studies in foreign students.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, carried out between July and September 2023 among foreign students at the Sfax Faculty of Medicine. Data collection was carried out using an anonymous self-questionnaire via “Google Forms shared among students via social media. We used the strength of motivation for medical school “SMMS” in its French validated version.

Seventy-two foreign medical students completed the survey. The average age was 25 ± 3.45 years. Males represented 57% of the total participants. The majority of respondents were single (77.8%). Sixty-one percent were enrolled in the third cycle of medical studies, 26.5% were enrolled in the second cycle of medical studies and 12.5% were enrolled in the first cycle of medical studies. Of those surveyed, 83.3% had chosen medical studies as their first choice. For 59.7% of students, this choice was their own. The mean score for the motivational strength questionnaire was 42.4, as for the sacrifice dimension 14.6, for the start-up readiness 13.7, and 11.02 for the perseverance dimension. The mean score for the strength of motivation for medical studies was significantly lower in students enrolled in second cycle of medical studies (p=0.043) and in those who did not have their own choice of medical studies (p=0.037). We found no statistical association between the strength of motivation and having a family member in the medical field.

Motivation is a crucial aspect of the academic life of international medical students, shaping their learning path and overall experience. These students, often driven by dreams of a medical career, face obstacles linked primarily to adapting to a new educational system. The motivating strength that drives them to embark on and pursue medical training may be fueled by the desire to acquire clinical skills that will contribute to the provision of healthcare in their home countries.

None Declared

In certain cultures psychological suffering is expressed with more somatic symptoms. Besides, they tend to describe more often hallucinations and other forms of perception problems.

To describe and warn about the risks of misdiagnose when culture is not an element considered in the diagnosis.

Descriptive methodology based on practice and observation.

In the last year MSF has been working in more than 40 countries such as South Sudan and Chad with local and refugee populations. The teams have provided treatment to people with anxiety, trauma related and depressive disorders. However, we have also treated many people with hallucinations in the context of trauma, forced displacement. Several patients presented sudden, abrupt symptoms such as fear, insomnia, anxiety, and hallucinations. These hallucinations are often related to the potential traumatic event, to the witness of violence or displacement. When it appears accompanied by flashbacks, hypervigilance, and other PTSD symptoms it may be considered as PTSD with psychotic like symptoms. But other times these hallucinations seem to be more linked to a depressive episode or adjustment disorder. We have witness several cultures where hallucinations are very common during grief processes. The main risks of a misdiagnose of psychosis is the mistreatment.

On another note, it is known that migrant and refugee status are associated with a higher prevalence of psychosis. Using the cultural lenses, should we question these findings? Is there maybe a bias or misdiagnosis in some of these research?

Not all people with sensory perceptual alterations can be diagnosed with psychosis. A proper diagnose that is adapted to the culture of the person is essential for a good quality treatment.

None Declared

Many beneficiaries are stuck and find it difficult to act creatively because they are used to being in a different place than where they are at that moment:

they lose their balance and the ability to move in harmony with the forces of the environment which, in the end, will support the expression.

They expect something different from what they are doing at that moment or they think that what they are doing is inadequate; they get stuck, they get caught in negative and confused thoughts.

Even if a finished object or image is obtained, the research pursues, first of all, the way and the extent to which the creative process and execution of the artifact contributes to the improvement or healing of the studied beneficiaries. Correlative objective being the increase of their quality of life and their socio-professional integration. In assessing the motor functions of the beneficiaries, it is essential that the emphasis is placed on the outstanding and hidden motor abilities of each individual. The aim is to improve: coordination disorders, spatialization disorders, fine motor skills, sensoriality, creativity, socialization.

ORGANIZATION OF ACTIVITIES is done in three types of workshops, with different objectives and interventions,

• - Occupational therapy workshop in the category that includes art therapy.

• - Occupational therapy

• - Relaxation, play therapy

CASE STUDY: Placement center Jucu PA, sex M, 16 years old.

Diagnosis: Secular infantile encephalopathy, behavioral disorders

• - heteroaggressiveness, severe mental retardation, alalia.

• - Uses modeling for self-expression and self-fulfillment. During work, he is not aggressive and relates to people who appreciate his work.

An advanced level is observed in modeling, even compared to normal people. Spatial abstract compositions from plasticine, expressive and balanced, are made at the beginning, the evolution is observed in the modeling of the figures (he starts to model personalized human figures), which he pairs chromatically, groups them into dancing figures, or groups them affectively and vertically. He also showed changes in his behavior: he smiled while working, clapped and recognized us when we entered the workshop, wanted to be photographed and petted (although normally he can’t stand being touched). He showed interest in the camera and in the modeling works of other children from Placement center.

Work in visual arts and design therapies aims to create a product. The benefits arise from experiences based on artistic creativity: materializing ideas and solving unexpected results.

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The artistic image becomes significant in strengthening the verbal exchange between the beneficiary and the art therapist, solving problems and formulating new perceptions that in turn lead to positive changes, growth and healing.

None Declared

Fingerprints multiply man in space and time. Educating man with his hand, he learns how to master spatial extent, weight, density, proportion, organizes the activity in order to experience the action. The beneficiary creates a unique universe in which he leaves his mark everywhere. Ergonomics is considered as the “science of work”, having the “man-work” relationship as its object of study. In art therapy, occupational and play therapy, which is based on traditional aesthetics, we talk about “sublimation”. (ChirilăE & Câmpean & Drăgan-Chirilă.D, 2021- 10-13 April)

By means specific to the visual arts, hidden, overdue individual skills are detected, which bring the beneficiary closer to normality, to real life. We can observe that all things in nature are shapes modeled in volumes made up of fillings and voids, which constantly transform the appearance of the world. All these angles are synthesized in the brain, in order to understand the three-dimensionality of the environment as a unitary whole. This happens when we are in a position to be aware, actively, of the deep relationships that the environment implies, in general.

Tactile value is the origin of any act of creation, the hand removes the sense of touch from receptive passivity. The evaluation of fine and gross motor skills is done by modeling, we use the sense of touch, we follow the use of hands during creation. In the testing activities through product analysis we use the visual language, that of the symbolic language of anthropomorphism. Holistic training is done on the potter’s wheel or through 3D multimedia installations. Creating works of art, artefacts, or using arts-based jobs are test activities for art therapy, occupational therapy and ergotherapy, which provide us with information about the author with the help of images and shapes. Each beneficiary can create the images themselves, with which they want interact or can use arts materials and games according to his needs of expression.

These activities allow the beneficiaries to reach a certain level of introspection and to “work through” their problems in a constructive manner. The activities can be approached in several distinct groups of people, who can be qualified in different artistic professions such as: visual artist, decorator, designer, they can practice adaptive-”raw arts”. (Chirila, E 2011, PhD Thesis p 398)

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The foundations are laid for an occupational therapy workshop for adults with special needs. In these types of activities, the beneficiaries who do not have artistic skills can learn useful skills for CES persons, who, to pursue a productive goal like “Work for the disabled”. (Chirila, E 2018 p50)

E. Chirila Consultant of: NO

The pandemic exacerbated existing mental health support disparities faced by ethnic minorities in the UK. Many ethnic minorities entered care through crisis pathways, receiving more severe diagnoses than their white British counterparts. Additionally, they were 40% more likely to access mental health services via the criminal justice system. Despite these challenges, research on their evolving experiences with mental health services remains limited.

To explore the interactions between ethnic minorities and mental health services. By understanding their engagement and coping strategies, we aimed to capture how these experiences have impacted their mental health and well-being.

This study was conducted in Northern England, a region with high mental health needs but limited research activity. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were held with a purposive sample of ethnic minority adults with diverse mental health conditions (ethical approval 22/WS/0164).

Two independent researchers conducted interviews remotely or in person between March and September 2023, with consent confirmed before each interview. The topic guide, co-produced and piloted with an advisory group of ethnic minority individuals, carers, and clinicians, focused on service engagement, support experiences, coping strategies during the pandemic, and suggestions for improvement. Data were analysed using a framework approach, with themes and subthemes categorized in a matrix for each transcript. Two researchers independently double-coded a sample of interviews to ensure validity, with the team and advisory group reviewing and finalizing the analytical framework.

Thirty-two ethnic minority individuals were interviewed, revealing five key themes: barriers to managing mental health; limited engagement with health services; preference for community support; reliance on community support during service interruptions in the pandemic; and the need for service-community collaboration. Cultural stigma often led to fear and reluctance to seek support, and participants struggled with non-culturally sensitive health services. Instead, they preferred community-based support, which persisted during the pandemic despite service disruptions. Participants advocated for collaboration between mental health services and ethnic minority communities to enhance cultural understanding and patient-centred care.

Ethnic minorities with mental health conditions face significant challenges in accessing and engaging with services. Addressing these issues requires integrating culturally sensitive approaches into existing frameworks, achieved through collaborations with ethnic minority communities to better understand their unique contexts. Incorporating cultural considerations into service delivery can enhance engagement and improve outcomes for diverse populations.

None Declared

The relationship between human mental health and religiosity (or broadly understood spirituality) has been the subject of interest of scientists, including philosophers, for hundreds of years. For centuries, religion has played a key role in shaping people’s psychosocial and moral development, both positively and negatively. Spirituality should also not be treated as a practice solely related to attending temples or praying. Certainly, a common feature of all types of spirituality is the search for a deeper meaning that goes beyond the material experience of life.

The aim of the study was to analyze available scientific research in terms of the relationship between religiosity, spiritual practices and faith with selected parameters of human mental health.

The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched for in this analysis. The search phrases used were: “spirituality/religion AND mental health”, “spirituality/religion AND depression”, “spirituality/religion AND anxiety”, “spirituality/religion AND suicide” [Image 1].

The relationship between spiritual practices or religiosity and the occurrence of depressive symptoms is not clear. By far the largest number of analyses was conducted in the United States, where, due to the heterogeneity of society, different beliefs and spirituality are present. Despite the high heterogeneity of studies, a high level of spirituality is usually associated with a lower intensity of anxiety symptoms. Obsessive thoughts are relatively often associated with religious motives. An interesting assumption is the concept that religion as a set of rules and practices that require strict adherence may be the foundation for the development of OCD. Religion may reduce the frequency of fantasizing about death, which is confirmed by studies conducted in various religious populations. Differentiating psychotic symptoms from spiritual experiences may be a significant diagnostic difficulty.

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The intensive period of socio-cultural and economic changes has an impact on people’s attitudes towards religiosity, their sense of belonging to a religious group, or spirituality in general. As the available analyses show, spirituality can be a protective or burdensome factor, or it can have no impact on a person’s mental well-being. The studies available in medical databases show significant heterogeneity in this respect, which makes their direct comparison difficult. Another methodological problem seems to be the assessment of spirituality. We cannot forget about the cultural context in the assessment of societies. An interesting analysis would be to assess the relationship between specific forms of spiritual practice and their intensity with reference to tradition, gender, age, and geographical region. Considering the aspect of spirituality in human life is part of a holistic view in medicine.

None Declared

Pregnancy induces significant physiological and psychological changes. This study evaluates self-esteem, body image satisfaction, and psychological well-being among pregnant women at Monastir Maternity Center, Tunisia.

1. 1. To assess self-esteem and body image satisfaction among pregnant women.

2. 2. To evaluate the psychological well-being and the adequacy of support provided during pregnancy.

Conducted over two months (March-April 2022) with 62 participants (88.57% response rate) at Monastir Maternity Center. Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and body image satisfaction was assessed with the Body Image States Scale (BISS). Sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial variables were collected.

The study included 62 participants, with an average age of 31.68 ± 7.49 years. Most participants (62.9%) were stay-at-home individuals, and two-thirds reported their current pregnancy as desired.

Body image satisfaction, measured by the Body Image States Scale, averaged 5.32 ± 3.67, indicating moderate satisfaction.

Self-esteem was low in 79% of participants, while 74.2% had no depressive symptoms and 90.3% had no anxiety symptoms.

Half of the participants (50%) reported their psychological well-being was addressed during pregnancy, with the majority (41.9%) receiving support from family members. Three-quarters (75%) considered pregnancy consultations the best time to discuss psychological issues. Almost all (98.4%) wanted additional psychological support. Over half (56.5%) talked about their pregnancy difficulties with someone, while 22.6% did not address them, and 21.0% did not experience any difficulties.

The study highlights a significant prevalence of low self-esteem and moderate body image satisfaction among pregnant women.. The study also reveals that while many women discuss their difficulties with others, there remains a gap in addressing psychological issues adequately, particularly considering the majority of participants desire more support.

None Declared

In psychopathology, a dualistic approach often refers to the conceptual separation of the mind and body as distinct entities, which can influence how mental disorders are classified and diagnosed. This separation may lead to biased judgments and contribute to the stigmatization of mental health conditions. It can also encourage alternative conceptualizations of mental health disorders and promote new methods of classifying mental health issues beyond traditional biomedical or behavioral frameworks.

The goal of our research was to examine the impact of psychiatrists’ and psychologists’ dualistic perspectives on the biological model of depression using the PLS-SEM model.

This cross-sectional study carried out in the Republic of Croatia in 2018, involved 238 participants, comprising 122 psychiatrists and 116 psychologists. We applied the Maudsley Attitude Questionnaire to examine the preferences of psychiatrists and psychologists in choosing the biological model of depression. Their dualistic perspectives were assessed using the Stanovich Mind-Body Dualism Scale. In the PLS-SEM modeling, dualism and monism were observed as exogenous latent variables in the model, and their impact on the biological model, which represents the endogenous latent variable, was analyzed. All model indicators are reflective.

Psychiatrists (M = 14.71, SD = 2.27) and psychologists (M = 13.77, SD = 2.69) predominantly support the biological model out of Harlands’ 8 models of mental disorders in defining depression. The PLS-SEM initial reflective model is significant (p = 0.002) even though the fit indices provided mixed results. The GFI (0.963) and SRMR (0.059) suggested a good or acceptable fit, but the CFI (0.862) and RMSEA (0.095) indicated that the model requires further refinement. The R² value revealed that the model explained 61.3% of the variance in the endogenous variables.

Mental health professionals prefer the biological approach in explaining the etiology, classification, research, and treatment of depression. Supporting a dualistic perspective had a significant negative total effect (p < 0.05) on the choice of the biological model of depression.

None Declared

Religion plays a big role in daily life in Palestine: it helps give meaning and purpose and creates communities and mutual understanding. Thus, individuals frequently bring up various thoughts and ideas with religious themes and undertones during psychiatric interviews, reflecting their inner and outer experiences. Religious references can be misunderstood when discussed by individuals of religious minorities, such as Palestinian Christians, who comprise around 1% of the Palestinian population in the West Bank (2023 Report on International Religious Freedom). Studies on the mental health of Palestinian minorities are almost nonexistent.

Examining the responsibility of psychiatrists to provide culturally sensitive care to their patients, including religious minorities.

A case report of a Palestinian Christian patient admitted to an acute psychiatric ward in Palestine. This 37-year-old male patient, who has struggled with mental health issues for the past 4 years, presented to Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital after 10 days of suspiciousness, disturbed behavior, and verbal aggression toward family members. On examination, the patient was found to have a tense elevated mood with persecutory, reference, and grandiose delusions. The patient frequently brought content and references from the liturgy and the New Testament. Blood and urine tests were within normal range and showed no substance use. The patient was started on Olanzapine 15mg and Valproate 400mg.

A review of his hospital file revealed that after 2 weeks on medications, he no longer displayed ideas of delusional intensity. However, the patient mentioned events and lessons from the books of Revelation and Acts of the Apostles of the Christian Bible. He had a particular fascination with their relation to the Old Testament and the image of “tongues of fire” from the Pentecost. Due to his prior psychotic symptoms and limited overall knowledge of Christianity, it was difficult for many staff members to assess his thought content. These challenges were overcome by discussions with Christian hospital staff, gathering collaterals from his family, and self-education. The patient was using moments of transition in the Bible to describe his transition to a non-psychotic state. He was discharged soon after and referred to a community mental health center.

It is common for Arab patients to have psychiatric pathology of religious themes. These are important to distinguish from cultural expressions of emotions and experiences. To provide inclusive and comprehensive care, it is essential for clinicians to have an appropriate understanding of the religions, spirituality, and diversity of the populations they are serving.

None Declared

Religious content often shapes the nature of psychotic delusions, particularly those involving guilt or grandiosity. Patients may interpret their faith as direct communication from a divine source, influencing both their thoughts and actions. This case report presents a 27-year-old male with a strong Evangelical background who experienced a sudden onset of manic and psychotic symptoms, including messianic delusions. He believed God gave him a divine ultimatum: either fast for 28 days or his mother would die. His response to this delusion—self-imposed starvation—led to life-threatening behavior, showcasing the impact of delusional guilt in religious psychosis.

This report aims to illustrate how delusional guilt in religious psychosis can lead to dangerous behavior, explore the role of religious context in shaping psychotic content, and discuss the clinical challenges and outcomes of pharmacological treatment in such cases.

Case report; a non-systematic review was conducted by searching academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using the key-words “religion and psychosis”, “transcultural psychiatry”, “religious delusions”.

The patient was admitted to a psychiatric unit after attempting self-starvation as a result of his belief that God had given him a life-or-death ultimatum. His psychosis included messianic delusions, interpreting license plates as divine messages. The patient exhibited manic symptoms, such as elevated mood, hyperactivity, and pressured speech. A treatment plan with Paliperidone, titrated to 9 mg/day, and Sodium Valproate, titrated to 1000 mg/day, was initiated. After two weeks of treatment, the patient’s symptoms showed significant improvement. His delusional intensity decreased, and he began to question the validity of his beliefs. Manic symptoms also diminished. By the end of the fourth week, the patient no longer exhibited psychotic thinking, and his insight into the irrational nature of his previous beliefs had increased. He resumed normal eating habits, and the risk of further self-harm related to delusional guilt was eliminated. The patient was discharged with ongoing outpatient follow-up and maintained on the same medication regimen.

This case illustrates the role of religious delusions in shaping dangerous behaviors, particularly when driven by delusional guilt. The patient’s belief that he was receiving divine communication leading to self-starvation highlights the clinical complexity of managing psychosis intertwined with spiritual beliefs. Cultural competence played a vital role in treatment, as understanding the patient’s religious context was essential in addressing his delusions. This case underscores the importance of individualized, culturally informed care in the management of religious psychosis.

None Declared

Boarding schools, seen across various cultures and regions, aim to broaden access to quality education, especially for disadvantaged groups. These schools, operated by different institutions, offer distinct educational approaches. State-affiliated boarding schools centralize resources to provide conditions not easily available elsewhere, fostering independence and discipline. Families often send their children to boarding schools, hoping they will gain opportunities to improve their lives and possibly benefit the family as a whole. However, early separation from family can have both positive and negative long-term effects on children’s socio-emotional development.

One of the potential outcomes is undoubtedly separation anxiety, which may arise from early separation from the family. On the other hand, this separation might also result in an increase in psychological resilience, as it forces individuals to live independently at an early age. In this study, we aimed to explore how separation anxiety and psychological resilience are impacted by this experience, and how these effects influence the parental attitudes that individuals adopt when raising their own children.

The study was designed as a case-control study, and participants were recruited through snowball sampling. Data were collected either through face-to-face interviews or online surveys. To gather data, a Sociodemographic Data Form, which included personal and educational information, along with the DSM-5 Separation Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale-Adult Form, the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) and Parentıng Attıtude Scale (PAS) were used. After examining whether the data were normally distributed based on Skewness and Kurtosis values, Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square tests were used for group comparisons. Relationships between variables were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman correlation tests, as well as Stepwise Regression analysis.

A total of 107 volunteers who attended boarding school during adolescence participated in this study. Of these, 41 were male (38%), and 39 (36%) attended boarding school during high school. The average total score for separation anxiety was 0.890 for those who attended boarding school and 0.675 for those who did not.

This study has allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of an educational and social phenomenon, such as attending boarding school, on mental health. It is valuable in demonstrating the effects of established social institutions on individual mental health, and to the best of our knowledge, it is among the first studies of its kind. The examination of its impact on parental attitudes also sheds light on the intergenerational transmission of these changes.

None Declared

It is indisputable that against the background of the popularity of various chemical addictions among patients with schizophrenia, it is relevant to study the joint clinical and pathomorphological deformation of two nosological phenomena of paranoid schizophrenia and dependence on modern, increasingly popular drugs, synthetic cannabinoids in various ethno-territorial groups. It is important to consider issues of mutual deformation of mental disorders, their progression, behavioral characteristics and adaptation.

to study the ethno-territorial features of paranoid schizophrenia comorbid with abuse of synthetic cannabinoids, clinical dynamics, behavior and adaptations.

follow-up, clinical-psychopathological methods (PANS, SANS, CGI, MMPI, CGI, STAI, LSI, TPA, ICD-10), statistical (Python 3.11.0).

193 men (aged 18 to 35 years) were examined: 142 patients with paranoid schizophrenia dependent on synthetic cannabinoids F20.xx+F12.2xx and 51 - F20.xx without drug addiction. The study took place from 2018 to 2024 on the basis of psychiatric institutions in Russia - Tomsk Region, St. Petersburg, Noyabrsk and Nizhnevartovsk. The phenomenon of abuse of synthetic cannabinoids leads to the development of diseases. Persistent exogenous visual and delirious disorders are included in the complex of symptoms of exacerbation of schizophrenia; A new symptom of pseudohallucinoids appears - thought disorders of an associative (fantasy) disease that arose against the background of long-term exogenous (toxic) effects of the drug on the subject type, usually against the background of a primary endogenous schizophrenic process.

The leading position among patients with schizophrenia who use synthetic cannabinoids in the temperate continental climate zone of Russia was occupied by the following ethnic groups, taking into account the hierarchy: Russians, Tatars; Uzbeks; Germans; Azerbaijanis and Armenians.

None Declared