2D:4D Ratio in Relation to Anxiety and Stress Among Anesthesiology Residents

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07757971

Ain Shams University116 enrolled

Overview

Anesthesiologists are exposed to substantial occupational stress, making their psychological well-being essential for both personal health and optimal patient care. Early identification of mental health disorders among healthcare professionals is important for improving well-being and maintaining healthcare quality.

Although anesthesia residency is associated with considerable psychological stress, residents differ in how they respond to these challenges. While some develop psychological distress, others continue to perform effectively despite the demanding environment. These individuals, often described as "resilient" or "stress resistant," demonstrate successful adaptation to stress. The mechanisms underlying these individual differences remain incompletely understood. As with many aspects of psychological functioning, responses to stress are influenced by the combined effects of genetic predisposition and environmental experiences throughout life. Among the biological markers investigated in recent years, the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio has attracted considerable scientific interest because of its reported associations with a wide range of physical, behavioral, and psychological traits.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

116

Conditions

Anxiety Stress

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 35 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Any anesthesiologists who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. * Age: 20-35 years * Both genders Exclusion Criteria: * Incomplete questionnaires and/or irrelevant responses. * Injuries to the 2nd or 4th digits, * Unclear or inaccurate digit photocopy, * If the participant is a twin * Cumulative leave (e.g., maternity/sick leave) exceeding 6 months during the study period; * Pre-existing diagnosis of psychiatric disorders prior to the study

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Anxiety score

Anxiety severity measured using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). The PSWQ is a 16-item validated measure of the tendency toward excessive, uncontrollable worry, the cognitive hallmark of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The association between anxiety score and digit measurement will be evaluated. Total scores range from 16 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater worry severity. A score ≥45 is commonly used as a clinical cutoff in research settings, with ≥60 strongly associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder criteria.

Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)

Secondary Outcomes

Demographic data

Personal information, habits and health status

Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.