(1) Background: The aim of this study was to explore the role of perceived stress and the health locus of control in Crohn’s disease and their influence upon the development of flare-ups of this disease. (2) Methods: Stress and the external locus of control were evaluated in a sample of 64 Crohn’s patients (flare-up phase versus latency phase). The perceived stress scale (PSS-14) and the multidimensional health locus of control scale were the measurement instruments used. (3) Results: The results indicate that the patients have high stress levels during a flare-up (26.13; 27.44; 28.79; 29.67); high stress levels (28.07; 29.67; 27.44; 28.07) if they have a high external locus of control; and that the external locus of control and stress levels have a significant influence upon the existence of flare-ups in those patients with low external locus of control levels (χ2 = 11.127; df = 1: p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Actions aimed at reducing stress and external locus of control levels are necessary in Crohn’s disease.

(1) Background: Coping includes the specific cognitive processes and behaviours that the patient uses when faced with the stress of living with a chronic disease. Self-efficacy is the knowledge that individuals have about their abilities and their confidence to face a problem or cope with a situation (disease). The aim of this study was to explore the role of coping and self-efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease. (2) Materials and Methods: A total of 92 participants were included (33 had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, 23 with ulcerative colitis and 36 were healthy participants). The Coping Strategies Inventory was used to measure which coping strategies were employed, differentiating them as active or passive. The General Self-Efficacy Scale was used to measure self-efficacy. (3) Results: The results indicate that people with inflammatory bowel disease used strategies related to passive coping more than healthy people (mean of 36.39 ± 13.92 vs. 29.77 ± 10.70, p = 0.017). Additionally, people with inflammatory bowel disease used social withdrawal more than healthy participants (mean of 8.30 ± 5.07 vs. 4.47 ± 4.17, p < 0.001). In addition, there are significant differences in emotion-focused engagement coping strategies. People with inflammatory bowel disease used this strategy less than healthy people (mean of 21.77 ± 7.75 vs. 25.03 ± 7.00, p = 0.044). Finally, healthy participants used the emotion-focused disengagement strategy less than those diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (mean of 9.81 ± 7.74 vs. 15.61 ± 10.14, p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: Actions aimed at the development of active coping strategies and patient socialisation must be included in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

(1) Background: In the treatment of colorectal cancer, it is important to consider different psychosocial factors. Our first objective was to measure the levels of perceived stress in subjects diagnosed with colorectal cancer awaiting potentially curative surgery. Also, we aimed to analyse what coping styles these patients used, how they perceived their illness, and the subsequent influence of these factors on their levels of stress. (2) Methods: Stress, coping styles and illness perception were assessed in a sample of 107 patients. The instruments used were the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), the Stress Coping Questionnaire (SCQ) and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ-R). (3) Results: Patients using active coping styles have lower levels of perceived stress (p = 0.000; p = 0.002) than patients making use of passive coping styles (p = 0.000; p = 0.032; p = 0.001). A multi-linear regression model found that the perception of illness and the use of the negative approach coping style (p = 0.000; p = 0.001) influence an increase in perceived stress, and that a decrease in stress levels was influenced by the problem solving coping style (p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Based on our results, we recommend preventive interventions in care patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

Background/Objectives: Crohn’s disease is a chronic and debilitating intestinal disorder that alternates between remission and active flare-ups, often leading to hospitalization. Social support is known to enhance adaptation to the disease and modulate stress perception in patients, while stress may exacerbate symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the roles of perceived stress and social support in Crohn’s disease and their impact on the frequency of flare-ups. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, assessing stress and social support in a cohort of 91 patients with Crohn’s disease during flare-up and remission phases. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) and a Social Support Questionnaire were utilized for evaluation. We examined the relationship between stress and social support in Crohn’s disease. The interaction between the variables studied was also observed, considering the stage of the disease. Finally, we carried out an analysis of the influence of these two variables on the development of flare-ups in Crohn’s disease. Results: The study revealed that patients experience higher stress levels during flare-ups and that these levels are amplified by a lack of social support. A significant relationship was identified between the levels of social support and the occurrence of flare-ups, indicating that better social support is associated with fewer flare-ups. Conclusions: Patients with Crohn’s disease in the flare-up phase are subject to considerable stress. A deficit in social support is linked to an increase in stress levels. The interaction between social support and stress plays a critical role in the development of flare-ups.

Background/objective: The widespread use of pesticides in modern agriculture has raised increasing concern about their potential adverse effects on human health. Exposure to these compounds has been linked to multiple negative health outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesise the available scientific evidence on the effects of pesticide exposure on human health during agricultural production—with particular emphasis on alterations in gut microbiota and intestinal membrane permeability—by integrating results from experimental and observational studies conducted on animals and humans. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A systematic literature search was carried out using the main databases Medline/PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, introducing the search algorithm “pesticides” AND “gut microbiota”, from which a total of seven systematic reviews that met our inclusion criteria were found and subsequently analysed. The quality assessment was based on the principles of evidence-based medicine. This systematic review was registered in the OSF. Results: The findings indicate that prenatal exposure to pesticides is linked to adverse outcomes in foetal development. Additionally, pesticide exposure affects metabolic, immune, and nervous system function due to alterations in gut microbiota composition and membrane permeability. Evidence from animal model studies complements human data by providing insight into the underlying biological mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, liver dysfunction, alterations in hormonal signalling and activation of the inflammatory response. Conclusions: Public health strategies should prioritise reducing pesticide exposure, strengthening environmental protection and supporting further research on gut microbiota modulation and intestinal membrane permeability. Such measures may contribute to the prevention and mitigation of pesticide-related health disorders. Limitations: Human data are insufficient to establish clear causal relationships. Moreover, substantial variability among pesticide types and the difficulty of distinguishing the effects of complex mixtures from those of individual compounds complicate interpretation of the findings.

Background/Objectives: It is known that assisted human reproduction in infertility causes psychological and mental instability in those undergoing this treatment. Patient satisfaction, personal experiences with assisted reproduction treatment (IVF) and self-perception of emotional distress require a comprehensive study using complete and scientifically validated instruments. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a scale enabling nurses to assess patient satisfaction with the care they receive, personal satisfaction with the assisted reproduction treatment process, and self-perceptions of emotional discomfort. Methods: This study employed a mixed research strategy. Initially, a systematic literature review informed the qualitative phase, which involved expert focus groups in formulating the questionnaire items. Subsequently, the developed scale underwent psychometric analysis in the quantitative phase and was given to women undergoing fertility treatment. Results: The scale was found to have an acceptable level of factorial validity and reliability. The items were consistent and homogeneous, with high saturation in their respective factors (3). A negative covariance was observed between factors 1 and 2, and between factors 2 and 3, along with a positive covariance between factors 1 and 3. Furthermore, it was found that satisfaction with nursing care (F1) was associated with a lower need for professional psychological help and that a greater perception of emotional well-being (F2) was associated with a greater need for this type of help (F1: β = −0.07, p = 0.002; F2: β = 0.10, p = 0.004). Conclusions: This scale is a robust and dependable instrument, demonstrating its validity and reliability. Most notable are its user-friendly nature, ease of administration, and minimal time needed. Moreover, the scale proves effective in identifying women who require professional psychological support, which is a critical distinction with significant implications for patient care. In practical terms, the scale equips nurses with a powerful tool for conducting a thorough and efficient assessment of women undergoing fertility treatment.