This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of violent events leading to Acquired brain injury (ABI). Research was conducted through the SPAVO helpline which provides anonymous and immediate support and connect individuals with necessary resources and guidance. Data were collected using four specific questions from the BR.A.I.N. Screening Questionnaire and questions were asked regarding violence characteristics. Out of 729 females, 61% encountered physical violence, with 32% facing a heightened risk of ABI. These findings highlight the significant risk of ABI among female survivors of intimate partner violence and assist policymakers, frontline professionals regarding the needs of this population.
Background and Objectives: The neurocognitive sequelae of COVID-19 have attracted attention as part of post-COVID condition (PCC), yet standardized tools for screening and quantifying PCC-related cognitive impairment remain scarce. The present study aimed to develop and validate the Screening for Neurocognitive Abilities Post-COVID (SNAP-COVID), a self-report questionnaire designed to capture current symptom burden and perceived changes in cognitive functioning relative to pre-COVID status in a Greek-speaking sample. Materials and Methods: Data collection occurred in three phases between August 2024 and February 2025. Dataset A (N = 27) was used for test–retest reliability. Dataset B (N = 300) was used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), reliability testing, and convergent validity analyses with the Brain Fog Scale (BFS). Dataset C (N = 317) was used for independent validation through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: Initial EFA of the 30-item SNAP-COVID scale suggested a four-factor model, yet further item refinement yielded a robust three-factor, 24-item solution: (1) General Cognitive Functions (17 items, α = 0.948), (2) Sensory Hypersensitivity (4 items, α = 0.829), and (3) Language and Communication (3 items, α = 0.950). The total scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.95). Convergent validity was evident by significant correlations between SNAP impact scores and BFS scores (r = −0.442, p < 0.001). CFA confirmed the three-factor structure with acceptable fit indices (χ2(249) = 677.29, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.882; TLI = 0.869; RMSEA = 0.074; SRMR = 0.032). Conclusions: The SNAP-COVID scale is a reliable and valid instrument. Its multidimensional structure captures global and domain-specific difficulties, addressing a critical gap in post-infectious cognitive assessment.
30 July 2024 in Psychology: the Journal of the Hellenic Psychological Society
The study investigates the impact of age, education, and sex on memory within a diverse cohort of participants spanning the adult lifespan, utilizing the G-HVLT-R. A total of 1,055 Greek Cypriot individuals, both males and females aged 18 to 80, were recruited from the NEUROAGE longitudinal project. Participants underwent a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests, including the G-HVLT-R for assessing total learning and delayed recall, alongside the Logical Memory test measuring delayed recall performance in story recall. Significant performance disparities emerged between Forms 1 and 2 and Forms 1 and 3 of the G-HVLT-R. Regression analyses revealed age as the predominant predictor, with the highest coefficients, followed by education and sex. Notably, the G-HVLT-R demonstrated robust concurrent validity, evidenced by high correlation coefficients with Logical Memory delayed recall tasks. The findings underscore age as the primary determinant of performance, while also emphasizing the influence of education and sex across the lifespan. Consequently, establishing norms that account for demographic characteristics is imperative for refining the precision of neuropsychological assessment, particularly among those with lower education levels and in older age groups. This information enhances accurate clinical assessment across diverse populations and aids in identifying individuals necessitating specific treatment interventions.
16 July 2025 in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation