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

Association of Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio (2D:4D) With Trait Anxiety and Occupational Stress Among Anesthesiology Residents: A Cross Sectional Observational Study

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07757971
Enrollment
116
Registered
2026-08-11
Start date
2026-09-15
Completion date
2026-12-30
Last updated
2026-08-11

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Anxiety, Stress

Keywords

anxiety, stress

Brief summary

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.

Detailed description

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.

Interventions

None listed

Sponsors

Ain Shams University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
ECOLOGIC_OR_COMMUNITY
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

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

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Anxiety scoreBaseline (single assessment)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.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Demographic dataBaseline (single assessment)Personal information, habits and health status

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Aug 12, 2026