ABSTRACT
Background: Medical students are more likely to developmental disorders such as anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and psychiatric comorbidity as compared to other students. Mental distress can lead to poor classroom performance, poor communication, and frequent medical errors, burnout, social isolation, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, cynicism, and harm to self and others. An active coping approach such as positive framing, talking to friends, family member, leisure activities, and sport activities can reduce stress level. Objectives: The objectives of the study were (a) to find out the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students and (b) to assess risk factors for emotional distress. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among 530 MBBS student of Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society Medical College, Patan during October 2018–March 2019 after the Institutional Ethical Committee permission. A Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was used to collect data on depression, anxiety, and stress. Other information such as sociodemographic, academic profile, and personal characteristics of students were collected. Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 10.5%, 33.6%, and 38.3%, respectively, in medical students. The risk factors for emotional distress were female gender, residing at home, nuclear family, addiction, poor academic performance, less extracurricular activities, and positive family history. Joint family and strong relationship with friends were found protective against emotional distress. The prevalence of any emotional state was not affected by the number of supplementary exams, personal choice to join MBBS, and personal satisfaction with body image and life. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are significant hidden problems in medical students. Substance abuse, less extracurricular activities, poor relationship with friends, and positive family history are risk factors for depression. Therefore, these risk factors should be identified and interventions to reduce stress should be carried out.
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer is one of the most dangerous and lately diagnosed cancers which precipitate high number of morbidity and mortality. Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in most cities in India. To prevent its occurrence, women should be aware of early signs of it. Early detection can be done by different screening techniques such as self-breast examination, clinical examination, and mammogram. Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: (a) To assess the awareness regarding breast cancer and their screening techniques among women and (b) to find out the associated factors of breast cancer and their awareness among women. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out among 100 women selected by purposive sampling residing in the field practice area of Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society Medical College, Dharpur, Patan, during January 2019–March 2019 after approval of the institutional ethics committee. Self-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used after performing a pilot study. Results: Very few female had personal and family history of breast cancer. Awareness regarding breast cancer was found higher in educated as compared to illiterate. Working women had more knowledge regarding the issue than housewife. Awareness regarding how often breast self-examination (BSE) should be performed and what to look for while doing BSE was awareness regarding BSE as a screening tool was found only in half of the study participants. Conclusions: The study participants who had personal and family history of breast cancer were well aware of the clinical signs of breast cancer and its screening techniques. Literate and working women were having more knowledge regarding breast cancer. Overall awareness regarding the disease and its screening techniques was low in the study population.
ABSTRACT
Background: The state of well-being is generally involved happiness, autonomy, satisfying social relationships, and self-contentment. Joint pain was the most common morbidity followed by dental and chewing problem and decreased visual acuity. The community needs and perceptions about geriatric health are often ignored. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the health of geriatric patient and awareness about medical service. Objectives: The objectives of the study were (a) to assess the health of the geriatric patient and (b) to obtain a perception of elderly participants about health service. Materials and Methods: Three Focus Group Discussions with seven participants in each group were conducted at rural area of Patan after taking permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The principal investigator was the moderator and observer noted down the verbatim. Seven to eight questions were prepared to direct the flow of discussion. The discussion lasted from 60 to 90 m. Results: Females were seen dominant in the discussions. Majority of participants (81.0%) had at least one disease. Most of them were suffering from aches followed by loss of vision, reducing hearing ability, and loss of teeth. Preserving good mental health, staying alert, and independent were important contributors to the health of elder person. Concept of Self Help Groups was suggested for increasing social participation. Poor economic status, self-rated poor health status, and having no faith in government medicine were obstacle in health-care services utilization. Conclusion: Dependency, low social participation and loneliness, negative attitude, no respect to elderly by a family member and ignored in decision-making may adversely affect the health of elderly. There is a need for caregiver support services to improve the health of the elderly.