ABSTRACT
Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic and inarguably one of the most debilitating psychiatric syndromes. Primary care giver faces burden in different domains, few of the domains having significant correlation with a schizophrenia patient. The evidence has suggested that effective Psychoeducation will lead to reduced relapse rate, enhanced recovery and better family well-being at a lesser cost. The current study was aimed to explore burden of the family members and impact of Psychoeducation to reduce the burden in primary caregiver of patients with schizophrenia. Methodology: A prospective and interventional study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2017 among primary caregivers of the patient with schizophrenia. Caregivers were interviewed and assessed by application tools like Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS). After assessment, education program was conducted every week for five weeks. One month after completion of all the sessions, post test was conducted. Results: Total 32 primary caregivers of schizophrenia patients participated in the study. Eight caregivers did not complete the follow-up regularly as per the schedule. So, they were excluded from further study and only 24 caregivers were taken into account. Spouse as caregiver and participants with age less than 45 years felt more burden. Statistically significant reduction of burden in physical and mental health, external support, caregiver’s routine, patient’s behaviour related factors and total burden assessment schedule score was observed, which was denoted by paired t test. While, no statistical reduction was observed in other factors. Conclusions: Psychoeducation is effective in reducing the burden and creates more awareness about illness. It also improves coping strategy during different stages of illness. It also deals with communication skills and expressed emotions.
ABSTRACT
Background: The Novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak is unprecedented and traumatic event for the many people of the world. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the commonly encountered mental health problem after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is predicted that this outbreak have a more profound and widespread psychological impact. The current study is aimed at estimation of the prevalence of PTSD in patients with COVID-19 at two different points of time. Methodology: A prospective study was carried out from may 2020 to October 2020 at a COVID notified tertiary care centre. Participants were approached using Semi-structured proforma and ‘PTSD Symptom Scale Interview (PSS-I)’ at the time of discharge and 1 month post-discharge. Descriptive statistics and Chi- square test were used for the analysis. Results: A total of 440 participants took part in the study. 20.45% participants at the time of discharge from the hospital, and 18.33% at one month follow-up met the criteria for PTSD. Male participants and those who stayed in hospital for more than 14 days reported higher prevalence of PTSD. Conclusion: High prevalence of PTSD was observed in patients with COVID-19 at the time of discharge from the hospital. It is more among those who stayed in Intensive care unit and high dependency unit, and stayed for longer duration in hospital.
ABSTRACT
Diabetes and depression are two major health issues that often co-exist in the general population. Though these two are isolated conditions, growing evidence suggest a strong association between the two chronic conditions. Studies show that individuals with diabetes have an increased risk for depression and vice versa. When diabetes and depression co-exist they increase the overall mortality of the patient. Identifying these conditions early and integrating treatment of depression and diabetes can tremendously improve health outcomes and quality of life.
ABSTRACT
Background: Data on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to antiretroviral (ARV) use in public health practice are few indicating the need for antiretroviral therapy (ART) safety surveillance in clinical care. Methods: 143 patients on ART were studied prospectively over a period of two years. All patients were asked to visit the clinic if they developed any symptoms or on a monthly basis. They were screened clinically and investigated suitably for any ADRs. Results: 143 HIV positive patients were analyzed. At least one ADR was seen in 87 (60.83%) subjects. The most common ADR observed was peripheral neuropathy in 54 (37.76%) patients, followed by lipodystrophy (13.98%), anemia (10.48%) and hyperlipidemia (6.29%). Patients with peripheral neuropathy and lipodystrophy were mainly on stavudine based regimes, while patient with anemia and hyperlipidemia were on zidovudine based regimes. Conclusions: In spite of high ADRs, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the only answer to HIV/AIDS. To optimize adherence and thus, efficacy of ART, clinicians must focus on preventing adverse effects whenever possible, and distinguish those that are self-limited from those that are potentially serious.