ABSTRACT
Psychological anthropology is one of the most current academic discipline; the intellectual study of the association between the individual and culture debatably instigated in the late nineteenth century, when W. H. R. Rivers and his contemporaries commenced an expedition to Melanesia to examine the perceptions of the local people. objective of the study is to find relationship between old age and psychological disorders. Cross sectional. The study was conducted in Rawalpindi city. A structured questionnaire was designed to investigate all the variables of the study. A sample of 500 respondents were drawn from the older population [older persons] of Rawalpindi city by using convenient sampling technique. Data entry and analysis was done by using SPSS. There was a significant relationship found between old age and psychological disorders. According to this study, older people are suffering from psychological disorders namely; anxiety, sadness, depression, isolation, insomnia, dementia, and feeling of being useless. Older persons are more vulnerable to the mental illness and psychological problems. Some problems are prevailed in high proportion among elder persons such as anxiety, insomnia and feeling of being useless. Good mind is bound with good health, this clearly depicts that older persons are not suffering from poor psychological health but also they are facing adverse health conditions. Statistical observations show that some of the older adults facing more than one psychological problem, their ratio is 6.2% of total sample
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Male , Middle Aged , Anthropology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , PrevalenceABSTRACT
Pakistan is eighth among countries with high burden of tuberculosis [TB]. In Pakistan free-of-charge TB diagnosis and treatment services are available. The objective of qualitative exploratory study was to understand how TB patients and their families cope with the lost earnings and increased expenditures [other than diagnosis and treatment cost] related with disease and its treatment. The research methods included literature review, focus group discussion using vignettes and in-depth interviews with TB patients. The study was done in the rural areas of Lahore District with the support of district and local health facility staff. The study revealed that, Results like in many other developing countries, TB patients rely mainly on financial and physical support of family members and friends. Conclusion The study also highlighted the need for developing institutional mechanisms to help patients cope with economic consequences of tuberculosis
ABSTRACT
The Older Persons [OPs] are the knowledge and experience banks who hand over their life experiences to run society to the youth to further take up the society for the continuity of life and its progressive upward mobility. The aim of study was to explore the interrelationship of older persons' health care and social protection in the light of United Nations Principles for Older Persons in Rawalpindi city. Cross Sectional Study. Structured questionnaire was developed to collect information on Older Persons' health, economic and psychological status. In this regard, an extensive questionnaire was designed and pre-tested vigorously. The data collection was done in various union councils of Rawalpindi city. The study duration was three months and lasted from September 2013 to December 2013. Family is concerned about the welfare of OPs but the financial liabilities. In 82.8% cases children were found to be caring whereas in 17.2% cases kids were totally forgetful. 46% OPs were primarily nursed by their spouses and 34% by sons or daughters. 44.3% OPs still managed their financial affairs. In 66% case no secondary financial facility was provided by the government. 28.9% cases were those where OPs requested help from other sources. The Islamic Jurisprudence, Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and UN Principles demand the governments and states to intervene in the situation and make sure that the OPs are enjoying equal access to independence, [social] participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity
ABSTRACT
Culture and society always an important factor that contributed to build the stereo types rather positive and negative that affect our everyday life. As with other social issues ageing is also effected the cultural and societal stereo types. Concept of old age was not the only creation of old age rather it was started when they were young and strong concepts were developed and concreted with the passage of time as he get older and older. [1] To explore what Older Persons [OPs] perceived about old age. [2] To find the cross relationship between their concept of old age and their disease status. Statistically calculated sample of 384 OPs were randomly interviewed by taking their verbal consent after introducing them about objective of study. Structured questionnaire was developed for data collection purposes. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS. among 384 respondents 31.3% perceived old age as illness and disease, 15.9% consider it stress and depression, 25.5% were of the view that old age is phase of social isolation and ignorance, increased dependency was also recorded 9.1% and less social participation as 11.7%. Hypertension was reported by 8.1% of the study respondents, Heart problem in 12.8% cases and Diabetes in 15.1% cases. Awareness of religious education along with role of social institution plays the leading role to reduce the intensity of negative stereo types and helps elders to develop positive concepts about their last age will be supplementary measure for active, and healthy and prosperous old age
ABSTRACT
Ageing is exactly the organic process of growing older and showing the effects of increasing age. The state of Pakistan is caught in the complicated web of various socio-economic and political problems. In such scenario, efforts to voice the rights of elderly seem a bit surprising and out-of-priority box. The paper attempts to serve as an eye-opener for the policy makers both in public and private sectors to interrelate the factors deemed imperative for taking concrete steps to redress the menace arising out of ignoring ageing and dropping it from the national development agenda. Structured interview schedule was developed to collect information on Older Persons' health, economic and psychological status. In this regard, an extensive questionnaire was designed and pre-tested vigorously. This paper is extracted out of the base-line exploratory study. Rawalpindi city. Oct 2013 to Dec 2013. 69.3% OPs reported various diseases, 19.7% respondents never visited the doctor. 25.1% respondents' last visit to the doctor was between six months to more than a year. 15.3% visited the doctor for a medical treatment. Older persons with no permanent income made them more vulnerable to suffer various illnesses. Pakistan is not an aged-friendly country that even lacks a policy at national level for the welfare rights of older persons
ABSTRACT
Culture is a learned behavior. It is a community's knowledge and set of practices that evolves out of continuous interactions with the outer environment feedback either positive or negative. In a strict sense culture is a man-made nature opposite to physical nature to survive. The objective of the study was to investigate the interrelationship of older persons' [OPs] marital status and mode of living with their medical history. Cross Sectional Study. The study was conducted on behalf of Help Age Pakistan. The data collection was done in various union councils of Rawalpindi city. The study duration was three months and lasted from Sep-2013 to Dec-2013. Structured questionnaire was developed to collect information on Older Persons' health, economic and psychological status. In this regard, an extensive questionnaire was designed and pre-tested vigorously. Questionnaires were filled by the graduates of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University. The respondents who were single were mostly heart patients [n=14, 21.4%]. The married respondents reported other diseases that included mental health, skin problems, paralysis, eye and hearing impairments and TB etc [n=704, 20.7%]. Widows and widowers were in the third category with the same problems reported in second category [n=274, 20.1%]. Results in the category of hypertension explain that elder peoples living in their own houses reported 9.1% hypertension, OPs living in rented houses suffering from hypertension were 10.3%, in case of hired residence percentage recorded was 0.0% and in the other category of living like living with relatives, friends or any other, 14.3% OPs were fighting with hypertension in their lives. The data reveal that OPs living single are likely to catch heart problems, the married OPs were suffering from mental illnesses, dermatological problems, paralysis as well as hearing and visual impairments. The results show that OPs living in their own houses were better off than the ones living in other mode of living. Rented houses reported high percentiles of hypertensions, heart problems, and diabetes
ABSTRACT
The aim of study was to explore the interrelationship of older persons' health with various psychological stresses in Rawalpindi city. Cross Sectional. The study was commissioned to the research team on behalf of Help Age Pakistan [an INGO based in Islamabad]. The data collection was done in various union councils of Rawalpindi city. The study duration was three months and lasted from September 2013 to December 2013. Structured questionnaire was developed to collect information on Older Persons' health, economic and psychological status. In this regard, an extensive questionnaire was designed and pre-tested vigorously. Questionnaires were administered with the help of a research team that comprised the graduates of department of Anthropology of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University along with professionals of Regional Development Network [RDN] as well as field staff of Pakistan National Center on Ageing [PNCA]. 414 [41.4%] respondents said that they felt lonely because they feel age gaps due to which they thought nobody at home could understand what they feel. As regards the frequency of visits by the kids or family members, the responses were Never [36.7%], Monthly [29.6%], Weekly [18.9%]. To kill their time 16.2% UPs spent their time in mosque, shops, or parks, 14.1% spent time while staying at home. The large majority of the OPs felt lonely because of the ignorance on behalf of the kids, families and indifferent attitude of society. There is a strong relationship between the mental stresses, economic instability of families and gradual loosening up of familial bond. The psychological stresses later on are increasing health problems and complications for OPs
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The objective of present study was to investigate level of interdependence between prevalence of Ghutti and education of newborn's mothers. Cross-sectional. This study was carried out at Village Khewayaali, Tehsil Wazirabad, District Gujranwala from Aug-2013 to Oct-2013. Data was collected while administrating a fully structured questionnaire. Tool was implemented with the help of women enumerator after improving the areas highlighted during the pre testing. A sample of 324 lactating women was randomly selected out of total population of lactating mothers. SPSS was used for data analysis. As 95% of lactating women respondent of this research confirmed that they had given their child Ghutti prior to the breastfeed. But on the other side, 80% of the total respondents also confirmed that they had fed their child in first 04 hours after birth and did not waste the highly nutritive Colostrum. Whereas, comparison of mothers' education with the use of Ghutti delineated that the practice is equally common among illiterate and educated mothers both. Illiterate mothers were 21% of the total respondents and use of Ghutti was equally present in rest 79% educated mothers as well thus the practice was found among 100% respondents. Current study explored that education has no influence over this deeply rooted a cultural practices and norms. As mothers despite being educated and much aware with the benefits of breastfeed performed this tradition under the persuasions of adult relatives especially mother in law
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The aim of study is to highlight the hidden ageing population and its problems. The specific purpose of the study was to explore the interrelationship of ageing with income as well as the medical history among the older persons of Rawalpindi city. Cross Sectional. This study was commissioned to the research team on behalf of Help Age Pakistan. The data collection was done in various union councils of Rawalpindi city. The study duration was three months of 2013. Structured questionnaire was developed to collect information on Older Persons' health, economic and psychological status. In this regard, an extensive questionnaire was designed and pre-tested vigorously. Number of researchers form PMAS-Arid Agriculture University was engaged to collect data. There is a strong relationship between the income statuses of OPs with their health physical conditions. The lack of permanent source of income leads to the high tendency of contracting various health problems among OPs. Similarly the inactive status of OPs also affects their health wellness which later on leads to create a multiplier effect regarding various health problems like heart problems, hypertensions, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, etc. There is a strong relation of income stability with the various psycho-somatic problems. The sense of being actively involved in familial functions especially economic chores provide a sense of independence and psychological sense of control over life results in better health among OPs
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Specific objective of the study was to determine the level of information and awareness regarding TB among the urban dwellers of Malikwal. Descriptive study. This study was conducted in UC-Tehsil Malikwal District Mandi Bahauddin. Duration of study lasts from Jan-2013 to March-2013. With the help of structured questionnaire the data of 70 respondents were collected. Quality of questionnaire was improved with the help of recommendations of pretesting activity. After taking verbal consent data was gathered by enumerators. Data was entered in EpiData software and analyzed in SPSS. Data shows the 58.6% participation of age group 20-30 years, 70:30% ratio of male and female representation, 42.9% respondents passed their college level of education, among 70 participants 39 reported cough lasts longer than three weeks as sign and symptom of TB, 61 [n=70] were those who said that through polluted air TB virus effects general population, 59 [n=70] reported that through covering mouth and nose during cough and sneezing is necessary to prevent TB, 66 [n=70] respondents said that anybody will be infected by TB, 77.1% were of the view that by using specific medication TB can be cured by getting the services from government clinic as reported 91.4%, 80% of sample said that TB treatment and diagnosis is free of cost in Pakistan as spread information by TV as reported 64.3%. Government departments along with line departments and private stack holders are required to ensure wider level of implementation of projects about the social awareness on TB containing quality of information while using various means of IC and T tools including media to cover the masses
ABSTRACT
Objective of the study was to explore the Stigma, attitude and practices with special reference to TB in Urban areas. Descriptive study. This study was conducted in UC-49. Tehsil Malikwal District Mandi Bahawaldin from Jan-2013 to March-2013. To gather the data on set objective a structured questionnaire was implemented. To collect the data a sample of 70 was interviewed after verbal consent. Tool was refined as per the highlighted suggestions of pre-testing under similar environment. Data was entered in EpiData software and analyzed in SPSS. Tables show the participation of both male and female as 70:30% respectively. In case of TB symptoms; Doctor or other medical worker was consulted for sharing by 91.4% respondents, 71.4% respondents would like to visit health facility [Government or Private], 14.3% visit the pharmacy for treatment, 30% were those who visit the health facility when they observed TB signs especially duration of cough, 65.7% urban residents visit the care center as soon they realize they had TB, 8.6% hate TB patients, 30% response friendly but avoid TB patients, 40% show sympathy toward TB patients, and 60% were said that the life of Tb patients were poor. In spite of health interventions aimed at awareness, treatment and rehabilitation of TB in Pakistan, the country still stands distinctively among the nations where TB is sky rising. The government and civil society need to move ahead from policy level to practical implementation of measures to prevent TB. At cultural perception level, there is a need to remove misconceptions about TB being the one that severely bars the social life mingling
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The objective of this study was to examine the effect of education on fertility levels in Pakistan using data for 4125 females aged 15-49 years from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey [PSLM] 2007-08 both at the aggregate and disaggregate level. The methodology of this study uses Poisson regression, the estimated results of which verify that education [measured by the highest class passed] has a negative and statistically significant impact on fertility levels, but this relation does not hold true for all levels of education. While higher secondary and higher education are significant across all specifications in the aggregate analysis, the impact of matriculation on fertility levels is mixed. Although, similar results are obtained from the disaggregate analysis, an interesting conclusion is that no level of education comes out to be statistically significant in affecting fertility levels in the provinces of Balochistan and NWFP
Subject(s)
Humans , Women , Adolescent , Adult , Education , Marriage , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
Anthropology is a holistic science that targets the study of man in its social, cultural, economic, psychological, political, geographical and ecological settings. Anthropology views major's interventions in areas of health to be planned with the complete cognizance of cultural factors that largely effect the target populations regarding their participation in all such major interventions. The Social Impact Assessment [SIA] referred by Anthropology basically demand scientific verifications of all such hurdles that may later on impede the acceleration of such heavy funded programs. The objective of the study was to investigate the decision-making regarding Safe Child Birthing Process among pregnant females and role of their in-laws. Cross Sectional Study This study was commissioned to the research team on behalf of Pakistan National Council on Ageing [PNCA] based in Islamabad. The data collection was done in the BHU of Chak # 474 GB, Tehsil Samundari, District Faisalabad. The study duration was three months and lasted from July 2012 to September 2012. Structured questionnaire was developed to collect information on child birth practices as well as opinion of females of respective sample area. In this regard, an extensive questionnaire was designed and pre-tested vigorously. Questionnaire contained bio-informatics including demographic information of clients and the second part covered areas of decision making, role, agents and other stakeholders. Questionnaires were filled with the help of LHVs and LHWs after getting the permission from their senior authorities. Results show that 29.2% of the respondents were illiterate, while 33.4% of the respondents pass their primary education. Ratio of birth attendant at last delivery was 58.1% for TBA/Dai and 17.2% respondents used the services of doctor for delivery proposes. Mother-in-law was the most influential decision maker in the family. As result explains that, for antenatal visit 118 time, for normal delivery 135 times and for EmONC 128 times decision taken by mother-in-law [n=267]. The decisions regarding child birth largely remain a female issue and rest with the mother-in-law mostly. The second dominant agents are husband and the father-in-law/brother-in-law. On statistical level, the result show strong association between clients and in-laws. The study verifies that the para-medical staff is also required to get training on the importance of cultural factors and means to convince the target population with threatening their cultural mind-set. A complete cognizance of such cultural variable may lead to promotion of safe child birthing as well as contributed in reducing the maternal mortality rates among the rural women
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Infant Mortality , Anthropology , Family Characteristics , Decision Making , Cross-Sectional Studies , Maternal Health Services/methods , Obstetric Labor Complications , Pregnancy Outcome , Emergency Medical Services , Parturition , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Anthropology is the most intimate humanistic explanation of human diversity as regards various small and large scales societies of the world. Anthropology aims to provide modern human civilization with understandable accounts of how human diversity that are not rooted in racial discrimination rather to bring us an opportunity to seek underlying rationalities and intellects associated with various historical, environmental, ecological, geographical, demographical, social, political and cultural compartmentalization and assortments. To help health personnel to understand the local mind about the health and eudaemonia as perceived and practiced by the rural population. Observational [exploratory] study. This study was conducted in the Union Council of Sacha Soda in the Tehsil and district of Sheikhupura district of the Punjab province from January 2011 to December 2011. This study was based upon an intensive field works for three years in a Punjabi village Sacha Soda of Sheikhupura district on indigenous health paradigms. It is an anthropological reflection of an indigenous healthy dichotomy to which the researchers have termed "Sehat-Tandarusti" existing and prevailing in the rural Punjab. Punctuality in taking dinner [95.3%], washing hands before taking food [92.9%], mild walk after food [82.1%] and chewing sugar cane and maze as exercise of teeth [77.9%] were the most common good eating habits. Majority of the villagers were going into beds earlier [95%] and a high percent were getting up early [75%]. Their first preference in case of illness was seeking help from Faith healers [86.1%] and the herbalists [88.9%]. There is a need to adopt the indigenous health perspective on Sehat [Eudaemonia] in order to promote the social awareness and effectively mobilize the populations towards better hygienic education and raising social responsibility among populations to contribute in making their livelihoods health friendly. The reinstating of the traditional health seeking system of practices can help the local populations to seek medical advices at local level as well as removing a threat from already overburdened urban health facilities
Subject(s)
Humans , Perception , Anthropology, Medical , Anthropology , Medicine, TraditionalABSTRACT
Cultures globally are man-made survival strategy on responding to various environmental, ecological demographical, topographical, geographical, political, social, psychological and economic factors for diversity. The point raised here is if the nature accepts the diversity due to which the living styles, languages, dressing, and other related aspects of aesthetics then why don't human accept socio-cultural diversity. The paper focuses its discussion on medical anthropology. Anthropologists have long been involved in studying the health systems of various societies that they choose for research. The understandings of various cultures and its medical practices helped anthropologists to understand why people prefer to have a unique and indigenous thought patterns as regards health notions and practices. Pakistan being a member of third world brethren still holds its position among the conventional medicalization. National life is divided into various strands of medical belief system and thus practices regarding diagnosis, curing, treatments, rehabilitation. Health bureaucracy blindly follows the Western medical approaches upon which there are intellectual debates internationally to accept the cultural notions in order to improve the global indicators while accepting the local cultures and their interpretations on such vital aspects of man's civilized life. There is a need to reiterate the health policy as well as the brain set of medical care systems to give the cultural perceptions and thus medical anthropology a due role in deciphering the dream into a reality. This paper attempts to educate the readers about the importance of cultural factors in understanding the disease, illness and healing in cultural setting and also to discuss the role of ethno-medicine that has been acknowledged throughout the world
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Anthropology , Health , Disease , Delivery of Health Care , Bioethics , Medicine, Traditional , Faith Healing , KnowledgeABSTRACT
This paper deals with the role of Indigenous Agricultural System as a system of locally evolved practices that are used by the villagers in a Punjabi village. The intent of the paper is to highlight that despite attacks on traditional practices and technologies, there are still people who use the centuries old heritage and are in favor of putting it again into the practice after effective revitalization at national level. Authors have tried to discuss the practical aspects of traditional farming practices with a purpose to record them in order to understand the socio-economic utility of them. Authors during interacted with people who compare their traditional agricultural practices with modern farming that was attempted to impose on farming community under the promise of economic prosperity and thus development. The paper is an attempt to highlight the effectiveness of traditional farming in order to generate a debate among the development school in Pakistan to further evaluate the utilities of the same. The study under reference was conducted in village Sacha Soda of Sheikhupura district in the Punjab