Burden of care in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and epilepsy

To find out the burden of care and associated mental health problems in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and epilepsy. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Sir Ganga Raam Hospital, Lahore, from January to September 2010. A total of 100 caregivers [50 each] of patients suffering from schizophrenia and epilepsy presented to the outdoor patient department were included in the study. Burden assessment Scale, General Health Questionnaire-28 and a semi structured proforma for recording their demographic details were used in the study. Forty nine percent caregivers of patients of schizophrenia and epilepsy showed high burden of care on Burden Assessment Scale. Overall, 55% of caregivers had higher scores on General Health Questionnaire showing poor psychological well being and problems with their mental health. There were highly significant positive relationship [p<.001] between BAS, GHQ and all their subscales i.e., objective burden, subjective burden, somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. Almost half of the caregivers showed high burden of care and the majority had problems with their mental health

Demographic profile of patients with epilepsy in a community clinic

To study the Demographic profile of patients with Epilepsy. A descriptive study of five hundred patients with Epilepsy was counducted in, Ahbab Hospital, [Psychiatric Epilepsy clinic] Ravi Road, Lahore. All patients presented with seizures during that period were included in the study. Their detailed history and appropriate investigations were recorded on a study proforma. Epilepsy was classified according to EEG findings. Out of a total Five hundred patients with Epilepsy who visited Ahbab Hospital majority [62.9%] were of low socio-economic status and belong to rural areas of Pakistan. Males had Epilepsy [58%] more often compared to females [42%]. The most common type was Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizure.70% of the patients came with Epilepsy only, 13.0%were having Depression and 10.1%were Mental Retardation and 4.1%had a problem of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The results of the study conclude that Epilepsy is more common among population with low socioeconomic status in the rural areas and dominantly involves the males.43% of the subjects were suffering from Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures. The risk factors for developing Epilepsy include a positive family history of Epilepsy. Epilepsy is an important health problem. Identification of Demographic profile in a hospital setting will lead to more opportunities to improve preventive measures and quality of life in rural areas. It will also improve knowledge among rural backgrounds and health officials on the problems associated with this disease

Physical and psychological complications of cannabis ; an update

The use of illegal drug such as cannabis is most common. Young people are more vulnerable for its use. Prevalence is increasing markedly over the past decade. Long term use of cannabis use is found to be associated with increased risk of physical and psychological complications. This a brief review of recent literature on the use of cannabis in European society. Government has successful in increasing public awareness about cannabis misuse through media. More surveys and epidemiology studies are required in future to detect this change and any reduction in its use and dependence

Expressed emotions and schizophrenia in Pakistan

To investigate the differences in expressed emotion among families of patients with Schizophrenia and develop an instrument for expressed emotion. A sample of 35 families was selected by using non-probability sampling technique. It was hypothesized that there would be significant difference in expressed emotion among families of patients with schizophrenia and families of normal subjects. A questionnaire based on Likert Scale technique was used to measure expressed emotion of the families. Those members were selected who have spent at least 35 hours with the patient. Independent t-test was performed to see the difference in their expressed emotion on criticism, hostility, positive remarks, warmth and emotional overinvolvement. Descriptive statistics was used to find out the relationship between demographic variables. The research finding showed a significant difference in expressed emotion between parents of schizophrenics and parents of normal subjects. This is the first study on expressed emotions in Pakistani perspective and provides guidelines for future management in schizophrenia

Psychosocial factors and male sterilization

To study the demographic profile of vasectomy clients and the psychosocial factors motivating them to be sterilized. One hundred fifty clients attending Reproductive Health Services Center [RHSC] Vasectomy Unit Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore were interviewed using a specifically constructed interview form. The form was developed on the basis of items generated through Focused Group Discussions [FGDs] with vasectomy clients. The investigators themselves conducted the interviews at Department of Psychiatry, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. Mean age of the sample was 36.13 years. Out of the total sample 62% were illiterate. Majority of clients were employed temporarily as laborers [i.e. 52.7%] and unskilled workers [i.e.15%]. Eighty nine percent of the clients were earning less than Rs. 4000/- per month. Financial reasons were the main motivating factor to go for vasectomy. About 63% of clients reported that they had never tried any other contraceptives. Twenty seven percent reported a history of extra marital or premarital sexual relationships. Sixty one clients were involved in drugs and out of them 57% had no specific hobby and would spend their leisure time at home. The results indicate that majority of the sample belongs to low socio-economic class. They were mostly illiterate, employed as laborers or unskilled workers. Economical constraints came out as the basic motivating factor for decision of male sterilization

Significant variablables associated with epilepsy

To study the characteristics of the epileptics and the risk factors contributing to the development of epilepsy. Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Epilepsy Clinic at Ahbab Hospital, Lahore, from June 2002 to August 2002. Subjects and Data was collected from 158 subjects, 89 males and 69 females, suffering from epilepsy. The information about socio-demographic characteristics and family history of illness, perinatal morbidity, birth place and mother's age at the time of delivery was obtained using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 10. Majority of the subjects were single [77.84%], 1st born among their siblings [25.95%], belonged to low social class [50.63%], and unemployed [25.31%]. The major risk factors were family history of illness [23.52%] and positive medical problem around birth [12.66%]. The presence of family history of illness, positive medical problem around birth and advanced maternal age at birth were associated with early onset of epilepsy. Vulnerability for the epilepsy also increases among hospital deliveries. Although the present study has identified various risk factors, yet the results need to be further confirmed through case-control studies