ABSTRACT
Background: The world is witnessing significant change in its climate leading to an increase in natural disasters. Kerala state of India recently witnessed its worst Monsoon rainfall in the century. Floods have significant effects on mental health. Screening of psychological problems is necessary in the background of recent floods in Kerala. So this study was done with the objectives to assess the prevalence of depression in the flood affected people of Kerala and to assess the severity of depression among people residing in flood affected areas of Kerala.Methods: Cross sectional study was done four weeks after flood. Individuals aged ≥15 years residing in flood affected areas were included and people not willing to participate were excluded. Purposive sampling was done and 306 participants were studied. Participants were assessed by interview technique using PHQ9 questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS-22. Descriptive statistics like percentage were applied. Inferential statistical tests like chi-square test were applied for association.Results: Among the participants 48% showed symptoms of depression. 28.10 % were mildly depressed, 12.74% were moderately depressed, 5.56% had moderately severe and 1.63% had severe depression. Maximum prevalence of depression was observed in geriatric age group.Conclusions: A significant amount of people residing in flood affected areas showed signs and symptoms of depression. An urgent intervention is therefore required to improve mental health status of the flood affected individuals.
ABSTRACT
Background: Highly qualified and trained medical specialists such as Pathologists and Microbiologists who need to work at the microscope for long hours are at a high risk of musculoskeletal and ophthalmic disorders. This study is an attempt to identify such potential occupational hazards with the objectives to estimate the magnitude of occupational hazards among Pathologists and Microbiologists in Mysuru, and to assess the factors influencing these hazards among the study participants.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the Pathologists and Microbiologists of Mysuru district over a period of six months, a total of 45 study participants were included. An online self-administered questionnaire was sent to the study participants through e-mail and asked to fill and submit online, keeping complete confidentiality, and with informed consent. The results were analysed using appropriate statistical methods.Results: Pathologists and Microbiologists in almost equal proportions consented and took part in the study. 67% of them reported work related musculoskeletal problems, and 42% had visual refractive errors, mostly myopia. 9% of them reported to have experienced occupational injuries, mostly needle-stick injuries. None of them reported to smoke. Majority were happy with the work atmosphere and environmental conditions. Most of them were positive about the work-related situation in the coming years.Conclusions: This study found that more than half of the pathologists and microbiologists are exposed to occupational hazards and have suffered musculoskeletal, ophthalmic morbidities and had injuries, but none of which were life-threatening. Most of the risk factors are avoidable through ergonomic equipment and training.