A Qualitative Study Of Perceptions Of E-Cigarettes Among Youth Smokers And Parents Of Youth In Singapore

@#Objective: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are increasingly used globally and the implications of their smoking are being debated. The aim of this study is to identify awareness, use and perceptions of e-cigarettes among young smokers and parents of youths in Singapore. Methods: A total of 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among youths (aged 15-29 years) who smoke and parents of youths, from diverse social contexts. Participants were recruited using a mix of network and purposive sampling. Youth FGDs were conducted in English language while the parent FGDs were conducted in Chinese and English language. FGDs were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Awareness about e-cigarettes was perceived more among youth as compared to parents in terms of structure, mechanism and use of the device. Parents considered e-cigarettes to be a healthy substitute for conventional smoking. However, youth expressed the failure of e-cigarettes to provide satiety level same as conventional cigarette smoking. Participants endorsed e-cigarettes as a tool for smoking cessation. Conclusion: It was evident from the study that though there was knowledge of e-cigarettes, both parents and youths were ill- informed about them, owing to varied and inconsistent information on e-cigarettes along with its legal implications in Singapore. Future research is required to assess safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes as well as the association of their use with smoking cessation.

Screening for Drinking Problems in the Elderly in Singapore Using the CAGE Questionnaire

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Given that past research on drinking problems has focused primarily on younger samples, the present study sought to examine the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use among the elderly in Singapore.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>Data were extracted from the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) study, a cross-sectional, epidemiological survey conducted among a nationally representative sample of Singapore residents (n = 2565) aged 60 years and above. Variables assessed include drinking problems, depression and anxiety symptoms, obesity, smoking status, chronic physical disorders and disability.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The weighted prevalence of drinking problems (CAGE score ≥2) in our sample was 4.2%. Male sex, Indian ethnicity, and being divorced or separated were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of drinking problems. Participants with drinking problems were also more likely to have subthreshold depression. There were no significant differences in disability among those with drinking problems, those without drinking problems and non-drinkers, after adjusting for demographic variables.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our findings contribute to the body of research that indicates an association between drinking problems and depressive symptoms among the elderly. Thus, screening for depressive symptoms in the elderly with drinking problems may be useful in identifying such comorbidities in order to aid treatment planning.</p>

Help-Seeking From Traditional Healers Among Singaporean Older Adults

The objectives were to identify the socio-demographic characteristics of older adults who visit traditional healers as well as identify medical and psychiatric conditions that are associated with visits to the traditional healer. Methods: Data from 2563 older adults who participated in the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) population-based survey was used. Sociodemographic information, details on traditional healer visits as well as medical and psychiatric conditions were collated through an adapted 10/66 protocol. Results: A total of 10.4% of older adults sought help from a traditional healer within the past three months. There were significantly more visits to traditional healers by women, those whose highest level of education was primary or secondary school, those who had stomach/intestine problems and those who had anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Traditional healers appear to be a preferred source of help among some older adult groups. Future research should focus on the impact of seeking help from these alternative healthcare providers in terms of clinical outcomes and costs. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 17 (2): July – December 2016: XX XX.

Psychiatric Research and Ethics: Attitudes of Mental Healthcare Professionals in Singapore

Objective: This study assessed the opinion of mental healthcare professionals on ethical issues in psychiatric research and investigated whether previous research experience had an impact. Methods: Healthcare professionals at a psychiatric institution were invited to participate in this survey. Using a self-administered questionnaire, attitudes on statements covering ethical concerns and consent process in psychiatric research were assessed and responses of participants with and without research experience were compared. Results: Mental health professionals, irrespective of their research backgrounds, acknowledged the importance of training in research ethics and accepted placebo use in psychiatric research. More respondents with research experience felt that patients with mental illnesses are capable of making a decision about research participation, could provide written informed consent and even if involuntarily admitted, had the ability to participate in research. They also considered randomization of treatment to be justified in psychiatric research. Conclusion: Training and update on ethical regulations and requirements for research involving psychiatric subjects could bring about a change in the perspective towards ethical concerns in psychiatric research.

Mental health professionals' perceived barriers and benefits, and personal concerns in relation to psychiatric research

<p><b>AIM</b>Mental health professionals can contribute to generating a strong evidence base for policy and practice in psychiatry. An insight into their perception of psychiatric research is important for planning support strategies. This study explored healthcare professionals' perceptions of barriers, benefits and concerns about psychiatric research in a Singapore psychiatric hospital.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>Self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect socio-demographic data and opinions on research. Likert scale was used for the responses and descriptive statistics and ordinal regression were used for data analysing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>93.8% respondents perceived "contribution to medical knowledge/public health" to be a major benefit of conducting research. 86.7% respondents felt that "learning experience" was important. "Prestige/publication" (52.7%) and "financial gain" (76%) were perceived to be unimportant. "Clinical load of patients", "lack of skilled personnel to assist in research" and "insufficient funding" were identified as important barriers by 72.4%, 70.6% and 68.9% respondents. "Time constraints", "patient and family readiness to research participation", "insufficient training" and "concerns about patient welfare" are major concerns while conducting research.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>To the study team's best knowledge, this is the only study of mental health professionals' perceptions on psychiatric research. It is useful for strategising research planning and enhancing the research culture in the hospital.</p>