RESUMO
Mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and memory loss have been described in patients with chronic Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Social, psychological, and biological stressors may take part in these processes. There is a consensus on the recognition of an acute nervous form of CD. In chronic CD patients, a neurological form is associated with immunosuppression and neurobehavioural changes as sequelae of stroke. The chronic nervous form of CD has been refuted, based on the absence of histopathological lesions and neuroinflammation; however, computed tomography shows brain atrophy. Overall, in preclinical models of chronic T. cruzi infection in the absence of neuroinflammation, behavioural disorders such as anxiety and depression, and memory loss are related to brain atrophy, parasite persistence, oxidative stress, and cytokine production in the central nervous system. Interferon-gamma (IFNγ)-bearing microglial cells are colocalised with astrocytes carrying T. cruzi amastigote forms. In vitro studies suggest that IFNγ fuels astrocyte infection by T. cruzi and implicate IFNγ-stimulated infected astrocytes as sources of TNF and nitric oxide, which may also contribute to parasite persistence in the brain tissue and promote behavioural and neurocognitive changes. Preclinical trials in chronically infected mice targeting the TNF pathway or the parasite opened paths for therapeutic approaches with a beneficial impact on depression and memory loss. Despite the path taken, replicating aspects of the chronic CD and testing therapeutic schemes in preclinical models, these findings may get lost in translation as the chronic nervous form of CD does not fulfil biomedical model requirements, as the presence of neuroinflammation, to be recognised. It is hoped that brain atrophy and behavioural and neurocognitive changes are sufficient traits to bring the attention of researchers to study the biological and molecular basis of the central nervous system commitment in chronic CD.
RESUMO
Background: The current threat of Covid-19 pandemic is not only disrupting the economy but also creating psychological impact on the people. As a measure to control the spread, India imposed lockdown on various occasions. During this period only essential services were operational, while educational institutions remain closed. Due to social distance norms and restricted recreational activities, children are more prone to behavioural changes and it can also cause anxiety and depression. The current study focusses upon this aspect among school going children due to Covid-19.. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done on school going children, currently restricted to home. A semi-structured questionnaire which included (RCADS-25 scale for depression and anxiety) was administered to the parents through online platform. Bivariate logistic regression was used to test the significance of association between changes Impact of covid-19 and emotional status of Children and also between behavioural changes in children and presence of at least one sibling. Results: Majority of respondents were males (59%) and mean age was 9.9yrs. Majority (47.2%) belong to Middle school. Mean score of RCADS-25 scale was 15.61±9.4 for the study population. Worry was seen in 67.3% and frustration was seen in 32.4% for conduction of online classes. Irritability was seen 31.91% and restriction of outdoor activities caused loss of temper in 56.9% of the study population. Insomnia was often seen in 20% while 50% had sadness/empty feeling at some point of time. Lack of confidence was seen in 52.7% children. Majority (69.5%) were scared to sleep alone at night. Chi-square test for significance showed significant association between Parent’s behaviour and mood changes in Children (O.R- 2.43(1.1-5.33 - 95%C. I) p=0.04). Bivariate logistic regression showed significant association between Impact of covid-19 and emotional status of Children (O.R=2.967,95% C.I(1.582-5.564), p=0.001) and also between behavioural changes during pandemic and presence of at least one sibling(O.R =0.578,95% C.I 0.345-0.971,p=0.038). Conclusion: The behavioural changes of children due to Covid -19 is evident and necessary measures like counselling the parents are necessary
RESUMO
Objective: Social media usage is a global consumer phenomenon that has risen exponentially in the last few years. Published Indian studies on social media addiction are scarce and social media associated health issues are an emerging health problem in India. Objectives: To assess and compare social media addiction between private and public high-school students and to assess health problems related to social media usage across these groups. Methods: This crosssectional study was completed in 2016. It was conducted in five private and five public high schools across wards of Bengaluru city that were selected by simple random sampling. The subjects were students studying in grades 8, 9 and 10 (aged between 12 and 16 years). A total of 760 subjects were recruited, 380 from public and 380 from private high schools. They were administered a pretested, semi-structured, self-administrated questionnaire in either the local language or English. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed to establish any associations between social media addiction and various other factors. Results: In our samples, 60.95% of social media users studied in private schools and 39.05% in public schools (z = 10.31, p<0.001). The most commonly used social media applications were, Internet gaming (69.23%) in Public schools and WhatsApp (61.15%) in Private schools. The overall prevalence of social media addiction was 19.96% among users with significantly higher rates of selfreported addiction in private schools (z = 3.47, p < 0.001). A total of 70.67% of the subjects had one or more physical symptoms, i.e. neck pain, tension, strain on eyes and fatigue of which 67.42% and 72.75% were from public and private schools, respectively. Psychological changes, i.e. anger, lonely and frustration; and behavioural changes, i.e. sleep disturbance and neglect personal hygiene were observed in 67.42% and 51.01% of public and private school pupils, (z = 3.85, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Private school students were more prone for social media addiction. Majority had mild addiction. Addiction was associated with behavioural changes. A multitude of physical, psychological and behavioural problems were observed among social media users.