ABSTRACT
Introduction There is a high prevalence of depression in developing countries, and low mental health literacy has been hypothesized as one of the main causes of increasing rates of mental illness in a population. This study aimed to capture an image of the current attitude and perceptions towards victims of clinical depression in Pakistan and to assess the impact of those beliefs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 people, chosen through non-probability consecutive sampling, from Karachi, Pakistan. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the overall perception of depression including its causes, manifestations and treatment options. Descriptive statistics were used and p-values less than 0.05 calculated using the chi-square test were considered significant. Results Most of the participants comprehended depression as a natural feeling of sadness rather than a mental disorder. The vast majority cited increased stress (72.2%) and physical/ emotional trauma (51.3%) as the main causes of depression. The most popularly associated symptoms were sadness (53.3%), irritability (53.3%), inability to perform daily tasks (52.8%), and changes in sleeping patterns (52%). Participants believed depression to be best treated by talking to someone trustworthy (59.5%), praying to God (56.5%) and consulting a psychologist/psychiatrist (52.3%). There was a significant association between the participants' level of education and their perception of clinical depression (p=0.026). Conclusion Our study showed a skewed perception of depression with the majority only acknowledging it as a natural feeling of sadness. However, stress was seen as a major perpetrator and the importance of a good support system was acknowledged by most participants. Level of education was revealed to be the most important factor that influenced these beliefs. Effective community-based programs and policies based on these public views will help develop an accessible and autonomous support system for patients with mental illnesses.
ABSTRACT
Introduction The aim of the study was to explore the association between the intake of specific food substances and the sleeping patterns of medical students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 440 medical students, aged 18-24 years, chosen through non-probability consecutive sampling from Karachi, Pakistan. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to measure sleep quality and a self-made questionnaire that categorized foods according to their nutritional constitutions was used to measure the frequency of food consumption. Associations were evaluated using the chi-square test with the level of significance taken as p < 0.05 and strength of significance determined using Cramer's V. logistic regression to predict good sleep quality. Results Significant associations were found with soybeans, whole grains, processed meats, leafy greens, dark chocolate, spices, dairy products, products high in fat and sugar, lima beans, and carbohydrates in relation to sleep quality, with soybeans exhibiting a particularly stronger relationship. The odds of good sleep quality were 2.5 times more likely with soybean intake, 3.26 times more likely with carbohydrates, and 6.57 times more likely with lima beans. Intake of papayas was associated with reduced sleep quality. Conclusion Intake of certain food substances has a significant association with sleep quality. Clinical trials focusing on the nutritional basis of these associations can lead to a new integrated focus on functional foods to combat poor sleep and sleep-related diseases.
