Occupational Factors Associated With Depression In Nurses Working In A Federal Government Tertiary Care Hospital In Islamabad.

BACKGROUND: Depression is more prevalent in women than in men. Among women's population sub-groups, there is paucity of research regarding occupational factors associated with depression in Pakistani nurses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 female nurses working in a Federal Government tertiary care hospital in Islamabad. Pretested modified form of Agha Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to collect primary data. The questionnaires collected data on depressive symptoms, work experience, working hours, working environment, harassment by patients or attendants, job satisfaction and job stress. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Chi-square test was used to see the association between different variables and depression. RESULTS: This study indicated high level of depression in nurses who were having work experience of 5-7 years (p=0.000), who were working on rotating shifts (p=0.012), whose work hours were not flexible (p=0.032), who had experienced verbal abuse or harassment by patient or attendant (p=0.001), who thought that they had more responsibilities and less authorities at work (p=0.018), who suffered from injury at work (p=0.010), who thought that they had to work fast at job (p=0.004), who thought that they had to do extra physical work at job (p=0.003), who believed that they had insufficient time for patient care (p=0.006), who were not allowed to take decisions according to patient's requirements (p=0.005), who were neither appreciated nor received any feedback from their seniors (p=0.002), who did not enjoy their work (p=0.001), who did not enjoy relations with their colleagues (p=0.001), who were harassed by their administration (p=0.000), who were not satisfied from their job (p=0.012) and who believed that their job is stressful (p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that occupational factors play a very important role in determining depression in Pakistani nurses.

Investigating the awareness level about diabetes mellitus and associated factors in Tarlai (rural Islamabad).

OBJECTIVES: To determine the baseline level of awareness amongst a rural community about Diabetes Mellitus (irrespective of type 1 or type 2), its risk factors and complications. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the community of Tarlai, Islamabad, Pakistan, in January of 2008. A structured questionnaire was used and 300 adults (age > or = 18 years) were assessed on their knowledge regarding awareness of Diabetes Mellitus, its risk factors and complications. All data collected was entered into SPSS version 10.0. The data was re-validated and analyzed. RESULTS: Out of the three hundred adults subjected to the survey, only 129 (43%) adults had any awareness of Diabetes Mellitus. Adults with no regular, scheduled exercise were 221 (73.7%) and 256 (85.3%) did not have healthy eating habits. Awareness of risk factors was present in 42 (14%) while awareness of the complications associated with the disease was 65 (22%). Adults which reported as never going for regular checkups to any clinic or hospital were 232 (77%). Family history of diabetes mellitus was statistically significantly associated with awareness about diabetes mellitus (65% vs 32%, p < 0.001), people who were in contact regularly with health care providers were more aware about diabetes and the associated risk factors than those who were not (71% vs 35%, p < 0.001). Sex was not associated (p = 0.28) with awareness about diabetes mellitus, nor was the educational status (p = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of adults were unaware of Diabetes Mellitus itself and associated risk factors. Raising public awareness of the disease through outreach programmes and mass media should be planned and implemented.