Postpartum depression: Mental health literacy of Indian mothers.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression is a significant public health issue. It is important to understand new mothers' awareness on depression during the postpartum period. AIM: This study was aimed to understand the postpartum depression literacy of postpartum women. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey carried out among randomly selected mothers (N = 279) attending a paediatric tertiary care center. The data was collected through face-to-face interview technique using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that merely 50.7% of the postpartum mothers had an adequate level of knowledge on postpartum depression. Postpartum depression literacy was significantly associated with participants' age (P < 0.01), income (p < 0.006) and occupational status (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study highlight specific gaps in postpartum depression literacy which may compromise the help-seeking behaviours of postpartum mothers. The findings also suggest an urgent need to sensitize women about postpartum depression.

Eating Attitudes, Weight Control Behaviors, Body Image Satisfaction and Depression Level Among Indian Medical and Nursing Undergraduate Students.

This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out among Medical and Nursing students to assess the presence of eating disorders. Data was collected using self administered 'Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food' (SCOFF) and 'Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)' questionnaires. It was found that 34.1% and 10.4% of the participants were at high risk to suffer from eating disorders on SCOFF and EAT-26 scales. Further, age, gender and education found to have significant association on SCOFF and EAT-26 scores (p < 0.05). Thus, the findings suggest the need for effective interventions to prevent depression and eating disorders among the future health professionals.

Diferencias por sexo en el índice de masa corporal, percepción del peso corporal, satisfacción con el peso, desórdenes de la alimentación y estrategias para el control de peso en estudiantes de medicina y enfermería de la India / Diferenças por sexo no índice de massa corporal, percepção do peso corporal, satisfação com o peso, desordens da alimentação e estratégias para o controle de peso em estudantes de medicina e enfermagem da Índia / Gender Differences in Body Mass Index, Body Weight Perception, weight satisfaction, disordered eating and Weight control strategies among Indian Medical and Nursing Undergraduates

Objective. To assess gender disparity in body weight perception, Body Mass Index (BMI), weight satisfaction and role of depression among undergraduate Medical and Nursing students. Methods. A descriptive cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in conveniently selected medical (n=241) and nursing (n=213) students of Bangalore, South India. Data was collected using self-administered SCOFF questionnaires. Results. Our findings revealed that men had a significantly higher BMI than women (t=5.403, p<0.001). More number of women compared to men, perceived themselves as over weight (74.8%) and not satisfied with their weight status (81.6%). More men than women scored positively for disordered eating behaviors on SCOFF (45.4% vs. 31.1%) and EAT scale (16.5% vs. 8.7%). While, 48.2% of the women practice binge eating, 41.2% of the men practice it (p<0.004); more men (47.4%) than women (25.4%) exercised for more than sixty minutes (p<0.001) to control their weight. Conclusion. Findings indicate small differences between the genders that have to be taken in consideration in planning interventional programs to prevent eating disorders in this population. (AU)

Objetivo. Evaluar la disparidad por sexo en el índice de masa corporal, la percepción del peso corporal, la satisfacción con el peso, los desórdenes de la alimentación y estrategias para el control de peso en estudiantes de medicina y enfermería de la India. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con una muestra tomada a conveniencia de estudiantes de Medicina (n=241) y de Enfermería (n=213) de Bangalore, en el sur de India. Los datos se recolectaron usando los instrumentos auto-administrados SCOFF y EAT-26. Resultados. Los hombres tenían un IMC significativamente mayor que las mujeres (t=5.403, p<0.001); un mayor porcentaje de mujeres, en comparación con los hombres, percibía que pesaba más (74.8%), sin embargo, no estaban satisfechas con su peso (81.6%). Los hombres y las mujeres tuvieron puntajes que mostraban riesgo de tener trastornos de conductas alimentarias en el SCOFF (45.4% vs. 31.1%) y en el EAT (16.5% vs. 8.7%). Mientras que el 48.2% de las mujeres practicaba el atracón, el 41.2% de los hombres lo tenía (p <0.004); más hombres (47.4%) que mujeres (25.4%) se ejercitaban por más de sesenta minutos (p<0.001) para controlar su peso. Conclusión. Los hallazgos indican pequeñas diferencias por sexo que deben ser tenidas en cuenta en la planeación de programas de intervención para prevenir los trastornos en la alimentación en esta población. (AU)

Objetivo. Avaliar a disparidade por sexo no índice de massa corporal, percepção do peso corporal, satisfação com o peso, desordens da alimentação e estratégias para o controle de peso em estudantes de medicina e enfermagem da Índia. Métodos. Se realizou um estudo descritivo de corte transversal com uma amostra tomada a conveniência de estudantes de Medicina (n=241) e de Enfermagem (n=213) de Bangalore, no sul da Índia. Os dados foram coletados usando os instrumentos auto-administrados SCOFF e EAT-26. Resultados. Os homens tinham um IMC significativamente maior que as mulheres (t=5.403, p<0.001), mas um maior número de mulheres em comparação com os homens, percebiam que pesavam mais (74.8%) e não estavam satisfeitas com seu peso (81.6%). Os homens e as mulheres tiveram pontuações que mostravam risco de ter transtornos de condutas alimentar no SCOFF (45.4% vs. 31.1%) e no EAT (16.5% vs. 8.7%). Enquanto que 48.2% das mulheres praticavam o excesso, já os homens 41.2% (p <0.004); mais homens (47.4%) do que mulheres (25.4%) se exercitavam por mais de sessenta minutos (p<0.001) para controlar seu peso. Conclusão. As descobertas indicam pequenas diferenças por sexo que devem ser tidas em conta no planejamento de programas de intervenção para prevenir os transtornos na alimentação nesta população. (AU)

Gender differences in perceptions and attitudes of general population towards organ donation: An Indian perspective.

Globally, shortage of organs available for organ transplantation is a major problem. Studies assessing awareness and attitudes towards organ donation are limited from India. The aim of this study is to assess gender differences in the perceptions and attitude of general population toward organ donation. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among randomly selected patient relatives (n = 193) at the outpatient department of a tertiary care center. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Our findings revealed that majority of men than women were aware and in favor of promoting organ donation (χ2 = 10.428, P < 0.001). Best part of men (70.9%) compared to 52.3% of women were willing to donate their organs after death (χ2 = 18.080, P <0.001). Similarly, more number of (48.5%) men were willing to sign on the organ donation card. There is an urgent need to uncover the myths and misconceptions of the general population toward organ donation. Further, healthcare providers and governmental and nongovernmental agencies should take active initiation in motivating the public to give their consent for organ donation.

Actitudes de los estudiantes de medicina y enfermería hacia la enfermedad mental: Una perspectiva hindú / Atitudes entre os estudantes de medicina e enfermagem à doença mental: Uma perspectiva hindu / Medical and nursing students' attitudes toward mental illness: An Indian perspective

Objective. Compare the attitudes toward mental illness between medical and nursing undergraduate students from a university in India. Methods. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among medical (n=154) and nursing undergraduate students (n=168) using Attitude Scale for Mental Illness (ASMI) questionnaire with six sub scales namely; Separatism, Stereotyping, Restrictiveness, Benevolence, Pessimistic prediction and Stigmatization. This was a 5-point Likert scale with 34 items to rate participants responses from totally disagree (1) to totally agree (5). The lower scores indicate positive attitudes toward persons with mental illness. Results. Our findings revealed that 54.5% of medical students versus 64.8% of nursing students have positive attitudes toward mental illness. While medical students have better attitudes against separatism and stigmatization, nursing students have more positive attitudes in benevolence and against pessimism. Conclusion. An important proportion of medical and nursing students have negative attitudes toward mental illness. It is necessary to review and adapt the current curriculum to favor the positive attitude of future professionals toward people with these types of diseases.

Objetivo. Comparar las actitudes hacia la enfermedad mental entre los estudiantes de medicina y enfermería de una universidad en India. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo transversal con estudiantes de Medicina (n=154) y de Enfermería (n=168). Se utilizó la Attitude Scale for Mental Illness (ASMI) la cual tiene 34 ítems divididos en seis dominios: Separatismo, Estereotipos, Restricción, Benevolencia, Predicción pesimista y Estigmatización. Las opciones de respuesta son tipo Likert y van desde totalmente en desacuerdo (1) a totalmente de acuerdo (5). A menor puntaje es mejor la actitud positiva hacia las personas con enfermedad mental. Resultados. Nuestros hallazgos revelaron que el 54.5% de los estudiantes de Medicina versus el 64.8% de los de Enfermería tienen actitudes positivas hacia la enfermedad mental. Mientras que los estudiantes de Medicina tienen mejores actitudes contra el separatismo y la estigmatización, los estudiantes de enfermería poseen actitudes más positivas en la benevolencia y en contra del pesimismo. Conclusión. Una proporción importante de alumnos de Medicina y Enfermería tienen actitudes negativas hacia la enfermedad mental. Es necesario revisar y adaptar el currículo actual para favorecer la actitud positiva de los futuros profesionales hacia las personas con este tipo de enfermedades.

Objetivo. Comparar as atitudes à doença mental entre os estudantes de medicina e enfermagem de uma universidade na Índia. Métodos. Se realizou um estudo descritivo de tipo transversal com estudantes de Medicina (n=154) e de Enfermagem (n=168). Se utilizou a Attitude Scale for Mental Illness (ASMI) a qual tem 34 itens divididos em seis domínios: Separatismo, Estereótipos, Restrição, Benevolência, Predição pessimista e Estigmatização. As opções de resposta são tipo Likert e vão desde totalmente em desacordo (1) a totalmente de acordo (5). A menor pontuação é melhor a atitude positiva para as pessoas com doenças mentais. Resultados. Nossos resultados revelaram que 54.5% dos estudantes de Medicina versus 64.8% dos de Enfermagem tem atitudes positivas para a doença mental. Enquanto que os estudantes de Medicina têm melhores atitudes contra o separatismo e a estigmatização, os estudantes de enfermagem possuem atitudes mais positivas na benevolência e em contra do pessimismo. Conclusão. Uma proporção importante de alunos de Medicina e Enfermagem tem atitudes negativas à doença mental. É necessário revisar e adaptar o currículo atual para favorecer a atitude positiva dos futuros profissionais às pessoas com este tipo de doenças.

Gender Differences in Body Mass Index, Body Weight Perception, weight satisfaction, disordered eating and Weight control strategies among Indian Medical and Nursing Undergraduates.

OBJECTIVES: To assess gender disparity in body weight perception, Body Mass Index (BMI), weight satisfaction and role of depression among undergraduate Medical and Nursing students. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in conveniently selected medical (n=241) and nursing (n=213) students of Bangalore, South India. Data was collected using self-administered SCOFF questionnaires. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that men had a significantly higher BMI than women (t=5.403, p<0.001). More number of women compared to men, perceived themselves as over weight (74.8%) and not satisfied with their weight status (81.6%). More men than women scored positively for disordered eating behaviors on SCOFF (45.4% vs. 31.1%) and EAT scale (16.5% vs. 8.7%). While, 48.2% of the women practice binge eating, 41.2% of the men practice it (p<0.004); more men (47.4%) than women (25.4%) exercised for more than sixty minutes (p<0.001) to control their weight. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate small differences between the genders that have to be taken in consideration in planning interventional programs to prevent eating disorders in this population.

Medical and nursing students' attitudes toward mental illness: An Indian perspective.

OBJECTIVES: Compare the attitudes toward mental illness between medical and nursing undergraduate students from a university in India. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among medical (n=154) and nursing undergraduate students (n=168) using Attitude Scale for Mental Illness (ASMI) questionnaire with six sub scales namely; Separatism, Stereotyping, Restrictiveness, Benevolence, Pessimistic prediction and Stigmatization. This was a 5-point Likert scale with 34 items to rate participants responses from totally disagree (1) to totally agree (5). The lower scores indicate positive attitudes toward persons with mental illness. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that 54.5% of medical students versus 64.8% of nursing students have positive attitudes toward mental illness. While medical students have better attitudes against separatism and stigmatization, nursing students have more positive attitudes in benevolence and against pessimism. CONCLUSIONS: An important proportion of medical and nursing students have negative attitudes toward mental illness. It is necessary to review and adapt the current curriculum to favor the positive attitude of future professionals toward people with these types of diseases.

Attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to donate organs among Indian nursing students.

Globally, there is an acute shortage of organs for transplantation. Health professionals play an important role in raising awareness, motivating, and subsequently increasing the organ donation rates. Research related to nursing students' attitudes toward organ donation is limited from India. We aimed to assess undergraduate nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to donate organs. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among conveniently selected undergraduate nursing students (n = 271) using self-reported questionnaires. All the participants were aware of organ donation. A majority (n = 251, 94%) of them were unaware of organ donation law. The mean score indicates that 66.7% of the participants had adequate level of knowledge [mean ± standard deviation (SD), 7.34 ± 1.61] and 72.3% hold positive attitudes (mean ± SD, 83.9 ± 1.01) toward organ donation. Statistically significant correlation (r = 0.265, P <0.001) was observed between knowledge and attitudes of the participants toward organ donation. The findings suggest the need for revising the nursing curricula to prepare the future nurses' competent in encountering the issues related to organ donation and fostering.

Attitudes toward consumer involvement in mental health services: a cross-sectional survey of Indian medical and nursing undergraduates / Actitudes hacia la participación de los consumidores de los servicios de salud mental: un estudio transversal en estudiantes de medicina y enfermería de la India / Atitudes para a participação dos consumidores dos serviços de saúde mental: um estudo transversal em estudantes de medicina e enfermagem da Índia

Objective.To understand the views of medical and nursing undergraduates regarding consumer involvement in mental health services. Methods. A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted in Bangalore, South India, among medical (n=155) and nursing (n=116) undergraduates using self-reported the Mental Health Consumer Participation Questionnaire of Happell et al. ''Mental health consumer'' or ''consumer'' is defined as a person who is currently using mental health services as either an in-patient or out-patient. Results. The overall mean score on Mental Health Consumer Participation Questionnaire (54.1±6.7) implies that 64% of the participants hold positive attitudes towards consumer involvement in mental health services. Medical students possessed more positive attitudes than nursing in: consumer capacity (p<0.001), consumer as staff (p< 0.001) and overall score on mental health consumer participation questionnaire (t=6.892, p<0.001). Conclusion. The findings suggest that majority of the participants hold positive attitudes towards mental health consumer involvement in health care services. However, additional research is urgently required from developing countries to understand the effectiveness of involving mental health consumers in academic programs at undergraduate level.

Objetivo.Describir las actitudes de los estudiantes de medicina y de enfermería con respecto a su participación como consumidores de los servicios de salud mental. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en Bangalore, sur de la India, en estudiantes de medicina (n=116) y de enfermería (n=155) utilizando el Mental Health Consumer Participation Questionnaire de Happell et al. contestado por autorreporte. Se definió ''consumidor de salud mental'' o ''consumidor'' como aquella persona que estaba utilizando los servicios de salud mental pero no era paciente hospitalizado ni de consulta externa. Resultados. La puntuación media global en la salud mental, cuestionario de participación de los consumidores (54.1±6.7), implica que el 64% de los participantes tiene actitudes positivas hacia la participación como consumidores de los servicios de salud mental. Los estudiantes de medicina poseían una actitud más positiva que los de enfermería en: la capacidad de consumo (p<0.001), consumidor como parte del staff (p<0.001) y la puntuación global del cuestionario (p<0.001). Conclusión. Los hallazgos sugieren que la mayoría de los participantes tienen una actitud positiva hacia su participación como consumidores en los servicios de salud. Sin embargo, se requiere con urgencia una investigación adicional para comprender la efectividad de la participación de los consumidores de programas académicos a nivel de pregrado.

Objetivo.Descrever as atitudes dos estudantes de medicina e de enfermagem com respeito a sua participação como consumidores dos serviços de saúde mental. Métodos. Se realizou um estudo descritivo de corte transversal em Bangalore, sul da índia, em estudantes de medicina (n=116) e de enfermagem (n=155) utilizando o Mental Health Consumer Participation Questionnaire de Happell et al. contestado por auto-reporte. Se definiu ''consumidor de saúde mental'' ou ''consumidor'' como aquela pessoa que estava utilizando os serviços de saúde mental mas não era paciente hospitalizado nem de consulta externa. Resultados. A pontuação média global na saúde mental questionário de participação dos consumidores (54.1±6.7) implica que 64% dos participantes têm atitudes positivas à participação como consumidores dos serviços de saúde mental. Os estudantes de medicina possuíam uma atitude mais positiva que os de enfermagem em: a capacidade de consumo (p<0.001), consumidor como parte do staff (p<0.001) e a pontuação global do questionário (p<0.001). Conclusão. As descobertas sugerem que a maioria dos participantes têm uma atitude positiva a sua participação como consumidores nos serviços de saúde. Embora, se requere com urgência uma investigação adicional para compreender a efetividade da participação dos consumidores de programas acadêmicos a nível de graduação.

Nursing Students Attitudes and Understanding of Complementary and Alternative Therapies: An Indian Perspective.

UNLABELLED: AIM The purpose of the present study was to explore Indian nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). BACKGROUND: Research on nursing students' knowledge of complementary and alternative therapies is limited in India. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional exploratory study carried out in a convenience sample of nursing students (N = 122) using self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: A majority of the participants (89.3 percent) felt that Ayurveda is highly/moderately effective. A majority of participants agreed with most items, indicating positive attitudes toward CAM therapies. Lack of evidence, lack of staff training, unavailability of credentialed providers, and lack of appropriate equipment were seen as the main barriers to practicing CAM therapies. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that introducing CAM in the nursing curriculum is needed to prepare future nurses. Continuing education/training in CAM is needed by nurses to provide holistic care.

Influence of Religion on Attitude Towards Suicide: An Indian Perspective.

This cross-sectional survey was aimed to compare attitudes towards suicide and suicidal behaviour among randomly selected sample (N = 172) belonged to Hindu and Muslim religions. Data were collected through face-to-face interview. Hindus differed from Muslims regarding suicidal attempts among family (χ (2) = 12.356, p < .002) and community members (χ (2) = 20.425, p < .000). Our study also showed that suicidal behaviours were comparatively low among Muslim participants than Hindus. Further, Muslims hold more negative attitudes towards suicide than Hindus. An enhanced understanding of attitudes towards suicide among general population may be crucial to plan educational, intervention and prevention programs.

Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of the general population towards organ donation: An Indian perspective.

BACKGROUND: The rate of organ donation in India is low and research on organ donation among the general population is limited. We assessed the knowledge, attitude and willingness to donate organs among the general population. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study among 193 randomly selected relatives of patients (not of those seeking organ donation) attending the outpatient department at a tertiary care centre. We used a structured questionnaire to collect data through face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: We found that 52.8% of the participants had adequate knowledge and 67% had a positive attitude towards organ donation. While 181 (93.8%) participants were aware of and 147 (76.2%) supported organ donation, only 120 (62.2%) were willing to donate organs after death. Further, there were significant associations between age, gender, education, economic status and background of the participants with their intention to donate organs. CONCLUSION: Our study advocates for public education programmes to increase awareness among the general population about the legislation related to organ donation.

Gender Differences Related to Attitudes Toward Suicide and Suicidal Behavior.

This descriptive study examined gender differences related to attitudes toward suicide among randomly selected urban residents. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire through face-to-face interview. Our findings revealed that men hold more pro preventive attitudes to help persons with suicidal thoughts (80.3 %, p = 0.05) and agreed that suicidal attempts are impulsive (78.6 %, p = 0.01). However, they hold permissive attitude to help persons with incurable diseases and expressing death wishes to die (66 %, p = 0.05). A majority of men (78.6 %) than women agreed that "suicidal attempt is essentially a cry for help" (χ (2) = 11.798, p = 0.05). These gender differences need to be taken into consideration when developing appropriate programs to prevent suicide. Further, decriminalizing the law, high-quality research and raising awareness about suicide prevention among the general population is crucial in developing countries like India.

Attitudes toward consumer involvement in mental health services: a cross-sectional survey of Indian medical and nursing undergraduates.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the views of medical and nursing undergraduates regarding consumer involvement in mental health services. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted in Bangalore, South India, among medical (n=155) and nursing (n=116) undergraduates using self-reported the Mental Health Consumer Participation Questionnaire of Happell et al. ''Mental health consumer'' or ''consumer'' is defined as a person who is currently using mental health services as either an in-patient or out-patient. RESULTS: The overall mean score on Mental Health Consumer Participation Questionnaire (54.1±6.7) implies that 64% of the participants hold positive attitudes towards consumer involvement in mental health services. Medical students possessed more positive attitudes than nursing in: consumer capacity (p<0.001), consumer as staff (p< 0.001) and overall score on mental health consumer participation questionnaire (t=6.892, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that majority of the participants hold positive attitudes towards mental health consumer involvement in health care services. However, additional research is urgently required from developing countries to understand the effectiveness of involving mental health consumers in academic programs at undergraduate level.

Bachelor of nursing student' attitude towards people with mental illness and career choices in psychiatric nursing. An Indian perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To examine undergraduate nursing student' attitudes toward people with mental illness and mental health nursing. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out among conveniently selected nursing students (N=116). Data was collected through self- reported questionnaires. RESULTS: Majority of the participants agreed that the theoretical (81.1%) and clinical placement (85.4%) was adequate. Similarly, 62.9% would like to apply for a post-basic program in Psychiatric nursing and 69.8% of the students intend to pursue their career as mental health nurses. However, a majority expressed that people with mental illness are unpredictable (80.2%), cannot handle too much responsibility(71.5%), more likely to commit offences or crimes (84.5%) and more likely to be violent (44%). Negative stereotype domain had significant relationships with future career (r=-0.2, p= 0.003), course effectiveness (r=-0.4, p<0.001), valuable contribution (r=-0.3, p<0.001) and readiness of the students (r=-.3, p<.000) domains. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to address these negative perceptions among nursing students towards people with mental illness. Innovative teaching strategies and appropriate changes in the nursing curriculum is required to prepare future nurses to deal mental health problems effectively.

Human rights violations among economically disadvantaged women with mental illness: An Indian perspective.

BACKGROUND: Globally women confront manifold violations of human rights and women with poverty and mental illness are doubly disadvantaged. AIM: The aim was to examine the influence of poverty in meeting human rights needs among recovered women with mental illness at family and community level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive study carried out among randomly selected (n = 100) recovered women with mental illness at a tertiary care center. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using structured needs assessment questionnaire. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that below poverty line (BPL) participants were not satisfied in meeting their physical needs such as "access to safe drinking water" (χ(2) = 8.994, P < 0.02), "served in the same utensils" (χ(2) = 13.648, P < 0.00), had adequate food (χ(2) = 11.025, P < 0.02), and allowed to use toilet facilities (χ(2) = 13.565, P < 0.00). The human rights needs in emotional dimension, that is, afraid of family members (χ(2) = 8.233, P < 0.04) and hurt by bad words (χ(2) = 9.014, P < 0.02) were rated higher in above poverty line (APL) participants. Similarly, 88.9% of women from APL group expressed that they were discriminated and exploited by the community members (χ(2) = 17.490, P < 0.00). More than three-fourths of BPL participants (76.1%) believed that there were wondering homeless mentally ill in their community (χ(2) = 11.848, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to implement social welfare programs to provide employment opportunities, disability allowance, housing and other social security for women with mental illness. Further, mental health professionals play an essential role in educating the family and public regarding human rights of people with mental illness.

Mental health literacy among caregivers of persons with mental illness: A descriptive survey.

BACKGROUND: Despite of growing evidence of mental disorders in developing countries, research on mental health literacy is limited from India. AIM: To examine mental health literacy among caregivers of persons with mental illness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out among 161 randomly selected caregivers of persons with mental illness at outpatient department of a tertiary care centre. Data was collected through face to face interview using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Regarding the causes of mental illness, a majority agreed that genetic inheritance (69%), substance abuse (64%) and brain disease (59.6%) are main factors for developing mental illness. Although more than two-thirds agreed that anyone could suffer from mental illness, 61.5% also agreed that people with mental health problems are largely to blame for their condition. The majority of the participants also agreed that mentally ill are not able to maintain friendships (45.9%), are dangerous (54%), and not capable to work (59.1%). Just over half (55.9%) of the participants would not want people to know if they had a mental illness and nearly half of them also expressed that they would feel ashamed if a family member had a mental illness. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present study researchers suggest that there is an urgent need to educate and change the attitudes of caregivers through mental health literacy programs specifically designed for them.

Attitudes toward people with mental illness among medical students.

BACKGROUND: Globally, people with mental illness frequently encounter stigma, prejudice, and discrimination by public and health care professionals. Research related to medical students' attitudes toward people with mental illness is limited from India. AIM: The aim was to assess and compare the attitudes toward people with mental illness among medical students'. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was carried out among medical students, who were exposed (n = 115) and not exposed (n = 61) to psychiatry training using self-reporting questionnaire. RESULTS: Our findings showed improvement in students' attitudes after exposure to psychiatry in benevolent (t = 2.510, P < 0.013) and stigmatization (t = 2.656, P < 0.009) domains. Further, gender, residence, and contact with mental illness were the factors that found to be influencing students' attitudes toward mental illness. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that psychiatric education proved to be effective in changing the attitudes of medical students toward mental illness to a certain extent. However, there is an urgent need to review the current curriculum to prepare undergraduate medical students to provide holistic care to the people with mental health problems.

A comparative study of the clinical efficacy and safety of Lorazepam and chlordiazepoxide in alcohol dependence syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Currently, benzodiazepines are the preferred drugs in the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, the most frequently used drugs have a long duration of action and are converted to active metabolites in the liver, while lorazepam is shorter acting, with no active metabolites. OBJECTIVE: To compare and evaluate the safety and efficacy of lorazepam and chlordiazepoxide in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, study carried out at a teaching hospital in Bangalore. Sixty patients aged ≥18 y with alcohol dependence syndrome with mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms were allocated at a ratio of 1:1 to either lorazepam or chlordiazepoxide, by means of a computer-generated randomization chart. Thirty patients each were started with lorazepam tablets 8 mg/day and chlordiazepoxide 80 mg/day. For both treatment groups, the dose was tapered and at the end of 8 days, the patients were drug-free. The severity of alcohol dependence was assessed using the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ). The CIWA-Ar was used for quantification of withdrawal symptoms. Liver function tests were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients included in the study, 15 patients each had mild and moderate withdrawal symptoms in the chlordiazepoxide group and 17 and 13 patients respectively in the lorazepam group, based on the SADQ score. At baseline, the mean CIWA-Ar scores were similar in both the treatment groups: 24.77±5.98 in the chlordiazepoxide group and 24.90±6.12 in the lorazepam group. There was a significant intragroup decrease in the CIWA-Ar scores measured from baseline to the end of 8 days (p<0.0001) and 12 days (p<0.0001) in both treatment groups; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference observed in the liver function tests done at baseline and at the end of study period. CONCLUSION: Lorazepam is noninferior to chlordiazepoxide in reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Bachelor of nursing student' attitude towards people with mental illness and career choices in psychiatric nursing. An Indian perspective / Actitudes de las estudiantes de Enfermería hacia las personas con enfermedad mental y futuro desempeño profesional en enfermería psiquiátrica. Una perspectiva hindú / Atitudes das estudantes de Enfermagem para as pessoas com doença mental e futuro desempenho profissional em enfermagem psiquiátrica. Uma perspectiva indiana

Objective. To examine undergraduate nursing student' attitudes toward people with mental illness and mental health nursing. Methodology. This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out among conveniently selected nursing students (N=116). Data was collected through self- reported questionnaires. Results: Majority of the participants agreed that the theoretical (81.1%) and cpnical placement (85.4%) was adequate. Similarly, 62.9% would pke to apply for a post-basic program in Psychiatric nursing and 69.8% of the students intend to pursue their career as mental health nurses. However, a majority expressed that people with mental illness are unpredictable (80.2%), cannot handle too much responsibipty (71.5%), more pkely to commit offences or crimes (84.5%) and more pkely to be violent (44%). Negative stereotype domain had significant relationships with future career (r=-0.2, p= 0.003), course effectiveness (r=-0.4, p<0.001), valuable contribution (r=-0.3, p<0.001) and readiness of the students (r=-.3, p<.000) domains. Conclusion. There is an urgent need to address these negative perceptions among nursing students towards people with mental illness. Innovative teaching strategies and appropriate changes in the nursing curriculum is required to prepare future nurses to deal mental health problems effectively.

Objetivo. Explorar en las estudiantes de enfermería las actitudes hacia las personas con enfermedad mental y su relación con la elección de desempeño profesional en enfermería psiquiátrica. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal reapzado en 2014 una muestra por conveniencia de 116 estudiantes de tercero y cuarto año de enfermería. Se utipzó la Encuesta sobre Educación en Salud Mental en Enfermería de Hapell et al., la cual fue respondida por autorreporte. Resultados. El 98.3% de los participantes fueron mujeres. La mayoría de los encuestados estuvieron de acuerdo en que la teoría (81.1%) y la práctica clínica (85.4%) fueron adecuados. Del mismo modo, a un 62.9% le gustaría appcar a un programa avanzado de enfermería psiquiátrica y 69.8% de los estudiantes tienen la intención de continuar su carrera como enfermeras de salud mental. Sin embargo, la mayoría expresó que las personas con enfermedad mental son impredecibles (80.2%), no pueden manejar demasiada responsabipdad (71.5%) y que son más propensos a cometer deptos o crímenes (84.5%) y ser violentos (44.0%). El estereotipo negativo se asoció significativamente con los dominios de elección de la futura carrera (r = -.2), efectividad del curso (r = -. 4), la contribución del curso (r = -. 3) y la preparación de los estudiantes (r = -. 3). Conclusión. Los estudiantes de enfermería tienen percepciones negativas hacia las personas con enfermedad mental. Es necesario que las instituciones que forman a los futuros profesionales introduzcan los cambios que sean necesarios en el plan de estudios con el fin de prepararlos para tratar problemas de salud mental de manera efectiva.

Objetivo. Explorar nas estudantes de enfermagem as atitudes para as pessoas com doença mental e sua relação com a eleição de desempenho profissional em enfermagem psiquiátrica. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo de corte transversal reapzado em 2014 uma mostra por conveniência de 116 estudantes de terceiro e quarto ano de enfermagem. Utipzou-se a Enquete sobre Educação em Saúde Mental em Enfermagem de Hapell et al., a qual foi respondida por autorreporte. Resultados. 98.3% dos participantes foram mulheres. A maioria dos interrogados estiveram de acordo em que a teoria (81.1%) e a prática clínica (85.4%) foram adequados. Do mesmo modo, a um 62.9% lhe agradaria appcar a um programa avançado de enfermagem psiquiátrica e 69.8% dos estudantes têm a intenção de continuar sua carreira como enfermeiras de saúde mental. No entanto, a maioria expressou que as pessoas com doença mental são imprevisíveis (80.2%), não podem manejar demasiada responsabipdade (71.5%) e que são mais propensos a cometer deptos ou crimes (84.5%) e ser violentos (44.0%). O estereótipo negativo se associou significativamente com os domínios de eleição da futura carreira (r = -0.2), efetividade do curso (r = -0.4), a contribuição do curso (r = -0.3) e a preparação dos estudantes (r = -0.3). Conclusão. Os estudantes de enfermagem têm percepções negativas para as pessoas com doença mental. É necessário que as instituições que formam aos futuros profissionais introduzam as mudanças que sejam necessários no plano de estudos com o fim de prepará-los para tratar problemas de saúde mental de maneira efetiva.