RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Looking at the burden of suicide, there is a dire need for medical schools to incorporate suicide prevention training. Effective communication helps in early detection and management of suicidal behavior. Medical students can act as a GATEKEEPER if they receive adequate training. METHODOLOGY: This was an educational intervention study done at tertiary care teaching hospital to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students toward depression and suicide and to impart and assess communication skills for suicide prevention in one of the four batches of students in 4th semester. Pretest was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude toward depression and suicide, followed by training using interactive lectures, demonstration of interview, and hands-on training with patients and role-plays. The posttest and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) were administered for skill assessment. Feedback was taken regarding this intervention. RESULTS: The mean marks of the pre- and post-test were 8.96 (8.3-9.6) and 14.58 (13.8-15.3), respectively, out of 25. The difference was statistically significant (t = 13.24, P ≤ 0.0001) which suggests improvement in knowledge. We found mixed responses in attitude statements showing limited change. Mean obtained marks on OSCE examination out of 66 was 42.7. Among various components of OSCE, students scored high on rapport building. The most useful components of trainings were role-play, OSCE, and interaction with patients as per their feedback. CONCLUSION: The intervention was found effective in increasing knowledge, changing attitude, and enhancing communication skills of medical students toward suicide prevention. Training of communication skills for suicide prevention in depressed person should be given to every medical student as suggested by feedback.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Domestic violence is a major contributor to physical and mental ill health of the victim, and it is evident to some degree, in every society of the world. OBJECTIVES: 1) To study perception about domestic violence in the study population. 2) To compare prevalence of domestic violence within the three subgroups of the study population (i.e. spouses of psychotic patients, spouses of non-psychiatric patients and hospital staff). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among married men and women coming to Dhiraj General Hospital. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Inquiry was done about their perception regarding domestic violence, own experience any time in their life, and about the form of violence. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: 42.7% of study participants had never heard the words domestic violence. The overall prevalence of any form of violence in the study population as a whole was 32.3%. There was no significant difference found in the proportion of domestic violence among the three groups. The prevalence of physical, emotional, sexual and economic domestic violence was 16.3%, 25.3%, 2% and 11.3% respectively. Younger age group and female sex were significantly associated with the occurrence of domestic violence. CONCLUSION: Apart from the high prevalence of domestic violence in the present era, it is evident from the study that the participants' perception about domestic violence was low. Efforts should be made to raise public consciousness and reporting of domestic violence and its attendant consequences.
