Pub Date : 2024-04-19DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8492
P. S. Alles, D. Alagiyawanna, M. Seneviwickrama, S. Nanayakkara, M. Kariyawasam, A. Pathirana
Purpose: Psychological distress among pre-operative cancer patients interferes with treatment outcomes. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a 3-week brief psychological intervention versus routine care on reducing psychological distress among newly diagnosed cancer patients awaiting surgery.Methods: A randomized, single-blind, two arm, parallel groupcontrolled trial was conducted among 88 (intervention=46, control=42) newly diagnosed cancer patients awaiting surgery at Colombo South Teaching Hospital. The primary outcome, psychological distress, was assessed using HADS (cut-off 8) at baseline and 3-weeks later. Secondary outcomes assessed were satisfaction on knowledge and care they received and the physical well-being. Comparisons were made using McNemar’s Chi-Square at p<0.05 based on intention to treat. Effects measures used are odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI and number needed to treat (NNT).Results: The prevalence of anxiety and depression at baseline was 90.91% and 89.77%. Intervention significantly lowered anxiety [intervention 30.43% vs control 69.50%, OR=0.20 (95% CI 0.08, 0.49), p=0.0004]. Depression failed to show a significant reduction [67.6% vs 78.4%, OR=0.53 (95% CI 0.22, 1.28), p=0.1592]. NNT to avert one case of anxiety is 3 (95% CI 1.73, 5.18). Satisfaction on care received is the only secondary outcome that showed a statistically significant association: intervention 36.96% vs. control 14.28% [OR=0.28 (95% CI 0.10-0.81), p=0.0057].Conclusions: The brief psychological intervention was effective in reducing anxiety among newly diagnosed cancer patients. This simple and brief psychological intervention could be recommended for all new cancer patients awaiting surgical interventions. This trial was registered in the Sri Lanka clinical trial registry on 14.10.2021. The registration number is SLCTR/2021/028. The protocol is available at the Sri Lanka Clinical Trial Registry website. The Universal Trial Number (UTN) is U1111-1269-2819.
目的：癌症患者术前的心理困扰会影响治疗效果。本研究旨在确定为期 3 周的简短心理干预与常规护理相比，对减少新诊断癌症患者术前心理困扰的效果：方法：在科伦坡南方教学医院对88名等待手术的新确诊癌症患者（干预组=46人，对照组=42人）进行了随机、单盲、双臂、平行分组对照试验。主要结果是在基线和 3 周后使用 HADS（截断值为 8）评估心理压力。次要评估结果包括对所获知识和护理的满意度以及身体健康状况。根据治疗意向，采用 McNemar's Chi-Square 进行比较，P<0.05。使用的效果测量方法为带有 95% CI 的几率比（OR）和治疗所需人数（NNT）：基线焦虑症和抑郁症患病率分别为 90.91% 和 89.77%。干预措施明显降低了焦虑[干预30.43% vs 对照69.50%，OR=0.20 (95% CI 0.08, 0.49)，P=0.0004]。抑郁症没有明显减轻[67.6% vs 78.4%，OR=0.53 (95% CI 0.22, 1.28)，p=0.1592]。避免一例焦虑症的 NNT 为 3 (95% CI 1.73, 5.18)。对所接受护理的满意度是唯一显示出统计学意义的次要结果：干预组 36.96% 对对照组 14.28% [OR=0.28 (95% CI 0.10-0.81), p=0.0057]：简短的心理干预能有效减轻新诊断癌症患者的焦虑。可以向所有等待手术治疗的癌症新患者推荐这种简单扼要的心理干预。本试验于 2021 年 10 月 14 日在斯里兰卡临床试验登记处登记。注册号为 SLCTR/2021/028。方案可在斯里兰卡临床试验注册网站上查阅。通用试验编号（UTN）为 U1111-1269-2819。
{"title":"Brief psychological intervention to reduce psychological distress among pre-operative cancer patients: A randomized, single-blind, two arm, parallel group-controlled trial in a selected tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka","authors":"P. S. Alles, D. Alagiyawanna, M. Seneviwickrama, S. Nanayakkara, M. Kariyawasam, A. Pathirana","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8492","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8492","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Psychological distress among pre-operative cancer patients interferes with treatment outcomes. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a 3-week brief psychological intervention versus routine care on reducing psychological distress among newly diagnosed cancer patients awaiting surgery.Methods: A randomized, single-blind, two arm, parallel groupcontrolled trial was conducted among 88 (intervention=46, control=42) newly diagnosed cancer patients awaiting surgery at Colombo South Teaching Hospital. The primary outcome, psychological distress, was assessed using HADS (cut-off 8) at baseline and 3-weeks later. Secondary outcomes assessed were satisfaction on knowledge and care they received and the physical well-being. Comparisons were made using McNemar’s Chi-Square at p<0.05 based on intention to treat. Effects measures used are odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI and number needed to treat (NNT).Results: The prevalence of anxiety and depression at baseline was 90.91% and 89.77%. Intervention significantly lowered anxiety [intervention 30.43% vs control 69.50%, OR=0.20 (95% CI 0.08, 0.49), p=0.0004]. Depression failed to show a significant reduction [67.6% vs 78.4%, OR=0.53 (95% CI 0.22, 1.28), p=0.1592]. NNT to avert one case of anxiety is 3 (95% CI 1.73, 5.18). Satisfaction on care received is the only secondary outcome that showed a statistically significant association: intervention 36.96% vs. control 14.28% [OR=0.28 (95% CI 0.10-0.81), p=0.0057].Conclusions: The brief psychological intervention was effective in reducing anxiety among newly diagnosed cancer patients. This simple and brief psychological intervention could be recommended for all new cancer patients awaiting surgical interventions. This trial was registered in the Sri Lanka clinical trial registry on 14.10.2021. The registration number is SLCTR/2021/028. The protocol is available at the Sri Lanka Clinical Trial Registry website. The Universal Trial Number (UTN) is U1111-1269-2819.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":" 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140685418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-19DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8495
O. T. D. Perera, K. Ranasinghe, B. Gk, M. Wimalarathna, G. D. K. N. Karunarathna, S. C. Wijesiriwardena, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist C K Ranasinghe, T. D. Perera
General paresis of insane or dementia paralytica is a rare conventional manifestation of neurosyphilis. In the era of penicillin and HIV it is a challenge to observe and diagnose typical presentations of neurosyphilis.42-year-old single male presented with an acute behavioural disturbance with hearing voices in a background of rapidly progressing forgetfulness and functional deterioration to the extent of needing support for his activities of daily living with urine incontinence for nine months duration. His beha-vioural change had first started with distressing insomnia leading to consumption of alcohol 30 units a day. Gradually displayed disorganised and dis-inhibited behaviour with some overactivity and was treated as a mood disorder with poor response and rapid deterioration of functioning.Investigations revealed marked impairment of frontal lobe and dominant parietal lobe functions in extended cognitive assessment. Blood investigations revealed normocytic normochromic anaemia with raised inflammatory markers: CRP, ESR, CPK with normal thyroid function. Syphilis serology was positive. Subsequently the examination carried out by an eye surgeon detected ocular syphilis. CSF analysis was negative for syphilis and the changes were most likely related to the untreated HIV infection with a CD4 count of 104 cells/μL. Neuroimaging showed generalized cortical atrophy with enlarged ventricles. He was treated for neurosyphilis as well as and treatment for HIV was initiated, but there was minimal improvement.Conclusions: Neurosyphilis remains as an important aetiology to be considered in rapidly progressing dementia in young patients. Comorbid HIV infection worsens the severity and prognosis.
{"title":"A peculiar case of neurosyphilis presenting with general paresis of the insane with concurrent untreated HIV infection","authors":"O. T. D. Perera, K. Ranasinghe, B. Gk, M. Wimalarathna, G. D. K. N. Karunarathna, S. C. Wijesiriwardena, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist C K Ranasinghe, T. D. Perera","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8495","url":null,"abstract":"General paresis of insane or dementia paralytica is a rare conventional manifestation of neurosyphilis. In the era of penicillin and HIV it is a challenge to observe and diagnose typical presentations of neurosyphilis.42-year-old single male presented with an acute behavioural disturbance with hearing voices in a background of rapidly progressing forgetfulness and functional deterioration to the extent of needing support for his activities of daily living with urine incontinence for nine months duration. His beha-vioural change had first started with distressing insomnia leading to consumption of alcohol 30 units a day. Gradually displayed disorganised and dis-inhibited behaviour with some overactivity and was treated as a mood disorder with poor response and rapid deterioration of functioning.Investigations revealed marked impairment of frontal lobe and dominant parietal lobe functions in extended cognitive assessment. Blood investigations revealed normocytic normochromic anaemia with raised inflammatory markers: CRP, ESR, CPK with normal thyroid function. Syphilis serology was positive. Subsequently the examination carried out by an eye surgeon detected ocular syphilis. CSF analysis was negative for syphilis and the changes were most likely related to the untreated HIV infection with a CD4 count of 104 cells/μL. Neuroimaging showed generalized cortical atrophy with enlarged ventricles. He was treated for neurosyphilis as well as and treatment for HIV was initiated, but there was minimal improvement.Conclusions: Neurosyphilis remains as an important aetiology to be considered in rapidly progressing dementia in young patients. Comorbid HIV infection worsens the severity and prognosis.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":" 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140685645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-19DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8493
G. U. Rambukwella, D. Ediriweera, A. Isuru
Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused enormous burden on the already compromised health system, particularly in remote areas of country. Evaluation of the rate of burnout among doctors working in COVID-19 units is important for planning interventions.Aims: To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of burnout among doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in Anuradhapura district.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka during third wave of the pandemic. Calculated sample size was 383. Self-administered data collection form designed as an online and printed forms. Burnout was assessed using Professional Fulfilment Index. Prevalence rates and associated factors for burnout were evaluated, and the binary logistic regression method was used to identify the risk factors of burnout.Results: Prevalence of burnout was 41.6% (95%CI: 36.6-46.7). Binary logistic regression analysis showed lack of professional fulfilment (OR=2.79, 95%CI: 1.69-4.65,p=0.0001), excessive workload (OR=3.87, 95%CI: 2.30-6.62, p=0.0000), lack of psychological support from services (OR=1.86, 95%CI:1.07-3.30, p=0.0300), lack of psychological support from family (OR=1.95,95%CI: 1.14-3.37, p=0.0159), being an intern house officer (OR=4.06,95%CI:1.27-13.45,p=0.0193), and less number of years of work experience (OR=3.52, 95%CI :1.54-8.62,p=0.0040) as risk factors for developing burnout in this study population.Conclusions: The prevalence of burnout was high among doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 units in rural Sri Lanka. Addressing this important issue is vital to improve the quality of life of doctors and the services they rendered during any crisis situations such as COVID-19 pandemic.
{"title":"Prevalence and associated factors of burnout among doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka during COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive cross-sectional study","authors":"G. U. Rambukwella, D. Ediriweera, A. Isuru","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8493","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8493","url":null,"abstract":"Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused enormous burden on the already compromised health system, particularly in remote areas of country. Evaluation of the rate of burnout among doctors working in COVID-19 units is important for planning interventions.Aims: To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of burnout among doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in Anuradhapura district.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka during third wave of the pandemic. Calculated sample size was 383. Self-administered data collection form designed as an online and printed forms. Burnout was assessed using Professional Fulfilment Index. Prevalence rates and associated factors for burnout were evaluated, and the binary logistic regression method was used to identify the risk factors of burnout.Results: Prevalence of burnout was 41.6% (95%CI: 36.6-46.7). Binary logistic regression analysis showed lack of professional fulfilment (OR=2.79, 95%CI: 1.69-4.65,p=0.0001), excessive workload (OR=3.87, 95%CI: 2.30-6.62, p=0.0000), lack of psychological support from services (OR=1.86, 95%CI:1.07-3.30, p=0.0300), lack of psychological support from family (OR=1.95,95%CI: 1.14-3.37, p=0.0159), being an intern house officer (OR=4.06,95%CI:1.27-13.45,p=0.0193), and less number of years of work experience (OR=3.52, 95%CI :1.54-8.62,p=0.0040) as risk factors for developing burnout in this study population.Conclusions: The prevalence of burnout was high among doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 units in rural Sri Lanka. Addressing this important issue is vital to improve the quality of life of doctors and the services they rendered during any crisis situations such as COVID-19 pandemic.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":" 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140684091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-19DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8494
D. Wijekoon, Y. Rohanachandra, S. Semage, T. Fauz, S. Prathapan, Wmdvs Wijekoon
Background: Psychosocial problems can significantly impact adolescents' personal and social functioning. Early identification of these problems through a brief checklist can alter the life trajectory of an individual. The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) and the Youth Self-reported Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-Y) are screening tools commonly used to assess psychosocial problems among children and adolescents.Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Sinhala versions of these tools; S-PSC and S/PSC-Y, in identifying psychosocial problems among adolescents of army war widows.Methods: The PSC and the PSC-Y, 35-item screening tools originally developed and validated in the United States were initially translated, culturally adapted using modified Delphi process and tested for judgmental validity. The PSC and PSC-Y criterion validity was appraised against clinical diagnoses by a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, with 156 purposively selected adolescents aged 10-19 years from the Western Province of Sri Lanka. The study used the test-retest method and internal consistency analysis to assess reliability.Results: The judgmental validity testing of both tools revealed good psychometric properties across all items. The overall Sinhala version of the PSC demonstrated a sensitivity of 87.5% (95% CI=71.0-96.5) and a specificity of 91.9% (95% CI=85.7-96.1). The overall Sinhala version of the PSC-Y demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.4% (95% CI=67.2-94.7) and a specificity of 70.2% (95% CI=61.3-78.0). Both tools showed satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.88. Correlation coefficients for the Sinhala version of PSC ranged from 0.75 to 0.90, and for the Sinhala version of PSC-Y, from 0.71 to 0.79.Conclusions: The Sinhala versions of the PSC (S-PSC) and PSC-Y (S/PSC-Y) are valid and reliable tools for screening psychosocial problems among 10-19-year-olds in Sri Lanka.
{"title":"Cross-cultural validation: Sinhala versions of pediatric symptom checklists for screening adolescent psychosocial problems","authors":"D. Wijekoon, Y. Rohanachandra, S. Semage, T. Fauz, S. Prathapan, Wmdvs Wijekoon","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8494","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i2.8494","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Psychosocial problems can significantly impact adolescents' personal and social functioning. Early identification of these problems through a brief checklist can alter the life trajectory of an individual. The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) and the Youth Self-reported Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-Y) are screening tools commonly used to assess psychosocial problems among children and adolescents.Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Sinhala versions of these tools; S-PSC and S/PSC-Y, in identifying psychosocial problems among adolescents of army war widows.Methods: The PSC and the PSC-Y, 35-item screening tools originally developed and validated in the United States were initially translated, culturally adapted using modified Delphi process and tested for judgmental validity. The PSC and PSC-Y criterion validity was appraised against clinical diagnoses by a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, with 156 purposively selected adolescents aged 10-19 years from the Western Province of Sri Lanka. The study used the test-retest method and internal consistency analysis to assess reliability.Results: The judgmental validity testing of both tools revealed good psychometric properties across all items. The overall Sinhala version of the PSC demonstrated a sensitivity of 87.5% (95% CI=71.0-96.5) and a specificity of 91.9% (95% CI=85.7-96.1). The overall Sinhala version of the PSC-Y demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.4% (95% CI=67.2-94.7) and a specificity of 70.2% (95% CI=61.3-78.0). Both tools showed satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.88. Correlation coefficients for the Sinhala version of PSC ranged from 0.75 to 0.90, and for the Sinhala version of PSC-Y, from 0.71 to 0.79.Conclusions: The Sinhala versions of the PSC (S-PSC) and PSC-Y (S/PSC-Y) are valid and reliable tools for screening psychosocial problems among 10-19-year-olds in Sri Lanka.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":" February","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140682969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-27DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8407
A. Baminiwatta, T. Nanayakkara, A. Fernando, S. Wijethunga
Background: The prevalence of problematic screen use (PSU) or “screen addiction” among children and adolescents may have escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The self-efficacy of the mothers in managing screen use in their children may play an important preventive role in children developing PSU. Aims: This study aimed to assess PSU among children aged 4-18 years during the lockdown period imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore the association between PSU and self-efficacy of mothers in managing screen use. Methods: An online survey was conducted using social media groups among mothers of children aged 4-18 years. The PSU in their children was measured using the Problematic Media Use Measure (PMUM), and maternal self-efficacy in managing screen use was assessed using the Parental Screen Use Management Scale (PSUMS). The two questionnaires were translated and validated into Sinhala prior to this study. Results: A total of 320 mothers responded to the survey. Based on the PMUM cut-off score, 25.3% of the children were found to have PSU. PSU was inversely correlated with maternal self-efficacy in managing screen use (r=-0.63, p<0.001). All three subscales of the PSUMS; reactive management (r=-0.56, p<0.001), proactive management (r=-52, p<0.001), and monitoring (r =-45, p<0.001), were significantly correlated with PSU. Younger age at screen use onset showed a marginal correlation (rho=-0.11, p=0.05) with PSU. The child’s age, gender and the educational level of the mother were not associated with PSU. Conclusion: Maternal self-efficacy in managing screen use among children was associated with lower PSU in children.
{"title":"Screen addiction among children and adolescents and the self-efficacy of mothers in screen use management during the COVID-19 lockdown in Sri Lanka","authors":"A. Baminiwatta, T. Nanayakkara, A. Fernando, S. Wijethunga","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8407","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8407","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The prevalence of problematic screen use (PSU) or “screen addiction” among children and adolescents may have escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The self-efficacy of the mothers in managing screen use in their children may play an important preventive role in children developing PSU.\u0000Aims: This study aimed to assess PSU among children aged 4-18 years during the lockdown period imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore the association between PSU and self-efficacy of mothers in managing screen use.\u0000Methods: An online survey was conducted using social media groups among mothers of children aged 4-18 years. The PSU in their children was measured using the Problematic Media Use Measure (PMUM), and maternal self-efficacy in managing screen use was assessed using the Parental Screen Use Management Scale (PSUMS). The two questionnaires were translated and validated into Sinhala prior to this study.\u0000Results: A total of 320 mothers responded to the survey. Based on the PMUM cut-off score, 25.3% of the children were found to have PSU. PSU was inversely correlated with maternal self-efficacy in managing screen use (r=-0.63, p<0.001). All three subscales of the PSUMS; reactive management (r=-0.56, p<0.001), proactive management (r=-52, p<0.001), and monitoring (r =-45, p<0.001), were significantly correlated with PSU. Younger age at screen use onset showed a marginal correlation (rho=-0.11, p=0.05) with PSU. The child’s age, gender and the educational level of the mother were not associated with PSU.\u0000Conclusion: Maternal self-efficacy in managing screen use among children was associated with lower PSU in children.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43365274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-27DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8408
D. Amarakoon, P. S. Alles, Y. Rohanachandra
Background: The COVID pandemic has been reported to be associated with an increase in the rates of depression, stress, and anxiety among people worldwide.Aims: We conducted an online survey using the DASS-21 to detect levels of depression, anxiety and stress among internet users in Sri Lanka.Methods: An open online survey based on a Google form was conducted and the study instruments consisted of questionnaires on socio-demographic details, coping strategies, and the original English and the validated Sinhala versions of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).Results: We found that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among internet users in Sri Lanka were higher than those reported during pre-pandemic times. Financial loss (p<0.05) and difficulty in accessing essential items (p<0.05) was associated with depression, stress, and anxiety. Younger age, unemployment, being single and not having children were associated with depression and anxiety (p<0.05), while female gender and working away from home were associated with stress (p<0.05).Conclusions: Measures that promote wellbeing are important to reduce the probable mental health impact of future lockdowns.
{"title":"An online survey on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among internet users in Sri Lanka","authors":"D. Amarakoon, P. S. Alles, Y. Rohanachandra","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8408","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8408","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The COVID pandemic has been reported to be associated with an increase in the rates of depression, stress, and anxiety among people worldwide.Aims: We conducted an online survey using the DASS-21 to detect levels of depression, anxiety and stress among internet users in Sri Lanka.Methods: An open online survey based on a Google form was conducted and the study instruments consisted of questionnaires on socio-demographic details, coping strategies, and the original English and the validated Sinhala versions of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).Results: We found that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among internet users in Sri Lanka were higher than those reported during pre-pandemic times. Financial loss (p<0.05) and difficulty in accessing essential items (p<0.05) was associated with depression, stress, and anxiety. Younger age, unemployment, being single and not having children were associated with depression and anxiety (p<0.05), while female gender and working away from home were associated with stress (p<0.05).Conclusions: Measures that promote wellbeing are important to reduce the probable mental health impact of future lockdowns.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43204328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-27DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8385
P. Meena, A. Sharma
Background: Literature suggests that the prevalence of depression among female college students is more than that of male students. Repeated sexual objectification of females appears to be one factor that can be used to explain this disparity and higher prevalence of depression in female students can be attributed to repeated experiences of sexual objectification by them. This study examines the association between sexual objectification and depression among female college students at a medical college in Rajasthan, India. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among female medical students attending a government medical college in Rajasthan, India. We used the Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Scale, the surveillance subscale of the Objective Body Consciousness Scale and, the Beck Depression Inventory-II to measure sexual objectification, body surveillance and depressive symptoms respectively. Results: Sexual objectification and body surveillance strongly predicted the severity of depressive symptoms(p=0.00001). Results of the multiple linear regression indicated that there was a strong collective significant effect between sexual objectification, body surveillance, and depression, (p = 0.0001, R2 = 0.63). The coefficient of multiple correlation (R, 0.79) showed a strong correlation between the predicted data and the observed data. Conclusion: Sexual objectification is a strong predictor of depression among female college students.
{"title":"Sexual objectification and depression among female college students in India","authors":"P. Meena, A. Sharma","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8385","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8385","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Literature suggests that the prevalence of depression among female college students is more than that of male students. Repeated sexual objectification of females appears to be one factor that can be used to explain this disparity and higher prevalence of depression in female students can be attributed to repeated experiences of sexual objectification by them. This study examines the association between sexual objectification and depression among female college students at a medical college in Rajasthan, India.\u0000Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among female medical students attending a government medical college in Rajasthan, India. We used the Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Scale, the surveillance subscale of the Objective Body Consciousness Scale and, the Beck Depression Inventory-II to measure sexual objectification, body surveillance and depressive symptoms respectively.\u0000Results: Sexual objectification and body surveillance strongly predicted the severity of depressive symptoms(p=0.00001). Results of the multiple linear regression indicated that there was a strong collective significant effect between sexual objectification, body surveillance, and depression, (p = 0.0001, R2 = 0.63). The coefficient of multiple correlation (R, 0.79) showed a strong correlation between the predicted data and the observed data.\u0000Conclusion: Sexual objectification is a strong predictor of depression among female college students.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43830931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-27DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8450
S. Williams, A. U. Medagedara, H. de Silva
Cost effective strategies must be implemented amidst an economic crisis in Sri Lanka to mitigate ever increasing medicinal costs. Exploration of measures such as evidence based generic prescribing, cost effectiveness analysis, value-based pricing, identification of low cost, high value medication and being sensitive to the ability of the patient to purchase medicine is a necessity. Clinicians must be sensitised to this issue to contribute actively to the process. Policies in line with pharmacoeconomic realities must be pursued.
{"title":"Pharmacoeconomics amidst a financial crisis","authors":"S. Williams, A. U. Medagedara, H. de Silva","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8450","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8450","url":null,"abstract":"Cost effective strategies must be implemented amidst an economic crisis in Sri Lanka to mitigate ever increasing medicinal costs. Exploration of measures such as evidence based generic prescribing, cost effectiveness analysis, value-based pricing, identification of low cost, high value medication and being sensitive to the ability of the patient to purchase medicine is a necessity. Clinicians must be sensitised to this issue to contribute actively to the process. Policies in line with pharmacoeconomic realities must be pursued.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42891170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-27DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8449
R. Hanwella
This article emphasizes the importance of studying psychiatry for all medical professionals. Psychiatry deals with mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders, and a strong understanding of the field leads to more holistic, effective, and empathetic patient care. Key reasons for doctors to study psychiatry include adapting a biopsychosocial model of care, early identification and intervention for psychiatric disorders, improved health outcomes, better communication skills, combating stigma surrounding mental health, multidisciplinary collaboration, personal growth and self-care, and a more comprehensive approach to chronic illness management. Integrating psychiatry into medical education prepares doctors for the challenges they will face in their careers, ultimately improving the quality of patient care. The practice of offering internships in psychiatry, as seen in countries like UK and Australia, should be encouraged globally to create a cohort of doctors knowledgeable in the basics of psychiatry, ultimately reducing the impact of a shortage of psychiatrists and improving overall healthcare.
{"title":"Psychiatry for all: enhancing medical practice and patient outcomes through psychiatric education for all doctors","authors":"R. Hanwella","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8449","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8449","url":null,"abstract":"This article emphasizes the importance of studying psychiatry for all medical professionals. Psychiatry deals with mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders, and a strong understanding of the field leads to more holistic, effective, and empathetic patient care. Key reasons for doctors to study psychiatry include adapting a biopsychosocial model of care, early identification and intervention for psychiatric disorders, improved health outcomes, better communication skills, combating stigma surrounding mental health, multidisciplinary collaboration, personal growth and self-care, and a more comprehensive approach to chronic illness management. Integrating psychiatry into medical education prepares doctors for the challenges they will face in their careers, ultimately improving the quality of patient care. The practice of offering internships in psychiatry, as seen in countries like UK and Australia, should be encouraged globally to create a cohort of doctors knowledgeable in the basics of psychiatry, ultimately reducing the impact of a shortage of psychiatrists and improving overall healthcare.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48480679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-27DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8414
D. Dar, G. Lakshmana, F. Paul, R. Mahanta
Background: Research show that the youth of Kashmir have mental health issues secondary to being exposed to political conflicts and violence. However, this area is under-researched among school children and adolescents living in this region. Aims: The study aimed to examine and understand the psychological distress and behavioural problems among school children aged between 10 to 18 years living in conflict-affected areas in Kashmir, India. Methods: A mixed model was used to collect the required data. Quantitative information was obtained using a semi-structured interview and the DASS- 21 questionnaire. The qualitative information was obtained by conducting interviews with randomly selected participants from the group. Results: Of the 112 children and adolescents, 73.2% were males and 47.3% were from the age group of 10-12 years. Out of the total, 85.7%, 76.8%, and 54.9% had some level of depression, anxiety, and stress respectively as per the DASS- 21. Conclusion: Trauma, and stress, increased the risk of depression, anxiety, and behavioural problems among children and adolescents in complex ways. Our findings highlight the importance of examining trauma and distress at early life cycle stages across age cohorts of children and adolescents in school populations.
{"title":"Trauma-induced distress and behavioural problems among children and adolescents in Kashmir: a descriptive study","authors":"D. Dar, G. Lakshmana, F. Paul, R. Mahanta","doi":"10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8414","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v14i1.8414","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Research show that the youth of Kashmir have mental health issues secondary to being exposed to political conflicts and violence. However, this area is under-researched among school children and adolescents living in this region.\u0000Aims: The study aimed to examine and understand the psychological distress and behavioural problems among school children aged between 10 to 18 years living in conflict-affected areas in Kashmir, India.\u0000Methods: A mixed model was used to collect the required data. Quantitative information was obtained using a semi-structured interview and the DASS- 21 questionnaire. The qualitative information was obtained by conducting interviews with randomly selected participants from the group.\u0000Results: Of the 112 children and adolescents, 73.2% were males and 47.3% were from the age group of 10-12 years. Out of the total, 85.7%, 76.8%, and 54.9% had some level of depression, anxiety, and stress respectively as per the DASS- 21.\u0000Conclusion: Trauma, and stress, increased the risk of depression, anxiety, and behavioural problems among children and adolescents in complex ways. Our findings highlight the importance of examining trauma and distress at early life cycle stages across age cohorts of children and adolescents in school populations.","PeriodicalId":53403,"journal":{"name":"Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43396000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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