scholarly journals Depression during COVID-19 Pandemic in India: Findings from an Online Survey

Author(s):  
Tanu Anand ◽  

Introduction: Unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 pandemic has generated uncertainties in minds of people thereby impacting their mental health. Global evidence supports rising trend of symptoms of depression among general population during the pandemic. Material and Method: It was a cross-sectional study conducted between April 15 and May 01, 2020. Data were collected using pre-structured questionnaire that was circulated through a web-based link via messages and mails. Depressive symptoms were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Result: Out of the total 500 telephonic contacts who were sent the survey link, 478 had (95.6%) responded. There were 114 (23.8%), 64 (13.4%), 40 (8.4%) and 29 (6.1%) participants who were classified as having mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression respectively. Female gender, religion, education status, unemployment and professional occupation, income less than Rs. 20000 and more than Rs. 40000, ‘scare for coronavirus infection’ were found to be significantly associated with severity of depression (p<0.05). Adjusted analysis revealed that age was protective factor where as those who were scared from coronavirus infection were found to be two times more at risk of having symptoms of depression. Increasing family income was also associated with presence of depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The proportion of participants with depressive symptoms was 51.7%. There is a need for assessing psychosocial impact of COVID-19 among populations and communities in varied settings over a long period of time.

Author(s):  
Kaveshin Naidu ◽  
John R. Torline ◽  
Michelle Henry ◽  
Helena B. Thornton

Background: It is known that medical doctors suffer from increased rates of depression with medical interns being most at risk. Despite this, little is known about the prevalence of depression in interns in South Africa.Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms in interns employed at Groote Schuur Hospital, a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape.Method: The study was a cross-sectional study. All 91 interns were invited to participate in the study and consenting interns were required to complete a demographic and related questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory 2 (BDI-2).Results: Fifty-four (59.3%) of all invited interns participated in the study. Twenty-two interns (40.7%) reported a BDI-2 score of 14 or greater, indicating at least mild self-reported symptoms of depression. Features associated with a BDI-2 score of 14 or greater, included female gender, a previous diagnosis of depression, seeing a psychotherapist and previously being on antidepressant medication during internship. Other features also significantly associated with higher BDI-2 scores included suicidal ideation, thoughts of emigration, wanting to leave medicine and using substances to cope. The most significant associated feature of high BDI-2 scores was a subjective feeling of being ‘burnt out’.Conclusion: Interns had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms when compared to the general population. The feeling of being ‘burnt out’ was the most significant factor associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. It is imperative that the mental health of both medical students and newly qualified doctors be prioritised, supported and monitored.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (08) ◽  
pp. 1177-1181
Author(s):  
Ejaz Gul ◽  
Muhammad Muslim Khan ◽  
Mukhtiar Azeemi ◽  
Pirzada Muhammad Muneeb

Depression is a common problem among women. Different variables contributein influencing depression among women. Menopause is one variable that may trigger symptomsof depression. Different variables jointly contribute in influencing the presentation of menopausalsymptoms including sociocultural, psychological and environmental factors. No studies havebeen conducted to assess mean age and symptoms of depression among menopausalwomen of Mardan. Objectives: To assess accompanying symptoms of depression and theirseverity among menopausal women. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: GynaeOut-patient Department at Mardan Medical Complex. Period: February 2017 to October 2017.Methods: The sample consisted of 200 women ranging in age from 45-71 years. Each patientwas assessed using sociodemographic sheet, menopausal symptoms were assessed usingMenopausal rating scale and severity of depression was measured using Hamilton depressionscale. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 21.0. Results: According to thefindings of this study, mean age at menopause was noted to be 49.1 ranging from 44-59. Amongthe many predominant menopausal symptoms, the most common among these symptomsreported were joint and muscle discomfort in 62% of women, followed by sleep problem (17%),and physical and mental exhaustion (11%). The least reported menopausal symptoms weredrying of vagina, sexual problems and anxiety. Depression was found among 26 % of thefemale participants according to Hamilton scoring criteria. Mild depressive symptoms werenoted among 24%, moderate depressive symptoms 14%, severe 5% and very severe 7%.Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, 50 % of the participants lies in therange of depression according to Hamilton depression scores. Among these 50%, more thanhalf 26 % lies in the range of severe to very severe depression while the rest 24% lies in therange of mild to moderate depression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A Adol ◽  
Ann A Obondo ◽  
Pius Kigamwa

Family role in taking care of patients undergoing palliative care leads to complex, multidimensional responsibility which may have consequences to the mental health of primary caregivers. Studies have shown that 40 to 70 percent of caregivers experience symptoms of depression. The general objective of this study was to determine the characteristics and prevalence of depressive symptoms among caregivers of patients in palliative care. The population comprised of caregivers of patients undergoing palliative care at the Kenyatta National Hospital. A cross-sectional study was used where questionnaires were administered using Beck‘s Depression Inventory and a researcher designed socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire for the caregivers. The results showed that 62.7% of the caregivers presented with symptoms of depression. This is four times higher as compared to the general population. The severity of the depressive symptoms ranged from mild to severe with the majority experiencing symptoms of severe depression. Spousal caregivers had the highest prevalence of depressive symptoms followed by those who were taking care of their children. The recommendations include having healthcare providers do routine screening for depression in family caregivers and not just on patients alone.


2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (12) ◽  
pp. 974-982
Author(s):  
Maya Semrau ◽  
Gail Davey ◽  
Ursin Bayisenge ◽  
Kebede Deribe

Abstract Background There is a growing body of evidence that mental distress and disorder are common among people with lower limb lymphoedema, although no research has been conducted on this subject in Rwanda. Methods This research was embedded within a mapping study to determine the national prevalence and geographical distribution of podoconiosis in Rwanda. Using a cluster sampling design, adult members of households within 80 randomly selected sectors in all 30 districts of Rwanda were first screened and 1143 patients were diagnosed with either podoconiosis (n=914) or lower limb lymphoedema of another cause (n=229). These 1143 participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 to establish the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Results Overall, 68.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms- 34.3% had mild depressive symptoms, 24.2% had moderate, 8.8% moderately severe and 1.2% severe depressive symptoms. The mean PHQ-9 score was 7.39 (SD=5.29) out of a possible 0 (no depression) to 27 (severe depression). Linear regression showed unemployment to be a consistently strong predictor of depressive symptoms; the other predictors were region (province), type of lymphoedema and, for those with podoconiosis, female gender, marital status and disease stage. Conclusions Levels of depressive symptoms were very high among people with lower limb lymphoedema in Rwanda, which should be addressed through holistic morbidity management and disability prevention services that integrate mental health, psychosocial and economic interventions alongside physical care.


2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 469-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosely Almeida Souza ◽  
Gislaine Desani da Costa ◽  
Cintia Hitomi Yamashita ◽  
Fernanda Amendola ◽  
Jaqueline Correa Gaspar ◽  
...  

Objective: To classify families of elderly with depressive symptoms regarding their functioning and to ascertain the presence of an association between these symptoms, family functioning and the characteristics of the elderly. Method: This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study performed with 33 teams of the Family Health Strategy in Dourados, MS. The sample consisted of 374 elderly divided into two groups (with and without depressive symptoms). The instruments for data collection were a sociodemographic instrument, the GeriatricDepression Scale (15 items) and the Family Apgar. Results: An association was observed between depressive symptoms and family dysfunction, female gender, four or more people living together, and physical inactivity. Conclusion: The functional family may represent effective support for the elderly with depressive symptoms, because it offers a comfortable environment that ensures the well-being of its members. The dysfunctional family can barely provide necessary care for the elderly, which can exacerbate depressive symptoms.



10.2196/31664 ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. e31664
Author(s):  
Jaegyeong Lee ◽  
Jung Min Lim

Background The prevalence and economic burden of dementia are increasing dramatically. Using information communication technology to improve cognitive functions is proven to be effective and holds the potential to serve as a new and efficient method for the prevention of dementia. Objective The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the experience of mobile apps for cognitive training in middle-aged adults. We evaluated the relationships between the experience of cognitive training apps and structural variables using an extended health belief model. Methods An online survey was conducted on South Korean participants aged 40 to 64 years (N=320). General characteristics and dementia knowledge were measured along with the health belief model constructs. Statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Higher dementia knowledge (odds ratio [OR] 1.164, P=.02), higher perceived benefit (OR 1.373, P<.001), female gender (OR 0.499, P=.04), and family history of dementia (OR 1.933, P=.04) were significantly associated with the experience of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia. Conclusions This study may serve as a theoretical basis for the development of intervention strategies to increase the use of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deise da Silva Monteiro ◽  
Ridalva Dias Martins ◽  
Nadirlene Pereira Gomes ◽  
Rosana Santos Mota ◽  
Marimeire Morais da Conceição ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors in school adolescents. Method: Cross-sectional study with 230 adolescents from a public school in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. We used a questionnaire and an assessment scale for common mental disorders. The data were processed in STATA, version 12. Results: The prevalence of common mental disorders in schoolchildren was 52.2%. Multivariate analysis identified a positive association with statistical significance between the condition and the variables:female gender (PR = 3.06; 95% CI: 1.77-5.4), black race (PR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.04-4.16),having a boyfriend (PR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.06-4.03) and smoking cigarettes once in a lifetime (PR = 2.88; 95% CI : 1.31 - 6.31). The school increase (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.91) was identified as a protective factor. Conclusion: Female gender, black race, having a relationship, and having smoked cigarettes are factors that increase the chances of adolescents having common mental disorders.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 721-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Ehlke ◽  
Michelle L. Kelley

This cross-sectional study examined whether depressive symptoms strengthened the relationship between different forms of sexual coercion victimization and drinking to cope motivations, which was hypothesized to influence alcohol use. Participants were 214 female undergraduates who completed an online survey. Participants who experienced any lifetime sexual coercion and reported higher depressive symptoms were the most likely to report drinking to cope motivations, which in turn were associated with alcohol use. Depressive symptoms did not strengthen the relationship between specific forms of sexual coercion, drinking to cope, and alcohol use. Increasing emotion regulation strategies among sexual coercion victims may reduce drinking.


2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (09) ◽  
pp. 1049-1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manije Darooghegi Mofrad ◽  
Fereydoun Siassi ◽  
Bijan Guilani ◽  
Nick Bellissimo ◽  
Leila Azadbakht

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that unhealthy dietary patterns are among the most important modifiable risk factors in the development of mental health disorders. We examined the association of dietary phytochemical index (DPI) with symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress in Iranian women. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 488 women aged 20–50 years old attending health centres in the south of Tehran in 2018 were included. A validated and reliable FFQ was used for dietary assessment. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress were assessed using a validated depression, anxiety, stress scales questionnaires with twenty-one-items. DPI was estimated using the following formula: (daily energy derived from phytochemical-rich foods (kJ)/total daily energy intake (kJ))×100. The mean age of the study participants was 31·9 (sd7·7) years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and psychological distress among study participants was 34·6, 40·6 and 42·4 %, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, women in the highest tertile of DPI had a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms (OR 0·22; 95 % CI 0·12, 0·38) and anxiety (OR 0·33; 95 % CI 0·20, 0·55), as well as psychological distress (OR 0·30; 95 % CI 0·18, 0·49) compared with those in the lowest tertile. In conclusion, we found a significant association between DPI and mental health in women. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 866-873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Fresche de Souza ◽  
Jéssica Andrade de Moraes ◽  
Aline Inocenti ◽  
Manoel Antônio dos Santos ◽  
Ana Elisa Bauer de Camargo Silva ◽  
...  

Objective to verify depressive symptoms and adherence to chemotherapy among women with breast cancer who are served by the Pharmacy of the Chemotherapy Center of a university hospital.METHOD: cross-sectional study with quantitative approach conducted with 112 women receiving chemotherapy. Structured interviews guided by a script addressing socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic information, the Morisky Test, and the Beck Depression Inventory were used to collect data.RESULTS: 12.50% and 1.78% of the patients experienced "moderate" and "severe" depression, respectively, while 10.59% did not use antidepressant medication. A statistically significant association was found between levels of depression and the use of antidepressants. Lack of adherence was identified in 46.43% of the participants.CONCLUSION: these findings show the need to regularly screen for depressive symptoms and for adherence to chemotherapy treatment among women with breast cancer, in order to provide early detection and appropriate treatment centered on patients, and to improve their quality of life.


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