Determinant factors of deprassion: a survey among university students

We compared the determinant factors of depression; among faculties in university, among junior and senior students, and gender differences among representative samples of faculties in university. Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) consisting for 20 questions was used to assess the status of well-being of students. A total of 240 students participated and completed the assessment forms. The results were then compared and analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. There was no effect of faculty on depression (p=0.854). The association between year of study and depression was not statistically significant (p≥0.05). Likewise, the association between gender and depression was statistically not significant (p≥0.05). The study revealed absence of statistically significant effect of faculty on depression. It was also found that gender and depression as well as year of study and depression were not statistically significant. Keyword

Sexual conflicts in panic disorder: a multi-case study

Purpose – Problems related to sexual functioning have been reported in patients with anxiety disorders in general and panic disorder in particular. The past literature has shown the association of sexual conflicts of panic disorder patients with sadomasochism, and revealed the themes of: guilt, self-punishment, role of unconscious conflicts about sexuality, anger and separation. The purpose of this paper is to explore sexual conflicts in patients with panic disorder and their beliefs regarding guilt around sexual fantasies and dreams. Design/methodology/approach – Interpretative paradigm and case study method was employed. For collecting data, semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to within and cross-case analyses. Clarifying researcher’s bias and rich thick description were used for verification of data. Findings – Cross-case analyses revealed themes of negative emotions, positive emotions and ambivalence. Negative emotions (i.e. guilt and anger) were experienced as threatening and harmful and caused distress to participants. Positive emotions, such as, satisfaction, pleasure and happiness were revealed in response to questions related to sexual fantasies, thoughts dreams, emotional attachment and sexual relations. Ambivalence was shown in response to questions related with reactions toward sexual fantasies, masturbatory practices, sexual relations and/or emotional attachment. Research limitations/implications – The participants of this study consisted of two self-selected individuals who had diagnosis of panic disorder with agoraphobia. The main limitation of the study is a small sample size comprising of men only. This research can provide grounds for more Asian studies in future especially by including females. Practical implications – The findings point toward addressing sexual conflict in therapeutic intervention of panic disorder. Social implications – The findings have implications in society in expanding the awareness and knowledge about sexual conflicts in clinical population and general population suffering from anxiety symptoms. Originality/value – This research study adds understanding of psychological issues in Pakistan’s socio-cultural contex

The satisfaction with life scale: psychometric properties in Pakistani population

Background: The construct of satisfaction with life has been studied across various cultures through the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) has been validated across several populations and languages. There are no published psychometric properties of its Urdu version. Hence, the aim of this study was to ascertain the psychometric properties of the Urdu version of the SWLS among the Urdu speaking population of Pakistan. Methods: The SWLS has already been translated into Urdu, and the Urdu version is available on the author’s website however there is no information about its psychometric properties. To establish the psychometric properties especially the factor structure of the already translated Urdu SWLS, the SWLS-Urdu was administered to Urdu speaking population residing in Pakistan. The statistical analyses (i.e., normality through skewness and kurtosis, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity, and test and re-test reliability) were conducted through SPSS version 25.0. Structure Equation Modelling via maximum likelihood method of estimation was used to perform confirmatory factor analysis on the data using AMOS 20.0. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The study was completed by recruiting 120 participants from different universities in Lahore, Pakistan. The sample was equally divided between male and female participants. The mean age of participants was 22.7(3.6) years. Test of the adequacy of the sample through Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin showed KMO=0.88 and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (p<0.001). The Cronbach’s alpha reliability of the scale was 0.90 and Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed a one-factor model as a good fit with strong statistical evidence. No factorial group variances were noticed in male and female participants. Conclusion: This study shows that Urdu SWLS has sound psychometric properties, is linguistically and culturally acceptable, and equally useful in assessing satisfaction with life in the Urdu speaking population

Prevalence of and factors contributing to glue sniffing in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region: a scoping review and meta-analysis

Background: Although glue sniffing has been linked with significant morbidity and mortality, it is still under-researched and poorly recognized issue globally. Objective: A scoping review was performed to identify the factors and outcomes related to glue sniffing in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Methods: Ten databases; Medline via Ovid, Google scholar, EBSCOhost (CINAHL Plus), ProQuest Central, PsycInfo, IndMED, Ovid Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct were searched from their inception to January 2019 for both qualitative and quantitative studies examining any aspect of glue-sniffing. Studies published only in English language were included. Prevalence of glue-sniffing in SAARC region was the primary outcome measure. Findings: Of 8951studies screened, 344 were assessed for eligibility and 31 studies were included. The majority of the studies were conducted in India (15) and Pakistan (11). Meta-analysis of proportion, using random effects model, for both primary and secondary outcomes found that the highest incidence of glue sniffing was 57% (0.57, CI 95% 0.49–0.66) in India. The overall incidence of tobacco and naswar (snuff) as was 83% (0.83, 95% CI 0.80–0.86). Conclusions: The prevalence of glue sniffing, especially among street children, is alarmingly high and presents a challenge for health and social services for countries in SAARC region. More research work is required to examine long term impact of glue sniffing on physical and mental health

Xylophagia : a meta-synthesis of the literature

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into xylophagia, its treatment, intervention options, etiological causes and possible relationship with other diseases. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic search was performed across four scientific databases (i.e. Ovid Medline, Embase via Ovid, PubMed and ProQuest). All of the qualitative studies reporting on xylophagia from the inception of databases until August 2019 have been included. The quality of included studies was assessed through a ten-item checklist given by Kmet et al. (2004). Findings – A total of 18 studies were included, and five primary themes emerged after analysis: precipitation/onset of xylophagia, co-morbid psychiatric or medical illnesses, assessment and investigation modes to confirm diagnosis, outcomes of xylophagia and treatment options comprising medical care, psychological care, counseling and duration of recovery. There were 16 females and 9 males in included studies. The mean ages and standard deviations of males and females were 29.25(12.17) years and 32.81(11.92), respectively. The mean duration and standard deviation of paper pica were 4.80(4.27) years. Research limitations/implications – Despite the limitation that this meta-synthesis is based upon findings from case studies, results show that standardized medication regimens for treating xylophagia are still not available or are unknown. There is a dire need for further research in order to better understand the disorder. The healthcare professionals need to use reciprocal, mutually constituent influence of biological and sociocultural factors in order to screen, diagnose and manage complex psychological problems like xylophagia. Originality/value – The findings advance our understanding of the positive effects of patients and family members undergoing counseling or cognitive behavior therapy in reducing stress and enhancing coping skills thus, avoiding self-damaging behaviors

“We are the soul, pearl and beauty of Hindu Kush Mountains”: exploring resilience and psychological wellbeing of Kalasha, an ethnic and religious minority group in Pakistan

The Kalasha are a marginalized ethnic and religious minority group in northern Pakistan. The Kalasha minority is known for their divergent polytheistic beliefs, and represents the outliers of the collectively monotheistic Muslim population of Pakistan. This study aimed to explore the psychological resilience beliefs and lived experiences of the Kalasha and to identify cultural protective factors and indigenous beliefs that help them maintain psychological wellbeing and resilience. Seven semi-structured interviews and two focus-group discussions were conducted. The total sample consisted of 6 women and 8 men, aged 20–58 years (Mage = 36.29, SD = 12.58). The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis qualitative method was chosen. Study findings identified that factors contributing to the wellbeing, happiness and resilience enhancement beliefs of Kalasha included five main themes, all influenced by their unique spirituality: contentment, pride in social identity, tolerance, gender collaboration and gratitude. The study also revealed the Kalasha’s perception of their marginalization related to challenges and threats. The Kalasha emphasized bringing these resilience enhancement beliefs into practice, as a mean to buffer against challenges. In conclusion, this study revealed Kalasha’s wellbeing and resilience enhancement factors, which they believed in and practiced as an element of their indigenous culture and religion

Innovative application of qualitative method in studying indigenous community’s mental health

Background. The indigenous communities are the native communities, having a historical continuity with pre-invasion and pre-colonial societies that developed on their territories. The health research on indigenous people in developed countries has established guidelines for ethical conduct of research on these communities. However, there is a lack of such guidelines in Asian indigenous communities. Research Purpose. The modicum of research attention to indigenous marginalized communities from mental health perspectives has become the basis of highlighting some of the issues faced by researchers when doing a study on indigenous groups. Method. This paper argues that culturally appropriate indigenous methods must be adopted when working with marginalized communities, with the aim to decolonize research from western world view. The selection of appropriate methods in studying marginalized communities has been highlighted. The past literature suggests choosing culturally appropriate methods when working with marginalized indigenous communities. Population. A methodological recommendation,(encompassing qualitative, collective, participatory), and empowerment frameworks has been derived from in-depth study of indigenous Kalasha community in Pakistan using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The aim of the project was to explore the resilience mechanisms (identification of cultural protective factors), and mental health conceptualization of Kalasha. Analysis. IPA was used for detailed analysis using a two-stage interpretation process also called double hermeneutic. The significance and implications of using IPA to study indigenous populations has been highlighted. Implications. This study shows appropriate methodological recommendations for health researchers in order to study marginalized indigenous communities

Exploring stress coping strategies of frontline emergency health workers dealing Covid-19 in Pakistan: a qualitative inquiry

Background The COVID-19 outbreak has gravely impacted the physical and psychological health of people. As the outbreak is ongoing, it is crucial to equip the emergency healthcare workers (HCWs) to be medically and psychologically prepared. Objective To examine the psychological impact of COVID-19 on emergency HCWs and to understand how they are dealing with COVID-19 pandemic, their stress coping strategies or protective factors, and challenges while dealing with COVID-19 patients. Method Using a framework thematic analysis approach, 15 frontline emergency HCWs directly dealing with COVID-19 patients from 2 April to 25 April 2020. The semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Findings highlighted first major theme of stress coping, including, limiting media exposure, limited sharing of Covid-19 duty details, religious coping, just another emergency approach, altruism, and second major theme of Challenges includes, psychological response and noncompliance of public/denial by religious scholar. Conclusion Participants practiced and recommended various coping strategies to deal with stress and anxiety emerging from COVID-19 pandemic. Media was a was reported to be a principal source of raising stress and anxiety among the public. Religious coping as well as their passion to serve humanity and country were the commonly employed coping strategies

Perception of mental health in Pakistani nomads: An interpretative phenomenological analyses

The study was conducted to explore the mental health issues of Pakistani nomads and to uncover their concept, ideation,and perception about mental health and illnesses. It was an exploratory study situated in the qualitative paradigm. The research strategy used was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), as the study was planned to explore the lived experiences of nomads regarding mental health and coping strategies and how they interpret those experiences. For data collection, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Seven participants were included in the FGDs, and two FGDs were conducted composed of both genders. The responses were recorded, and data were transcribed and analysed using IPA. Data verification procedures of peer review, which help to clarify researcher bias and rich thick description, were used. The major themes were lack of resources and myriad unfulfilled needs, specifically the basic needs (food, shelter, and drinking and bathing water). Moreover, a strong desire to fulfil the secondary needs of enjoyment and having luxuries was also reflected. A list of recommendations was forwarded for policy making of this marginalized community and to create awareness regarding mental health

Barriers and facilitators to mental health care: a systematic review in Pakistan

It is well documented that there is a shortage of mentalhealth care providers, mental health literacy, and underutiliza-tion of mental health services in Pakistan. This systematicreview aimed to assess the available evidence on factors hin-dering and/or facilitating access to care among people withmental health issues, health care providers, carers, or anyother population group (e.g., students, teachers) in Pakistan.Thirteen published studies of barriers and facilitators inPakistan were identified through nine electronic databases:Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Emcare, CINAHL plus,Proquest Central, PsycInfo, Scopus, Pubmed, andScienceDirect. Thematic analysis revealed that factors facilitat-ing access to mental health services were trust in the effect-iveness of mental health services and acknowledging theseriousness of the problem. However, factors hindering theaccess were financial issues/constraints, personal issues/otherpriorities, stigma, low mental health knowledge, side-effects/dissatisfaction from previous treatments, time and distanceconstraints, reliance on traditional/religious healers, and lackof social (i.e., family and peers) support/encouragement.Findings suggest the need for reducing barriers to andenhancing facilitators of seeking mental health services. Toimprove help-seeking, the focus of strategies should be onenhancing mental health literacy, lowering stigma, andincreasing trust in mental health services’effectiveness