Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Community Assets of Adolescents from Low Socio-economic Background

Annalakshmi N. — 2024-09-02

Adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds face several vulnerabilities that impede their positive adaptation. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the strengths and resources within the communities to enhance community development. The aim of the present study is to explore the community assets of adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Data were collected from 1000 households in the community of adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds selected through purposive sampling, with 262 male and 738 female respondents. The respondents were 17 to 90 years of age (M = 45.06; SD =15.72). Participants completed the self-report measures for community assets. The findings show that the participants reported lacking community assets like human capital, social, physical, and economic assets, self-efficacy, motivation, perceived local support, and individual and community participation. Identifying assets and enhancing resources and capabilities opens up a novel approach to improving health and addressing disparities. Researchers can identify areas requiring intervention by conducting assessment surveys, which aid policymaking. Moreover, this study advocates for the adoption of positive health approaches by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, emphasizing the promotion of well-being to enhance community resilience.

Hope, Resilience, Intolerance to Uncertainty and Fear of COVID-19 among Adolescents during Pandemic Conditions

Kanishka Agrawal — 2024-09-02

COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to provoke uncertainty and was associated with numerous adverse mental health effects in a number of studies. Studies also suggest that hope and resilience help in improving mental health. Also, the fear of COVID-19 is strongly related with stress, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. However, hope and resilience have been shown to be protective factors in adverse situations. Moreover, adolescence is a period of change and turmoil. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explore hope, resilience, intolerance to uncertainty (IU) and fear of COVID-19 among adolescents during pandemic times in 2020. The primary objective was to see whether fear of COVID-19 would influence hope, resilience and IU in 150 school-going male and female adolescents, aged between 16-19 years. Data was collected online (snowball technique) by applying reliable and valid scales of Adult State Hope, Brief Resilience, Intolerance to Uncertainty, and Fear of COVID-19. Results showed that males (N=68) had significantly higher IU and fear of COVID-19 as compared to females (N=82). Intolerance to uncertainty significantly predicted fear of COVID-19 (B=0.44), explaining 44 % of the variance in the prediction of fear of COVID-19 (N=150). The strong contribution of IU in the prediction of fear of COVID-19 seems to be a valuable outcome of the study, in addition to the presence of more fear and uncertainty in male adolescents. It may be concluded that fear of COVID-19 and IU should be looked at from a gender perspective, and certain protective measures be adopted to overcome this adverse situation. Results are discussed in the context of available evidence and limitations of the study.

The Effectiveness of Digital Rehabilitation on Quality of Life, Functioning and Severity of Symptoms in Individuals with Schizophrenia

Neeraj Agarwal — 2024-09-02

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of digital rehabilitation programs on overall quality of life, functioning, and severity of symptoms among people with schizophrenia. The present study consists of 70 participants with schizophrenia. N 35 were included in the treatment group and N 35 were included in the control group. It is a “longitudinal pre-post study”, conducted at Emoneeds, RNR Emotional Well-Being Technologies LLP in Gurugram, Haryana. The participants were selected using “purposive sampling methods”. “The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version” (WHOQOL-BREF), “World Health Organization Disability Assessment” (WHODAS) and “Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale” (BPRS) were used for measuring the quality of life, functioning, and severity of symptoms of the participants. The results showed that after participating in the “digital rehabilitation program” for 6 months, the treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in overall quality of life, and functioning, and a decrease in the intensity of symptoms compared to the control group.

The Impact of Coronavirus Disease Pandemic on Global Mental Health and Xenophobia: Possible Suicidal Prevention Strategies

Georgekutty Kochuchakkalackal Kuriala — 2024-09-02

The uncertainties of the present time arising from the COVID-19 pandemic may affect an individual's mental health subliminally and cause depression, phobia, and traumatic stress. Research shows that around 90% of global suicides are commonly due to depression. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting everyone socially and economically, triggering psychological issues such as worry and fear. These behaviors are typical among those with already mental health problems and will continuously be experienced without prompt intervention. The objective of this review is to highlight self-awareness and self-help possibilities at the onset to prevent individuals from committing suicide.

Prevalence of Psychosis and its Association with Cannabis Dependence Syndrome

Bhupendra Singh — 2024-09-02

One may find it amusing that cannabis has been used traditionally in India since the Vedic period and texts of Ayurveda mention the use of cannabis. However, cannabis use has been linked with fundamental brain functioning and associated with anincreased risk of psychotic disorder. To assess the association between cannabis dependence syndrome and the prevalence of psychosis. The study was a cross-sectional hospital based study. The sample size comprised 260 individuals diagnosed with cannabis dependence syndrome, using purposive sampling techniques. Tools used were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test. Study results show regular and high use of cannabis is associated with the prevalence of psychotic symptoms. The prevalence of psychosis among the selected individuals of cannabis users was highly prone than among the general population in India. Cannabis dependence syndrome is a particularly high risk group for psychotic disorders.

Study the Relationship between Psychological Preparedness Sports Anxiety, and Sports Performance in Sportspersons

Arun Sangwan — 2024-09-02

This study uncovers the correlation between psychological preparedness, sports anxiety, and sports performance. A comprehensive assessment of three hundred and fifty participants from various sports was conducted using the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Psychological Preparedness Test (PPT). Performance was meticulously evaluated through the subjective tool, quality of performance (athlete's perception of their performance) and quality of performance (coach's perception of athlete's performance). The results revealed that the higher the psychological preparedness of a sportsperson, the lower the levels of his sports anxiety (r = -0.781, p < .01). Further psychological preparedness is positively correlated with sports performance, significant positive correlation was observed between psychological preparedness and Quality of performance (Athlete's Perception of their Performance) (r = 0.666, p < .01). Also, significant positive correlation found between psychological preparedness and Quality of performance (Coach's Perception of Athlete's Performance) (r = 0.647, p < .01). Similarly, a significant negative correlation between sports anxiety and Quality of performance (Athlete's Perception of their Performance) (r = - 0.406, p < .05). Also, the relationship between sports anxiety and Quality of performance (Coach's Perception of Athlete's Performance) was found to be significantly inversely correlated (r = -0.491, p < .01). By implementing psychological preparedness programs, we could effectively reduce anxiety and enhance performance in athletes. This optimistic outlook underscores the critical role of psychological intervention training programs in athletic success.

Perspective of Indian Mental Health Professionals on Expressive Art Therapy for Adolescents: A Mixed-method Study

Neethu Prakashan — 2024-09-02

Expressive Art Therapy (EAT) is an emerging field o f psychotherapy in India. The current study aimed to gather opinions on the efficacy of EAT from the point of view of practicing EAT professionals and traditional Mental Health Professionals (MHPs); and to understand the application of EAT for adolescents. A total of 45 MHPs from various fields participated in a recorded telephonic interview (15) and an online survey (30). Snowball sampling and convenience sampling were employed to access the participants. The thematic analysis of the interviews generated four major themes: therapeutic essence of EAT, EAT and adolescent's well-being, limitations of EAT, and application of EAT on psychological conditions. The online survey indicated that 29 MHPs were aware of EAT and substantiated the acceptance of EAT among the MHPs in India. The MHPs confirm the effectiveness of EAT for adolescents' well-being and other psychological conditions. The therapeutic benefits of EAT were confirmed overpowering the usage of therapy merely for inner expression. Nevertheless, the findings also highlight the limitations of this therapy. The current study also calls for further research with a larger sample size to gain an indepth insight into EAT from MHP's point of view in India.

Life Under Stress during COVID-19: Empirical Insights and Impact on Social Work Students

Shaheen J. Danasur — 2024-09-02

The pandemic caused significant changes and consequences in all areas of daily life. The impact of the COVID-19 virus completely changed the way of living and working, and consequently, new working conditions were imposed on it. Daily exposure to new conditions causes certain stressful situations for all, and it has aggregated mental health suffering throughout the entire world. It affects not only working employees, migrant workers, and senior citizens but also students, who can become more agitated and restless. It is becoming very common among students in this world; many of them do not realize that they are affected by stress, but it is a very serious and emerging problem about stress among students, which affects students' learning, motivation, concentration, and social interaction. The study recognizes the pervasive nature of stress among students globally, with many remaining unaware of its profound effects. Stress emerges as a substantial and escalating problem affecting students' learning, motivation, concentration, and social interactions. This research aims to know the primary stress factors confronting students during crisis situations. Data synthesis involves a simple tabulation method, offering insights into the impact of stress on social work students across key parameters such as, academic, physical, psychological, and social stress.

A Comparative Study on Coping Strategies and Subjective Well-being among Exercising and Non-exercising College Students

Pooja Raveendran — 2024-09-02

This study investigates the role of exercise in the coping strategies and subjective well-being of college students, while also exploring potential gender differences in coping strategies and subjective well-being. A total of 232 college students from diverse regions of India participated, evenly split between males (n = 116) and females (n = 116). The Coping Scale, comprising 13 items, was utilized to evaluate coping strategies, while the BBC Well-Being Questionnaire, consisting of 24 self-report items, assessed subjective experience across multiple domains. The data collected was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25(IBM SPSS 25). The results revealed a weak positive correlation between coping strategies and subjective well-being. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between males and females. Males were found to have better coping strategies and improved levels of subjective well-being than females. Additionally, exercising college students exhibited enhanced coping strategies and subjective well-being compared to their non-exercising counterparts.

Argumentativeness and Personality among Law Students

Maria Jerry Malliakkal — 2024-09-02

Being argumentative is said to be a very crucial skill that is needed in lawyers. By analyzing the effect of personality traits on argumentativeness, college students can be provided with a better insight into how to incorporate it to defend themselves in a controversial situation. The research presented here investigates to understand the relationship between law students' personalities and their ability to argue. A correlational research design approach is employed, utilizing the quantitative surveys-Argumentativeness scale and Ten-Item Personality Inventory for data collection on a sample size of 250 law students (125 males & 125 females) aged from 18-26 years with a purposive sampling method being used. The findings of the study reveal that there was a significant relationship between argumentativeness and the dimensions of personality which were agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability and openness to experience, however, there was not a relationship between argumentativeness and agreeableness. among law students. There is no significant difference found between argumentativeness among male and female participants. More research can be conducted on this population for future studies.

Sexual Anxiety among Young Adults

Sojanya Bhatnagar — 2024-09-02

The mounting generation has been struggling from a lack of understanding and assistance regarding sex since everyone desires a fantastic sex life, which is incorrectly portrayed in pornographic films, resulting in sexual anxiety, an important hindrance to an individual's sexual satisfaction. Sexual anxiety involves feelings of fear, trepidation, and worry about sexual activities or performances; it can also perpetuate a detrimental cycle in which people become paranoid about sexual performance and are afraid of unsatisfactory experiences and future performance. This study aims to delve into the complex realm of sexual anxiety among unmarried young adults and gender differences. The data was acquired through Google Forms.The sample comprises 138 unmarried individuals (55 male & 83 female). The instrument utilized in the study was the Sexual Anxiety Scale (SAS) by Pramod. In the present study, descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test were employed using a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). The findings reveal that 16.67% of the sample have high levels of sexual anxiety. Results of the Mann-Whitney U Test indicated a statistically significant difference in sexual anxiety levels between men and women. 21.69% of women experience high sexual anxiety which is higher than men who experience 9.08% of sexual anxiety which illuminates a pronounced disparity that reveals that women experience higher levels of sexual anxiety than men. The study also defines the limitations and future implications of the study. Understanding the factors causing higher sexual anxiety in women is crucial for developing tailored interventions and support mechanisms to address these nuanced needs of individual and socio-cultural factors. With the help of this, it may be possible to reduce the burden of sexual anxiety among women, improve their sexual well-being, and promote gender equality in sexual health and satisfaction. It also contributes to curriculum development and fostering a healthy attitude towards sex education.

Perceived Parent Differential Treatment and Perfectionism among Firstborn and Lastborn Individuals

Manasee Sujit Joshi — 2024-09-02

The aim of this study was to examine differences between first and last born individuals in perceived parent differential treatment and perfectionism. Data from 219 participants was utilized. The study included individuals from two-dyad biologically related siblings with non-separated parents and shared household childhood experiences while excluding individuals with disabilities, parental death, and age gaps between siblings outside of 1 to 5 years. The maternal and paternal differential treatment subscales from the Sibling Inventory of Differential Experience (SIDE) were used to measure differential parental treatment. Perfectionism was measured using the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised. No significant differences were observed in parental affection among first and lastborns. Differences were observed between first and last-borns in parental control with firstborns perceiving higher levels of control from parents. No distinct associations were found between birth order, perfectionism, and the type of perfectionism.

Burnout, Coping and Patient-interaction among Nursing Students

Mariya Agnes — 2024-09-02

Burnout is on the rise in the academic sector with major technological advancements and changes in academic curriculums, and the effects of burnout are evident in the medical sector. Nursing students are a group that is affected by burnout, and the coping strategies vary according to individual characteristics. Burnout and coping strategies employed by nursing students could have an effect on patient interaction in their clinical practice, which could impact patient and also student well-being. The study aims to understand the relationship between Burnout, Coping and Patient interaction among nursing students. Students pursuing B.Sc. nursing in their second, third, and fourth year were the sample for the study (N=300; females=261, males=39). Purposive sampling was used for data collection from samples. Copenhagen Burnout Inventory- Student version, BRIEF Cope, and Caring Nurse-Patient Interaction Scale-23 items (nurse version), were the self-report measures used for data collection. Pearson correlation and regression analyses using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 25) were done to analyze data. The correlation analyses showed that there exists a significant positive relationship among the three variables, that is, burnout, coping, and patient interaction, among nursing students. The regression analyses showed that both burnout and coping had a significant influence on patient interaction among nursing students. Burnout and Coping could have a positive influence on patient interaction among students, and therefore, the effect of these factors needs to be understood to gain positive results out of the feelings of burnout and the coping strategies that students employ.

Occupational Stress and Marital Satisfaction among Adults

Aleesha Bastian — 2024-09-02

The purpose of this study is to look into the association between adult occupational stress and marital satisfaction. It also examines how having kids affects marital satisfaction and work stress levels. On the other hand, the Indian setting lacks pertinent data. This study, which has 154 participants, is quantitative in nature. The data collection method employed was random sampling. There were 89 female participants and 65 male participants in this study, with ages ranging from 20 to 64. Occupational stress was measured using the workplace stress scale, which has eight items. A 25-item index of marriage satisfaction was used to measure marital satisfaction. The findings indicated that there is no connection between adult marital satisfaction and work stress. Also, shows that there is no gender difference in occupational stress and marital satisfaction. There is also no difference in occupational stress for adults with children and without children. However, there is a significant difference in marital satisfaction among adults with children and without children.

Exploring the Stance of Dentists in the Delhi NCR Region

Animesh Kumar — 2024-09-02

Dental public health (DPH) comprehends the spreading and factors of oral diseases and edifies, encourages, and endorses oral health in miscellaneous populations. Oral health education and even emergency medical specialties aren't on the priority list once they involve health care in our country. A study was conducted in the month of November 2021 to know the exact mindset of people in our city about dentists and all dental treatments. A questionnaire was designed which consisted of 2 parts. The first part included the demographic information i.e. age, profession, past medical history (if any), and area. The second part consisted of 22 questions in all. It included questions each on gender preference, procedural preference, dental service preference, and preference for a second opinion. Participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling method. The results showed a positive response from the study population towards the dentists and very easily highlighted the stance of dentists in Faridabad city. While there is still scope for spreading awareness among people regarding dentistry, the media would play a major role.

Colorism and Usage of Makeup and its Effect on Self-esteem and Fear of Negative Appearance in Females

Rachana R. Pai — 2024-09-02

Women in South Asia are prone to be discriminated against based on their skin, with higher use of cosmetics and a high prevalence of psychological distress. This study aims to study the effect of colorism and usage of makeup on self-esteem and fear of negative appearance evaluation in young females. With a snowball sampling, young female participants (N = 212; mean age = 20.5 years; SD = 1.97) from Bengaluru, India, completed self-report measures of makeup usage, skin tone, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Fear of Negative Appearance evaluation scale. With the Kruskal-Wallis H test, it was found that skin tone affected on self-esteem and had little to no effect on fear of negative appearance evaluation. It was also found that makeup has no effect on self-esteem, whereas individuals with a high fear of negative appearance evaluation had more significant makeup usage.

Interplay of Sensation Seeking, Narcissism and Online Gaming in Adolescents

Rajani — 2024-09-02

Playing online games has grown in importance among teenagers and adults as a kind of entertainment. Gamers spend more time gaming than planning while ignoring other important activities. This problematic use of online games causes negative effects in their day-to-day life. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship of sensation seeking and narcissism with problematic usage of online games among adolescents. The study was conducted on 300 male and female adolescents within the age range of 13-19 years. Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire, Sensation seeking and Narcissistic Personality Questionnaire for Children- Revised were used to collect the data for the present study. Data was computed using Pearson product-moment correlation. Results revealed that sensation seeking and narcissism were found to be positively and significantly associated with problematic usage of online games.

Milk Consumption among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders from Mumbai City

Sakshi Patil — 2024-09-02

To study whether milk is restricted/ excluded from diets of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) children in Mumbai and whether GFCF (gluten-free casein-free) diet is adhered to. Information regarding dietary restrictions, milk consumption, adherence to the GFCF diet, and gastrointestinal distress symptoms was obtained from parents of 50 ASD children. Mean age of children was 9.5 years and mean age at diagnosis was 3.1 years. Almost all parents considered milk healthy. Only nine parents were concerned about its purity and one parent considered it a causative factor. All children had consumed milk before ASD diagnosis, and 40 children continued to consume milk postdiagnosis without any adverse effects. 25% of parents were only aware of A1/A2 milk, but most did not know much. Fourteen parents had attempted the GFCF diet and 8 opined that it had benefitted their children. For many children, sugar was restricted to reduce hyperactivity. These findings indicate that milk is not restricted in the diets of ASD children, by parents or physicians. Parents who included milk did not observe worsening of symptoms. Since some studies have implicated the need to exclude milk from ASD children's diets, further studies are warranted, especially among Indian children.

Exploring Loneliness among Young Adults

Rizval Fernandes — 2024-09-02

This qualitative study seeks to comprehend the perception and experience of loneliness among young adults aged 18 to 25, employing the UCLA Scale of Loneliness Version 3 for screening and conducting semi-structured interviews to gain an in-depth understanding. Participants' experiences unveil a nuanced understanding of loneliness, emphasizing the quality of social connections. Loneliness is intricately depicted as an emotional state characterized by emptiness, sadness, and mental struggles, with discernible impacts on physical well-being. Causes encompass the absence of strong bonds, past negative experiences, and situational factors. Coping mechanisms range from engaging in hobbies and digital interactions to sharing emotions and intentional avoidance. Implications underscore the need for targeted interventions recognizing diverse coping strategies, and fostering genuine relationships to alleviate loneliness. Future research should strive for broader samples and cultural diversity to enhance global insights into young adult loneliness.

Bridging Perspectives: Exploring Challenges of Male Therapists/Counsellors in the Indian Context

Sambhav Kumar — 2024-09-02

In India, the field of counselling and therapy predominantly consists of female practitioners. Despite the increasing breadth of research within this field, there remains a notable dearth of research focusing on the experiences of male counsellors or therapists within the Indian context. This research endeavours to address this gap by delving into the challenges encountered by male therapists and counsellors in India. Employing a qualitative research paradigm, the study utilized semi-structured interviews to engage with nine male counsellors or therapists, each possessing a minimum of one year of professional experience. The participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic network analysis served as the interpretive framework for the findings, which revealed a diverse range of challenges. These challenges encompassed financial constraints, limited employment prospects, client preferences favouring female therapists, difficulties in fostering client engagement, workplace challenges, mental and emotional strains, as well as struggles in maintaining a harmonious work-life balance. By shedding light on these multifaceted challenges, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the unique obstacles faced by male counsellors and therapists in India's counselling landscape.

The Interplay of Internet Addiction and Self-esteem: An In-depth Exploration

Divyajyoti Saraf — 2024-09-02

This study explores the complex connection between internal addiction and self-esteem in an era of unparalleled digital connectedness. Excessive and uncontrollable online behavior is the hallmark of internet addiction, which has become a significant worry in modern culture. Contrarily, self-esteem, which is essential to mental health, encompasses a person's view of their value, aptitude, and self-image. The primary objective of this study is to examine the correlation between internet addiction and self-esteem. A sample of 110 participants, comprising both males and females aged 18 to 30, hailing from Mumbai and Pune, was surveyed. Data collection was conducted online through Google Forms. Two established instruments were employed: the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) for assessing internet addiction and Rosenberg's self-esteem scale (1965) for gauging self-esteem. The data underwent rigorous analysis, including descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation analysis. The findings revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between internet addiction and self-esteem. This suggests that higher levels of internet addiction are associated with lower self. This research underscores the importance of understanding how internet addiction impacts self-esteem. The study's results affirm a negative correlation between internet addiction and self-esteem, emphasizing the potential detrimental effects of excessive internet use. It is crucial for individuals and society to be aware of these associations and consider strategies to promote healthy internet usage. Recognizing these associations is pivotal for individuals and society alike, prompting the need for strategies to promote balanced and healthy internet engagement.

Validation of Neikuri, a Traditional Siddha Diagnostic Technique, and its Influence on HbA1c in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Rajalakshmi. B — 2024-09-02

Siddha medicine, one of the AYUSH systems of medicine was an ancient traditional system with its unique method of diagnosis called Envagai thervu (Eight methods of diagnosis). Among the eight tools Neikuri gained significant importance in diagnostic and prognostic purposes of disease elaborated by Siddhar Theraiyar. To validate the Siddha diagnostic tool, the Neikuri pattern, and to find the correlation with HbA1c levels among type 2 diabetic patients 104 diagnosed diabetic patients consisting of males (n = 56) and females (n = 48) who attended Siddha Clinic were taken for the study. Assessment of Siddha diagnostic tool, Neikuri, was done based on the standardization. HbA1c Blood test was done at our hospital The subject, mean age was 51.86±9.44 years. The pattern of spread on the surface of urine among diabetic patients indicating the derangement of humours in percentage was Vathakapham (44.23%), Pithakapham (19.23%), Kaphapitham (10%), Kaphavatham (8.65%), Kapham (7.69%), Pithavatham (6.73%), Vathapitham(1.92%), and Pithathilpitham (1.92%), We noticed a fast spread (77.88%), Non-circular (78.85%), and non-uniform (83.65%), patterns indicate the vitiation of humors. Different shapes of spread were noted which are indicators of the prevailing disease. Comparison of Neikuri analysis, with HbA1C (glycated haemoglobin) level shows that the subjects having kapham as muthanmai kuttram, the mean HbA1c level was 8.4% and Kapham as thunai kuttram it was 7.95%, whereas when kapham involvement was not present, it was 7.5 %. This shows that HbA1c levels are high when Kapham kuttram is involved, and p-value less than 0.05 when compared with muthanmai kuttram kapham with no kapham proves significance. This convenient, non-invasive, cost-effective technique may prove beneficial in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease, showing instant results of the actual health condition.

Evaluating Effectiveness of MBSR in Reducing Stress among Juvenile Delinquents

Tamsha — 2024-09-02

The number of children involved in criminal activities has risen dramatically. Juveniles are mostly engaged in criminal activities such as drinking, theft, murder and rape. Though most of these families did not suffer from alcoholism or criminal records, these children committed crimes such as smoking, drinking, theft, rape, murder, etc. Among the juveniles, theft was the most frequently committed offence due to an easy money complex, peer influence, and family pressure to earn money to support their families. The study also states that most of the juveniles worked instead of going to school since they were forced to work. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness based stress reduction in reducing stress among juvenile delinquents. The statistical population of the study consisted of juvenile delinquents. This study consisted of 50 juvenile delinquents (25 for experimental group & 25 for control group). The experimental group of juvenile offenders participated in eight weekly two and half hour mindfulness-based intervention sessions. For the same amount of time, the juvenile offenders in the control group did not receive any intervention. According to research, a mindfulness practice involves paying attention to the present moment, non-judgmentally. In short, in daily practices of mindfulness, individuals can experience positive benefits. Juvenile delinquents can lessen the harmful effects of stress by practicing mindfulness as a self-care technique. The results showed that the experimental group showed a significant reduction in stress as compared to control group.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of College Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Soma Aditya Bandyopadhyay — 2024-09-02

The sudden burst of COVID-19 has created unprecedented overnight challenges across all spheres of life, neither barring the education sector. All educational institutions had come to a sudden halt, thereby entitling the students to unparalleled challenges owing to a radical shift from offline to online classes in the wake of the outbreak of Coronavirus. The imposition of confinement within the four walls for a prolonged period paved the way for the onset of mental disorders among the students, in particular, countrywide. The survey conducted during the pandemic period (November 2020 to December 2020), aims to inspect the stress responses and the vulnerability to depressive episodes among the student community. The web-based survey encompassed 416 college-going students, who were assessed on the basis of a poll - Google Form generated standardized e- questionnaire, addressing all the 21 points of DASS21 (Depression Anxiety & Stress Scale) (Tran et al., 2013) to investigate their mental health status. The study population consisted of randomly picked candidates (18-20 years age group) across myriad disciplines. The poll results implied that 12% of the candidates were battling with severe depression while 20% of the sample pool was under constant stress exposure. Out of the 416 students, 288 (69%) attributed the COVID-19 outbreak as the preliminary cause of feelings of stress and anxiety. The survey questionnaire revealed multiple stressors that complemented each other to exaggerate the levels of anxious and depressive behaviours among students including tension associated with their health and their loved ones (104/416, 25%), attention deficiency (58/416, 14%), disrupted sleep-wake cycles (50/416, 12%), redundancy in interactions due to restrictions imposed by social distancing (29/416, 7%), disturbed eating practices (63/416, 15%). With the prevalence and levels of depressive symptoms remaining unaltered and anxiety and stress levels shooting up, the addressal and mitigation of the adversaries of the pandemic on the student population becomes indispensable.

Enhancing Understanding and Mitigation of Discharge against Medical Advice (DAMA) Cases in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: Recommendations and Strategies

Riaaz Salam — 2024-09-02

The issue of Discharge against Medical Advice (DAMA) has garnered significant attention in healthcare literature due to its implications for patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency. Several studies have explored the prevalence, causes, and consequences of DAMA across different healthcare settings and patient populations. This presents a significant challenge in healthcare systems globally. This retrospective study aimed to analyze DAMA cases in a tertiary care teaching hospital to identify major contributing factors. A thorough review of medical records spanning July 1 to December 31, 2022, revealed 580 DAMA cases out of 16,993 inpatient admissions. Financial reasons emerged as the primary cause (64%), followed by personal reasons (17%) and unwillingness to continue treatment (11%). Extended length of stay and dissatisfaction with service were comparatively less frequent. Understanding these factors is crucial for implementing targeted interventions to reduce DAMA rates and enhance patient care. This study highlights the prevalence of DAMA cases in a tertiary care teaching hospital and identifies financial constraints as the leading cause. Addressing financial barriers and implementing interventions to improve patient education and communication may help reduce DAMA rates. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors contributing to DAMA and develop targeted strategies for mitigation.

Perceived Social Support among Male and Female National Handball Players

Soni — 2024-09-02

Social support is a key phenomenon in sports. Because it boosts the spirits of the players. However, there is a huge difference in the amount of social support that the players receive for sports. Some players receive good social support but some of them are deprived from such support from family, friends and society. Gender is one of the crucial factors in social support-related social interactions. On the other hand, the results of the studies on gender differences in social support are not conclusive. So in this study, we try to explore the gender difference in social support among male and female handball players. For the investigation of the study total of 60 handball players (30) male and (30) female were taken within the age group of 15 to 25 were selected as participants of the study. For the assessment of the social support, social support questionnaire developed by Zimet et al. (1988) is used. Group statistics and t-test were applied for the statistical analysis. And a significant difference was observed between male and female handball players on social support. It is observed that female handball players exhibited more perceived social support than male handball players.

A Comparative Study of Stress and Well-being among College Students

Zaki Akhtar — 2024-09-02

This study investigates stress and well-being among college students through a comparative analysis based on gender. Results from the analysis indicate that there is no statistically significant difference in stress levels between male and female college students (t-value = 0.47, p > 0.05). However, a significant difference is observed in wellbeing scores between male and female students (t-value = 2.57, p < 0.05), with male students reporting higher levels of well-being. Furthermore, a weak negative correlation is found between stress and well-being (r = -0.1662), suggesting that higher stress levels are associated with lower well-being among college students. These findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health concerns among college students and highlight the need for tailored interventions to promote well-being. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying factors contributing to gender differences in well-being and to develop effective strategies for enhancing mental health support in college settings.

Perceptions of Health among Rural Health Workers

Arpana Beniwal — 2024-09-02

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of rural healthcare workers regarding health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 15 health workers actively serving in Goora village of Utter Pradesh during the pandemic was chosen for this research. Interviews which were semi-structured were used to collect the data. Dominant themes of the data were derived using Thematic analysis. Health workers perceived health as an absence of illness and the ability of the individual to carry out everyday routine. Additionally, emotional well-being is acknowledged as an important determinant of health. The health workers attributed the differences in their perceptions and those of lay persons to a lack of education and social/cultural factors. Stigmas and myths are reported as being deeply embedded in perceptions regarding mental health. The relevance of context and background for implementing health schemes and incentives is discussed.

A Clinical Case Study of Individual with Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Treatment using ERP Technique

Jyotsna Singh — 2024-09-02

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a neurotic disorder. The essential feature of OCD is unwanted thoughts (obsession) that enter the person's mind again and again in a repetitive way, and these thoughts lead to acts that are repeated again and again. These behaviours interfere with daily activities and create distress for the individual. This is a case report of an adolescent boy who was experiencing "obsessive" thoughts related to the "dog bite" and cleaning and checking (when he felt the pain in different body parts, he felt that dog's bite on that place, and then he used to check again and again, and also he was afraid of rabies. He took more than 100 injections of rabies because of his compulsions." The study aims to decrease the level of symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder with the treatment of ERP techniques. Initially, assessment sessions of semi-structured interviews were conducted with the client to learn about the case history, personality traits, conflict, family history, and causes of the disorder. The client had been checked for the diagnosis of OCD symptoms with the Y-BOCS rating scale and Beck's depression inventory, which indicate higher symptoms of OCD with mild mood disturbance. The client was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder according to ICD-10 DCR criteria. Exposure and response prevention therapy was used as a treatment. After diagnosis, 5 sessions of ERP were conducted per week for a total of 60 sessions. After the sessions, the client reported that he had reduced intrusive thoughts and compulsions and observed positive changes in his behaviour. Based on the observation during the sessions and the feedback of the patient, ERP is an effective treatment for reducing the symptoms (intrusive thoughts & compulsions) of OCD.

The Role of Site Initiation Visits and Essential Documents in Maintaining Integrity and Compliance in Clinical Trials

Kuldeep Kumar — 2024-09-02

Clinical trials are very important for determining the safety and efficacy of medical trials, which is further critical to the progress of the various healthcare businesses. Conducting such studies requires substantial preparation and adherence to the various ethical norms; such norms which are especially crucial when dealing with medical emergencies like the COVID-19 outbreak. This paper discusses the Site Initiation Visit (SIV) and the development of Essential Document Files (EDF) for clinical research. Site initiation visit specifies fundamental tasks to ensure team preparedness, logistical planning, and regulatory compliance. Team training, investigational product (IP) storage, and post-SIV follow-up procedures are all valuable considerations. On the other hand, throughout the trial's lifecycle, the document files play a very vital role in ensuring a complete documentation process thereby promoting transparency and adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. The paper highlights the importance of established protocols and regulatory compliance, in safeguarding safety by outlining these procedures.

Mental Well-being of School Students: Voices from Field for Teachers as Facilitators

Sushmita Chakraborty — 2024-09-02

Mental well-being is an important catalyst in students' holistic development. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reiterates this and has visioned a transformative education system that encourages nurturing among students 21st-century skills, along with the competencies of being empathic, resilient, and compassionate besides developing high cognitive capacities. School-going years in students' lives are a crucial phase when they go through development in domains of physical, cognitive, psychomotor, and most importantly socio-emotional. These developments are shaped by interactions in their physical, emotional, and social environment and contribute to their ability to perform optimally in academic life, maintain healthy relationships with self and others as part of their personal and social life, and develop an overall sense of satisfaction towards' ones' life. Having a state of mental well-being is important to achieve this goal. The supportive role of teachers plays a pivotal role in nurturing this state of positive mental well-being in students. Hence, it is important for teachers of school-going students to recognize, understand, and engage proactively in promoting mental well-being among students, especially after the COVID- 19 pandemic. As leaders in classrooms, teachers can play the role of effective facilitators in bringing all students together and collaborating as partners in supporting and strengthening their mental well-being. The present article based on the findings of the mental health survey of school students conducted by Manodarpan Cell, NCERT (2022) attempts to identify such aspects that may help teachers to play their role as facilitators in promoting and strengthening students' mental well-being.

Beyond Genetics: Discovering the Role of Maternal Dietary Intake in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Yashgauri R. Shivade — 2024-09-02

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are complex disorders with a multifactorial etiology. Maternal dietary factors may influence the risk of ASDs in offspring. This review aims to examine the evidence on the association between maternal dietary factors and the risk of ASDs in children. The review synthesizes available literature on specific nutrients and dietary patterns that may increase or decrease the risk of ASDs. The study also identifies knowledge gaps and recommends further research. The findings suggest that folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D may have protective effects against ASDs. The review study focuses on Western studies, given the lack of research in India. The concept of Garbha Sanskar was introduced, a traditional practice in India that promotes a healthy dietary lifestyle for pregnant women. Despite many Indian mothers following a positive dietary lifestyle, further research is needed in India due to the high prevalence of autism and malnutrition. The limited research in India impedes the development of targeted interventions. Hence, there is a dire need to identify the dietary patterns in mothers and to identify the risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Catching up with Non-suicidal Self-injury 'Disorder': A Brief Review of Concepts and Recent Empirical Investigations

Parth Pratim Pandey — 2024-09-02

The past two-and-half decades have produced a surge of research findings informing an abundance of patients displaying strong and frequent urges of self-harm (without suicidal ideation) but not fitting into any of the categorized psychiatric disorders (e.g., Borderline Personality Disorder-the most common disorder involving selfharm). Motivated by this we present a brief literature review of this confounding behavior known as Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI). NSSI traditionally has been only a criterion of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Findings in the last three decades however strongly suggest that (i) NSSI can often manifest in the absence of BPD, (ii) NSSI is best viewed as a transdiagnostic phenomenon due to its common co-occurrence with a variety of other psychological disorders (primarily depressive & anxiety disorders), and (iii) individuals indulging in NSSI (following the diagnosis criteria of DSM-5) generally tend to exhibit notably elevated levels of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation compared to clinical control groups not practicing NSSI. While a multitude of factors have been investigated for their role as potential risk factors for NSSI, we found the inability to manage negative emotions (affect dysregulation) and prior history of NSSI to be most commonly reported. Childhood maltreatment (in its various forms), existing emotional disorders (mainly depressive & anxiety disorders), and cognitive variables like self-criticism and rumination are some of the other often-reported factors. We have also reviewed the various popular theoretical models of NSSI and found congruence between the core tenets of these models and empirical literature.

Embodied Imagination for Trauma Treatment: A Narrative Review

Yumlembam Aditi — 2024-09-02

Trauma is any overwhelming experience caused by exposure to a single or repeated life-threatening or distressing event(s) leaving imprints across mind, brain, and body and giving rise to many psychosomatic problems. The objective of this narrative review is to present the dream work method, Embodied Imagination (EI) developed by Jungian psychoanalyst, Robert Bosnak, as a method that can assist in alleviation of the effects of trauma. An overview of the fundamental components and theoretical underpinnings of the EI method are presented herein to demonstrate its suitability for trauma treatment. The neuroscientific findings, dream researches and principal ideas mentioned in the seminal work of Bessel van der Kolk, 'The Body Keeps the Score' forms the bedrock of this review. Relevant literature, both current and past is included to show support for EI, a psychotherapy modality which concentrates on dreams, imagination, physical sensations and emotions. This review calls attention to EI as a method that can facilitate the identification and integration of emotions and sensations, both interoceptive and exteroceptive, as well as the recognition of non-ego perspectives that exist beneath consciousness. The awareness and acknowledgment of new perspectives attained through EI bears significant implications for healing and alleviation of trauma. The implication even extends to the realm of brain plasticity wherein the new perspectives can activate new neural pathways facilitating transformations in emotions, associated thoughts, and memories. It is concluded that attending to dream images/memories through imagination can be efficacious in addressing the somatic and emotional effects of trauma.

Childhood Trauma: A Meta-analysis of Case Studies

Romanpreet Randhawa — 2024-09-02

Childhood: Wonder, joy, innocence, and hope are all evoked by the name alone. Children can experience trauma in many different ways, such as from serious illnesses or injuries, accidents, loss of a loved one, and natural catastrophes. Regarding the impact of early trauma on experiences in later life, a research topic was created. For the meta-analysis, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) criteria were applied. 25 research articles covering various aspects of childhood trauma were taken into consideration. Early traumatic sorrow has long-lasting effects on current functioning, and unresolved traumatic grief and PTSD symptoms can resurface rapidly and powerfully in response to current stressors. It can affect how children view the world, themselves, and other people when they witness relationships that terrify or make them feel rejected. In reality, in some children, the healing of the trauma may mark the beginning of an endless cycle of trauma symptoms, functional impairment, and further trauma. The basis for forming relationships, trust, love, and support that will advance a person's growth in a safe environment is laid during early life.

A Case Demonstration of Paranoid Schizophrenia

Sheetal — 2024-09-02

The purpose of the study is to explore the course of schizophrenia and to determine the efficiency of psychotherapeutic management to mollify the symptoms associated with schizophrenia and to improve the client's overall functioning. The current study was conducted in Kurukshetra (Haryana) and included a 42-year-old female, Hindu, divorced. The treatment plan was formulated following a psychotherapeutic approach that uses a variety of management techniques to change the client's confusion and behavior. The assessment's findings revealed substantial anguish and disrupted special occasions, interfered with intimate relationships, exhibited withdrawn conduct, and was regarded as having hallucinations. His general functioning, aberrant behavior, and symptoms recovery were all significantly improved by psychotherapeutic treatment strategies. The results indicate that psychotherapy management is a successful strategy for treating schizophrenia.