Depression among inmates of Gandaki Province, Nepal: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a pervasive mental health condition that affects individuals across various demographic categories, including imprisoned adults. The prevalence of mental health problems among inmates worldwide is considerably higher than in the general population, and it is estimated that 11% of inmates have significant mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of depression and factors associated with it among the prisoners of Gandaki Province, Nepal. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the inmates in Gandaki Province, Nepal. Data were collected from 223 inmates, who were recruited through systematic random sampling from eight district-level prisons. The Beck Depression Inventory-II was used to measure depression, with the cumulated score dichotomized into depressed and not-depressed categories. Additionally, a structured questionnaire was employed to capture socio-demographic and imprisonment-related variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine the factors associated with depression. RESULTS: Findings revealed that 18.8% of the inmates exhibited symptoms of depression. Inmates with health problems [(adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.39], suicide ideation during imprisonment (aOR = 4.37), and attempted suicide before imprisonment (aOR = 7.97) had a statistically significant relationship with depression. This study revealed a notable prevalence of depression among incarcerated individuals in the Gandaki Province of Nepal. CONCLUSION: The findings imply a crucial need for psychosocial and rehabilitative interventions to enhance inmates' mental health and overall well-being.

Assessment of Anxiety and Depression among Caregivers of Mentally Ill Patients Attending Mental Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Family take the role of caregivers and provide the mentally ill member with help, care and support. Caregivers are at the high risk to anxiety and depression. The main objective of the research was to assess anxiety and depressive status among caregivers of mentally ill patients attending Mental Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal. METHODS: A cross sectional study based on clinical setting was conducted among 184 caregivers of mentally ill patients attending outpatient department of Mental Hospital, Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal. Purposive sampling technique was used for the study. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and validated Nepali translated version of hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to assess anxiety and depressive status among caregivers. The collected data was entered in Microsoft Excel 2013 and data analysis was done in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) international business machine version 25. Ethical consideration was maintained during the study. RESULTS: Anxiety and depressive symptoms among caregivers of mentally ill patients was 24.5% and 19.6% respectively. Risk factors significantly associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in caregivers were sex of caregiver, socio-economic status and sex of patient. Types of mental illness of patient was also significantly associated with anxiety while educational status was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depressive symptoms were found among caregivers of mentally ill patients. It is high time to consider mental health of caregiver and mental health promotion programs and policies for caregivers should be implemented.

Bullying Behavior and Psychosocial Health - A Cross-sectional Study among School Students of Pyuthan Municipality.

BACKGROUND: Bullying remains as pervasive phenomenon affecting children worldwide. Bullying in school has long been a matter of concern as wide range of adjustment problems including poor mental health and violent behavior in school are associated with it. The present study examined the prevalence of bullying behavior (bullies, victims and bully-victims) and their association with depression and psychosomatic symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 8th, 9th and 10th grade students of Pyuthan Municipality, Mid-Western Nepal. A total of 405 students responded to the structured self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected from randomly selected public and private schools. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: The result of this study showed higher prevalence of bully (55.8%) among students of Relatively Advantaged Janajati whereas victims (64.86%) belonged to Disadvantaged Janajatis. Students who bully were found more in grade 8 and 10 whilst the students of grade 9 were more victims. Bullying behavior prevailed more in private schools than in public schools. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of bullying behavior (either bully or victim) is 69.14%. The finding bolsters an association between bullying behavior and depression, psychosomatic symptoms and school type. Higher prevalence of bullying behavior suggested by this study portends the alarming consequences among school students. Bullying needs to be addressed fleetly. Effective interventions that reduce bullying practice in school is essential.