RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in children and comorbid depression is common. This study aimed to assess the frequency of depressive symptoms along with demographic and clinical factors in children diagnosed with epilepsy in a tertiary care institution in Oman. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2016 and August 2018 and included children (n = 75) aged 6-12 years old attending the epilepsy clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman. The cohort constituted of children with epilepsy (CWE) following up at a dedicated unit. We used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children to assess the presence of depressive symptoms. Associated factors, including history of seizure in the last three months, compliance with antiepileptic medications, and type of epilepsy were also examined. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were endorsed in 52.0% of CWE and 96.0% were compliant to medications. Recurrent seizures were present in the last three months among 48.0% of the CWE. The type of epilepsy was significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Depression is prevalent among Omani CWE. Certain clinical factors appeared to increase the risk of depression among this population. The findings of this study fill a gap in the existing literature and call for further work aiming to explore possible tailored recognition and CWE.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Tobacco smoking is the single most avoidable cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Patients with psychiatric disorders tend to smoke tobacco at a higher rate than the general population, with significant adverse health consequences. This study aimed to determine the rate of tobacco smoking among psychiatric outpatients attending Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among psychiatric outpatients attending a psychiatric clinic from 1 January to 1 August 2017. The patients' demographic information, history of smoking, previous hospitalizations, and the number of and specific psychotropics used during treatment was documented. The degree of dependence on tobacco smoking was measured using the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence. RESULTS: A total of 272 patients were included in this study. The overall rate of smoking among psychiatric patients was 13.6%. Patients with schizophrenia had the highest rate of smoking (22.2%), followed by those with bipolar (13.1%), and anxiety disorders (11.1%). Patients who smoked tobacco were more likely to be admitted to the psychiatric ward than non-smokers (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco smoking is common among psychiatric patients, a finding consistent with similar studies conducted in different parts of the world. Assessment of smoking status and its associated adverse health associations among patients with mental disorders is of paramount importance.