Psychological distress and quality of community life among migratory construction workers in India.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to elicit sociodemographic details, assess the level of psychological distress, and measure the quality of community life (QoCL) of migratory construction workers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional research design and survey method of sampling was followed. The semi-structured interview schedule, self-reporting questionnaire, and QoCL scale were used as measures for the study. Results: Out of 75 respondents, 37 (49.3%) did not have formal education, 38 (50.7%) have migrated for less than a month duration, 33 (44.0%) respondents migrated with their families. The mean age of respondents was 32.03 ± 9.82 years. About 48 (64.0%) were identified as potential respondents for psychosocial care and female respondents (M = 12.90 ± 4.03, t = -3.03, P < 0.003) have higher distress than males (M = 9.50 ± 4.56, t = -3.03, P < 0.003) ones. Overall, QoCL indicated a below moderate (59.08 ± 8.31) level. Conclusion: The distress was high and QoCL indicated a below moderate level. Intersectoral and community mental health services were required to enhance QoCL and reduce distress among migratory construction workers.

Comparison of Professional Values Between Sophomore and Senior Nursing Students.

ABSTRACT: This cross-sectional comparative survey aimed to determine the level differences of professional nursing values in sophomore and senior nursing students using a demographic form and the Nurses Professional Values Scale-3. The mean score for nursing professional values was significantly higher (p < .001) among senior students (111.02, SD = 15.12) than sophomore students (99.46, SD = 12.56). However, professional values in the professional dimension require improvement. To ensure that future nurses integrate these values into professional practice, nurse educators must teach professional values by adopting innovative approaches.

Illness perceptions and perceived social support among glioblastoma survivors during hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a terminal form of illness. Illness perceptions play vital role in illness behavior and managing the disease. GBM cancer survivor's illness perceptions and their perceived social support is not systematically studied. Therefore, study aimed to understand the illness perceptions and perceived social support of GBM survivors during hospitalization. METHODOLOGY: The study used cross sectional-descriptive research design. A total of 40 GBM survivors were recruited by using convenience sampling method. The Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised (IPQ-R) by Moss-Morris, Weinman et al. (2002), and Perceived Social Support from Family (FSS-Family) and Perceived Social Support from Friends (PSS-Friends) scales by Mary E. Procidano and Kenneth (1983) were administered on recruited participants. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the personal and illness details of participants. Free R software was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were calculated on selected variables. RESULTS: Half of the participants 50% (n = 20) did not aware of illness and 50% (n = 20) partially aware of their illness. Past sins 90% (n = 36), personal stress 90% (n = 36), increased work load 65% (n = 26), head Injury/smoking 55% (n = 22), personal dietary habits 50% (n = 20) were attributed as reasons for GBM. Participant's partially believed GBM was life threatening illness, causes emotional disturbances but not aware of consequences of illness. Perceived social support from family members and friends during hospitalization was found to be poor. CONCLUSION: GBM survivor's informational and educational needs were not met adequately. Psychoeducational programmes, addressing negative believes associated with brain cancer and enhancing social support for glioma patients are recommended during hospitalization.

Management of Rehabilitation needs of "Unknown" Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors: A Medical and Psychiatric Social Work Perspective.

Traumatic brain injuries [TBI] caused by road traffic accidents [RTA] are a serious health problem for people of all countries across the globe. RTA will be a leading cause of mortality, morbidity, disabilities and creating many rehabilitation needs. Hence, this, article highlights the clinical concerns, burden, challenges, role of medical and psychiatric social worker, rehabilitation strategies and practical guidelines needed for successful rehabilitation of the unknown and abandoned TBI survivors.

Burden and Psychological Distress of Intensive Care Unit Caregivers of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients.

AIM: Admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a stressful event and unforeseen crisis for the caregivers. Burden and psychosocial distress among caregivers in the ICU were unexplored. Therefore, the current study was aimed to assess the caregivers' burden and psychological distress among caregivers of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients at emergency ICU during hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 caregivers recruited by using purposive sampling method with descriptive research design. Consent was obtained. Interview schedule of family for depression, anxiety, stress scale (DAS-21) were administered. The data were analyzed by using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and independent burden t-test were used. RESULTS: Results revealed that male caregivers (75%) and female caregivers (25%) took part in the study. Caregivers' mean age was found to be 35.22±11.29 years. Most of the TBI survivors admitted in ICU had severe injury (8.30±3.63). Mean scores showed that caregivers had experienced financial burden (6.28±2.36), severe depression (12.15±4.84), and a moderate level of anxiety (12.85±5.20). Independent t-test showed significant difference in caregiving burden between male and female caregivers at ICU (Male = 18.43±4.83; Female = 14.29±4.83; t = 2.16; p <0.035). Overall, caregivers experienced higher family burden and severe psychological distress at ICU. CONCLUSION: There is an immediate need to assess psychological distress and family burden of caregivers at ICU and provide timely psychosocial intervention. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Kanmani TR, Thimmappur RM, Birudu R, Reddy KN, Raj P. Burden and Psychological Distress of Intensive Care Unit Caregivers of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(5):220-223.

Mental health literacy among caregivers of persons with mental illness: A descriptive survey.

BACKGROUND: Despite of growing evidence of mental disorders in developing countries, research on mental health literacy is limited from India. AIM: To examine mental health literacy among caregivers of persons with mental illness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out among 161 randomly selected caregivers of persons with mental illness at outpatient department of a tertiary care centre. Data was collected through face to face interview using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Regarding the causes of mental illness, a majority agreed that genetic inheritance (69%), substance abuse (64%) and brain disease (59.6%) are main factors for developing mental illness. Although more than two-thirds agreed that anyone could suffer from mental illness, 61.5% also agreed that people with mental health problems are largely to blame for their condition. The majority of the participants also agreed that mentally ill are not able to maintain friendships (45.9%), are dangerous (54%), and not capable to work (59.1%). Just over half (55.9%) of the participants would not want people to know if they had a mental illness and nearly half of them also expressed that they would feel ashamed if a family member had a mental illness. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present study researchers suggest that there is an urgent need to educate and change the attitudes of caregivers through mental health literacy programs specifically designed for them.