RESUMO
Context: Comorbidities in alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) are often associated with poor treatment outcomes and high service utilization. Deliberate self-harm (DSH) in India is a silent epidemic. There is a shortage of research on individuals with ADS, psychiatric comorbidities, and DSH. Aim: To study DSH and psychiatric comorbidity in persons with ADS. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study of 1-year duration is conducted in out patient department/indoor patient department of a tertiary care hospital. Methods and Material: Eighty-one individuals with ADS were selected purposefully. A semi-structured pro forma, the severity of alcohol dependence questionnaire, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory were administered for assessment. The statistical analysis used is as follows: correlation statistics and logistic regression. Results: Most subjects were married, belonged to upper-middle socioeconomic status, had at least secondary education, and had moderate alcohol dependence severity. Almost 3/4th of the subjects had at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder. A past episode of major depressive disorder was found in 47%. Nearly 20% of study subjects had a history of DSH, which was significantly associated with unmarried status, and earlier age of alcohol dependence. Marital status, educational level, and age of onset of alcohol dependence explain 64.3% of the variance in DSH attempts. Suicidality was significantly related to the presence of DSH. Conclusions: The study found a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders and a history of DSH in individuals with ADS. The study confirmed the association between DSH and suicidality and indicated a specific subpopulation of ADS who need thorough clinical assessments to recognize these psychiatric comorbidities and DSH.
RESUMO
Background: Containment strategies such as lockdown during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have forced home confinement of many children. Data on psychological difficulties in children during lockdown are scarce from this part of the country. Aim: The aim of the study is to describe the burden and pattern of behavioral and emotional problems of schoolchildren during COVID-19 lockdown in a small town from Northeastern India. Materials and Methods: Caregivers of children (4-17 years old) attending English medium schools of the town were invited to participate in the study. A descriptive cross-sectional online survey using purposive nonprobability sampling was conducted between August and September 2020. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to measure behavioral and emotional difficulties of children. Responses were based on child's behaviors over the last 6 months which coincided with the ongoing lockdown period in the region. Results: A total of 304 responses were received, among which 242 were considered for analysis. The parent-reported SDQ showed 23.1% of children having emotional or behavioral problems during the COVID-19 lockdown. Peer problems (43.4%) were the most common, followed by conduct problems (25.6%), emotional problems (23.1%), and hyperactivity (11.1%). Type of family (nuclear/joint/extended) was significantly associated with total difficulties (χ2 = 6.608, P = 0.03), conduct problems (χ2 = 8.492, P = 0.01), and hyperactivity (χ2 = 5.908, P = 0.05). Socioeconomic status of the family was associated with hyperactivity (χ2 = 8.755, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Significant number of children have behavioral and emotional difficulties during COVID-19 lockdown period.