Nidesh Sapkota

Association between vitamin D deficiency and depression in Nepalese population

Recent studies link vitamin D deficiency with depression; however evidences from the Nepalese population are scarce. The current study explored the association between vitamin D deficiency and depression among 300 adults of 18 years and above age residing in eastern Nepal. Validated Nepali version of the Beck Depression Inventory scale (BDI-Ia) was used to determine depressive symptoms and a BDI cutoff score of ≥20 was considered as clinically significant depression. Sociodemographic data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to measure serum 25‑hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and classify vitamin D status (deficient, insufficient and sufficient). We used Chi-square test to identify the association of sociodemographic variables and vitamin D status with clinically significant depression. We found a significant association of gender, geographical location of residence, marital status, religion and vitamin D status with clinically significant depression. Binary logistic regression model was used to examine the likelihood of clinically significant depression among vitamin D deficient individuals. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with increased odds of clinically significant depression even after adjusting for confounding variables. This finding suggests Vitamin D deficient people have increased odds of having clinically significant depression.

Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Depression among the Working Population of Nepal

Objective To estimate the prevalence of depression in the working population; to examine if any gender disparity prevails; and to determine the sociodemographic mediators of depression. Methods Data from previous research was retrieved for this study. Only paid workers were selected (n=160). Sociodemographic variables including prevalence of moderate depression were compared between the genders using Chi square test. Significant variables were subject to logistic regression. Validated Nepali version of the Beck Depression Inventory scale (BDI-Ia) was used to determine depressive symptoms with a cutoff score of ≥20 considered as moderate depression. Result The overall prevalence of moderate depression was 15%, with higher prevalence among working women compared to men [χ2 (df) = 6.7(1), P=0.01], those practicing religions other than Hinduism [χ2 (df) = 5.5(1), P=0.01], those educated up to primary school compared to other education criteria [χ2 (df) = 9.4(4), P=0.03], those having vitamin D deficiency compared to others [χ2 (df) = 8.5(3), P=0.03], and sedentary lifestyle compared to active lifestyle [χ2 (df) = 6.7(1), P=0.009]. The OR (95% CI) for moderate depression was significantly higher in women than in men [3.2 (1.1-9.6), P= 0.03] and sedentary lifestyle [2.9(1.1-8.2), P= 0.04] even after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusion Working women have increased odds of depression compared to men. Among various characteristics, sedentary lifestyle was the most important causative factor for depression among women.

Wernicke’s encephalopathy- a case report

Wernickes encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by acute onset, nystagmus and oculomotor abnormalities, and a confusional state. Chronic alcohol intake is still the most common reason. Wernickes encephalopathy, if not recognized and treated, can become irreversible. Common findings in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) include: symmetric T2 Weighted Image (T2) hyperintensities in peri-aqueductal gray matter, dorsal medial thalamus and mammillary bodies. This case highlights neurological deficits, persistent memory and disorientation.Journal of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2018, page: 78-81