Rukhsana Kausar

Psychoeducation and the family burden in schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe majority of patients with schizophrenia live with their relatives in Pakistan, thereby families experience a considerable burden. We aimed to study the impact of psychoeducation on the burden of schizophrenia on the family in a randomised controlled trial.MethodsA total of 108 patients with schizophrenia and their family members from the outpatient department of a teaching hospital in Lahore, Pakistan were randomised. Both groups received psychotropic drugs but one group received psychoeducation in addition. Family burden was assessed at the time of recruitment and at 6 months post intervention.ResultsIn all, 99 patients and their relatives completed the treatment. There was significant reduction in burden at post-intervention assessment in the psychoeducation group based on intention to treat analysis.ConclusionFamily psychoeducation can be an important intervention for patients with schizophrenia in Pakistan.

Gender differences among discrimination & stigma experienced by depressive patients in Pakistan.

Objective: This study aims to examine Gender Difference in the level of Discrimination and Stigma experienced by people diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in Pakistan. It was hypothesized that Women diagnosed with Depression are likely to be experiencing more Discrimination and Internalized Stigma in comparison to Men. Methods: This is a Cross Sectional Study. Thirty eight patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder recruited from different Government Sector Hospitals of Lahore; were approached after obtaining informed consent. Discrimination and Stigma were measured through Discrimination and Stigma Scale and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory respectively. Results: Both Men and Women experience considerably high level of associated Stigma and Discrimination due to their Mental Illness. However, Women in comparison to Men experience significantly greater level of Internalized Stigma especially in domains of Discrimination Experience and Social Withdrawal. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the fact that people with Depression can be more benefited with psychological treatment if dealing with Stigma and Discrimination is also addressed in Intervention Plans.

Parental Acceptance and Power/Prestige as Predictors of Psychological Adjustment Among Pakistani Adolescents:

This study dealt with the impact of paternal versus maternal acceptance on the psychological adjustment of adolescents in relation to parental power and prestige within the family in the Lahore region of Pakistan. The study drew from a sample of 91 adolescents (46% males) ages 13 through 17 years (M = 14.86). Measures used were the child version of the Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire (mother and father forms), the child version of the Personality Assessment Questionnaire, and the youth version of the Parental Power–Prestige Questionnaire. Results showed that perceived maternal and paternal acceptance were significantly correlated with adolescents’ psychological adjustment. However, neither power nor prestige was correlated with either maternal or paternal acceptance. Results of hierarchical regression analyses confirmed that adolescents’ perceptions of psychological adjustment were uniquely predicted by both maternal and paternal acceptance irrespective of either parent’s power or prestige within family.

Parental Power, Prestige, and Acceptance as Predictors of Young Adults’ Psychological Adjustment in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

One hundred four 18- through 36-year-old students (M = 22.6 years, 44% men) were recruited from Karakoram International University, Gilgit city, Pakistan. The adult version of the Parental Power–Prestige Questionnaire was administered to participants along with short forms of the adult Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire for mothers and for fathers, the adult version of the Personality Assessment Questionnaire and the Gender Inequality Scale. Results showed that perceived paternal and maternal acceptance were significantly correlated with the young adults’ psychological adjustment. Neither power nor prestige was significantly correlated with adjustment. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that both perceived paternal and maternal acceptance independently predicted offspring’s psychological adjustment, while perceived parental power and prestige failed to predict their psychological adjustment. Perceived parental power and prestige were also evaluated as possible moderators in the relationship between paternal and maternal acceptance and psychological adjustment, but findings were not significant.

Psychological and gynecological morbidity in women presenting with vaginal discharge in Pakistan

Gynecological morbidity has been reported to be associated with psychological distress among women. However, no formal research has been conducted in Pakistan on psychological and gynecological morbidity in women presenting with vaginal discharge. This study aimed (1) to examine whether women presenting with a primary complaint of vaginal discharge are more likely to have a Common Mental Disorder compared with those not presenting with vaginal discharge and (2) to examine whether gender disadvantage is associated with vaginal discharge. Psychological morbidity was examined in women (n=377) presenting at gynecological clinics with and without a primary complaint of vaginal discharge. Gynecological and Psychological morbidity were assessed using Urdu version of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the National Family Health Survey Interview. Women presenting with a primary complaint of vaginal discharge were significantly more likely to have a common mental disorder than women presenting with other gynecological problems. Hunger, a marker of poverty, and low social integration, a domain of gender disadvantage, were associated with vaginal discharge in the multivariate model. Pakistani women presenting with vaginal discharge were at increased risk of having a common mental disorder. This research highlights the need for training of medical professionals such as gynecologists to identify common mental disorders among women reporting with gynecological problems. Study limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Predicting Intentions to Take Medication in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Moderating Role of Subjective Norms

Aim: The present study aimed to assess medication adherence intentions in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Method: The sample consisted of 147 patients with pulmonary TB, taken from Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore. Demographic information questionnaire and clinical/ Performa and Urdu Translated Theory of Planned Behavior Questionnaire was used for assessment. The statistical analysis were used to Descriptive statistics, pearson correlation, regression and moderation analysis were used to assess statistical significance between variables Results: The results showed that Monthly family income, Attitude towards medication, Subjective norms and Perceived behavioral control significantly positively related with Intentions to take medication. Regression moderation analysis showed that Subjective Norms significantly moderate the relationship between Perceived behavioral control and Intentions. Furthermore, Linear Regression for indirect measures (Behavioral beliefs, normative belief and Control beliefs) showed that behavioral beliefs positive predicted Attitude towards taking medication. Motivation to Comply significantly predicted Subjective norms. Finally, there was significant relationship between Perceived behavioral control and control beliefs. Conclusion: Results of the current study highlighted that people perceive social pressure from their significant others regarding taking medication.