Depression rates and risks among women in Karachi's gynecology clinics.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among women attending gynecology & obstetrics clinics in karachi, pakistan.
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Dr. Shahina Ishtiaq, Dr. Ayesha Aman, Meena Afzal Lakha, Maha Hasan and Maria Owais
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among women attending gynecology & obstetrics clinics in karachi, pakistan.
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20178-9071
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by Dr. Shahina Ishtiaq et al. aims to investigate the prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among women attending gynecology and obstetrics clinics in Karachi, Pakistan. With a sample size of 1,000 respondents, the researchers utilized the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9) to assess the degrees of depression experienced by the participants. The findings indicate that mild depression is highly prevalent among non-pregnant women, while pregnant and menopausal women show a greater incidence of severe depression. The study underscores the need to identify various sociodemographic correlates, as well as the importance of mental health in women's reproductive health.
The Impact of Age and Physiological Changes
One of the significant findings of the study is the association between age, physiological changes, and the levels of depression in women. It indicates that younger women (aged 21-30) experience lower levels of depression compared to older women, particularly those going through menopause. The hormonal fluctuations and psychosocial transitions during menopause appear to significantly affect mood and mental well-being. The study reveals that these physiological changes, compounded by social attitudes and experiences, lead to increased vulnerability to depression among older women, illuminating the complexities of their mental health during different life stages.
Socioeconomic Status and Educational Influence
Another critical concept derived from the study is the relationship between socioeconomic status, education, and the prevalence of depression. The data suggests that individuals from lower-income backgrounds report higher rates of severe depression, while those with higher educational attainment exhibit mild depression. This pattern highlights that economic constraints and social challenges face women, affecting their mental health. Moreover, the relationship between educational levels and depressive symptoms emphasizes the need for addressing educational disparities and their impact on mental health, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan.
Comorbidity and Mental Health Interactions
The study also discusses the effects of comorbid conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, on the mental health of women. The results indicate that women with chronic health issues tend to exhibit higher levels of depression, suggesting a strong link between physical health and mental well-being. Chronic illnesses can contribute to emotional distress and exacerbate depressive symptoms, signaling the importance of integrated healthcare approaches that address both mental and physical conditions concurrently. The findings highlight the necessity for healthcare professionals to consider comorbidities when addressing mental health in gynecological settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study underscores the alarmingly high prevalence of depression among women visiting gynecological clinics, reflecting multifaceted influences such as age, socioeconomic factors, and comorbid conditions. It suggests that regular screening for mental health issues should be a standard practice in healthcare facilities to improve outcomes for women, particularly in developing regions. The findings call for increased awareness, preventive measures, and appropriate treatments to address mental health concerns, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall health and quality of life for women throughout their reproductive years.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the objective of the study on depression in women?
The study aimed to examine the sociodemographic factors affecting depression, quality of life, and health among women visiting gynecological clinics due to various health issues in Karachi, Pakistan.
What method was used to evaluate depression levels in women?
A cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing a predesigned questionnaire including the Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression levels among 1000 respondents through interviews.
What were the main findings regarding depression levels among women?
Mild depression was prevalent in non-pregnant women (57.44%), while pregnant and menopausal women showed a higher incidence of severe depression (7.95%). Factors like age, marital status, and comorbidities significantly influenced depression rates.
What risk factors were associated with depression in the study?
Key risk factors included aging, parity (number of previous pregnancies), the antenatal period, menopause, and comorbid conditions, particularly diabetes mellitus, which greatly influenced mood changes among women.
How does socioeconomic status affect women's mental health?
The study found that lower socioeconomic status and education levels were linked to higher severity of depressive symptoms, indicating that financial and social stresses significantly affect women's mental well-being.
What recommendations were made based on the study's findings?
The authors recommend routine screening for depression symptoms in gynecological care to improve women's mental health, as depression in reproductive age can lead to adverse health outcomes for both mothers and children.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Depression rates and risks among women in Karachi's gynecology clinics.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Depression:
Depression refers to a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. It disproportionately affects women, particularly during reproductive phases such as pregnancy and menopause, impacting their overall well-being and quality of life.
2) Study (Studying):
In the context of this research, a study is conducted systematically to examine specific variables—in this case, the prevalence of depression among women attending gynecological and obstetrics clinics. It involves collecting data through questionnaires and analyzing it to draw conclusions regarding mental health risks.
3) Life:
Life, especially in regard to its stages, can significantly influence mental health. Various physiological, emotional, and social changes experienced throughout a woman's lifetime—such as aging, pregnancy, and menopause—can impose stressors that may lead to depressive symptoms, thus highlighting the complexity of women's mental health.
4) Mental health:
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act. It plays a crucial role in overall health, particularly for women facing reproductive health issues, where mental health conditions like depression can have profound effects on physical health and functional capabilities.
5) Table:
In research, a table is a structured arrangement of data, often used to present findings in an accessible format. Tables in this study display frequencies and distributions of depression symptoms among different sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, allowing comparison and pattern identification among the surveyed women.
6) Developing:
The term developing relates to countries with lower socio-economic status, often lacking robust healthcare systems. Women in developing nations are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, such as depression, due to limited access to healthcare and heightened socioeconomic stressors impacting their reproductive health.
7) Pregnant:
Pregnancy is a significant physiological state that can affect women's mental health. The study highlights that pregnant women experience a high incidence of depression due to hormonal fluctuations and the psychological burden of impending motherhood, indicating a need for targeted mental health support during this critical time.
8) Family:
Family dynamics and support structures play a crucial role in mental health, particularly among women experiencing reproductive health challenges. The presence or absence of a supportive family environment can significantly influence emotional well-being and coping mechanisms, underscoring the need for familial involvement in mental health discourse.
9) Education:
Education serves as a vital factor impacting mental health outcomes. The study indicates that higher education may correlate with increased awareness of mental health issues, while lower educational attainment is linked with limited resources and understanding, affecting the prevalence and management of depressive symptoms in women.
10) Attending:
Attending refers to women visiting health clinics for various reasons, including gynecological, obstetric, and reproductive health concerns. These visits serve as critical opportunities for screening and identifying mental health issues like depression, highlighting the importance of integrating mental health assessments into routine healthcare practices.
11) Reason:
Reason pertains to the underlying motives for women seeking medical care, which may include pregnancy, menstrual issues, or menopausal symptoms. Understanding these reasons is essential as they can be interlinked with depressive symptoms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluations during healthcare appointments.
12) Mud:
Mood refers to transient emotional states, which are crucial in understanding mental health. Variations in mood can signal depression, particularly in women undergoing physiological changes like pregnancy or menopause, indicating the critical need for monitoring emotional states as part of mental health assessments.
13) Pur:
Poor often describes the suboptimal health or living conditions that may contribute to the prevalence of depression. Issues such as low socioeconomic status, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare access can exacerbate the challenges women face, leading to detrimental effects on mental health.
14) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of health or life experienced by individuals. In the context of the study, poor quality of life among women suffering from depression highlights the need for effective interventions to enhance well-being and mitigate the adverse effects of mental health disorders on their lives.
15) Disease:
Disease encompasses various health conditions that can affect mental and physical health. The study identifies depression as a significant disease impacting women, particularly during reproductive phases, emphasizing the necessity for healthcare strategies focused on managing and preventing such conditions in vulnerable populations.
16) Falling:
Falling can symbolize the decline or deterioration in mental health status. In the context of depression, it may refer to the descending emotional state of women experiencing mental health issues. This underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent such declines in well-being during healthcare visits.
17) Anxiety:
Anxiety shares a close relationship with depression, often co-occurring and exacerbating each other. Understanding anxiety symptoms among women is essential as these conditions can impair functioning and quality of life, necessitating integrated mental health care interventions at reproductive health clinics.
18) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the use of medications to treat mental health disorders such as depression. The study suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other treatments may be necessary for managing symptoms among women, highlighting the importance of proper medical intervention.
19) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation signifies the alterations women undergo during significant life stages, including hormonal, emotional, and social shifts. These transformations can impact mental health, particularly concerning depression, during key phases such as pregnancy and menopause, reinforcing the need for supportive health care.
20) Particularity:
Particularity refers to specific characteristics or features influencing depression among the study population. The study highlights how individual women's circumstances—such as age, status, and medical history—determine their mental health outcomes, emphasizing tailored approaches in mental health assessments.
21) Discussion:
Discussion entails the interpretation and analysis of study findings, aimed at understanding the implications of depression among women in reproductive phases. This section emphasizes the necessity for integrating mental health awareness into reproductive health care and improving treatment strategies.
22) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to evidence-based research and methodologies used in the study to evaluate depression among women. The scientific rigor is crucial in validating findings and ensuring that conclusions drawn from the study contribute effectively to the discourse on women's mental health.
23) Birth:
Birth signifies a critical life event that can pose mental health challenges for women, including postpartum depression. Understanding the experiences surrounding birth and its psychological impact is essential for developing adequate support systems for new mothers in both medical and community settings.
24) Maha (Maha°):
Maha represents one of the co-authors of the study and signifies collaboration among researchers to address women's health issues, demonstrating the collective efforts in understanding and managing mental health concerns prevalent in gynecology and obstetrics settings.
25) Aman (A-man):
Aman denotes one of the researchers involved in the study. The inclusion of diverse professionals highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in tackling mental health challenges faced by women and the necessity for comprehensive healthcare that incorporates various viewpoints and specialties.
26) Pain:
Pain can refer to both physical and emotional suffering experienced by women with depression. Chronic pain has been associated with increased rates of depression; thus, recognizing its role in women's health is essential for comprehensive assessment and treatment of mental health disorders.
27) Hand:
Hand symbolizes assistance and intervention, particularly in mental health care. Helping women address their emotional and psychological struggles may involve hands-on support from healthcare professionals, indicating the commitment needed to tackle mental health issues within reproductive health services.
28) Drug:
Drug refers to pharmaceutical interventions used to treat mental health disorders such as depression. The study underscores the importance of pharmacological treatments, such as SSRIs, in managing depressive symptoms, pointing to the necessity for comprehensive medication management protocols in women's health clinics.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Depression rates and risks among women in Karachi's gynecology clinics.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Mental health, Chronic condition, Socioeconomic status, Cross-sectional study, Hormonal variations, Risk factor, Prevalence of depression, Multiparity, Screening for Depression, Social Adversity.