IntroductionIn low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) over the past two decades locally relevant tobacco control research has been scant. Experience shows that tobacco control measures should be based on sound research findings to ensure that measures are appropriate for local conditions and that they are likely to have an impact. Research should also be integrated within tobacco control measures to ensure ongoing learning and the production of knowledge. Thailand, a middle-income country, has a public health community with a record of successful tobacco control and a longstanding commitment to research. Thailand's comprehensive approach includes taxation; bans on tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion; smoke-free areas; graphic cigarette pack warnings; social marketing campaigns; cessation counseling; and an established tobacco control research program. The purpose of this study was to document and analyze the development of tobacco control research capacity in Thailand and the impact of research on Thai tobacco control measures.MethodWe used mixed methods including review of historical documentation and policy reports, qualitative interviews with key members of Thailand's tobacco control community, and an analysis of research productivity.FindingsIn Thailand, tobacco control research has evolved through three phases: (1) discovery of the value of research in the policymaking arena, (2) development of a structure to support research capacity building through international collaborations supported by foreign funding agencies, and (3) delivery of locally relevant research made possible largely through substantial stable funding from a domestic health promotion foundation. Over two decades, Thai tobacco control advocates have constructed five steppingstones to success: (1) adapting foreign research to inform policymaking and lobbying for more support for domestic research; (2) attracting foreign funding agencies to support small-scale research and capacity building; (3) participating in multi-country research and capacity building programs; (4) using collaborative experiences to demonstrate the need for domestic support of locally relevant research; and (5) maintaining an unwavering commitment to research while being vigilant to ensure continued research support.ConclusionThe evolution of tobacco control research in Thailand provides examples of steppingstones that LMICs may be able to use to construct their own tobacco control research pathways.
PurposeThis study estimated the prevalence of depressive disorders among PhD students and analyzed the underlying factors in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilized an “Integrative framework” and a mixed-method approach involving survey and in-depth interviews. The survey was conducted among 240 PhD students using multistage cluster sampling in two public universities of Kerala, India. Data were collected using a self-administered Patient Health Questionnaire-9. In-depth interviews were conducted among 12 students using semi-structured interview guide. Multinomial regression and thematic analyses were undertaken to examine the factors associated with depressive disorders.FindingsAbout 31.7, 41.7, 17.9, 6.7 and 2.1% had no/minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depressive disorders, respectively. Students belonging to economically weaker section (OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.32–7.12), having limited knowledge of local language (OR = 4.24; 95% CI = 1.00–17.95) and earning less than INR 20,000/month (OR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.12–5.00) were more likely to report moderate to severe depressive disorders. In addition, thematic analyses of interviews found that financial hardship, disagreement between student-supervisor, compromised students' support services and an uncertain job market were the key factors affecting the mental health of students and inhibiting academic performance.Originality/valueThis study adds to the existing literature by examining the prevalence and underlying factors of depressive disorders among doctoral students in the Indian context. The results of this study can act as a guide for universities and educational regulatory bodies to address the burgeoning issue of depressive disorders among research students in India.
Introduction The first-year post-diagnosis is the most challenging and stressful period in the lifetime of a young child and adolescent living with diabetes, given the adjustments that are meant to be adopted. Therefore, psychosocial factors affecting newly diagnosed children and adolescents need to be well understood and children supported to improve treatment adherence. However, evidence concerning psychosocial experiences among young patients with diabetes is scant in Uganda. This study explores the perceptions and experiences of newly diagnosed children and adolescents in Uganda. Methods A qualitative exploratory design was employed. We recruited participants aged 6 to <18 years diagnosed within twelve months from three study sites: Mulago National Referral Hospital, Wakiso HCIV, and St Francis Nsambya Hospital. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted, and textual data were analysed thematically using a framework approach. Results We identified five themes: battling with symptoms, emotions at diagnosis, challenges in coping with diabetes management, changes I have made, and positive outcomes registered. The analysis found that young people living with diabetes experience a new world of adjustments, including insulin therapy, routine blood glucose monitoring, and dietary changes that are often difficult to deal with, especially in the first year after diagnosis. Discussion Continuous psychosocial support to newly diagnosed young children and adolescents with T1DM is vital. Addressing psychosocial challenges may improve adherence to treatment regimens. Conclusion Our findings have demonstrated the mixed experiences of newly diagnosed young children and adolescents living with diabetes, from anxiety and stigmatization to independence.
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