Dhat syndrome in relation to demographic characteristics

Khan, Nashi

doi:10.4103/0019-5545.46077

Cited by 36 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Were it not for other supportive literature, we could attribute the influence of district to selection bias. However, studies of dhat syndrome in India and South Asia have consistently found high levels among young and unmarried men, especially those from low to medium socio-economic groups and with low to medium levels of education (Bhatia & Malik 1991;Khan 2005 of our Agra sample consisted of single men, almost three times as many as in Tehri, and 58% were 15-25-years old, compared to 29% in Tehri; income levels were low. These especially educational and economic impoverishment and being single are risk factors for mental health problems (Goldberg & Williams 1988;Patel & Kleinman 2003).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

Socio‐cultural, psychosexual and biomedical factors associated with genital symptoms experienced by men in rural India

Gautham

Singh

Weiss

et al. 2008

Tropical Med Int Health

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SummaryBiomedical, anthropological and psychiatric frameworks have been used to research different elements of men's sexual health -sexually transmitted infections, psychosexual concerns and psychological distress -but rarely within the same study. We combined these in a study in rural north India. In Tehri Garhwal and Agra districts, we explored male perceptions of genital and sexual symptoms through focus group discussions and then conducted a clinic-based survey of 366 symptomatic men who presented at rural private provider clinics. Men's urine specimens were tested for gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection using polymerase chain reaction techniques. Researchers screened them for probable psychological distress by administering the General Health Questionnaire (12-items). Results revealed that local and traditional notions of health influenced men's symptom perceptions, with semen loss their predominant concern. Dhat, commonly perceived as an involuntary semen loss, corresponded most closely with the symptom of urethral discharge, but was attributed mainly to non-infectious causes. It could also manifest as a syndrome with physical weakness and mental lethargy. FGD participants lacked correct and complete information on reproductive health. Around 75% of the symptomatic men presented with dhat, but only 5.5% tested positive for gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Application of syndromic sexually transmitted infection (STI) guidelines in these settings could result in over diagnosis and over treatment with antibiotics. In contrast, there was a significant association between dhat and probable psychological distress as detected by the GHQ (Adjusted OR, GHQ case positive: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.51-4.68). Our study confirms the existence of a dhat syndrome in rural India, which is culturally influenced and reflects heightened psychosexual concerns as well as mental distress states. Comprehensive health services for men should include assessments of their psychosexual needs and be supported by reproductive ⁄ sexual health education. STI treatment guidelines for urethral symptoms should be revised and be based on epidemiological data.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

Socio‐cultural, psychosexual and biomedical factors associated with genital symptoms experienced by men in rural India

Gautham

Singh

Weiss

et al. 2008

Tropical Med Int Health

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“…Keeping in mind aims of the study, we reviewed the available literature with respect to the clinical picture, attitude and beliefs, and treatment used for Dhat syndrome. We also reviewed the only available instrument for assessment of Dhat syndrome .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comprehensive Questionnaire for Assessment of Dhat Syndrome: Development and Use in Patient Population

Grover

Avasthi

Aneja

et al. 2014

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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Introduction Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome, characterized by the core belief of loss of semen accompanied by symptoms of general weakness, lack of energy and concentration, impaired sexual functions, and vague somatic troubles, often associated with an anxious or dysphoric mood state. Although many studies have described the clinical picture of Dhat syndrome, there is lack of availability of an instrument which can comprehensively assess patients presenting with Dhat syndrome. Aim The aim of this article is to develop a questionnaire that can comprehensively assess Dhat syndrome and guide the clinicians in managing such patients. Methods Initially, an extensive literature review was done to prepare a comprehensive list of clinical features, beliefs associated with the passage of “Dhat,” and attribution of the symptoms by the patients. These items were converted into a questionnaire for investigational interview. The questionnaire thus developed was administered to 54 patients and was also sent to eight subject experts for their opinion on the questionnaire. Main Outcome Measure To develop and evaluate the content validity of the Comprehensive Questionnaire for Assessment of Dhat Syndrome. Results As per the opinion of experts, the questionnaire had good content validity and was useful for not only clinicians dealing with patients of Dhat syndrome but was also considered useful for the patients presenting with Dhat syndrome. All the experts found the questionnaire to be comprehensive, and two-third of the experts regarded the length to be adequate. Although none of them suggested any deletion of items, yet some additions were suggested. The language of the questionnaire was rated from simple to very simple. Results of administration of the questionnaire on 54 patients of Dhat syndrome established that the questionnaire was helpful in providing comprehensive clinical picture of Dhat syndrome. Conclusion The questionnaire designed for the purposes of this study is a useful instrument for comprehensive assessment of the clinical picture of Dhat syndrome.

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“…6 Masturbation is held to be responsible for aggravating depressive symptoms. 7 In Buddhist culture Loss of semen, even the smallest is considered as a corrupt offense. Night time emission is likewise found in a slandering view in early Buddhism and it is considered as a hindrance in the way of otherworldly advancement and to achieve nirvana.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many deluding articles or religious messages still write that masturbation can cause diminishing of semen and diminished quantities of sperms which thus will make a male inept. 7 Faith healers likewise assume a significance in spreading misguided judgments about the impacts of semen misfortune and masturbation. 10 Present study focuses on giving a detailed description of socio demographic variables of patients suffering from this disorder and the various physical symptoms associated with it.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Dhat Syndrome on Body and Mind

Kuchhal¹,

Kumar²,

Pardal³

et al. 2019

IJCMR

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Introduction: Physical and mental issues related with loss of semen or "dhat" results in a disorder called as Dhat syndrome. It is a culture-bound disorder portrayed by unseemly and over the top pain of losing semen from one's body. Aim: The aim of the study was to find the socio-demographic determinants associated with this disorder along with finding out various physical complaints and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. The study also focused on evaluating the quality of life of patients. Material and Methods: 100 patients were included in this study with selective sampling technique. Diagnosis of Dhat syndrome was made according to ICD-10 DCR criteria. Socio-demographic determinants, physical complaints were noted down. HAM-A, BDI II inventory and SF36 scales were applied. Results: Age less than 24 years, illiteracy, marriage and people living in rural area were strong factors associated with Dhat Syndrome. Generalized weakness and body pain were two complaints which were present in all the patients. Almost all the patients had moderate to severe score on HAM-A and BECK's II inventory. SF36 PCS and MCS showed scores less than 11. Conclusion: Socio-demographic variables play a pivotal role in Dhat syndrome. Physical symptoms and mental disorder were common amongst people suffering from Dhat syndrome. The quality of life of these patients were hampered. It is a serious entity which affects the whole body and mind. It also disrupts the quality of life.

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Dhat syndrome in relation to demographic characteristics

Cited by 36 publications

References 9 publications

Socio‐cultural, psychosexual and biomedical factors associated with genital symptoms experienced by men in rural India

Socio‐cultural, psychosexual and biomedical factors associated with genital symptoms experienced by men in rural India

Comprehensive Questionnaire for Assessment of Dhat Syndrome: Development and Use in Patient Population

Effect of Dhat Syndrome on Body and Mind

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