Perceptions Pertaining to Clinical Depression in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction There is a high prevalence of depression in developing countries, and low mental health literacy has been hypothesized as one of the main causes of increasing rates of mental illness in a population. This study aimed to capture an image of the current attitude and perceptions towards victims of clinical depression in Pakistan and to assess the impact of those beliefs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 people, chosen through non-probability consecutive sampling, from Karachi, Pakistan. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the overall perception of depression including its causes, manifestations and treatment options. Descriptive statistics were used and p-values less than 0.05 calculated using the chi-square test were considered significant. Results Most of the participants comprehended depression as a natural feeling of sadness rather than a mental disorder. The vast majority cited increased stress (72.2%) and physical/ emotional trauma (51.3%) as the main causes of depression. The most popularly associated symptoms were sadness (53.3%), irritability (53.3%), inability to perform daily tasks (52.8%), and changes in sleeping patterns (52%). Participants believed depression to be best treated by talking to someone trustworthy (59.5%), praying to God (56.5%) and consulting a psychologist/psychiatrist (52.3%). There was a significant association between the participants’ level of education and their perception of clinical depression (p=0.026). Conclusion Our study showed a skewed perception of depression with the majority only acknowledging it as a natural feeling of sadness. However, stress was seen as a major perpetrator and the importance of a good support system was acknowledged by most participants. Level of education was revealed to be the most important factor that influenced these beliefs. Effective community-based programs and policies based on these public views will help develop an accessible and autonomous support system for patients with mental illnesses.

http://habibiaislamicus.com/index.php/hirj/article/view/129

“…The research under consideration is a social study in which the researcher worked on the social aspects. [23] For this research, research based on quantitative and qualitative methodology. [24] The researcher utilized descriptive research technique, since we can relate it to the past and also with the present.…”

“…Where the research tool was a questionnaire. [28] The instrument for the data collection was a questionnaire having 58 items along with the demographic information adapted from authentic research papers. The items added in the questionnaire are open ended and closed ended according to the research.…”

COVID-19 and mental health challenges in Pakistan

“…The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as a devastating challenge and it has shaken the global economic, social, and healthcare systems. We do not know when it will be ended, how many people will be infected, and how many lives will be claimed by the pandemic (Mamun & Griffiths, 2020). The pandemic has also placed root in Pakistan.…”

“…Pakistan track record on mental health issues is not significant as estimated that there are over 50 million people suffering from a mental health disorder. Only 500 psychiatrists are looking for them with ratio of 1:100,000 patients (Nisar et al, 2019). However, some initiatives are taken by federal and provincial governments in collaboration with local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs).…”

“…As such, the fear of COVID-19 is essentially leading to suicide that is observed in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India (Goyal et al, 2020). Over 23 suicide cases linked with COVID-19 are reported in Pakistan, out of these 7 were confirmed and other 4 were suspected COVID-19 (Mamun & Griffiths, 2020). It is expected that the mental health crises situation in Pakistan is becoming a serious issue and it will remain even post COVID-19.…”