Medical Blogs

April 15, 2007

Research Paper Examines Depression In Three Cities In Pakistan

A paper authored by two Memorial University faculty members was published Feb. 14 in PLoS ONE, the international, peer-reviewed, open-access, online publication from the Public Library of Science (PLoS). Drs. Amin A. Muhammad Gadit and Gerry Mugford are the authors of the paper, entitled, "Prevalence of depression among house holds in three capital cities of Pakistan: Need to revise the mental health policy."

Dr. Muhammad Gadit explained that Pakistan, among the other developing countries, has a higher prevalence rate of depression because of the current social adversities. "There is thus a great need for systematic studies on the prevalence of depression. Our study aims to explore the prevalence of depression among households in three capital cities of Pakistan."

A sample of 820 people was randomly selected and a cross sectional telephone based study was conducted for a duration of six months. "It was found that there was a regional variation in prevalence rates for depression among the three cities. Lahore had the highest number of depressives (53.4 per cent), as compared to Quetta (43.9 per cent) and Karachi (35.7 per cent). Middle age, female gender and secondary school level of education were significantly associated with depression among the study group."

Dr. Muhammad Gadit said the different rates of prevalence rate among three cities could be attributed to local cultural influence, geographical locations and social adversities and point to a need for revision of existing health policy by the government.

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The following press release refers to an article in PLoS ONE. The release has been provided by the article authors and/or their institutions. Any opinions expressed in these releases or articles are the personal views of the contributors, and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of PLoS. PLoS expressly disclaims any and all warranties and liability in connection with the information found in the releases and articles and your use of such information.

Citation: Muhammad Gadit AA, Mugford G (2007) Prevalence of Depression among Households in Three Capital Cities of Pakistan: Need to Revise the Mental Health Policy. PLoS ONE 2(2): e209. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000209

PLEASE ADD THE LINK TO THE PUBLISHED ARTICLE IN ONLINE VERSIONS OF YOUR REPORT

CONTACT:

Dr. Amin Muhammad Gadit
Professor of Psychiatry
Memorial University

Sharon Gray
Public Library of Science

1 comment:

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