Browsing by Author "Das, S."

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Bridging the gap: Policy recommendations to address suicides committed by Indigenous youth in Victoria
(AccScience Publishing, 2024-12) Shoib, S.; Das, S.; Saeed, F.; Chandradasa, M.; Zaidi, I.
The Aboriginal population comprises 3.3% of the total Australian population, and youth represent 19% of this segment. In general, the Aboriginal inhabitants of Australia experience discrimination, limited access to education, and low socioeconomic conditions, and exhibit high mental disorder rates. The rate of suicide attempts by the Indigenous people of Victoria increased by 75% in 2021. This study examined the possible risk factors associated with suicides committed by Indigenous youth in Victoria. It focused on the health profiles of Victorian Aboriginal individuals, identified stakeholders who could help improve their mental well-being, addressed the needs and issues related to Aboriginal mental health, and examined substance abuse in this population segment. Finally, recommendations are offered to mitigate the studied problem. Rising suicide rates represent an urgent concern because they reflect the diminished mental health conditions of a society, particularly among its marginalized populations. It is crucial to develop an integrated suicide prevention act that takes into account the biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual determinants of this population.
Challenges in mental health and psychosocial care in conflict-affected low- and middle-income countries.
(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Shoib, S.; Javed, S.; Alamrawy, R.G.; Nigar, A.; Das, S.; Saeed, F.; Handuleh, J.I.M.; Shellah, D.; Dazhamyar, A.R.; Chandradasa, M.
No Abstract Available.
Climate change and Indigenous mental health in Australia: In the aftermath of the defeat of the Voice referendum
(Sage Publishing, 2024) Shoib, S.; Das, S.; Zaidi, I.; Chandradasa, M.
INTRODUCTION: This manuscript delves into the intricate connection between climate change and Indigenous mental health in Australia, with a focus on the aftermath of the defeat of the 'Voice' referendum. Climate change, recognized for its broad impact on mental health determinants, poses heightened risks to vulnerable communities, including Indigenous populations. The defeat of 'The Voice' referendum adds complexity, highlighting concerns about the lack of meaningful rights for the First Peoples of Australia. The bushfires further underscore ecological consequences, affecting Indigenous ecosystems and intensifying existing environmental challenges. Climate change exacerbates existing health challenges for Indigenous peoples, introducing new issues like ecological sorrow and anxiety. METHODOLOGY: The manuscript advocates for prioritized research in Indigenous communities to explore the link between climate change and mental health. It emphasizes interdisciplinary and collaborative research, giving voice to those directly affected by climate change. The lack of trust between Indigenous populations and authorities, along with the implications on self-determination, is crucial research focus. RESULTS: Renewable energy emerges as a potential solution deeply ingrained in Indigenous practices. The manuscript discusses challenges in achieving eco-friendly resettlement, emphasizing collaboration difficulties between the government and remote communities. The indigenous worldview, with its interconnectedness, is crucial for sustainable strategies. DISCUSSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Indigenous perspectives on planetary health are crucial, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge in shaping effective climate policies. The manuscript stresses dialogues between policymakers and Indigenous elders for formulating respectful land laws. It calls for global attention to the role of Indigenous peoples as biodiversity caretakers and urges recognition of their knowledge in climate change. Future directions include data collection for ecosystem protection, improving mental health outcomes post-climate events, and supporting impacted communities. Mental health care approaches in remote communities and practitioner training for climate-related issues are emphasized. The manuscript calls for increased funding for interdisciplinary research to understand the long-term impact of climate change on mental health, especially among vulnerable populations.
The disquietude of clozapine continuation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(John Wiley and Sons, 2022) Shoib, S.; Bharati-Sinha, V.; Javed, S.; Gürcan, A.; Gürcan, G.; Das, S.; Chandradasa, M.; Saeed, F.
No abstract available
Over-the-counter drug use in suicidal/self-harm behavior: Scoping review
(John Wiley and Sons, 2022) Shoib, S.; Patel, V.; Khan, S.; Armiya'u, A.Y.; Saeed, F.; Swed, S.; Das, S.; Chandradasa, M.
Background and aims: Minor physical ailments are treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The availability of OTC drugs helps reduce waiting times and ease the suffering of many. Suicidal behavior includes suicidal ideation, attempts, and completed suicides and affects people of all ages, religions, and cultures. This study aims to review use of OTC drugs for self-harm and suicidal attempts. Methods: We reviewed English language publications from the beginning of time to October 2021 on OTC drug use for suicidal behavior. Results: Twenty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria, and 1,816,228 participants were reported in these publications. OTC analgesics and sedatives/hypnotics were frequently used for suicidal behavior. Females and young people mainly were reported to self-harm using OTC medications. An increase in OTC analgesic use for self-harm in adolescents during the school months was reported. Elderly persons use hypnotics more frequently for suicidal attempts. Persons with major psychiatric disorders were reported to use OTC for suicidal behavior. Conclusion: The available information shows that the prevention strategies should focus on OTC analgesics and hypnotic use among women, the young, the elderly, and persons with mental health disorders.
Parity of esteem: A global COVID‑19 vaccination approach for people with mental illnesses, based on facts from 34 countries; recommendations and solutions
(Medknow Publications, 2024) Shoib, S.; Saeed, F.; Philip, S.; Chandradasa, M.; Das, S.; de Filippis, R.; Yousaf, Z.; Ojeahere, M.; Gad, H.K.; Yadivel, R.; Legris, Z.; Jatchavala, C.; Paul, R.; Gupta, A.K.; Handuleh, J.I.M.; Gürcan, A.; Costa, M.P.D.; Dannatt, L.; Ahmad, A.R.; Jaguga, F.; Saleem, S.M.; Sawitri, B.; Ari, N.; Islam, M.S.; Haque, M.A.; Őri, D.; Chumakov, E.; Swed, S.; Roza, T.H.; Islam, S.M.S.
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID 19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2), has detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Patients with severe mental illness are at higher risk of contracting the virus due to social determinants of health. Vulnerable populations include the elderly, people with pre existing conditions, and those exposed to SARS CoV 2. Unfortunately, only a few countries have updated vaccination strategies to prioritize patients with mental illnesses. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether individuals with mental disorders are prioritized in vaccine allocation strategies in different world regions. They are often neglected in policymaking but are highly vulnerable to the threatening complications of COVID 19. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed to record details regarding COVID 19 vaccination and prioritizations for groups of persons with non communicable diseases (NCDs), mental disorders, and substance use disorders (SUDs). NCDs were defined according to the WHO as chronic diseases that are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. RESULTS: Most countries surveyed (80%) reported healthcare delivery via a nationalized health service. It was found that 82% of the countries had set up advisory groups, but only 26% included a mental health professional. Most frequently, malignancy (68%) was prioritized followed by diabetes type 2 (62%) and type 1 (59%). Only nine countries (26%) prioritized mental health conditions. CONCLUSION: The spread of the coronavirus has exposed both the strengths and flaws of our healthcare systems. The most vulnerable groups suffered the most and were hit first and faced most challenges. These findings raise awareness that patients with mental illnesses have been overlooked in immunization campaigns. The range of their mortality, morbidity, and quality of life could have widened due to this delay.
A possible link between air pollution and suicide?
(Paris Masson-Elsevier, 2023) Shoib, S.; Khan, M.A.; Javed, S.; Das, S.; Chandradasa, M.; Soron, T.R.; Saeed, F.
No abstract available
Prescribing Yoga for Mental Wellness: Need for a Nuanced Approach
(Sage Publishing, 2024) Shoib, S.; Chandradasa, M.; Saleem, S.K.; Das, S.; Naqvi, S.A .A.; Kar, S.K.
Religion, spirituality, and coping among the psychiatric population: a narrative review
(Academy Publisher, 2024) Shoib, S.; Das, S.; Gupta, A.K.; Ullah, I.; Javed, S.; Nocera, A.; Kar, S.K.; Chandradasa, M.; de Filippis, R.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of religiosity and spirituality on mental health is still far to be adequately explored. Evidence-based data gathering papers that bring together various perspectives and facets of religion in the mentally ill population is needed. Therefore, we conducted this review to summarise evidence on the subject and raise awareness. METHODS: We searched the literature using generic terms for ‘mental health and psychiatry’, ‘beliefs’, ‘religion’, ‘religious involvement’, ‘religiosity’, ‘spiritual aspects’, and ‘spirituality’, finally summarising all appropriate references. However, for this narrative revision, we collected papers addressing various perspectives, data, and facets of religion in the mentally ill population, a subject with theoretical and practical implications in mental health. RESULTS: The initial literature search found 21,723 total results: 1,723 from PubMed/Medline and Scopus, and up to 20,000 from Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. After removing repetitions and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, only six studies were included in this review on religion as an adaptive resource, and nine studies on religion, spirituality, and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based studies on the topic are still challenging to develop while maintaining a high scientific value. Notwithstanding this, religion and spirituality can have positive/negative clinical implications depending on how they are managed. Indeed, it can reduce suicidal risk, relieve depressive and anxious symptoms, and improve patients’ and caregivers’ coping and resilience. Nevertheless, it can enhance guilt, worsen/ generate obsessions, and compulsions in the obsessive-compulsive disorder and determine or associate with mystical-religious delusions in the maniacal phase of bipolar disorder.
Tools of Communication vis-à-vis Culture and Religion: Nuakhai the Religious Culture of Western Orissa Penuakhai the Religious Culture of Western Orissa People: a Case Study
(University of Kelaniya, 2015) Sabath, A.; Das, S.; Samal, S.K.
The number of tribes that reside in Orissa is the highest anywhere in India. They are also the most backward in the economic ladder of Orissa. Different tribes have different culture, traditions, language and rituals. Various tribes engage in different occupations, but most are either into agriculture, fishing or hunting. Nuakhai is the agricultural festival of the tribal people. It is culture of the tribal dominated area of Western of Orissa. It is a festival for the worship for food grain. It has its best celebration in Western Orissa. Nuakhai is observed to welcome the new rice of the season. It is observed a panchamitithi (the 5th day) of the lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada or Bhaadara (Aug-Sep) the day after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. It is a social festival of people in Western Orissa. Thus the study explains the ancient origin and current significance of Nuakhai as most important agricultural festival which played a major role in promoting agriculture as a way of life. Nuakhai is now celebrated as a symbol of sambalpuri culture and heritage. Nuakhai is the occasions were tribal people dedicated their first food grain of the year totheir deity to get Her blessing. The rituals of Nuakhai are first observed at the temple of the reigning deity of the area or to the village deity. Afterwards the people worship in their respective homes and offer rituals to their domestic deity Lakshmi (the deity of the wealth) there after follows the Nuakhai Juhar, which is the exchange of greetings with friends, well-wishers and relatives. This symbolizes unity. Objectives are to discuss the historical and social cultural background of tribal festival Nuakhai in Western Orissa, to justify Nuakhai as the religious culture of people in Western Orissa, to highlight the significance of Nuakhai. The study is Descriptive in nature. It is based on interview method, observe method and Group discussion. The findings will help the researchers to make studies & to find out the similarities and uniqueness of other communities in their food culture and socio economic background. Nuakhai is a cohesive and unified force between people of the Western Orissa living in India as they unite and celebrate together in the occasion of Nuakhai. The modern Nuakhai festival now being observed on the fifth day of the second fortnight of Bhadrava, was unquestionably given a new look of homogeneity and uniformity by various serial organizations of western Orissa. Nuakhai is still an occasion which endorses the patrimonial nature of the sambalpuri culture and society.
Trans-ancestry genome-wide association study identifies 12 genetic loci influencing blood pressure and implicates a role for DNA methylation
(Nature Publishing Company, 2015) Kato, N.; Loh, M.; Takeuchi, F.; Verweij, N.; Wang, X.; Zhang, W.; Kelly, T.N.; Saleheen, D.; Lehne, B.; Leach, I.M.; Drong, A.W.; Abbott, J.; Wahl, S.; Tan, S.T.; Scott, W.R.; Campanella, G.; Chadeau-Hyam, M.; Afzal, U.; Ahluwalia, T.S.; Bonder, M.J.; Chen, P.; Dehghan, A.; Edwards, T.L.; Esko, T.; Go, M.J.; Harris, S.E.; Hartiala, J.; Kasela, S.; Kasturiratne, A.; Khor, C.C.; Kleber, M.E.; Li, H.; Mok, Z.Y.; Nakatochi, M.; Sapari, N.S.; Saxena, R.; Stewart, A.F.; Stolk, L.; Tabara, Y.; Teh, A.L.; Wu, Y.; Wu, J.Y.; Zhang, Y.; Aits, I.; Da Silva Couto Alves, A.; Das, S.; Dorajoo, R.; Hopewell, J.C.; Kim, Y.K.; Koivula, R.W.; Luan, J.; Lyytikäinen, L.P.; Nguyen, Q.N.; Pereira, M.A.; Postmus, I.; Raitakari, O.T.; Bryan, M.S.; Scott, R.A.; Sorice, R.; Tragante, V.; Traglia, M.; White, J.; Yamamoto, K.; Zhang, Y.; Adair, L.S.; Ahmed, A.; Akiyama, K.; Asif, R.; Aung, T.; Barroso, I.; Bjonnes, A.; Braun, T.R.; Cai, H.; Chang, L.C.; Chen, C.H.; Cheng, C.Y.; Chong, Y.S.; Collins, R.; Courtney, R.; Davies, G.; Delgado, G.; Do, L.D.; Doevendans, P.A.; Gansevoort, R.T.; Gao, Y.T.; Grammer, T.B.; Grarup, N.; Grewal, J.; Gu, D.; Wander, G.S.; Hartikainen, A.L.; Hazen, S.L.; He, J.; Heng, C.K.; Hixson, J.E.; Hofman, A.; Hsu, C.; Huang, W.; Husemoen, L.L.; Hwang, J.Y.; Ichihara, S.; Igase, M.; Isono, M.; Justesen, J.M.; Katsuya, T.; Kibriya, M.G.; Kim, Y.J.; Kishimoto, M.; Koh, W.P.; Kohara, K.; Kumari, M.; Kwek, K.; Lee, N.R.; Lee, J.; Liao, J.; Lieb, W.; Liewald, D.C.; Matsubara, T.; Matsushita, Y.; Meitinger, T.; Mihailov, E.; Milani, L.; Mills, R.; Mononen, N.; Müller-Nurasyid, M.; Nabika, T.; Nakashima, E.; Ng, H.K.; Nikus, K.; Nutile, T.; Ohkubo, T.; Ohnaka, K.; Parish, S.; Paternoster, L.; Peng, H.; Peters, A.; Pham, S.T.; Pinidiyapathirage, M.J.; Rahman, M.; Rakugi, H.; Rolandsson, O.; Rozario, M.A.; Ruggiero, D.; Sala, C.F.; Sarju, R.; Shimokawa, K.; Snieder, H.; Sparso, T.; Spiering, W.; Starr, J.M.; Stott, D.J.; Stram, D.O.; Sugiyama, T.; Szymczak, S.; Tang, W.H.; Tong, L.; Trompet, S.; Turjanmaa, V.; Ueshima, H.; Uitterlinden, A.G.; Umemura, S.; Vaarasmaki, M.; van Dam, R.M.; van Gilst, W.H.; van Veldhuisen, D.J.; Viikari, J.S.; Waldenberger, M.; Wang, Y.; Wang, A.; Wilson, R.; Wong, T.Y.; Xiang, Y.B.; Yamaguchi, S.; Ye, X.; Young, R.D.; Young, T.L.; Yuan, J.M.; Zhou, X.; Asselbergs, F.W.; Ciullo, M.; Clarke, R.; Deloukas, P.; Franke, A.; Franks, P.W.; Franks, S.; Friedlander, Y.; Gross, M.D.; Guo, Z.; Hansen, T.; Jarvelin, M.R.; Jorgensen, T.; Jukema, J.W.; Kähönen, M.; Kajio, H.; Kivimaki, M.; Lee, J.Y.; Lehtimäki, T.; Linneberg, A.; Miki, T.; Pedersen, O.; Samani, N.J.; Sorensen, T.I.; Takayanagi, R.; Toniolo, D.; BIOS-consortium; CARDIo GRAMplusCD; LifeLines Cohort Study; InterAct Consortium; Ahsan, H.; Allayee, H.; Chen, Y.T.; Danesh, J.; Deary, I.J.; Franco, O.H.; Franke, L.; Heijman, B.T.; Holbrook, J.D.; Isaacs, A.; Kim, B.J.; Lin, X.; Liu, J.; März, W.; Metspalu, A.; Mohlke, K.L.; Sanghera, D.K.; Shu, X.O.; van Meurs, J.B.; Vithana, E.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Wijmenga, C.; Wolffenbuttel, B.H.; Yokota, M.; Zheng, W.; Zhu, D.; Vineis, P.; Kyrtopoulos, S.A.; Kleinjans, J.C.; McCarthy, M.I.; Soong, R.; Gieger, C.; Scott, J.; Teo, Y.Y.; He, J.; Elliott, P.; Tai, E.S.; van der Harst, P.; Kooner, J.S.; Chambers, J.C.
We carried out a trans-ancestry genome-wide association and replication study of blood pressurephenotypes among up to 320,251 individuals of East Asian, European and South Asian ancestry. We find genetic variants at 12 new loci to be associated with blood pressure (P = 3.9 × 10(-11) to 5.0 × 10(-21)). The sentinel blood pressure SNPs are enriched for association with DNAmethylation at multiple nearby CpG sites, suggesting that, at some of the loci identified, DNAmethylation may lie on the regulatory pathway linking sequence variation to blood pressure. The sentinel SNPs at the 12 new loci point to genes involved in vascular smooth muscle (IGFBP3, KCNK3, PDE3A and PRDM6) and renal (ARHGAP24, OSR1, SLC22A7 and TBX2) function. The new and known genetic variants predict increased left ventricular mass, circulating levels of NT-proBNP, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality (P = 0.04 to 8.6 × 10(-6)). Our results provide new evidence for the role of DNA methylation in blood pressure regulation.