Medicine
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This repository contains the published and unpublished research of the Faculty of Medicine by the staff members of the faculty
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Item 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.Item Factors behind suicides in Muslim countries: a global ecological study(Taylor and Francis Group, 2024) Shoib, S.; Tayyeb, M.; Armiya’u, A.Y.; Raaj, S.; Elmahi, O.K.O.; Swed, S.; Saeed, F.; Nahidi, M.; Bashir, A.; Chandradasa, M.This study examines the relationship between suicide rates and social, political, and economic factors in Muslim-majority countries, considering the influence of Islam and unique socio-cultural factors. Conducted from January to December 2022, it covered 46 countries, collecting data on suicide rates, income, Human Development Index (HDI), poverty rate, life expectancy, literacy rate, and political system. Suicide rates in Muslim-majority countries could be predicted based on HDI, poverty rates, life expectancy, and literacy rates. Frequency of suicide rates varied across continents, with the highest rates in Africa. Culturally sensitive suicide prevention programs are crucial for Muslim-majority countries.Item 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.Item Prevention of suicides associated with global warming: perspectives from early career psychiatrists(Frontiers Research Foundation, 2023) Shoib, S.; Hussaini, S.S.; Armiya'u, A.Y.; Saeed, F.; Őri, D.; Roza, T.H.; Gürcan, A.; Agrawal, A.; Solerdelcoll, M.; Lucero-Prisno Iii, D.E.; Nahidi, M.; Swed, S.; Ahmed, S.; Chandradasa, M.Climate change poses significant challenges to global mental health, with potential consequences including increased rates of suicide and mental health disorders. Early Career Psychiatrists (ECPs) play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The Climate Psychiatry Alliance, a group of psychiatrists dedicated to improving mental health amidst climate change, recognizes the importance of cultivating climate-aware ECPs. Training ECPs to become confident climate-aware clinicians enables them to effectively treat patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD in the context of climate-related distress. Together with other mental health professionals, ECPs can contribute to efforts by implementing strategies for monitoring and treating mental health problems arising from climate events. Additionally, they can raise awareness about the psychological consequences and risks of suicide associated with climate change. Collaboration among ECPs from various regions is essential in developing community-based approaches and reducing vulnerabilities. ECPs must prioritize supporting vulnerable populations by advocating for increased funding for mental health support and research in affected areas. Long-term solutions to address the mental health impacts of climate change and global warming should be pursued to mitigate future suicidality. Integrating climate considerations into local mental health programs and expanding psychological support services is crucial. By promoting emotional resilience and self-awareness, ECPs can contribute to building a more climate-resilient and mentally healthy society.Item Children, adolescent, and youth mental health in Sri Lanka in the context of recent violence, COVID-19, and economic crisis: A call for action.(Elsevier, 2022) Shoib, S.; Chandradasa, M.; Rathnayake, L.; Usmani, S.; Saeed, F.No Abstract AvailableItem Relationship between childhood sexual abuse and suicidal behaviour in South Asian countries: A scoping review(Elsevier, 2022) Shoib, S.; Amanda, T.W.; Saeed, F.; Armiya’u, A.Y.; Patel, V.; Chandradasa, M.; de Berardis, D.Background: Sexual abuse is a global issue and happens in every culture and country. It is a risk factor for developing several mental disorders and suicide. While there are many studies on the relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and suicide, there are no reviews on this association from South Asia. Aims: A scoping review to explore the association between CSA and suicidal behaviour in South Asian countries. Method: A literature search was conducted with Databases PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2020 for articles related to child sexual abuse and suicidal behaviour. Studies from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka were included in the search. Results: Among 356 articles found, 45 publications were further evaluated based on exclusion and inclusion criteria, and 12 papers that reported quantitative outcomes of the association between CSA and suicidal experiences were included in the review. There were no eligible studies from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, and the Maldives. Due to the limited number of publications and the heterogeneity of the studies, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Most studies indicated that CSA is a risk factor for suicidal behaviour or suicide later in life. Further, cultural barriers prevent the disclosure of CSA in Asian communities. Conclusions: There is an association between CSA and suicidal behaviour in South Asian countries. Future studies should target socio-cultural aspects to develop preventive programs for CSA and later suicide.Item Facebook and suicidal behaviour: user experiences of suicide notes, live-streaming, grieving and preventive strategies-a scoping review(Basel, 2022) Shoib, S.; Chandradasa, M.; Nahidi, M.; Amanda, T.W.; Khan, S.; Saeed, F.; Swed, S.; Mazza, M.; Di nicola, M.; Martinotti, G.; Di giannantonio, M.; Armiya'u, A.Y.; De berardis, D.Background: Facebook represents a new dimension for global information sharing. Suicidal behaviours and attempts are increasingly reported on Facebook. This scoping review explores the various aspects of suicidal behaviours associated with Facebook, discussing the challenges and preventive measures. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched for related articles published in English up to October 2021, using different combinations of "Facebook" and "suicide". A group of experts comprising consultant psychiatrists screened the records and read the full-text articles to extract relevant data. Twenty-eight articles were chosen as relevant and included in the review under four selected themes. Results: Facebook impacts on suicidal behaviours in different aspects. Announcing suicides through sharing notes or personal information may lead to the prediction of suicide but be harmful to the online audience. Live-streaming videos of suicide is another aspect that questions Facebook's ability to monitor shared contents that can negatively affect the audience. A positive impact is helping bereaved families to share feelings and seek support online, commemorating the lost person by sharing their photos. Moreover, it can provide real-world details of everyday user behaviours, which help predict suicide risk, primarily through novel machine-learning techniques, and provide early warning and valuable help to prevent it. It can also provide a timeline of the user's activities and state of mind before suicide. Conclusions: Social media can detect suicidal tendencies, support those seeking help, comfort family and friends with their grief, and provide insights via timelining the users' activities leading to their suicide. One of the limitations was the lack of quantitative studies evaluating preventative efforts on Facebook. The creators' commitment and the users' social responsibility will be required to create a mentally healthy Facebook environment.Item Role of pets and animal assisted therapy in suicide prevention(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Shoib, S.; Hussaini, S.S.; Chandradasa, M.; Saeed, F.; Khan, T.; Swed, S.; Lengvenyte, A.No abstract availableItem Suicide, stigma and COVID-19: A call for action from low and middle income countries(Frontiers Research Foundation,Lausanne, Switzerland, 2022) Shoib, S.; Chandradasa, M.; Saeed, F.; Armiya'u, A.Y.; Roza, T.H.; Ori, D.; Jakhar, J.; Rodrigues-Silva, N.; Banerjee, DSuicide is a global health issue that needs to be addressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased mental health burden. Stigma has obstructed efforts to prevent suicide as individuals who need urgent support do not seek appropriate help. The influence of stigma is likely to grow in tandem with the COVID-19 pandemic. The stigmatization of persons with mental illnesses is widespread worldwide, and it has substantial effects on both the individual and society. Our viewpoints aim to address the probable link between stigma and suicide in the wake of the current pandemic and propose ideas for reducing suicide-related stigma.Item 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.