Detection and Screening of Depression in Palliative Care Patients in Malawi: Implications for Mental Health and Palliative Care Policy and Practice
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 11
Abstract
Abstract: Depression is highly prevalent yet underdetected in patients receiving palliative care worldwide. Several factors may exist which affect care providers in clinical settings on detection and screening of depression in palliative care patients. Palliative care providers are the front-line health care professionals and are well-positioned to detect and screen depression. The existence of un-detected depression in this population of patients constitutes an area of research. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of palliative care providers regarding detection and screening of depression in the Northern Region of Malawi. A cross-sectional quantitative study enrolling 53 palliative care providers using census approach was done and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and was analysed using SPSS. 43.4 % of palliative care providers had limited knowledge on detection of depression. 56.6% of palliative care providers did not routinely screen patients receiving palliative care for depression. Workload, Lack of in-service training and absence of screening tools were highly implicated for inconsistency in detection and screening of depression. The current palliative care policy and training package for palliative care providers needs to be reviewed to improve knowledge in detection of depression.
Authors and Affiliations
Shallom S Malunga, Patrick G. M. C. Phiri
WhatsAppitis: Recent Study on SMS Syndrome
The muscles and tendons of the thumb are very strong but are not designed for the type of intense activity associated with many of today's handheld devices. Muscle fatigue and excessive muscle tension can cause pain and...
Blood–Injection Phobia: A Unique Presentation
Recent studies report Blood –Injection Phobia in the Indian Sub-continent to be more prevalent in females (23.86%) than males (11.19%). Although the condition may not seem to hamper daily living, it can prove to be dange...
Closure of Silent Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Is it necessary?
The objective is to summarize our experience and outcomes of surgical and transcatheter closure of silent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). From January 2010 to December 2012, at Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical Unive...
Parotid Gland Tissue Herniation through the Opening of Parotid Duct after Blunt Trauma on the Cheek
Oropharyngeal injuries are common especially in children. The parotid gland contains several vital structures, all of which may have been damaged causing high morbidity. We present infant boy with parotid gland tissue he...
Obesity- A key risk factor for diabetes among government employees, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease. The prevalence of Diabetes is reaching epidemic levels worldwide, more so in developing countries like India due to rapid urbanisation and presence of life...