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Alenizy HK, AlQahtani MH, Aleban SA, Almuwallad RI, Binsuwaidan LA, Alabdullah DW, Althomali AE. Knowledge and Practice Regarding Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Among Adolescent Females in Riyadh City: An Observational Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e56719. [PMID: 38650786 PMCID: PMC11034890 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vaginal discharge (VD) is a common condition that affects women during their childbearing years and often requires medical attention. It results from the physiological secretion of cervical and Bartholin's glands, as well as the shedding of vaginal epithelial cells caused by bacterial action in the vagina, which alters the acidic environment of the vagina. Experiencing vaginal symptoms is a common reason for seeking medical attention, especially among women during their reproductive years. This often leads to a visit to an obstetrician or a gynecologist. Accordingly, addressing such issues becomes even more crucial. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice regarding abnormal VD (AVD) among adolescent females in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Methods The present study utilized a correlational cross-sectional survey methodology conducted in Riyadh City. The questionnaire was employed as the data collection instrument from November 2022 to November 2023. Eligibility for inclusion was limited to adolescent females and students living in Riyadh City, aged from 14 to 20 years. Electronic consent was obtained from participants aged 18 years and above, while consent from guardians was sought for those below 18 years. This sample size was determined with a minimum requirement of 500 participants, and 824 were involved. The questionnaire encompassed several sections, including demographic characteristics (gender, age, education, and menstruation history), history of AVD, knowledge regarding VD, and students' practices and behaviors related to VD. Cronbach's alpha values for all the sections were more than 0.7. Data analysis was performed using statistical software, employing descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and t-tests. Results A total of 824 girls were included, and their ages ranged from 14 to 20 years, with a mean age of (16 years ± 5) years old. Exactly 697 (84.6%) were high school students. Most of the study students (85.1%; 701) complained of an AVD at any point in their lives. Only 97 (11.8%) of the study students had a good knowledge level of VD. Higher age, marriage, late menarche, and seeking medical care for complaints of VD were the factors associated with a high knowledge level about VD (P<0.05). Additionally, 44.2% of school-age females sought medical care when experiencing AVD, with reasons including worsening symptoms over time and fear of serious diseases. However, a significant portion of participants opted for self-treatment using herbal remedies, medication from pharmacies, or leaving VD untreated, citing reasons such as perceiving it as a simple condition or fearing examination and disclosure. Conclusion In summary, the current study revealed that adolescent females demonstrate a sub-optimal level of knowledge regarding AVD. These findings are primarily observed among adolescent girls and individuals who exhibit a reluctance to seek appropriate medical intervention when having AVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helalah K Alenizy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - May H AlQahtani
- Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Sarah A Aleban
- Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, SAU
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Rao VS, Armour M, Cheema BS, Smith CA, Moran L, Perera RS, Lim S, Gupta S, De Manincor M, Vaidya R, Ee C. Use of traditional and complementary medicine by ethnic Indian women living with polycystic ovary syndrome: a global survey. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:392. [PMID: 37924068 PMCID: PMC10623873 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) is commonly used by those living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) but little is known about the use of TCIM such as yoga and Ayurveda in ethnic Indian women with PCOS living worldwide. This survey aimed to explore the prevalence and types of TCIM used and in particular the pattern of use of yoga and Ayurveda including reasons for not using and future interest in using them among non-users. METHOD An online, international cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pre-designed survey tool. Participants were ethnic Indian women of reproductive age who reported that they were medically diagnosed with PCOS. Descriptive analysis was used to identify the proportion of TCIM users, while a multivariable binary logistic regression was used to analyze their characteristics. RESULTS Data from 3130 respondents were analysed. The prevalence of TCIM use was 80% (2515/3130). Yoga and Ayurveda were the most frequently practised TCIM modalities with a prevalence of 57% and 37% respectively. We found a high future interest in using yoga (81%) and Ayurveda (70%) among the non-users. The motivation for most Ayurveda use was a recommendation from family/friends (66%), rather than personal choice (38%) or the internet (19%). Most women used Ayurveda because it has natural ingredients (64%) and it is safe (60%) and cited its use to be safe and somewhat helpful. The majority of women were currently practising yoga (73%) up to four times a week (54%) at home (93%). Yoga was primarily used to improve overall health (67%), manage weight (64%), stress (54%) hormonal imbalance (49%) and emotional well-being (48%). Barriers to practising yoga were common among the current users and non-users and included lack of motivation (59% and 59%), time constraints (48% and 39%), and non-availability of yoga teachers specialised in PCOS (31% and 23%). Most women found yoga to be helpful and preferred individual one-on-one (52%) yoga sessions specifically tailored for PCOS (58%). CONCLUSION This is the first international study that discovered the prevalence and pattern of TCIM use among ethnic Indian women with PCOS living worldwide. We support the urgent need for more research, education, and regulation of different TCIM modalities to promote safe and effective practices globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhuti Samarth Rao
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2571, Australia.
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2571, Australia
| | - Birinder S Cheema
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Caroline A Smith
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2571, Australia
| | - Lisa Moran
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Romain S Perera
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Siew Lim
- Health Systems and Equity, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Boxhill, VIC, 3128, Australia
| | - Sabrina Gupta
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3689, Australia
| | - Michael De Manincor
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2571, Australia
| | - Rama Vaidya
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Kasturba Health Society's Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, 400056, India
| | - Carolyn Ee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2571, Australia.
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John N, Rahima S, Raji TK, Santhosh P, Kidangazhiathmana A, Sukumarakurup S. Clinicoetiological study on vaginal discharge among sexually active women attending a tertiary center in North Kerala, India. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2023; 44:1-5. [PMID: 37457531 PMCID: PMC10343118 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_65_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaginal discharge is a common complaint among women attending the sexually transmissible infections (STIs) clinic and is a cause for concern and mental distress. It can be attributed to physiological or pathological causes. This study aims to understand the prevalence of various etiologies of vaginal discharge, which would help frame health policies based on local needs. Objectives (1) To estimate the prevalence of discharge per vaginum among sexually active women attending the STI clinic at a tertiary care center during a 1-year period, (2) To identify the organisms causing vaginal discharge, (3) To have a clinicoetiological correlation of the cases, and (4) To identify the subspecies of Candida causing vaginal candidiasis. Materials and Methods A total of 126 patients with vaginal discharge attending the STI clinic at a tertiary care center were included in the study. A detailed clinical history, physical examination of the external genitalia, and vaginal examination were done on each patient. Five swabs were taken from the posterior fornix and lateral vaginal wall for evaluation of the organisms. Results The mean age of the study population was 31.51 ± 7.9 years. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was found to be the most common cause of vaginal discharge, followed by bacterial vaginosis, mucopurulent cervicitis, herpes genitalis, and trichomoniasis. The most common species of Candida was found to be Candida albicans. Conclusion Even though VVC still remains the major cause, other viral infections like herpes significantly contribute. Vaginal discharge is an important indicator of women's reproductive health and its detailed evaluation helps identify the prevalence of various STIs in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimmi John
- Department of Dermatology Feroke Taluk Hospital, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | - S. Rahima
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | - Thazhathe Kandi Raji
- Department of Microbiology, Government T.D. Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India
| | - Parvathy Santhosh
- Department of Dermatology, Malabar Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | | | - Sreekanth Sukumarakurup
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government T.D. Medical College, Alappuzha, India
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Joshi S, Tripathi A, Agarwal S, Singh N, Gupta B, Nischal A, Kar SK. Phenomenology, disability and sexual functioning in female Dhat syndrome: a study of tertiary care gynaecology outpatients. Gen Psychiatr 2022; 35:e100863. [PMCID: PMC9562279 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2022-100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dhat syndrome, a clinical condition related to semen loss in urine often found among males in India, has rarely been described as a separate clinical condition in females. Women with the syndrome complain of passing vaginal discharge and can be excessively concerned and preoccupied with it, often attributing various physical symptoms to the loss of vaginal fluids. Aims This study aimed to assess the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of female patients with Dhat syndrome and their perceived stress, disability and sexual functioning. Methods Sociodemographic details of 70 females with non-pathological vaginal discharge were evaluated with a semistructured sociodemographic assessment. The phenomenology of the vaginal discharge was assessed with the Scale for Assessment of Female Dhat Syndrome Questionnaire. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Perceived stress in the past month and disability caused by the illness were assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale. In addition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Level 2 Somatic Symptoms Scale was administered to rate the severity of somatic symptoms, and sexual functioning was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scale for women who had had sexual intercourse in the past month. Results The mean age of onset vaginal discharge was 23.0 (6.6) years. Biological factors, such as urinary tract infection, were the commonly attributed cause of the loss of vaginal fluids. Psychiatric comorbidity and perceived moderate stress in the past month were found in 38.6% and 68.6% of female patients with Dhat syndrome, respectively. Disability scores tended to be low. Among the females having had sexual intercourse in the past month, 48.3% had FSFI scores indicative of a female sexual disorder. Conclusions The clinical presentation of women with non-pathological vaginal discharge is similar to that of males with Dhat syndrome. It requires comprehensive assessment and management that targets the biological, social and psychological factors and cultural issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubha Joshi
- Department of Geriatric Mental Health, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Adarsh Tripathi
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Smriti Agarwal
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bandna Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anil Nischal
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sujita Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Tripathi A, Roy D, Kar SK. Distress Due to Nonpathological Vaginal Discharge: A New Face of Dhat Syndrome in Females. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/26318318211049547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Female Dhat syndrome (FDS) is not yet an established clinical entity, but nonpathological vaginal discharge has been discussed in the scientific literature for quite a long time. Various studies have reported the existence of the phenomenon of nonpathological vaginal discharge. All the existing literature on Dhat syndrome was reviewed. Studies have reported that nonpathological vaginal discharge has a high prevalence among the rural and urban populations of Indian women (around 30%). The symptom of vaginal discharge has been an area of concern for a sizable proportion of women in the community, and anxiety related to this has been a frequent reason to seek medical attention. The ideas associated with vaginal discharge are similar to Dhat syndrome in males. The variations of associated symptomatology, course of illness, and somatization of the complaint make it challenging to diagnose and treat. The diagnostic criterion needs careful evaluation; management needs an appropriate multidisciplinary approach by various health team members, including psychological interventions and adjunct pharmacotherapy in effectively managing the FDS. Dhat syndrome in females has similar phenomenology to that in males. Unfortunately, this is under-researched and hence, underdiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsh Tripathi
- Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deblina Roy
- Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sujita Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Kaur I, Suri V, Rana SV, Singh A. Treatment pathways traversed by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients: A mixed-method study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255830. [PMID: 34370764 PMCID: PMC8351971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was undertaken to explore the treatment-seeking pathways traversed by women with PCOS and elicit their behavior, experiences and perspectives regarding it. METHODS This concurrent mixed-method study was conducted on 18-40 years old women diagnosed with PCOS at the Gynecology outpatient department, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Of the 275 women, who were administered a questionnaire to elicit their treatment-seeking behavior, 62 willing participants were subjected to in-depth interviews. Quantitative responses were descriptively analyzed and presented as count, proportion, mean or median. Framework analysis was performed for the qualitative data. The findings of both types of data were triangulated to construct the pathways to treatment traversed by PCOS patients. FINDINGS Many (~45%) respondents had no information regarding PCOS. Only 9.1% received some information from their doctors. Though the internet was the primary source of information for 37.5% of respondents, they expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of information. Multiple health care agencies were consulted by most (85.8%) of the respondents. Allopathy was the preferred choice of treatment. The average delay in initiating the treatment was 3 months. The major reasons for this were ignorance, the concept of 'normality' and 'endurance'. Deviations from the normal self (like irregular-menstruation, obesity, hirsutism, infertility) were the concern that led them to consult a doctor. They were also dissatisfied with the treatment due to a late diagnosis, lack of relief, taboo, side-effects, expenses involved and the need for repeated laboratory tests. Participants' course of treatment was influenced by the interplay of individual, distress, health-system, and social-economic factors. CONCLUSIONS Women with PCOS were dissatisfied with the quality of the information and treatment received. There were treatment delays. The patients consulted multiple health agencies, including indigenous therapies, in the hope of relief. The findings provide an empirical basis on points to focus on for building better coping strategies for managing the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishwarpreet Kaur
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Vanita Suri
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Satya Vati Rana
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Amarjeet Singh
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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Mehra A, Kathirvel S, Gainder S, Avasthi A, Grover S. Female Dhat syndrome in primary care setting. Ind Psychiatry J 2021; 30:278-284. [PMID: 35017812 PMCID: PMC8709513 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_76_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The study aimed to evaluate the females presenting with the complaint of nonpathological vaginal discharge to a general gynecology outpatient service in a rural community clinic from the perspective of female Dhat syndrome. METHODOLOGY Sixty-nine females considered to have nonpathological vaginal discharge after detailed gynecological evaluation, including required investigations, attending a rural community clinic were assessed for their belief about the vaginal discharge. The study subjects were also evaluated on the proposed criteria of female Dhat syndrome by using a semi-structured interview. RESULTS The mean age of onset of vaginal discharge was 36.1 (standard deviation - 8.5) years. Most of the females considered the loss of vaginal fluid as loss of a vital fluid from the body. Consumption of warm foods and drinks (75.8%) was the most common reason reported for vaginal discharge followed by eating unbalanced food/inappropriate food (73.5%). A majorty of the subjects considered vaginal discharge responsible for bodily weakness (87.0%), backache (71.0%) and stomache (66.7%). About two-third of the participants considered the taking energizing medications like vitamins/tonics/tablets and treatment from a gynecologist the treatment for vaginal discharge. CONCLUSIONS Significant proportion of females with non-pathological vaginal discharge have a belief that they are losing a vital fluid of the body. The subject attributes their symptoms to factors such as consumption of warm foods and drinks, and eating unbalanced food/inappropriate food. Accordingly, assessment and management of women with Dhat syndrome require addressing these important issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseem Mehra
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Soundappan Kathirvel
- Department of Community Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shalini Gainder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajit Avasthi
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Psychaesthenic Syndrome: A Review on its Implication in Female Sexual Arousal. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/2631831818821542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Psychaesthenic syndrome in the recent classification of DSM-5 comes under ‘Cultural Concepts of Distress.’ This can be the equivalent of Dhat syndrome in males. There is a paucity of literature regarding psychaesthenic syndrome. In this paper, we have tried to review the available literature regarding psychiatric and sexual comorbidities of psychaesthenic syndrome. Our paper also aims to ascertain the role and implication of psychaesthenic syndrome in female sexual arousal. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and other databases were used to conduct the search. Research published in English was included. We searched the databases using the terms ‘psychaesthenic syndrome,’ ‘female Dhat syndrome,’ ‘nonpathological white discharge per vagina (NPWDPV),’ ‘leucorrhea,’ ‘female sexual disorders,’ etc. Results: For this review, we could find around 65 papers pertaining to the subject. These focused on the presence and effect of psychiatric disorders on sexual functioning. The effect of psychaesthenic syndrome on sexual functioning was also explored. The discomfort caused by NPWDPV may itself lead to decreased interest in sex. As inhibited sexual desire and sexual arousal disorder are estimated to be among the most common sexual disorders in women, it is probable that difficulty in sexual arousal is one of the major perceived effects of psychaesthenic syndrome. It has been found that depression often leads to difficulty in sexual arousal, amongst other sexual dysfunctions. Thus, there is an indirect causation of female sexual arousal disorder in psychaesthenic syndrome if depression is the manifestation of the syndrome. Conclusion: Very few studies have been done regarding the role of psychaesthenic syndrome in female sexual arousal till now. We are in the process of a major population-based study to delineate the epidemiological aspects, clinical features, management, and prevention aspects related to psychaesthenic syndrome. This review presents the available literature, issues of concern, and methods to manage NPWDPV.
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Grover S, Avasthi A, Gupta S, Hazari N, Malhotra N. Do female patients with nonpathological vaginal discharge need the same evaluation as for Dhat syndrome in males? Indian J Psychiatry 2016; 58:61-9. [PMID: 26985107 PMCID: PMC4776585 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.174376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the concept of female Dhat syndrome characterized by the complaint of nonpathological vaginal discharge in association with somatic, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 26 female subjects with nonpathological vaginal discharge along with depressive and somatic complaints were assessed on a self-rated questionnaire modified from Comprehensive Questionnaire for Assessment of Dhat Syndrome designed for males. They were also assessed for psychiatric comorbidity as per ICD-10. RESULTS All female subjects received an ICD-10 psychiatric diagnosis, with somatoform/dissociative disorder (57.7%) being the most common. The mean age of onset of vaginal discharge was 24.6 (standard deviation - 7.0) years, noted every day or for 2-3 times per week by more than two-third of the participants. Two-fifth (61.5%) of the women described it as a milky discharge. The most common reason reported for passage of vaginal discharge was that of urinary infection or problems of urinary tract infections (42.3%) followed by vaginal infection/disease (34.6%). More than half (53.8%) of the subjects considered vaginal discharge to be responsible for weakness in the body, weakness in stamina and thinness of physique, while slightly more than two-third (69.2%) of them reported bodily weakness and sleep disturbances. Overall the clinical picture in females was similar to male patients with Dhat syndrome on most of the account. CONCLUSIONS Subgroup of patients with vaginal discharge attribute their somatic and mental symptoms to the passage of whitish vaginal discharge and are distressed due to the same. The clinical picture is similar to Dhat syndrome in males. There is a need to recognize female variant of Dhat syndrome as a culture-bound syndrome. Identification of the same may help in managing this subgroup of patients seeking help from the gynecologists for their nonpathological vaginal discharge or from mental health professionals for their symptoms of common mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajit Avasthi
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nandita Hazari
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nidhi Malhotra
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Thakur H, Aronsson A, Bansode S, Stalsby Lundborg C, Dalvie S, Faxelid E. Knowledge, Practices, and Restrictions Related to Menstruation among Young Women from Low Socioeconomic Community in Mumbai, India. Front Public Health 2014; 2:72. [PMID: 25072044 PMCID: PMC4080761 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective was to assess knowledge, practices, and restrictions faced by young women regarding their menstrual hygiene. The views of adult women having young daughters were also included and both views were compared. In addition, the factors influencing the menstrual hygiene practices were also studied. The study was carried out during 2008 in Mumbai, India. The mixed methods approach was followed for the data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect the data. For quantitative survey, totally 192 respondents (96 adult and 96 younger women) were selected. While young women were asked about questions related to their menstruation, adult women were asked questions to find out how much they know about menstrual history of their daughters. The qualitative data helped to supplement the findings from the quantitative survey and to study the factors affecting menstrual practices in young women. The mean age at menarche reported was 13.4 years and 30–40% of young girls did not receive any information about menstruation before menarche. It is thus seen that very few young girls between the age group 15 and 24 years did receive any information before the onset of menstruation. Among those who received some information, it was not adequate enough. The source of information was also not authentic. Both young and adult women agreed on this. Due to the inadequate knowledge, there were certain unhygienic practices followed by the young girls resulting in poor menstrual hygiene. It also leads to many unnecessary restrictions on young girls and they faced many health problems and complaints, which were either ignored or managed inappropriately. The role of health sector was almost negligible from giving information to the management of health problems of these young girls. This paper reemphasizes the important, urgent, and neglected need of providing correct knowledge to the community including adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshad Thakur
- Centre for Public Health, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, School of Health Systems Studies , Mumbai , India
| | - Annette Aronsson
- Division of Social Medicine and Global Health, Lund University , Malmö , Sweden
| | - Seema Bansode
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital , Mumbai , India
| | - Cecilia Stalsby Lundborg
- Division of Global Health (IHCAR), Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | | | - Elisabeth Faxelid
- Division of Global Health (IHCAR), Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
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