The impact of the COVID pandemic on the attitude and mental health of healthcare professionals working in COVID departments

Introduction

The COVID pandemic brought an overwhelming impact on hospital systems and personnel in the world.

Objectives

Our study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID pandemic on the attitude and mental health of healthcare professionals working in COVID departments.

Methods

We included 23 healthcare professionals working in the COVID departments of the Hospitals of Sfax. Sociodemographic data, medical history and COVID related details were collected from the participants. Their mental health was assessed by the Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS).

Results

In our sample, 26.1% were men and 73.9% were women, they were aged from 26 to 52. They worked for 57 hours per week, including 27.38 hours of direct contact with COVID positive patients and 5.43 nightshifts per month. A rate of 52.2% of the participants claimed having enough protection tools and 13% confirmed having enough equipment for patient management. 30.4% feared the lack of equipment and 39.1% considered themselves trained enough to manage COVID patients. As for the protective measures, 95.7% reduced contact with family members, 30.4% stopped visiting their parents, 8.7% left the family house and 4.3% didn’t take any particular measure. The mean HADS depression score was 9.61, and 60.86% had a Depression score equal or greater than 8, indicating depression. As for the HADS Anxiety score, its mean was 10.61 and 69.56% had a score equal or greater than 8, indicating anxiety.

Conclusions

The pandemic had a big impact on healthcare professionals working in COVID departments, as shows the relatively high depression and anxiety rate.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The impact of traumatic childhood events on functioning in patients with schizophrenia

Introduction

A history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can increase the risk of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and might be related to unfavorable clinical and functional outcomes of psychosis

Objectives

To assess the relationship between the history of ACEs and functioning in stabilized patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. It was carried out on out patients with stabilized schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The diagnosis of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder was established based on DSM-5 criteria. We used the ACEs scale to screen for traumatic events that occurred in the childhood and we used the Functional Assessment Staging Scale (FAST) to assess the patients’ ability to function and perform tasks of daily living

Results

Seventy five patients were included.The mean age was 39.81 ±9.96 years.The sex ratio was 4 .34. The mean score of ACE was 3.55 ± 2.41 and 88% of patients had experienced at least one traumatic event.The mean sore of the FAST scale was 33 ± 14.95.The total score of FAST was significantly higher in case of physical negligence in childhood (p=0.018). No correlation was found with the others ACEs.The FAST sub score of cognitive functioning correlated with the history of parents separation (p= 0.47) and physical negligence (p= 0.03). we also found that The FAST sub score of interpersonal relationships correlated with the history of emotional abuse (p=0.021)

Conclusions

Our data has shown that ACEs contribute to functioning impairment in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.This impairment affects mainly the cognitive functioning and the interpersonal relationships

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Evaluation of functioning among euthymic bipolar patients

Introduction

Numerous studies have documented high rates of functional impairment among bipolar disorder patients, even during phases of euthymia.

Objectives

To study different domains of functioning impairment in bipolar patients during euthymic phase.

Methods

A cross-sectional and descriptive study of 78 patients followed for bipolar disorder, during euthymia, at the psychiatric outpatient clinic at CHU Hédi Chaker in Sfax. We used a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet and the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) to assess functionning : A functional impairment was retained for a total FAST score > 11.

Results

The average age was 36.27 years, the sex ratio was 5.5. Bipolar I disorder was diagnosed in 88.5% of patients. The mean age of onset was 27.73 years, and the mean duration of illness was 8.4 years. *The mean total score at the FAST was 22.23. *Functioning was altered on 69.2% of patients. *The occupational and the cognitive functioning were the two most altered domains in our population (respective mean scores : 8.69 and 5.74). *Autonomy was altered on 17.9% of patients. *Occupationnal functioning was altered on 76.9% of patients. *Cognitive functioning was altered on 70.5% of patients. *Financial issues were observed on 34.6% of patients. *Interpersonal relationships were altered on 41% of patients. *Leisure time difficulties were present with 24.4% of patients.

Conclusions

This work has focused on the very high frequency of functional handicap in euthymic bipolar patients. Thus, several measures must be put in place to prevent or mitigate the negative effects of the impaired functioning on these patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Resilience and perceived social support among family Caregivers of patients with mental illness : what links ?

Introduction

Burden among family caregivers of patients with mental illness can be mediated by resilience and perceived social support.

Objectives

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between perceived social support and resilience levels among caregivers of patients with mental illness and to identify its associated factors.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted on caregivers of patients followed in the outpatient psychiatry department at the university hospital of Sfax (Tunisia), during septembre 2021. Resilience was assessed with the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and the social support with the social provisions scale. High scores indicate high resilience and support.

Results

We have involved 34 family caregivers with an average age of 47.47 years(SD=12.4 years). The mean resilience score of caregivers was 42.85 and the mean social support score was 28.09(SD=5.54). The score of resilience correlated positively with the score of social support among family caregivers of patients (r= 0.76 ; p=0.0001). Furthermore, resilience and social support were significantly lower among caregivers with a history of chronic illness (p=0.0001 and 0.002 respectively). Regarding clinical factors, the scores of social support and resilience decreased significantly with the duration of providing care to patients (r=-0.60; p=0.0001 and r=-0.75; p=0.0001 respectively). Similarly, they decreased significantly with the number of hospitalizations of patients (r=-0.53; p=0.001 and r=-0.62; p=0.0001 respectively).

Conclusions

The findings suggests that high social support promotes better resilience among family caregivers of patients with mental illness. So, a better adjustement to the role of caregiver can be effectively achieved by improving the perceived social support.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Quality of life of patients with schizophrenia

Introduction

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is considered one of the most disabling mental illnesses with significant family, social and occupational repercussions resulting in impaired quality of life (QOL).

Objectives

To assess the QOL of patients with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder (SAD) and to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with its alteration.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, which began in December 2019, conducted with 60 subjects followed for SCZ or SAD, at the psychiatry outpatient unit of the Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia). General, clinical and therapeutic data were collected using a pre-established questionnaire. QOL was assessed with the «36 item Short-Form Health Survey» (SF-36).

Results

Patients enrolled had SCZ in 78.2% and SAD in 21.8% of cases. The mean age was 47.2 years and the sex ratio M/F was 4.5. They were single in 63.7% of cases and unemployed in 61.8%. Psychiatric family history, the presence of personal somatic illnesses and tobacco use were found in 43.6%, 61.8% and 67.3% of cases, respectively. The average QOL score was 57.7, the average physical health score was 61.1, and the average mental health score was 54.3. Female sex (p=0.02), being single (p=0.039), lack of work activity (p=0.00), tobacco use (p=0.05), and presence of medical history (p=0.034) were statistically correlated with impaired QOL.

Conclusions

QOL in SCZ and SAD is impaired. This result encourages us to conceive of the patient in his whole life and not only from the point of view of the disease.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Gambling disorder risk factors in a population of online sports betting players in Sfax

Introduction

Online sports betting (OSB) is frequently associated with gambling disorder (GD). In Tunisia, no study on this has been done so far.

Objectives

To detect GD in a population of Tunisian OSB players, and to identify its risk factors.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 58 male OSB players in the city of Sfax. The GD was assessed by a questionnaire relating to the DSM-V criteria. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using the DASS scale, gambling motivations using the GMQ-F scale, and impulsivity using the UPPS-P scale.

Results

The mean age was 37.4 ± 8.29 years. The prevalence of JAP was 53.4%. On univariate analysis, the factors associated with GD were university level of education, the practice of other gambling, daily gambling, gambling spending > 300 Dinars / month , gambling duration > 3 years, the frequency of winning >1 win /6months , the occurrence of a Big Win, total GMQ-F score, coping motivation , and financial motivation. In the multivariate study, GD risk factors were gambling spending > 300 Dinars / month (p = 0.011; ORa = 223.16), financial motivation (p = 0.022; ORa = 3.967), pathological stress (p = 0.036; ORa = 224.388) and inversely associated with the age at onset of gambling (p = 0.026; ORa = 0.751) and the UPPS score (p = 0.011; ORa = 0.6).

Conclusions

Our results push us to deepen our knowledge and our studies concerning this problem in our country and to reflect on the management and prevention measures.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Identification of violence in the hospital environment: perceptions of nurses

Introduction

Violence is recognised by the WHO as a major and ubiquitous public health problem, that is constantly worsening.

Objectives

The aim of our work was to estimate the frequency of aggressions against nurses in psychiatric and emergency departments, and to identify the factors associated with it.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. It took place between January and March 2021, at both hospitals of Sfax (Tunisia).This study targeted 60 nurses in the psychiatry and emergency services.

Results

The sample comprises 35 nurses (58%) from psychiatric services and 25 nurses (42%) from emergency services, mainly females (51%) and with average age of 35 years.(+/-9). The nurses interviewed were exposed to violence quite often, in 93% of cases. Almost all nurses (90 %) experienced verbal violence, 70 % experienced physical violence and more than half (62 %) experienced psychological violence. Nearly 11% of nurses reported a sexual violence. Factors that explain or contribute to violence mentioned by the participants were as follows; The Verbal violence was significantly correlated with poor reception conditions (p=0.013). The Sexual violence was significantly correlated with young age of nurse (p=0.005). As for psychological violence, it was significantly correlated with work overload (p=0.004), a poor caregiver-patient relationship (p=0.02) and poor patient care (p=0.04).

Conclusions

Our study showed that violence against nurses was frequent in psychiatric and emergency departments. Various factors could modulate their occurrence such as training and improvement of the working conditions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Burden level among parents of children with epilepsy

Introduction

Family caregiving role of children with epilepsy involves managing the daily lives of these children with disabilities. This can lead to impaired physical and psychological health of the caregiver.

Objectives

To assess the level of burden among caregivers of children with epilepsy and to determine the factors associated with it.

Methods

It was a descriptive and analytical survey. It involved the caregivers of children with epilepsy who were admitted to the pediatric neurology department at the Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax during the period from July to October 2020. We used the 12-item Zarit (ZBI-12), the State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the “BECK” Depression Inventory (BDI-13) to assess caregiver burden, anxiety and depression respectively.

Results

Forty-four caregivers participated in the survey. Their average age was 36 years and their relationship with patient was mother in 93.2% of cases. Among 44 children with epilepsy, 56.8% were boys and 34.1% were schooled. They had psychiatric comorbidity in 15.9% of cases. According to the ZBI scale, the level of burden was high in 45.5% of cases. The total ZBI score was significantly higher among caregivers with primary school level (p=0.05) and those with somatic disease (p=0.004). It was not correlated with the presence of child’s dependence on the others (p=0.20). High levels of depression, anxiety-state, and anxiety-trait among caregivers were correlated with the level of burden (p 0.000; 0.000 and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Being a caregiver of a child with epilepsy is a burdensome circumstance. Hence the importance of offering psychological assistance for these caregivers.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Prevalence of vaccination against the Covid19 within mentally ill population and acceptance and hesitancy factors

Introduction

Vaccines are effective interventions that can reduce the high burden of COVID19 globally. However, public vaccine hesitancy is a pressing problem for public health authorities.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of vaccination within mentally ill population and to point out the factors of acceptance and reticence.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. It was carried out on a clinical population who consult in the psychiatry department in Sfax’s university hospital Hedi Chaker. Patients included in our study were aged between 21 and 69 years and were not in a decompensation phase of their psychiatric illness

Results

Forty five patients were included. The mean age was 45±13 years old. Our population was made up of 3 women (6.7%) and 42 men (93.3%).A rate of 42.2% of the patients was of urban origin, 15.6% lived with a partner, 77.8% were unemployed and 46.7% were schizophrenic. In our study population, five patients had COVID 19 (11.1%), fourteen patients (31.1%) were vaccinated and eight patients (17.8%) asked their psychiatrist to vaccine. The main reasons of vaccination were their belief that vaccination decreases the chance of contracting COVID 19 and its complications (0.00) ,that COVID is lethal (0.002), and the fact that they trust it (0.001). Thirtyone patients (68.9%) refused vaccination, mainly due to reading or hearing negative information about vaccination (0.025). Vaccination wasn’t correlated neither to the fact that it could be a conspiracy nor to the diagnostic.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that one third of mentally ill patients are vaccinated. The reasons of acceptance of vaccination are multiple in opposite of the hesitancy factors

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Resilience in Family caregivers of Tunisian patients with psychiatric disorders

Introduction

Resilience has been described as an individual’s ability to adjust or adapt to significant adverse or traumatic circumstances.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to assess the resilience of caregivers of patients with mental disorders and to identify its associated factors.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study among caregivers of patients followed in the outpatient psychiatry department at the university hospital of Sfax(Tunisia), during septembre 2021. Resilience was assessed using Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale(CD‑RISC).The total scores range from zero to 100. The cut-off scores for this questionnaire is 50, with higher score indicating higher resilience.

Results

Our sample included 34 family caregivers. The mean age was 47.47 years (SD=12.4 years)and the sex ratio (M/F) was 1.42. They were the parents of patients in 35.3% of cases. The mean duration of providing care to patients was 8.62 years. The mean resilience score of caregivers was 42.85 and 26.5% of them were resilients. The Caregivers with low socioeconomic level (p=0.004), a history of chronic illness (p=0.0001), a long duration of providing care (p=0.001), a stressful events (0.002) and those victims of agressive behaviors committed by patients (p=0.0001) were more likely to have a low resilience score.

Conclusions

Our results stated that three out four cargivers have low level of resilience. Interventions targeting stress related to social events and burden of care, and violence committed by patients in their family environment should be integrated to increase the caregivers’resilience.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Working memory performance in euthymic bipolar patients

Introduction

Working memory (WM) deficit in bipolar disorder (BD) is heterogeneous and seems to be affected by both, demographic and clinical aspects, of the patient.

Objectives

To assess the WM performance in euthymic bipolar patients (BP) comparing to healthy controls (HC) and to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with it.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted among euthymic bipolar patients according to DSM-5. The recruitment of patients was performed in the outpatient psychiatric unit in the university hospital Hedi Chaker in Sfax during the period from January to December 2020. The HC were matched to BP on gender, age and education level. The Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry scale (SCIP) was used to assess the WM performance by the WM test (WMT).

Results

We recruited 61 BP (37 males and 24 females) and 40 HC (20 males and 20 females). The average age of BP was 41.75 years (SD=11.6 years). The BD group included 47 BD type I and 14 BD type II patients. The mean duration of illness was 9.75 years (SD=7.93 years). Thirty-seven BP (60.7%) had a history of psychotic symptoms. The WMT score was significantly lower among BP than HC (p<0,001). The female gender, the type II of BD and the history of psychotic symptoms correlated with a poorer performance on WMT (p=0.019; 0.017 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

BP have shown significant impaired performance in WM even during euthymia. Female gender of patient, type II of BD and psychotic symptoms seem to be the predictors of this impairment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The impact of gaming addiction on Health-Related Quality of Life in adults

Introduction

Although gaming addiction has received a great deal of attention from researchers, few studies have evaluated its effect on health related quality of life in adults

Objectives

To study the relationship between gaming addiction and perceived health status

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study.Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on social networks targeting adults between 18 and 40 years. We used the gaming addiction scale (GAS) in its validated Arabic short version. we also used the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) in its validated Arabic version

Results

One hundred and nine participants were included. The mean age was 29.6 ±10.3. Males accounted for 60.6% of the study population. A history of anxiety or depression was found in 4.6 % of participants and 3.6% had an organic affection .The mean GAS score was 13.11± 6.08. According to this scale, 25.7% were addicted gamers. We found a significant difference between the group of participants considered addicts and those who were not in the following items: vitality (p=0.002), mental health (p=0.004) and role limitation due to emotional health (p=0.05). We found a correlation between the GAS score and role limitation due to physical problems ( p= 0.41), role limitations due to emotional problems (p=0.004 ), vitality( p=0.005) and mental health ( p= 0.001).

Conclusions

Our data showed significantly lower health related quality of life related to higher exposure to games especially in the psychological health.In future researches, the effect of gaming addiction on other domains of quality of life can be investigated

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on secondary school teachers in Sfax, Tunisia : anxiety disorders

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic time, teachers have to adapt to many changes that could potentially make them more vulnerable to psychological distress.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and the factors for anxiety during the COVID-19 epidemic among the high school teachers in Sfax, Tunisia.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, for descriptive and analytical purposes, conducted on google drive in May 2021.We involved 97 junior and secondary school teachers from Sfax, Tunisia, practicing in public high schools. Anxiety was assessed by using Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool (GAD-7).

Results

The average age of the participants was 44.23 years old with a sex-ratio (M/F) of 0.32. Since the advent of COVID-19, 54.2% had presented sleep disturbances while 10.4% had suicidal thoughts. Among all participants, 77.8% were afraid of the virus transmission within the classroom or the school and 81.3% reported regular mask wear at work. The median score on the GAD-7 was 6.5 (Q1=3, Q3=11). Scores’ distribution indicated that 68% of the participants had no to mild symptoms of anxiety while 32% had moderate to severe anxiety. Furthermore, the presence of anxiety was associated to the female gender (p=0.01), sleep disturbances (p<0.001), suicidal thoughts (p=0.006), and to the conviction that wearing masks blocks the transmission of voice, information or emotions between teacher and student (p=0.025).

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 outbreak, high school teachers in Sfax, Tunisia have high levels of anxiety.This can lead to a decreased effectiveness of their complex work.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Post-traumatic stress symptoms and professional quality of life among healthcare professionals working in COVID departments

Introduction

The COVID pandemic had a heavy impact on the mental health of people in general and healthcare professionals in particular.

Objectives

Our study aimed to examine the the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among healthcare professionals working in COVID departments, and assess their professional quality of life.

Methods

Our sample consisted of 23 healthcare professionals who are working in the COVID departments of the Hospitals of Sfax. We collected their sociodemographic data, their medical history and COVID-related details. Their mental health was assessed by the Impact of Event scale (IES-R) and the professional quality of life scale (ProQOL-5)

Results

The sex ratio in our study was 17:6, with a mean age of 31.79 years. They carried out 5.43 nightshifts per month, 57 hours of work per week including 27.38 hours of direct contact with COVID positive patients. A rate of 21.74% of the patients had a high IES-R score, indicating severe post traumatic stress symptoms. As for the subscales of the professional quality of life score, 21.73% of the participants had a low compassion satisfaction score, 65.21% of the participants had a moderate one and 13% had a high one. A rate of 91.3% of the participants had a moderate burnout score, the mean was 29.39. The secondary traumatization score was low in 26% of the cases, moderate in 60.86%, high in 13% and the mean was 27.91.

Conclusions

COVID healthcare professionals are at a relatively high risk of developing burnout and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The use of technologies and social media in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

Introduction

Technologies such as the phone , the computer , and social media network nowadays are becoming more and more available to everyone including patients with mental illnesses.

Objectives

Our study aimed to examine the prevalence of technology use in individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Methods

Study participants were recruited from the outpatient unit of the department C of psychiatry in Hedi Chaker hospital of Sfax , Tunisia. A total of 38 male patients were recruited , from whom the diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to the DSM-5 criteria had been confirmed. Socio-demographic and clinical information as well as details about their technology use were was collected from all the patients.

Results

Of the 38 study participants, 65.8% owned a cell phone , and 52.6% used the cell phone to send or receive messages. A rate of 21.1% owned a computer , 34.2% had internet access and 28.9% had an email account. A rate of 23.7% used social media. Facebook was the most popular social media site. 72% of cell phone owners would like to communicate with their doctor via text messages , and 68% would like to be reminded of their appointments via text messages. Among social media users , 55.6% expressed their interest in a social-media-based doctor-patient communication and appointment reminders.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that these technologies afford an opportunity to improve the management of these patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Do people with bipolar disorder have a lack of empathy?

Introduction

Impairments of empathy have been observed in patients with various psychiatric Disorders. Yet, little research on empathy concerning mood disorders exists.

Objectives

To compare empathy levels in euthymic bipolar patients (BP) and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

A cross-sectional and comparative study of 78 patients followed for bipolar disorder, during euthymia, at the psychiatric outpatient clinic at CHU Hédi Chaker in Sfax, and 78 age-gender matched HC. We used a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet and the Questionnaire of Cognitive And Affective Empathy (QCAE) to assess empathy with its two dimensions : “Affective empathy” and “Cognitive empathy”.

Results

The average age was 36.27 years, the sex ratio was 5.5. Bipolar I disorder was diagnosed in 88.5% of patients. The mean age of onset was 27.73 years, and the mean duration of illness was 8.4 years. Total scores of empathy as well as scores of cognitive and affective empathy were higher in HC than in BP. *Total QCAE BP vs HC : 72.49 vs 80.53 *Cognitive empathy BP vs HC : 43.21 vs 94.24 *Affective empathy BP vs HC : 29.36 vs 30.44 A significant difference in QCAE score and cognitive empathy score between BP and HC was found (p<10-3).

Conclusions

In our study, euthymic BP have been less empathetic than HC. Research on the subject are small and few. Thus, more studies are needed to confirm our results on the effect of mood disorders on empathy.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The assessment of family caregivers’ anxiety in pediatric epilepsy : a cross-sectional sudy

Introduction

Pediatric epilepsy is a debilitating disease that impacts not only children with epilpsy but also persons arround them. It is often considered as a source of anxiety for family caregivers.

Objectives

Assess the level of anxiety in caregivers of children with epilepsy and to identify factors related to it.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study between July and October 2020. It included caregivers of children with epilepsy hospitalized in the pediatric neurology department of Sfax. We used the STAI-Y scale to assess the level of state anxiety (STAI-AE).

Results

Forty four womens participated in our study. Low socio-economic level was found in 31.8% of cases. The average age of children was 4.9 years. The mean duration of epilepsy was 2.2 years. It was comorbid with an autism spectrum disorder or an intellectual disability in 15.9% of cases. In 70.5% of the cases, the children were dependent on their caregivers in their daily lives. The level of anxiety was moderate in 27.3% and high to very high in 13.6% of them. A higher state-anxiety score was correlated with a longer duration of epilepsy (p=0.033), a lower familial socioeconomic level (p=0.013) and a higher number of children in family (p=0.048).

Conclusions

Pediatric epilepsy is associated with significant level of anxiety in family caregivers. This anxiety increases with the duration of the disease and with the presence of socioeconomic and family difficulties. Thus, psychosocial support for caregivers should be integrated into a global approach of the disease.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Burden level among parents of children with epilepsy

Introduction

Family caregiving role of children with epilepsy involves managing the daily lives of these children with disabilities. This can lead to impaired physical and psychological health of the caregiver.

Objectives

To assess the level of burden among caregivers of children with epilepsy and to determine the factors associated with it.

Methods

It was a descriptive and analytical survey. It involved the caregivers of children with epilepsy who were admitted to the pediatric neurology department at the Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax during the period from July to October 2020. We used the 12-item Zarit (ZBI-12), the State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the “BECK” Depression Inventory (BDI-13) to assess caregiver burden, anxiety and depression respectively.

Results

Forty-four caregivers participated in the survey. Their average age was 36 years and their relationship with patient was mother in 93.2% of cases. Among 44 children with epilepsy, 56.8% were boys and 34.1% were schooled. They had psychiatric comorbidity in 15.9% of cases. According to the ZBI scale, the level of burden was high in 45.5% of cases. The total ZBI score was significantly higher among caregivers with primary school level (p=0.05) and those with somatic disease (p=0.004). It was not correlated with the presence of child’s dependence on the others (p=0.20). High levels of depression, anxiety-state, and anxiety-trait among caregivers were correlated with the level of burden (p 0.000; 0.000 and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Being a caregiver of a child with epilepsy is a burdensome circumstance. Hence the importance of offering psychological assistance for these caregivers.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Clinical determinants of social media use in patients with schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder

Introduction

Social media networks are becoming omnipresent in our lives, and more and more available to everyone including patients with mental illnesses.

Objectives

Our study aimed to examine the prevalence of social media use in individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, and to examine the association of severity of symptoms with social media use.

Methods

A total of 38 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited from the outpatient unit of the department C of psychiatry in Hedi Chaker hospital of Sfax, Tunisia. Socio-demographic information as well as details about their social media use were collected from all the patients. Severity of schizophrenia symptoms was assessed on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). A logistic regression was used to explore the association between social media use and clinical characteristics of the participants.

Results

Of the 38 study participants, 23.7% used social media. Facebook was the most popular social media site. The number of social media users were highest among participants aged 21–30 years old, married participants, residents of an urban region, employed participants and patients with a tertiary education level. Age and PANSS negative score were significantly and negatively associated with social media use.

Conclusions

Less than one fourth of patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder use social media and may be suitable candidates for treatment programs supported by social media platforms , especially those of a young age and a low severity of negative symptoms .

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Evaluation of empathy among euthymic bipolar patients

Introduction

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental illness marked by extreme swings in the mood, energy, and thinking. Although it’s not an official symptom of the disease, some research suggests that it also may affect the empathy.

Objectives

To investigate empathic responding in patients with BD in euthymic state of illness and to determine associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional and descriptive study of 78 patients followed for bipolar disorder, during euthymia, at the psychiatric outpatient clinic at CHU Hédi Chaker in Sfax. We used a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet and the Questionnaire of Cognitive And Affective Empathy (QCAE) to assess empathy with its two dimensions : “Affective empathy” and “Cognitive empathy”.

Results

The average age was 36.27 years, the sex ratio was 5.5. Bipolar I disorder was diagnosed in 88.5% of patients. The mean age of onset was 27.73 years, and the mean duration of illness was 8.4 years. 78.2% of patients had a good adherence to treatment. 60.3% of them had residual depressive symptoms during eutymia. QCAE total score was 72.49. (Maximum possible score 124) Cognitive empathy score was 43.21. (Maximum possible score 76) Affective empathy score was 29.36. (Maximum possible score 48) Affective empathy was associated with female gender (p=0), good adherence to treatment (p=0.01) and residual depressive symptoms (p=0.001).

Conclusions

Our study shows that bipolar patients have fairly good levels of empathy. However, in order to better substantiate empathy in BD, comparative studies seem necessary.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Perception of addictions and religiosity in medical students

Introduction

Religiosity is among the factors that determine the doctor’s relationship with his addict patient and the empathy he should have.

Objectives

To verify whether future doctors are aware of the addictogenic power of certain substances and certain behaviors and to study their perception of different addictions according to religiosity.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with interns and externs of the Sfax medical faculty, in November 2016, via an anonymous questionnaire.

Results

141 students were included and 98,6% declared to be believers. The average age was 23 years. The sex ratio was 0.38. Alcoholism was the addiction most considered as a sin (87.9%), smoking 51.8%, hookah 45.4%, cannabis 78%, gambling 77.3%, internet addiction 16.3%, video game addiction 15.6%, work addiction 8.5%, and exercise addiction 5.7%. Female gender was more often correlated with perceived alcoholism, cannabis addiction, and gambling as sins (p = 0.002; p <0.001 and p = 0.043, respectively). Gambling was significantly more condemned by the participants who fasted (p <0.001). Prayer was significantly correlated with religious disapproval of addictions to tobacco, hookah, alcohol, cannabis and gambling (respectively p <0.001, p = 0.001, p <0.001 , p <0.001, p <0.001). Smoking, hookah and alcohol were significantly more perceived as sins by veiled women (respectively p = 0.011, p = 0.002, p = 0.040).

Conclusions

According to our study, most medical students have a religiously hostile attitude to many addictions. Improving medical training in addictology would allow them to adopt the necessary empathic attitude, without being judgmental.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Factors related to Gaming addiction in adults

Introduction

With the advancement of technology over the last years, gaming is no longer reserved to adolescents. It has become a growing phenomenon within young adults which should,’t be overlooked as it is accompanied with the risk of addiction.

Objectives

To study the factors involved in video games addiction behaviors in adults

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on social networks. We solicited adults between 18–40 years. We used the gaming addiction scale (GAS) in its validated Arabic short version.

Results

A hundred and nine participants were included. The mean age was 29.6 ±10.3 with a sex ratio of 1.5.The mean age of the beginning of regular gaming was 16.3± 8.64. we found that40.4% of our participants preferred the mode Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG) while others played casual single player games. A play time of over 20 hours per week was reported by 11.9%of participants. According to the GAS, 25.7%were addicted gamers. Our participants spent an average of 7.94±6.71 hours before they play their first game of the day. We found that the score of Gas was significantly correlated to the male gender of the participants (p<0.000), a higher number of weekly gaming hours (p<0.000),a lower number of hours before gaming (P<0.000) and the mode of games (p<0.000).

Conclusions

Our study showed that contextual factors play an important role in understanding gaming addiction in young adults as a holistic phenomenon,embedding the problematic behavior within the context of the individual the game and gaming practices.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Depressive disorders among Tunisian high school teachers in the face of COVID-19

Introduction

The constraints linked to COVID-19 may reduce resilience and intensify depressive feelings especially in vulnerable populations such as teachers.

Objectives

To understand the psychological distress in terms of depression of the COVID-19 pandemic among secondary school teachers in Sfax, Tunisia and to determine the correlated factors.

Methods

This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of 97 medium and high school teachers from Sfax, Tunisia. The study was conducted on google drive in May 2021, including an information sheet and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 to assess depression.

Results

In our study, the sex-ratio (M/F) was 0.32 and the average age was 44.23 years old. The median professional seniority was 16 years (minimum=1, maximum=37). Suicidal thoughts were described by 10.4% of teachers while 54.2% reported the presence of sleep disturbances since the onset of the pandemic. The median PHQ-9 score was 8 (Q1=4, Q3=15). The distribution of scores indicated that 59.7% of participants had no to mild symptoms of depression while 40.3% had moderate to severe depression. Furthermore, the presence of depression was associated with an age ≤ 40 years old (p=0.037), a professional seniority ≤ 20 years (p=0.035), the female gender (p=0.005), the presence of sleep disturbances (p<0.001) as well as with suicidal thoughts (p=0.006).

Conclusions

It seems that COVID-19 health situation in education have led to the emergence of a teacher overexertion and a depth adaptation to the new environment demands. Thus, clinical attention to the depression level of the teachers is certainly warranted.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Clinical factors affecting functioning in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Introduction

Schizophrenia is often associated with impaired functioning abilities due to its disabling symptoms.

Objectives

to determine the clinical factors that impact the functioning in stabilized patients withschizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. It was carried out on an outpatient population with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder diagnosis. We used the Functional Assessment Staging Scale (FAST) to measure the functional capacity, the PANSS to assess psychosis symptom severity and the Calgary scale to screen for comorbid depression.

Results

Seventy-five patients were included with 61 males (81.3%).The mean age was 39.81 ± 9.96 years. The mean sore of the Fast scale was 33 ± 14.95. 90% of our patients scored higher than 11 on the FAST scale revealing a functioning deficiency. 18.7% scored higher than 6 on the Calgary scale revealing a comorbid depression .No significant correlations were found between the FAST score and the age of patient, the gender,the age of onset of psychosis, the duration of untreated psychosis and the number of life-time episodes. Scores of PANSS were significantly higher among patients with a functioning deficiency (p<0.00).No significant correlation was found between the FAST score and the Calgary score.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the severity of residual positive and negative symptoms affects negatively the functioning of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Thus, targeting those symptoms in the treatment may have significant functional benefits.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Sexual dysfunction and quality of life among Tunisian patients with schizophrenia

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is prevalent among psychiatric patients than general population.

Objectives

To assess the SD and quality of life (QOL) of patients with schizophrenia, and to identify the factors associated with it.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, which began in December 2019, conducted with 60 subjects followed for SCZ or SAD, at the psychiatry outpatient unit of the Hédi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia). General, clinical and therapeutic data were collected using a pre-established questionnaire. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and the 36 item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate subjective sexual dysfunction and QOL respectively.

Results

Patients enrolled had SCZ in 78.2% and SAD in 21.8% of cases. The mean age was 47.2 years. Psychiatric family history, the presence of personal somatic illnesses and tobacco use were found in 43.6%, 61.8% and 67.3% of cases, respectively. The average score of ASEX was 18.21. QOL was altered in 73.3% of participants with an SGM of 53.29. The psychic component was more altered than the physical one with average scores estimated respectively at 48 and 58.44. Participants with SD were more likely to have tobacco consumption (p= 0.025), history of suicide attempt (p=0.023) and they are treated by a combination of several treatments (p=0.025). Impaired QOL was not statistically correlated with SD (p=0.5)

Conclusions

The physicians should pay attention to SD during the assessment and treatment of patients with schizophrenia.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Assessement of burnout among high school teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sfax, Tunisia

Introduction

Facing educational difficulties related to COVID-19, some teachers can no longer adapt, making them potential candidates for burnout.

Objectives

We aimed to assess burnout among high school teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine its prevalence and factors associated with it.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, carried out on google drive in May 2021, and relating to 97 Tunisian junior and secondary school teachers from the Sfax region. Burnout was evaluated by the Burnout Measure Short version (BMS-10).

Results

The sex-ratio (M/F) of our population was 0.32 and the average age was 44.23 ± 7.81 years old. The labor load was low, medium and high in respectively 1.4%, 57.6% and 41% of cases. Almost a third of participants (30.6%) reported a low satisfaction with working conditions. The average BMS score was 40.19 ± 13.98. According to the BMS scores, 36.1% of teachers had a very low to a low degree of burnout, 23.6% had burnout while 40.3% had a high to very high degree of exposure to burnout. Furthermore, the BMS score was associated with the female gender (p=0.002), sleep disturbances (p<0.001), suicidal thoughts (p<0.001) and with a medium to a high labor load (p=0.045).

Conclusions

In this study, Tunisian high school teachers in times of COVID-19 reported a high burnout rate. Thus, the protection of this vulnerable population must be an important component of public health measures.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Association Between Workplace Bullying Occurrence and post-traumatic stress disorder Among Healthcare Professionals in Tunisia

Introduction

Nurses may be particularly at risk of violence exposure at work which can cause psychological trauma and even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a serious mental health disorder.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PTSD among nurses in psychiatry and emergency departments and to identify the factors associated with it.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. It concerned 60 nurses working in the psychiatry (35 nurses) and emergency (25 nurses) departments of the Hedi Chaker and Habib Borguiba University Hospital in Sfax. The screening of PTSD was carried out by the « post-traumatic stress evaluation questionnaire » (PTSQ).

Results

Direct trauma exposure was reported by 93% of participants, of which 48.3% experienced the act of violence more than 4 times. According to the PTSQ, 48.3% of the nurses had PTSD with a mean score of 50.93. Hyper-arousal was the most frequently observed outcome in victims (85%), followed by re-experience (83%) and avoidance (80%) symptoms. The presence of PTSD was correlated with female gender (p=0.002), the young age of the nurse (p=0.04), and the absence of peri-traumatic reactions (p=0.001).

Conclusions

Our study shows that PTSD is a pathology frequently encountered in psychiatric and emergency nurses. Hence the need to put in place strategies against violence in hospitals and to apply them rigorously in order to better manage this phenomenon and manage its repercussions on health workers .

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The effects of Workplace violence on healthcare workers in Tunisia

Introduction

Exposure to violence affects employees and has implications for the quality of care provided.

Objectives

This study aims to describe the effects of workplace violence on nurses in psychiatric and emergency departments.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study involving 60 nurses practising in the psychiatry and emergency services at the Hedi Chaker and Habib Borguiba University Hospital in Sfax. We collected the socio-demographic and professional data of the participants using a pre-established questionnaire.

Results

The average age was 35 years and 51 % of respondents were female. Ninety-three percent of the respondents were victims of an act of violence. The violence was verbal in 90%, physical in 70%, psychological in 62% and sexual in 11% of cases. The classification of acts of violence according to the scale of seriousness of the national observatory of violence in health care revealed a predominance of level 1 violence characterised by insults (66%) and level 2 violence with threats to physical integrity (65%). Level 3 violence (physical violence) was the most frequent (70%). Two cases of level 4 violence with knives were reported. These acts of violence generated wounds in 21%, fractures in 10%, haematomas in 10% and bruises in 8% of cases. Thirty-six nurses (60%) reported that the act of violence was responsible for a feeling of insecurity.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate the need for hospital center managers to set up organizational policies against workplace violence and to apply them in a rigorous and transparent manner.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The relationship between sleep problems and gaming addiction in adults

Introduction

Prolonged exposure to Video games may have several negative cognitive and emotional consequences.However, a few investigations have explored the effects of video games addiction on sleep.

Objectives

To study the effects of gaming addiction on sleep patterns in young adults

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study.Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on social networks targeting young adults between 18–40 years. We used the gaming addiction scale (GAS) in its validated Arabic short version. We also used the validated Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess the sleep quality of our participants.

Results

One hundred and nine participants were included. The mean age was 29.6 ± 10.3. Males accounted for 60.6% of the study population. The mean Gas score was 13.11± 6.08.According to the GAS,25.7% were addicted gamers. The mean PSQI score was 7.25± 3.15. A poor sleep quality pattern (score > 6) was found in 59.6% of the participants. We found that the GAS score was significantly correlated to the total score of PSQI( P=0.003). We also found that the group with poor sleep quality had higher GAS scores (p= 0.014). We found a correlation between the GAS score and the following components of the PSQI: subjective sleep quality ( p= 0.01), sleep disturbances (p=0.024) and the use of sleep-promoting medication ( p=0.046)

Conclusions

Our study showed that video gaming behavior had a significant effect on sleep quality. This can have negative consequences on life quality, together with an impaired performance at awakening.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

[Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety in parents of children with epilepsy]

INTRODUCTION

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric consequences among parents of children with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of PTSD, depression and anxiety in a sample of parents of children with epilepsy.

METHODS

A survey of 135 parents of children with epilepsy, treated in the pediatric neurology department at the Sfax Teaching Hospital in Tunisia, was conducted in the last quarter of 2019. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to assess, respectively, PTSD, depression and anxiety in parents. Associations with clinical and demographic variables with PTSD, depression and anxiety were evaluated in a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Results revealed PTSD rates of 20.7%, depression rates of 28.9% and anxiety rates of 55.6%. The main factors associated with PTSD on multivariable analysis were female gender (P=0.026, ORa=13.1), insufficient involvement of partner in disease management (P<10^-3, ORa=12.1) and duration of epilepsy less than 12 months (P=0.001; ORa=0.1). Female gender (P=0.006, ORa=18.1) and restriction of social life (P=0.006, ORa=4.1) were associated with depression. Factors associated with anxiety were insufficient involvement of partner in disease management (P=0.03, ORa=4.6) and PTSD (P=0.005, ORa=9.1).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that clinicians should pay more attention to psychological health of parents of children with epilepsy and help healthcare providers to develop preventive and intervention strategies for parents of such children.

[Metacognitive deficit in schizophrenia: Characteristics and links]

OBJECTIVES

Research indicates that many patients with schizophrenia experience deficits in metacognitive capacity defined as the ability to form complex representations of themselves and others. The aim of the current study was to assess metacognitive deficit in patients with schizophrenia. These variables were collected together with many other sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic data.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study in the psychiatry department at the Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia). Patients were in a non-acute phase, defined by the absence of any psychiatric symptoms during the last four weeks, also, no changes in medication during the previous month had been required. An informed written consent was obtained, following which patients completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic and clinical data during structured interviews. Symptoms and severity of the illness were assessed using the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS). Insight was assessed using the Insight Scale (Q8). In addition, the Metacognition Assessment Scale-Abbreviated (MAS-A) was used to assess metacognitive capacities. The MAS-A contains four dimensions: self-reflectivity, awareness of the mind of others, decentration, and mastery. Higher scores reflect an ability to effectively respond to psychological challenges on the basis of psychological knowledge.

RESULTS

We recruited 74 adults with schizophrenia disorder. The diagnosis was with DSM5. Their average age was 45 years (SD=9.84 years) with a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.552. Nineteen patients (25.5%) were married, and low educational level was present in 43% of cases. Forty patients (54%) were unemployed. Metacognitive deficit was detected in all the patients. They had low levels in all four dimensions of metacognition. The most affected dimension in our series was "Mastery". All patients had an overall insight score less than six (the average score was 2.73) with poor awareness in 62% of patients. The main factors correlated with metacognitive deficit were: occupational inactivity (P-0.015), Primary education level (P=0.045), tobacco consumption (P=0.002), low insight (P-0.001), negative symptomatology (P<10-3) and the use of first generation of antipsychotics (P=0.003). The multivariate analysis showed that three factors (occupational inactivity, low insight and the presence of negative symptomatology) were predictors of metacognitive deficits.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, occupational inactivity, negative symptomatology and low insight are predictors of metacognitive deficit in schizophrenia. Specific therapeutics should be proposed to act on these factors. A metacognitive training program, tailored to this vulnerable population, is a priority to improve their quality of life.

Occurrence of Hypopituitarism in Tunisian Turner Syndrome patients: familial versus sporadic cases

OBJECTIVE

To explore unusual association between Turner Syndrome (TS) and Hypopituitarism in a Tunisian cohort.

METHODS

We reported 6 patients with TS associated to Hypopituitarism, including three familial cases except the fourth sister who showed only a TS phenotype. Biochemical analysis, resonance magnetic imaging and cytogenetic analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The average age of our patients was 17.2 years (11-31 years). They were all referred for short stature and pubertal delay, except for the fourth sister who presented spontaneous puberty with the integrity of the pituitary axis and the presence of an X ring chromosome. Karyotype analysis showed monosomy in 3 cases and a mosaic TS in the 3 remaining cases, including one patient with abnormal X chromosome structure. Somatotropic and corticotropic deficiencies were confirmed in 2 sporadic cases while the gonadotropic and thyrotropic axes were spared. In contrast; familial cases were consistently affected by the integrity of the corticotropic axis. MRI showed pituitary hypoplasia in all familial cases and pituitary stalk interruption syndrome in only one sporadic case. No correlation was found between the chromosome formula and the anterior pituitary involvement.

CONCLUSION

Co-segregation of congenital Hypopituitarism with pituitary hypoplasia and X chromosome aberrations could imply a molecular anomaly of transcription factors responsible for the differentiation and development of pituitary cells such as PROP1, POUF1, Hesx1, Lhx3, Lhx4. The etiopathogenic link between X chromosome abnormalities and the occurrence of Hypopituitarism remains unclear; however, the progress of molecular biology may clarify the interrelation between transcription factors and sex chromosome segregation abnormalities.

Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and sexuality: Inevitable disorders?

Introduction

Improving the quality of sexual life of patients has become a major therapeutic objective in the management of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (CIBD).

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with CIBD in remission and compare it to healthy controls (HC), and to determine the associated factors

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, conducted over 8 months, involving 36 patients with CIBD, who attended the gastroenterology outpatient of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia). They were compared to 36 HC. Sexual function was assessed with the “Female sexual Function Index” and the “International Index of Erectile Function”.

Results

In the sample of CIBD, the prevalence of SD was 65.4% in women and 50% in men. Compared to controls, patients with male gender had significantly more impaired erection and orgasm (p=0.005; p=0.002 respectively), and those with female gender had significantly more impaired sexual arousal and desire (p=0.003; p=0.028 respectively). In the sample of patients, having a poor marital harmony and a fewer sexual attraction towards partner were correlated with decreased desire (p=0.017) in men and with sexual arousal (p=0.024) and decreased desire (p=0.048) in women. The number of relapses negatively affects erection (p=0.038) and orgasm (p=0.048). Depression correlated with a decreased orgasm (p=0.001) and desire (p=0.048) in men, and with a decreased sexual arousal (p=0.006) in women.

Conclusions

SD is common in CIBD, hence the need for a multidisciplinary approach to allow improvement of the quality of life of these patients, and of their partners.

Attitudes of relatives of patients with schizophrenia

Introduction

Investigating family member’s attitudesabout schizophrenia is an important step in its management. They likely influence the family’s help-seeking decisions and affect both adherence with biomedical interventionsand social integration of the patients.

Objectives

Describe families’ beliefs about the symptoms and the treatments of schizophrenia.

Methods

We led a transversal study including 32 relatives of patients with schizophrenia (DSM 5). We collected data for both patients andrelatives. We asked relatives to respond by “yes/no/I am not certain” to the questionnaireincluding items dealing with symptoms and optimal cures forschizophrenia.

Results

The mean age of the relatives was 60.8 years; 71.9% were parents; 37.5% were illiterate; 46.9% reported having another family member with a mental disorder (MD) and 15.5% of relatives were able to label the term “schizophrenia”. Nine participants (28%) believed that the patient makes shame to the family’s member and 72% of them was convinced that patient is dangerous.The majority of participants (90.6%) provedthe need for drugs and 65.6% attested the utility of psychotherapies.However, they believed innon-medical practices such as reading Holy Koran verses (87.5%), charity and exorcism (62.5%). Family history of MD was correlated to traditional practices (p=0.038). The belief that patient is dangerous and that he makes shame were associated with advanced age of relatives (p=0.000 and 0.037 respectively). Significant correlationwas found betweennon medical practices and erratic follow-up (p=0.043).

Conclusions

This study points outthe need to improve the psychoeducation of family members of persons with schizophrenia.

Gaming addiction among Tunisian adolescent

Introduction

Gaming is a source of addiction for adolescents. It is recognized as a behavioral and mental health condition, both by the American Psychiatric Association and by the World Health Organization.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of gaming addiction among secondary school students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October of 2020 among students enrolled in secondary school. The participants had filled the Game addiction scale and a data file regarding the socio-demographic information, physical and information about the internet access and use.

Results

The initial sample was composed of 180 secondary school students. Among them 28 were excluded because they did not play video games. Final sample consisted of 152 students (90 males, 62 females) with a mean age of 13.14 ± 1.2 years. The average duration of connection among participants was 5.3 hours per day. Nearly one quarter of the participants (24,3%) played videogames more than 20 h per week. The prevalence of gaming addiction was 21,7%. The participants with gaming addiction were, on average, younger than those who were not addicted to gaming Game-addicted individuals were more likely to be male than female (13,8% vs 7,9%; p=0,036). There was, also, a significant relation between IA and having academic difficulties (p=0.042).

Conclusions

Based on our study findings, that gaming addiction is a challenging problem among Tunisian adolescents. We recommend authorities consider gaming addiction a serious problem for the young population and make this growing phenomenon an adolescent health priority.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.