Adverse Childhood Experiences, Coping and Resilience in Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder and Their Non-drinking Siblings in High-density Families: A Case-control Study

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase the odds of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Aim

To study the ACEs, coping, and resilience in persons with AUD and their non-drinking siblings from high-density families.

Methods

The study used a case-control study design. Using purposive sampling, 135 participants were selected; the sample consists of persons with AUD (n = 45), non-drinking siblings (n = 45), and healthy controls (n = 45), selected from out-patient and in-patient services from a government-run de-addiction centre in Bengaluru. Individuals were administered an ACEs questionnaire, Brief-COPE, and Connor-Davison Resilience scale. Descriptive statistics, Friedman's test, and Bonferroni's post-hoc test, Binary Logistic Regression were used for analysis.

Results

ACEs, coping, and resilience significantly differ across the three groups. Persons with AUD and their non-drinking siblings are comparable in terms of ACEs and having dysfunctional family members. Non-drinking siblings and healthy controls have similar coping and resilience. None of the healthy controls had dysfunctional family members.

Conclusion

ACEs are more prevalent and more frequent in persons with AUD. Individuals with AUD showed higher avoidant coping and lower resilience than their non-drinking siblings and healthy controls. Early identification of ACEs and interventions to build resilience and coping strategies could prevent individuals from developing AUD in high-density families.

Family Fellowship Society for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (1993-2019): A Self-help Movement

Family Fellowship Society for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services is an initiative of families of persons with mental illness and with psychiatric disabilities. It has been advocating self-help movement on the part of the families who have been on the lookout for alternative care services. This venture has been technically supported by the mental health professionals at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore. It is a collaborative effort of families and professionals to address the needs that have been felt by the consumers and the professionals. It is the first of its kind in India. Over a period of 26 years, 150 + families have availed the alternative care for psychosocial rehabilitation services for their wards. In this context, an attempt was made to enlighten the psychosocial rehabilitation services at family fellowship society.

Lived Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Help-seeking among Wives of Persons with Alcohol Dependence: A Thematic Analysis

Background

Worldwide, intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem. Most of the wives of persons with alcohol dependence (PwAD) experience IPV in their lifetime. The study examined lived experiences of IPV among wives of PwAD.

Methods

Qualitative research study design was used. Twenty participants were recruited using the consecutive sampling method. The researcher used an in-depth interview guide to collect the data. ATLAS.ti.9 software was used to analyse the qualitative data. Thematic analysis was used for coding and emerging themes. The thematic analysis yielded four themes generated from the in-depth interview: (1) reasons for the IPV, (2) help-seeking, (3) barriers in help-seeking and (4) coping with IPV.

Conclusion

Survivors of IPV do not seek help due to self-stigma, unavailable resources, and lack of awareness about treatment for alcohol dependence. Clinicians should routinely screen for IPV among female spouses of persons with alcohol-dependent syndrome and provide psychosocial interventions for the survivors of IPV.

Development and Validation of Brief Family Intervention for Young Adults with Substance Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study

Background

Substance abuse is more prevalent in young adults, putting them at risk for chronic use and early onset of dependence on substances. A well-documented relationship exists between substance use and poor family functioning. Traditional family intervention approaches are time-consuming.

Aim

To develop a brief family intervention for parents of young adults with substance use disorder.

Methods

A qualitative research design was used. Extensive literature searches and key informant interviews (face to face) with young adults (n = 5), their parents (n = 5), and mental health professionals (n = 5) were conducted. The interviews were audio recorded. A thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's six-step approach, and intervention strategies were identified by examining the themes. In addition, experts were consulted to ensure the content validity of the BFI.

Results

The BFI program combines psychoeducation and behavioral techniques for parents. BFI involves seven sessions with parents, 45-60 min each, over one week. The BFI sessions consisted of (1) Engagement and Assessment, (2) Healthy Family Functioning, (3) Psychoeducation, (4) Relapse Prevention, (5) Communication Skill Training, (6) Problem-Solving Skill Training, and (7) Parental Monitoring and Supervision.

Conclusion

Considering all stakeholders' perspectives, the BFI manual for young adults with substance use disorder has been developed. However, additional research is required to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness.

Perception of Tobacco Use among School-Going Early Adolescent Children in Udupi District: A Cross-sectional Study

Background

Tobacco use among school-going children is a significant public health concern worldwide. Studies on perception and knowledge about harmful effects of tobacco use among early adolescent children are limited.

Aim

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of tobacco use among rural and urban school-going early adolescent children.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used. Using mixed method multi-stage sampling, a sample of 218 eighth grade students were selected randomly using the simple random technique from two government schools (rural and urban schools were chosen purposively), Udupi district, Karnataka. Data were collected using the questionnaire method. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey was used for the data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to express the data and Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the categorical variables.

Results

More than one-third (39%) of middle school children have used tobacco in the past. About 44% of boys felt guilty about their tobacco use. About two percent tried using other forms of tobacco products. Less than 1% of them had used tobacco more than once in the past 30 days. Urban children had significantly more knowledge about the harmful effects of tobacco use (p = .001), quitting tobacco (χ2 = 11.6, p = .008), and reasons for quitting tobacco use was, noticing anti-tobacco messages. More urban children think using tobacco makes boys more attractive (χ2 = 9.07, p = .01) and girls more attractive (χ2 = 10.80, p = .004).

Conclusion

The prevalence of tobacco use was 1.5% among middle-school children in the last month. Urban school children have significantly more knowledge and awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use than rural students.

Compliance with Section 7 (2) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, Ban of Sale of Loose Tobacco, in Karnataka: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Banning smoking in public places has considerably reduced the number of smokers. However, the sale of loose tobacco encourages tobacco use. There is limited data on compliance with section 7(2) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, concerning the ban on loose tobacco sales in India. The aim of this study is to assess the compliance of section 7(2) of COTPA concerning the ban on loose tobacco sales in four selected cities of Karnataka.

Methods

This community-based study used a cross-sectional design. Two neighboring cities, that is, district headquarter from North (Bidar and Vijayapura) and South (Mandya and Chikkamagaluru) Karnataka were considered for the study. A total of 207 vendors and 204 smokers were selected using time-cluster sampling. Data was collected using observation and interview methods. Semi-structured interview schedules were administered to smokers and vendors. Percentages and frequencies were used to describe the data.

Results

Most tobacco vendors (92%) and smokers (91%) were unaware of the loose tobacco ban. Most smokers (76%) perceive that buying cigarettes in packets would increase smoking. Most smokers (96%) prefer to buy cigarettes in loose. The sale of loose tobacco was widely prevalent (94%) in the four surveyed cities. Point of sale of loose tobacco includes tea shops (38%), petty shops (31%), pan shops (25%), and bakeries (6%).

Conclusion

There is a high degree of noncompliance with Section 7 (2) of COTPA, 2003 regarding ban on selling loose tobacco.

Psychiatric Social Work interventions for Post Partum neurological illness in a Neuro-Casualty and Emergency Setting: A Case Study

This study describes a multiple psychosocial problem in a case of a 24-year-old married female, who presented with sudden paraplegia and urinary incontinence, during her post-partum period within 20 days of delivery. She was referred to Neurology casualty and Emergency service by Gynecologist. Patient Presented with acute onset postpartum paraplegia with bowel bladder involvement after delivery of her second child by LSCS (ecamplasia). She was conscious, well oriented, and afebrile. She visited the hospital during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. However, there was no history suggestive of COVID-19 in the patient. Neurological examination showed complete paraplegia (power 0/5 with decreased tone), associated bowel and bladder involvement with complete sensory deficit below the level of L1 (Lumbar Vertebrae). All necessary blood investigations were carried out. She had anemia. Patient was planned for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). Patient was initially not agreeing for DSA and denied the same. After counseling she agreed for DSA. Upon clinical and radiological assessment, she was diagnosed with hemorrhagic myelitis. Patient, family members faced crisis and multiple psychosocial problems such as severe psychological distress due to sudden loss of functioning (mobility), feeding the baby in casualty, lack of safe space for the infant in casualty. Persistent worries regarding the future, separation anxiety from the first child owing to hospitalization, worries about risks of infections to the new born baby in the emergency care, and financial constraints were revealed in psychosocial assessment. Patient neurological conditioned remained status quo after three months of follow-up. Psychiatric Social Work team provided following interventions; crisis intervention, psychoeducation and liaison services. The interventions have helped the patient in various psychosocial domains. This case study sensitizes the Psychiatric Social Workers about the importance of psychiatric social work services in perinatal neurology emergency settings.

Perceived Social Support among Abstinent Individuals with Substance use disorder

BACKGROUND

Substance use disorder is a major public health concern in India. Understanding social support among persons who were abstaining from substance use would help in promoting long-term abstinence.

AIM

To examine perceived social support among abstinent individuals with substance use disorder.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study design was used. Sixty subjects who were attending follow-up service were selected consecutively from out-patient specialty clinic (Addiction Medicine), tertiary care teaching hospital, Bangalore. Persons with SUDs between the age of 18-60 years with minimum abstinence period of three months and above were included. Exploratory analysis such as descriptive statistics, spearmen correlation was used. The study was approved by Institute ethics committee.

RESULTS

Mean age of the respondents was 39.6 (S.D ±9.5) years. Majority (60%) do not have peer pressure, majority (60%) had diagnosis of alcohol dependence and 80% had past history of abstinence, 40% were maintaining abstinence from three to six months. Majority (60%) were never hospitalized. Mean score of perceived social support among persons who were abstaining 90 days and above were 61.48 (±13.50) indicating high perceived social support.

CONCLUSION

Perceived social support was higher among persons who were abstaining from substance use for three months and above.

Profile of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centres for Persons with Substance Use Disorders in Bengaluru: A Cross-Sectional Study

Substance use disorder is a major global health problem. There is limited information available about the pattern of utilization of psychosocial rehabilitation services (de-addiction service centres) for persons with substance use disorder. To study the profile of psychosocial rehabilitation centres (de-addiction service centres) for persons with substance use disorder in Bengaluru. To assess the staff profile, organisation profile, to examine the nature, types of treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation services offered by the de-addiction centers. Cross-sectional study design was used. Sample size: Out of 43 private organizations, 32 were eligible to participate. Out of 32, one-third (N=10) of the organizations participated in the study. Based on minimum standards of care manual for substance use disorders, an online questionnaire regarding organizational profile, staff pattern, nature and type of treatments, range of psychosocial rehabilitation services offered. Data was collected through online using google forms. Descriptive statistics such as frequency was used to analyse the data collected. All 10 organizations have a minimum one social worker, psychologist, nursing staff, and other supportive staff in the psychosocial rehabilitation centers. All the organizations have basic infrastructure and amenities as per minimum standards of care. Most organizations provide recovery oriented services, almost all organizations provide telephonic follow-up and home visit services. Most organizations provide psychosocial rehabilitation services. Most organization expressed need for training their counsellors on on group therapy and family therapy techniques. Most organisations possibly comply with a minimum standard of care and service, follow a twelve-step treatment approach, reintegrate the recovered clients in the community, provide an opportunity to work in their respective organisations. Most organisations have self-help (AA) groups, offer assistance programmes for family members, supportive educational groups and halfway-home care services.

Occupational factors associated with long-term abstinence among persons treated for alcohol dependence: A follow-up study

Background

Several studies have examined the occupational factors associated with alcohol use and dependence. However, there are very few studies that investigated the role of occupational factors associated with long-term abstinence among persons treated for alcohol dependence in India.

Aim

To examine the occupational factors associated with long-term abstinence among persons treated for alcohol dependence.

Methods

Sixty in-patients treated for alcohol dependence were selected using inclusion criteria from the Government-run de-addiction center, tertiary care teaching hospital, Bangalore. All patients were followed up periodically for 1 year. The semi-structured interview schedule was used for collecting data on occupational factors associated with long-term abstinence. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Fisher exact test were used for data analysis.

Results

There was a positive trend showing self-employed (pf = 1.74, P = 0.45), having skilled work (pf = 1.52, P = 0.72), regular pattern of employment (pf = 1.21, P =.60), monthly mode of income (pf = 1.43, P =.76) were factors associated with abstinence. Among eight occupational variables, employment status (x ² = 4.0, P =.04) and having well-defined working hours ((pf = 6.18, P =.04) were significantly associated with long-term abstinence among persons treated for alcohol dependence.

Conclusion

Occupational factors seem to influence the outcome in alcohol dependence and appropriate vocational interventions would be effective in promoting long-term abstinence.

Psychiatric Social Work Consultations for Persons with Neurological disorders in a Tertiary Care Hospital during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, COVID-19 pandemic lockdown lead to disruptions of general health services and neurological services in particular. Hence, it is essential to report to the scientific community regarding the nature and range of psychiatric social work services provided for neurology patients during the pandemic lockdown.

AIM

To study the profile of patients availed psychiatric social work (PSW) consultation during pandemic lockdown at neurology in-patient setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was retrospective in nature. Data were analysed from an in-patient referral registry. For the study purpose, neurological patients referred from April 2020 - June 2020 were considered. All patients referred for psychiatric social work consultations were included in the study. The study was carried out in tertiary care teaching hospital. Frequency and percentages were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

The diagnostic profile revealed Stroke (40%), Guillain-Barré syndrome (10%), meningitis (10%), autoimmune encephalitis (4%), and demyelination (4%), other chronic neurological disorders (30%). Common psychiatric social work services provided were casework with caregivers and patients regarding education about the illness, breaking the bad news, grief interventions, supportive therapy, addressing child care issues, ensuring medication compliance and follow-up services, pre-discharge counselling, assessing socio-economic condition to facilitate financial assistance towards concession in hospital charges, facilitating social welfare benefits, and tracing the family members.

CONCLUSION

Stroke, Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuro-infections were the most common neurological disorders required psychiatric social work consultations. Educating the patient and their family about the illness, facilitating welfare benefits and financial assistance were the most common psychiatric social work services provided during the covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

Expressed Emotions and Coping among Relapsed Persons with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Alcohol dependence is a global public health issue; it is a chronic and relapsing illness. Relapse is multifaceted by both neurobiological and psychosocial processes.

AIM

To examine the expressed emotions and coping among persons with alcohol dependence.

METHODS

The study was descriptive and hospital-based. A purposive sampling technique was used. This study was conducted at the Centre for Addiction Psychiatry, CIP, Ranchi. The total sample size was 50. Twenty-five persons with alcohol dependence who relapsed within six months following treatment formed a study group. Another 25 persons with alcohol dependence who were abstinent for a minimum period of six months after treatment formed a comparative group. Ways of coping questionnaire and the level of expressed emotions scale were used, and informed consent was taken from the participants. Chi-square and independent sample 't' test, Pearson's correlation was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Mean age of relapsed patients was 35.3 years (S.D±7.6), and abstinent patients were 35.4 yrs (S.D±6.8), years of education of relapsed patients score was 12 yrs ±2.63 and 11.6 yrs ±3.26 in abstinent patients. A majority (60% )of relapsed patients were from rural background, 92% in the abstinent group were employed. 60% of abstinent patients had a family history of alcohol dependence. Abstinent patients had scored significantly high in all the domains of ways of coping. Relapse patients had higher scores in perceived lack of emotional support, perceived irritability, perceived intrusiveness, and perceived criticism compared to abstinent patients.

CONCLUSION

The study provided further evidence that coping and perceived expressed emotions significantly influenced relapse among persons with alcohol dependence.

Profile of Women Seeking Treatment for Substance Use Disorder in Tertiary Care Government De-Addiction Centre

Background

There is an increasing trend among women using substance. However, very few women seek treatment for substance use disorder in Government de-addiction centre. There is limited literature available regarding the same.

Aim

To examine the profile of women seeking treatment for substance use disorder in Government De-addiction Centre, Bengaluru.

Methods

The study was retrospective in nature. All the female patients who sought in-patient treatment from centre for addiction medicine, NIMHANS, Bengaluru from Apr 2015- Sept 2016 were included in the study. Method of data collection: Content analysis was used to collect the secondary data from the hospital record. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency distribution was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Mean age of women who sought treatment for substance use disorder in the centre was 42 ±14 years. The mean age at initiation of alcohol was 27 ±9 years, alcohol dependence was 34 ±10.6 years. Majority (65%) belonged below poverty line. 59% were married and living with their spouse. 55% of them sought treatment either on their own or brought by family members, 38% referred by the psychiatrist. More than one-third (36%) had primary school education. Nearly one-third (27%) of them had repeated admissions more than once. More than one-third of them (34%) were homemakers, nearly one-fourth (24%) of them were lost their previous job, 6% of them students and professionals respectively.

Conclusion

The majority (68%) of women had diagnosis of alcohol dependence, nicotine (44%), benzodiazepine (14%), opioid dependence (11%), cannabis dependence (1.6%), less than 1% had other forms behavioural addictions.

Psychiatric Social Work Services In Neurology Emergency Care Setting

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric social workers are important multi-disciplinary team members, and they assess patients and their families social, emotional, environmental, financial, and support needs in emergency settings. They support patients and their families through difficult times and improve patient lives.

AIM

To study the profile of patients availed psychiatric social work services in neurology casualty and emergency settings.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The study was retrospective in nature. The ex-post facto research design was used in the study. Data were obtained from a casualty & emergency psychiatric social work referral registry maintained by the psychiatric social work team at the Neurology emergency setting at NIMHANS, Bangalore. Patients referred for psychiatric social work interventions from April 2020 to March 2021 were considered for the study purpose. Frequency and percentages were used to describe the data.

RESULTS

Psychiatric social work services at the neurology emergency setting were started in July 2018. Social workers get referrals from triage (four hours to 24 hours), followed by priority ward (72 hours to two weeks), observation ward (72 hours days - two weeks) and emergency ICU. There are 100 beds available for neuro-emergency settings. Of ≈15,939 patients who availed the neurology emergency services, 159 patients were referred for psychiatric social work services. A majority (61.6%) received neuro-education about their illness; awareness about their illness were given to patients and their family members. More than half of them were given guidance for availing treatment welfare benefits under below poverty line and Ayushman Bharath Scheme (54%), 43.3% received supportive psychotherapy, 35.2% pre-discharge counselling, one-third received crisis intervention,12.6% family interventions, 10.7% were facilitated for hospital charges waiver off, few unknown patients management and tracing their family members. Most patients were diagnosed with a stroke, GBS, neuro-infections, and seizure disorder patients who sought psychiatric social work services in emergency and casualty settings. Assessment of their functionality revealed that most were partially independent and dependent. Social workers work from 9 am to 9 pm in the neuro-emergency setting. Immediate social work referrals were made for unknown patients, tracing the caregivers who left the emergency ward without permission, which required financial assistance and communicating poor prognosis (breaking the bad news).

CONCLUSION

The most common psychiatric social work intervention provided in the neurology emergency care setting were education about the illness, facilitating poor patients to avail social welfare benefits, supportive psychotherapy and crisis intervention.

Resilience among Abstinent Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

BACKGROUND

Understanding resilience among abstinent individuals with substance use disorder would help in enhancing recovery.

AIM

To examine the resilience among abstinent individuals with substance use disorder.

METHODS

The study used a cross-sectional research design. Sample size: 60 samples were selected using a consecutive sampling procedure. Using interview schedule, data was collected from abstinent individuals receiving follow-up services at the out-patient department, government-run de-addiction centre, tertiary care teaching hospital, Bangalore. Persons with SUDs aged between 18-60 years with a minimum abstinence period of three months and above were included. Those who were refused consent for the study were excluded. Statistical test: Descriptive statistics, Spearmen correlation and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Mean age of the abstinent individuals was 39.6 (S.D ±9.5) years. Majority (75%) were married, employed (98%), having diagnosis of alcohol dependence (60%). Majority (80%) had past history of abstinence, 40% were maintaining abstinence more than three months. Most (60%) were treated on out-patient basis and they never hospitalized. Mean score of resilience among abstinent individuals was 75 (±9.94) which indicates high resilience in them.

CONCLUSION

Social work interventions focusing on enhancing resilience among person with substance use disorder would help in maintaining long-term abstinence.

Social Group Work with Adults having Intellectual Disabilities

Social group work is considered as a viable treatment modality for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of conducting social group work for adults having developmental disabilities. The authors share their experience of conducting group work with them at psychiatric rehabilitation center in a tertiary care hospital. This article gives a brief description of group work which used to aid adults with intellectual disabilities in their activities of daily living, working, and learning situations.

Influence of Shared Environments in Development of Alcohol Use Disorder: AScoping Review

Background: The influence of shared genetic vulnerability is well-known in the development of alcohol use disorder. However, there is a dearth of studies on shared environments. Hence, the present study aimed to ascertain the influence of shared environments in the development of alcohol use disorder. Aim: To examine the influence of adverse childhood experiences, parental bonding, and temperament in the development of alcohol use disorder. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were followed. Studies were identified through search engines such as PubMed, Embase, and PsychInfo, CINAHL databases. Peer-reviewed articles in English published during 2000 - 2021 were included for the review. Results: About 47 articles were considered for the scoping review. Shared environmental factors such as adverse childhood experiences or childhood trauma within 18 years of life, novelty, adventureseeking, cyclothymia, and immediate need for gratification contribute to alcohol use disorder development. Positive parenting is associated with a lower incidence of AUD. Conclusion: Understanding the influence of shared environments and providing tailor-made psycho-social interventions would reduce the risk and prevent alcohol use disorder development..

Suicidal Ideation among Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder: A CrossSectional Study

Background:

Suicide is a major threat to public health worldwide. Evidence suggests alcohol use disorders (AUD) are associated with suicide ideation. There is a paucity of studies in India regarding suicidal ideation among individuals receiving in-patient treatment for alcohol dependence.

Aim:

To assess the suicidal ideation and its severity among persons with alcohol use disorder.

Methods:

Cross-sectional research design was used. Totally 47 persons with alcohol use disorder receiving in-patient treatment were screened for suicidal ideation using a consecutive sampling technique based on inclusion and exclusion criteria at centre for addiction medicine, tertiary care teaching hospital at Bangalore. An interview schedule was used to collect the data. Tools: Mini+ suicidality was used for screening suicidal ideation and Columbia suicide severity rating scale was used to assess the frequency and severity of the suicidal ideation. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean were used for data analysis.

Results & Discussion:

Out of 47 patients, 29 reported having suicidal ideations (62%). AUD suicidal ideation was more among persons belong to below poverty line, lower education level, unemployed, married, living with family of origin, nuclear family, urban, using tobacco. Their mean age was 35 years (±6.6). Majority (62%) of them had suicidal ideation in the past one month, 43% reported having thought to kill themselves over the past one month. One-third (35%) able to control suicidal thought with lot of difficulty, 83% reported that deterrents stopped them attempting suicide, 82%wanted to end their life to end or stop the pain that they are enduring.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of suicidal ideations is high among persons with alcohol use disorder. Socio-demographic factors likely to have an influence on suicidal ideation among persons with alcohol use disorder.

Group interventions

Over the past four decades, psychiatric social workers have been conducting group interventions for persons with substance use disorders at NIMHANS. In this article, the authors highlight the brief history of group therapy, differences between group therapy and group work, and purpose and indicators of group therapy. This article sheds light on practical aspects of conducting group interventions for persons with substance use disorders and skills required by the group therapist for conducting the same andbenefits of attending group interventions. Research studies carried out at NIMHANS on group intervention for persons with substance use disorders, assessing group processes, dynamics and outcome of group interventions have been highlighted as well.

Pattern of disability among persons who availed half-way home-care services for psychosocial rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

There is dearth of studies related to pattern of disability among persons who availed psychosocial rehabilitation services in India. We studied the pattern of disability among persons who availed half-way home-care services for psychosocial rehabilitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Out of 130 case files of discharged patients, 50 files were randomly selected for data collection. Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Schedule was used to assess the pattern of disability in the sample.

RESULTS

The study revealed that only one-third (35%) of the residents had disability in self-care, 41% in communication and understanding and 47% in interpersonal relationship. Overall, majority (76%) of the respondents had moderate level of psychiatric disability at the time of discharge from half-way home. There was no significant relationship between gender and type of psychiatric illness with the level of disability. The overall disability correlated positively with the duration of illness (r s=0.39).

CONCLUSION

Three-fourth of the residents who availed half-way home-care services had moderate level of disability.