Publications by authors named "Shireen S Bhamani"

Background: The negative impact of adverse perinatal mental health extends beyond the mother and child; therefore, it is essential to make an early intervention for the management of mental illness during pregnancy. Resilience-building interventions are demonstrated to reduce depression and anxiety among expectant mothers, yet research in this field is limited. This study aims to examine the effect of the 'Safe Motherhood-Accessible Resilience Training (SM-ART)' on resilience, marital adjustment, depression, and pregnancy-related anxiety in a sample of pregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan.

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Objective: A pilot study using a pre-post interventional design, was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a resilience-based training workshop on the self-efficacy and resilience of schoolteachers in a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan. Four in person workshops were held at the school's location during January to June 2022.

Results: A total of 14 teachers participated in the workshop.

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Introduction: The disease course of head and neck (H&N) cancer can severely impair patients' quality of life (QoL). In Pakistan, a South Asian lower-middle-income country (LMIC), psychosocial factors may impact QoL. We aimed to assess QoL and associated factors amongst patients with H&N cancer in Pakistan.

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Objective: Despite quality of life (QoL) being recognized as an important outcome in neuro-oncology, there is a lack of research from Pakistan where sociocultural differences may influence QoL. This study aimed to measure the QoL in patients with primary brain tumors (PBTs) and assess its association with mental health outcomes and social support.

Results: Our study included a total of 250 patients, with a median age of 42 years (range 33-54 years).

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A pilot quasi-experimental study was conducted in which participants in the intervention group (n = 31) received positive learning environment through Positive Disciplining (PLEPD) module, while those in the control group (n = 29) received routine training. Teachers' knowledge and attitude regarding corporal punishment (CP) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were measured before (T0), immediately after (T1) and 3 months after the intervention (T2). Descriptive analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to describe participants' characteristics and mean scores for knowledge and attitude among teachers.

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Perinatal mental health issues in women can lead to a variety of health complications for both mother and child. Building resilience can strengthen coping mechanisms for pregnant women to improve their mental health and protect themselves and their children. The study aims to develop and validate the contextual and cultural appropriateness of the Safe Motherhood-Accessible Resilience Training (SM-ART) intervention for pregnant women in Pakistan.

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Introduction: Brain tumor is a devastating and often fatal diagnosis; quality of life and patient well-being are important goals of treatment. This study addresses the gap in culture-specific literature exploring the needs and coping strategies of brain tumor patients within an LMIC setting.

Methodology: A qualitative approach was undertaken using an exploratory descriptive study design.

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Background: Women in Pakistan suffer from a high rate of depression. The stress of low-income, illiteracy, exposure to violence and living in a patriarchal society are predisposing vulnerabilities for depression, particularly during and following pregnancy. The resilience of an individual plays a significant role in promoting prenatal mental health, but this has yet to be thoroughly researched.

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Background: Infertility is a major reproductive health problem in Pakistan. It has the potential to cause serious negative impact on a couple's marital life and psychological health.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the factors associated with maladjustment among infertile couples.

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Background: We translated and validated the Urdu version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire's Head and Neck (H&N) Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) and assessed its convergent and discriminant validity by examining correlations of QoL with depression, anxiety, and resilience.

Methods: We translated the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 according to EORTC instructions. Patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan completed a survey consisting of Urdu versions of EORTC QLQ-C30 (core QoL tool), QLQ-H&N35, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale (RS-14).

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Background: Birth asphyxia is one of the significant causes of neonatal deaths in Pakistan. Poor newborn resuscitation skills of birth attendants are a major cause of neonatal mortality in low resource settings across the globe. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Simulation-Based High-Frequency training of the Helping Babies Breathe for Community Midwives (CMW), in district Gujrat, Pakistan.

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Introduction: This study translated and validated the Urdu version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Brain Module (QLQ-BN20) amongst patients with primary brain tumors (PBT) in Pakistan, and assessed the correlation of QoL with resilience, depression, and anxiety.

Methods: Translation of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 was performed as per EORTC guidelines. A survey comprising of Urdu translations of EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-BN20, Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale (RS-14) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was administered to patients with PBT at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

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Introduction: The study aimed to assess resilience and its associated factors in head and neck cancer patients, post-treatment in a low middle income country (LMIC) such as Pakistan.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to May 2020 among head and neck cancer patients aged at least 18 years at the largest private tertiary care hospital, in Karachi, Pakistan. Information regarding their resilience scores was collected through Wagnild and Young's Resilience scale that comprises of 14 items (RS-14).

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Objectives: This study assessed resilience in brain tumor patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan (a lower middle-income country; LMIC) and explored its relationship with patients' sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, social support, and mental health.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst adult (≥18 years) patients with brain tumor at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan. Resilience was assessed by Wagnild and Young's Resilience Scale, and patients' psychosocial characteristics by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Enriched Social Support Instrument.

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Background: In Pakistan there is a dire need to explore the quality of life in infertile males and females and its undesirable psychological outcomes. This, study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) of males and females visiting an infertility centre for treatment and to assess its association with resilience, depression, and other socio-demographic factors.

Methods: An Analytical Cross-Sectional study was conducted amongst infertile males and females at the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Centre (ACIMC), Karachi, Pakistan.

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Anxiety and depression commonly co-occur during pregnancy and may increase risk of poor birth outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight. Our understanding of rates, patterns, and predictors of comorbid anxiety and depression is hindered given the dearth of literature, particularly in low- and middle-income (LMI) countries. The aim of this study is (1) to explore the prevalence and patterns of comorbid antenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms in the mild-to-severe and moderate-to-severe categories among women in a LMI country like Pakistan and (2) to understand the risk factors for comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms.

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Purpose: This study was undertaken to determine the effects of individualized education with support intervention on breast cancer patients' anxiety and depression while undergoing radiation therapy (RT). Moreover, the intervention was assessed for its feasibility in the context of Pakistan.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct this study in RT department of a public hospital in Karachi.

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Article Synopsis
  • Violence against women (VAW) significantly impacts women's mental health, and there's limited information on effective local strategies, especially involving men's roles in women's empowerment.
  • A qualitative study in Pakistan involved focus groups and interviews, revealing community support for a life skills building (LSB) intervention that engages men to empower women and reduce VAW.
  • The proposed LSB sessions, lasting two and a half hours weekly in public spaces, should focus on positive relationships, economic skills, and an interactive format, highlighting the importance of male involvement for women's empowerment and improved mental health.
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Background: Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ) developed by Richard Rahe has enabled quantification of stress by analyzing life events. The overall aim of the study was to create a reliable version of the Rahe's RLCQ for measuring stress in individuals living in developing countries and assess its validity. This paper discusses criterion validation of the adapted RLCQ in urban communities in Pakistan.

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Background: Cancer is a devastating disease and has detrimental effects on the quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors and interferes with their treatment compliance. The aim of the study is to assess resilience and QoL among cancer survivors and to evaluate the important factors affecting their resilience and QoL, with respect to the Pakistani cultural context.

Method And Analysis: A cross-sectional study will be conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to assess the socio-economic status of people living in Deh Chuhar village, Gaddap Town, Karachi, using a specific scoring index from December 2015 to February 2016.
  • A total of 254 households were surveyed, revealing a mean index score of 0.39 and indicating that 60% of households scored below 0.40, which reflects low socio-economic conditions.
  • The findings highlighted the community's poor socio-economic status, as demonstrated by the Water/Sanitation, Assets, Maternal Education, and Income index.
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Background: Depression and peer violence are global issues impacting youth. We are presenting baseline data as part of a cluster randomized control trial underway, on adolescent depression, and associated factors among boys and girls in schools.

Method: Cluster randomized control trial is underway for measuring the effectiveness of school-based play intervention program of the NGO Right to Play, in a sample of 1752 grade 6 youth in 40 public schools of Hyderabad, Pakistan.

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Background: Child peer violence is a global problem and seriously impacts health and education. There are few research studies available in Pakistan, or South Asia. We describe the prevalence of peer violence, associations, and pathways between socio-economic status, school performance, gender attitudes and violence at home.

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Background: Contextually relevant stressful life events are integral to the quantification of stress. None such measures have been adapted for the Pakistani population.

Methods: The RLCQ developed by Richard Rahe measures stress of an individual through recording the experience of life changing events.

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Background: There were no instrument exists in South Asia to assess resilience. Thus, this study assessed the validity and reliability of the Urdu version of Wagnild and Young's long and short Resilience Scales.

Methods: Study was carried out in two urban squatter settlements of Karachi, Pakistan.

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