Mental Health Problems and Social Media Exposure during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Adult Population of Nepal

Background The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant global health crisis that poses a threat to a person's psychological well-being. A very large number of people got exposed to social network sites during this period which can be hazardous and cause psychological difficulties. There is no prior research or limited studies in this area during emergencies in Nepal. Objective To assess the mental health issues and examine their relationship with social media exposure in adults. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by using a validated scale of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (DAAS-21) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) among 18 years above adult population. Data were collected through an online survey. Descriptive statistics was used to describe sociodemographic data. Binary logistic regression analysis were performed to examine the relationship between psychological problems and social media exposure. Result Out of 422 participants, the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia among the study population were 32%, 28.4%, 24.5%, and 47% respectively. Additionally, 86.5% of individuals said they were frequently exposed to social media. Age, ethnicity, gender, past health problems, and health status were significantly associated with psychological problems. Further, social media exposure was associated with gender and marital status. There was no evidence of an association of psychological problems with social media exposure. Conclusion Depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia are common mental health problems found in the adult population during the time of the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic and highly affected were under 25 years age. Female and unmarried adults are using more social media.

Prevalence of glue-sniffing among street children

Aim

The aim was to determine the prevalence of glue-sniffing among street children.

Design

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted.

Background

Children are the source of hope and could be the major ailments for the development of society, nation and the world but there are large numbers of children on the street sniff glue and struggling with multiple disease and uncertain future.

Methods

A study was conducted in 52 street children to determine the prevalence of glue-sniffers and its impact on street children in Butwal, municipality of Nepal. This study was conducted in 52 street children, 5- point Likert scale and interview schedule was performed with the help of structured and semi-structured questionnaire to collect data. Finally, the collected data are analysed by using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency, percentage and mean.

Results

The study findings revealed that a large number of children, that is 40.38% was between the age group of 9-12 years and 92.31% were male. The current prevalence of glue-sniffing among street children is 88.46%. Similarly, 58.7% of respondents had started glue-sniffing 1 year ago. Out of 46 respondents who sniffed glue, 89.13% were unaware of its effect. Nearly, half of the respondents 45.65% had encountered health issues such as headache, chest pain and stomach ache.

Conclusions

They have deprived children and denied not only of their rights as children but also of their normal childhood. Without guidance, education and security, they are heading towards an uncertain future. They can have enough potentiality and talent if they are brought into a better environment and might have real hope for the bright future.