Conferences and Symposia

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Author: search.filters.author.Wijesinghe, C.A.Subject: search.filters.subject.Snake Bites

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    Randomized controlled trial of a brief intervention for delayed psychological effects in snake bite victims
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wijesinghe, C.A.
    Snake bite results in delayed psychological morbidity and negative psycho-social impact. However, psychological support is rarely provided to victims. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a brief intervention which can be provided by non-specialist doctors, and aimed at reducing psychological morbidity following snake bite envenoming. In a single blind, randomized controlled trial, 225 snake bite victims with systemic envenoming were randomized into three arms. One arm received no intervention (Group A, n=68); the second received psychological first aid and psychoeducation at discharge from hospital (Group B, n = 65); while the third received psychological first aid and psychoeducation at discharge and a second intervention one month later (Group C, n = 69). All patients were assessed six months after hospital discharge for the presence of psychological symptoms and level of functioning. A statistically significant decreasing trend in the proportion of patients positive for psychiatric symptoms of depression and anxiety was observed at six month follow up, from Group A through Group B to Group C, mainly due to a decreasing trend for symptoms of anxiety. There was also significant decreasing trend in the overall prevalence of disability from Group A through Group B to Group C, predominantly in relation to disability in family life and social life.