Search

Objectives: The aetiology of mental disorders involves genetic and environmental factors, both reflected in family health history. We examined the intergenerational transmission of multiple mental disorders from parents and grandparents using population-based, objectively measured family histories. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study used administrative healthcare databases in Manitoba, Canada and included adults living in Manitoba from 1977 to 2020 with linkages to at least one parent and one grandparent. Index date was when individuals turned 18 or 1 April 1977, whichever occurred later. Mental disorder diagnoses (mood and anxiety, substance use and psychotic disorders) were identified in individuals, parents and grandparents from hospitalization and outpatient records. Cox proportional hazards regression models included sociodemographic characteristics, individual's comorbidity and mental disorder history in a grandparent, mother and father. Results: Of 109,359 individuals with no mental disorder prior to index date, 47.1% were female, 36.3% had a mental disorder during follow-up, and 90.9% had a parent or grandparent with a history of a mental disorder prior to the index date. Both paternal and maternal history of a mental disorder increased the risk of the disorder in individuals. Psychotic disorders had the strongest association with parental history and were mostly influenced by paternal (hazards ratio [HR] 3.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.99 to 4.64) compared to maternal history (HR 2.23, 95% CI, 1.89 to 2.64). Grandparent history was independently associated with the risk of all mental disorders but had the strongest influence on substance use disorders (HR 1.42, 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.50). Conclusions: Parental history of mental disorders was associated with an increased risk of all mental disorders. Grandparent history of mental disorders was associated with a small risk increase of the disorders above and beyond parental history influence. This three-generation study further highlights the need for family-based interventional programs in families affected by mental disorders. Plain Language Summary Title: The Intergenerational Transfer of Mental Illnesses Plain Language Summary: Objectives: Both genetics and environmental factors, such as poverty, maltreatment and parental education, have a role in the development of mental illnesses. Some genetic and environmental risk factors for mental illnesses are shared within families. We conducted a large study to test the extent to which mental illnesses are passed down through generations. Methods: This study used healthcare data from Manitoba, Canada captured during the delivery of healthcare services for administrative purposes. These data included all adults from 1977 to 2020 who had at least one parent and one grandparent with linked data. Mental illnesses were diagnosed in individuals, parents and grandparents by doctors during hospitalizations or physician visits. The illnesses included mood and anxiety, substance use, and psychotic illnesses. We estimated the likelihood of developing a mental illness when parents and/or grandparents had a mental illness as well. Results: The study included 109,359 individuals; a third developed a mental illness during the study period. The majority had a history of a mental illness in a parent or grandparent. We found that a history of mental illness in a mother and father increased the chance of developing the illness. Psychotic illnesses had the strongest relation with parental history. In particular, having a father with a psychotic illness increased the chance of developing the illness by four times. The likelihood of developing a mental illness was higher if a grandparent had a mental illness, above and beyond parental history influence, particularly for substance use disorders. Conclusions: Having a parent or grandparent with a mental illness increases an individual's chance of developing a mental illness. Family-based intervention programs are needed to support families affected by mental illnesses in coping with their heavy burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess knowledge regarding adherence and safety of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) in Saudi women., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional prospective study in an outpatient pharmacy at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from April to September 2011. Participants were healthy women aged greater than or equal to 18 years with an OCP prescription for contraception. We used a validated questionnaire to assess their knowledge regarding adherence and safety of OCPs., Results: Four hundred and sixty women participated. Most (79%) knew to take an extra pill if they missed one in less than 12 hours, but only 6.5% knew they also had to use extra protection for the next 7 days if it was more than 12 hours. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that years of contraceptive use and educational level are predictive factors of better knowledge regarding adherence. Few were aware of the action if they experienced diarrhea for more than 12 hours (10%) or vomiting within 2 hours (13.5%) of taking an OCP. Only 30% knew of the adverse effects of smoking while on OCPs. Weight gain (51%) was the most commonly reported side effect., Conclusion: Most Saudi women taking OCPs have limited knowledge of its correct use regarding missing pills, vomiting and diarrhea, and poor awareness of the effects of smoking while using OCPs.