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James Scambary - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Conflict and resilience in an urban Squatter settlement in Dili, East Timor
    Urban Studies, 2012
    Co-Authors: James Scambary
    Abstract:

    Since the end of the Indonesian occupation in 1999, East Timor's capital Dili has experienced a continuous rural-urban influx. This urban population growth has been concentrated in clusters of crowded and socially fragmented new Squatter Settlements, posing profound challenges for informal social control and community cohesion. Such neighbourhoods have continued to suffer from endemic communal tensions and gang violence. Using a case study of an urban Squatter settlement in Dili, this paper makes two arguments. First, it is argued that, to engage with these communities and address conflict within them, it is imperative to understand the intricate and dynamic linkages between rural-urban migration, urban settlement patterns and communal violence. Secondly, it is argued here that the profuse variety of non-state groups inhabiting such Settlements should be viewed from the context of the migrant experience, as unique forms of community resilience to this challenging environment. Language: en

Omrana Pasha - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • factors affecting depression among married women living in urban Squatter Settlements of karachi pakistan
    Open Journal of Epidemiology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Shireen Shehzad Bhamani, Salima Farooq, Yasmin Parpio, Rozina Karmaliani, Nargis Asad, Iqbal Azam, Omrana Pasha
    Abstract:

    Background: Depression is one of the growing public health concerns among women worldwide. This is one of the most under-recognized and under-treated mental illnesses worldwide. Women of developing countries are inexplicably affecting with depression. Purpose: The purpose of study is to assess the prevalence and associative factors of depression among women of aged 20 to 40 years living in urban Squatter Settlements of Karachi, Pakistan. The identification of all the potential determinants will potentially help in formulating preventive strategies in order to decline the prevalence of depression among women and improve the wellbeing of women. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was employed among women living in Reta Plot and Kala Board communities of Karachi, Pakistan. Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) was used to measure depression. Systematic sampling was used to recruit 636 married women. Cox proportional hazard was run to compute prevalence ratios and their 95% confidence interval. Results: Our study estimated 33.3% of depression among study participants. The current study showed that age, possession of own vehicle, years of schooling and recent deaths in family were significantly associated with depression. Conclusion: This research was a bold step to address the issue of increasing rate of depression among Pakistani population. Our study results can convince policy makers to extend mental health support to women by improving accessibility of services. Recommendation: Our study recommends that the women of our society should be encouraged for attaining education. This study also recommends that at primary health care setting, every health professional should be trained to screen the depression. Moreover, the results of our study can also encourage policy makers to expand mental health support services for women.

  • validation of the urdu version of wagnild and young s long and short resilience scales among 20 to 40 year old married women living in urban Squatter Settlements of karachi pakistan
    Journal of Nursing Measurement, 2015
    Co-Authors: Shireen Shehzad Bhamani, Rozina Karmaliani, Nargis Asad, Omrana Pasha, Iqbal Azam
    Abstract:

    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. Resilience Scales were validated against the depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction scales among 20- to 40-year-old married women. Sample size for validity and reliability were 636 and 319. Results: Moderate negative correlation with the depression and anxiety and moderate positive significant correlation with life satisfaction were found with both scales. The test-retest correlation were .54 and .49, respectively. Internal consistency were found acceptable. Concurrent validity were .729 and .813. Conclusions: Study found a valid and reliable resilience scale in Urdu language.Keywords: resilience scale; validation; Urdu language; Pakistani populationThe resilience concept is widely discussed in history by diverse disciplines, such as psychology, philosophy, and theology. It is defined as "the ability to rebound or spring back, the power of something to resume its original shape or position after compression or bending" (Dowrick, Kokanovic, Hegarty, Griffiths, & Gunn, 2008). Some have also viewed resilience as a defense mechanism, which allows people to grow in the face of adversity (Davydov, Stewart, Ritchie, & Chaudieu, 2010). Thus, improving resilience can be a significant factor in mental health treatment because it represents one's internal power, strengths, positivity, flexibility, competency, and ability to cope effectively when faced with adversity (Abiola & Udofia, 2011).Resilience is a powerful antidote to depression. Strong resilient individuals are able to handle change and adversity well. They become less depressed. Resilience has been measured in thousands of people and the results have proven that it measures individual strengths that are potentially preventive for depression (Wagnild, 2009). Hence, measuring resilience helps because when the resilience scores increase, symptoms of depression and stress decrease. Thus, it can be said that resilience protects against depression and reduces the associated psychological effects. In addition, anxiety is negatively associated with resilience. If individual's resilience score is less, they will be more likely to dwell on problems, feel overwhelmed, and ultimately adapt unhealthy coping techniques to handle stress, which will further increase their anxiety.Most studies have suggested that resilient persons tend to manifest adaptive behavior, especially in the areas of social functioning. One study found that resilience displayed high measures of consistency and correlation with life satisfaction scales in different situations (Salazar-Pousada, Arroyo, Hidalgo, Perez-Lopez, & Chedraui, 2010). Moreover, when people experiences positive emotions to meet life's challenges and opportunities, their satisfaction with life rises because learning to cope with the down times is essential to life satisfaction (Cohn, Fredrickson, Brown, Mikels, & Conway, 2009).Assessing resilience in high-risk populations, who are vulnerable to psychological and developmental problems, is very essential. Poverty is considered as one of the confirmed contributors that causes vulnerability among individuals, families, and communities. Those individuals who experience economic and employment hardships might feel discouragement and fear, and the individual might believe that life is pointless (Wagnild & Collins, 2009). Literature in this area is very scarce (Oft, 2009).Resilience is an important trait for promoting positive psychological well-being and studying this can contribute to our understanding of constructive adaptation and stress resistance. In South Asia, there is no known validated tool for measuring resilience, this limits our ability to carry out empirical research in this area and to identify people who have the capacity for resilience. …

  • determinants of unmet need for family planning in Squatter Settlements in karachi pakistan
    Asia-Pacific Population Journal, 2001
    Co-Authors: Omrana Pasha, F F Fikree, Sten H Vermund
    Abstract:

    This study aimed to identify the barriers in order to frame recommendations for strategies that will help programs address unmet need. It is noted that the factors identified as determinants of unmet need have included access and quality of available health care services health concerns about contraceptive use social and familial opposition especially from husbands and a low perceived risk of pregnancy. Recommendations for reducing unmet need as based on this study are included.

Shireen Shehzad Bhamani - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • factors affecting depression among married women living in urban Squatter Settlements of karachi pakistan
    Open Journal of Epidemiology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Shireen Shehzad Bhamani, Salima Farooq, Yasmin Parpio, Rozina Karmaliani, Nargis Asad, Iqbal Azam, Omrana Pasha
    Abstract:

    Background: Depression is one of the growing public health concerns among women worldwide. This is one of the most under-recognized and under-treated mental illnesses worldwide. Women of developing countries are inexplicably affecting with depression. Purpose: The purpose of study is to assess the prevalence and associative factors of depression among women of aged 20 to 40 years living in urban Squatter Settlements of Karachi, Pakistan. The identification of all the potential determinants will potentially help in formulating preventive strategies in order to decline the prevalence of depression among women and improve the wellbeing of women. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was employed among women living in Reta Plot and Kala Board communities of Karachi, Pakistan. Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) was used to measure depression. Systematic sampling was used to recruit 636 married women. Cox proportional hazard was run to compute prevalence ratios and their 95% confidence interval. Results: Our study estimated 33.3% of depression among study participants. The current study showed that age, possession of own vehicle, years of schooling and recent deaths in family were significantly associated with depression. Conclusion: This research was a bold step to address the issue of increasing rate of depression among Pakistani population. Our study results can convince policy makers to extend mental health support to women by improving accessibility of services. Recommendation: Our study recommends that the women of our society should be encouraged for attaining education. This study also recommends that at primary health care setting, every health professional should be trained to screen the depression. Moreover, the results of our study can also encourage policy makers to expand mental health support services for women.

  • validation of the urdu version of wagnild and young s long and short resilience scales among 20 to 40 year old married women living in urban Squatter Settlements of karachi pakistan
    Journal of Nursing Measurement, 2015
    Co-Authors: Shireen Shehzad Bhamani, Rozina Karmaliani, Nargis Asad, Omrana Pasha, Iqbal Azam
    Abstract:

    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. Resilience Scales were validated against the depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction scales among 20- to 40-year-old married women. Sample size for validity and reliability were 636 and 319. Results: Moderate negative correlation with the depression and anxiety and moderate positive significant correlation with life satisfaction were found with both scales. The test-retest correlation were .54 and .49, respectively. Internal consistency were found acceptable. Concurrent validity were .729 and .813. Conclusions: Study found a valid and reliable resilience scale in Urdu language.Keywords: resilience scale; validation; Urdu language; Pakistani populationThe resilience concept is widely discussed in history by diverse disciplines, such as psychology, philosophy, and theology. It is defined as "the ability to rebound or spring back, the power of something to resume its original shape or position after compression or bending" (Dowrick, Kokanovic, Hegarty, Griffiths, & Gunn, 2008). Some have also viewed resilience as a defense mechanism, which allows people to grow in the face of adversity (Davydov, Stewart, Ritchie, & Chaudieu, 2010). Thus, improving resilience can be a significant factor in mental health treatment because it represents one's internal power, strengths, positivity, flexibility, competency, and ability to cope effectively when faced with adversity (Abiola & Udofia, 2011).Resilience is a powerful antidote to depression. Strong resilient individuals are able to handle change and adversity well. They become less depressed. Resilience has been measured in thousands of people and the results have proven that it measures individual strengths that are potentially preventive for depression (Wagnild, 2009). Hence, measuring resilience helps because when the resilience scores increase, symptoms of depression and stress decrease. Thus, it can be said that resilience protects against depression and reduces the associated psychological effects. In addition, anxiety is negatively associated with resilience. If individual's resilience score is less, they will be more likely to dwell on problems, feel overwhelmed, and ultimately adapt unhealthy coping techniques to handle stress, which will further increase their anxiety.Most studies have suggested that resilient persons tend to manifest adaptive behavior, especially in the areas of social functioning. One study found that resilience displayed high measures of consistency and correlation with life satisfaction scales in different situations (Salazar-Pousada, Arroyo, Hidalgo, Perez-Lopez, & Chedraui, 2010). Moreover, when people experiences positive emotions to meet life's challenges and opportunities, their satisfaction with life rises because learning to cope with the down times is essential to life satisfaction (Cohn, Fredrickson, Brown, Mikels, & Conway, 2009).Assessing resilience in high-risk populations, who are vulnerable to psychological and developmental problems, is very essential. Poverty is considered as one of the confirmed contributors that causes vulnerability among individuals, families, and communities. Those individuals who experience economic and employment hardships might feel discouragement and fear, and the individual might believe that life is pointless (Wagnild & Collins, 2009). Literature in this area is very scarce (Oft, 2009).Resilience is an important trait for promoting positive psychological well-being and studying this can contribute to our understanding of constructive adaptation and stress resistance. In South Asia, there is no known validated tool for measuring resilience, this limits our ability to carry out empirical research in this area and to identify people who have the capacity for resilience. …

Amanullah Khan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • do mothers in law matter family dynamics and fertility decision making in urban Squatter Settlements of karachi pakistan
    Journal of Biosocial Science, 2003
    Co-Authors: Muhammad Masood Kadir, Amanullah Khan, F F Fikree, F Sajan
    Abstract:

    The perspectives of mothers-in-law about intra-household decision-making family size and family planning are investigated and their views compared with those of their sons and daughters-in-law. Women (717 daughters-in-law) their husbands (717 sons) and their 522 mothers-in-law were interviewed in eight Squatter Settlements in Karachi Pakistan. Decisions about the schooling and health care of children and the purchase of jewelry are perceived to lie within the nuclear family domain (i.e. husband and wife). There was a difference in mothers-in-law’s daughters-in-law’s and sons’ desire to have more children. Twenty-eight per cent of mothers-in-law versus 58% of daughters-in-law did not want more grandsons/ sons and 36% of mothers-in-law versus 66% of daughters-in-law did not want more granddaughters/daughters. The difference was markedly greater among the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law pairs than in the mother/son pairs. Overall the mother-in-law’s role seems to be somewhat overshadowed by that of her son (family male member) except for limiting family size. It is suggested that mothers-in-law should be included in Information–Education– Communication (IEC) campaigns about family planning. (authors)

  • do mothers in law matter family dynamics and fertility decision making in urban Squatter Settlements of karachi pakistan
    Journal of Biosocial Science, 2003
    Co-Authors: Muhammad Masood Kadir, Amanullah Khan, F F Fikree, F Sajan
    Abstract:

    The perspectives of mothers-in-law about intra-household decision-making, family size and family planning are investigated, and their views compared with those of their sons and daughters-in-law. Women (717 daughters-in-law), their husbands (717 sons) and their 522 mothers-in-law were interviewed in eight Squatter Settlements in Karachi, Pakistan. Decisions about the schooling and health care of children, and the purchase of jewellery, are perceived to lie within the nuclear family domain (i.e. husband and wife). There was a difference in mothers-in-law's, daughters-in-law's and sons' desire to have more children. Twenty-eight per cent of mothers-in-law versus 58%, of daughters-in-law did not want more grandsons/sons and 36%, of mothers-in-law versus 66% of daughters-in-law did not want more granddaughters/daughters. The difference was markedly greater among the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law pairs than in the mother/son pairs. Overall, the mother-in-law's role seems to be somewhat overshadowed by that of her son (family male member), except for limiting family size. It is suggested that mothers-in-law should be included in Information-Education-Communication (IEC) campaigns about family planning.

  • what influences contraceptive use among young women in urban Squatter Settlements of karachi pakistan
    International Family Planning Perspectives, 2001
    Co-Authors: F F Fikree, F Sajan, Amanullah Khan, Muhammad Masood Kadir, Mohammad H Rahbar
    Abstract:

    Interviews were conducted in Squatter Settlements in Karachi Pakistan with Muslim women 30 years old or younger their husbands and their mothers-in-law to explore factors that influence couples contraceptive use. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between contraceptive use and several variables including social and demographic characteristics; religious beliefs; communication about family planning (FP) among the three family members; womens mobility and decision-making capability; acceptance of information about FP in the mass media; and exposure to FP messages from health care workers. Univariate analyses indicate that women who reported using modern contraceptive methods were significantly more likely to be literate (odds ratio 1.7) to be exposed to an urban environment (1.8) and to have had at least 5 live births (2.0). According to multivariate analyses women who were literate who were of high economic status whose mother-in-law reported discussing FP with them and who had received FP messages from health care workers were two-three times as likely to use contraceptives as were other women. In addition women who said it was appropriate for FP messages to be delivered through mass media were 50% more likely to use contraceptives. The long-term goals of improving womens education levels and economic status are important for increasing contraceptive prevalence in Pakistan. At the same time policy-makers should initiate short-term interventions such as engaging religious leaders in FP programs encouraging the outreach efforts of community health care workers and targeting mothers-in-law with FP messages as these are likely to be effective in increasing womens contraceptive use. (authors)

  • the quest of infertile women in Squatter Settlements of karachi pakistan a qualitative study
    Social Science & Medicine, 1999
    Co-Authors: Lubna Ishaq Bhatti, F F Fikree, Amanullah Khan
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objectives: There is a dearth of knowledge regarding Pakistani women's perceptions and treatment seeking behavior for infertility. We conducted this study to explore the contextual factors that influence the health-seeking behavior of infertile women in the lower socio-economic group. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 women, identified from clinics and community using pre-tested interview guidelines covering issues as the chronological sequence of the number and types of the health care providers consulted for infertility, household dynamics regarding decision making, perceived causes and social and psychological effects of infertility on the woman and her family. Results: 14 of the 17 women interviewed presented with primary infertility and three with secondary infertility. Reasons reported for seeking treatment for primary infertility were: someone to carry on the family name, feeling alone and akhrat par maan bap bun kar uthna (getting up as a parent on judgment day). Two of the three women suffering from secondary infertility were seeking treatment because they did not have any male offspring. Of the 14 women, 11 initially sought treatment within the first two years of marriage; one woman reported that she was “coerced” by her mother-in-law to seek treatment following the first week of marriage. On average, a woman went to three health care providers (general practitioners, gynecologists and Traditional Birth Attendants) in her quest for assistance. The effects that infertility had on these women ranged from social pressure, coercion by in-laws and/or social isolation. Only one woman reported being put off by sex because it was not giving her what she ‘desired’. Conclusion: Women in Pakistan seek care for infertility early and go to various types of health care providers. Infertility is usually treated as a clinical disease by the health care providers without considering its social ramifications.

  • pneumonia perceptions and management an ethnographic study in urban Squatter Settlements of karachi pakistan
    Social Science & Medicine, 1997
    Co-Authors: Rafat Hussain, Amanullah Khan, M A Lobo, Bazmi Inam, Asma Fozia Qureshi, David Marsh
    Abstract:

    Childhood pneumonia continues to be the second highest contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality in all ethnic groups in Pakistan. Information on community perceptions and management is largely limited to the Punjabi populace. In this study, ethno-specific illness terminologies, recognition and severity indicators and resort to treatment options for childhood pneumonia are explored among the two main ethnic groups in Sindh. Results are based on focus group discussions with 90 caretakers and 16 case history interviews. The findings indicate that pneumonia recognition is almost universal. The main recognition and severity indicator was pasli chalna (chest indrawing) followed by signs and symptoms relating to the quality of breathing and presence of high fever, lethargy and anorexia. Recognition of rapid breathing was low and mostly associated with fever. Exposure to thand (cold) through a variety of mechanisms was perceived to be the dominant causal model. The concept of contagion was virtually non-existent. Despite this, belief in efficacy of allopathic care was very high. Most caretakers reported seeking outside care within one to three days of the onset of symptoms. However, unrealistic expectations of cure often led to change in physicians and treatment regimen, if no improvement was observed by the second day. On the other hand, the quality of care provided by the physicians (both licensed and unlicensed) left much to be desired. Female autonomy and mobility did not appear to be a major constraint in seeking outside care other than for hospitalisation. Implications of these findings for the national acute respiratory infections control programme and future research are discussed

Matadradra Anawaite - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Vunilagi Book Club: lessons learnt from a grassroots initiative in an informal settlement in Fiji
    Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta, 2020
    Co-Authors: Halter Nicholas, Matadradra Anawaite
    Abstract:

    Vunilagi Book Club is a recent example of innovative female leadership to promote literacy and education in an informal settlement in Fiji. Informal or “Squatter” Settlements in the capital of Fiji have existed for over 50 years and received significant (albeit intermittent) attention from foreign donors and the national government; yet, the underlying causes of poverty and disadvantage remain. This paper examines the case of a small-scale literacy community initiative with a qualitative approach based on close observation and participation in the group’s activities since its inception. These lessons learnt suggest that women are key agents of change in the community and that informal grassroots reading classes have the potential for improving the education of children in informal Settlements. Closer study of the social relations and constraints within informal Settlements suggests that solutions to the challenges of inequality and access to education must originate from within informal settlement communities

  • Vunilagi Book Club : lessons learnt from a grassroots initiative in an informal settlement in Fiji
    University of Malta. Islands and Small States Institute, 2020
    Co-Authors: Halter Nicholas, Matadradra Anawaite
    Abstract:

    Vunilagi Book Club is a recent example of innovative female leadership to promote literacy and education in an informal settlement in Fiji. Informal or “Squatter” Settlements in the capital of Fiji have existed for over 50 years and received significant (albeit intermittent) attention from foreign donors and the national government; yet, the underlying causes of poverty and disadvantage remain. This paper examines the case of a small-scale literacy community initiative with a qualitative approach based on close observation and participation in the group’s activities since its inception. These lessons learnt suggest that women are key agents of change in the community and that informal grassroots reading classes have the potential for improving the education of children in informal Settlements. Closer study of the social relations and constraints within informal Settlements suggests that solutions to the challenges of inequality and access to education must originate from within informal settlement communities.peer-reviewe