Urdu Version Research Articles

Quality of life and its predictors among Pakistani head of household in district Abbottabad, Pakistan

This study aimed to measure the quality of life (QOL) and its predictors among male and female heads of household in Pakistan. A population-based cross-sectional study in all 52 Union Councils of District Abbottabad, Pakistan was conducted from March 2015 to August 2015. Multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to enroll 747 head of household from the study sample. Quality of life was assessed through standardized and validated Urdu version of World Health Organization’s quality of life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) and Social capital was assessed through World Bank Social Capital Questionnaire (SC-IQ). Descriptive and inferential analyses were done to measure the levels of QOL domains. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to explore the association between the presence of a better QOL domain and other socio-demographic factors among heads of household in Pakistan. Mean scores (± standard deviation) for physical, psychological, social relationship and environmental health domain were 64.21 ± 15.37, 67.75 ± 14.76, 72.37 ± 16.74 and 55.50 ± 14.56 respectively among the Pakistani heads of households. Overall QOL score for all domains was 64.96 ± 12.07. Males had higher score in psychological, social and environmental domains than female heads (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, we found that urban residence, married, absence of diseases, employed and better social capital were significantly associated with one or more domains of QOL. Our study was first of its kind which assessed the QOL among heads of household and laid the foundation for further research in this grey area.

Cross-sectional research on sleep hygiene and health complaints among Pakistani college students.

With recent technological advancement, a major shift in the lifestyle of individuals has been observed. This change is more evident in youth in terms of sleep pattern changes and socialization. It is therefore important to assess the quality of life in this productive group of society. The protocol consisted of the Urdu version of the demographic questionnaires, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Cohen-Hoberman Inventory of Physical symptoms (CHIPS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF). A total of 150 young adults (boys = 62, girls = 88) were included through convenience sampling. A significant positive association was found between poor sleep quality and health complaints (r = 0.53**). However, a significant negative association was found between poor sleep and quality of life in terms of physical health, psychological health, social relationships and the environment (r = -0.57**, -0.35**, -0.39**, -0.33**), respectively, which indicates the importance of sleep in determining quality of life. Furthermore, the majority of the participants (57%) reported good sleep quality and low health complaints [M = 15.08, standard deviation (SD) = 13.29] whereas 43% of participants reported poor sleep quality, more health complaints (M = 32.94, SD = 22.59) and poor quality of life. It shows that most of the participants are healthy and able to manage their daily routine, work commitment and provide services for country's development.

The colon cancer screening behaviours survey for South Asians: a pilot study of feasibility and psychometric evaluation

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to pilot test the English and Urdu version of the Colon Cancer Screening Behaviours Survey among South Asians in Canada. The first objective was to evaluate feasibility of administration, data collection using computer assisted personal interviewing software on a tablet, and response burden. The second objective was to examine the prevalence of colorectal cancer screening among South Asians and evaluate the psychometric properties of sub-scales in the survey.MethodsPurposive, network and snowball sampling were used to recruit participants for this cross-sectional study. Interviewer-led administration of the Colon Cancer Screening Behaviours Survey was conducted across two cities in Ontario, Canada. Qualitative data analysis assessed feasibility; and sub-scales were evaluated through principal component analysis, item-scale correlations, and construct validity using multiple linear and logistic regression.ResultsA total of 328 South Asians participated, 47% Urdu speaking, and 53% English speaking. There was a 23% refusal rate to participate. Feasibility identified: (1) successful recruitment despite reasons for refusal; (2) problematic items and response categories; and (3) computer/tablet limitations. Principal component analysis identified 14 components that explained 68.7% of total variance; 34 items were retained after factor analysis. Internal consistency of 4 scales ranged from 0.79–0.91. There were significant differences in perceived barriers scale scores (− 12.21; 95% CI, − 17.13 to - 7.28; p < 0.0001) between those who participated and those who did not participate in screening. No association was found with years of residence and uptake of screening after adjustment (OR 0.91 (0.46–1.79), p = 0.783).ConclusionsRecruitment and data collection methods are feasible among South Asians if functionality of the tablet selected is improved. The Colon Cancer Screening Behaviours Survey was finalized and retained items in sub-scales demonstrated good psychometric properties to assess behaviours for colon cancer screening among South Asians in Canada. The interviewer-led survey may be used by public health, cancer care or other health practitioners to describe or predict colorectal cancer screening behaviours among South Asians in similar settings or adapted and tested in other contexts.

Ego defense mechanisms, medication adherence and self-management of the patients with type 2 diabetes.

To explore relationship involving Ego Defence Mechanism, Medication Adherence and Self-Management of patients with type 2 diabetes. The cross-sectional co-relational study was conducted at the Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan, from November 2017 to November 2018, and comprised diabetics aged 25-55 years. Other than demographic information, data was collected using the Urdu versions of the Defense Style Questionnaire, the Medication Adherence Scale, and the Diabetic Self-management Questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 150 patients, 75(50%) each were females and males. Mature defence mechanisms, like sublimation, suppression and humour, were significant predictors of self-management (p<0.001), and mature defence mechanism, like sublimation, was a significant predictor of medication adherence (p<0.05). Females were high on neurotic defence mechanism, like pseudo-altruism, compared to the males (p=0.001). Medication adherence and self-management were found to be dependent on mature defence mechanisms.

The Summary of an Urdu Version of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure: Psychometric Evaluation and Validation.

Objective: The English version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) measure is the most frequently used self-reporting instrument assessing diabetes self-management. This study is aimed at translating English SDSCA into the Urdu version and validating and evaluating its psychometric properties. Methods: The Urdu version of SDSCA was developed based on the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization for translation and adaptation of instruments. The panel of experts examined the content validity, reliability, and internal consistency of the instrument. The translation process from the English version to the Urdu version revealed excellent results at all the stages. Results: The instrument showed promising and acceptable results. Of particular mention are the results related to split-half reliability coefficient 0.90, test-retest reliability (r = 0.918, P < .001), intraclass coefficient (0.912), and Cronbach’s alpha (.79). The factor analysis (exploratory and confirmatory) was not performed in this study due to the small sample size (n = 30) as the objective was to validate the Urdu version of the SDSCA instrument. Conclusions: This study provided evidence for the reliability and validity of the Urdu Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (U-SDSCA) instrument, which may be used in the future for the patients of diabetes in order to assess type 2 diabetes self-management activities in the rural area of Pakistan and other Urdu-speaking countries.

Psychometric Assessment of the Urdu Version of the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear

BackgroundThe objective of the current study was to adapt the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C) in the Urdu language and measure its validity and reliability.MethodsOriginal English questionnaire of IDAF-4C was translated into Urdu language by a panel of dentists and language experts (Urdu and English) followed by critical evaluation, modification and back translation into English language. A final Urdu questionnaire was distributed among 250 patients visiting the Endodontics section at Margalla Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine the reliability of the Index whereas validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Mean rank scores of IDAF-4C for male and female participants were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U tests (P < 0.05).ResultsOf 250 questionnaires, 209 were returned with a response rate of 84%. Cronbach’s alpha for the Urdu version of IDAF-4C was 0.88. Exploratory factor analysis of the IDAF-4C revealed one factor explaining 55.55% of the common variance (Eigenvalue = 4.5). The mean rank scores of all eight items of IDAF-4C were greater for female participants as compared to male participants with a statistically significant association (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe psychometric analysis of the Urdu version of IDAF-4C showed good reliability and consistency compared to the original version as well as other translated versions.

Psychometric properties of the Urdu translation of children's perception of Parents scale.

To translate and adapt the children's Perception of Parents Scale in Urdu language, and to determine its psychometric properties. The study was conducted in schools from different areas of Karachi (such as Happy Palace Grammar School, Beacon Askari School, The Educators, and Clifton Grammar School) from October, 2017 to March, 2018. The first phase of the study was conducted from January, 2017 to September, 2017. In the first phase, Perception of Parents Scale children version was forward and backward translated in consultation with experts and a final version was prepared and its reliability was assessed through Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was evaluated by using the Urdu versions of standardised scales. In the second phase, the Urdu version of the scale was administered on secondary school students aged 12-16 from October, 2017, to March, 2018, in different areas of the city. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the758 subjects, 383(50.5%) were boys and 375(49.5%) were girls. The overall mean age was 13.57±1.24 years. Cronbach's alpha values for the four subscales were: mother involvement 0.592, mother autonomy support 0.777, father involvement 0.653, and father autonomy support 0.717. Test-retest values were 0.803, 0.791, 0.874, and 0.845 respectively. The Urdu version of Perception of Parents Scale children version was found to be a reliable and valid instrument.

Urdu translation and adaptation of the HIV stigma scale in Pakistani injectable drug users with HIV.

To translate and adapt the human immunodeficiency virus stigma scale into Urdu language, and to determine its psychometric properties. The study was conducted at the Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Treatment Centre at the Civil Hospital, Karachi, from February to April 2017. The scale was translated and administered on a sample of patients enrolled from the Centre who were aged 25-45 years and had been injecting drugs. The reliability of the measure was assessed by working out Cronbach's alpha, split-half reliability and test retest reliability. The construct validity was measured by correlating the scale with the constructs of depression and self-esteem. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS, 20. There were 150 subjects with a mean age of 31.65±5.88 years. Internal consistency of the Urdu version of scale was 0.94 and that of the subscales ranged 0.81-0.91. Gutman split-half coefficient was 0.93 and test retest reliability was 0.92. The Urdu version of the scale had significant positive correlation with depression (p<0.01) and significant negative correlation with self-esteem (p<0.01). The Urdu version of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Stigma Scale was found to have acceptable psychometric properties and it can be used in researches conducted in Pakistan.

Designing Psychosocial Support for COVID-19 Frontline Responders in Pakistan: A Potentially Scalable Self-Help Plus Blueprint for LMICs

As part of its COVID emergency response, the Government of Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has promulgated its first ever Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) initiative. Supported by UNICEF, this initiative will be piloted in Pakistan’s federal capital in coordination with other government ministries. The core feature of this initiative is a web-based integrated system that provides MHPSS interventions at multiple levels, including psychosocial support to frontline responders. For this purpose, we developed a self-help tool, MyCare+, to help users assess and manage their own stress, and to consult a counsellor if needed. It is a comprehensive, evidence-driven, confidential application adapted to local needs and consolidates clinical data for further trend analysis. It is a practical, instructed self-guide for assessment and management of stress-related conditions in the field that is based on existing evidence, thus bridging a gap. Overall, the user feedback was positive for the English and Urdu versions of MyCare+, as they found the content relevant and helpful. More than 90% of users were able to follow the instructions and felt confident to use the tool. This article outlines a blueprint for developing this toolkit, which can be easily translated into regional languages and scaled up for supporting larger populations. Key implications for practice An evidence-driven, resource effective, potentially scalable solution is presented to support the frontline responders in the COVID-19 public health crisis in LMICs. A hybrid approach is followed that offers a self-help digital solution, supplemented by person to person contact with mental health professionals. The tool is designed to help conduct individual assessments and set personalised treatment goals to support frontline workers.

Urdu translation and validation of premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT).

Objective:To validate an Urdu translation of premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) by analyzing the association of this diagnostic tool with the clinical diagnosis of premature ejaculation (PE) and intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT).Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted at the urology section of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, for six months duration, from July 2018 to December 2018. In our study 108 subjects, aged 20 to 50 years, who were in a stable sexual relationship (heterosexual) for a minimum duration of six months, were asked to fill the Urdu version of PEDT, 61 with PE and 47 without PE.Results:The two groups matched for mean age, duration of relationship and education level. The duration of 1.2 (±0.5) minutes was the mean self-estimated IELT in the PE group and 3.7±0.9 minutes in patients without PE. There was a significant negative correlation of 0.6 (p-value <0.001) between the PEDT score and self-estimated IELT. The test-retest reliability for each item was found to be significant for each individual item (≥ 0.84, p-value <0.001) and 0.94 was the correlation coefficients of the total score, showing an excellent test-retest reliability. 0.93 was the Cronbach’s alpha score (95% Confidence interval = 0.905 - 0.948) indicating a significant internal consistency in the Urdu version of PEDT.Conclusions:The Urdu version of PEDT is a valid tool to define and quantify PE objectively, with adequate internal consistency. This version of PEDT has a good negative correlation with self-estimated IELT and excellent correlation with clinical PE.

Gaming Addiction in Adolescent Boys: The Interplay of Anger Expression, Narcissistic Personality and Social Interaction

The current study was conducted to assess the relationship between online gaming addiction, narcissistic personality, anger expression and social interaction among adolescent boys. Correlational research design was used and the sample was selected through non probability purposive sampling technique. Data was collected from adolescent boys (13-16 years) of five private schools of Lahore. Data was accumulated by using Anger Expression Scale (Shafaqat, 2016), Narcissistic Personality Scale (Ames, Rose, &amp; Anderson, 2006) in Urdu version (Zafar &amp; Kausar, 2016), Social Interaction and Technology Use Questionnaire (Henderson, 2001) in Urdu version (Zafar &amp; Kausar, 2016) and Gaming Addiction Scale (Lemmens, Peter &amp; Valkenburg, 2011) in Urdu version (Zafar &amp; Kausar, 2016). Pearson product-moment correlation revealed that thereis a significant positive relationship between anger expression and gaming addiction (r=.25**,p &lt; 0.01) among young adolescent boys. On the contrary, there exists a non-significant relationship between narcissistic personality and gaming addiction. There is also a significant negative relationship between social interaction and gaming addiction (r= -.10*,p &lt; 0.05).The findings of this research will be helpful in determining the causes of gaming addiction in adolescent boys and to solve this problem among them.

Perceived Stress, Life Satisfaction and Self-Esteem in Female University Students

The aim of the current study was to assess the perceived stress, life satisfaction and self-esteem of women studying in co-education and uni-gender institutions. The sample comprised a total of 200 female students, 100 from uni-gender institutions and 100 from co-education institutions. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to collect the data. The standardized Urdu versions of Perceived Stress Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Self-esteem Scale were used to collect the responses of students. SPSS (19th version) was used to analyze the data. Findings showed that women studying in uni-gender institutions are more stressed as compared to female students of co-education institutions but their self-esteem and life satisfaction remain unaffected. The results indicated that there is a significant difference between perceived stress, life satisfaction and self-esteem among female students. Moreover, they also revealed that stress and self-esteem affect the life satisfaction of women studying in co-education and uni-gender institutions. Furthermore, the results also depicted significant relationships between perceived stress, life satisfaction and self-esteem. The study will be helpful in improving the educational systems so that female students may enjoy a better learning environment which will boost up their confidence and self-esteem.

Translation, Validation and Factor Structure of the Handling Bullying Questionnaire in Pakistan

The current study was aimed to adapt, translate and validate The Handling Bullying Questionnaire (THBQ; Bauman, Rigby &amp; Hoppa, 2008) into Urdu language. Present study was conducted in two phases, at the first phase THBQ was translated into Urdu language through standard procedures. Linguistic equivalence between Urdu and English version scale of THBQ was found (r = 0.75**) in pilot study. In the second phase of the study psychometric properties were established through Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A sample of 400 participants was selected for administration of scale. Exploratory Factor Analysis retrieved 6 factors solutions in 22 items. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed five factor model with 16 items. Thus, findings indicted the Urdu version of THBQ may be valid and reliable. The questionnaire can be used in future research for the assessment of handling bullying behaviors among school children by teachers and counselors.

Parental Rejection and Mental Health Problems in College Students: Mediating Role of Interpersonal Difficulties

College students are said to have an increasing trend of mental health problems that lead to various negative academic, personal and social outcomes. The current study aimed to determine the mediating role of interpersonal difficulties between parental rejection and mental health problems of college students. A total of 321 college students selected through purposive sampling aged 15to 20 years provided self-report data on EMBU-A (Gerlsma, Arrindell, Van der Veen, &amp; Emmelkamp, 1991), Urdu version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS; Aslam, 2007) and Interpersonal Difficulties Scale (IDS; Saleem, Ihsan, &amp; Mahmood, 2014). Pearson Correlation was used to ensure that parental rejection, mental health problems and interpersonal difficulties are related. Results of path analysis revealed that parental rejection has an indirect effect on mental health through interpersonal difficulties. Implications for counselling services are discussed.

Measuring Acculturation of Pakistani Women: A Psychometric Evaluation of Urdu Version of the Short Acculturation Scale

Objectives:The purpose of the study was to translate and validate the psychometric properties of the Short Acculturation Scale-Urdu version (SAS-U) for Pakistani women in Hong Kong.Methods:This is a methodological study, and a convenience sample of 263 Pakistani women was recruited to participate in the study. The SAS was translated from English to Urdu using forward and backward translation and reviewed by an expert panel for semantic equivalence and content validity. Face validity was done by five bilingual Pakistani women. Construct validity was established by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent validity was examined by the bivariate correlation of proxy indicators such as language preference, with the overall and subscales of SAS-U. Reliability was established by internal consistency and test–retest reliability. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 22.0 and LISREL version 8.80 were used for data analysis.Results:The translated SAS-U had good content validity and face validity. CFA revealed that the second-order model with three first-order factors and the results was supported by the following indices: root mean square error of approximation = 0.055, standardized root mean square residual = 0.031, χ2/df = 1.80, nonnormed fit index = 0.99, and comparative goodness-of-fit index = 1.00. Language preference correlated significantly with the overall and subscales of SAS-U (r > 0.6, P < 0.01). SAS-U demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96) and acceptable test–retest reliability (weighted kappa = 0.68–0.93).Conclusions:The results provide support for the psychometric properties of the SAS-U – it is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring levels of acculturation among Pakistani women in Hong Kong.

Validity and reliability of the Urdu version of the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale for assessing antenatal anxiety and depression in Pakistan.

This study aims to elucidate the appropriate factor structure for Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS) for assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms during pregnancy among Pakistani women. This cross-sectional study was conducted during a 5 month period (2014) in four teaching hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Convenience sampling was done to recruit pregnant women availing obstetrics and gynecology services for routine prenatal or perinatal care in the respective departments of the four institutes. Trained interviewers interviewed the consenting participants using a pre-tested scale. All data were analyzed using SPSS v.20. Factor structure of the HADS was explored using Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) method. Goodness of fit of the factor structure was assessed using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Cronbach's alpha value for whole scale was good (α = 0.81). Sensitivity analysis involving assessment of Cronbach's alpha value after removal of each item, did not reveal any major deviations in overall internal consistency of the HADS. Parallel analysis suggested one factor solution to be viable. When one factor was extracted as a uni-dimensional measure of anxiety and depression: item 11 (I feel restless as I have to be on the move) and 14 (I can enjoy a good book or radio or TV program) were deemed problematic for having low communalities and factor loading values.

Role of Integrity in Relation with Negative Emotions and Behavioral Problems among University Students

This study was aimed at understanding the role of integrity in relationship of negative emotions with behaviour problems i.e. aggression, bullying, and shyness among university students. The sample consisted of two hundred and seventy (N= 270) university students, that comprised of one hundred and thirty-three (n=133) male and one hundred and thirty seven (n=137) female students of university. The convenient sampling technique was used for data collection. Study measures included, Urdu versions of integrity scale (Schlenker, 2008),aggression scale (Orpinas &amp; Frankowski, 2001), and shyness scale (Cheek &amp; Melichor, 1985) translated by Umar (2016), and Illinois bullying scale(Espelage &amp; Holt, 2001)translated by Shujja and Atta (2013), and negative emotions subscale of Berkeley expressivity questionnaire (Gross &amp; John, 1997) were used to measure the pertinent constructs. Pearson correlation showed the positive relationship between negative emotions and shyness behaviour problem. Hierarchical regression demonstrated that integrity did not moderate the relationship between negative emotions and behaviour problems including aggression, bullying, and shyness. Limitations, suggestions, and practical implications were also thoroughly discussed.

&lt;p&gt;Association of diabetes knowledge with glycemic control and self-care practices among Pakistani people with type 2 diabetes mellitus&lt;/p&gt;

ObjectiveThis study explored the relationship of disease knowledge with glycemic control and self-care practices in adult Pakistani people diabetes (PWD).MethodsPeople diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (n=218) were selected from three health care centers, located in different cities of Pakistan. Disease knowledge and self-care practices were assessed by Urdu versions of Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ) and Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ), using a cross-sectional design. Chi-square and correlation analysis were applied to explore the relationship of disease knowledge with glycemic control and self-care practices. Linear regression was used to explore the predictors for disease knowledge.ResultsMajority of the sample was >45–60 years old (48.8%), suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus for <5 years (49.5%) and had poor glycemic control (HbA1C≥7%; n=181 participants). Disease knowledge was significantly associated (p<0.05) with patient’s gender, level of education, family history of diabetes, nature of euglycemic therapy, and glycemic control. Correlation matrix showed strongly inverse correlations of DKQ with glycated hemoglobin levels (r=−0.62; p<0.001) and strongly positive with DSMQ sum scale (r=0.63; p<0.001). PWD having university-level education (β=0.22; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.189, 0.872; p<0.01), doing job (β=0.22; 95% CI 0.009, 0.908]; p=0.046), and use of oral hypoglycemic agents in combination with insulin (β=−0.16; 95% CI [−1.224, −0.071]; p=0.028) were the significant predictors for disease knowledge.ConclusionDisease knowledge significantly correlated with glycated hemoglobin levels and self-care activities of PWD. These findings will help in designing patient-tailored diabetes educational interventions for yielding a higher probability of achieving target glycemic control.

Translation, Adaptation and Implementation of Coping Cat Program with Pakistani Children

Pakistan is a Lower and Middle Income Country with a scarcity of resources for mental health services but high prevalence of mental health problems particularly anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been deemed an empirically supported treatment for anxiety disorders among children, but evidence is lacking from countries like Pakistan. The present project translated and adapted the Coping Cat Program, a CBT based program for children and adolescents having anxiety disorders, for Pakistani children. The translated (Urdu) version of Coping Cat program was tested (N = 24) using repeated measure and a between group design in an orphanage school setting over a period of 6 months. The outcome measures were the Screen for Children Anxiety Related Disorders and the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index. Intent-to-Treat analysis indicated significant decreases in self-reported anxiety sensitivity (η2 = .69); anxiety (η2 = 0.50); generalized anxiety disorder (η2 = .44) and panic disorder (η2 = .30) in the treated group from pre- to follow-up compared to the control group. Therapists rated treatment protocol as easy to implement and 80% of participants rated the treatment manual as useful and effective. The Coping Cat program appeared culturally appropriate for this group, has implementation feasibility and clinical utility for the children having anxiety related problems. Further research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness as an indicated preventive intervention for Pakistani children.

Self-Silencing and Marital Adjustment in Women With and Without Depression

This study compared women with and without depression on self-silencing, marital adjustment, and depression. The study also investigated the predictive role of self-silencing and marital adjustment for depression. Two samples were recruited from various Psychiatric units and General Medical wards of different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan including 80 women diagnosed with depression (Mage= 37.16 years, SD = 8.5) and 80 women without depression (Mage= 36.64 years, SD = 7.7). Using Urdu versions of Silencing the Self Scale (Jack &amp; Dill, 1991), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Spanier, 1976) and DSM-5 Cross-cutting Measure for Depression and Severity Checklist for Depression (American Psychological Association, 2013), the results revealed that self-silencing was significantly higher in women with depression than the other group while marital adjustment was better in women without depression than the women with depression. Depression was positively correlated with self-silencing and negatively correlated with marital adjustment for the sample of women with depression. Regression analysis revealed Externalized Self-Perception subscale of Silencing the Self Scale appeared to be a positive predictor while Dyadic Satisfaction and Dyadic Cohesion subscales of Dyadic Adjustment were negative predictors of depression. The study implied that psychologists especially couple/marriage counselors may need to focus on the communication patterns of spouses for decreased chances of depression.