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Hendriks G, Tan C, Vicknesan MJ, Chen HY, Sung SC, Ang ASY. Physician perceptions of medically unexplained symptoms in adolescent patients presenting to the emergency department. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 97:104078. [PMID: 38810491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents presenting with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) in non-mental healthcare settings, particularly Emergency Departments (EDs), pose diagnostic challenges necessitating a comprehensive bio-psycho-social approach. Amid the youth mental health crisis, recognising psychological distress is imperative. This study delved into physicians' perceptions and diagnostic tendencies regarding such cases, exploring the potential overshadowing of psychosomatic presentations by medicalized diagnoses in EDs. METHODS Our study involved 74 physicians, representing 82% of eligible respondents in the Paediatric Emergency Medicine Department, and was conducted using an online questionnaire examining perceptions of case scenarios with psychosomatic presentations. RESULTS Results disclosed a prevalent inclination toward medical diagnoses, with less than 10% of physicians considering psychosomatic conditions in specific scenarios. Interestingly, psychosomatic diagnoses were more probable for symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The study uncovered a possible bias among physicians towards medical diagnoses in EDs for adolescents with MUS, possibly stemming from physicians' focus on physical care, diagnostic uncertainties, cognitive biases, and concerns about stigmatisation. CONCLUSION Adolescents with MUS seeking assistance in non-mental health settings may encounter delayed mental health diagnoses and interventions. Psychosomatic symptoms could signify stressors or underlying mental health disorders. Recognising psychosocial distress early on is crucial for optimal mental health outcomes. Consequently, the study advocates for a paradigm shift towards a holistic bio-psychosocial approach in both medical education and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Hendriks
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, 229899, Singapore.
| | - Chunzhen Tan
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, 229899, Singapore
| | | | - Helen Yu Chen
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, 229899, Singapore
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Weng JH, Hu Y, Heaukulani C, Tan C, Chang JK, Phang YS, Rajendram P, Tan WM, Loke WC, Morris RJT. Mental Wellness Self-Care in Singapore With mindline.sg: A Tutorial on the Development of a Digital Mental Health Platform for Behavior Change. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e44443. [PMID: 38833294 PMCID: PMC11185903 DOI: 10.2196/44443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Singapore, like the rest of Asia, faces persistent challenges to mental health promotion, including stigma around unwellness and seeking treatment and a lack of trained mental health personnel. The COVID-19 pandemic, which created a surge in mental health care needs and simultaneously accelerated the adoption of digital health solutions, revealed a new opportunity to quickly scale innovative solutions in the region. OBJECTIVE In June 2020, the Singaporean government launched mindline.sg, an anonymous digital mental health resource website that has grown to include >500 curated local mental health resources, a clinically validated self-assessment tool for depression and anxiety, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot from Wysa designed to deliver digital therapeutic exercises, and a tailored version of the website for working adults called mindline at work. The goal of the platform is to empower Singapore residents to take charge of their own mental health and to be able to offer basic support to those around them through the ease and convenience of a barrier-free digital solution. METHODS Website use is measured through click-level data analytics captured via Google Analytics and custom application programming interfaces, which in turn drive a customized analytics infrastructure based on the open-source platforms Titanium Database and Metabase. Unique, nonbounced (users that do not immediately navigate away from the site), engaged, and return users are reported. RESULTS In the 2 years following launch (July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022), the website received >447,000 visitors (approximately 15% of the target population of 3 million), 62.02% (277,727/447,783) of whom explored the site or engaged with resources (referred to as nonbounced visitors); 10.54% (29,271/277,727) of those nonbounced visitors returned. The most popular features on the platform were the dialogue-based therapeutic exercises delivered by the chatbot and the self-assessment tool, which were used by 25.54% (67,626/264,758) and 11.69% (32,469/277,727) of nonbounced visitors. On mindline at work, the rates of nonbounced visitors who engaged extensively (ie, spent ≥40 seconds exploring resources) and who returned were 51.56% (22,474/43,588) and 13.43% (5,853/43,588) over a year, respectively, compared to 30.9% (42,829/138,626) and 9.97% (13,822/138,626), respectively, on the generic mindline.sg site in the same year. CONCLUSIONS The site has achieved desired reach and has seen a strong growth rate in the number of visitors, which required substantial and sustained digital marketing campaigns and strategic outreach partnerships. The site was careful to preserve anonymity, limiting the detail of analytics. The good levels of overall adoption encourage us to believe that mild to moderate mental health conditions and the social factors that underly them are amenable to digital interventions. While mindline.sg was primarily used in Singapore, we believe that similar solutions with local customization are widely and globally applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanyan Hu
- MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Clarence Tan
- MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Ye Sheng Phang
- MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Weng Mooi Tan
- MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wai Chiong Loke
- MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Robert J T Morris
- MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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García-Soriano G, Arnáez S, Chaves A, Del Valle G, Roncero M, Moritz S. Can an app increase health literacy and reduce the stigma associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder? A crossover randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:636-647. [PMID: 38253133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling condition with a high delay in seeking treatment. esTOCma is an app developed to increase mental health literacy (MHL) about OCD, reduce stigma, and increase the intention to seek professional treatment. It is a serious game and participants are asked to fight against the "OCD stigma monster" by accomplishing 10 missions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this app in a community sample. METHODS A randomized controlled trial with a crossover design was carried out. Participants were randomized to two groups: immediate use (iApp, n = 102) and delayed use (dApp, n = 106) of esTOCma. The iApp group started using the app at baseline until the game was over. The dApp group initiated at 10-days until the game finished. Participants were requested to complete a set of questionnaires at baseline and 10-day, 20-day and 3-month follow-ups. RESULTS The Time×Group interaction effect was significant for the primary outcome measures: there was an increase in MHL and intention to seek help, and a decrease in stigma and OC symptoms, with large effect sizes, only after using the app. Changes were maintained (or increased) at follow-up. LIMITATIONS The study did not include an active control group and some of the scales showed low internal consistency or a ceiling effect. CONCLUSIONS This study provides first evidence for the effectiveness of esTOCma as a promising intervention to fight stigma and reduce the treatment gap in OCD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04777292. Registered February 23, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04777292.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma García-Soriano
- Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Sandra Arnáez
- Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Antonio Chaves
- Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Gema Del Valle
- Agencia Valenciana de Salud, Unidad de Salud Mental, Departamento 04, Avda. Sants de la Pedra, 81, 46500 Sagunto, Spain.
| | - María Roncero
- Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany.
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Rajan V, Behera P, Patra S, Singh AK, Patro BK. Prevalence of common mental disorders and treatment gap among patients with non-communicable diseases in the rural areas of East India. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02618-0. [PMID: 38302776 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental and physical non-communicable diseases (NCDs) coexist, because they share common environmental and behavioral risk factors. The treatment gap for common mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use, is large compared to other NCDs. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and treatment gap of common mental disorders among patients with non-communicable diseases. METHODOLOGY The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural parts of East India, in people aged 30 years and older with NCDs. A simple random sample was chosen to select the villages and participants. Eligible participants administered with screening and diagnostic questionnaire for depression, anxiety, and substance use. Those diagnosed with mental disorders were again assessed for treatment status in the last 12 months. Non-receipt of treatment was considered as treatment gap. RESULTS A total of 515 participants were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of common mental disorders among the study population was 46.4% (95% CI 42.0-50.8), and excluding substance use, the prevalence was 11.7% (95% CI 9.0-14.7). The treatment gap for common mental disorders among patients with non-communicable diseases, including and excluding substance use, was 98.3% (95% CI 95.8-99.5) and 93.3% (95% CI 83.8-98.2), respectively. CONCLUSION The prevalence and treatment gap of common mental disorders among persons with NCDs was high. Public health interventions need to be emphasized for the integration of mental health care into NCD care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Rajan
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, Academic Block, AIIMS, Patrapada, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Priyamadhaba Behera
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, Academic Block, AIIMS, Patrapada, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Suravi Patra
- Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Arvind Kumar Singh
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, Academic Block, AIIMS, Patrapada, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Binod Kumar Patro
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, Academic Block, AIIMS, Patrapada, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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Kuek JHL, Raeburn T, Chow MYZ, Wand T. A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study on Mental Health Recovery from a Lived Experience Perspective in Singapore. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:394-402. [PMID: 37747635 PMCID: PMC10821989 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
More contemporary personal recovery conceptualisation of mental health recovery emphasize the need to consider the perspectives of people who experience mental ill-health. Most lived experience research has been done in Western cultures with relatively few studies in Asian ones, creating a gap that needs to be addressed due to differences in cultural worldviews. This study explores the notion of recovery from the lens of people experiencing mental health challenges in Singapore. We adopted a constructivist grounded theory perspective to evaluate qualitative data from 21 participants. The core category which best represented what recovery meant was "reconciling and living with experiences of mental ill-health". Our findings suggest that a variety of societal aspects greatly influence perceptions of mental health recovery in Singapore, as participants often shared their desire to live a meaningful life within society but could only do so if they found a way to manage their symptoms more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Han Loong Kuek
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Toby Raeburn
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Sciences & Physiotherapy, The University of Notre Dame, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
| | - Melissa Yan Zhi Chow
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Timothy Wand
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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Tan RHS, Koh YS, Vaingankar JA, Abdin E, Sambasivam R, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Treatment delays for mental disorders in Singapore: results from the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:375-383. [PMID: 36786835 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02440-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the trajectory of mental disorders can be improved with timely treatment, many people defer treatment-seeking. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of treatment delays for mental disorders in Singapore, as well as perceived effectiveness of treatment received. METHODS A total of 6126 respondents, aged 18 and above, participated in the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016-a cross-sectional, nationwide study conducted in Singapore from 2016 to 2018. Lifetime treatment contact for mood, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders (AUD) was assessed using the World Mental Health-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (Version 3.0). Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine correlates of delayed treatment. RESULTS A total of 137 participants had made lifetime treatment contact for a mental disorder. The proportion of respondents who received delayed treatment (i.e., at least one year after onset of disorder) was 60.8% for any disorder, 59.5% for mood disorders, 56.3% for anxiety disorders, and 92.7% for AUD. The median delay was 5 years for mood disorders, one year for anxiety disorders, and 4 years for AUD. Treatment delay was significantly associated with older age, higher educational qualification, lifetime AUD, and earlier age of onset of disorder. 58.4% of respondents with lifetime treatment contact had received treatment that they considered effective. CONCLUSION The high prevalence and long durations of treatment delay underscore the need to encourage help-seeking for mental disorders, especially since treatment is generally perceived to be helpful. Our findings also highlight several population groups more susceptible to receiving delayed treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hsiao Shen Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Yen Sin Koh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Rajeswari Sambasivam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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Vajawat B, Suhas S, Moirangthem S, Kumar CN, Varghese M, Gururaj G, Benegal V, Rao GN. Bipolar affective disorder in India: A multi-site population-based cross-sectional study. Indian J Psychiatry 2023; 65:1230-1237. [PMID: 38298870 PMCID: PMC10826869 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_838_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) merits careful consideration within the medical and healthcare communities, researchers, and policymakers. This is due to its substantial disability burden, elevated prevalence of co-morbidities, heightened lifetime risk of suicidality, and a significant treatment gap. This article focuses on the lifetime and current prevalence, correlates, co-morbidities, associated disabilities, socio-economic impact, and treatment gap for BPAD in the adult population of the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2016. Materials and Methods The NMHS 2016 was a nationally representative study conducted across 12 Indian states between 2014 and 2016. A multi-stage, stratified, random cluster sampling technique based on probability proportionate to size at each stage was used. The diagnosis of BPAD was based on Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6.0.0. Sheehan's Disability Scale was used to assess the disability. Results A total of 34,802 adults were interviewed. The overall weighted prevalence of BPAD was 0.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-0.31] for current and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.49-0.51) for lifetime diagnosis. Male gender [odds ratio (OR) 1.56] and residence in urban metropolitans (OR 2.43) had a significantly higher risk of a lifetime diagnosis of BPAD. Substantial cross-sectional co-morbidities were noted as per MINI 6.0.0 with the diagnosis of current BPAD such as tobacco use disorder (33.3%), other substance use disorders (14.6%), and anxiety disorders (10.4%). Two-thirds of persons with current BPAD reported disability of varying severity at work (63%), social (59.3%), and family life (63%). The treatment gap for current BPAD was 70.4%. Conclusion Most individuals with current BPAD reported moderate-severe disability. There were substantial co-morbidities and a large treatment gap. These warrant concentrated efforts from policymakers in devising effective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavika Vajawat
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Satish Suhas
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sydney Moirangthem
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Mathew Varghese
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Gopalkrishna Gururaj
- Centre for Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek Benegal
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Girish N. Rao
- Centre for Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Castro O, Mair JL, Salamanca-Sanabria A, Alattas A, Keller R, Zheng S, Jabir A, Lin X, Frese BF, Lim CS, Santhanam P, van Dam RM, Car J, Lee J, Tai ES, Fleisch E, von Wangenheim F, Tudor Car L, Müller-Riemenschneider F, Kowatsch T. Development of "LvL UP 1.0": a smartphone-based, conversational agent-delivered holistic lifestyle intervention for the prevention of non-communicable diseases and common mental disorders. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1039171. [PMID: 37234382 PMCID: PMC10207359 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1039171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and common mental disorders (CMDs) are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Lifestyle interventions via mobile apps and conversational agents present themselves as low-cost, scalable solutions to prevent these conditions. This paper describes the rationale for, and development of, "LvL UP 1.0″, a smartphone-based lifestyle intervention aimed at preventing NCDs and CMDs. Materials and Methods A multidisciplinary team led the intervention design process of LvL UP 1.0, involving four phases: (i) preliminary research (stakeholder consultations, systematic market reviews), (ii) selecting intervention components and developing the conceptual model, (iii) whiteboarding and prototype design, and (iv) testing and refinement. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy and the UK Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions were used to guide the intervention development. Results Preliminary research highlighted the importance of targeting holistic wellbeing (i.e., both physical and mental health). Accordingly, the first version of LvL UP features a scalable, smartphone-based, and conversational agent-delivered holistic lifestyle intervention built around three pillars: Move More (physical activity), Eat Well (nutrition and healthy eating), and Stress Less (emotional regulation and wellbeing). Intervention components include health literacy and psychoeducational coaching sessions, daily "Life Hacks" (healthy activity suggestions), breathing exercises, and journaling. In addition to the intervention components, formative research also stressed the need to introduce engagement-specific components to maximise uptake and long-term use. LvL UP includes a motivational interviewing and storytelling approach to deliver the coaching sessions, as well as progress feedback and gamification. Offline materials are also offered to allow users access to essential intervention content without needing a mobile device. Conclusions The development process of LvL UP 1.0 led to an evidence-based and user-informed smartphone-based intervention aimed at preventing NCDs and CMDs. LvL UP is designed to be a scalable, engaging, prevention-oriented, holistic intervention for adults at risk of NCDs and CMDs. A feasibility study, and subsequent optimisation and randomised-controlled trials are planned to further refine the intervention and establish effectiveness. The development process described here may prove helpful to other intervention developers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Castro
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jacqueline Louise Mair
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alicia Salamanca-Sanabria
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aishah Alattas
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roman Keller
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shenglin Zheng
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ahmad Jabir
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaowen Lin
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bea Franziska Frese
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions,Institute of Technology Management, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Chang Siang Lim
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prabhakaran Santhanam
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rob M. van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, DC, United States
| | - Josip Car
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, LKCMedicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jimmy Lee
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
- North Region & Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - E Shyong Tai
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elgar Fleisch
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions,Institute of Technology Management, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Florian von Wangenheim
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lorainne Tudor Car
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Charite University Medical Centre Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Abdin E, Chong SA, Ragu V, Vaingankar JA, Shafie S, Verma S, Ganesan G, Tan KB, Heng D, Subramaniam M. The economic burden of mental disorders among adults in Singapore: evidence from the 2016 Singapore Mental Health Study. J Ment Health 2023; 32:190-197. [PMID: 34338569 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2021.1952958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the economic burden of mental disorders in multiethnic Asian populations. AIMS The study aimed to estimate the economic cost of mental disorders in Singapore using data from the second Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS 2016). METHOD The SMHS 2016 is a nationally representative survey of the Singapore Resident population aged 18 years and above. Data on mental disorders and healthcare resource utilization were obtained from the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview and the adapted version of the Client Service Receipt Inventory. RESULTS The costs of visits to a restructured hospital doctor, other private health workers, accident and emergency, and intermediate and long-term care services and productivity losses tend to be much higher in those with mental disorders than those without mental disorders. The average annual excess cost associated with mental disorders per person was estimated to be S$3938.9 (95% CI, S$-100.8-S$7978.7). Extrapolation of these excess costs to the population suggests that the incremental costs of mental disorders in Singapore is about S$1.7 billion per year. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence of the substantial burden of mental disorders on Singaporean society - both in terms of direct medical costs and loss of productivity costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vithiya Ragu
- National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Saleha Shafie
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swapna Verma
- Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Kelvin Bryan Tan
- Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Derrick Heng
- Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Kuek JHL, Raeburn T, Chow MYZ, Wand T. Lived experiences of mental health conditions in Singapore: A constructivist grounded theory study. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 69:735-743. [PMID: 36352825 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221135111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the 1990s, the mental healthcare field has begun shifting to conceptualisations of personal mental health recovery, emphasising the heterogeneous nature of how people develop and overcome the difficulties associated with mental ill health. Despite three decades of research on the topic, most recovery-oriented studies have been conducted in predominantly Western cultures, lacking the necessary nuances when applied in Asian settings. AIMS We sought to contribute to a growing body of research to fill this gap by exploring the experiences of people who experience mental ill-health in Singapore. METHOD We adopted a constructivist grounded theory approach and interviewed 21 people who had been diagnosed as experiencing a mental health condition. RESULTS The core category emerging from interview participant perspectives was a 'roller coaster ride of confusion'. This overarching category was made up of the following four sub-categories - 'not understanding what was happening', 'losing control over self', 'unpacking the root of challenges' and 'trying to make sense of the situation'. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the journey of a person experiencing mental health recovery in Singapore is filled with obstacles and uncertainty due to various social and cultural influences such as family pressures, the competitiveness of society and the high-pressure nature of Singapore's educational system. Future research needs to better understand if these are generalisable experiences, and interventions to mitigate their impact need to be explored. Given the strong societal influences, change will take time. Still, this study gives a voice to the lived experiences of people who face mental health challenges in Singapore in the hope that their insights may assist future generations in developing a more mentally healthy society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Han Loong Kuek
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Toby Raeburn
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Sciences & Physiotherapy, The University of Notre Dame, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Timothy Wand
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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11
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Amul GGH, Etter JF. Comparing Tobacco and Alcohol Policies From a Health Systems Perspective: The Cases of the Philippines and Singapore. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1605050. [PMID: 36312317 PMCID: PMC9606809 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1605050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To provide a comparative analysis of current tobacco and alcohol control laws and policies in the Philippines and Singapore Methods: We used a public health law framework that incorporates a systems approach using a scorecard to assess the progress of the Philippines and Singapore in tobacco and alcohol control according to SDG indicators, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the WHO Global Strategy to Reduce Harmful Use of Alcohol. We collected data from the scientific literature and government documents. Results: Despite health system differences, both the Philippines (73.5) and Singapore (86.5) scored high for tobacco control, but both countries received weak and moderate scores for alcohol control: the Philippines (34) and Singapore (52.5). Both countries have policy avenues to reinforce restrictions on marketing and corporate social responsibility programs, protect policies from the influence of the industry, and reinforce tobacco cessation and preventive measures against alcohol harms. Conclusion: Using a health system-based scorecard for policy surveillance in alcohol and tobacco control helped set policy benchmarks, showed the gaps and opportunities in these two countries, and identified avenues for strengthening current policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianna Gayle Herrera Amul
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
- Research for Impact Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Government, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Jean-Francois Etter
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
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12
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Gunasekaran S, Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Subramaniam M. The perspectives of healthcare professionals in mental health settings on stigma and recovery - A qualitative inquiry. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:888. [PMID: 35804378 PMCID: PMC9270770 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health stigma is one of the most prominent barriers to recovery, and it is widely known that stigma may manifest differentially in different cultures. Healthcare professionals working closely with persons with mental illnesses (PMI) may provide important insights towards stigma that are otherwise unattainable from caregivers and consumers. However, there is a dearth of literature on healthcare professionals' perspectives on this topic. Thus, this study uses a multilevel approach to explore how stigma affects recovery from the perspectives of healthcare professionals that work closely with PMI in Singapore. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 17 healthcare professionals who were working in mental health settings in Singapore. Participants were recruited via direct email invitation or through snowball sampling. Data collected was analysed with the inductive thematic analysis method. All coding and inter-rater analyses were performed with NVivo. RESULTS The current study themes identified stigma-related factors that influence PMI's recovery from the perspectives of healthcare professionals working closely with PMI. These factors were organised into three overarching themes in a multilevel structure. The three themes were classified as Micro Factors (e.g., internalised stigma), Meso Factors (e.g., discrimination of people associated with the stigmatised group), and Macro Factors (e.g., structural stigma and stigma within healthcare settings). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study gave us a greater understanding of how stigma influences recovery in Singapore, which could be used to guide the development and implementation of future policies and strategies to promote recovery. Importantly, our results suggest that improving mental health literacy, addressing cultural misgivings towards mental illness, implementing recovery-oriented practices, and making insurance more accessible for PMI could mitigate the deleterious impact that stigma has on recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savita Gunasekaran
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chong Min Janrius Goh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Yu J. Research on the Intervention and Prevention of College Students' Mental Health Crisis From the Perspective of Ideological and Physical Education. Front Public Health 2022; 10:905905. [PMID: 35812494 PMCID: PMC9257002 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.905905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Present study has aimed to understand the intervention and prevention of the mental health crisis of college students. For this purpose, this study has checked the effect of trust in wellbeing information on preventive behavior and mental wellbeing. The target population taken for this study is the students of colleges situated in Mainland in China. The data was collected from the 458 students of the college. Smart PLS has been employed on the data to get the results using partial least square structural equation modeling. For this purpose, the data were analyzed in two stages, i.e., measurement model stage and the structural model stage. Results of this study have revealed that trust in wellbeing information plays a significant and positive role in setting preventive behavior and the mental wellbeing of students. Further, it has also been revealed that preventive behavior also plays a significant and positive role in mental wellbeing. Additionally, preventive behavior has been found as an important mediating variable among the relationship of trust in wellbeing information and mental wellbeing. Moreover, family support is crucial by positively moderating the relationship between preventive behavior and mental wellbeing. Many practical implications have been found among which the foremost is that the education institutes must undertake those efforts that aim to ensure the fairness in the information spread regarding the mental wellbeing during seminars, workshops and administration should play a positive role responsible for strengthening the mental health of students by managing ideas, improving student education management, innovating management techniques and methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Yu
- College of Sports and Leisure, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
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14
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Goh YS, Ow Yong QYJ, Soo SC, Wan PCJ, Ng VCK. Experiences and challenges faced by community mental health workers when providing care to people with mental health conditions: A qualitative descriptive study. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:591-600. [PMID: 35075757 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The global prevalence of mental health conditions and the associated wide treatment gaps have led to increased demand for quality mental healthcare services. In Singapore, despite a shift towards a joint provision of mental healthcare in hospitals and the community, experiences of mental healthcare teams in such hospital-community partnerships have remained unclear. Through a qualitative descriptive approach, this study explored community mental health workers' experiences and perceptions of working with partners from tertiary hospitals and other community organisations. Eighteen participants were individually interviewed with a semi-structured question guide through video conferencing. This study was guided by the 32-item checklist from the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Data were subjected to Braun and Clark's six-step thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (i) the need for supportive partners, due to institutional and legal challenges faced in the participants' liaison with hospital partners and other community organisations; (ii) the need for a supportive organisation, whose presence and importance were revealed by the interviews; and (iii) the necessity of advanced training, identified by the participants as a contributor to their professional growth. The findings highlighted the importance of inter-sectoral communication and positive effects of a robust organisational support system. Accordingly, hospitals and community mental healthcare organisations should consider strengthening networking and boosting case discussions through regular inter-sectoral meetings that would prioritise the clients' continuity of care. Furthermore, opportunities for advanced trainings should be created for community-based mental healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Shian Goh
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qing Yun Jenna Ow Yong
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuenn-Chiang Soo
- National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Abdin E, Chong SA, Vaingankar JA, Shafie S, Seah D, Chan CT, Ma S, James L, Heng D, Subramaniam M. Changes in the prevalence of comorbidity of mental and physical disorders in Singapore between 2010 and 2016. Singapore Med J 2022; 63:196-202. [PMID: 32798362 PMCID: PMC9251260 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies have examined the changes in the prevalence of comorbidity of mental and physical disorders in recent years. The present study sought to examine whether the prevalence of comorbidity of mental and physical disorders in Singapore showed any changes between 2010 and 2016. METHODS We extracted data from two repeated nationally representative cross-sectional surveys conducted among resident adults aged ≥ 18 years in Singapore. Significant changes were tested using pooled multinomial logistic regression analyses. RESULTS The prevalence of comorbid mental and physical disorders increased significantly from 5.8% in 2010 to 6.7% in 2016. Among those with physical disorders, there were significant increases over time in the prevalence of comorbid generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) (0.1% vs. 0.4%) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (1.4% vs. 3.9%) in diabetes mellitus, and alcohol dependence in cardiovascular disorders (0.1% vs. 1.3%). Among those with mental disorders, there were significant increases over time in the prevalence of comorbid diabetes mellitus in OCD (4.1% vs. 10.9%), cancer in major depressive disorder (0.4% vs. 2.4%), and cardiovascular disorders in GAD (0.4% vs. 6.7%) and alcohol dependence (0.9% vs. 11.8%). Significant changes in the overall prevalence of comorbid mental and physical disorders were also observed across age group, education and employment status. CONCLUSION The prevalence of comorbid mental and physical disorders increased significantly over time. This finding supports the need for more appropriate clinical management with better integration between mental health and general medical care professionals across all aspects of the healthcare system to treat this comorbidity in Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | | | - Saleha Shafie
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Darren Seah
- Family Medicine Department, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore
| | - Chun Ting Chan
- Department of Early Psychosis Intervention, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
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16
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Tyagi S, Ganesan G, Subramaniam M, Abdin E, Vaingankar JA, Chua BY, Chong SA, Tan KB. A prospective observational study exploring the association of comorbid chronic health conditions with total healthcare expenditure in people with mental health conditions in an Asian setting. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:203. [PMID: 35305602 PMCID: PMC8933898 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03827-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is pertinent to focus on chronic medical condition (CMC) comorbidity with mental health conditions (MHC) as their co-occurrence has significant cost and health implications. However, current evidence on co-occurrence of MHC with CMC is mixed and mostly from Western settings. Therefore, our study aimed to (i) describe the association between MHC and total healthcare expenditure, (ii) examine the association between CMC and total healthcare expenditure and (iii) examine determinants of total and different types of healthcare expenditure in respondents with and without MHC in an Asian setting. METHODS The data from Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS) 2016, a nationwide epidemiological survey, were linked with the National claims record (from 2017 to 2019). Multivariable Generalized Linear Models (GLM) were used to examine the association between MHC and total and different types of healthcare expenditure. RESULTS A total of 3077 survey respondents were included in current analysis. Respondents with MHC had a lower mean age of 38.6 years as compared to those without MHC (47.1 years). MHC was associated with increased total healthcare expenditure after adjusting for covariates (b = 0.508, p < 0.05). In respondents with MHC, presence of CMC increased the total healthcare expenditure by 35% as compared to 40% increase in those without MHC. Interestingly, 35-49 years age group with MHC had almost 3 times higher total healthcare expenditure and 7.5 times higher inpatient expenditure as compared to the 18-34 years age group. CONCLUSION Our study highlights variations in association of CMC and age with total healthcare expenditure in those with versus without MHC in an Asian setting. Practical recommendations include appropriate planning and resource allocation for early diagnosis and management of MHC, proactive screening for CMC in those with MHC and addressing the dual issues of treatment gap and stigma to facilitate early help seeking and prevent episodic, costly healthcare utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Tyagi
- MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Harbourfront Centre, Maritime Square, Singapore, 099253, Singapore.
| | - Ganga Ganesan
- grid.415698.70000 0004 0622 8735Policy, Research and Evaluation Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Yiang Chua
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Bryan Tan
- grid.415698.70000 0004 0622 8735Policy, Research and Evaluation Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Perceived mental illness stigma among family and friends of young people with depression and its role in help-seeking: a qualitative inquiry. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:107. [PMID: 35144565 PMCID: PMC8832742 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03754-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive disorders are a serious public health concern. Left untreated, further clinical distress and impairment in important life domains may arise. Yet, the treatment gap remains large. Prior research has shown that individuals with depressive disorders prefer seeking help from informal sources such as family and friends ahead of formal sources. However, this preference has its disadvantages such as experiencing actual, perceived and internalized stigmatizing responses from them which may delay or deter help-seeking. This paper aimed to determine the role of perceived stigma among family and friends in an individual's help-seeking behavior. METHODS Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with patients with depressive disorders from a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Singapore to capture individuals' self-reported experience with depression and stigmatization among family and friends. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data of 33 young adults (mean age = 26 years, SD =4.6; 18 female, 15 male) were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS In all, four broad themes were developed: (1) absence of support, (2) provision of unhelpful support, (3) preference for non-disclosure, and (4) opposition towards formal help-seeking. Lack of awareness of depression and perpetuation of stigma manifests as barriers towards help-seeking in the form of absence of support and provision of unhelpful support which subsequently leads to a preference for non-disclosure, as well as opposition by family and friends towards formal help-seeking. CONCLUSIONS Data from this study can contribute to the development of public health programs aimed at improving awareness and support from family and friends and facilitating earlier help-seeking among young people with depressive disorders.
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Tan HT, Lui YS, Peh LH, Winslow RM, Guo S. Examining the Attitudes of Non-Psychiatric Practicing Healthcare Workers Towards Patients With Alcohol Problems in General Hospital Setting. Subst Abuse 2022; 16:11782218211065755. [PMID: 35035219 PMCID: PMC8753239 DOI: 10.1177/11782218211065755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Problematic alcohol-use affect the physical and mental well-being of hospitalised individuals and may receive screening and brief-intervention during treatment. Non-psychiatric doctors and nurses might respond inadequately due to negative attitudes and beliefs. This study aimed to examine these attitudes of non-psychiatric workers in the medical and surgical wards. METHODS A total of 457 doctors and 1643 nurses were recruited from the medical, surgical and orthopaedic disciplines over a period of 4 months. Three questionnaires were administered: demographics, Alcohol & Alcohol-Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (AAPPQ) and Staff Perception of Alcohol Treatment Resources. RESULTS About 128 doctors and 785 nurses responded. Around 75.5% doctors and 51.9% nurses endorsed role-legitimacy in the AAPPQ. Both the doctor (86.7%) and nurse (77.6%) groups agreed on the importance to initiate intervention for patients with problematic alcohol-use in daily work. Both groups were sceptical and negative towards these patients endorsing low-level role-adequacy (41.2%), role-support (36.9%), motivation (36.5%), task-specific self-esteem (25.1) as well as work satisfaction (20.5%). CONCLUSION/DISCUSSION Doctors and nurses demonstrated low levels of therapeutic commitments towards patients with problematic alcohol-use thereby necessitating the introduction of in-house programmes to educate, empower and emphasise the importance of therapeutic contact with patients for alcohol intervention. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE The prompt identification and treatment of patients with alcohol problems are contingent on the workers' attitudes towards them. This study's results should spark a nation-wide interest to improve the training and recognition of such patients and providing adequate educational resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Teck Tan
- Department of Psychological Medicine,
National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yit Shiang Lui
- Department of Psychological Medicine,
National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Lai Huat Peh
- Department of Psychological Medicine,
Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Song Guo
- National Addictions Management Service,
Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
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19
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Yuan J, Wu C, Wu L, Fan X, Zeng T, Xu L, Wei Y, Zhang Y, Wang H, Peng Y, Kang C, Yang J. The Association of P300 Components With Clinical Characteristics and Efficacy of Pharmacotherapy in Alcohol Use Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:770714. [PMID: 35432013 PMCID: PMC9005972 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.770714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to explore the association of P300 components with clinical characteristics and efficacy of pharmacotherapy in alcohol use disorder (AUD). METHODS One hundred fifty-one AUD patients and 96 healthy controls were recruited and evaluated for the symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep, and cognitive function by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST), and event-related potential P300, which is one of the averaged scalp electroencephalography responses time-locked to specific events. Among the AUD group, 101 patients finished an 8-week pharmacotherapy and were evaluated for the above data at post-intervention. RESULTS 1. At baseline, AUD patients had higher scores of AUDIT, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSQI, and P300 latency at Cz, Pz, and Fz and lower DSST score and smaller P300 amplitudes at Fz, Cz, and Pz compared with controls. P300 components correlated significantly with alcohol dose and score of AUDIT, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSQI, and DSST. 2. After 8 weeks' treatment, there were significant changes for the P300 components; alcohol dose; and score of AUDIT, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSQI, and DSST. Variables at baseline, including P300 amplitudes at Fz, Cz, and Pz; latency of Fz and Pz; alcohol dose; and scores of PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSQI, and DSST, were significantly associated with changes of reduction rate of AUDIT scores. However, P300 amplitudes at Fz, Cz, and Pz in AUD patients after 8-week treatment were still significantly shorter than healthy controls (HCs), and P300 latencies at Fz, Cz, and Pz were significantly longer than HCs. 3. When validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was over 0.80, the baseline variables including amplitudes at Cz and Pz, alcohol dose, and scores of PSQI could predict the changes of reduction rate of AUDIT score. CONCLUSION P300 amplitudes and latencies at Fz, Cz, and Pz could be used as biological markers for evaluating the clinical characters and severity of AUD. P300 amplitudes at Cz and Pz, sleep condition, and cognitive function at baseline could predict the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for AUD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Changjiang Wu
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Qujing, Qujing, China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Substance Use Disorders, The Psychiatry Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, China
| | - Xinxin Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Tingting Zeng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yujun Wei
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hongxuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanyuan Kang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzhong Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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20
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Estimating the global treatment rates for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:1234-1242. [PMID: 34665135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is considered a global crisis due to its high prevalence and associated disabilities. The burden posed by depression could be reduced by increasing access to timely treatment. Limited information is available on treatment rates of depression, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the treatment rates for depression in the general adult population by World Bank income classification. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, supplemented with hand-search of reference lists to identify community-based studies. The overall treatment rate for depression was estimated from studies that reported any treatment (behavioral or pharmacological treatments) in healthcare or informal non-healthcare settings. Data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Subgroup analyses by income classification were completed. Meta-regression was conducted by study characteristics. The protocol was pre-registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020161683). RESULTS We included 65 studies comprising 1.1 million participants from 79 countries and territories. The global 12-month/lifetime pooled treatment rate was 34.8% (95% confidence interval: 29.9, 39.9%). The treatment rates were 48.3% (43.0, 53.6%) in high-income countries, 21.4% (15.1, 27.7%) in middle-income countries, and 16.8% (11.3, 23.0%) in low-income countries. Among the treated samples, 12-month minimally adequate treatment was estimated to be 40%. LIMITATION We reported a substantial level of between-study heterogeneity, which was partially explained by study characteristics in the meta-regression. CONCLUSION Globally, approximately one-third of people with depression receive treatment. Three in five treated people with depression did not receive minimally adequate treatment. Depression treatment rates are considerably lower in low-and middle-income countries.
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Subramaniam M, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Tan GTH, Ong WJ, Chong SA. A Qualitative Exploration of the Views of Policymakers and Policy Advisors on the Impact of Mental Health Stigma on the Development and Implementation of Mental Health Policy in Singapore. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021; 49:404-414. [PMID: 34586525 PMCID: PMC9005417 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-021-01171-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the views of policy makers regarding the impact of mental health stigma on the development and implementation of mental health policies. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring policymakers’ and policy advisors’ perspectives regarding the impact of mental health stigma on the development and implementation of mental health programmes, strategies, and services in Singapore. In all 13 participants were recruited for the study comprising practicing policymakers, senior staff of organisations involved in implementing the various mental health programmes, and policy advisors. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Data analysis revealed three superordinate themes related to challenges experienced by the policymakers/advisors when dealing with mental health policy and implementation of programmes. These themes included stigma as a barrier to mental health treatment, community-level barriers to mental health recovery, and mental health being a neglected need. Policymakers/advisors demonstrated an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the barriers (consequent to stigma) to mental healthcare delivery and access. Policymakers/advisors were able to associate the themes related to the stigma towards mental illness with help-seeking barriers based on personal experiences, knowledge, and insight gained through the implementation of mental health programmes and initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore. .,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Chong Min Janrius Goh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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22
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Tan CC, Lam CSP, Matchar DB, Zee YK, Wong JEL. Singapore's health-care system: key features, challenges, and shifts. Lancet 2021; 398:1091-1104. [PMID: 34481560 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00252-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Since Singapore became an independent nation in 1965, the development of its health-care system has been underpinned by an emphasis on personal responsibility for health, and active government intervention to ensure access and affordability through targeted subsidies and to reduce unnecessary costs. Singapore is achieving good health outcomes, with a total health expenditure of 4·47% of gross domestic product in 2016. However, the health-care system is contending with increased stress, as reflected in so-called pain points that have led to public concern, including shortages in acute hospital beds and intermediate and long-term care (ILTC) services, and high out-of-pocket payments. The main drivers of these challenges are the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases and rapid population ageing, limitations in the delivery and organisation of primary care and ILTC, and financial incentives that might inadvertently impede care integration. To address these challenges, Singapore's Ministry of Health implemented a comprehensive set of reforms in 2012 under its Healthcare 2020 Masterplan. These reforms substantially increased the capacity of public hospital beds and ILTC services in the community, expanded subsidies for primary care and long-term care, and introduced a series of financing health-care reforms to strengthen financial protection and coverage. However, it became clear that these measures alone would not address the underlying drivers of system stress in the long term. Instead, the system requires, and is making, much more fundamental changes to its approach. In 2016, the Ministry of Health encapsulated the required shifts in terms of the so-called Three Beyonds-namely, beyond health care to health, beyond hospital to community, and beyond quality to value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chorh Chuan Tan
- Office for Healthcare Transformation, Ministry of Health, Singapore; Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Carolyn S P Lam
- National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore; Duke-NUS Cardiovascular Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - David B Matchar
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - John E L Wong
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Hematology-Medical Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore
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23
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Ho SCW. Spotlighting mental health in the community. Singapore Med J 2021; 62:208-209. [PMID: 34409469 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2021055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Chih Wei Ho
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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24
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Teo DCL, Yan S, Tan MSQ, Tirtajana I, Lim HK, Saffari SE, Peh ALH. Impact of an integrated care programme on patient-reported outcomes for mild to moderate mental health conditions in Singapore: a pilot study. Singapore Med J 2021; 62:230-234. [PMID: 34409472 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2021062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shi Yan
- Singapore Health Services, Singapore
| | | | - Irene Tirtajana
- Department of Psychiatry, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore
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25
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Martinengo L, Stona AC, Griva K, Dazzan P, Pariante CM, von Wangenheim F, Car J. Self-guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Apps for Depression: Systematic Assessment of Features, Functionality, and Congruence With Evidence. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e27619. [PMID: 34328431 PMCID: PMC8367167 DOI: 10.2196/27619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health disorders affect 1 in 10 people globally, of whom approximately 300 million are affected by depression. At least half of the people affected by depression remain untreated. Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment, access to mental health specialists, habitually challenging, has worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Internet-based CBT is an effective and feasible strategy to increase access to treatment for people with depression. Mental health apps may further assist in facilitating self-management for people affected by depression; however, accessing the correct app may be cumbersome given the large number and wide variety of apps offered by public app marketplaces. Objective This study aims to systematically assess the features, functionality, data security, and congruence with evidence of self-guided CBT-based apps targeting users affected by depression that are available in major app stores. Methods We conducted a systematic assessment of self-guided CBT-based apps available in Google Play and the Apple App Store. Apps launched or updated since August 2018 were identified through a systematic search in the 42matters database using CBT-related terms. Apps meeting the inclusion criteria were downloaded and assessed using a Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro (Android 9) and iPhone 7 (iOS 13.3.1). Apps were appraised using a 182-question checklist developed by the research team, assessing their general characteristics, technical aspects and quality assurance, and CBT-related features, including 6 evidence-based CBT techniques (ie, psychoeducation, behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, relaxation, and exposure for comorbid anxiety) as informed by a CBT manual, CBT competence framework, and a literature review of internet-based CBT clinical trial protocols. The results were reported as a narrative review using descriptive statistics. Results The initial search yielded 3006 apps, of which 98 met the inclusion criteria and were systematically assessed. There were 20 well-being apps; 65 mental health apps, targeting two or more common mental health disorders, including depression; and 13 depression apps. A total of 28 apps offered at least four evidence-based CBT techniques, particularly depression apps. Cognitive restructuring was the most common technique, offered by 79% (77/98) of the apps. Only one-third of the apps offered suicide risk management resources, whereas 17% (17/98) of the apps offered COVID-19–related information. Although most apps included a privacy policy, only a third of the apps presented it before account creation. In total, 82% (74/90) of privacy policies stated sharing data with third-party service providers. Half of the app development teams included academic institutions or health care providers. Conclusions Only a few self-guided CBT-based apps offer comprehensive CBT programs or suicide risk management resources. Sharing of users’ data is widespread, highlighting shortcomings in health app market governance. To fulfill their potential, self-guided CBT-based apps should follow evidence-based clinical guidelines, be patient centered, and enhance users’ data security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martinengo
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anne-Claire Stona
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Konstadina Griva
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paola Dazzan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carmine Maria Pariante
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Florian von Wangenheim
- Professor of Technology Marketing, Department of Management, Technology & Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Josip Car
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Teh WL, Samari E, Cetty L, Kumarasan R, Devi F, Shahwan S, Chandwani N, Subramaniam M. A reduced state of being: The role of culture in illness perceptions of young adults diagnosed with depressive disorders in Singapore. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252913. [PMID: 34106985 PMCID: PMC8189483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Illness perceptions form a key part of common-sense models which are used widely to explain variations in patient behaviours in healthcare. Despite the pervasiveness of depressive disorders worldwide and in young adults, illness perceptions of depressive disorders have not yet been well understood. Moreover, while a high proportion of cases of depressive disorders reside in South-east Asia, few have explored illness perceptions that are culturally relevant to this region. To address these limitations, this study aimed to understand illness perceptions of young adults diagnosed with depressive disorders. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted among Chinese, Malay, and Indian young adults aged 20 to 35 years old, who were seeking treatment at a psychiatric hospital. Data reached saturation after 33 interviews (10 to 12 interviews per ethnic group) and five themes emerged from the thematic analysis: 1) A reduced state of being experienced at a point of goal disengagement, 2) the accumulation of chronic stressors in a system that demands success and discourages the pursuit of personally meaningful goals, 3) a wide range of symptoms that are uncontrollable and disabling, 4) poor decision making resulting in wasted opportunities, with some positive takeaways, and 5) accepting the chronicity of depression. Young adults typically experienced depression as a reduced state of being and it was thought of cognitively as an entity that may be a part of or separate from the self. Over and beyond these aspects of cognitive representations was the emergence of themes depicting conflicts and dilemmas between the self and the social environment that threatened self-identity and autonomy. Addressing these conflicts in therapy would therefore be of utmost relevance for young adults recovering from depressive disorders in the local setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Lin Teh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laxman Cetty
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nisha Chandwani
- Department of Mood and Anxiety, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Goh KH, Lim SC. Nutritional psychiatry: The next frontier in mental health treatment. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2021; 50:374-375. [PMID: 34100513 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2021132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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28
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Ong WJ, Lau JH, Abdin E, Shahwan S, Goh JCM, Tan GTH, Samari E, Kwok KW, Subramaniam M, Chong SA. Preliminary development of a bystander intervention scale for depression and the examination of socio-demographic correlates amongst Singapore university students. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:67. [PMID: 33931117 PMCID: PMC8086116 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite peer involvement having a positive impact on help-seeking behavior, there is a lack of a scale quantifying the possibility of an individual intervening upon noticing peers who show signs of depression. The aims of this study were to (1) develop a bystander intervention scale for depression that assesses the likelihood of university students intervening when a peer shows signs of depression based on the theory of bystander intervention, (2) identify the underlying factors contributing to the behavior, and (3) explore the socio-demographic correlates of the scale. Methods The proposed scale, the Bystander Intervention Scale for Depression (BISD), is a 17-item self-reported questionnaire that was developed based on existing bystander intervention theory and inputs from mental health experts. Data was collected as part of a larger study to evaluate the effectiveness of an anti-stigma intervention amongst university students from a local university. A total of 392 participants were recruited. Exploratory factor analyses were performed to identify the underlying factor structure. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to explore the socio-demographic correlates of the scale. Result Four key factors were identified for the proposed scale: (1) Awareness of depression among peers; (2) Vigilance towards possible symptoms of depression; (3) Knowledge on how to intervene; (4) Acceptance of responsibility to intervene. Having experience in the mental health field was associated with all factors while having family members or friends with mental illness was associated with all factors except for knowledge on how to intervene. Students of older age were associated with higher vigilance towards possible symptoms of depression and knowledge on how to intervene. Those of non-Chinese ethnicity were associated with acceptance of responsibility to intervene. Conclusion This study provides a preliminary tool to assess bystander intervention in depression amongst university students. This study identifies sub-groups of the student population that require more education to intervene with depressed peers and also informs the development of future strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Janrius Chong Min Goh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- School of Social Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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29
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Javed A, Lee C, Zakaria H, Buenaventura RD, Cetkovich-Bakmas M, Duailibi K, Ng B, Ramy H, Saha G, Arifeen S, Elorza PM, Ratnasingham P, Azeem MW. Reducing the stigma of mental health disorders with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. Asian J Psychiatr 2021; 58:102601. [PMID: 33611083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mental health disorders are a burgeoning global public health challenge, and disproportionately affect the poor. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear 80 % of the mental health disease burden. Stigma associated with mental health results in delayed help seeking, reduced access to health services, suboptimal treatment, poor outcomes and an increased risk of individuals' human rights violations. Moreover, widespread co-occurrence of physical comorbidities such as noncommunicable diseases with mental health disorders makes the treatment of both conditions challenging and worsens prognosis. This paper explores various aspects of stigma towards mental health with a focus on LMICs and assesses measures to increase help-seeking and access to and uptake of mental health services. Stigma impacts persons living with mental illness, their families and caregivers and healthcare professionals (mental health professionals, non-psychiatric specialists and general practitioners) imparting mental health care. Cultural, socio-economic and religious factors determine various aspects of mental health in LMICs, ranging from perceptions of health and illness, health seeking behavior, attitudes of the individuals and health practitioners and mental health systems. Addressing stigma requires comprehensive and inclusive mental health policies and legislations; sustainable and culturally-adapted awareness programs; capacity building of mental health workforce through task-shifting and interprofessional approaches; and improved access to mental health services by integration with primary healthcare and utilizing existing pathways of care. Future strategies targeting stigma reduction must consider the enormous physical comorbidity burden associated with mental health, prioritize workplace interventions and importantly, address the deterioration of population mental health from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Javed
- Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan; World Psychiatric Association (WPA), UK.
| | - Cheng Lee
- Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Hazli Zakaria
- Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Robert D Buenaventura
- Department of Neurosciences, Manila Theological College - College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Marcelo Cetkovich-Bakmas
- Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kalil Duailibi
- Department of Psychiatry, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Ng
- Asociación Psiquiátrica Mexicana, Mexico; University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hisham Ramy
- NeuroPsychiatry Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Egyptian Psychiatric Association (EPA), Cairo, Egypt; Egyptian Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (EACBT), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gautam Saha
- Clinic Brain Neuropsychiatric Institute and Research Center, Kolkata, India; Indian Psychiatric Society, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Paola M Elorza
- Research, Development & Medical, Upjohn - A Pfizer Division, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Muhammad Waqar Azeem
- Department of Psychiatry, Sidra Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
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30
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GOH CMJ, SHAHWAN S, LAU JH, ONG WJ, TAN GTH, SAMARI E, KWOK KW, SUBRAMANIAM M, CHONG SA. Advancing research to eliminate mental illness stigma: an interventional study to improve community attitudes towards depression among University students in Singapore. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:108. [PMID: 33602155 PMCID: PMC7890908 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After decades of anti-stigma initiatives, the Advancing Research To Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma (ARTEMIS) intervention study is one of the first in Singapore to evaluate the effects of an anti-stigma intervention on attitudes towards depression in university students. METHODS 390 university students from a local university in Singapore were voluntarily recruited for the study. The ARTEMIS intervention comprises an educational and social contact component, as well as a question and answer (Q&A) session with experts in the area of mental health. The Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness (CAMI) scale was administered at baseline, post-intervention and at 3-months follow-up. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted. RESULTS The CFA identified a 3-factor model for the CAMI with a decent fit (RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.06). Favourable shifts in attitudes across the factors were observed immediately after the intervention (p < 0.001). Gender (β = - 1.19, 95% CI: - 2.10, - 0.27, p = 0.01) and nationality (β = - 1.23, 95% CI: - 2.35, - 0.11, p = 0.03) were identified as significant correlates for the community mental health ideology (CMHI) factor. Linear effects indicated that having a close social contact with mental illness observed a smaller decrease in authoritarianism scores from pre- to post-intervention (β = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.18, 1.53, p = 0.01); whereas quadratic effects found a greater decrease in scores from post-intervention to after 3-months for benevolence (β = - 0.34, 95% CI: - 0.52, - 0.16, p < 0.001) and CMHI (β = - 0.22, 95% CI: - 0.45, - 0.002, p = 0.048). CONCLUSION The anti-stigma intervention shows promising short-term results across the CAMI dimensions even after adjusting for sociodemographic correlates. However, the intervention did not observe the sustained attitude shifts after 3-months. Recommendations for future anti-stigma interventions were also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Min Janrius GOH
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Shazana SHAHWAN
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Jue Hua LAU
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Wei Jie ONG
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng TAN
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Ellaisha SAMARI
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Kian Woon KWOK
- grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798 Singapore
| | - Mythily SUBRAMANIAM
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Siow Ann CHONG
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
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31
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Lau SSM, Koh SWC, Lui YS. Managing unhealthy alcohol use in general practice. Singapore Med J 2021; 62:69-74. [PMID: 33655317 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2021016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shin Man Lau
- Department of Family Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Sky Wei Chee Koh
- National University Polyclinics, National University Health System, Singapore.,Division of Family Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yit Shiang Lui
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
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32
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Subramaniam M, Abdin E, Vaingankar JA, Sambasivam R, Zhang YJ, Shafie S, Basu S, Chan CT, Tan CS, Verma SK, Tang C, Chua HC, Heng D, Chong SA. Lifetime Prevalence and Correlates of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders in Singapore. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:650674. [PMID: 33776823 PMCID: PMC7991584 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.650674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The current study aimed to establish the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, its sociodemographic correlates and association with physical disorders using data from the Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS 2016). Methods: A two-phase design comprising population-level screening of psychotic symptoms using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 psychosis screen followed by clinical reappraisal based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria were used to establish the prevalence. Results: A total of 6,126 respondents completed the first phase of the study, giving a response rate of 69.5%. 5.2% (n = 326) of respondents endorsed at least one symptom in the psychosis screen. After the phase two clinical reappraisal interviews and adjusting for false-negative rate, the corrected prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders was 2.3% (95% CI: 2.3-2.3%). The odds of having DSM-IV schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders was significantly higher among those of Malay ethnicity (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.4-11.0), and those who were unemployed (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.2-15.9). 80.4% of those with a psychotic disorder had consulted a doctor or a mental health professional for their symptoms. Conclusions: Our results indicate that approximately 2.3% of Singapore's community-dwelling adult population had a lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. While the treatment gap of the disorder was relatively small, the severe nature of the disorder emphasizes the need for continued outreach and early diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Yun Jue Zhang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saleha Shafie
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sutapa Basu
- Department of Early Intervention in Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chun Ting Chan
- Department of Early Intervention in Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chuen Seng Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swapna K Verma
- Department of Psychosis and East Panel, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charmaine Tang
- Department of Early Intervention in Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Choon Chua
- CEO Office, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Derrick Heng
- Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Chua SN, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Austin SB, Wilfley DE, Taylor CB. Estimated prevalence of eating disorders in Singapore. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:7-18. [PMID: 33314277 PMCID: PMC8011933 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a lack of research on the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) in Singapore. The aims of our study were to (a) estimate the prevalence of EDs, risk status, and help-seeking behaviors among adults in Singapore, (b) examine gender differences between ED status groups, and (c) characterize clinical profiles of ED status groups. METHOD We administered a cross-sectional survey that included a validated EDs screening tool to adults in Singapore. RESULTS A total of 797 Singaporean adults ages 21-77 years completed the ED screen. The majority of participants screened positive for a current DSM-5 clinical ED (6.2%), other specified feeding or ED (37.0%) or at high risk of developing an ED (19.5%). Only 1.6% of those who screened positive for an ED reported currently being in treatment. The ratio of males to females who screened positive for an ED was nearly 1:1. The clinical profiles of ED groups were consistent with the clinical presentations found in Western nations. DISCUSSION This is the first study in Singapore to estimate the prevalence of EDs in a large sample of adults. Results highlight the urgent need for more ED research and expansion of prevention and treatment programs to address the high prevalence of ED psychopathology in Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook Ning Chua
- PCHD, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | - S. Bryn Austin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital
| | - Denise E. Wilfley
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - C. Barr Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Abdin E, Lau JH, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Samari E, Kwok KW, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Recognition of Depression and Help-Seeking Preference Among University Students in Singapore: An Evaluation of the Impact of Advancing Research to Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma an Education and Contact Intervention. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:582730. [PMID: 34054591 PMCID: PMC8149891 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.582730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The SMHS 2016 revealed that young adults in Singapore had the highest 12-month prevalence of mental disorders, with depression being the most prevalent condition. Additionally, the study found that those with higher education were less likely to seek treatment. The recognition of mental illness and knowledge of where to seek help has been found to influence one's ability to seek timely psychological help. This study thus aims to evaluate the effects of ARTEMIS, an education and contact intervention on university students' recognition of depression and help-seeking preference. Methods: A total of 390 university students were recruited over a period of 6-months (October 2018 to April 2019). Students had to attend a one-off intervention which comprised a lecture on depression and personal contact with a person with lived experience of mental illness. Recognition of depression and help-seeking preference were assessed using a vignette approach, at pre- and post-intervention as well as at 3-month follow-up. Results: The intervention was effective at improving student's recognition of depression and this effect was sustained at 3-months follow-up. The intervention was also effective in shifting student's help-seeking preference, although the effects were not sustained at 3-month follow-up. Having a close friend or family with mental illness was associated with better recognition, and being able to correctly recognize depression was linked to a preference to seek psychiatric over non-psychiatric help. Conclusion: This study elucidated the efficacy of a knowledge-contact-based intervention in improving university students' recognition of depression and help-seeking preference. However, while the benefits on recognition of depression is more enduring, it is more transient for help-seeking beliefs, and booster sessions may be needed to improve the long-term effectiveness of the intervention on help-seeking preference. Lastly, to investigate the generalizability of this study's findings, future studies could replicate the current one across other non-self-selected samples, such as by integrating the intervention as part of student's orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- President's Office, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Jeyagurunathan A, Lau JH, Abdin E, Shafie S, Chang S, Samari E, Cetty L, Wei KC, Mok YM, Tang C, Verma S, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Aggression Amongst Outpatients With Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses in a Tertiary Mental Health Institution. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:777388. [PMID: 35046853 PMCID: PMC8761620 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.777388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Aggression is defined as "any behavior intended to cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm to another." The aims of the current study were to (i) examine underlying factor structure of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and (ii) explore socio-demographic and clinical correlates (symptom severity, substance use and alcohol use) among patients with schizophrenia and related psychoses in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Methods: Data collected from 397 participants who were seeking outpatient treatment for schizophrenia and related psychoses at a tertiary psychiatric hospital were included in the analyses. BPAQ, a 29-item, four-factor instrument that measures physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility was used to assess aggression. Data on socio-demographic variables, age of onset of illness, drug use, alcohol use and symptom severity were also collected. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to establish the underlying factor structure of the BPAQ. Multiple regression analyses were utilized to examine socio-demographic and clinical correlates of the BPAQ factors. Results: The mean age of the participants was 36.2 years (SD = 10.9, range: 21-65). Factor structure obtained from the CFA indicated that a higher order four-factor solution had an acceptable fit to the observed data (WLSMV χ2 = 1,025.35, df = 320, RMSEA = 0.07, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.05). Females had lower physical aggression and hostility scores as compared to males. Those with lower education had higher physical aggression scores as compared to those with higher education. Participants who received a diagnosis after the age of 30 years had higher physical aggression and anger scores as compared to those who received a diagnosis at or before 20 years of age. Symptom severity was positively associated with higher BPAQ scores. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated high internal consistency and applicable measurement factor structure of BPAQ in this study sample, making it an appropriate questionnaire for assessing aggressive behavior in this population. We also identified socio-demographic and clinical factors that were associated with aggression in patients with schizophrenia and related psychoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saleha Shafie
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sherilyn Chang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laxman Cetty
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ker-Chiah Wei
- Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee Ming Mok
- Department of Mood and Anxiety, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charmaine Tang
- Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swapna Verma
- Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Shahwan S, Lau JH, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Tan GTH, Kwok KW, Samari E, Lee YY, Teh WL, Seet V, Chang S, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. The potential impact of an anti-stigma intervention on mental health help-seeking attitudes among university students. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:562. [PMID: 33238951 PMCID: PMC7690018 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02960-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reluctance of young adults to seek mental health treatment has been attributed to poor mental health literacy, stigma, preference for self-reliance and concerns about confidentiality. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential impact of an anti-stigma intervention that includes education about depression, information about help-seeking as well as contact with a person with lived experience, on help seeking attitudes. METHODS A pre-post study design was employed. Changes in help-seeking attitudes were measured using the Inventory of Attitudes towards Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) immediately post-intervention and after 3 months. Sociodemographic data, information on past experiences in the mental health field and contact with people with mental illness were collated. Three hundred ninety university students enrolled in the study. Linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of the intervention. RESULTS Scores on all subscales of the IASMHS, Psychological Openness (PO), Help-seeking Propensity (HP) and Indifference to Stigma improved significantly post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up compared to pre-intervention, with HP demonstrating the highest effect size. However, a significant decline was observed on all three scales at 3-month follow-up compared to post-intervention. Gender, having friends/family with mental illness, and previous experience in the mental health field moderated the intervention effects for the PO and HP subscales. CONCLUSION The study showed that the brief anti-stigma intervention was associated with improvements in help-seeking attitudes among university students with differential effects among certain sub-groups. As the beneficial outcomes appeared to decrease over time, booster sessions or opportunities to participate in mental health-related activities post-intervention may be required to maintain the desired changes in help-seeking attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Chong Min Janrius Goh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Ying Ying Lee
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Wen Lin Teh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Vanessa Seet
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Sherilyn Chang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Wei KC, Verma SK, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Mental illness stigma's reasons and determinants (MISReaD) among Singapore's lay public - a qualitative inquiry. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:422. [PMID: 32847539 PMCID: PMC7448972 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02823-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental illnesses pose a significant burden worldwide. Furthermore, the treatment gap for mental disorders is large. A contributor to this treatment gap is the perceived stigma towards mental illness. Besides impeding one's help-seeking intentions, stigma also impairs persons with mental illness (PMI) in other aspects of their life. Studies have found that stigma may manifest differentially under different cultural contexts. Thus, this study seeks to elucidate the determinants of stigma towards PMI among lay public in Singapore using a qualitative approach. METHODS A total of 9 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with 63 participants consisting of lay public Singaporeans who were neither students or professionals in the mental health field, nor had they ever been diagnosed with a mental illness. Topics discussed during the FGD were related to the stigma of mental illness. Data collected were analyzed with inductive thematic analysis method. A codebook was derived through an iterative process, and data was coded by 4 different coders. Both coding and inter-rater analysis were performed with NVivo V.11. RESULTS In total, 11 themes for the determinants of stigma were identified and conceptualized into a socioecological model. The socioecological model comprised 4 levels of themes: 1) Individual level beliefs (fear towards PMI, perceiving PMI to be burdensome, dismissing mental illness as not a real condition), 2) Interpersonal influences (upbringing that instills stigma, intergroup bias, perceived inability to handle interactions with PMI), 3) Local cultural values (elitist mindset among Singaporeans, Chinese culture of "face", Islamic beliefs about spiritual possession and reaction towards PMI), and 4) Shared societal culture (negative portrayal by media, Asian values). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study improved our understanding of the various reasons why stigma exists in Singapore. The themes identified in this study concur with that of studies conducted overseas, as some determinants of stigma such as fear towards PMI are quite ubiquitous. Specifically, the themes elitist mindset among Singaporeans and perceived inability to handle interactions with PMI were unique to this study. It is highly recommended that future anti-stigma campaigns in Singapore should incorporate the findings of this study to ensure cultural misgivings and beliefs are addressed adequately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Chong Min Janrius Goh
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Ong
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Ker-Chiah Wei
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swapna Kamal Verma
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Department of Early Psychosis Intervention, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
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Roystonn K, Vaingankar JA, Chua BY, Sambasivam R, Shafie S, Jeyagurunathan A, Verma S, Abdin E, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. The Public Health Impact and Policy Implications of Online Support Group Use for Mental Health in Singapore: Cross-Sectional Survey. JMIR Ment Health 2020; 7:e18114. [PMID: 32749231 PMCID: PMC7435627 DOI: 10.2196/18114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wide mental health treatment gap continues to pose a global and local public health challenge. Online support groups are on the rise and could be used to complement formal treatment services for mental health. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the prevalence of online support group use and explore factors associated with the use in the general population using data from a national cross-sectional mental health survey in Singapore. METHODS Singapore residents aged 18 years and above participated in a nationally representative household survey in which the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 was administered by trained interviewers to examine the use of online support groups for mental health. Multiple logistic regressions were used to analyze the association of online support group use with various sociodemographic and health factors. RESULTS A total of 6110 respondents with complete data were included in this study. Overall, 10 individuals per 1000 adults (1%) reported seeking help from online support groups for their mental health problems. Compared to younger adults (those aged 18 to 34 years) and those with university education, individuals aged 50 to 64 years (P<.001; OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.0-0.3) and those with preuniversity qualifications (P=.02; OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.0-0.8) were less likely to use online support groups for mental health, respectively. Participants with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) mental disorder were 6.8 times more likely (P<.001; 95% CI 3.0-15.4) to use an online support group; in particular, individuals with major depressive disorder (P<.001; OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.1-13.8) and obsessive compulsive disorder (P=.01; OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-9.7) were more likely to use an online support group for their mental health. CONCLUSIONS Online support groups could be used to complement formal treatment services, especially for mood and anxiety-related disorders. As online support group use for mental health issues may be more prevalent among younger people, early detection and accurate information in online support groups may guide individuals toward seeking professional help for their mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Boon Yiang Chua
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Saleha Shafie
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Swapna Verma
- Clinical Education, Office of Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technology University, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Samari E, Abdin E, Kwok KW, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Causal beliefs of mental illness and its impact on help-seeking attitudes: a cross-sectional study among university students in Singapore. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035818. [PMID: 32723737 PMCID: PMC7389507 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A considerable proportion of those who suffer from mental illnesses in Singapore do not seek any form of professional help. The reluctance to seek professional help could be due to misconceptions about the causes of mental illnesses. Research has shown that help-seeking attitudes can predict actual service use. As young adults are most at risk of developing mental illnesses, this study aims to elucidate the impact of causal beliefs about mental illness on help-seeking attitudes among university students in Singapore. DESIGN Prior to attending an anti-stigma intervention, data on the Causal Beliefs about Mental Illness, Inventory of Attitudes towards Seeking Mental Health services and questions pertaining to sociodemographic background were collected from participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between causal beliefs and help-seeking, as well as their sociodemographic correlates. SETTINGS A university in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS 390 students who were studying in a University in Singapore. RESULTS Younger age was associated with higher scores on psychosocial attribution, while prior social contact with individuals with mental illness was significantly associated with lower scores on personality attribution. With regard to help-seeking attitudes; being a male and personality attribution were significantly associated with lower scores on 'Psychological Openness' and 'Indifference to Stigma', while psychosocial attribution was significantly associated with higher scores on 'Help-seeking Propensity'. Having prior social contact also predicted higher 'Psychological Openness', while being in Year 2 and 3 predicted lower scores on 'Indifference to Stigma'. CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggest that help-seeking attitudes might be influenced by causal beliefs, with personality attribution being the most impairing. Hence, to reduce the wide treatment gap in Singapore, anti-stigma interventions targeting young people could focus on addressing beliefs that attribute mental illness to the personality of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | | | | | - Kian Woon Kwok
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Division of Sociology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Subramaniam M, Shahwan S, Abdin E, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Tan GTH, Baig N, Samari E, Kwok KW, Chong SA. Advancing Research to Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma: The Design and Evaluation of a Single-Arm Intervention Among University Students in Singapore. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1151. [PMID: 32581957 PMCID: PMC7283943 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-stigma interventions for school and college students have been studied in several countries, but to the best of our knowledge, this has not been addressed in Singapore. The current study was designed to address this lacuna and aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an anti-stigma intervention focusing on depression among university students in Singapore. Methods A one-off intervention comprising education and personal contact with a person with lived experience of depression was carried out in nine consecutive sessions over 6 months (October 2018 to April 2019) among 390 university students. Knowledge of depression and extent of stigma toward mental illness were assessed pre- and post-intervention as well as at 3-month follow-up. Results The intervention was effective in improving depression knowledge (d = 1.09; p < 0.001), as well as reducing social distancing (d = 0.54; p < 0.001) and personal stigma (dangerous/undesirable: d = 0.60; p < 0.001 and weak not sick: d = 0.10; p < 0.033) pre- to post-intervention as well as pre- intervention to 3-month follow-up (p < 0.005). Limitations While 3-month follow-up data indicates favorable medium-term impact on knowledge and stigma; the study lacks long-term follow-up to examine the impact of anti-stigma interventions across time. The data were collected through self-report measures; however, social desirability bias is possible despite the assurances of confidentiality. Conclusion Given the impact of the intervention, there is a need to consider the feasibility, challenges, and enablers of implementation of such interventions into the curriculum of university students to ensure a broader and sustained outreach and stigma reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Nawira Baig
- Nursing Department, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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