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Qiao T, Gao D, Lu G, Yi W, Lv Z. Association of gastrointestinal symptoms and skipping breakfast with anxiety and depressive symptoms in quarantined Chinese college students during the Shanghai 2022 lockdown: a cross sectional survey. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:889. [PMID: 38017419 PMCID: PMC10685502 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05317-3] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among quarantined college students at school in Shanghai 2022 lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate the association of gastrointestinal discomfort related-factors and skipping breakfast with anxiety and depressive symptoms. METHODS 384 quarantined college students in Shanghai China were recruited in this cross-sectional study from April 5th to May 29th, 2022. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. RESULTS The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 56.8% and 62.8%, respectively. Longer quarantine duration, higher education level, skipping breakfast, stomachache or abdominal pain, and nausea or dyspepsia were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Moreover, longer quarantine duration, being woman, skipping breakfast, stomachache or abdominal pain, and nausea or dyspepsia were markedly related to depressive symptoms. Notably, regularly physical exercising and taking positive attitude towards COVID-19 were negatively correlated with anxiety and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS More attention should be paid to anxiety and depressive symptoms of quarantined college students and universities should provide timely psychological monitoring and intervention services to mitigate the impact of negative emotions on students. Effectively relieving gastrointestinal symptoms, insisting on eat breakfast, regularly exercising, and taking a positive attitude towards to COVID-19 might contribute to preventing the anxiety and depressive symptoms for those college students experiencing a long-term quarantine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qiao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Dingwei Gao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Gaixia Lu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Wanwan Yi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Zhongwei Lv
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200072, China.
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Linlin W, Wanyu H, Yuting L, Huimin Q, Zhi L, Qinchen J, Tingting W, Fan W, Minghao P, Wei Z. Research on the mechanism of short video information interaction behavior of college students with psychological disorders based on grounded theory. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2256. [PMID: 37974096 PMCID: PMC10652505 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utilization of short videos by individuals often leads to the emergence of information exchange behavior. Previous studies have shown that certain students with psychological disorders exhibit addictive tendencies towards short video-related software. Therefore, it is essential to address the psychology and behavior of college students with psychological disorders while engaging with short videos. This study aims to explore the mechanism of short video information interaction behavior among college students with psychological disorders. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 college students afflicted by psychological disorders in a prefecture-level city in Henan Province, China from September to December 2022. Based on the Grounded theory, we encoded 30 text materials across three levels to explore the mechanism of short video information interaction behavior among college students with psychological disorders, and subsequently build a model framework. RESULTS The findings of this study suggest that college students with psychological disorders exhibit negative cognition tendencies that can lead to strongly negative emotions, excacerbated by a lack of social support. These adverse factors collectively drive the consumption of short video content in this demographic, providing a virtual environment where they can fulfill their unmet social needs. Therefore, the mechanism governing short video messages interaction among college students with psychological disorders encompasses negative cognitive tendencies, negative emotions, lack of social support, post-video-watching behaviors, and the gratification of social needs within the confines of a virtual environment. CONCLUSIONS This study comprehensively analyzes the motivation and complexity of college students with psychological disorders in short video interaction. Although short videos provide this group with some ways of self-expression and emotional support, they still have a negative impact on their physical and mental health. The short video interaction of college students with psychological disorders is affected by many factors, including their negative cognitive tendencies, negative emotions, lack of social support, post-video-watching behaviors, and the gratification of social needs within the confines of a virtual environment. These findings deepened our understanding to the mechanism of short video information interaction behavior among college students with psychological disorders, also provided us with guidance on facilitating the proper use of short video and maintaining the mental health. In future researches, researchers can discuss more about intervention measures to help this demographic cope with the challenges from short video interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Linlin
- Medical College, Xinyang Normal University, 237 Nanhu Road, Xinyang City, 464000, Henan Province, China
| | - Huang Wanyu
- School of Public Health Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan City, 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li Yuting
- Hangzhou Wickham International School, Hangzhou City, 311000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiao Huimin
- Yantai Automobile Engineering Professional College, Yantai City, 265500, Shandong Province, China
| | - Li Zhi
- Xinyang Central Hospital, Xinyang City, 464000, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiang Qinchen
- Medical College, Xinyang Normal University, 237 Nanhu Road, Xinyang City, 464000, Henan Province, China
| | - Wang Tingting
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou City, 466000, Henan Province, China
| | - Wang Fan
- School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, 430072, Hubei Province, China
| | - Pan Minghao
- Medical College, Xinyang Normal University, 237 Nanhu Road, Xinyang City, 464000, Henan Province, China.
- School of Public Health Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan City, 430071, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Zhu Wei
- Medical College, Xinyang Normal University, 237 Nanhu Road, Xinyang City, 464000, Henan Province, China.
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Liang Md M, Chen Md Q, Guo Md J, Mei PhD Z, Wang Md J, Zhang Md Y, He Md L, Li PhD Y. Mental health first aid improves mental health literacy among college students: A meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:1196-1205. [PMID: 34242537 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1925286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mental health first aid (MHFA) may have beneficial effects on the public's knowledge, attitude, and behavior; however, its effectiveness in increasing mental health literacy on college students remains unknown. METHODS We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 2020. We included trials that compared the effect between the MHFA program group and control group on the knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes, confidence, and intention of college students. A random-effects model was used. RESULTS We analyzed five trials involving 1134 participants and found that the MHFA program could significantly increase the student's knowledge (SMD: 0.49, 95% CI: [0.28-0.70]) and confidence (SMD: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.24-1.19). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the MHFA program could increase college students' knowledge regarding mental health and confidence to support people with mental health problems. However, well-designed control trials are required to investigate the program's effect on mental health literacy in college students. ABBREVIATIONS MHFA, Mental health first aid; GPs, General Practioners; CI, confidence interval; SMD, standardized mean24difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mining Liang Md
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Chinese National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder (Xiangya), Chinese National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
| | - Qiongni Chen Md
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Chinese National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder (Xiangya), Chinese National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
| | - Jincai Guo Md
- Department of Medical Technology, Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
| | - Zubing Mei PhD
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, Republic of China
| | - Junhui Wang Md
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang Md
- Nursing Teaching and Research Institute, Medical College of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, Guangxi Province, Republic of China
| | - Li He Md
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Chinese National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder (Xiangya), Chinese National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, Republic of China
| | - Yamin Li PhD
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, Republic of China
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de Paula W, Pereira JM, Guimarães NS, Godman B, Nascimento RCRMD, Meireles AL. Key characteristics including sex, sexual orientation and internet use associated with worse mental health among university students in Brazil and implications. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022; 44:e487-e498. [PMID: 35037058 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders are multifactorial and can trigger a series of problems especially among university students. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors with anxiety and depression symptoms among first-semester university students at a Federal University in Brazil given the paucity of such data and the first semester is the most stressfultime. METHODS Cross-sectional study with first-semester university students. The questionnaire included socio-demographic variables, lifestyles, health conditions and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by bivariate analysis and Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS Three hundred and fifty-six students (65.2%) across a range of courses in their first semester participated. The prevalence of anxiety was 42.5% and depression 33.2%. Regarding symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders, a positive association was observed among females, non-heterosexual, non-white skin color, excessive internet use, lack of physical activity, not attending university parties, having psychological counseling, history of anxiety in first- or second-degree relatives, poor self-rated health and use of psychotropic medicines. CONCLUSIONS Due to the high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, the importance of developing programs to promote mental and physical health of university students is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waléria de Paula
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400-000, Brazil
| | - João Marcos Pereira
- School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Sernizon Guimarães
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK.,Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0204, South Africa
| | - Renata Cristina Rezende Macedo do Nascimento
- Department of Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (CiPharma), School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Adriana Lúcia Meireles
- Department of Clinical and Social Nutrition, Postgraduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400-000, Brazil
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Dahanayake D, Rajapakse H, Wickramasinghe A, Chandradasa M, Rohanachandra Y, Perera S, Nillo AM, Molodynski A. Psychological wellbeing and mental health amongst medical undergraduates: A descriptive study assessing more than 1,000 medical students in Sri Lanka. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1263-1269. [PMID: 34144652 DOI: 10.1177/00207640211027211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies from around the world have shown higher rates of anxiety, depression, alcohol and other drug use, and burnout in medical students. AIMS The aim of this study was to identify the socio-demographic factors and severity of difficulties Sri Lankan medical students face regarding psychological wellbeing and burnout. METHOD This one-off survey used a cross-sectional design, assessing substance use, psychological wellbeing, and burnout using the CAGE, GHQ-12, and OLBI. The survey was open to all medical students in six universities in Sri Lanka. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the statistical significance related to categorical dependent variables and one-way ANOVA for continuous dependent variables. RESULTS A higher prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions was found following admission to the medical course in comparison prior to admission. Sixty-two percent of students had a score of more than 2 on the GHQ-12 indicating caseness. The OLBI identified exhaustion in 79% of students. The CAGE questionnaire was positive in 4.8% of students. CONCLUSIONS Only a small proportion of students are recognizing their mental health difficulties and seeking help. Further understanding is required as to why this is, as well as re-evaluation of the demands of the curriculum. Effective ways of regularly identifying and providing practical and evidence-based support for mental health problems in medical and other undergraduates need to be identified and introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulangi Dahanayake
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Harshini Rajapakse
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka
| | - Anuprabha Wickramasinghe
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, University of Rajarata, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Miyuru Chandradasa
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Yasodha Rohanachandra
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Sayuri Perera
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Andrew Molodynski
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Luo X, Xu Q, Fan K, Wang J, Wei D, Wang X, Lou X, Lin H, Wang C, Wu C, Mao Z. Prevalence and risk factors of depressive symptoms among 140,259 college students during the COVID-19 epidemic normalization in China: A cross-sectional survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:936700. [PMID: 36091526 PMCID: PMC9449522 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.936700] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective College students are one of the most vulnerable populations to the COVID-19 pandemic's mental health effects. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, we wanted to see how common depressive symptoms were among college students and what factors contributed to that. Methods Between 21 and 27 May 2021, 140,259 college students from three cities in Henan Province, China, were involved. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to determine depressive symptoms (PHQ-9). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for potential depressive symptom factors. Results Mild depressive symptoms and above are present in 21.12% of college students. Women had a higher prevalence of mild depressive symptoms than men (61.38 vs. 59.75%), and depressive symptoms were most prevalent among rural students and least prevalent among city students (21.44 vs. 20.29%). Participants with depressive symptoms are also more likely to have a poor-behavioral status. From none-to-severe depressive symptoms, 78.88, 15.78, 2.80, 1.67, and 0.88% had them. Gender, residential location, and behavioral status were found to be associated with depressive symptoms after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion This cross-sectional study identified the factors that influence the prevalence of depression in college students. It found that the government should pay more attention to mental health issues affecting college students in combating the COVID-19 epidemic normalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Keliang Fan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dandan Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Lou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hualiang Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chongjian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cuiping Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenxing Mao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Zhenxing Mao
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A study in University of Ruhuna for investigating prevalence, risk factors and remedies for psychiatric illnesses among students. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12763. [PMID: 35896566 PMCID: PMC9326135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16838-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no comprehensive study on the mental health of Sri Lankan undergraduate in higher education, as most existing studies have been done for medical students only. It is unknown how academic and environmental factors contribute for the prevalence of psychiatric illnesses. Further, there is no sufficient information on the student/university based remedies to reduce the psychological distress of students. This research is carried out to find the overall psychological distress, well-being, prevalence percentages of psychiatric illnesses, associated risk factors, and student/university remedies to overcome them. We use standard questionnaires to screen for psychiatric illnesses, and we analyze the responses for our own questionnaire using Binary logistic regression analysis to identify demographic factors, academic factors, and environmental factors causing each mental disorder. We use Pearson correlation coefficient to identify correlation between prevalence of each psychiatric illnesses. All 13 psychiatric illnesses were found with a moderate correlation among diseases having a mean prevalence percentage of 28 and a standard deviation of 14.36, despite the prevalence of well-being factors among students and only 8% are clinically diagnosed. 89% of the students were suffering from at least one psychiatric illness and 68% were found to be psychologically distressed. Sets of overall and individual demographic, academic, and environmental risk factors contributing for the prevalence of a psychiatric illness in general and in particular were identified respectively after a binary logistic regression analysis. 61% of the students don’t receive psychiatric help from the university and are using their own remedies. The universities must consider the environmental and academic risk factors associated with psychiatric illnesses and design curriculum, expand resources, and provide counseling services to reduce the impact of risk factors.
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Fernando M, Chandrasiri A, Dayabandara M, Reavley NJ. Cultural adaptation of mental health first aid guidelines for depression for Sri Lanka: a Delphi expert consensus study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:585. [PMID: 34801017 PMCID: PMC8606054 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03598-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family and friends can play a key role in supporting a person with depression to seek professional help. However, they may lack the knowledge to do so. English-language guidelines for high-income countries have been developed to assist with this. The aim of this study was to adapt the English mental health first aid guidelines for helping a person with depression to the Sri Lankan context. METHODS A Delphi expert consensus study involving mental health professionals and people with lived experience (either their own or as carers) was conducted. Participants were recruited from inpatient, outpatient and community care settings. The English-language questionnaire was translated into Sinhala and participants were asked to rate the importance of each item for inclusion in the guidelines for Sri Lanka. RESULTS Data were collected over two survey rounds. A total of 115 panellists (23% male) consisting of 92 mental health professionals and 23 consumers and carers completed the Round 1 questionnaire. A total of 165 items were included in the final guidelines, with 156 adopted from the guidelines for English-speaking countries and 9 generated from the comments of panellists. CONCLUSIONS The adapted guidelines were similar to the English-language guidelines. However, new items reflecting culturally relevant approaches to autonomy-granting, communication and culture-specific manifestations of depression were reflected in the adapted version. Further research should explore the use of the adapted guidelines, including their incorporation into Mental Health First Aid Training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhawee Fernando
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Amila Chandrasiri
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia ,grid.466905.8Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Madhubhashinee Dayabandara
- grid.8065.b0000000121828067Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nicola J. Reavley
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
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Zoysa P, Kumar S, Amarasuriya SD, Mendis NSR. Cultural validation of the Self‐Compassion Scale and the Subjective Happiness Scale and the influence of gender on self‐compassion and subjective happiness in a Sri Lankan undergraduate population. ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ajsp.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Piyanjali Zoysa
- Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo Colombo Sri Lanka
| | - Shamala Kumar
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management Faculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya Peradeniya Sri Lanka
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De Zoysa P, Kumar S, Amarasuriya SD, Mendis NSR. Being yourself: An assessment of authenticity in undergraduates of a University in Sri Lanka. ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/21507686.2021.1924810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Piyanjali De Zoysa
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Shamala Kumar
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
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Akhtar P, Ma L, Waqas A, Naveed S, Li Y, Rahman A, Wang Y. Prevalence of depression among university students in low and middle income countries (LMICs): a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2020; 274:911-919. [PMID: 32664032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Though university years are peak time for the onset of many mental health problems including depression, knowledge on the prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in LMICs. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and WHO Global Health Library for studies published between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies conducted in LMICs (as defined by World Bank), having a sample size≥500 and published in English were identified. Data on study characteristics and prevalence of depressive symptoms was extracted by two investigators. Estimate of prevalence was pooled in meta-analysis using random-effects meta-analysis. Sub-group differences were estimated using mixed-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. RESULTS Depressive symptoms prevalence data were extracted from 37 studies involving 76,608 individuals in 20 countries. Studies on depression among university students in LMICs were limited, and most were based on non-representative and small study samples. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 24.4% (95% CI, 19.2% -30.5%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence did not vary by study design, sampling technique, sample size, study major, educational level, economic regions, and screening instrument. LIMITATIONS Only English language studies were included. Included studies were diverse in design, screening tool, and sample size that introduced substantial heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Overall prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in LMICs was 24.4%, however, finding should be interpreted with caution. Further research is needed to address the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parveen Akhtar
- Global Health Institute, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lu Ma
- Global Health Institute, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ahmed Waqas
- Human Development Research Foundation, Pakistan
| | - Sadiq Naveed
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Yixuan Li
- Global Health Institute, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Atif Rahman
- Institute of Life and Human Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Youfa Wang
- Global Health Institute, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China; Fisher Institute of Health and Well-Being, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Health, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA..
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Liu H, Yang Q, Luo J, Ouyang Y, Sun M, Xi Y, Yong C, Xiang C, Lin Q. Association between Emotional Eating, Depressive Symptoms and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms in College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hunan. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1595. [PMID: 32485841 PMCID: PMC7352624 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore associations between emotional eating, depression and laryngopharyngeal reflux among college students in Hunan Province. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1301 students at two universities in Hunan. Electronic questionnaires were used to collect information about the students' emotional eating, depressive symptoms, laryngopharyngeal reflux and sociodemographic characteristics. Anthropometric measurements were collected to obtain body mass index (BMI). RESULTS High emotional eating was reported by 52.7% of students. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 18.6% and that of laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms 8.1%. Both emotional eating and depressive symptoms were associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms (AOR = 3.822, 95% CI 2.126-6.871 vs. AOR = 4.093, 95% CI 2.516-6.661). CONCLUSION The prevalence of emotional eating and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students should be pay more attention in the future. Emotional eating and depressive symptoms were positively associated with laryngopharyngeal symptoms. The characteristics of emotional eating require further study so that effective interventions to promote laryngopharyngeal health among college students may be formulated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qian Lin
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd, Changsha 410078, China; (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (J.L.); (Y.O.); (M.S.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (C.X.)
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13
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Amarasuriya SD, Jorm AF, Reavley NJ. Predicting intentions to seek help for depression among undergraduates in Sri Lanka. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:122. [PMID: 29728075 PMCID: PMC5935961 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have found that although there are high rates of depression among university students, their help-seeking practices are poor. It is important to identify students who are less likely to seek the necessary help, to encourage better help-seeking among them. This study, which was conducted among undergraduates in Sri Lanka, examined the associations between personal characteristics of the undergraduates and their intentions to seek help for depression. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study in which 4461 undergraduates (Male: n = 1358, 30.4%, Female: n = 3099, 69.5%; Mean age = 22.18; SD = 1.47) indicated their intentions to seek help if personally affected by depression, which was described in a hypothetical vignette about a peer experiencing depression symptomatology. The predictors of the undergraduates' help-seeking intentions, including their sociodemographic characteristics, prior exposure to and recognition of the problem, and their stigma towards those with depression were examined using binary logistic regression analyses models. RESULTS The undergraduates' ability to recognise the problem was one of the strongest predictors of their intentions to seek professional help. Those with higher levels of stigma were less likely to seek both professional and informal help. While females were less likely to consider professional help, they were more likely to consider the help of informal help-providers and to consider religious strategies. Medical undergraduates and those who had sought help for personal experiences of the problem were also more likely to consider informal help. However, all these associations resulted in small effect sizes, except for those between recognition of the problem and the undergraduates' intentions to seek professional help, where medium to very large effect sizes were observed in the case of some the associations examined. CONCLUSIONS Improvement of problem-recognition may be a key strategy for improving help-seeking among these undergraduates. Reduction of stigma may also be associated with better depression-related help-seeking of undergraduates. Females and medical undergraduates need to be educated about the importance of seeking appropriate types of help, and their informal social networks must be educated about how best to help them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santushi D. Amarasuriya
- 0000000121828067grid.8065.bDepartment of Medical Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, PO Box 271, 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka ,0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Anthony F. Jorm
- 0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Nicola J. Reavley
- 0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
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14
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Çakıcı M, Gökçe Ö, Babayiğit A, Çakıcı E, Eş A. Depression: point-prevalence and risk factors in a North Cyprus household adult cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2017; 17:387. [PMID: 29202790 PMCID: PMC5716299 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1548-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is one of the most common diagnosed psychiatric disorders in the world. Besides individual risk factors, it is also found that environment and socio-cultural factors are the other main risk factors for depression. In this article, the results of the 2016 national household survey of depression in North Cyprus (NC) are presented. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and possible risk factors of depression in NC households. METHODS The study was conducted between April and June 2016, the sample consisting of Turkish-speaking individuals between 18 and 88 years of age living permanently in NC. A multi-stage stratified (randomized) quota was used in the survey, and 978 people were selected according to the 2011 census. A 21 item questionnaire prepared by the researchers and a Turkish version of the Beck Depression Inventory scales were used for obtaining data. RESULTS This cross-sectional study found a point prevalence of 23.4% for relatively high BDI scores (≥17) suggesting clinical depression. Being female, a widow, unemployed, having a limited education and low income level, having a physical illness, living alone, and using illicit substances were defined as possible risk factors for depression. CONCLUSIONS When we consider the world prevalence, NC has one of the higher depression prevalence. NC has environmental and socio-cultural characteristics such as a history of war, migration and colonization, high unemployment rates, socioeconomic problems, similar to other extremely high prevalence depression countries and regions, which give a strong indication of the importance of socio-cultural factors on depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Çakıcı
- Department of Psychology, Near East University, Arts and Science Faculty, Lefkosa-Kibris, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Özlem Gökçe
- Department of Psychology, Near East University, Arts and Science Faculty, Lefkosa-Kibris, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Asra Babayiğit
- Department of Psychology, Near East University, Arts and Science Faculty, Lefkosa-Kibris, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Ebru Çakıcı
- Department of Psychology, Near East University, Arts and Science Faculty, Lefkosa-Kibris, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Eş
- Department of Psychological Counselling and Guidance, Near East University, Faculty of Education, Lefkosa-Kibris, Mersin 10, Turkey
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15
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Javadi M, Jourabchi Z, Shafikhani AA, Tajik E. Prevalence of depression and anxiety and their association with body mass index among high school students in Qazvin, Iran, 2013-2014. Electron Physician 2017; 9:4655-4660. [PMID: 28848644 PMCID: PMC5557149 DOI: 10.19082/4655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence shows that mental disorders among adolescents are associated with suicide, drug abuse, acute infectious diseases and low educational performances. Objective To determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety and their associations with body mass index (BMI) among high school students in Qazvin, Iran in 2013–2014. Methods A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study using cluster-sampling method recruited 1,040 students among high schools in Qazvin, Iran from March 2013 to April 2014. Data were collected using questionnaires including demographic, Beck depression inventory and Beck anxiety inventory, and were analyzed with SPSS-19 by descriptive analyses, t-test, Chi-square and Pearson correlation. Results The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 31.8% and 14.9%, respectively and these amounts were significantly higher in girls than in boys (p<0.05). Respondents showed 23.75% and 11.07% mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively as well as 8.08 and 3.75% severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. There was a positive and significant association between depression and anxiety (r=0.256, p<0.001) and between depression and body mass index (BMI) (r=0.333, p<0.001), however there was an inverse association between anxiety and BMI (r=0.086, p<0.006). Conclusion The current study made a significant step forward in assessment of mental disorders and BMI to show the significance of depression and anxiety among adolescents in Qazvin. Therefore, effective interventions are necessary to improve this situation as well as the evaluation of the effectiveness of the interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Javadi
- Ph.D. of Nutrition, Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition, School of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.,Children Growth Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Zinat Jourabchi
- Ph.D. of Community Health, Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Qazvin University of Medical and Health Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Shafikhani
- M.Sc. of Occupational Health Engineering, Children Growth Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Esra Tajik
- Ph.D. of Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Ph.D. of Community Nutrition, Postdoctoral Researcher, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Amarasuriya SD, Reavley NJ, Rossetto A, Jorm AF. Helping intentions of undergraduates towards their depressed peers: a cross-sectional study in Sri Lanka. BMC Psychiatry 2017; 17:40. [PMID: 28114918 PMCID: PMC5259849 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1192-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite showing high rates of depression, university students prefer to seek assistance for their depression from informal sources, such as their friends, rather than seeking professional assistance. Therefore, the helping behaviours of those who provide informal help to these students need examination. This study examines the helping intentions of undergraduates in Sri Lanka towards their depressed peers and the correlates of their helping intentions. METHOD The undergraduates were presented with a vignette of a hypothetical depressed undergraduate. A total of 4442 undergraduates responded to an open-ended question about how the person in the vignette should be helped if this person was someone they knew well. Their responses were coded in reference to established mental health first aid guidelines. Logistic and linear regression models were used to examine the predictors of their helping intentions. RESULTS The undergraduates' most common helping intentions were to listen/talk and support their peer. Only around a third considered the need for professional help. The overall quality of their helping intentions was poor, but better among those who recognised the problem as depression and those who had less stigmatising attitudes. There was some evidence that certain helping intentions of the undergraduates which were person-oriented or social network-related were better among females, those in higher years of study and among certain non-medical student groups. Intentions to encourage professional help were better among those who recognised the problem, but poorer among those with personal experiences of this problem and among those who perceived this problem to be a weakness and not a sickness. CONCLUSIONS Although the undergraduates may attempt to support their distressed peers, they may not show appropriate helping actions and may not encourage the use of professional assistance. Hence, they need to be educated on how best to respond to their distressed peers. Those with higher levels of stigma and inability to recognise the problem may be at greater risk of showing poorer helping responses towards their distressed peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santushi D. Amarasuriya
- 0000000121828067grid.8065.bBehavioural Sciences Stream, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, PO Box 271, 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka ,0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Nicola J. Reavley
- 0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Alyssia Rossetto
- 0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Anthony F. Jorm
- 0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
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Prevalence of Depression among Chinese University Students: A Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153454. [PMID: 27070790 PMCID: PMC4829172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is a major mental health issue worldwide, and university students with heavy burdens of study are at a high risk for depression. While a number of studies have been conducted regarding depression among university students in China, there is a lack of information regarding the national prevalence of depression among Chinese university students. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to statistically pool the prevalence of depression among Chinese university students. Methods A systematic search of scientific databases was conducted, including Chinese Web of Knowledge, Embase, PubMed, Wanfang (a Chinese database) and Weipu (a Chinese database) to find relevant publications published between 1995 and December 2015. This was supplemented by a secondary review of the reference lists of all retrieved papers to find additional relevant citations. Studies published in either English or Chinese that provided prevalence estimates of depression in Chinese university students were considered. Prevalence estimates of each eligible study were extracted and pooled in our meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Results A total of 39 studies conducted between 1997 and 2015 including 32,694 university students were analyzed. Our results indicate that the overall prevalence of depression among Chinese university students is 23.8% (95% CI: 19.9%–28.5%). Substantial heterogeneity in prevalence estimates was noted. Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of depression among medical students is higher than among other students. Conclusions Overall, the prevalence of depression among Chinese university students is exceedingly high. This suggests that it is imperative that more attention be given to the development of appropriate mental healthcare strategies for university students in China.
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Amarasuriya SD, Jorm AF, Reavley NJ. Quantifying and predicting depression literacy of undergraduates: a cross sectional study in Sri Lanka. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:269. [PMID: 26518153 PMCID: PMC4628261 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0658-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high rates of depression and low rates of related help-seeking among undergraduates are matters for concern. In response to the need to examine their knowledge about depression and its management, and the dearth of such research from non-western developing countries, this study examined the depression literacy of undergraduates in Sri Lanka. METHODS A questionnaire was administered among 4671 undergraduates to examine their depression literacy relating to problem-recognition, measured using a vignette of a depressed undergraduate, and their treatment beliefs measured by assessing their perceptions about the helpfulness of various options of help for the presented problem. Responses for the latter aspect were quantified using a scale comprising the options of help endorsed by Sri Lankan mental health professionals. Regression analysis models were used to identify the correlates of these aspects of depression literacy. RESULTS Females, medical undergraduates and those in higher years of study (compared to first-years) were more likely to recognise the problem as depression. The undergraduates obtained a mean percentage score of 76% on the constructed Depression Treatment Beliefs Scale. Scores on this scale were higher among females, medical undergraduates, those who got help for the problem after trying to deal with it alone and those who recognised the problem as depression, as well as those who used other mental health-related labels for this purpose. Scores were lower among undergraduates in years 2-4 (compared to first-years), those with family or friends with the problem and those with higher stigma on a Social Distance Scale. However, the effect sizes of these relationships were small. CONCLUSIONS As factors such as gender, discipline, year of study, exposure to depression and stigma are associated with differences in the depression literacy of these undergraduates, concerning their ability to recognise the problem and their related treatment beliefs, these must be considered when designing related educational initiatives. Recognising the problem as depression or the use of other mental health-related labels is associated with better treatment beliefs as per expert consensus, indicating that such labelling could have value for appropriate help-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santushi D. Amarasuriya
- Behavioural Sciences Stream, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, 25, Kynsey Road, PO Box 271, Colombo 8 Colombo, Sri Lanka ,Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony F. Jorm
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicola J. Reavley
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Melbourne, Australia
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Amarasuriya SD, Jorm AF, Reavley NJ. Depression literacy of undergraduates in a non-western developing context: the case of Sri Lanka. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:593. [PMID: 26493708 PMCID: PMC4619076 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1589-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research examining the depression literacy of undergraduates in non-western developing countries is limited. This study explores this among undergraduates in Sri Lanka. METHODS A total of 4671 undergraduates responded to a survey presenting a vignette of a depressed undergraduate. They were asked to identify the problem, describe their intended help-seeking actions if affected by it and rate the helpfulness of a range of help-providers and interventions for dealing with it. Mental health experts also rated these options, providing a benchmark for assessing the undergraduates' responses. RESULTS Only 17.4% of undergraduates recognised depression, but this was significantly lower among those responding in Sinhala compared to English (3.5 vs 36.8%). More undergraduates indicated intentions of seeking informal help, such as from friends and parents, than from professionals, such as psychiatrists and counsellors. However, a majority rated all these help-providers as 'helpful', aligning with expert opinion. Other options recommended by experts and rated as 'helpful' by a large proportion of undergraduates included counselling/psychological therapy and self-help strategies such as doing enjoyable activities and meditation/yoga/relaxation exercises. However, a low proportion of undergraduates rated "western medicine to improve mood" as 'helpful', deviating from expert opinion. Although not endorsed by experts, undergraduates indicated intentions of using religious strategies, highly endorsing these as 'helpful'. Labelling the problem as depression and using mental health-related labels were both associated with higher odds of endorsing professional help, with the label 'depression' associated with endorsing a wider range of professional options. CONCLUSIONS The recognition rate of depression might be associated with the language used to label it. These undergraduates' knowledge about the use of medication for depression needs improvement. Health promotion interventions for depressed undergraduates must be designed in light of the prevalent socio-cultural backdrop, such as the undergraduates' high endorsement of informal and culturally relevant help-seeking. Improving their ability to recognise the problem as being mental health-related might trigger their use of professional options of help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santushi D Amarasuriya
- Behavioural Sciences Stream, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, 25, Kynsey Road, PO Box 271, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka. .,Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Anthony F Jorm
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Nicola J Reavley
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Amarasuriya SD, Jorm AF, Reavley NJ. Perceptions and intentions relating to seeking help for depression among medical undergraduates in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional comparison with non-medical undergraduates. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2015; 15:162. [PMID: 26419827 PMCID: PMC4589186 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-015-0453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study attempts to understand whether medical undergraduates in Sri Lanka would seek help for depression. This was done by examining their perceptions and intentions relating to seeking help for depression, using the responses of non-medical undergraduates as the baseline for comparison. METHOD Medical (n = 620) and non-medical undergraduates (n = 4050) at the University of Colombo responded to a questionnaire which included a vignette about a depressed undergraduate, a depression measure, an open-ended question examining their intentions to seek help if affected by the problem described in the vignette, and scales examining their perceptions about the helpfulness of various help-seeking options for dealing with the problem. The latter items were also administered among mental health professionals to assess expert opinion on dealing with depression. Logistic regression models were used to examine if medical undergraduates differed from non-medical undergraduates in their rates of depression, help-seeking perceptions and help-seeking intentions. These models were also used to examine if being depressed was associated with differences in the help-seeking perceptions and intentions of medical undergraduates. RESULTS Medical and non-medical undergraduates did not differ in their odds of being depressed. Overall, the medical undergraduates were more likely to appraise professional help positively. However, they did not differ from non-medical undergraduates in relation to their intentions to seek such help if affected by the problem personally. They were also more likely to indicate their intentions to seek help from parents and family. Furthermore, medical undergraduates who screened positive for Major Depression were less likely to appraise some of the recommended professional and informal help-seeking options as being 'helpful', with only 50 % considering that it was 'unhelpful' to deal with the problem alone. There was also no difference in their help-seeking intentions as compared to those screening negative for Major Depression. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Although medical training seems to be associated with better help-seeking beliefs, interventions are needed to improve these medical undergraduates' intentions to personally seek professional help for depression. It is concerning that medical undergraduates who are depressed might be less likely to consider it beneficial to seek help and instead, deal with the problem alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santushi D Amarasuriya
- Behavioural Sciences Stream, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, PO Box 271, 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka.
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Anthony F Jorm
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Nicola J Reavley
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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