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Karaçar Y, Çaynak S, Boyacıoğlu NE, Meriç M, Öz F. Factors Predicting Mental Health Literacy in Older Adults: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38709101 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20240424-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine mental health literacy (MHL) levels of older adults and the predictive factors of MHL. METHOD This cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2022, with 410 older adults aged ≥65 years. A Personal Information Form and the Mental Health Literacy Scale were used for data collection. Independent samples t test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Significant predictors of MHL in older adults were being aged 65 to 69 years, being female, being a university graduate, having an income more than expenses, receiving information from a health professional, interest in mental health, having friends or family members with mental illness, and good perception of health. CONCLUSION Older adults were found to have low levels of MHL. Mental health professionals should focus on community-based education and interventions to increase the MHL levels of older adults. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].
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Soria-Martínez M, Navarro-Pérez CF, Pérez-Ardanaz B, Martí-García C. Conceptual framework of mental health literacy: Results from a scoping review and a Delphi survey. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024; 33:281-296. [PMID: 37921340 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13249] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Mental health literacy (MHL) has been identified as a factor influencing early help-seeking for mental health problems (MHPs) and stigmatizing attitudes. However, the lack of consensus on its definition has led to considerable heterogeneity in measurement and, consequently, methodological challenges in comparing data. In this way, the present study was conducted with the following objectives: in Phase I, mapping the existing literature through a scoping review; in Phase 2, 28 experts in the field of mental health participated to develop a consensus statement on the relevance and importance of the findings from Phase 1. A total of 37 articles were included for review. Notable nuances were identified in the conceptualization of MHL, particularly with regard to the fact that it should not be limited to mental disorders but should also encompass mental health. Furthermore, the sociocultural influence was highlighted as shaping MHL, recognizing it as a modifiable competence that adapts to different contexts and life stages, involving both individual and collective levels. The experts deemed the findings pertinent and relevant with a high degree of consensus, except for factors related to MHL. This framework provides a refined definition of MHL and related factors that should be taken into account to guide nursing and other disciplines' studies and interventions on MHL. The evolution of this concept includes dimensions to be considered in future research, especially when developing new measurement instruments or implementing educational programmes. This knowledge and skills cannot be determined globally without considering the context and development of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Flores Navarro-Pérez
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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Creery A, Davies EL. Drinking and mental health in middle adulthood: exploring the impact of wellbeing, mental health literacy, and drinking motives on risk of alcohol dependence. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38415364 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2320134] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Risky drinking is a concern among UK-based middle-aged adults. We aimed to explore the relationship between risky drinking, drinking motives, wellbeing, and mental health literacy (MHL). METHOD Cross-sectional analysis of online survey data completed by 193 UK-based adults aged 40-65 who drank alcohol, incorporating the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT); Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised (DMQ-R); Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS); Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and demographic questions. RESULTS Coping, enhancement and conformity motives and gender significantly predicted higher AUDIT scores (measuring risky drinking). Enhancement motives were found to mediate the relationship between the self-help component of MHL and AUDIT scores, while coping motives mediated the association between wellbeing and AUDIT scores. CONCLUSION Findings support research emphasising the influence of drinking motives on risky drinking and highlights how low wellbeing may interact with coping motives to explain risky drinking among middle-aged adults, particularly men. Interventions supporting individuals to understand the relationship between drinking motives and risky drinking, develop adaptive coping strategies, and address the causes of low wellbeing, may be beneficial. However, as the sample was 84% ethnically White, 64% women, 85% educated to at least undergraduate level, and reported a relatively high mean socioeconomic status (6.98 out of 10), the results may not generalise beyond these groups. Future research should use stratified sampling to increase generalisability, as well as exploring whether alcohol-specific, component-specific, or disorder-specific MHL is associated with risky drinking and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Creery
- Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L Davies
- Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Jafari A, Nejatian M, Momeniyan V, Barsalani FR, Tehrani H. Mental health literacy and quality of life in Iran: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:499. [PMID: 34641793 PMCID: PMC8507341 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03507-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health is one of the effective factors in the quality of life of people. The aim of the present study was to determine the status of mental health literacy (MHL) and its relationship with the quality of life across the Iranian general population. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a multi-stage sampling method was used to survey 1070 participants from the city of Gonabad (Iran). The data collection tools were demographics section, mental health literacy scale (MHLS), and quality of life (SF-12) questionnaires. The data was analyzed by SPSS software version 24 using Independent sample t- test, One- way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression. RESULTS The mean and standard deviation of the total scores of MHL and quality of life were 113.54 (10.34) and 35.26 (6.42), respectively. The results revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between MHL and the quality of life (p < 0.001). In this study, there was a significant relationship between variables of sex, level of education, plus received information about mental illness and MHL (p < 0.001). The quality of life was higher in participants whose family members did not have a mental illness, had a high-income level, and received information about mental illness (p < 0.001). Logistic regression indicated that there was a significant relationship between the ability to recognize mental disorders plus knowledge of where to seek information and obtaining information related to mental health (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study, there was a correlation between health literacy and quality of life, and more attention should be paid to MHL. Thus, appropriate programs should be designed and implemented to enhance the level of MHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Jafari
- grid.411924.b0000 0004 0611 9205Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Nejatian
- grid.411924.b0000 0004 0611 9205Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Vahideh Momeniyan
- grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezani Barsalani
- grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hadi Tehrani
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Soroush A, Ziapour A, Abbas J, Jahanbin I, Andayeshgar B, Moradi F, Najafi S, Cheraghpouran E. Effects of Group Logotherapy Training on Self-Esteem, Communication Skills, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) in Older Adults. AGEING INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12126-021-09458-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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6
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Varga S, Mackert M, Mandell DJ. The prenatal triad: The importance of provider-patient communication with expectant fathers throughout the prenatal care process. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:1826-1830. [PMID: 33229190 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has primarily focused on the relationship between providers and expectant mothers as a key element of quality prenatal care. Significantly less attention has been directed toward expectant fathers and the importance of their communication with prenatal care providers and involvement in the prenatal care process. Much of this limited existing literature emphasizes the health benefits including fathers would bring for mom and baby, but rarely is the potential benefit to fathers' health included in the conversation. This discussion aims to highlight the value of this line of research for both communication and medical researchers and consider potential avenues for studying and promoting father engagement in prenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Varga
- Department of Communication Studies, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA.
| | - Michael Mackert
- Center for Health Communication, Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, and Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Dorothy J Mandell
- School of Community and Rural Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, and Population Health University of Texas, System Administration, Austin, USA
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7
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Chen S, Chen K, Wang S, Wang W, Li Y. Initial Validation of a Chinese Version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale Among Chinese Teachers in Henan Province. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:661903. [PMID: 34177650 PMCID: PMC8219938 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.661903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Teachers' Mental health literacy (MHL) is one of the important factors that influence students' mental health literacy and even their mental health status. A valid, comprehensive measure is needed to adequately identify MHL levels in the Chinese teachers. Thus, this study aimed to validate a Chinese version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) among Chinese teachers. Methods: A total of 367 Chinese primary and secondary school teachers in Henan province were enrolled to complete the Chinese version of MHLS and several validation measures. Results: A parallel analysis supported a four-factor structure model of the Chinese version, but because of the low communalities and mean factor loadings, the univariate structure of the original scale was selected. Additionally, the criterion construct validity of the Chinese version was supported by significant correlations with self-efficacy in coping with mental health problems, mental health status, the stigma associated with receiving mental health treatment, and socially distancing from patients with mental illness. The Cronbach's α of the Chinese version was acceptable. Females, younger teachers, teachers with higher educational level, and full-time mental health teachers showed higher levels of MHL. Conclusion: The Chinese version of MHLS is a valid and reliable tool to assess the level of Chinese teachers' MHL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yongxin Li
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Behavior, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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8
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A Study on Supply-Demand Satisfaction of Community-Based Senior Care Combined with the Psychological Perception of the Elderly. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9060643. [PMID: 34072401 PMCID: PMC8229548 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory and customer satisfaction theory, we constructed a satisfaction model for supply–demand satisfaction for community-based senior care (SSCSC) combined with the psychological perspective of the elderly, and four dimensions of basic living needs (BLNs), living environment (LE), personal traits (PTs), and livability for the aged (LA) were selected to construct the model. The data were obtained from 296 questionnaires from seniors over 50 years old (or completed by relatives on their behalf, according to their actual situation). Twenty-two observed variables were selected for the five latent variables, and their interactions were explored using structural equation modeling. The results showed that LA was the most significant factor influencing SSCSC, and it was followed by BLNs and LE. PTs did not show a direct effect on LA, but they could have an indirect effect on SSCSC through influencing BLNs and LE. Based on the current state of community aging satisfaction, we propose to establish a community elderly care service system based on the basic needs of the elderly population, providing differentiated and refined elderly care services and improving the level of aging-friendly communities. This study provides references for the government to formulate relevant policies and other supply entities to make strategic decisions and has important implications for further enhancing community elderly services to become an important part of the social security system for the elderly.
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Alshehri E, Alosaimi D, Rufaidi E, Alsomali N, Tumala R. Mental Health Literacy Scale Arabic Version: A Validation Study Among Saudi University Students. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:741146. [PMID: 34646177 PMCID: PMC8502930 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.741146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental health problems significantly affect students' university education. However, studies about mental health literacy (MHL) among Saudi university students are very limited. The two-fold objective of this study was to validate an Arabic version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and assess the MHL of university students. The study participants involved 339 female students. Psychometric evaluation of the MHLS-Arabic version was conducted, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. The scale was successfully cross culturally adapted and found to be valid and reliable. The highest MHL indicator was the students' perception of confidence in using a computer or telephone to inquire about mental illness data. Conversely, the lowest MHL indicator was the student's disagreement with the notion that mental infirmity is not an actual medical challenge. Marital status, college attended, and academic level were found to have statistically significant effects on the MHL of university students. The Arabic version of the MHLS validly and reliably assessed MHL. This work adds to existing evidence for assessing MHL and can help administrators formulate better strategies to improve the MHL of university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Alshehri
- Nursing Education Department, Second Cluster, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalyal Alosaimi
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebtisam Rufaidi
- Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Non-invasive Cardiology Department, Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nesreen Alsomali
- Nursing Education Department, Second Cluster, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Regie Tumala
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Tomczyk S, Schmidt S, Muehlan H, Stolzenburg S, Schomerus G. A Prospective Study on Structural and Attitudinal Barriers to Professional Help-Seeking for Currently Untreated Mental Health Problems in the Community. J Behav Health Serv Res 2020; 47:54-69. [PMID: 31165415 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-019-09662-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To date, little is known about the concurrent impact of structural and attitudinal factors on help-seeking behaviour for mental health problems. Therefore, this study investigated a longitudinal German community sample of adults with currently untreated mental health problems (N = 188, mean age = 50.34, 70.7% female) regarding perceived structural (e.g. accessibility) as well as attitudinal barriers (e.g. anticipated self-stigma) to help-seeking intentions and behaviour. Overall, perceived accessibility, spatial and temporal distance from mental health services predicted help-seeking. Among attitudinal factors, treatment efficacy beliefs were strongly connected to help-seeking. In addition, among people who knew where to find a psychologist or psychotherapist, anticipated self-stigma emerged as a significant barrier to help-seeking. Therefore, creating positive treatment expectancies and dismantling erroneous perceptions of structural aspects of mental health services hold promise to further close the gap in mental health care utilisation. However, the role of anticipated self-stigma within the help-seeking process requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Tomczyk
- Institute of Psychology, Department Health and Prevention, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum-Straße 13, 17487, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - S Schmidt
- Institute of Psychology, Department Health and Prevention, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum-Straße 13, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - H Muehlan
- Institute of Psychology, Department Health and Prevention, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum-Straße 13, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - S Stolzenburg
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - G Schomerus
- University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, Leipzig, Germany
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Chen P, Liu XJ, Wang XQ, Yang BX, Ruan J, Liu Z. Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Among Community-Dwelling Population in China. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:417. [PMID: 32477190 PMCID: PMC7240032 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the attitudes and factors in seeking professional psychological help among a Chinese community-dwelling population in order to promote positive help-seeking behaviors and better utilization of mental health services. METHODS Using system and simple random sampling with Kish selection table methods, 912 community-dwelling residents were included in this study and asked about their attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, depression symptoms, family function, depression literacy, help-seeking intention, and stigma. RESULTS Scores on the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help scale (ATSPPH-SF) indicated a neutral attitude toward openness to seeking treatment for psychological problems and a negative attitude toward the value and need to seek treatment with a negative total score. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender, age, social support (employment status and family function), depression literacy, stigma, and help-seeking intention are significantly associated with attitude toward seeking professional psychological help. CONCLUSION The overall attitude toward seeking professional psychological help is not optimistic, thus, more efforts are needed to enhance understanding. Effective interventions including mental health education, training of mental health professionals, and popularizing the use of mental health services are essential, especially for the at-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Chen
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiu Jun Liu
- Affiliated Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong, University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Qin Wang
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Juan Ruan
- Affiliated Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong, University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongchun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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12
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The Level of Mental Health Literacy Among Athletic Staff in Intercollegiate Sport. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL SPORT PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1123/jcsp.2018-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Mental health literacy (MHL), the knowledge and attitudes that aid in recognition, management and prevention of mental health issues, could help maintain positive mental health within the athletic community. As coaches and athletic therapists (ATs) frequently and routinely interact with athletes, this study focused on the MHL of these individuals. Eighty participants (24 females, 54 males; 57 coaches, 18 ATs) completed an on-line version of the MHL Scale. Average MHL score was 131.48, which, is relatively equal to scores seen in university students and a general population. No significant difference was detected between coaches and ATs but females reported significantly higher MHL scores than males. There was a significant negative correlation between MHL and total experience. These results have potentially strong clinical ramifications as increased MHL in this context can affect facilitators and barriers towards seeking help in a high-risk population.
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Hills D, Hills S, Robinson T, Northam H, Hungerford C. General practice nurse-led screening for anxiety in later life in Australian primary care settings. Australas J Ageing 2019; 38:e121-e126. [PMID: 30828952 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the feasibility of general practice nurse (GPN)-led screening for clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (CSSA) in older people and to estimate the prevalence of CSSA. METHODS General practice nurse-led screening for CSSA was undertaken in eight general practices by integrating the five-item Geriatric Anxiety Inventory-Short Form (GAI-SF) into the annual 75 years and older health assessment (75+ HA). Prevalence rates were calculated, and field notes were analysed. RESULTS Over 30 months, 736 patients were screened for CSSA, with a detected prevalence rate of 20.1%. The application of the GAI-SF into the 75+ HA was feasible and readily accepted by patients. CONCLUSIONS The five-item GAI-SF is an age-appropriate screening tool for CSSA in general practice settings. Further research is warranted, particularly in relation to the development and implementation of evidence-informed, general practice-based interventions for CSSA that can be effectively delivered to meet the needs of older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Hills
- Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.,Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Holly Northam
- University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Furnham A, Swami V. Mental Health Literacy: A Review of What It Is and Why It Matters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1037/ipp0000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of scholarly works have attempted to understand the reasons for poor rates of help-seeking for symptoms of mental health disorders all around the world. One particular body of work has focused on “mental health literacy” (MHL), defined as knowledge about mental health disorders that is associated with their recognition, management, and prevention. In this article, we report a nonsystematic review of studies on MHL, to give nonexpert academics, policymakers, and practitioners an understanding of the field. We find that studies consistently show that the general public have relatively poor recognition of the symptoms of mental health disorders and appear to emphasize self-help over traditional medical treatments. In addition, we find that there are age, gender, educational, urban−rural, and cross-cultural differences in MHL, which may differentially affect rates of help-seeking in different contexts. Implications and future directions for research are considered in conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Furnham
- Department of Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Norwegian Business School
| | - Viren Swami
- School of Psychology and Sports Science, Anglia Ruskin University
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15
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Tomczyk S, Muehlan H, Freitag S, Stolzenburg S, Schomerus G, Schmidt S. Is knowledge "half the battle"? The role of depression literacy in help-seeking among a non-clinical sample of adults with currently untreated mental health problems. J Affect Disord 2018; 238:289-296. [PMID: 29902732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS The concept of mental health literacy suggests that higher literacy increases the likelihood of seeking treatment. However, previous studies mostly use vignettes, and do not investigate actual help-seeking behaviour. METHODS We assessed depression literacy and type of mental illness in a convenience sample of 207 adults with currently untreated mental health problems from the general population. Our analysis sample comprised 152 adults (Mage = 52.12; 73.0% female) with a depressive disorder. Help-seeking behaviour was measured 3 and 6 months after the initial assessment. We conducted multiple logistic regression models to test whether depression literacy predicted help-seeking from mental health professionals, general practitioner, family and friends, or counselling, controlling for sociodemographic data, and depression severity. RESULTS Depression literacy was lower in men and older participants, and higher in participants with prior treatment experience. Depression literacy was negatively linked to informal help-seeking (aOR = 0.33 [0.13; 0.84]) when included as a dichotomous predictor (i.e., 'high' versus 'low' literacy). LIMITATIONS Our sample was small, thus we did not differentiate between types of depressive disorders in our analysis. CONCLUSION We could not corroborate most postulated associations between depression literacy and help-seeking, except for the negative association with informal help. Our findings underline differences between previous vignette-based and community-based investigations of the help-seeking process for mental health problems. To explore underlying mechanisms, future research should investigate the role of intermediary variables and processes in the association between depression literacy and help-seeking, such as self-efficacy and symptom attribution, which might be more clinically relevant in help-seeking for depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tomczyk
- Department Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - H Muehlan
- Department Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - S Freitag
- Department Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - S Stolzenburg
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - G Schomerus
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - S Schmidt
- Department Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Who is seeking whom? A person-centred approach to help-seeking in adults with currently untreated mental health problems via latent class analysis. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2018; 53:773-783. [PMID: 29876581 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-018-1537-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Global surveys point to a gap in mental health service utilisation. However, contacting more than one source of professional help may influence the estimates of utilisation. Currently, few studies statistically differentiate between different sources of help based on patient characteristics. METHODS We assessed sociodemographic and psychosocial data in a convenience sample of 188 adults with mental health problems (Mage = 50.34 years; SD = 16.19; 71% female), who reported their help-seeking behaviour during the next 6 months. We analysed their behaviour via latent class analysis and compared baseline characteristics between classes. RESULTS We found four latent classes: "mental health professionals" (MHP; 9.0%), "multiple sources" (4.3%), "primary care" (35.6%), and "non-seekers" (51.1%). All classes had moderate to high probabilities of seeking help from friends or family. Primary care utilisers were more often in a cohabiting partnership; MHP utilisers were more experienced in mental health treatment and reported lower well-being and more depressive symptoms than non-seekers. By trend, non-seekers were younger, and both non-seekers and primary care utilisers reported fewer depressive and somatic symptoms than utilisers of multiple sources and MHP. CONCLUSIONS In our analysis, MHP utilisation was even lower (9.0%) than in previous studies. However, MHP utilisers appeared to suffer from more serious conditions than other latent classes. As informal sources such as family and friends were present in all latent classes, help-seeking behaviour seems to transcend traditional MHP-focused approaches. Further research is necessary to investigate tenability and trajectories of different latent classes of help-seeking in larger and representative samples with longer follow-ups.
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