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Koens S, Klein J, Scherer M, Strauß A, Härter M, Schäfer I, Lüdecke D, von dem Knesebeck O. Perceived treatment urgency of common mental disorders in the German population. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22711. [PMID: 38123622 PMCID: PMC10733386 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49969-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Perceived treatment urgency of mental disorders are important as they determine utilization of health care. The aim was to analyze variations in perceived treatment urgency in cases of psychosis (adolescents), alcoholism (adults), and depression (older adults) with two levels of severity each by characteristics of the case and the respondents. A telephone survey (N = 1200) with vignettes describing cases of psychosis, alcoholism, and depression was conducted in Hamburg, Germany. Vignettes varied by symptom severity and sex. Perceived treatment urgency was assessed by three items. A sum scale was calculated. Linear regression models were computed to analyze differences in perceived urgency by characteristics of the case (severity, sex) and the respondents (sex, age, education, migration background, illness recognition, personal affliction). Perceived treatment urgency was significantly higher in severe cases and varied by education. Additionally, regarding psychosis, estimated urgency varied significantly by correct illness recognition. With regard to depression, perceived urgency differed significantly by age and correct illness recognition. Interaction effects between case severity and sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents, personal affliction, and correct recognition of the disorder were found. The identified differences should be considered in the development of interventions on mental health literacy with regard to adequate urgency assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koens
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jens Klein
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annette Strauß
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Lüdecke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf von dem Knesebeck
- Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Tehrani H, Vali M, Nejatian M, Moshki M, Charoghchian Khorasani E, Jafari A. The status of depression literacy and its relationship with quality of life among Iranian public population: a cross sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:607. [PMID: 36100889 PMCID: PMC9472397 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04251-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed and conducted to determine the status of depression literacy (D-Lit) and its relationship with the quality of life across the Iranian population. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 among 1382 participating from the general population in Gonabad, Iran. Participants were selected and recruited using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using three sets of questionnaires (demographic section, D-Lit scale, and quality of life questionnaire). Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 24 and using independent samples t- test, Chi-square test, One-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. RESULTS Based on the results, the mean (± standard deviation) of D-Lit and quality of life were 44.14 (± 4.69) and 35.81 (± 5.17), respectively. Based on the results of Pearson correlation coefficient, there was a significant positive correlation between D-Lit and quality of life (r = 0.104, p < 0.001). D-Lit was significantly higher in those who reported having consulted with a psychiatrist compared with those who did not (p < 0.001). Participants with a family history of mental illness and those whose family members were referred to a psychologist for psychological issues had significantly higher levels of D-Lit than others (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study, some D-Lit projects should be improved. Also, the results revealed that D-Lit is a potential factor that can affect people's mental health status and enhance their quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to develop appropriate educational programs to enhance D-Lit in the community and ultimately improve the quality of life in the community by reducing mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Tehrani
- grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran ,grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohebat Vali
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Nejatian
- grid.411924.b0000 0004 0611 9205Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Moshki
- grid.411924.b0000 0004 0611 9205Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Elham Charoghchian Khorasani
- grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran ,grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Jafari
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
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Ngwenya TZ, Huang N, Wang IA, Chen CY. Urban-Rural Differences in Depression Literacy Among High School Teachers in the Kingdom of Eswatini. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2022; 92:561-569. [PMID: 35318668 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns have been raised over teachers' mental health literacy in low-income countries and lower- and middle-income countries wherein pediatric mental health resources are limited. This study aims to investigate adolescent depression literacy among teachers in Eswatini and to explore the role of urbanicity. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 59 public high schools in Eswatini in 2019-2020. Data were collected by a paper-and-pencil questionnaire; depression literacy was assessed by the 17-item Adolescent Depression Knowledge Questionnaire. RESULTS Teachers' adolescent depression literacy item-level correct rates fell between 27 and 80%. Although the multivariate response models indicated that teaching in urban areas was slightly associated with having higher depression literacy in general (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.46; 95% confidence interval = 1.00-2.12), such urban-rural differences did not manifest homogeneously across all items: urban teaching was significantly linked with reduced correct responses toward certain items concerning depression etiology and treatment, including "depression runs in some families," "major stress as a necessary cause," and "a curable illness" (aOR = 0.57 ∼ 0.68). CONCLUSION Urban-rural differences in teachers' depression literacy were manifested at both scale- and item-levels. A critical need exists for urban/rural areas-tailored intervention on teachers' literacy toward mental disorders in the resource-limited regions to better improve health and developmental outcomes of students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabo Zwelethu Ngwenya
- His Majesty's Correctional Services, Health Care Services, Box 166, Mbabane, Eswatini; International Health Program, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nicole Huang
- International Health Program; Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration; Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-An Wang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
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Gao Y. Overcoming mental health stigma through student's awareness and project-based inclusive pedagogy in English teaching colleges: Moderating role of institutional support in China. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:992904. [PMID: 36339847 PMCID: PMC9634738 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.992904] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental health stigma undermines collaborative work and creates communication breakdowns for students to face real-world challenges. Moreover, project-based English learning in East-Asian nations is a significant challenge for advancing students' effective learning, while students lack mental health self-awareness. Unawareness causes distractions and results in learning inefficiencies. Furthermore, without institutional support (IS) achieving effective learning could never be possible. Therefore, this study investigates the relationships between project-based learning (PBL) and mental health awareness (MHA) with effective English language teaching among university students in China. We also tested the moderation effect of IS in the relationships between PBL and MHA with effective English language learning (EEL). Using the purposive sampling technique, we collected valid responses from 713 students studying English as a foreign language in universities and colleges in Harbin, China. The findings interestingly supported the direct hypotheses between PBL and EEL, as well as MHA and EEL. Moreover, the moderating role of IS established a significant effect on both PBL and EEL, as well as MHA and EEL, respectively. Policymakers, practitioners, and academicians should understand that integrating PBL as an inclusive pedagogy method with proper IS may enhance effective learning; however, it will consume more time.
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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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Association between Mental Health Knowledge Level and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese College Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041850. [PMID: 33672872 PMCID: PMC7918134 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the association between mental health knowledge level and the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Chinese college students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six universities in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, and a total of 600 college students were recruited to self-complete a series of questionnaires. The Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire (MHKQ) was used to investigate the level of mental health knowledge. Depressive symptoms were investigated with the depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). The prevalence rate of depressive symptoms among college students was 31.2%. Compared with MHKQ scoring in the 1st quartile, college students with MHKQ scoring in the 3rd quartile and in the 4th quartile reported lower levels of depressive symptoms after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Since mental health knowledge level was related to depressive symptoms among college students, increased efforts to promote the level of mental health knowledge in Chinese college students are critical.
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Ahorsu DK, Sánchez Vidaña DI, Lipardo D, Shah PB, Cruz González P, Shende S, Gurung S, Venkatesan H, Duongthipthewa A, Ansari TQ, Schoeb V. Effect of a peer-led intervention combining mental health promotion with coping-strategy-based workshops on mental health awareness, help-seeking behavior, and wellbeing among university students in Hong Kong. Int J Ment Health Syst 2021; 15:6. [PMID: 33422098 PMCID: PMC7796456 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-020-00432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The psychological well-being of university students is an important factor in successfully coping with the demands of academic life. This study aimed to assess the impact of a peer-led intervention of mental health promotion combined with coping-strategy-based group workshops on mental health awareness and help-seeking behavior among university students in Hong Kong. Method A mixed-method concurrent design was used for this study. Quantitative data, based on one-group pretest-posttest design, were collected using Mental Health Knowledge Schedule Questionnaire to assess mental health awareness, and Attitude Towards Seeking Professional Help Questionnaire-Short Form to examine help-seeking behavior of university students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Qualitative data were collected from written post-activity reflections and focus group discussions which were thematically analyzed. Results A total of 62 university students (mean age: 23.2 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study. Mental health awareness was significantly improved (p = 0.015, 95% Confidence Interval of − 2.670, − 0.297) after program implementation. Help-seeking behavior mean score increased from pretest to posttest, however, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.188, 95% CI = − 1.775, 0.355). Qualitative analysis revealed that the program helped participants learn about coping strategies to help themselves and others with mental health challenges. Conclusions The peer-led intervention provided a positive impact through increased mental health awareness and knowledge of coping strategies on self-help and helping others among university students. Further study could focus on the impact of the program when applied regularly throughout the entire academic year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | | | - Donald Lipardo
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China.,College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Parth Bharat Shah
- School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Pablo Cruz González
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Sachin Shende
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Shilpa Gurung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Harun Venkatesan
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Anchalee Duongthipthewa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Talha Qasim Ansari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Veronika Schoeb
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China. .,School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Abdin E, Lau JH, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Samari E, Kwok KW, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Recognition of Depression and Help-Seeking Preference Among University Students in Singapore: An Evaluation of the Impact of Advancing Research to Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma an Education and Contact Intervention. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:582730. [PMID: 34054591 PMCID: PMC8149891 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.582730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The SMHS 2016 revealed that young adults in Singapore had the highest 12-month prevalence of mental disorders, with depression being the most prevalent condition. Additionally, the study found that those with higher education were less likely to seek treatment. The recognition of mental illness and knowledge of where to seek help has been found to influence one's ability to seek timely psychological help. This study thus aims to evaluate the effects of ARTEMIS, an education and contact intervention on university students' recognition of depression and help-seeking preference. Methods: A total of 390 university students were recruited over a period of 6-months (October 2018 to April 2019). Students had to attend a one-off intervention which comprised a lecture on depression and personal contact with a person with lived experience of mental illness. Recognition of depression and help-seeking preference were assessed using a vignette approach, at pre- and post-intervention as well as at 3-month follow-up. Results: The intervention was effective at improving student's recognition of depression and this effect was sustained at 3-months follow-up. The intervention was also effective in shifting student's help-seeking preference, although the effects were not sustained at 3-month follow-up. Having a close friend or family with mental illness was associated with better recognition, and being able to correctly recognize depression was linked to a preference to seek psychiatric over non-psychiatric help. Conclusion: This study elucidated the efficacy of a knowledge-contact-based intervention in improving university students' recognition of depression and help-seeking preference. However, while the benefits on recognition of depression is more enduring, it is more transient for help-seeking beliefs, and booster sessions may be needed to improve the long-term effectiveness of the intervention on help-seeking preference. Lastly, to investigate the generalizability of this study's findings, future studies could replicate the current one across other non-self-selected samples, such as by integrating the intervention as part of student's orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- President's Office, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Aluh DO, Okonta MJ, Odili VU. Cross-sectional survey of mental health literacy among undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028913. [PMID: 31515420 PMCID: PMC6747681 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-028913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to assess knowledge of schizophrenia and help-seeking behaviour among undergraduate students of a Nigerian university. Sociodemographic predictors of correct recognition were also explored. DESIGN The study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. SETTING The study was carried out at the University of Nigeria, a pioneer university located in Southeastern Nigeria. PARTICIPANTS Undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria. METHODS All consenting male and female students of three purposively selected faculties were recruited for the study. Self-administered vignette-based questionnaires were distributed to students of the selected faculties between September and November 2018. Data were analysed using the IBM Statistical Product and Services Solution for Windows V.21.0. RESULTS Out of the 400 questionnaires that were distributed, 389 were completed and returned (97.3% response rate). Respondents were mainly female (64.9%, n=252) and were between the ages of 18 and 24 years (75.8%, n=294). One in eight respondents (12.1%, n=47) correctly identified and labelled the schizophrenia vignette. Hallucination was the most identified symptom of distress for schizophrenia (47.9%, n=186). The most common alternative label for schizophrenia was 'mental illness' (24.7%, n=96). Schizophrenia was also mislabelled as depression (11.6%, n=45). More than a 10th of the respondents used stigmatising labels such as 'crazy' and 'mad' (11.1%, n=43). Psychiatrists were the most recommended source of help for the vignette character (36.3%, n=141). There was a strong association between the faculty of study and the ability to correctly identify and label the schizophrenia vignette (χ2=44.557, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Mental health literacy among students of the University of Nigeria was poor. Research on culturally sensitive interventions to improve mental health literacy should be embarked on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Oyine Aluh
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | | | - Valentine Uche Odili
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy practice, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
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Picco L, Seow E, Chua BY, Mahendran R, Verma S, Xie H, Wang J, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Help-seeking beliefs for mental disorders among medical and nursing students. Early Interv Psychiatry 2019; 13:823-831. [PMID: 29740952 PMCID: PMC6635751 DOI: 10.1111/eip.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM The current study aimed to investigate beliefs about help-seeking, treatment options and expected outcomes for people with alcohol abuse, dementia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia, using a vignette-based approach, among a sample of nursing and medical students. METHODS This was a cross-sectional online study among medical and nursing students (n = 1002) who were randomly assigned 1 of 5 vignettes. Questions were asked about whom could best help the person in the vignette, the likely helpfulness of a broad range of interventions, and the likely outcome for the person in the vignette with and without appropriate help. RESULTS A total of 45.1% of students recommended seeing a psychiatrist, which was the most common source of help reported for all 5 vignettes. Help-seeking preferences were significantly associated with age, academic year and vignette type. Respondents rated seeing a psychiatrist as the most helpful intervention (92.4%) and dealing with the problem on their own as the most harmful (68.1%). Then, 81.5% of students indicated that the condition of the person in the vignette would worsen if appropriate help was not sought. CONCLUSION Medical and nursing students most commonly recommended seeking help from a psychiatrist for mental health-related problems, where help-seeking preferences were associated with various age, academic year and vignette type. As these students will be the future medical and nursing workforce, they need to be equipped with the skills and ability to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness, to aid timely and appropriate treatment for people with mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Picco
- Research DivisionInstitute of Mental HealthSingapore
| | - Esmond Seow
- Research DivisionInstitute of Mental HealthSingapore
| | | | - Rathi Mahendran
- Psychological MedicineNational University HospitalSingapore
- Clinical, Academic and Faculty AffairsDuke‐NUS Graduate Medical SchoolSingapore
| | - Swapna Verma
- Clinical, Academic and Faculty AffairsDuke‐NUS Graduate Medical SchoolSingapore
- Department of General Psychiatry and Early Psychosis Intervention ProgrammeInstitute of Mental HealthSingapore
| | - Huiting Xie
- Nursing AdministrationInstitute of Mental HealthSingapore
| | - Jia Wang
- Nursing AdministrationInstitute of Mental HealthSingapore
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