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Zabarra M, Obtel M, Sabri A, El Hilali S, Zeghari Z, Razine R. Prevalence and risk factors associated with mental disorders among migrants in the MENA region: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Soc Sci Med 2024; 357:117195. [PMID: 39128248 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MENA region has experienced extraordinary events in recent years, resulting in an influx of refugees and displaced people who are vulnerable to mental disorders. Several previous studies have examined their prevalence, but none have focused on this region. This systematic review provided an estimate of the prevalence of mental illness and associated risk factors in the MENA region, and overcame the methodological limitations of individual studies. METHODS Thorough searches of the relevant databases were carried out to locate relevant published articles. Furthermore, cross-sectional studies were conducted to assess mental disorders in refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, or internally displaced people residing in the MENA region. Only studies meeting the aforementioned criteria were considered. For this purpose, RStudio software version 2023.12.0 + 369 with netmeta package was used for measurement and data analysis. JBI used to assess study quality. RESULTS The results, including 32 cross-sectional studies with a total of 21659 participants were obtained and discussed. The overall prevalence was 42% (95% CI; 30%, 54%) for depression, 43% (95% CI; 31%, 57%) for anxiety, 22% (95% CI; 11%, 39%) for stress, and 45% (95% CI; 36%, 53%) for PTSD. As a result, it was noted that being female was associated with depression, and being female and unemployed was associated with PTSD, however being married was protective against this later. CONCLUSION Compared to the rest of the globe, MENA has a greater rate of mental illness among refugees. Nevertheless, much effort should be devoted on listing causes associated, as well as their management and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryem Zabarra
- Laboratory of Community Health, Preventive Médecine and Hygiene & Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical and Epidemiology Resarch, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco; Medical Affairs and Strategy Division, Direction CHU Ibn Sina, Rabat, 10100, Morocco.
| | - Majdouline Obtel
- Laboratory of Community Health, Preventive Médecine and Hygiene & Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical and Epidemiology Resarch, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Abdellah Sabri
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical and Epidemiology Resarch, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Samia El Hilali
- Laboratory of Community Health, Preventive Médecine and Hygiene & Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical and Epidemiology Resarch, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Zhor Zeghari
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical and Epidemiology Resarch, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Rachid Razine
- Laboratory of Community Health, Preventive Médecine and Hygiene & Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical and Epidemiology Resarch, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
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Habbash A, Alshahrani YS, Alshahrani HT, Alshahrani SS, Alshahrani HA, Alqahtani RS, Alqahtani SS, Alqarni A. The Prevalence and Burden of Psychiatric Disorders in Primary Health Care Visits in Asir Region Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e65253. [PMID: 39184744 PMCID: PMC11342401 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect an individual's mental health and well-being. These disorders can manifest in various ways. The recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and referral of psychological conditions heavily rely on general practitioners, who handle consultations that involve a psychological aspect in at least one third of cases. OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence and burden of common psychiatric disorders at primary health care centers (PHCs) using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) in the general population, aged 18-65, and examine their symptom patterns and comorbidity. METHODOLOGY A descriptive online cross-sectional survey was conducted over a one-month period, spanning from September to October 2023. The survey targeted the population living in the Asir region. To fulfill the objectives, the K6 scale was used. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. P values were considered statistically significant when they were ≤0.05. RESULTS The survey included a total of 1,595 participants. Of these, 21.3% of respondents were male, while 78.7% were female. The majority of respondents fall within the 18-25 age group, accounting for 50.5% of the total. A significant portion of the population experiences some form of psychological distress, with 4.6% reporting low psychological distress, 36.1% reporting mild psychological distress, and a substantial 59.2% reporting severe psychological distress. Age (p-value=0.024), gender (p-value=0.001), educational level (p-value=0.001), occupation (p-value=0.008), and monthly income (p-value=0.001) had significant associations with the psychological distress score of psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION The prevalence and burden of psychiatric disorders in primary health care visits in Saudi Arabia is a significant public health concern. Our findings showed that the majority of participants reported having severe to mild psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Habbash
- Family Medicine Department, King Khalid University, Abha, SAU
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ahmad Alqarni
- Faculty of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, SAU
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Madsen J, Jobson L, Slewa-Younan S, Li H, King K. Mental health literacy among Arab men living in high-income Western countries: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Soc Sci Med 2024; 346:116718. [PMID: 38489937 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
While interest in mental health literacy (MHL) is growing rapidly, cross-cultural research focusing on MHL is developing more slowly. This inaugural systematic review explored the recognition and beliefs about the causes of mental health disorders amongst Arab men living in high income Western countries (HIWC), their help-seeking beliefs, behaviors, and sources of help, as well as barriers and facilitators to help-seeking. Six electronic database searches were conducted using Medline, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. These searches yielded a total of 9,460 citations. After applying inclusion criteria through both database and manual hand searches, 46 studies were identified. The findings corresponded with four of the socioecological model's five factors: intrapersonal, interpersonal, societal, and institutional. Intrapersonal factors included attributing mental health illness to life and migration stressors, and religious reasons. Interpersonal and societal factors included men favoring informal help-seeking sources as stigma was a barrier to formal help-seeking. Institutional factors around the perceived cultural competence of healthcare professionals and access difficulties were obstacles to seeking formal help. The growth in Arab migration to HIWC highlights the need for culturally tailored care. Research is needed to understand the perspectives of healthcare providers working with Arab men in addition to how men's stigmatizing attitudes are an obstacle to formal help-seeking. Interventions should be designed to address the unique mental health needs of Arab men, recognizing that some explanatory beliefs may not align with current Western models of mental health. Moreover, efforts should be made to integrate men's informal sources of support into treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Madsen
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Building 17, 18 Innovation Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Laura Jobson
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Building 17, 18 Innovation Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Shameran Slewa-Younan
- Macarthur Clinical School, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 275, Australia.
| | - Haoxiang Li
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Building 17, 18 Innovation Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Kylie King
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Building 17, 18 Innovation Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Chimoriya R, Mohammad Y, Thomson R, Webster C, Dunne R, Aibangbee M, Ip D, Slewa-Younan S. Mental illness stigma and associated factors among Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant populations in Australia. Int J Ment Health Syst 2023; 17:11. [PMID: 37138317 PMCID: PMC10155307 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-023-00580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant populations form a significant proportion of Australia's population. Despite high levels of psychological distress among Arabic-speaking populations, low uptake of mental health services has been demonstrated. Evidence suggests poor levels of mental health literacy (MHL) and high levels of stigmatising attitudes among Arabic-speaking populations, which may act as barriers to help-seeking behaviours. This study aimed to explore the relationships between measures of mental illness stigma, socio-demographic factors and psychological distress, as well as to determine the factors associated with MHL (i.e., correct recognition of mental illness and knowledge of causes) among Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant populations in Australia. METHODS Participants were recruited from non-government organisations in Greater Western Sydney that provided support services to Arabic-speaking migrants and/or refugees. As this study is nested within an interventional pilot study evaluating a culturally tailored MHL program, only the pre-intervention survey responses for 53 participants were utilised. The survey measured key aspects of MHL (i.e., recognition of mental illness, knowledge of causes), levels of psychological distress (using K10 scale), and stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness (using Personal Stigma Subscales and Social Distance Scale). RESULTS The Personal Stigma subscale of 'Dangerous/unpredictable' was strongly positively correlated with participants' K10 psychological distress scores and strongly negatively correlated with years of education completed. There were moderate negative correlations between two Personal Stigma subscales ('Dangerous/unpredictable' and 'I-would-not-tell-anyone') and the length of stay in Australia. Being female was associated with an increase in personal stigma demonstrated by higher scores for 'I-would-not-tell-anyone' subscale than males. Similarly, increase in age was associated with a decrease on scores of the personal stigma 'Dangerous/unpredictable'. CONCLUSIONS While future research with larger sample size are needed, the study findings can be considered as adding to the evidence base on mental illness related stigma in Arabic-speaking populations. Further, this study provides a starting point in developing the rationale for why population sub-group specific interventions are required to address mental illness stigma and improve MHL among Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant populations in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Chimoriya
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Yaser Mohammad
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Russell Thomson
- School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Cheryl Webster
- Anglicare, Anglican Community Services, Baulkham Hills, Australia
| | - Rachel Dunne
- Anglicare, Anglican Community Services, Baulkham Hills, Australia
| | | | - David Ip
- Anglicare, Anglican Community Services, Baulkham Hills, Australia
| | - Shameran Slewa-Younan
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Al-Hendawi M. A cross-sectional study on the impact of parental educational level and gender differences on emotional and behavioural difficulties in adolescents in Qatar. EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/13632752.2023.2171349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Wadoo O, Althani SHAQF, Latoo J, Alabdulla M. Policy and legislation for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders in Qatar. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 79:103368. [PMID: 36493689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103368] [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: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is a marked paucity of publications on the policy and legislation of mental health, and substance use disorders in the public domain in Qatar. Qatar National Vision provides a framework for national strategies and the State of Qatar has developed policies and legislation dedicated to mental health and substance use. In doing so, Qatar has adopted international guidance to shape its mental health services and relevant policy and legislation. This article is a narrative description of the evolution of the mental health and substance use policy and legislation in Qatar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovais Wadoo
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Qatar University, College of Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | - Javed Latoo
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Majid Alabdulla
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Cross-cultural comparison of mental illness stigma and help-seeking attitudes: a multinational population-based study from 16 Arab countries and 10,036 individuals. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 58:641-656. [PMID: 36583767 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that culture deeply affects beliefs about mental illnesses' causes, treatment, and help-seeking. We aimed to explore and compare knowledge, attitudes toward mental illness and help-seeking, causal attributions, and help-seeking recommendations for mental illnesses across various Arab countries and investigate factors related to attitudes toward help-seeking. METHODS We carried out a multinational cross-sectional study using online self-administered surveys in the Arabic language from June to November 2021 across 16 Arab countries among participants from the general public. RESULTS More than one in four individuals exhibited stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illness (26.5%), had poor knowledge (31.7%), and hold negative attitudes toward help-seeking (28.0%). ANOVA tests revealed a significant difference between countries regarding attitudes (F = 194.8, p < .001), knowledge (F = 88.7, p < .001), and help-seeking attitudes (F = 32.4, p < .001). Three multivariate regression analysis models were performed for overall sample, as well as Palestinian and Sudanese samples that displayed the lowest and highest ATSPPH-SF scores, respectively. In the overall sample, being female, older, having higher knowledge and more positive attitudes toward mental illness, and endorsing biomedical and psychosocial causations were associated with more favorable help-seeking attitudes; whereas having a family psychiatric history and endorsing religious/supernatural causations were associated with more negative help-seeking attitudes. The same results have been found in the Palestinian sample, while only stigma dimensions helped predict help-seeking attitudes in Sudanese participants. CONCLUSION Interventions aiming at improving help-seeking attitudes and behaviors and promoting early access to care need to be culturally tailored, and congruent with public beliefs about mental illnesses and their causations.
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Smaoui O, Jahrami H, Cheour M. Attitudes and beliefs of Tunisian High-School teachers about schizophrenia: The impact of vignette gender. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1737-1747. [PMID: 34903062 DOI: 10.1177/00207640211057726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teachers have a crucial active role in provision of mental health services to students and fighting against mental health stigma in schools, hence their attitudes and beliefs toward mental illness should be assessed. METHOD We carried-out a cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample of 304 higher secondary school teachers. We used a structured questionnaire in which a vignette describing an individual with schizophrenia was presented, and was followed by a series of stigma-related questions. RESULTS A substantial proportion of teachers endorsed stressful life events (79.6%) as a cause of schizophrenia, elicited feelings of discomfort (41.4%) and incomprehension (41.1%) with the person displaying symptoms of schizophrenia, and agreed that the person's condition will deteriorate even more (45.4%). Teachers perceived that the person described in the vignette is dependent on others, lacks will, is different from others and is unpredictable in 65.1%, 59.2%, 55.6%, and 49.7% of cases, respectively. In addition, 38.5% and 34.2% of teachers recommended turning to traditional healers and to a Sheikh or an imam of a mosque, respectively. Regarding gender effects, females with schizophrenia were regarded as more likely to be unable to make her own decisions and to be dependent on others than males, and were less likely to be recommended for seeking help from a family physician or to consult a psychiatric hospital than males. CONCLUSION In the light of our findings, raising awareness of teachers of the impact of mental health issues on students should be prioritized in high schools in Tunisia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia.,Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane," The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Smaoui
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
| | - Haitham Jahrami
- Ministry of Health, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.,College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Majda Cheour
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia.,Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane," The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
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Factors affecting the utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students in a Nigerian University. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11476. [PMID: 36406704 PMCID: PMC9667261 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Under-utilization of mental health services among university students is a major public health concern. This study assessed the factors affecting the utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students. This research was a cross-sectional survey carried out among students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and multi-stage sampling technique was used in sampling the participants. Utilization, attitude, and health seeking behavior were categorized into good (≥50% score), and poor (<50% score), while social support was categorized into poor (8–18), moderate (19–25), and strong (26–32). Chi-square test and Logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between the categorical variables. 450 students enrolled in this study of which 52.4% were females and mean age of 19.40 ± 1.65 years. Most students showed a good attitude (87.5%), health seeking behavior (67.8%), and poor social support (69.4%) towards mental health services. There was an association between source of information (p = 0.005), health seeking behavior (p = 0.001) and utilization of mental health services. There was also a higher likelihood for students of female gender (OR: 1.621 (1.072–2.452)) and being aged above 20 years (OR: 1.331 (0.822–2.153)) to have good utilization of mental health services. Majority of the students showed good attitude and health seeking behavior towards mental health services but there was poor utilization as well as poor to moderate social support towards mental health services. Gender, age, attitude, source of information as well as health seeking behavior are important factors that can affect the utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students. Interventions targeted towards these factors should be done to ultimately improve utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students.
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Kihumuro RB, Kaggwa MM, Kintu TM, Nakandi RM, Muwanga DR, Muganzi DJ, Atwau P, Ayesiga I, Najjuma JN, Ashaba S. Knowledge, attitude and perceptions of medical students towards mental health in a university in Uganda. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:730. [PMID: 36266646 PMCID: PMC9584261 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03774-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of mental illness among medical students is high. A gap remains on what knowledge should be given to improve the attitudes and perceptions towards mental health. Despite the vast body of literature globally, no study has been conducted in Uganda to assess the levels of knowledge, attitude, and perception among medical students in Uganda. OBJECTIVE To determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and perception and their associated factors among medical students in Uganda. METHODS A cross-sectional study was done among 259 undergraduate medical students in a public university capturing information on knowledge, attitude, and perception towards mental health. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and perception. RESULTS About 77.72% had high knowledge, 49.29% had positive attitudes, and 46.92% had good perceptions of mental health. There was a significant positive relationship between attitude and perceptions towards mental illness. At multilevel analysis, being in year 4 increased the level of knowledge (β = 1.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.46-2.54], p = 0.005) while a positive history of mental illness worsened perceptions towards mental illness (β = -4.23 [95% CI = -7.44-1.03], p = 0.010). CONCLUSION Medical students have a high level of knowledge about mental illness but the majority had poor attitudes and perceptions of mental illness. Exposure to psychiatry knowledge about mental illness in year four increased students' knowledge while prior experience with mental illness conditions was associated with poorer perceptions. The information present in this study can be used by policymakers and future researchers to design future studies and interventions to improve knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes especially among students who have a history of mental illness. Improvements in knowledge, attitude, and perception may improve the mental health services for the future patients of these medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Mohan Kaggwa
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- African Centre for Suicide Prevention and Research, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy Mwanje Kintu
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | - David Jolly Muganzi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Pius Atwau
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Innocent Ayesiga
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Scholastic Ashaba
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Abo-Rass F, Abu-Kaf S, Nakash O. Barriers to Mental Health Service Use among Palestinian-Arab Women in Israel: Psychological Distress as Moderator. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12557. [PMID: 36231852 PMCID: PMC9566597 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies indicate that ethnic minority women, including women from the disadvantaged Palestinian-Arab minority in Israel, experience higher rates of psychological distress but are less likely to use mental health services. This study examined psychological distress and its role as a moderator in the relationship between mental health service use and stigma-related, attitudinal, and instrumental barriers. METHOD Cross-sectional study of 146 Palestinian-Arab women who completed measures of psychological distress, mental health service use, the Barriers to Care Evaluation scale, and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Participants who did not utilize mental health services reported higher levels of all barrier types compared to participants who reported previous use, but lower levels of psychological distress. Psychological distress was a significant moderator only in the relationship between attitudinal barriers and mental health service use. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the role of psychological distress in the relationship between barriers to and utilization of mental health services, helping professionals and policymakers increase mental health service use among Palestinian-Arab women in Israel and other vulnerable women elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fareeda Abo-Rass
- School for Social Work, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063, USA
| | - Sarah Abu-Kaf
- Conflict Management and Resolution Program, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ora Nakash
- School for Social Work, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063, USA
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Comparing Western symptoms of depression with Arabic idioms of distress: A qualitative study. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00829-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Mahmoodi SMH, Ahmadzad-Asl M, Eslami M, Abdi M, Hosseini Kahnamoui Y, Rasoulian M. Mental Health Literacy and Mental Health Information-Seeking Behavior in Iranian University Students. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:893534. [PMID: 35770063 PMCID: PMC9234209 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.893534] [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: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate Mental health literacy (MHL) is a problem worldwide. Research is limited in developing countries and about positive MHL. This study measured the disease-oriented MHL and positive MHL and investigated their association. In addition, this study explored the mental health information-seeking behavior among undergraduate students in Iran. METHODS This study recruited undergraduate students of Tehran public universities through multistage stratified random sampling to undertake an analytical cross-sectional study. MHL was measured using Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and Mental Health Positive Knowledge (MHPK). Participants' most used mental health information sources and their trust in them were also inspected. RESULTS A total of 543 students participated in this study. On average, the participants achieved about 65% of the total possible MHLS score, and 71% of participants showed sufficient MHPK score. The "internet" was the most used source for receiving and searching for mental health information. The most trusted source was "health care staff". This study detected no correlation between disease-oriented MHL and positive MHL. CONCLUSIONS Mental health literacy of Iranian students still seems to be insufficient. As disease-oriented MHL and positive MHL were not correlated, specific educational interventions for each domain are needed. Although the internet is the main source of mental health knowledge, the trust of student in it is low. This issue should be taken into consideration in designing online educational interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Hossein Mahmoodi
- Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Ahmadzad-Asl
- Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Eslami
- Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Abdi
- Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Rasoulian
- Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Birkie M, Anbesaw T. Knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards mental illness among residents of Dessie town, northeast, Ethiopia, a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:614. [PMID: 34886839 PMCID: PMC8656097 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03609-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge and attitude towards mental illness are poor and neglected as compared to medical illness. However, there is an increasing burden of mental illness in the community. As per the knowledge of the investigators, studies are scarce and not done in the study area about knowledge and attitudes of mental illness. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards mental illness among, Dessie town residents. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie town, Northeast, Ethiopia from October 27 to November 29/2020. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. The data were collected from 477 study participants using a standard structured questionnaire, which were Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and Community Attitude to Mental Illness Inventory (CAMI) respectively. Data were entered using Epi-data version 3.1 and, then exported to SPSS version 26 for analyses. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression analyses was employed. RESULTS From 477 study participants the prevalence of poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude towards mental illness were 55.3% (95% CI: 50.9, 60.0) and 45.1% (95% CI: 40.7,49.5) respectively. Being female [AOR = 1.62 (95% CI:1.06,2.47)], could not read and write [AOR = 6.28 (95% CI: 2.56, 15.39)], lack of information about mental illness [AOR = 5.82 (95% CI: 3.78,8.94)] and unfavorable attitude [AOR =1.73 (95% CI: 1.12,2.66)] were variables found statistical significant with poor knowledge. Whereas, income < 2166 [AOR = 1.64, (95% CI: 1.12, 2.41)], poor social support [AOR = 2.04, (95% CI: 1.13, 3.68)], moderate social support [AOR = 2.44, (95% CI: 1.45, 3.97)] and poor knowledge [AOR = 1.66, (95% CI: 1.13,2.43)] were variables significantly associated with unfavorable attitude toward mental illness. CONCLUSION In this study about half of the community have poor knowledge, and less than half of the participants have an unfavorable attitude to wards mental illness. There are many factors associated with poor knowledge and unfavorable attitudes. This having poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude may cause certain problems like a decrease in health care of a person with mental illness. Therefore, we recommend practice-based awareness in the community regarding mental health problems needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengesha Birkie
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Tamrat Anbesaw
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Firdos S, Amanullah M, Mobarki AO. Labeled As Mentally Ill: Community Perspective Toward Mental Illness in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2021; 13:e20127. [PMID: 34984157 PMCID: PMC8720389 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Communities hold different opinions toward mentally ill people and treat them negatively, irrespective of their behavior. Differences in beliefs can impact not only affected individuals but the entire network and opportunities. This study aimed to examine beliefs about mental illness among different populations of the Saudi community. Methodology This descriptive study was conducted among 840 participants from several groups (different family roles, professions, medical and non-medical students, educated and uneducated, etc.) aged 18-75 years in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Information regarding participants’ demographics and beliefs toward mental illness was collected through validated measures. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Data analysis showed that individuals over the age of 30 years believed that mental illness is socially dysfunctional, incurable, and a subject of embarrassment. Married couples also considered mental illness to be socially dysfunctional and a subject of embarrassment. Similarly, unemployed participants had more negative views of mental illness than working individuals and students. Furthermore, educators and other professionals believed that mental illness is more socially dysfunctional than healthcare providers. In addition, community groups with a history of mental illness stated that mental illness is incurable. In the family context, grandparents’ beliefs toward mental illness were more negative than other family members’ views. Conclusions This study highlights the diversity in beliefs about mental illness among different groups of Arab society. The influence of poor knowledge, religious beliefs, and subjective attitudes should be explored further, and anti-stigma interventions should be implemented to increase community awareness about mental illness.
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Bouclaous CH, Salem S, Ghanem A, Saade N, El Haddad J, Bou Malham M, Al Osta S, Matar K, Nassar E, Yared G, Khiami M, Joe Eid M. Health Literacy Levels and Predictors Among Lebanese Adults Visiting Outpatient Clinics in Beirut. Health Lit Res Pract 2021; 5:e295-e309. [PMID: 34756119 PMCID: PMC8579750 DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20211012-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, there has been a dearth of research on health literacy in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and in particular Lebanon. OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study assessed the levels and correlates of health literacy in Lebanese adults. METHODS A total of 587 participants (54.5% women) were recruited from the outpatient clinics of five health facilities in Beirut. The questionnaire consisted of the Arabic version of the Functional Health literacy Scale, the Arabic short version of the European Health Literacy Survey, and questions on sociodemographic and health-related factors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to assess the association of these factors with functional health literacy (FHL) and comprehensive health literacy (CHL) levels. KEY RESULTS About 65.8% had inadequate or problematic FHL and 43.8% had inadequate or problematic CHL. Although FHL was negatively correlated with long-term illness, it was positively correlated with ability to pay and health status. CHL was positively correlated with education, income, ability to pay for treatment, health status, and FHL level, whereas it was negatively correlated with long-term illness. Binary logistic regression showed that low education, low socioeconomic status, and being a widow were predictive of inadequate FHL. Moreover, having inadequate FHL and low income increased the likelihood of having inadequate CHL. CONCLUSION This study has identified those with risk factors for inadequate health literacy and unfavorable health outcomes. A national action plan can guide the promotion of health literacy and its embeddedness in society to instill competencies and the environment that would eliminate health inequities and sustain health in Lebanon. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2021;5(4):e295-e309.] Plain Language Summary: This study examined health literacy levels and correlates in 587 Lebanese adults using two recognized screening tools. The first tool measured functional health literacy (FHL), which represents the ability of a person to acquire information on health through reading or writing. The second tool assessed comprehensive health literacy (CHL), which encompasses the ability of a person to use their social skills to acquire health information from different media and make appropriate health decisions based on this information. Close to two-thirds of the participants had inadequate or problematic FHL. More specifically, low education, low socioeconomic status, and widowhood were predictive of inadequate FHL. Nearly one-half of the participants had inadequate or problematic CHL with an increased likelihood of inadequate levels in people with low FHL and low income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel H. Bouclaous
- Address correspondence to Carmel H. Bouclaous, PhD, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon;
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Adu P, Jurcik T, Dmitry G. Mental health literacy in Ghana: Implications for religiosity, education and stigmatization. Transcult Psychiatry 2021; 58:516-531. [PMID: 34165347 DOI: 10.1177/13634615211022177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research on Mental Health Literacy (MHL) has been growing internationally. However, the beliefs and knowledge of Ghanaians about specific mental disorders have yet to be explored. This vignette study was conducted to explore the relationships between religiosity, education, stigmatization and MHL among Ghanaians using a sample of laypeople (N = 409). The adapted questionnaire presented two vignettes (depression and schizophrenia) about a hypothetical person. The results revealed that more participants were able to recognize depression (47.4%) than schizophrenia (15.9%). Religiosity was not significantly associated with recognition of mental disorders but was positively associated with both social and personal stigma for depression, and negatively associated with personal and perceived stigma for schizophrenia. Moreover, education was found to be positively associated with disorder recognition, and negatively with perceived stigma. Finally, perceived stigma was positively associated with disorder recognition, whereas personal stigma for schizophrenia related negatively to recognition of mental disorders. In conclusion, education but not religiosity predicted identification accuracy, but both predictors were associated with various forms of stigma. Findings from this study have implications for MHL and anti-stigma campaigns in Ghana and other developing countries in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Adu
- 68192National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tomas Jurcik
- 68192National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Grigoryev Dmitry
- 68192National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
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Kehyayan V, Mahfoud Z, Ghuloum S, Marji T, Al-Amin H. Internalized Stigma in Persons With Mental Illness in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:685003. [PMID: 34178932 PMCID: PMC8232048 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.685003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stigma impacts persons with mental illness (PWMI), their families and network of friends, the public and health care professionals. Stigma is a major barrier for PWMI to seeking treatment, which contributes to the burden of disease, disability, and mortality. Research on stigma is relatively scant in the Middle East region and particularly in Qatar. To address stigma effectively in each culture, it is essential to study its nature in the context where the PWMI experience stigma. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of internalized stigma in PWMI in Qatar. A cross-sectional study of PWMI receiving outpatient mental health services in Qatar was done. We interviewed 417 PWMI using a modified 18-item version of the short form of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) Scale. Descriptive and regression models were used to analyze the data. The Cronbach alpha for the modified 18-items ISMI was 0.87. Participants' average score on this scale was 2.07 ± 0.38 with 41 (9.8%) of them scoring more than 2.5 which is considered “high” stigma score. In multivariate logistic regression, high stigma (modified ISMI score >2.5) was significantly higher among PWMI with no formal education and among those who reported lower levels of social support. The reported levels of internalized stigma in this vulnerable population of Qatar fall at the lower spectrum reported worldwide. An anti-stigma education program designed for the context of Qatar emphasizing on education and support for PWMI may be conducive to creating an all-inclusive society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Kehyayan
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad Mahfoud
- Department of Population Health Science, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suhaila Ghuloum
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tamara Marji
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hassen Al-Amin
- Department of Population Health Science, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar and Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Elyamani R, Naja S, Al-Dahshan A, Hamoud H, Bougmiza MI, Alkubaisi N. Mental health literacy in Arab states of the Gulf Cooperation Council: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245156. [PMID: 33411793 PMCID: PMC7790272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health literacy (MHL) has been relatively neglected, despite the increase of mental health illnesses worldwide, as well as within the Middle East region. A low level of MHL may hinder public acceptance of evidence-based mental health care. Aim This systematic review aims to identify and appraise existing research, focusing on MHL among adults in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, and Medline) was carried out from database inception to July 2019, in order to identify peer-reviewed journal articles that investigated MHL in the GCC countries. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were: cross-sectional studies, reported in English, targeted adults (aged 18 and above), conducted in any of the GCC countries, include at least one outcome measure of the main components of MHL: knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatment, stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illnesses, and seeking help for self and offering help. Results A total of 27 studies (16,391 participants) were included. The outcome across studies varied due to disparity in the tested populations. Findings show that limited MHL was observed among participants, even health care professionals. Results also show a high cumulative level of stigma and negative attitude towards mental health illness in the public. Negative beliefs and inappropriate practices are common, as well. The majority of studies yielded a moderate to high risk of bias. Conclusion This work indicates that research on MHL must be tackled through well-designed large-scale studies of the public. Campaigns to promote early identification and treatment of mental illness is also encouraged to improve overall level of MHL in the general population of the GCC region. Registration number: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018104492.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowaida Elyamani
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail: (RE); (AAD)
| | - Sarah Naja
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman Al-Dahshan
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail: (RE); (AAD)
| | - Hamed Hamoud
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Workforce Training, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noora Alkubaisi
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Workforce Training, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Bharti A, Singh H, Singh D, Kumar V. Behavior of general population toward mentally ill persons in Digital India: Where are we? Ind Psychiatry J 2021; 30:106-112. [PMID: 34483533 PMCID: PMC8395565 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_194_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to find out the overall reported and intended behavior of the general population of India toward mentally ill persons. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were included in an online survey using a nonprobability snowball sampling technique. After taking informed consent, sociodemographic details were recorded, and the "Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale" was administered. RESULTS Out of 818 responses, 684 responses were eligible for study after exclusion. The mean age (standard deviation) of the study population was 31.01 (7.79) years. Maximum participants reported that they did not live (76.6%), did not work (75.7%), did not live nearby (66.4 %), or have not had a close friend (79.8%) with mental health problems. However, most individuals neither agreed nor disagreed to live (48.5%), work (38%), and live nearby (42.7%) a mentally ill person, but maximum individuals strongly agreed to continue a relationship with a friend having mental health problems (34.5%). There were 77.5% males and 32.2% healthcare workers. Regarding intended behavior, there was a significant difference between healthcare workers and persons other than these as well as between males and females. Participants who had previous interaction with the mentally ill person were more willing to interact with the same. CONCLUSION Most people do not intend to have stigmatized behavior toward mentally ill persons. Healthcare workers and males have less negative social reactions toward mentally ill persons in different domains of life. However, there is still a need to intensify awareness about mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Bharti
- Department of Psychiatry, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Harpreet Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vipin Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, SHKM Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana, India
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Zolezzi M, Elshami S, Obaidi W. An Exploratory Analysis of the Portrayal of Mental Illness in Qatar's Newspapers. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2020; 13:1323-1332. [PMID: 33402852 PMCID: PMC7778677 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s280360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns have been raised about the role of the media influencing the public's understanding of mental illness. AIM This study explored the extent and nature of mental health coverage in Qatar's newspapers. A secondary aim was to compare the mental health-related coverage with that of diabetes. METHODS This was a retrospective quantitative and qualitative analysis of textual data published in Qatari newspapers. Quantitative descriptive analysis was employed to determine the extent of media coverage while qualitative content analysis was employed to examine the discourse tone and assess the stigmatization of the main messages on the text. RESULTS A total of 659 mental health-related articles were published; the main focus of the articles was on autism, depression, and non-pharmacological therapies for mental illness. Analysis of the retrieved articles revealed a predominantly informative content, with mostly non-stigmatizing tone except for non-national news that often linked mental illness with dangerousness or violence. A higher number of articles with mental health-related content than about diabetes were found. CONCLUSION Although the newspaper content analysis revealed mostly a non-stigmatizing tone in mental health reporting in newspapers, there is a need to increase representation of people with mental illness in print media, increase awareness of the diversity of treatments available, and increase more scientific reporting to raise mental health literacy in Qatar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Zolezzi
- Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Elshami
- Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Warda Obaidi
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Mental health literacy of the Lebanese population (MHeLLP): a cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-04-2020-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This study primarily aims to evaluate the mental health literacy (MHL) of the Lebanese adult population in an attempt to yield results that can help fill the gap in the literature and support the development of new strategies to counter mental health stigma.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was composed of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule and select questions from the Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill and MHL Scale. The surveys were collected from a representative population of sample size (n = 386) among the different governorates of Lebanon. The participants, aged 18–65 years and literate, were recruited between July 2018 and September 2018 from supermarkets widely distributed across the country.
Findings
The results showed that the Lebanese population possesses average knowledge and certain stigmatizing attitudes toward mental illnesses. Curricular education and awareness campaigns may help refine the image of mental illness among the population.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first in Lebanon to assess the MHL of its population as a whole. It gives insight into the common misconceptions about mental illness and patterns of the related stigma that are prevalent in the Lebanese society today.
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Puspitasari IM, Garnisa IT, Sinuraya RK, Witriani W. Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitude Toward Mental Health Disorders and Their Treatment Among Students in an Indonesian University. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2020; 13:845-854. [PMID: 33149708 PMCID: PMC7602896 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s274337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify perception, knowledge, and attitudes toward mental health disorders and their treatment among students in a university in West Java, Indonesia. Methods A cross-sectional study which measures perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes of 427 university students using convenience sampling through a 53-item self-administered questionnaire was conducted in January 2020. Either a chi-square test or the Kruskal–Wallis test was employed to analyze the association between student characteristics and variables. Furthermore, Spearman rank correlation coefficient was utilized to evaluate the relationship between variables. Results A total of 51.29% students had negative perceptions, 50.23% had good knowledge, and 52.46% had positive attitudes toward mental disorders and their treatment. The differences in the experience of visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist were associated with perceptions (P<0.01), knowledge (P<0.01), and attitudes (P<0.01). A positive correlation was observed between perception and attitude (r=0.56; P<0.01) and between knowledge and attitude (r=0.24; P<0.01). The students obtained most information about mental health from social media (92.74%). Conclusion Students demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitude toward mental health disorders. However, some continue to hold negative perceptions regarding approaching someone with a mental disorder, encouraging doubt and fear. Health promotion about mental health disorders and their treatment must be conducted to increase positive perceptions, good knowledge, and positive attitudes of the students. Social media tools can be considered to enhance mental health promotion and prevention of mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma M Puspitasari
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia.,Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Ingka Tisya Garnisa
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Rano K Sinuraya
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia.,Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
| | - Witriani Witriani
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia
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Quantifying the Language Barrier-A Total Survey of Parents' Spoken Languages and Local Language Skills as Perceived by Different Professions in Pediatric Palliative Care. CHILDREN-BASEL 2020; 7:children7090118. [PMID: 32882877 PMCID: PMC7552692 DOI: 10.3390/children7090118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To date, there are no specific figures on the language-related characteristics of families receiving pediatric palliative care. This study aims to gain insights into the languages spoken by parents, their local language skills and the consistency of professional assessments on these aspects. Using an adapted version of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”, the languages and local language skills of parents whose children were admitted to an inpatient pediatric palliative care facility (N = 114) were assessed by (a) medical staff and (b) psychosocial staff. Nearly half of the families did not speak the local language as their mother tongue. The most frequently spoken language was Turkish. Overall, the medical staff attributed better language skills to parents than the psychosocial staff did. According to them, only 27.0% of mothers and 38.5% of fathers spoke the local language at a high level while 37.8% of mothers and 34.6% of fathers had no or rudimentary language skills. The results provide important information on which languages pediatric palliative care practitioners must be prepared for. They sensitize to the fact that even within an institution there can be discrepancies between the language assessments of different professions.
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Guo S, Yang Y, Liu F, Li F. The awareness rate of mental health knowledge Among Chinese adolescent: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19148. [PMID: 32049839 PMCID: PMC7035058 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health knowledge is an important part of mental health literacy, which is related to one's attitude and coping style when facing mental illness. The awareness rate of mental health knowledge among adolescents is an effective index to evaluate the effect of school mental health education, and the awareness rate of mental health knowledge among Chinese adolescents has not been effectively evaluated. METHODS Two electronic databases for English language and 3 electronic databases for Chinese language were searched for relevant studies. Meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the awareness rate among Chinese adolescents. The normal distribution test was conducted using 5 methods. Homogeneity test was conducted, and I > 50% indicates existence of heterogeneity and in this case, the random model was adopted; otherwise, we adopt the fixed model. Funnel plot and Egger test was used to confirm whether publication bias existed. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included in this study, comprising 22,164 students from different stages of education (10,437 senior middle-school students, 5589 junior middle-school students, and 6138 college students). The awareness rate of mental health knowledge among Chinese adolescents was only 66%; for university students and middle-school students, their awareness rate was 73% and 61%, respectively. The awareness rate among senior middle-school students was as low as that of junior middle-school students. The awareness rate among college students in developed regions was higher than that in developing regions. CONCLUSIONS The awareness rate of mental health knowledge among Chinese adolescents was lower than the goal set in the national mental health work plan. There are gaps in mental health education in different developed areas. The mental health education among adolescent in Chinese mainland needs to be further strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Guo
- Department of Economics and Management, Changsha University
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute of Natural Resources and Conservation Lands, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feiyue Liu
- Department of Economics and Management, Changsha University
| | - Fuying Li
- Department of Economics and Management, Changsha University
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Uddin MN, Bhar S, Islam FMA. An assessment of awareness of mental health conditions and its association with socio-demographic characteristics: a cross-sectional study in a rural district in Bangladesh. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:562. [PMID: 31409332 PMCID: PMC6692949 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4385-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the level of awareness, knowledge and help-seeking attitudes and behaviours in relation to mental health conditions (MHCs) and associations with socio-demographic characteristics of a rural district of Bangladesh. METHODS We recruited 2425 adult samples (18-90 years) from a Cross-sectional study in Narial district of Bangladesh. Data on awareness, knowledge, help-seeking attitudes and practice in relation to six MHCs were collected. The MHCs were classified as common (depression, anxiety and drug addiction), and severe (psychosis, dementia and bipolar disorder). Associations of MHCs with socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using Chi-square tests. Rasch analysis was performed to transform the latent attribute (awareness) of MHCs from ordinal to interval scale. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine how the socio-demographic characteristics contribute to the combined awareness score of MHCs. RESULTS Of 2425 participants, 17 (0.7%) were cognizant of all the awareness construct of MHCs, and 1365 (56.28%) were not aware of any of MHCs. The prevalence of awareness of MHCs such as depression (8.5%), anxiety (6.2%), psychosis (3.5%), and bipolar disorder (3.3%), was found to be very low. Awareness was significantly lower in older adults, and in women. Higher levels of education (β 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-1.97) associated with common MHCs and (β 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67-0.95) those associated with severe MHCs contributed significantly to increased awareness as opposed to having no or primary level of education. Availability of sufficient funds when applied to common MHCs (β 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26-0.61) and severe MHCs (β 0.25, 95% CI: 0.13-0.38) appeared to be more effective in boosting awareness compared to unstable financial situations. Almost 100% of the participants who were aware of the MHCs demonstrated positive attitudes towards seeking medical or psychological counselling. CONCLUSIONS Awareness of MHCs appeared to be very limited. However, knowledgeable participants were found to be very receptive to medical or psychological counselling. For improving awareness of MHCs need to conduct various intervention programs in particular those campaigns that focus on women, older adults, low SES and people up to the primary levels of education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nazim Uddin
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology; Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia
| | - Sunil Bhar
- Department of Psychological Sciences; Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia
| | - Fakir M Amirul Islam
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology; Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia
- Organisation for Rural Community Development (ORCD), Dariapur, Narail, Bangladesh
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Al-Dousari M, Prior S. Islamic faith as a facilitator for accessing counselling: the experience of three Kuwaiti clients. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2019.1651823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mounira Al-Dousari
- Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Seamus Prior
- Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Lee M, Park S. Beliefs about Tic Disorders and Tourette's Syndrome in South Korea: An Online Panel Survey. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2019; 30:109-115. [PMID: 32595328 PMCID: PMC7298894 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.190007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study investigates lay beliefs about the etiology and treatments of tic disorder and Tourette's syndrome, as well as identifying sociodemographic and personality variables affecting these beliefs among South Koreans. Methods In total, 673 participants (mean age 41.77±12.03 years) completed an online survey regarding their beliefs about tic disorder and Tourette's syndrome. The factors related to their lay beliefs about the disorders were analyzed, and the correlates were investigated. Results Results indicated that lay people in South Korea held strong beliefs that the causes of tic disorder and Tourette's syndrome lie within the parenting/psychological and neurological/biological categories, compared to the dietary/environmental one. Among the sociodemographic variables, sex, age, and levels of subjective mental health knowledge were primarily associated with the aforementioned beliefs. Familiarity with tic disorder and Tourette's syndrome was also associated with these beliefs. Among the personality traits investigated, extraversion and conscientiousness had significant influences on the beliefs people had about tic disorder and Tourette's syndrome. Conclusion The results suggest that both policy makers and mental health service providers should adopt a strategic approach for developing and implementing health education interventions about tic disorder and Tourette's syndrome because individual sociodemographic variables, familiarity with the disorders, and personality traits are all associated with the beliefs about these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Lee
- Clinical Research Center, Mental Health Research Institute, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Korea
| | - Subin Park
- Clinical Research Center, Mental Health Research Institute, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Korea
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Khaled SM. Prevalence and potential determinants of subthreshold and major depression in the general population of Qatar. J Affect Disord 2019; 252:382-393. [PMID: 31003107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of epidemiological studies of depression in war-free Arab countries. This study estimated the prevalence and potential determinants of Subthreshold (SUBDE) and Major Depressive Episode (MDE) in migrants and non-migrants typical of Qatar and neighboring Gulf countries. METHODS A telephone survey of a probability-based sample of 2,424 participants was conducted in February 2017. The sample was divided based on nationality and income: Low-Income Migrants (LIMs), High Income Migrants (HIMs), and non-migrants or Qatari Nationals (QNs). Participants completed the nine-item Physician Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Ethnicity, sociodemographics, health- and work-related information was collected. Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS Overall prevalence of any depression ranged between 4.2% (95% CI: 3.3-5.3) and 6.6% (95% CI: 5.4-7.9) for a cut-off of 12 and 10, respectively. The diagnostic algorithm for SUBDE and MDE resulted in estimates of 5.5% (95% CI: 4.4-6.8) and 3.6% (95% CI: 2.8-4.5), respectively. SUBDE, but not MDE rates, were significantly increased in LIMs (OR=2.96, p = 0.004) and HIMs (OR = 2.00, p = 0.014) compared with non-migrants. Arab ethnicity was significantly associated with SUBDE: relative to South Asians (OR = 3.77, p < 0.001) and other ethnicities (OR = 3.61, p = 0.029). Arab ethnicity was significantly associated with MDE: relative to South Asians (OR = 10.42, p < 0.001) and South East Asians (OR = 3.54, p = 0.007). LIMITATIONS Clinical diagnostic interviews for depression were not included. CONCLUSION Using the PHQ-9, depression prevalence in Qatar was comparable to general population estimates from Western countries. Migrant status and ethnicity were associated with SUBDE and MDE with implications for early screening and community intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma M Khaled
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Gesser-Edelsburg A, Hamade Boukai R. Does the education system serve as a persuasion agent for recommending ADHD diagnosis and medication uptake? A qualitative case study to identify and characterize the persuasion strategies of Israeli teachers and school counselors. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:153. [PMID: 31101094 PMCID: PMC6525420 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a steady rise in the use of medication by Israeli school children to treat ADHD, partly due to what seems like school teachers' and counselors' tendency to express positive attitudes towards its use. Therfore it is important to examine the involvement of the school teachers and counselors in the parents' decision-making about giving their children medication. METHODS This study used a qualitative constructivist research method of semi-structured interviews. It included individual interviews with 36 teachers and school counselors and 11 parents of students ages 9-14 from the Jewish and Arab populations. RESULTS Teachers and school counselors use different strategies to encourage parents to have their children diagnosed for ADHD and medicated. First they suggest diagnosis as a necessary step in the best interest of the child, distinguishing between diagnosis and medication to mitigate parents' concerns. In the second stage, teachers normalize the use of medication, as well as framing it as a drug that provides not only a medical treatment but also emotional wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Teachers and counselors are involved in parents' decision-making process about medicating their children to treat ADHD, which contradicts the education system's guidelines. It is necessary to set clear and explicit limits and guidelines for education system employees so that they do not cross professional and ethical limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Gesser-Edelsburg
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave. Mount Carmel, 3498838, Haifa, Israel. .,The Health and Risk Communication Research Center, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave. Mount Carmel, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Rasha Hamade Boukai
- 0000 0004 1937 0562grid.18098.38School of Public Health, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave. Mount Carmel, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
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Wikkeling-Scott LF, Ajja RJY, Rikard RV. Health literacy research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: an integrative review. Int J Public Health 2019; 64:523-533. [DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-01200-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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Alosaimi FD, AlAteeq DA, Bin Hussain SI, Alhenaki RS, Bin Salamah AA, AlModihesh NA. Public Awareness, Beliefs, And Attitudes Toward Bipolar Disorder In Saudi Arabia. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:2809-2818. [PMID: 31579220 PMCID: PMC6773966 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s209037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine public's knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward bipolar disorder (BP) in Saudi Arabia (SA). METHODS A cross-sectional survey was performed in 2016 in Riyadh, SA. The survey included sociodemographic characteristics and BP awareness scale. RESULTS Of 416 participants, 49.5% had prior knowledge of BP, mainly from internet and social media, and 57% considered it to be common in SA. About half believed BP is caused by a neurophysiological or neurochemical imbalance and that it can be treated with psychiatric medications. Supernatural causes, weak faith, and weakness of character were considered causes of BP by 55%, 48%, and 40% of participants, respectively. Recreational activities and head bandaging by traditional therapists were considered viable treatment options by 55% and 41% of participants, respectively. Students and healthcare professionals scored significantly higher on awareness scale. Regarding attitude, a majority believed that persons with BP can work effectively (86%), have to pull themselves together to get over it (47%), and consider it a shame to mention that someone in a family is affected by BP (32%). Regarding relationships, 22% were not willing to maintain a friendship and 39.3% were not willing to marry someone with BP. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed suboptimal public awareness towards BP in SA. It identified several misconceptions and negative attitudes toward patients with BP. Further studies are needed to investigate potential public interventions to improve literacy of BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad D Alosaimi
- Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deemah A AlAteeq
- College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah I Bin Hussain
- Department of Family Medicine and Polyclinics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riham S Alhenaki
- Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, KAMC, MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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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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Zolezzi M, Alamri M, Shaar S, Rainkie D. Stigma associated with mental illness and its treatment in the Arab culture: A systematic review. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2018; 64:597-609. [PMID: 30019976 DOI: 10.1177/0020764018789200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health has not had the same public profile as physical health. This has contributed to the stigma associated with mental illness and to its treatments. Research investigating how the traditions and values amongst those with an Arab heritage contribute to stigmatizing beliefs, attitudes or actions in the provision of mental healthcare has not been widely reported. AIM To systematically review the literature and summarize the findings of studies reporting stigmatizing beliefs, actions and attitudes toward treatment of people with mental illness in the Arab population. METHODS PubMed, Ovid, Psycharticles and Embase were used to identify original studies of non-institutionalized Arab adults or children reporting findings relevant to stigma toward mental illness. A manual search of the bibliography of all selected original studies was also undertaken. Independent data extraction was performed by two reviewers, who then met to compare data and reach consensus. Findings were classified as stigmatizing beliefs, actions or attitudes toward mental health treatments. RESULTS A total of 33 articles were retrieved for full review. Those utilizing qualitative methodology provided insight into the many ways mental illness is viewed and defined among those with an Arab heritage. Among the studies using quantitative methodology, most compared stigmatizing beliefs, attitudes toward mental health treatments or stigmatizing actions among different Arab populations, some also investigated correlations between characteristics of the Arab population tested with stigmatizing beliefs, actions and attitudes toward mental health treatments. Findings from studies undertaken in Qatar reported greater stigmatizing beliefs, actions or attitudes toward mental health treatments among Qatari versus non-Qatari Arabs. CONCLUSION A large diversity in the stigmatizing beliefs, actions and attitudes toward treatment of mental illness within the Arab population were identified. The influence of cultural variations on stigma should be explored further and used to tailor anti-stigma interventions in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maha Alamri
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahd Shaar
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Donnelly TT, Al Suwaidi JM, Al-Qahtani A, Asaad N, Singh R. Arab Men and Women's Conceptualization of Mental Health and Depression: A Qualitative Study from the Middle East. J Immigr Minor Health 2018; 21:1102-1114. [PMID: 30120675 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0809-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Among cardiovascular patients, depression is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding how depression is conceptualized from cardiovascular patients' perspective can help with prevention, early detection, and treatment for depression. This might reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and save health care costs. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study in the Gulf region exploring depression among Arab cardiovascular patients. The purpose of this exploratory ethnographic qualitative research is to investigate how Arab male and female patients with cardiovascular disease conceptualize mental health and depression. Two theoretical frameworks guided this research: (1) The Ecological Perspective, and (2) Kleinman's Explanatory Model of Health and Illness. Using maximum variation purposive sampling, thirty (30) male and twenty-five (25) female, self-identified, Arab cardiovascular patients were recruited as research participants. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Thematic analysis was performed to generate themes. Nvivo 10, a qualitative data analysis software, was used to organize the narrative data. The participants in this study placed great emphasis on the manifestations of mental illness and their impact on both themselves and their families. Four major themes were identified from their narratives: psychological and physical disturbances; unfavorable personal characteristics; work issues and financial constraints; lack of family and social support. The knowledge generated in this study might help increase awareness, prevention of and treatment for depression among cardiovascular patients in Qatar. The findings from this study can also be used to inform a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral intervention approach that is contextualized to meet the mental health care needs of Arab cardiovascular patients, thus reducing cardiovascular diseases morbidity and mortality in Qatar and the Gulf region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam Truong Donnelly
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Cumming School of Medicine, Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, PF 2234, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Yokoya S, Maeno T, Sakamoto N, Goto R, Maeno T. A Brief Survey of Public Knowledge and Stigma Towards Depression. J Clin Med Res 2018; 10:202-209. [PMID: 29416578 PMCID: PMC5798266 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr3282w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden from depression is affected by the public's beliefs, stigma, and resulting behavior. Lack of knowledge, misunderstanding, and stigma about depressed people and their surroundings are barriers to improving their mental health. This study aimed to examine public beliefs regarding depression, especially how to recognize depression, treatment, and stigma. METHODS A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to participants receiving an annual health checkup. We asked whether they agreed with four short sentences: "it is not necessary to worry about depression in a person behaving brightly" (misunderstanding about the behavior of depressed people), "rest is important for treating depression" (belief about the necessity of rest), "medicine is effective for treating depression" (belief about the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy) and "a weak personality causes depression" (stigma about the cause of depression). We also analyzed the association between these beliefs and factors such as health literacy, regularly visiting an outpatient clinic, history of depression, and demographic variables. RESULTS Among 1,085 respondents (75.0% response rate), 54.5%, 75.6%, 58.9%, and 70.8% responded appropriately to the "misunderstanding about the behavior of depressed people", "necessity of rest", "effectiveness of pharmacotherapy", and "stigma about the cause of depression" items, respectively. Regarding stigma about the cause of depression, 30.7% of respondents agreed that a weak personality caused depression. Female sex and younger age group were associated with appropriate answers. Health literacy was only associated with appropriate beliefs about the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Thirty percent of participants had the stigmatizing belief that a weak personality causes depression and only 58.9% believed in the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for depression. Over 70% understood the necessity of rest and knew that depression is possible in those who act brighter. General health literacy alone might not improve knowledge and beliefs about depression. An educational intervention or campaign to reduce stigma toward depression and improve knowledge about the treatment of depression is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoji Yokoya
- Community-Based Medicine Education Station Kitaibaraki, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takami Maeno
- Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naoto Sakamoto
- Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ryohei Goto
- Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Maeno
- Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Saint Arnault DM, Gang M, Woo S. Construct Validity and Reliability of the Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale for American, Japanese, and Korean Women. Res Theory Nurs Pract 2017; 31:349-363. [PMID: 29137694 DOI: 10.1891/1541-6577.31.4.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale (BMI) across women from the United States, Japan, and South Korea. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was employed. The sample was 564 women aged 21-64 years old who were recruited in the United States and Korea (American = 127, Japanese immigrants in the United States = 204, and Korean = 233). We carried out item analysis, construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and internal consistency using SPSS Version 22 and AMOS Version 22. RESULTS An acceptable model fit for a 20-item BMI (Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale-Revised [BMI-R]) with 3 factors was confirmed using CFA. Construct validity of the BMI-R showed to be all acceptable; convergent validity (average variance extracted [AVE] ≥0.5, construct reliability [CR] ≥0.7) and discriminant validity (r = .65-.89, AVE >.79). The Cronbach's alpha of the BMI-R was .92. CONCLUSION These results showed that the BMI was a reliable tool to study beliefs about mental illness across cultures. Our findings also suggested that continued efforts to reduce stigma in culturally specific contexts within and between countries are necessary to promote help-seeking for those suffering from psychological distress.
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Ashoor FG, Khudhur IA. Assessment of Needs: Differences between male and female patients with schizophrenia needs in psychiatric hospitals in Baghdad city. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2017; 63:641-648. [PMID: 28836482 DOI: 10.1177/0020764017725770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender differences are one of the most important and crucial subjects in evaluating the nursing care as well as mental health care system for psychiatric patients especially patients with schizophrenia. AIMS We aimed to identify differences in needs of male and female patients with schizophrenia in psychiatric hospitals in Baghdad city and its relationship with some variables. METHOD A descriptive, analytical design that was carried out by using Camberwell needs assessment, short appraisal schedule, self-report version (CANSAS-P) after translating to Arabic. RESULTS Results indicated that there were a lot of unmet needs of male and female patients with schizophrenia, according to the entire CANSAS-P domains especially psychological symptoms. Differences were found in types of needs as the majority of men have more social needs while females was found to be more occupied with their fears and need safety. CONCLUSION there were differences in types of need between male and female patients with schizophrenia; needs were affected by some variables such as educational level, first 10 days of admission and family visiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin G Ashoor
- 1 Nursing Department, Baghdad Nursing School, Medical City hospital, Bab Al- Muadhum, Baghdad/Iraq
| | - Intisar Ag Khudhur
- 2 Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Nursing Faculty, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq
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Siddiqui AR, Mahasin S, Alsajjan R, Hassounah M, Alhalees Z, AlSaif N, Alosaimi FD, AlQuaiz A. Depression literacy in women attending university hospital clinics in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2017; 63:99-108. [PMID: 28067109 DOI: 10.1177/0020764016685346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression literacy in general population constitutes an ability to understand depression, with knowledge of disease, its risk factors and symptoms. High levels of depression literacy promote early intervention, potentially reducing related disability. AIM This study investigated the depression literacy in women visitors to clinics of a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS Women of 18 and more years were surveyed during their visit to primary and other healthcare clinics of a public hospital in Riyadh. Knowledge on depression symptoms, causes and management approaches identified depression literate women scoring more than 30 points on a 42-item tool. RESULTS Of the 409 participants, 65.5% were depression literate, 50% educated as college and above, 64.3% married, 50.7% housewives, 62.4% reported use of multiple information sources (range, 0-8) and had a mean age of 34.9 (standard deviation ( SD), 12.4) years. In a logistic regression model, participants scoring less than 30 for depression literacy were significantly associated with women having less than college-level education, divorced marital status and use of decreasing number of learning resources. CONCLUSION Women with low education divorced; using fewer information sources need specific considerations by healthcare providers for assessment of depressive disorders in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Rehana Siddiqui
- 1 Princess Nora Chair for Women's Health Research, Research Chairs Program, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,2 Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Mahasin
- 3 King Khalid Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roa Alsajjan
- 3 King Khalid Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwah Hassounah
- 2 Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeinah Alhalees
- 4 King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fahad D Alosaimi
- 6 Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - AlJohara AlQuaiz
- 1 Princess Nora Chair for Women's Health Research, Research Chairs Program, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,2 Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ayalon L, Karkabi K, Bleichman I, Fleischmann S, Goldfracht M. Barriers to the Treatment of Mental Illness in Primary Care Clinics in Israel. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2017; 43:231-40. [PMID: 25652444 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-015-0634-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined physicians' perceived barriers to the management of mental illness in primary care settings in Israel. Seven focus groups that included a total of 52 primary care Israeli physicians were conducted. Open coding analysis was employed, consisting of constant comparisons within and across interviews. Three major themes emerged: (a) barriers to the management of mental illness at the individual-level, (b) barriers to the management of mental illness at the system-level, and (c) the emotional ramifications that these barriers have on physicians. The findings highlight the parallelism between the experiences of primary care physicians and their patients. The findings also stress the need to attend to physicians' emotional reactions when working with patients who suffer from mental illness and to better structure mental health treatment in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Ayalon
- School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Khaled Karkabi
- Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Igor Bleichman
- Medical Social Work Department, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Margalit Goldfracht
- Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Community Division, Headquarters Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Zolezzi M, Bensmail N, Zahrah F, Khaled SM, El-Gaili T. Stigma associated with mental illness: perspectives of university students in Qatar. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017; 13:1221-1233. [PMID: 28533684 PMCID: PMC5431692 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s132075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma in relation to mental illness is one of the main factors inhibiting people from seeking help. Studies have been undertaken looking into the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) about mental illness among residents in Qatar; however, none have looked specifically at students in higher education. The aim of this study was to understand the KAB toward mental illness among students at a Qatari university and determine if there are any differences based on gender, nationality, and college type. METHODS A convenience sample of students from all genders, colleges, and nationalities was approached to participate in a survey that consisted of four sections: demographic, beliefs, attitudes, and help-seeking and treatment preferences associated with mental illness. Chi-square testing was performed to test for differences in the distribution of proportions of our primary outcomes (students' beliefs, attitudes, and help-seeking and treatment preferences). RESULTS A total of 282 students completed the survey. The majority of the participating students were females (59.3%), non-Qataris (64.3%), and enrolled in science-based colleges (62.7%). Beliefs reflecting poor mental health literacy, such as "medications to treat mental illness can cause addiction", "mental illness is not like any other illness", or that "mental illness is a punishment from God", were reported by a majority of students (84.4%, 56.7%, and 50.2%, respectively). Stigmatizing attitudes that were endorsed by a majority of students included believing that people with mental illness cannot have regular jobs (60.2%), that people with mental illness are dangerous (65.7%), and that they would not marry someone with a mental illness (88.9%). Additionally, 33.6% of students indicated they would be ashamed to mention if someone in their family or they themself, had a mental illness. A vast majority of students (86.3%) indicated to prefer family and friend's support as treatment options. Significant differences in KAB about mental illness between genders, colleges, and college type were found only for a few items. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that a high percentage of students reported KAB about mental illness, that are considered stigmatizing. Students' KAB about mental illness was consistent with that reported by the general population in Qatar. Nevertheless, the sample was small and as such, larger studies from a randomly selected population are needed to confirm these findings.
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Donnelly TT, Al Suwaidi JM, Al-Qahtani A, Asaad N, Qader NA, Singh R, Fung TS, Mueed I, Sharara S, El Banna N, Omar S. Depression in Cardiovascular Patients in Middle Eastern Populations: A Literature Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2016; 17:1259-76. [PMID: 24923859 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0052-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing in Middle Eastern countries. Depression is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates among cardiovascular (CV) patients. Early detection of and intervention for depression among CV patients can reduce morbidity and mortality and save health care costs. Public information on mental health care needs of Arab CV patients living in Middle East regions is scattered and limited. This literature review surveyed and summarized research studies to learn what is known about the relationship between depression and CVD in Middle Eastern populations. The information will raise awareness among health care professionals and policy makers regarding the clinical significance of depression in Arab CV patients. It might contribute to development of culturally appropriate and effective mental health care services. Multiple databases were searched and 60 articles were assessed, including studies that investigated depression in Arab CV patient populations, physiological mechanisms of depression-CVD comorbidity, and intervention strategies that affect CV risk in depressed Arab patients. We discuss the extent to which this issue has been explored in Arab populations living in Middle East regions and Arab populations living abroad. We recommend that more comprehensive and in-depth research studies be conducted with Arab cardiac patients to enable implementation of culturally appropriate and effective mental health care interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam Truong Donnelly
- University of Calgary-Qatar, P.O. Box 23133, Al Rayyan Campus, Al Forousiya Road, Doha, Qatar,
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Donnelly TT, Al Suwaidi JM, Al-Qahtani A, Asaad N, Fung T, Singh R, Qader NA. Mood disturbance and depression in Arab women following hospitalisation from acute cardiac conditions: a cross-sectional study from Qatar. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e011873. [PMID: 27388362 PMCID: PMC4947790 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Depression is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates among cardiovascular patients. Depressed patients have three times higher risk of death than those who are not. We sought to determine the presence of depressive symptoms, and whether gender and age are associated with depression among Arab patients hospitalised with cardiac conditions in a Middle Eastern country. SETTING Using a non-probability convenient sampling technique, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1000 Arab patients ≥20 years who were admitted to cardiology units between 2013 and 2014 at the Heart Hospital in Qatar. Patients were interviewed 3 days after admission following the cardiac event. Surveys included demographic and clinical characteristics, and the Arabic version of the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDI-II). Depression was assessed by BDI-II clinical classification scale. RESULTS 15% of the patients had mild mood disturbance and 5% had symptoms of clinical depression. Twice as many females than males suffered from mild mood disturbance and clinical depression symptoms, the majority of females were in the age group 50 years and above, whereas males were in the age group 40-49 years. χ(2) Tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that gender and age were statistically significantly related to depression (p<0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS Older Arab women are more likely to develop mood disturbance and depression after being hospitalised with acute cardiac condition. Gender and age differences approach, and routine screening for depression should be conducted with all cardiovascular patients, especially for females in the older age groups. Mental health counselling should be available for all cardiovascular patients who exhibit depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam Truong Donnelly
- Faculty of Nursing and Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jassim Mohd Al Suwaidi
- Department of Adult Cardiology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Awad Al-Qahtani
- Department of Adult Cardiology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nidal Asaad
- Department of Adult Cardiology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tak Fung
- University of Calgary, Math/Information Technology, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rajvir Singh
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad General Hospital, Research Center/Adult Cardiology, Doha, Qatar
| | - Najlaa Abdul Qader
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
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Caregivers' Attitude towards People with Mental Illness and Perceived Stigma: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Nepal. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158113. [PMID: 27336391 PMCID: PMC4918972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental illness is stigmatized in most of the communities and people with such illness are often subjected to defame. Stigma impairs an individual’s and their caregiver’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing, and health-seeking behavior. Sufficient literature on how often the caregivers of people with mental illness from low and middle-income countries are stigmatized and how they perceive people with mental illness is unavailable. In this study, we examined caregivers’ attitude towards people with mental illness and perceived stigma. Methods We conducted face-to-face interviews with 170 caregivers in an outpatient clinic of a hospital in Nepal using a structured questionnaire. We calculated median and inter-quartile range of the attitude and perceived stigma scores. To assess the correlates, Kruskal Wallis H test and Mann Whitney U test were carried out. Results Overall median score for the domains: attitude (score range: 18–90) and perceived stigma (score range: 12–60) were 42 and 28 respectively, inter-quartile range being 8 each. Attitude score differed significantly by the sex of caregiver (p<0.05), educational status of caregiver (p<0.001), sex of patient (p<0.05) and type of mental illness (p<0.05). Perceived stigma score varied significantly by caregiver’s sex (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.001), educational status (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.05), relation with the patient (p<0.005) and use of alternative treatment modalities (p<0.05). Conclusion Sex of participant, educational status, sex of patient and type of mental illness were the correlates of attitude towards mental illness. Similarly, sex of participant, marital status, educational status, occupation, caregiver’s relation with patient and use of alternative treatment modalities were correlates of perceived stigma. Findings of this study suggest that interventions targeting these high-risk populations might be beneficial to help build a positive attitude and overcome the perceived social stigma.
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Chen MD, Chang YC. Personnel attitudes toward people with mental illness at a psychiatric hospital in Taiwan. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2016; 62:361-8. [PMID: 26944537 DOI: 10.1177/0020764016634385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The attitudes of psychiatric hospital personnel are critically related to the quality of mental health care, but few studies have investigated this issue. AIMS This study is aimed at an exploration of the attitudes of psychiatric hospital personnel toward people with mental illness and at an examination of the associated factors. METHOD A self-report questionnaire, the Mental Illness Attitude Scale (MIAS), was used to collect data from psychiatric hospital personnel in Taiwan (n = 290). The MIAS included 46 items and 4 dimensions: acceptance, rehabilitation and prognosis, social distance and recommendations for interventions. RESULTS Rehabilitation and prognosis had the highest item average scores (4.03) and social distance had the lowest item average scores (3.22). Stigmatization and the number of different types of contacted clients were two significantly associated attitude factors. CONCLUSION Psychiatric hospital personnel in Taiwan tend to have positive attitudes toward people with mental illness in general situations but hold less positive attitudes in terms of community integration-related issues and intimate relationships. More evidence-based community services should be conducted to decrease personnel concerns about the successful community integration of those who are mentally ill. Future studies can investigate the concept and impact of stigmatization more deeply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-De Chen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ching Chang
- Department of Occupational Therapy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
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Al-Hamzawi AO, Bruffaerts R, Bromet EJ, AlKhafaji AM, Kessler RC. The Epidemiology of Major Depressive Episode in the Iraqi General Population. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131937. [PMID: 26230265 PMCID: PMC4521818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence, symptom severity, functional impairment, and treatment of major depressive episode (MDE) in the Iraqi general population. METHODS The Iraq Mental Health Survey is a nationally representative face-to-face survey of 4,332 non-institutionalized adults aged 18+ interviewed in 2006-2007 as part of the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. Prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV MDE were determined with the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). FINDINGS Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of MDE were 7.4% and 4.0%, respectively. Close to half (46%) of the 12-month MDE cases were severe/very severe. MDE was more common among women and those previously married. Median age of onset was 25.2. Only one-seventh of 12-month MDE cases received treatment despite being associated with very substantial role impairment (on average 70 days out of role in the past year). CONCLUSIONS MDE is a commonly occurring disorder in the Iraqi general population and is associated with considerable disability and low treatment. Efforts are needed to decrease the barriers to treatment and to educate general medical providers in Iraq about the recognition and treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronny Bruffaerts
- Universitair Psychiatrisch Centrum—KULeuven (UPC-KUL), Leuven, Belgiumbstract
| | - Evelyn J. Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Ayalon L, Karkabi K, Bleichman I, Fleischmann S, Goldfracht M. Between modern and traditional values: Informal mental health help-seeking attitudes according to Israeli Arab women, primary care patients and their providers. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2015; 61:386-93. [PMID: 25205778 DOI: 10.1177/0020764014549082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Israeli Arab women under-utilize mental health services. OBJECTIVES The present study evaluated the use of alternative services for dealing with depression and anxiety among Israeli Arab women and primary care providers. MATERIAL Four focus groups with primary care patients and two focus groups with primary care providers were conducted. Constant comparisons were employed in order to identify major themes related to informal help-seeking behaviors. DISCUSSION Three informal help-seeking behaviors were identified: (a) social support, divided into extended family and neighbors versus nuclear family and close friends; (b) religiosity, divided into inner, direct practices and beliefs versus externally mediated ones; and (c) self-help techniques, such as engagement in activities and distancing oneself from the situation. Both social support and religiosity were viewed with ambivalence by primary care patients and providers. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that the Arab population in Israel might be lacking informal sources of support at times of mental health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Ayalon
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Khaled Karkabi
- Department of Family Medicine, Clalit Health Services Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | | | | | - Margalit Goldfracht
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel Quality Improvement Department, Medicine Section, Community Division, Clalit Health Services
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Bener A, Abou-Saleh MT, Dafeeah EE, Bhugra D. The prevalence and burden of psychiatric disorders in primary health care visits in qatar: too little time? J Family Med Prim Care 2015; 4:89-95. [PMID: 25810996 PMCID: PMC4367013 DOI: 10.4103/2249-4863.152262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, somatization, obsessive compulsive, and bipolar disorders are recognized as causing the biggest burden of disease worldwide. AIM In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and burden of common mental disorders at Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WHO-CIDI) in the Qatari population, aged 18-65 who attended Primary Health Care (PHC) settings. DESIGN A prospective cross-sectional study conducted during November 2011 to October 2012. SETTING Primary Health Care Centers of the Supreme Council of Health, Qatar. SUBJECTS A total of 2,000 Qatari subjects aged 18-65 years were approached; 1475 (73.3%) agreed to participate. METHODS Prevalence and severity of International Classification of Disease-10 disorders were assessed with the WHO-CIDI (Version 3.0). RESULTS Of the 1475 participants, 830 (56.3%) were females and 645 (43.7%) was males. One-third were aged 35-49 years 558 (37.8%). The three most common disorders were major depression disorders (18.31%), any anxiety disorders (17.3%), any mood disorders (16.95%), followed by separation anxiety disorders (15.25%), personality disorder (14.1%). In the present study, prevalence in women was significantly higher than men for the most common psychiatric disorders, specifically generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, specific phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, posttraumatic disorder, somatization, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, and oppositional defiant disorder. Of the total 20% had only one psychiatric diagnosis and 12% had two disorders, 9.7% respondents with three diagnoses, and finally 4.3% of respondents had four or more diagnoses. CONCLUSION One-fifth of all adults who attended the PHCC (20%) had at least one psychiatric diagnosis. The CIDI is a useful instrument for psychiatric diagnosis in community settings such as PHC clinics, clinical research and intervention studies. There is an urgent need to not only assess prevalence, but also risk factors, burden, treatment gaps and outcomes to obtain evidence for policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulbari Bener
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Evidence for Population Health Unit, School of Epidemiology and Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mohammed T. Abou-Saleh
- A Division of Population Sciences and Education, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, UK
| | - Elnour E. Dafeeah
- Department of Psychiatry, Rumeilah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Dinesh Bhugra
- Department of Psychiatry, Section of Cultural Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
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Merritt CJ, Tharp IJ, Furnham A. Trauma type affects recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among online respondents in the UK and Ireland. J Affect Disord 2014; 164:123-9. [PMID: 24856565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental Health Literacy (MHL) predicts help-seeking for mental health difficulties. Public surveys show high recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in relation to military contexts, but this has not been investigated with other sources of trauma. METHODS A self-selecting sample of 2960 participants from UK and Ireland completed an online survey. Participants viewed one of three vignettes that described either a male or female character experiencing identical PTSD symptoms, that differed only by trauma source (military combat, industrial accident, sexual assault). Participants were asked to state i) whether a mental health problem was being experienced, ii) what it was, and iii) what help should be sought. RESULTS Trauma type was a key predictor of classification as a mental health problem, correct identification of PTSD, and help-seeking suggestions. For participants shown the military scenario the odds of recognising PTSD were 5.2 times higher than for those shown the sexual assault vignette, and 2.2 times higher than for those shown the accident scenario. Age (younger), gender (female), education (university), and personal mental health experience were additional significant predictors of higher recognition of PTSD. LIMITATIONS Reasons for failing to recognise a mental health problem/PTSD were not explored. The online convenience sampling method may limit generalisability of results. CONCLUSIONS Recognition of PTSD is significantly affected by trauma source. The data confirmed the pervasive association with military combat and suggest under-recognition of PTSD from other traumas, particularly sexual assault. Awareness campaigns may aim to increase MHL of PTSD from diverse trauma sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Merritt
- Institute of Psychiatry, King׳s College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom.
| | - Ian J Tharp
- Department of Psychology, Social Work and Counselling, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Furnham
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College, London, United Kingdom
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Youssef FF, Bachew R, Bodie D, Leach R, Morris K, Sherma G. Knowledge and attitudes towards mental illness among college students: insights into the wider English-speaking Caribbean population. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2014; 60:47-54. [PMID: 23070999 DOI: 10.1177/0020764012461236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental illness is a significant contributor to global disease burden and this is expected to increase over the coming decades. Traditionally mental illness has not been well understood by the general public, resulting in poor attitudes towards persons with mental illness and stigmatization. Such conditions are common in the Caribbean where less than 5% of the health budget is allocated to mental illness. AIMS To assess knowledge and attitudes towards mental illness among college students within the English-speaking Caribbean. METHODS A self-report questionnaire was adapted from previous studies designed to measure knowledge and attitudes of mental illness. Students were sampled from the University of the West Indies campuses in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. RESULTS Responses were collected from 673 persons with a response rate of 84%. While participants were agreed that particular diseases were mental illnesses, overall knowledge scores were low. Knowledge was higher among those persons who knew someone with a mental illness. Attitude scores were suggestive of stigmatization, with drug abuse and schizophrenia seen in a particularly poor light. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that widespread educational campaigns need to be implemented across the region, designed to both increase knowledge about mental illness and reduce discrimination towards persons suffering with mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid F Youssef
- The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad & Tobago
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