Mental illness stigma and associated factors among Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant populations in Australia

Meta-synthesis of mental healthcare-seeking behavior - Perspectives of refugees and asylum seekers

The number of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide is increasing, and these populations often experience significant mental health challenges due to their difficult life experiences. This study aims to explore the perspectives of refugees and asylum seekers regarding their behavior when seeking mental healthcare. We conducted a meta-synthesis of thirteen articles published between January 2000 and January 2023. The study identified four main themes: understanding of mental health, utilization of health services, the role of society, and necessary interventions. Based on our findings, we provided recommendations for healthcare providers, governments, and researchers to improve the mental healthcare-seeking behavior of these populations in the future.

Mental health literacy among Arab men living in high-income Western countries: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

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.

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms in the Young Adult Population of the United Arab Emirates: A National Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a globally prevalent behavioural disorder, remains underdiagnosed, particularly among adults. This issue is exacerbated in the Arab region due to stigma and insufficient healthcare facilities and professionals. Despite the United Arab Emirates (UAE) efforts to improve mental healthcare, shortcomings persist. No studies in the UAE currently assesses the appropriateness of the screening system for ADHD and other behavioural issues. Furthermore, prevalence rates of ADHD, particularly within the young adult population, are absent.

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of ADHD amongst young adults attending university in UAE and examine its relationship with gender and academic outcomes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Young adults in their first year at university were recruited from different academic institutions across the UAE. The study utilized the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) for data collection.

RESULTS

A sample of 406 young adults, aged between 18 and 20 years of age were recruited. Approximately, 34.7% (n = 141) reported symptoms suggestive of probable ADHD. Significantly lower grade point average marks were observed in participants with ADHD symptoms (M = 3.15) compared to those without (M = 3.35). Females reported symptoms of probable ADHD at higher rates than males, indicating possibly a potential screening deficiency and a potential stigma consequence.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates a high prevalence of probable ADHD in young adults, particularly among females attending university in the United Arab Emirates. Implications for early screening, service provision, and greater professional health training on this disorder are required.

Cannabis Use and Its Impact on Mental Health in Youth in Australia and the United States: A Scoping Review

Cannabis is a widely used substance among the youth population, with an estimated 2.8% currently smoking cannabis. Its popularity is growing due to the perception of its harmless nature and lack of dependence. However, this increase in use has been linked to mental health issues, especially since its partial decriminalisation in some part of the United States and Australia. The objective of this scoping review was to investigate the mental health impact of cannabis use among young people in Australia and the United States. A scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) protocol, and articles were searched from ProQuest Central and EBSCO Host (MEDLINE and CINAHL databases). A total of 24 articles were analysed, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and cohort, longitudinal, and cross-sectional studies. The findings indicate that cannabis use is associated with depression, psychosis, suicide, cannabis use disorder, dependence, decline in cognitive function, and the development of externalising behaviour, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, the relationship between cannabis use and anxiety is equivocal. Mental health issues were more prevalent with increased frequency, duration, intensity, and type of use. Female, minority, LGBTQI, African American, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander youth and the age of onset of cannabis use were significant factors for the development of mental health problems. The increasing prevalence of cannabis use among high school and college students suggests the need for intervention by teachers, parents, and community health professionals to make them aware of its potential negative mental health outcomes. Moreover, policy-level interventions by the government are required to discourage young people from using cannabis.

Exploring Mental Health Literacy and Its Associated Factors: A National Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia, 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine, for the first time, the mental health literacy of the Saudi general population. Additionally, we aim to identify demographic factors associated with elevated mental health literacy scores.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a phone interview survey with quota sampling was conducted for equal distribution of sexes, age and administrative regions. Mental health literacy was assessed by the previously validated mental health literacy scale (MHLS). The MHLS ranges from 35 to 160, and a higher score indicates greater level of mental health literacy.

Results

In this study, 4,547 (70.2%) agreed to complete the interview. The sample was equally distributed across Saudi Arabia's 13 administrative regions with 50.1% female and mean age 35.9 (SD: ±12.8). In terms of education, 55.1% have a bachelor's degree or above. The nationally weighted score on the original MHLS was 110.75. the MHLS Saudi validation score was influenced by various variables including: marital status, healthcare-related job, sex, education level, and proximity to individuals with mental health issues.

Conclusion

The study offers data for the first time on Saudi Arabian mental health literacy status. The high MHLS score reflects good societal awareness and understanding of mental health related concepts and issues in the Saudi population. The results of this study set the baseline for mental health literacy in Saudi Arabia. Future research may focus on utilizing the validated MHLS and the method used in this study to explore the effect of other social and individual factors on mental health literacy.