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Ji C, Nagata DK. Mental health help-seeking intentions & coping strategies of Chinese international students in the United States. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38848325 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2361309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese international students (CIS) in the United States may face unique mental health challenges that are often overlooked in discussions about mainstream college student needs. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the predictors of mental health (MH) professional help-seeking intentions among CIS at a large public Midwestern university, as well as the obstacles that hinder their use of professional MH services. METHODS The study used quantitative and qualitative approaches to gather data on CIS' help-seeking attitudes. Quantitative analysis focused on the association between specific factors and help-seeking intentions. Qualitative coding of open-ended questions provided additional insights into obstacles and suggestions for improving mental health support. RESULTS The study identified several factors influencing the mental health help-seeking intentions of Chinese international students. Two primary negative predictors were a preference for emotional self-control and concerns about the questionable quality of treatment. Conversely, having previous experience with professional mental health services, both in China and the United States, was found to be a positive predictor of help-seeking intentions. Additionally, qualitative analysis of open-ended responses revealed further obstacles to seeking help and provided useful suggestions for enhancing mental health support for Chinese international students in college settings. CONCLUSIONS The study identifies key factors that influence CIS' attitudes toward seeking professional mental health services. Understanding these factors can help in developing strategies to better support the mental health of CIS in college settings. LIMITATIONS Several limitations must be acknowledged in this study. The cross-sectional design limits the ability to draw causal inferences from the data. Additionally, the sample may not be fully representative of the broader population of Chinese international students, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Self-reported data may also introduce response biases. Future research should consider longitudinal approaches and a more diverse sample to validate and expand on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Ji
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Donna K Nagata
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Pei J, Amanvermez Y, Vigo D, Puyat J, Kessler RC, Mortier P, Bruffaerts R, Rankin O, Chua SN, Martínez V, Rapsey C, Fodor LA, David OA, Garcia C, Cuijpers P. Sociodemographic Correlates of Mental Health Treatment Seeking Among College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Psychiatr Serv 2024; 75:556-569. [PMID: 38291886 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE College students have high rates of mental health problems and low rates of treatment. Although sociodemographic disparities in student mental health treatment seeking have been reported, findings have not been synthesized and quantified. The extent to which differences in perceived need for treatment contribute to overall disparities remains unclear. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase was conducted. Studies published between 2007 and 2022 were included if they reported treatment rates among college students with mental health problems, stratified by sex, gender, race-ethnicity, sexual orientation, student type, student year, or student status. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled prevalence ratios (PRs) of having a perceived need for treatment and of receiving treatment for each sociodemographic subgroup. RESULTS Twenty-one studies qualified for inclusion. Among students experiencing mental health problems, consistent and significant sociodemographic differences were identified in perceived need for treatment and treatment receipt. Students from racial-ethnic minority groups (in particular, Asian students [PR=0.49]) and international students (PR=0.63) reported lower rates of treatment receipt than White students and domestic students, respectively. Students identifying as female (sex) or as women (gender) (combined PR=1.33) reported higher rates of treatment receipt than students identifying as male or as men. Differences in perceived need appeared to contribute to some disparities; in particular, students identifying as male or as men reported considerably lower rates of perceived need than students identifying as female or as women. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the need for policy makers to address barriers throughout the treatment-seeking pathway and to tailor efforts to student subgroups to reduce treatment disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pei
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Yagmur Amanvermez
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Daniel Vigo
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Joseph Puyat
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Philippe Mortier
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Ronny Bruffaerts
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Osiris Rankin
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Sook Ning Chua
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Vania Martínez
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Charlene Rapsey
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Liviu A Fodor
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Oana A David
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Claudia Garcia
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Psychiatry (Pei, Vigo) and School of Population and Public Health (Pei, Vigo, Puyat), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Amanvermez, Cuijpers); Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Kessler); Health Services Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain, and Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid (Mortier); Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Bruffaerts); Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rankin); Relate Mental Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (Chua); Centro de Medicina Reproductiva y Desarrollo Integral del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, and Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Santiago, Chile (Martínez); Department of Psychological Medicine (Rapsey) and Department of Psychology (Garcia), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Fodor, David, Cuijpers)
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Asnakew S, Haile K, Kassa BG, Ayehu GW, Beyene GM, Feleke DG, Endalew DG, Legas G, Munie BM, Tedila A, Shiferaw K, Belete A, Chanie ES, Aytenew TM. Patterns of help-seeking behavior among people with mental illness in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1361092. [PMID: 38563032 PMCID: PMC10982478 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1361092] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the availability of evidence-based and effective treatments, significant numbers of people living with mental illness do not receive treatment or do not seek help from providers of formal modern treatment. Although numerous primary studies have been conducted on patterns of help-seeking behavior among individuals with mental illness with respect to modern therapy, the evidence has not been aggregated nationwide. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate pooled data on patterns of help-seeking behavior among individuals with mental illness in Ethiopia. Methods All available primary studies were searched via the Google Scholar, HINARI, and PubMed databases from June 22 to December 20, 2023; 912 articles were identified. Sixteen articles were included in the final review; data from them were extracted to an Excel spreadsheet and exported to Stata version 17 for analysis. The search terms used were: "Pattern of help-seeking behavior'' OR "Pattern of treatment-seeking behavior" OR "Health care-seeking behavior" OR "Help-seeking intention" OR "Help-seeking preferences" OR "Perceived need" OR "Pathways to psychiatric care", AND "Common mental disorders" OR "Mental illness" OR "Mental health problems" OR "Depression", AND "Predictors" OR "Determinate factors" OR "Associated factors", AND "Ethiopia". The quality of the studies included was critically appraised using the modified The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool, adapted for observational studies. During critical appraisal, disagreements between the two authors conducting the assessment were resolved by the involvement of a third author. Effect sizes were pooled using the random effects model, and the presence of publication bias was detected based on asymmetry of the funnel plot and a statistically significant result of Egger's test (p<0.05). Results The pooled rate of positive help-seeking behavior with respect to modern treatment among people living with mental illness was 42.21% (95% CI: 29.29, 55.12; I2 = 99.37%, P=0.00). Factors significantly associated with a positive pattern of help-seeking behavior were: having a secondary education or above (AOR=5.47, 95% CI: 2.33, 12.86); believing that mental illness requires treatment (AOR=2.76, 95% CI: 2.02, 3.78); having strong social support (AOR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.64, 2.44); having a family history of mental illness (AOR=2.68, 95% CI: 1.38, 3.97); having awareness of the availability of treatment (AOR=2.92, 95% CI: 1.56, 5.46); having previously engaged in positive help-seeking behavior (AOR=3.28, 95% CI: 1.63, 6.60); having comorbid disorders (AOR=4.25, 95% CI: 1.69, 10.66); not using alcohol (AOR=3.29, 95% CI: 1.73, 6.27); and the perceived severity of mental illness (AOR=2.54, 95% CI: 1.490, 4.33). Conclusions The majority of people with mental illness in Ethiopia exhibited a poor pattern of help-seeking behavior with respect to modern treatment. Therefore, mobilization of the community should be encouraged via regular public awareness campaigns regarding mental illness and the availability of evidence-based and effective modern treatment in Ethiopia. Moreover, the design of effective community-based mental health interventions is recommended in order to improve public attitudes and rates of help-seeking behavior in relation to mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sintayehu Asnakew
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Kalkidan Haile
- Department of Psychiatry, Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahirdar, Ethiopia
| | - Bekalu Getnet Kassa
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Wale Ayehu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Mihretie Beyene
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Dejen Getaneh Feleke
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | | | - Getasew Legas
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Mengist Munie
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Assasahegn Tedila
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Kirubel Shiferaw
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Amsalu Belete
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Ermias Sisay Chanie
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tigabu Munye Aytenew
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
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Aryal R, Rajbanshi M, Pokhrel S, Regmi S, Mali P, Baskota S. Help-seeking behaviour towards anxiety among undergraduate students of Nepal: a web-based cross-sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:146-152. [PMID: 38222717 PMCID: PMC10783325 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Stigma among mental disorders like anxiety has been identified as an important barrier in help-seeking by national policymakers. Anxiety disorders are quite common among college students, and their severity and prevalence are growing. This study aimed to assess help-seeking behavior (HSB) towards anxiety among undergraduate students of Kathmandu University (KU). Methodology A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 undergraduate students. General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ) tool was used to assess HSB. Frequencies, percentages, mean, and Standard Deviation were calculated to assess the characteristics of the participants. Factors associated with HSB were examined using Chi-Square test. Pearson correlation was determined to find out the association between professional and informal sources for seeking help. All the tests were carried out at the statistically significant level at a P-value of 0.05. Results The mean (±SD) age was 20.3±1.1 years in this study. This study demonstrated that 36.5 and 17.5% of the participants were extremely likely to seek help from parents and psychiatrists towards anxiety, respectively. Sex (OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3) was significantly associated with parents, education was significantly associated with parents (OR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.6), and friends (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9), meanwhile, ethnicity (OR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9), and residence (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8) were significantly associated with psychiatrists and psychologists for help-seeking behavior, respectively. Fear of criticism (34.1%) and stigma (20.3%) were the main reasons for not seeking help among the participants. The maximum number of participants (41.5%) preferred to seek help immediately if they ever experienced anxiety. This study showed professional and informal sources were positively correlated with anxiety (rpi=0.3) at a P-value <0.05. Conclusion This study showed that students preferred to seek help from informal sources rather than professional sources. In addition, there is still stigma and fear among students regarding mental health. This study suggests that there is a need to have psychosocial intervention at colleges and educational institutions in order to promote professional help-seeking for any mental disorders including anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Aryal
- Department of Public Health, Om Health Campus, Purbanchal University, Nepal
| | - Manish Rajbanshi
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
| | - Sushma Pokhrel
- Department of Public Health, Om Health Campus, Purbanchal University, Nepal
| | - Sushama Regmi
- Central Department of Psychology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
| | - Prajita Mali
- Kathmandu University- School of Medical Sciences, Nepal
| | - Swechhya Baskota
- Department of Public Health, Om Health Campus, Purbanchal University, Nepal
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Özparlak A, Karakaya D, Özer Z. The association of mental health literacy with mental well-being and help-seeking in young people: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 73:e243-e250. [PMID: 37775428 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM It is important to determine the relationship between mental health literacy (MHL), mental well-being and help seeking in young people in terms of guiding research and practices related to MHL. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA A literature scan of the databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCOhost CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, Ovid, Taylor & Francis and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global was conducted in May 2022 and April 2023 without any year limitations. SAMPLE A total of 12 studies with 4659 young people were included. Data synthesis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to calculate the effect size. RESULTS It was concluded that there was no correlation between MHL and mental well-being in young people (p > 0.05, r = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.16). A positive correlation was found between MHL with help seeking attitude (p < 0.01, r = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.63) and help-seeking intention (p < 0.01, r = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.34). CONCLUSION While there was a medium effect size between MHL and help seeking attitude in young people, there was a weak effect size between MHL and help seeking intention. No studies were found examining the relationship between MHL and help-seeking behavior in young people. IMPLICATIONS Nurses may provide support for young people in help seeking by giving education and counselling on MHL in schools and health institutions, and by creating reliable and easily accessible sources of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Özparlak
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Akdeniz University Faculty of Nursing, Antalya, Turkey..
| | - Dudu Karakaya
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Akdeniz University Faculty of Nursing, Antalya, Turkey..
| | - Zeynep Özer
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Akdeniz University Faculty of Nursing, Antalya, Turkey..
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Psychological Well-Being and Resilience of Slovenian Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Zdr Varst 2023. [DOI: 10.2478/sjph-2023-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Students’ mental health is recognised as an important public health issue, and the strict measures and many changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated this. The aims of the study were thus to explore psychological well-being among university students in Slovenia during the beginning of the second lockdown, and to assess associations among their psychological well-being, demographic characteristics, presence of a chronic health condition, and resilience.
Methods
The Slovenian online cross-sectional survey was performed as part of a large-scale international survey led by the COVID-HL Consortium, between the 2nd and 23rd November 2020. The study was carried out on a sample of 3,468 university students (70% female) in Slovenia, aged between 18 to 40 (M=22/SD=3). In addition to sociodemographic data and that on the presence of a chronic health condition, data on subjective social status (SSS), psychological well-being (WHO-5) and resilience (CD-RISC 10) was also gathered.
Results
In our study 52% of university students reported good psychological well-being. Hierarchical binary logistic regression revealed that male, older students, those with higher perceived subjective social status, students without a chronic health condition, and those with higher score on resilience were more likely to have good psychological well-being. Resilience was the strongest predictor of psychological well-being in our study.
Conclusions
Systematic preventive approaches/interventions in the field of mental health should be implemented among students in Slovenia. In this context it is important to develop and deliver programmes for enhancing resilience, which is an important protective factor in times of mental distress.
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Predictors of Psychological Help Seeking Intentions among the University Students in Tanzania. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10447-022-09500-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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University students' use of mental health services: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Ment Health Syst 2022; 16:57. [PMID: 36527036 PMCID: PMC9758037 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-022-00569-0] [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: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND International estimates suggest around a third of students arrives at university with symptoms indicative of a common mental disorder, many in late adolescence at a developmentally high-risk period for the emergence of mental disorder. Universities, as settings, represent an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of population mental health. We sought to understand what is known about the management of student mental health, and asked: (1) What proportion of students use mental health services when experiencing psychological distress? (2) Does use by students differ across health service types? METHODS A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using a Context, Condition, Population framework (CoCoPop) with a protocol preregistered on Prospero (CRD42021238273). Electronic database searches in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC and CINAHL Plus, key authors were contacted, citation searches were conducted, and the reference list of the WHO World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS) was searched. Data extraction was performed using a pre-defined framework, and quality appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Data were synthesised narratively and meta-analyses at both the study and estimate level. RESULTS 7789 records were identified through the search strategies, with a total of 44 studies meeting inclusion criteria. The majority of included studies from the USA (n = 36), with remaining studies from Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Ethiopia and Italy. Overall, studies contained 123 estimates of mental health service use associated with a heterogeneous range of services, taking highly variable numbers of students across a variety of settings. DISCUSSION This is the first systematic quantitative survey of student mental health service use. The empirical literature to date is very limited in terms of a small number of international studies outside of the USA; studies of how services link together, and of student access. The significant variation we found in the proportions of students using services within and between studies across different settings and populations suggests the current services described in the literature are not meeting the needs of all students.
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Tareke M, Bayeh AB, Birhanu M, Belete A. Psychological distress among people living with chronic medical illness and the general population, Northwest Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278235. [PMID: 36454896 PMCID: PMC9714906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological distress is often linked to and negatively affects the outcomes of chronic medical conditions; however, data on psychological distress and its predictors among individuals with chronic medical illnesses are scarce in developing countries like Ethiopia. The main objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and predictors of psychological distress among people living with chronic medical illness and the general population. METHODS A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Mecha demographic research center, Northwest Ethiopia. The participants were selected from the general population and outpatient departments. Kessler-10 (K-10) was used to assess psychological distress. RESULT The magnitude of psychological distress among people living with chronic medical illness and those from the general population was 62.0% and 35.1%, respectively. The odds of psychological distress in people living with chronic medical illness was three times more than the one in the general population. Divorced marital status, family history of chronic medical illness, and low social support were statistically significantly associated with psychological distress in both groups. CONCLUSION The magnitude of psychological distress was significantly higher among people living with chronic medical illness. Routine screening of such cases for psychological distress during their visits for their medical illness helps take appropriate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minale Tareke
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Agegnehu Berie Bayeh
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Minyichil Birhanu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Amsalu Belete
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
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Tariku Seboka B, Hailegebreal S, Negash M, Mamo TT, Ali Ewune H, Gilano G, Yehualashet DE, Gizachew G, Demeke AD, Worku A, Endashaw H, Kassawe C, Amede ES, Kassa R, Tesfa GA. Predictors of Mental Health Literacy and Information Seeking Behavior Toward Mental Health Among University Students in Resource-Limited Settings. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:8159-8172. [PMID: 36389023 PMCID: PMC9664927 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s377791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper investigated mental health literacy level and information seeking behavior, and mental health-related information sources in limited-resource settings, in the case of Ethiopian university students. METHODS A cross-sectional, self-administered web-based survey was conducted among Dilla University students, from 1 January to 29 February 2022, with a total of 780 respondents. We presented descriptive statistics using mean, standard deviations, and proportions. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with mental health literacy and information seeking behavior of students. Further, path analysis was also employed. RESULTS The result showed 71 (9.1%) respondents had a diagnosed history of mental illness. Overall, 397 (50.9%) respondents were identified as having adequate mental health literacy and 420 (53.8%) sought mental health information. In multivariate analysis, mental health literacy was significantly associated with: being female (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI (1.5-5.4)), higher digital health literacy (AOR=2.8; 95% CI (1.5-5.4), seeking mental health-related information (AOR=1.6; 95% CI: (1.1-2.5)), having family with mental illness, and students in health-related programs (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI (1.0-4.2)). Furthermore, health-related programs, level of mental health literacy, exposure to mental health problems in the family, and were associated with information seeking behavior regarding mental health. Further, path analysis revealed significant positive associations of information seeking behavior and digital health literacy with mental health literacy. CONCLUSION The result indicated the status of university students' mental health literacy level and information seeking behavior were low and inadequate. This study suggests the need to improve students' digital health competencies by designing mental health literacy programs by collaboration of different stakeholders, and mental health literacy programs need to optimize access to internet and online resources in the university settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Misrak Negash
- Department of Psychiatry, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Girma Gilano
- Department of Health Informatics, Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Aynadis Worku
- Department of Health Informatics, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Reta Kassa
- School of Public Health, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
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Lemma A, Minichil W, Salelew E, Tadesa J, Kerebih H, Nigussie K, Demilew D, Shumet S. University students’ help seeking intention for depression from health professionals; a cross sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271392. [PMID: 35830383 PMCID: PMC9278731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
To assess University students’ intention to seek help for depression from health professional and associated factors among University of Gondar students, Northwest, Ethiopia.
Methods
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 487 students. Multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect the data. General help seeking questionnaire with major depressive disorder case vignette was used to assess students’ intention to seek help for depression. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to identify factors for intention to seek help for depression. Association was described by using adjusted unstandardized β coefficient along with 95% confidence interval. Finally, P-values < 0.05 in adjusted analysis were taken as a cut off for significant association.
Results
The mean score of intention to seek help from health professionals was 3.84 (±0.76)with a range of (1 “very unlikely” to 5 “very likely”). About 67.8% of the study participants would seek help from health professionals if they would have depressive symptoms which was depicted in the case vignette. In the multiple linear regression analyses, student age (unstandardized ß = 0.07, 95% CI: (0.05, 0.10)), good attitude towards seeking professional help (ß = 0.03, 95% CI: (0.02, 0.04)) were factors positively associated with intention to seek help.
Conclusion
The current study showed that more than three-fifth of the study participants reported they were likely or very likely to seek help for depression from health professionals. Increased age and favorable attitude were factors associated with intention to seek help for depression. Working on awareness creation and attitude change towards depression would be necessary to increase students’ intention to seek help for depression from health professional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemu Lemma
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Woredaw Minichil
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Endalamaw Salelew
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Jinenus Tadesa
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Kerebih
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kabtamu Nigussie
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Demeke Demilew
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Shegaye Shumet
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Oláh B, Rádi BM, Kósa K. Barriers to Seeking Mental Help and Interventions to Remove Them in Medical School during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137662. [PMID: 35805319 PMCID: PMC9265856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Medical students are at increased risk for psychological morbidity but the majority of those with mental health problems do not seek professional care. We aimed to uncover the viewpoints of medical students regarding barriers and facilitators to using university mental health services and their attitudes and preferences towards online counselling. Four semi-structured focus groups were conducted (n = 26, mean age = 21.8, ±1.88, 73% males). After reaching data saturation, interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and content-analysed by two independent coders. Intrapersonal barriers emerged to be perceived low risk, excessive self-reliance, lack of belief in the effectiveness of service, lack of openness. Interpersonal factors were the following: assumed long waiting list, insufficient provision of service information, fear of exposure, and not being familiar with the counsellor and the process. Extrapersonal barriers such as insurance problems, the number of available sessions, adverse sociocultural attitudes, fear of stigmatisation were identified. Students suggested that the university should provide psychoeducation and routine screening, apply social marketing and stigma reduction campaigns, improve information flow, and offer not only personal but also online video counselling to target removing these barriers. The results provide a reference for the redesign of mental health services to facilitate their access by students. Implications and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnabás Oláh
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.M.R.); (K.K.)
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-52-411-600 (ext. 54360)
| | - Bence Márk Rádi
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.M.R.); (K.K.)
| | - Karolina Kósa
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.M.R.); (K.K.)
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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Wao H, Wao MA, Muriithi I, Seraii P, Syonguvi J. Availability, accessibility and activation of mental health services among university students in Africa: a protocol of a mixed-methods systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-synthesis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059991. [PMID: 35705341 PMCID: PMC9204451 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Africa, the prevalence of mental health problems is higher among university students than in the general population. A number of systematic reviews and recent prevalence studies have focused on prevalence of mental health issues among college. This mixed-methods systematic review, including meta-analysis and meta-synthesis, will explore: what mental health services are available to university students; the extent to which students access available services and factors associated with service access; and the degree to which students activate (use) accessible services and factors associated with service activation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct electronic literature search of the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Semantic Scholar, ERIC, Trip Database, Medline and PsycINFO. Disagreement, if any, will be resolved by a third reviewer. Two reviewers will independently assess the methodological quality of included studies using relevant tools. For cross-sectional studies, we will use the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies whereas qualitative or mixed-methods studies will be assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. OR, risk ratio or mean difference with 95% CI will be considered as the effect size. We will assess heterogeneity between studies by appropriate subgroup analyses. Publication bias will be detected using funnel plots. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical clearance is not required as we are not collecting primary data. Findings will be disseminated via relevant scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022296870.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesborn Wao
- Research and Related Capacity Strengthening (RRCS), African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Melvin A Wao
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, United States International University - Africa (USIU-A), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ian Muriithi
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, United States International University - Africa (USIU-A), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul Seraii
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, United States International University - Africa (USIU-A), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jackline Syonguvi
- Research and Related Capacity Strengthening (RRCS), African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Nairobi, Kenya
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Tamiru D, Misgana T, Tariku M, Tesfaye D, Alemu D, Weldesenbet AB, Gebremichael B, Dheresa M. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Common Mental Disorders Among Pregnant Mothers in Rural Eastern Ethiopia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:843984. [PMID: 35418883 PMCID: PMC8995426 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.843984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal common mental disorder is a significant public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries with an extensive treatment gap. Common mental disorders have multifaceted implications on maternal and fetal health outcomes during pregnancy with long-running economic and social sequels. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of common mental disorder and associated factors among pregnant mothers in eastern Ethiopia, Kersa and Haramaya Health, and Demographic surveillance sites. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Kersa and Haramaya health and demographic surveillance sites from January 30 to April 30, 2021. World Health Organization Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to measure common mental disorder among 1,015 randomly selected pregnant women. Data were collected face-to-face using open data kit software. Logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with common mental disorders. RESULTS The overall prevalence of common mental disorders (SRQ > 6) among pregnant women was 37.5% (95% CI: 34.5, 40.5). Current substance use (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.37, 2.88), intimate partner violence (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI 2.02, 3.53), null parity (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.65, 5.84), gestational age [first trimester (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.01, 4.93) and third trimester (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.31, 2.31)], history of abortion (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.27, 3.24), and absence of antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.08, 1.89) were significantly associated with common mental disorder during pregnancy. CONCLUSION Common mental disorders are prevalent among pregnant women in the study area with significant correlates. Administration of regular screening programs for maternal mental health conditions in rural, low-income communities, integrating into primary health care settings is imperative to reduce the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Tamiru
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Misgana
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mandaras Tariku
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Dejene Tesfaye
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Alemu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Adisu Birhanu Weldesenbet
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Berhe Gebremichael
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Merga Dheresa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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15
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Negash A, Ahmed M, Medhin G, Wondimagegn D, Pain C, Araya M. Explanatory Models for Mental Distress Among University Students in Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2021; 14:1901-1913. [PMID: 34866943 PMCID: PMC8637470 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s338319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Socio-culturally determined processes account for how individuals give meanings to health, illness, causal attributions, expectations from treatment, and related outcomes. There is limited evidence of explanatory models for mental distress among higher education institutions in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to explore the explanatory models for mental distress among Wolaita Sodo University. Methods The current study used a phenomenological research approach, and we collected data from 21 students. The participants were purposively recruited based on eligibility criteria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from December 2017 to January 2018 using the Short Explanatory Models Interview. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into the Amharic language and translated into English. Data were analyzed using framework analysis with the assistance of open code software 4.02. Results Most students experienced symptoms of being anxious, fatigue, headaches and feelings of hopelessness. They labeled these symptoms like anxiety or stress. The most commonly reported causal explanations were psychosocial factors. Students perceived that their anxiety or stress was severe that mainly affected their mind, which in turn impacted their interactions with others, academic result, emotions and motivation to study. Almost all the students received care from informal sources, although they wanted to receive care from mental health professionals. They managed their mental distress using positive as well as negative coping strategies. Conclusion The policy implication of our findings is that mental health interventions in higher education institutions in Ethiopia should take into account the explanatory models of students’ psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assegid Negash
- Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Department of Psychology, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Matloob Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Girmay Medhin
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Wondimagegn
- Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Clare Pain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mesfin Araya
- Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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16
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Boti N, Hussen S, Ayele G, Mersha A, Gebeyehu S, Kassa M, Feleke T, Oumer B. Community Perception and Attitude towards people with Depression among Adults Residing in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (AM-HDSS), Southern Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci 2021; 30:567-578. [PMID: 33897217 PMCID: PMC8054457 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v30i4.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Negative perception and attitude of community prevents many people with depression and their caregivers from seeking help and receiving adequate treatment due to fear of social reaction and may try to hide the illness. The reasons for negative attitudes are not consistent across communities or cultures. Therefore, understanding the level of community perception and attitude towards people with depression is important to develop an intervention to reduce the impact of mental illness. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 617 randomly selected adults. The data was collected using structured, pre-tested, and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics like frequency, mean, and median were performed. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors that affect the community attitude towards people with depression. Results: Of the study population, 325(52.7%) had a good perception and 246(39.9%) had a positive attitude towards people with depression. The majority of study participants frequently identified as the perceived cause of depression was substance misuse, loss of loved one, and conflict within a family. In addition, psychosocial treatment was the most preferred treatment for people with depression in the study area. Marital status and educational status were significantly associated with the community attitude towards people with depression Conclusion: Giving special attention to people with substance misuse, loss of loved one, and conflict within a family is very vital for the prevention of depression. In addition, future mental health promotion activities should focus on cause and common manifestation of depression to improve the attitude toward people with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negussie Boti
- Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Sultan Hussen
- Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Gistane Ayele
- Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Abera Mersha
- Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Selamawit Gebeyehu
- Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Mekidm Kassa
- Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Feleke
- Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia.,Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia.,Arba Minch Health Sciences College, Department of Midwifery, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
| | - Bilcha Oumer
- Arba Minch Health Sciences College, Department of Midwifery, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
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17
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She R, Wang X, Zhang Z, Li J, Xu J, You H, Li Y, Liang Y, Li S, Ma L, Wang X, Chen X, Zhou P, Lau J, Hao Y, Zhou H, Gu J. Mental Health Help-Seeking and Associated Factors Among Public Health Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China. Front Public Health 2021; 9:622677. [PMID: 34046387 PMCID: PMC8144452 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.622677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 outbreak in China has created multiple stressors that threaten individuals' mental health, especially among public health workers (PHW) who are devoted to COVID-19 control and prevention work. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mental help-seeking and associated factors among PHW using Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use (BMHSU). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 9,475 PHW in five provinces across China between February 18 and March 1, 2020. The subsample data of those who reported probable mental health problems were analyzed for this report (n = 3,417). Logistic and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations of predisposing, enabling, need, and COVID-19 contextual factors with mental health help-seeking. Results: Only 12.7% of PHW reported professional mental help-seeking during the COVID-19 outbreak. PHW who were older, had more days of overnight work, received psychological training, perceived a higher level of support from the society, had depression and anxiety were more likely to report mental help-seeking (ORm range: 1.02–1.73, all p < 0.05) while those worked in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were less likely to seek help (ORm = 0.57, p < 0.01). The belief that mental health issues were not the priority (64.4%), lack of time (56.4%), and shortage of psychologists (32.7%) were the most frequently endorsed reasons for not seeking help. Conclusions: The application of BMHSU confirmed associations between some factors and PHW's mental health help-seeking. Effective interventions are warranted to promote mental health help-seeking of PHW to ameliorate the negative impact of mental illness and facilitate personal recovery and routine work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui She
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhoubin Zhang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Sun Yat-sen University Global Health Institute, School of Public Health and Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingdong Xu
- Hubei Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua You
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- School of Public Health, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan Li
- Zigong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zigong, China
| | - Lina Ma
- Hubei Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuyuan Chen
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peien Zhou
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph Lau
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuantao Hao
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Sun Yat-sen University Global Health Institute, School of Public Health and Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhou
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Gu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Sun Yat-sen University Global Health Institute, School of Public Health and Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Negash A, Khan MA, Medhin G, Wondimagegn D, Pain C, Araya M. Feasibility and acceptability of brief individual interpersonal psychotherapy among university students with mental distress in Ethiopia. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:64. [PMID: 33906688 PMCID: PMC8077191 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00570-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of mental distress among university students in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is increasing; however, the majority do not receive evidence-based psychological intervention.
This calls for the provision of culturally adapted psychological therapy in higher education institutions in LMICs. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Interpersonal Psychotherapy adapted for Ethiopia (IPT-E) among Wolaita Sodo University students and to assess the preliminary outcomes of IPT-E in reducing symptoms of mental distress and in improving functioning. Methods We used a quasi-experimental single-group pre-post-test study design. As indicators of feasibility of IPT-E, we used consent, treatment completion and attrition. We used Client Satisfaction Questionnaire and semi-structured interview to measure the acceptability of the intervention,
self-reporting IPT-E checklist to assess treatment adherence and World Health Organization Disability Assessment and Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 tools to assess functional impairment and mental distress, respectively. We used percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation to summarize the demographic variables, feasibility and acceptability of IPT-E. We analyzed changes from pre- to post-tests of mental distress and functioning results using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Independent sample t-test and one way-ANOVA used to assess the difference in mean score of in demographic variables at baseline and eight weeks. The qualitative data was analyzed with the support of open code 4.02. Results IPT-E was feasible (consent rate = 100%; completion rate = 92.31%; attrition rate = 7.69%; mean score of the sessions = 8 and mode of the session = 8). The total mean score of treatment satisfaction was 27.83 (SD = 4.47). After the delivery of IPT-E, symptoms of mental distress were decreased, functioning was improved and therapist adherence to the treatment model was 100% (i.e. treatment delivered according to the IPT-E guideline). Conclusion IPT-E was feasible and acceptable to treat university students with mental distress in low-income country setting. The preliminary results also suggest promising viability of IPT-E in higher education institutions of low-income country setting for students with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-021-00570-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assegid Negash
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. .,Department of Psychology, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
| | - Matloob Ahmed Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Girmay Medhin
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Wondimagegn
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Clare Pain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mesfin Araya
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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19
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Almanasef M. Mental Health Literacy and Help-Seeking Behaviours Among Undergraduate Pharmacy Students in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:1281-1286. [PMID: 33790673 PMCID: PMC8006949 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s289211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The serious mental health problems experienced by university students could have a negative impact on their long-term mental, social and physical health as well as their academic achievements. The ability to recognise a condition, and knowledge about mental health issues and sources of help, are among the factors influencing help-seeking behaviour in young individuals. This study was conducted to examine the mental health literacy among undergraduate pharmacy students and to assess whether mental health literacy is linked to a stronger intention to seek help. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study used an online self-administered questionnaire. A total of 271 pharmacy students at King Khalid University completed the questionnaire and agreed to participate in the study. Results The mental health literacy in the current study (M=112.53) was found to be lower than that reported in international research using the MHLS. Students with no history of mental health issues scored significantly higher in help-seeking behaviours from informal sources (M=23.65, SD=6.88) than those with a previous history (M=19.03, SD=7.58), F (1, 269)=11.76, p=0.001. The study revealed a significant positive correlation between mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours r(271)=0.26, p<0.01. Conclusion This study demonstrates that there is a positive correlation between mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. Implementing appropriate interventions could be a key priority in improving the mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour of students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Almanasef
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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20
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The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS): Psychometric Properties of the Amharic Version in Ethiopian University Student Sample. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00475-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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21
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Vargas-Huicochea I, Álvarez-del-Río A, Rodríguez-Machain AC, Aguirre-Benítez EL, Kelsall N. Seeking Psychiatric Attention Among University Students with Mental Health Problems: the Influence of Disease Perception. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00380-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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22
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Ahmed G, Negash A, Kerebih H, Alemu D, Tesfaye Y. Prevalence and associated factors of depression among Jimma University students. A cross-sectional study. Int J Ment Health Syst 2020; 14:52. [PMID: 32742303 PMCID: PMC7388530 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-020-00384-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a common health problem among university students. It is debilitating and has a detrimental impact on students psychosocial, emotional, interpersonal functioning and academic performance, However, there is a scarcity of information on this regard in higher education institutions in Ethiopia, so the current study was conducted to assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among Jimma University students. METHODS An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 556 sampled students selected by a multistage stratified sampling technique. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to screen depression severity. Data was collected through a pretested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were checked manually for completeness and entered into Epidata manager Version 2.0.8.56 data entry software then exported to SPSS version 20 Statistical software for analysis. The obtained data were described using descriptive statistics as well as logistic regression analysis was done to determine the independent predictors of the outcome variable. First bivariate analysis was done and variables significant at p value ≤ 0.25 were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to control for confounders. The significance of association was determined at a 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05. RESULT The prevalence of depression among the students was 28.2%. Having a mentally ill family member (OR = 2.307, 95%CI 1.055-5.049), being from the college of Social science and humanity (OR = 2.582, 95%CI 1.332-5.008), having sex after drinking (OR = 3.722, 95%CI 1.818-7.619), being hit by sexual partner (OR = 3.132, 95%CI 1.561-6.283), having childhood emotional abuse (OR = 2.167, 95%CI 1.169-4.017), having monthly pocket money between 500-999 ETB (OR = 0.450, 95% CI 0.204-0.995), and promoted academic performance (OR = 2.912, 95% CI 1.063-7.975) were significantly associated with depression. CONCLUSION The prevalence of depression among Jimma University students was high and positively associated with being from the college of social science and humanity, history of a hit by a sexual partner, having a mentally ill family member, having more monthly pocket money, promoted academic performance, having sex after drinking and childhood emotional abuse. Therefore, establishing depression screening services on the campus and designing proper mental health intervention programs is recommended to tackle the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gutema Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Negash
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Kerebih
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Alemu
- Department of Psychiatry, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Tesfaye
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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23
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Negash A, Khan MA, Medhin G, Wondimagegn D, Araya M. Mental distress, perceived need, and barriers to receive professional mental health care among university students in Ethiopia. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:187. [PMID: 32334569 PMCID: PMC7183586 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02602-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence on the extent of the perceived need and barriers to professional mental health service delivery to university students with mental distress in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study was designed to assess the prevalence of mental distress, perceived need for professional mental health care and barriers to the delivery of services to affected undergraduate university students in Ethiopia. METHODS A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 1135 undergraduate university students. Symptoms of mental distress were evaluated using the Self-Reported Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and a score of above seven was used to identify positive cases. The perceived need for professional mental health care was assessed using a single 'yes or no' response item and barriers to mental health care were assessed using Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE-30) tool. Percentage, frequency, mean, and standard deviation were employed to summarize demographic characteristics of the participants and to identify common barriers to mental health care service. Moreover, the association of demographic variables with total mean scores of BACE-III sub-scales was modeled using multiple linear regression. RESULTS The prevalence of mental distress symptoms was 34.6% and the perceived need for professional mental health care was 70.5% of those with mental distress. The top five barriers to receiving professional mental health service were (a) thinking the problem would get better with no intervention, (b) being unsure where to go to get professional help, (c) wanting to solve the problem without intervention, (d) denying a mental health problem existed, and (e) preferring to get alternative forms of mental care. Coming from a rural background, being a second and fourth-year student, and a family history of mental illness were significantly associated with barriers to receive professional mental health service. CONCLUSION The high prevalence of mental distress, the paucity of mental health care, and the report of barriers to access what professional mental health care there is among Ethiopian undergraduate students is a call to address the disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assegid Negash
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Matloob Ahmed Khan
- grid.7123.70000 0001 1250 5688Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Girmay Medhin
- grid.7123.70000 0001 1250 5688Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Wondimagegn
- grid.7123.70000 0001 1250 5688Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Araya
- grid.7123.70000 0001 1250 5688Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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