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Chua XH, Edney SM, Müller AM, Petrunoff NA, Whitton C, Tay Z, Goh CMJL, Chen B, Park SH, Rebello SA, Low A, Chia J, Koek D, Cheong K, van Dam RM, Müller-Riemenschneider F. Rationale, Design, and Baseline Characteristics of Participants in the Health@NUS mHealth Augmented Cohort Study Examining Student-to-Work Life Transition: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e56749. [PMID: 39018103 PMCID: PMC11292158 DOI: 10.2196/56749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integration of mobile health data collection methods into cohort studies enables the collection of intensive longitudinal information, which gives deeper insights into individuals' health and lifestyle behavioral patterns over time, as compared to traditional cohort methods with less frequent data collection. These findings can then fill the gaps that remain in understanding how various lifestyle behaviors interact as students graduate from university and seek employment (student-to-work life transition), where the inability to adapt quickly to a changing environment greatly affects the mental well-being of young adults. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to provide an overview of the study methodology and baseline characteristics of participants in Health@NUS, a longitudinal study leveraging mobile health to examine the trajectories of health behaviors, physical health, and well-being, and their diverse determinants, for young adults during the student-to-work life transition. METHODS University students were recruited between August 2020 and June 2022 in Singapore. Participants would complete biometric assessments and questionnaires at 3 time points (baseline, 12-, and 24-month follow-up visits) and use a Fitbit smartwatch and smartphone app to continuously collect physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and dietary data over the 2 years. Additionally, up to 12 two-week-long bursts of app-based ecological momentary surveys capturing lifestyle behaviors and well-being would be sent out among the 3 time points. RESULTS Interested participants (n=1556) were screened for eligibility, and 776 participants were enrolled in the study between August 2020 and June 2022. Participants were mostly female (441/776, 56.8%), of Chinese ethnicity (741/776, 92%), undergraduate students (759/776, 97.8%), and had a mean BMI of 21.9 (SD 3.3) kg/m2, and a mean age of 22.7 (SD 1.7) years. A substantial proportion were overweight (202/776, 26.1%) or obese (42/776, 5.4%), had indicated poor mental well-being (World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index ≤50; 291/776, 37.7%), or were at higher risk for psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale ≥13; 109/776, 14.1%). CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study will provide detailed insights into the determinants and trajectories of health behaviors, health, and well-being during the student-to-work life transition experienced by young adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05154227; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05154227. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/56749.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hui Chua
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sarah Martine Edney
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andre Matthias Müller
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas A Petrunoff
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Clare Whitton
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Zoey Tay
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Claire Marie Jie Lin Goh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bozhi Chen
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Su Hyun Park
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Salome A Rebello
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alicia Low
- Health Promotion Board, Singapore Government, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Janelle Chia
- Health Promotion Board, Singapore Government, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daphne Koek
- Health Promotion Board, Singapore Government, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karen Cheong
- Health Promotion Board, Singapore Government, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rob M van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Departments of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Epidemiology, Milken Institute of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Zeng F, John WCM, Qiao D, Sun X. Association between psychological distress and mental help-seeking intentions in international students of national university of Singapore: a mediation analysis of mental health literacy. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2358. [PMID: 38017406 PMCID: PMC10685483 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17346-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND International students encounter a wide range of challenges that can have a significant impact on their mental health. Seeking help is one of the primary means of managing mental health, and more attention is required. This study aimed to investigate the psychological distress(PD), mental health literacy(MHL), and mental help-seeking intentions(MHSI) in international students of National University of Singapore(NUS), to explore the correlation between the three and to verify the mediating role of MHL in PD and MHSI. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2023 using the Mental Help Seeking Intention Scale(MHSIS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7), and Mental Health Literacy Scale(MHLS). 281 international students(177 males, 104 females;) in NUS completed self-report questionnaires. SPSS 25.0 was applied to the data for descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis. Mediation analysis fully for all potential confounding factors were conducted. RESULTS Significant correlations were found between PD, MHL and MHSI. MHLS- knowledge of how to seek professional information(MHLS- H) completely mediated the association of anxiety with MHSI[B=-0.271; 95% confidence interval(CI): (-0.067, 0.0037)]; MHLS- attitude that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behavior(stigma)(MHLS- H) partially mediated the association of PD with MHSI[B = 0.104, 95% CI: (0.008, 0.179)]; with mediating effects accounting for 100% and 24.847% of the total effect. In addition, demographic variables such as gender, years in Singapore and residence type mediated both the direct and indirect effect of the mediation model. CONCLUSIONS MHL mediated both the direct and indirect effects on the association between PD and MHSI, especially, the mediator of the MHLS- H and MHL-A. It means that MHSI in this population can be improved by increasing MHL and thus the PD. The findings suggest that, such as providing information about how to access to professional services and promoting disorder recognition to the international students, may help them develop their psychological well-being and good mental health care decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanmin Zeng
- Mental Health Education Centre of Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wong Chee Meng John
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital & National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dan Qiao
- International Office, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xueli Sun
- Mental Health Centre of West China Hospital in Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Shi XL, Li LY, Fan ZG. Psychiatrists’ occupational stigma conceptualization, measurement, and intervention: A literature review. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:298-318. [PMID: 37383285 PMCID: PMC10294130 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i6.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychiatrists require frequent contact with and treatment of patients with mental illnesses. Due to the influence of associative stigma, psychiatrists may also be targets of stigma. Occupational stigma warrants special consideration because it significantly affects psychiatrists' career advancement, well-being, and their patients’ health. Given that there is no complete summary of this issue, this study reviewed the existing literature on psychiatrists' occupational stigma to clearly synthesize its concepts, measurement tools, and intervention strategies. Herein, we emphasize that psychiatrists’ occupational stigma is a multifaceted concept that simultaneously encompasses physically, socially, and morally tainted aspects. Currently, standardized methods to specifically measure psychiatrists’ occupational stigma are lacking. Interventions for psychiatrists’ occupational stigma may consider the use of protest, contact, education, comprehensive and systematic methods, as well as the use of psychotherapeutic approaches. This review provides a theoretical basis for the development of relevant measurement tools and intervention practices. Overall, this review seeks to raise public awareness of psychiatrists' occupational stigma, thereby promoting psychiatric professionalism and reducing its stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Shi
- School of Education, Jilin International Studies University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Lu-Yao Li
- School of Education, Jilin International Studies University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhi-Guang Fan
- School of Education, Jilin International Studies University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
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Qiu L, Feng Y, Luo J, Zhang Y, Yang Q. Predictors of personal depression stigma in medical students in China: differences in male and female groups. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2022; 27:2093427. [PMID: 35747998 PMCID: PMC9245981 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2022.2093427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Depression is common worldwide, and stigmatizing attitudes toward depression have proved to be one of the major barriers to seeking professional help. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of personal depression stigma and identify its predictive factors among medical students in Hainan, China, as well as explore the gender difference. A total of 2,186 medical students were recruited using stratified random cluster sampling and interviewed by structured anonymous questionnaires. Personal stigma was measured by the standardized Depression Stigma Scale (DSS). Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify predictors of stigma, and the interactions between gender and each predictor were included to test its gender difference. The mean score on DSS Scale was 13.71 ± 5.35, with males significantly higher than females (14.85 vs 12.99, P < 0.0001). Compared to females, males were more likely to agree with 'I would not vote for a class cadre if I knew they had been depressed' and 'I would not make friends with him if I knew he had been depressed'. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that males' personal stigma was predicted by being only child (ß = 1.01, P = 0.0083), moderate-to-severe depression (ß = 1.12, P = 0.0302), and lower self-rated academic core competitiveness (Competitive: ß = 1.29, P = 0.0088, Not at all/Somewhat competitive: ß = 1.04, P = 0.0381), while females' personal stigma was only associated with moderate-to-severe depression (ß = 1.75, P < 0.0001). Significant interactions were found between gender and self-rated academic core competitiveness. Stigmatizing attitudes toward depression were prevalent among Chinese medical students, especially male students. Gender differences were found in the predictors of stigma. Effective measures must be taken to reduce the stigma of mental health among Chinese medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiu
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, P. R. China
| | - Yawen Feng
- School of Management, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Luo
- School of Management, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, P. R. China
| | - Yinuo Zhang
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, P. R. China
| | - Qin Yang
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, P. R. China
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Daluwatta A, Peiris D, Fletcher K, Ludlow C, Murray G. Can Sri Lankan Australians Recognise Depression? The Influence of Acculturation, Age and Experiences with Depression on Recognition. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14839. [PMID: 36429558 PMCID: PMC9690748 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mental health literacy is an important determinant of mental health help-seeking and is associated with improved mental health. There is evidence that mental health literacy may be lower amongst some migrant communities in Australia. The present study conducted the first cross-sectional survey of mental health literacy in Sri Lankan Australians between April and October 2020. Participants (N = 404) were presented with a culturally-tailored vignette describing an individual with symptoms of major depressive disorder, with correct recognition determined by the coding of an open text response to the question 'what's wrong with Mr Silva?'. Binomial linear regression modelling was conducted to identify predictors of the correct recognition of depression. Approximately 74% of participants recognised the presented symptoms as depression, though multiple other labels were also used by the respondents. The results also suggested that younger age and having a prior diagnosis of depression were significant predictors of recognising depression in the vignette. In the first study of Sri Lankan migrants' mental health literacy in an Australian context, the rates of depression recognition were comparable to those found in the general Australian population. Further research is urgently required to replicate and extend the present findings and ultimately support the development of tailored interventions aimed at improving mental health literacy across the diverse Sri Lankan Australian community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Daluwatta
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Dushan Peiris
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Kathryn Fletcher
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Chris Ludlow
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Greg Murray
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
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