Combat and Peacekeeping Operations in Relation to Prevalence of Mental Disorders and Perceived Need for Mental Health Care

Childhood maltreatment is a major public health issue worldwide. It increases a range of health-risk behaviors, psychological and physical problems, which are associated with an increased need for mental health services in adulthood. Identification of mediating factors in the relationship between maltreatment and seeking mental health care may help attenuate the negative consequences of childhood maltreatment and promote more appropriate treatment. This study aims to examine whether the relationship between childhood maltreatment and perceived need for mental health care is mediated by psychological distress and/or moderated by social support. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health 2012 are analyzed. A total of 8,993 participants, who had complete information on childhood maltreatment and diagnoses of mental disorders or psychological distress, are included in this study. Structural equation modeling and the PROCESS macro were used to identify relationships among childhood maltreatment, perceived needs for mental health care, and psychological distress. Hierarchical linear regression was then used to verify the moderated mediation model. We found that psychological distress partially mediated the effect of childhood maltreatment on perceived needs for mental health care in adulthood. Social support played an important role in terms of moderating the relationship between maltreatment and perceived needs for care. For those with a history of childhood maltreatment, those who perceived a low level of social support were more likely to have higher levels of psychological distress and perceived need for mental health care. This is the first study to identify the separate and combined roles of psychological distress and social support in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and perceived need for mental health care. Selective prevention strategies should focus on social support to improve mental health services among people with a history of childhood maltreatment.

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The importance of peer support in the recovery process of persons with mental disorders

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1025 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

D Stimac Grbic ◽

I Pavic Simetin ◽

A Istvanovic

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Peer Support ◽

Community Intervention ◽

Recovery Process ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Hospital Treatment ◽

Personal Recovery

Abstract Issue Care for people with severe mental disorders requires approach that is focused on a person's strengths, not his weaknesses, and is a shift from a deficit model that is often associated with mental illness. Care users and their family members play an important role in this approach. Description of the Problem Mental disorders are the leading group of diseases in Croatia, according to the number of days of hospital treatment. The number of hospitalizations is high, and the rate of hospitalization for depression has tripled in the last twenty years. Such indicators highlight the need for reorientation of mental health care, from hospital-based to community-based, by organizing mobile community intervention teams. Results In Croatia, psychosocial peer teams were established by the NGO Ludruga, financed by local government, to provide peer support to persons with mental disorders. The main activities are: development of a personal recovery plan, home visits and providing psychological support to persons with mental disorders, organizing support groups and education of peer workers. The teams consist of a peer worker, social worker, psychologist, and operate under the supervision of a psychiatrist. The teams have been operating for five years, have had over a hundred users so far and are a significant help to the healthcare system in preventing rehospitalizations. Lessons The goal of therapeutic interventions in mental health care should be recovery. Recovery involves empowering a person to take responsibility for themselves and their health. Peer workers play an important role in the recovery process, providing hope for recovery. Their role must also be recognized by the health system. Key messages People with mental disorders and their families should be co-creators of care and recovery-oriented interventions. Only by comprehensive interventions, tackling all determinants of health, therapeutic goal can be achieved.

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Perceived need for mental health care: influences of diagnosis, demography and disability

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291701004913 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 299-309 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

G. MEADOWS ◽

P. BURGESS ◽

I. BOBEVSKI ◽

E. FOSSEY ◽

C. HARVEY ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Affective Disorders ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Composite International Diagnostic Interview ◽

Detailed Examination ◽

Perceived Need ◽

Co Morbidity

Background. Recent major epidemiological studies have adopted increasingly multidimensional approaches to assessment. Several of these have included some assessment of perceived need for mental health care. The Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, conducted in 1997, included a particularly detailed examination of this construct, with an instrument with demonstrated reliability and validity.Methods. A clustered probability sample of 10641 Australians responded to the field questionnaire for this survey, including questions on perceived need either where there had been service utilization, or where a disorder was detected by administration of sections of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The confidentialized unit record file generated from the survey was analysed for determinants of perceived need.Results. Perceived need is increased in females, in people in the middle years of adulthood, and in those who have affective disorders or co-morbidity. Effects of diagnosis and disability can account for most of the differences in gender specific rates. With correction for these effects through regression, there is less perceived need for social interventions and possibly more for counselling in females; disability is confirmed as strongly positively associated with perceived need, as are the presence of affective disorders or co-morbidity.Conclusions. The findings of this study underscore the imperative for mental health services to be attentive and responsive to consumer perceived need. The substantial majority of people who are significantly disabled by mental health problems are among those who see themselves as having such needs.

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Racial/ethnic differences in perceived need for mental health care and disparities in use of care among those with perceived need in 1990–1992 and 2001–2003

Ethnicity and Health ◽

10.1080/13557858.2016.1252834 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 142-157 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Andrea Ault-Brutus ◽

Margarita Alegria

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Ethnic Differences ◽

Perceived Need ◽

Racial Ethnic

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Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Related Knowledge and Attitudes Among Care Assistant Workers in Guangzhou, China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-107392/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jie Li ◽

Xiao-Ling Duan ◽

Hua-Qing Zhong ◽

Wen Chen ◽

Sara Evans‑Lacko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Health Staff ◽

Care Providers ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Additional Item ◽

Health Related

Abstract Background: Care assistant workers (CAWs) are a part of a new pattern of mental health care providers in China and play a significant role in bridging the human resource shortage. CAWs in China mainly include community cadres, community mental health staff and community policemen. The mental health related knowledge and attitudes of CAWs could influence their mental health care delivery. This study aimed to assess the mental health related knowledge and attitudes of CAWs in Guangzhou, China. Methods: In November 2017, a study was conducted among 381 CAWs from four districts of Guangzhou, China. Participants were assessed using the Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination Scale (PDD), the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), and the Mental illness: Clinicians’ Attitudes (MICA). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Bonferroni corrections and multivariable linear regression. Results: The mean scores (standard deviation) of PDD, MAKS and MICA were 36.45 (6.54), 22.72 (2.56), 51.67 (7.88), respectively. Univariate analyses showed that the older CAWs, community policemen and those who were less willing to deliver care had significant higher MICA scores when compared with other staff (P < 0.001). However, participants who disagreed additional item 1（views towards inpatients) and additional item 2 (affiliate stigma) had a significant lower MICA scores when compared with those who agreed (P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression showed that after controlling some variables, care willingness and PDD total score were significantly positively associated with the MICA total score (all P < 0.05), while attitudes on additional items were significantly negatively associated with the MICA total score (all P < 0.01).Conclusion: These findings suggest negative attitudes towards people with mental disorders among CAWs are common, especially among older staff. Community policemen suggest that they applied stereotypes of ‘violent mentally ill’ people to all people they deal with who have mental disorders. The results also indicate human rights are being paid attention to now, but need to be improved in the future. Strategies to improve attitudes and to reduce stigma and discrimination should be conducted with particular staff groups.

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The Use of Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, Sedatives and Hypnotics in Europe: Focusing on Mental Health Care in Portugal and Prescribing in Older Patients

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17228612 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (22) ◽

pp. 8612

Author(s):

Marta Estrela ◽

Maria Teresa Herdeiro ◽

Pedro Lopes Ferreira ◽

Fátima Roque

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Older Patients ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

Health Policies ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Treatment Gap ◽

Mental Health Policies

(1) Background: Mental disorders are a growing concern in the 21st century. The most prevalent common mental disorders include depression and anxiety. It is predicted that half of the population will at some point in their lives experience one or more mental disorders. Although common mental disorders are highly prevalent, some of the most significant related problems are the wide treatment gap and the excessive use of antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedatives/hypnotics, especially among older patients. (2) Methods: This study aimed to analyze mental health care in Portugal, with a focus on the consumption of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics among older patients. (3) Results: The use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics has increased overall across Europe. In Portugal, a downward trend of sedatives and hypnotics consumption can be observed. Anxiolytics and antidepressants, on the other hand, have been increasing. Patients aged ≥60 years old consume more than half of the aforementioned drugs. (4) Conclusions: Mental health policies should be designed to improve the conscientious use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, particularly among older adults.

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Exploring Perceptions of Continuity of Care Among People With Long-Term Mental Disorders in Denmark

Qualitative Health Research ◽

10.1177/1049732319840286 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (13) ◽

pp. 1916-1929

Author(s):

Anna P. Folker ◽

Mette M. Kristensen ◽

Amalie O. Kusier ◽

Maj Britt D. Nielsen ◽

Sigurd M. Lauridsen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Continuity Of Care ◽

Service Users ◽

Mental Health Care System ◽

Template Analysis ◽

Depth Interviews

Continuity of mental health care is central to improve the treatment and rehabilitation of people with mental disorders. While most studies on continuity of care fail to take the perspectives of service users into account, the aim of this study was to explore the perceived meanings of continuity of care among people with long-term mental disorders. Fifteen service users participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. We used template analysis to guide the analysis. The main transversal themes of continuity were “Navigating the system” and “Connecting to people and everyday life.” While the first theme related to the participants’ experiences of their interaction with the mental health care system, the latter related to their hopes and perceived opportunities for a good life as desired outcomes of mental health care. We conclude that efforts to improve continuity of mental health care should be tailored to the priorities of service users.

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Perceived need and barriers to adolescent mental health care: agreement between adolescents and their parents

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796019000568 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 ◽

Author(s):

N. Schnyder ◽

D. Lawrence ◽

R. Panczak ◽

M. G. Sawyer ◽

H. A. Whiteford ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Barriers To Care ◽

Skill Training ◽

Adolescent Mental Health ◽

Relative Risk Ratio ◽

Attitudinal Barriers ◽

Perceived Need ◽

Adolescent Parent

Abstract Aims Mental disorders cause high burden in adolescents, but adolescents often underutilise potentially beneficial treatments. Perceived need for and barriers to care may influence whether adolescents utilise services and which treatments they receive. Adolescents and parents are stakeholders in adolescent mental health care, but their perceptions regarding need for and barriers to care might differ. Understanding patterns of adolescent-parent agreement might help identify gaps in adolescent mental health care. Methods A nationally representative sample of Australian adolescents aged 13–17 and their parents (N = 2310), recruited between 2013–2014, were asked about perceived need for four types of adolescent mental health care (counselling, medication, information and skill training) and barriers to care. Perceived need was categorised as fully met, partially met, unmet, or no need. Cohen's kappa was used to assess adolescent-parent agreement. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to model variables associated with patterns of agreement. Results Almost half (46.5% (s.e. = 1.21)) of either adolescents or parents reported a perceived need for any type of care. For both groups, perceived need was greatest for counselling and lowest for medication. Identified needs were fully met for a third of adolescents. Adolescent-parent agreement on perceived need was fair (kappa = 0.25 (s.e. = 0.01)), but poor regarding the extent to which needs were met (kappa = −0.10 (s.e. = 0.02)). The lack of parental knowledge about adolescents' feelings was positively associated with adolescent-parent agreement that needs were partially met or unmet and disagreement about perceived need, compared to agreement that needs were fully met (relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.91 (95% CI = 1.19–3.04) to RRR = 4.69 (95% CI = 2.38–9.28)). Having a probable disorder was positively associated with adolescent-parent agreement that needs were partially met or unmet (RRR = 2.86 (95% CI = 1.46–5.61)), and negatively with adolescent-parent disagreement on perceived need (RRR = 0.50 (95% CI = 0.30–0.82)). Adolescents reported most frequently attitudinal barriers to care (e.g. self-reliance: 55.1% (s.e. = 2.39)); parents most frequently reported that their child refused help (38.7% (s.e. = 2.69)). Adolescent-parent agreement was poor for attitudinal (kappa = −0.03 (s.e. = 0.06)) and slight for structural barriers (kappa = 0.02 (s.e. = 0.09)). Conclusions There are gaps in the extent to which adolescent mental health care is meeting the needs of adolescents and their parents. It seems important to align adolescents' and parents' needs at the beginning and throughout treatment and to improve communication between adolescents and their parents. Both might provide opportunities to increase the likelihood that needs will be fully met. Campaigns directed towards adolescents and parents need to address different barriers to care. For adolescents, attitudinal barriers such as stigma and mental health literacy require attention.

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