Autism in China: Moderators and Mediators in the Parental Perceived Needs--Mental Health Link

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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Understanding the Users with Chronic Pain on AI CBT Mental Health App (Wysa): A Mixed-Methods Retrospective Observational Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.35671 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

S Meheli ◽

Chaitali Sinha ◽

Madhura Kabada

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Pain Management ◽

Observational Study ◽

Real World ◽

Effect Size ◽

Retrospective Observational Study ◽

Medium Effect ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Perceived Needs

BACKGROUND Digital health interventions can bridge barriers in access to treatment of care for individuals with chronic pain. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the perceived needs, engagement and the effectiveness of the mental health app Wysa on mental health outcomes among real-world users who reported chronic pain and engaged with the app for support. METHODS Real-world data from users (N = 2,194) who reported chronic pain and associated health conditions in their conversations with a mental health app was analyzed using a mixed-method retrospective observational study. An inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse conversational data of users with chronic pain to assess perceived needs, along with comparative macro-analyses of conversational flows to capture engagement within the app. Additionally, the scores from a subset of users who completed a set of pre-post assessment questionnaires, namely PHQ-9 (N=69) and GAD-7 (N=57), were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of Wysa in providing support for mental health concerns for those managing chronic pain. RESULTS The themes emerging from the conversations of users with chronic pain included Health Concerns, Socioeconomic Concerns, and Pain Management Concerns. Findings from the quantitative analysis indicated that users with chronic pain showed significantly greater app engagement (p value <2.2e-16) than users without chronic pain, with a large effect size (Vargha and Delaney’s A- 0.76 -0.8). Furthermore, the sample of users with pre-post assessments during the study period were found to have significant improvements in group means on both PHQ-9 and GAD-7 symptom scores, with medium effect size (Cohens’d, 0.6-0.61), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that users look for tools that can help them address their concerns related to mental health, pain management, and sleep issues. The study findings also indicate the breadth of needs for users with chronic pain and the lack of support structures, and suggests that Wysa can provide effective support to bridge the gap.

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Access to Australian Mental Health Care by People from Non-English-Speaking Backgrounds

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1046/j.1440-1614.2001.00882.x ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 174-182 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jane Pirkis ◽

Philip Burgess ◽

Graham Meadows ◽

David Dunt

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Population Based ◽

Perceived Needs ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

Needs For Care ◽

English Speaking ◽

Access Services

Objective: This study aimed to examine access to mental health care for people from non-English-speaking backgrounds relative to that of people from English-speaking backgrounds, in the context of the mental health status of both groups; and to consider whether, if they perceive that they have needs for care, these needs are met. Method: The study used data from the population-based Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, conducted in 1997. Results: People from non-English-speaking backgrounds and English-speaking backgrounds were equally likely to experience anxiety disorders and affective disorders, but the former were less likely to experience substance-use disorders and any mental disorder. When those with each disorder type were considered alone, people from non-Englishspeaking backgrounds and English-speaking backgrounds were equally likely to use services for mental health problems. When those with perceived needs for care were considered in isolation, there was no difference between birthplace groups in terms of their likelihood of reporting that their needs were fully met. Conclusions: The study had several limitations (i.e. lack of detail on specific ethnic groups and exclusion of potential respondents who could not speak English), which mean that these findings should be interpreted with caution. There is a need to build on this populationbased work, by oversampling people from particular non-English speaking communities and ensuring that those who do not speak English are included in population samples. Such work will further clarify the relative ability of people from non-English-speaking backgrounds to access services, and the extent to which their needs are met.

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When Abused Women Decide to Seek Help From a Victims Assistance Program: Their Perceived Needs and Self-Reported Mental Health Symptoms

Violence and Victims ◽

10.1891/0886-6708.vv-d-17-00058 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 613-634

Author(s):

Cecilia Mengo ◽

Christine Gidycz

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Women Victims ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Legal Services ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Assistance Program ◽

Health Symptoms ◽

Perceived Needs ◽

Seeking Help ◽

Social Demographic

This study examines the nature of perceived needs of women victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and their association with social demographic characteristics and self-reported mental health symptoms. The study uses data from case records of women victims of IPV (n = 154) seeking help from a victim assistance program housed within city police station located in the southwest, United States. The majority of the women in this study reported needs related to counseling, protection orders, Crime Victims' Compensation Rights, legal services, and Temporary Aid for Needy Families. Findings also indicate that perceived needs of women were significantly associated with self-reported mental health symptoms. Some needs had a stronger relationship to women's mental health symptoms than others. Overall these findings suggest that it is imperative to emphasize responses that can address all the needs of women (in addition to stopping IPV) to reduce mental health symptoms.

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Psychiatry and the Need for Mental Health Care in Australia: Findings from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1046/j.1440-1614.2002.00990.x ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 210-216 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Graham Meadows ◽

Bruce Singh ◽

Philip Burgess ◽

Irene Bobevski

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

National Survey ◽

Adult Population ◽

Psychiatric Services ◽

Care Providers ◽

Perceived Needs ◽

Health And Wellbeing

Objective: This paper describes the pattern of consultations reported with psychiatrists and primary mental health care providers in the Australian adult population. It explores whether inequalities found in utilization of psychiatric services according to area are different in degree from inequalities in utilization of medical and surgical specialists, and describes the meeting of perceived needs for mental health care within those seen by psychiatrists. Method: The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW) was a community survey employing clustered probability sampling, with a computerized field questionnaire which included sections of the composite international diagnostic interview (CIDI), as well as self-reported service utilization and perceived needs for care. Results: By survey estimates, 1.8% of the Australian population consulted a psychiatrist in the last year. Among people with an ICD 10-diagnosed mental disorder, 7.3% consulted a psychiatrist. Only about one in five people seen by a psychiatrist report the psychiatrist as the only mental health care provider. Disadvantaged areas of the cities and remote areas, when compared with the least deprived areas of the cities, showed lower rates of utilization. This effect is stronger in psychiatry than in other specialities. Patients seeing psychiatrists seem to be a more satisfied group than those seeing only other providers; nonetheless, some needs are not well met, and the role of the psychiatrist cannot be isolated as the cause of this satisfaction. Conclusions: Most care delivered by psychiatrists is de facto shared care. Psychiatrists as clinical professionals need to be continually mindful of the need to communicate with others providing care. Psychiatric services in Australia are not delivered in an equitable manner, and the inequalities are greater for psychiatric services than for other medical specialities.

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Self-help behaviour of Canadians with perceived needs for mental health care.

Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne ◽

10.1037/cap0000050 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 57 (2) ◽

pp. 130-141 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Meagan B. MacKenzie ◽

Nancy L. Kocovski

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Perceived Needs ◽

Self Help

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Evaluating context and interest in training in evidence-based mental health care: a qualitative investigation among healthcare providers in Kyiv, Ukraine

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-021-05786-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kimberly Hook ◽

Julia Kozishkurt ◽

Olga Kovalchuk ◽

Evelina Goncharenko ◽

Vitalii Kodovbetskyi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Mental Health Training ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Community Clinics ◽

Perceived Needs ◽

Key Factor

Abstract Objective Increasing access to quality, evidence-based mental health treatments, including psychotherapy, is a global priority. Knowledge of factors associated with delivery settings is critical to ensure that new practices are appropriate and effectively adapted for novel settings. Understanding perceived needs for training and interest in ongoing education is one key factor. This qualitative study aimed to identify perspectives on contemporary evidence-based psychotherapies, perceived needs for mental health training, and existing barriers and facilitators to provision of mental health services in community clinics in Ukraine. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit 18 physicians and psychologists employed in community clinics in Kyiv. A combination of free-listing and semi-structured interviews was used to collect data, which were thematically coded using emergent coding. Results Findings from this study indicated that participants recognize a need for improved mental health knowledge and training, as well as suggested interest and openness to learning short-term, structured psychological interventions. Additional barriers and existing strengths described by participants provide insight into possible factors that may impact future trainings in and implementation of modern mental health approaches.

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A qualitative exploratory study of UK first-time fathers’ experiences, mental health and wellbeing needs during their transition to fatherhood

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030792 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. e030792 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Sharin Baldwin ◽

Mary Malone ◽

Jane Sandall ◽

Debra Bick

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Service Providers ◽

Early Years ◽

Mental Illnesses ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Full Time ◽

Perceived Needs ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

First Time ◽

Transition To Fatherhood

ObjectivesTo develop an understanding of men’s experiences of first-time fatherhood, their mental health and wellbeing needs.DesignA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using framework analysis.SettingTwo large National Health Service integrated care trusts covering four London (UK) local authority boroughs.ParticipantsFirst-time fathers with children under 12 months of age were included. Maximum variation sampling was used, with 21 fathers recruited. Ten of these men described their ethnic background as Indian, seven as White British, one as Spanish, one as Black African, one as Black Caribbean and one as Pakistani. Participants’ ages ranged from 20 to over 60 years; completion of full-time education ranged from high school certificate to doctorate level; and annual income ranged from £15 000 to over £61 000. Non-English speaking fathers, those experiencing bereavement following neonatal death, stillbirth, pregnancy loss, sudden infant death, and fathers with existing severe mental illnesses were excluded.ResultsNine major categories were identified: ‘preparation for fatherhood’, ‘rollercoaster of feelings’, ‘new identity’, ‘challenges and impact’, ‘changed relationship: we’re in a different place’, ‘coping and support’, ‘health professionals and services: experience, provision and support’, ‘barriers to accessing support’, and ‘men’s perceived needs: what fathers want’. Resident (residing with their partner and baby) and non-resident fathers in this study highlighted broadly similar needs, as did fathers for whom English was their first language and those for whom it was not. A key finding of this study relates to men’s own perceived needs and how they would like to be supported during the perinatal period, contributing to the current evidence.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into first-time fathers’ experiences during their transition to fatherhood, with important implications for healthcare policy makers, service providers and professionals for how perinatal and early years services are planned and provided for both new parents.

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Awareness, understanding, and help seeking for behaviour problems by parents of primary school age children in Central Jakarta: A qualitative study

Paediatrica Indonesiana ◽

10.14238/pi50.1.2010.18-25 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

pp. 18 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tjhin Wiguna ◽

Myron L. Belfer

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary School ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Emotional Problems ◽

Primary School Children ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Perceived Needs ◽

Children’S Behaviour ◽

Primary School Age

Background Understanding children’s behaviour and emotional conditions will allow parents to help them cope with the tasks of growing up. The accuracy of parents to identify their children as needing mental health services, and the factor that might influence parental perceptions is important.Objectives To explore parents’ recognition and help-seeking patterns for behavior and emotional problems of school age children; To identify parents’ perceived needs and barriers in achieving access to appropriate mental health services.Methods We involved six parents who had primary school children with behavior and/or emotional problems identified by their class teacher. Parents were interviewed by using a semistructured clinical interview, some were adapted from the Arthur Kleinman’s explanatory model of illness. Data were presented in descriptive and interpretative accounts.Results In general, parents were aware that their children had behavioural and emotional problems but assumed it was part of their normal development. Four parents did not take their children to seek any professional help, assuming they would be able to overcome this situation with the helping hand from the school class teachers. Parents perceived that they were weak in parenting their child.Conclusion This study emphasizes the need to increase parents’ awareness and understanding and helping agencies so they can recognize the problems accurately and overcome the barriers appropriately. [Paediatr Indones. 2010;50:18-25].

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