scholarly journals Preferences and barriers to mental help seeking among students attending the University of Dschang, West region, Cameroon

Author(s):  
Martial Sonkoue Pianta ◽  
Linda Evans Eba Ze ◽  
Baame Esong Miranda ◽  
Rene Mih Tah ◽  
Benjamin Momo Kadia

ABSTRACTBackgroundMental disorders are a major source of disability and receive little attention in developing countries in general and particularly in Cameroon. Students are at a higher risk of developing mental disorders. The aim of this study was to assess students’ mental help seeking preferences and the barriers to mental health seeking.MethodsWe conducted a cross sectional study. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics preferences and barriers to mental health seeking.ResultsOf the 84.23%[534/634, CI :81.18%- 86.86%] who consider depression a serious health problem 34.14%[183/534, CI : 30,25%- 38.26%] will go to a psychologist, in case of a mental health problem.. Most of the participants 47.32% [300/634,CI : 43,46%- 51.21%] prefer a private hospital for healthcare. The greatest barrier to health access is the inability to pay 38.64%[245/634, CI : 34.93%- 42.49%].ConclusionInterventions to increase awareness on available health services, implementation of universal health coverage and the promotion of mental health could greatly improve health seeking behaviour and access to mental healthcare.

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huifang Yin ◽  
Klaas J. Wardenaar ◽  
Guangming Xu ◽  
Hongjun Tian ◽  
Robert A. Schoevers

Abstract Background Failure to seek treatment for mental health disorders is a serious public health concern. Unfortunately, there is little insight into help-seeking and its associated factors in China which has undergone rapid economic development in the past 30 years and has an increasing prevalence of mental disorder. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) investigate help-seeking rates in healthcare and non-healthcare settings and (2) investigate the correlates of help-seeking behavior in a large Chinese survey. Methods Data came from the Tianjin Mental Health Survey (TJMHS), a representative sample of adult community residents in the Chinese municipality of Tianjin (n = 11,748). Of these, 1759 individuals had ≥1 axis-I diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical manual– fourth edition (DSM-IV) and were administered a Help-Seeking Questionnaire. Results 15.7% of patients reported that they had ever sought help during their entire lifetime before the interview, with 4.5% seeking help in mental healthcare, 3.2% in other healthcare and 8.1% in non-healthcare settings (e.g., family, friends, and spiritual advisor). Among help-seekers, the first help was mostly sought in non-healthcare settings (58.4%), followed by healthcare (27.5%) and mental healthcare settings (24.5%). Female gender, younger age, having 7–9 years vs 0–6 years of education, a low income, a psychotic disorder and having ≥2 disorders were associated with increased help-seeking. Older age, being married and having a psychotic or organic disorder were associated with increased help-seeking in healthcare vs. non-healthcare settings. Conclusion A small percentage of persons with mental disorders in the Tianjin region seek help and among those who do, variations in the types of help-seeking may be partially explained by demographic and clinical characteristics.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e041371
Author(s):  
Alyssa Howren ◽  
J Antonio Aviña-Zubieta ◽  
Deborah Da Costa ◽  
Joseph H Puyat ◽  
Hui Xie ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between having arthritis and the perceived need for mental healthcare and use of mental health support among individuals with mental disorders.DesignA cross-sectional analysis using data from Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health (2012).SettingThe survey was administered across Canada’s 10 provinces using multistage cluster sampling.ParticipantsThe study sample consisted of individuals reporting depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.Study variables and analysisThe explanatory variable was self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and outcomes were perceived need for mental healthcare and use of mental health support. We computed overall and gender-stratified multivariable binomial logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, income and geographical region.ResultsAmong 1774 individuals with a mental disorder in the study sample, 436 (20.4%) reported having arthritis. Arthritis was associated with increased odds of having a perceived need for mental healthcare (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.71, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.77). In the gender-stratified models, this association was increased among men (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.49) but not women (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 0.78 to 2.82). Evaluation of the association between arthritis and use of mental health support resulted in an aOR of 1.50 (95% CI 0.89 to 2.51). Individuals with arthritis tended to use medications and professional services as opposed to non-professional support.ConclusionComorbid arthritis among individuals with a mental disorder was associated with an increased perceived need for mental healthcare, especially in men, underscoring the importance of understanding the role of masculinity in health seeking. Assessing the mental health of patients with arthritis continues to be essential for clinical care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-22
Author(s):  
Priscilla Samson ◽  
Jay Narayan Shah

Introduction: The consequences of lockdown, quarantine, and uncertainties of COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused physical sufferings but affected the mental health of the people around the globe. Peritraumatic distress is a strong predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder that may further lead to depression and suicidal risk. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess peritraumatic distress and perceived mental healthcare needs among the residents of a gated community in Kathmandu Valley. Method: This was a quantitative online cross-sectional study conducted during June 2020 among adult residents of a gated community in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. COVID-19 peritraumatic distress index and perceived mental healthcare questionnaire were used to find out peritraumatic distress and mental healthcare needs of the residents. Ethical approval was obtained. Statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS. Result: A total of 45 residents returned the completed forms. Male were 62.2%, 53.3% belonged to 36 to 55 years and 46.7% had at least one comorbidity. Mild to moderate peritraumatic distress was found among 17.82%. Fisher’s exact test showed no association between age, gender, presence of comorbidity and peritraumatic distress (p > 0.05). Perceived mental healthcare needs were felt by more than 91% of the participants. Conclusion: One sixth of the participants had mild to moderate level of peritraumatic distress. Almost all the participants felt they have mental healthcare needs. Study highlights the need for counseling for distress and mental health during COVID-19 pandemic.


Author(s):  
Asifa Ashraf ◽  
Ipseeta Menon ◽  
Ritu Gupta ◽  
Vikram Arora ◽  
Dipshikha Das ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Covid-19 is highly contagious disease and has today become a major public health concern in the developing countries worldwide. This study attempted to assess the knowledge, attitude, anxiety experience, perceived mental healthcare, and oral health among adult Kashmiri population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire was developed using Google forms to avoid person-to-person contact. The structured questionnaire consisted of questions covering several areas: sociodemographic data, knowledge, awareness, attitude about the COVID-19 , the anxiety level, oral hygiene habits during confinement, care and disinfection control behaviours in the dental environment. Results: Due to continuing conflict in Kashmir during the last 18 years there has been a phenomenal increase in psychiatric morbidity. The results reveal that the prevalence of depression was high 46.3% among Kashmiri residents who were anxious with the thought of  COVID-19 virus. In our study it was also found that 66.2% of the responders had a moderate level of knowledge about being getting quarantined and 97.7% of the participants had an adequate knowledge about its preventive aspects. The anxiety levels identified in the study were high i.e. more than 70% of the participants were preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic over the past months. Approximately, 42.6% of the participants have been angered and distressed due to being worried about the ongoing pandemic. Oral hygiene and last visit to the dentist were found highly significant in our study i.e. approximately  36.6% of the participants had visited a dentist among which 35.2% had visited only due to consultation advise. Conclusion: Population of Kashmir had a better mean knowledge score regarding this virus but yet mental health is an integral part of overall health and quality of life. Substantial and sustainable improvements can be achieved only when a comprehensive strategy for mental health which incorporates both prevention and care elements is adopted. There is a need to intensify the awareness and address the mental health issues, and importance of oral hygiene of people during this COVID-19 pandemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 50-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Eliane Schwank ◽  
Qiongjie Zhou ◽  
Yanling He ◽  
Ganesh Acharya

China's healthcare is improving together with rapid economic growth. Yet, mental healthcare is lagging behind. Prevalence of perinatal depression is high among women of the one-child generation, but access to qualified care is limited. Chinese healthcare professionals, policy makers and patients alike express concerns about insufficient knowledge among the public as well as healthcare providers regarding mental disorders. There appears to be a general lack of help-seeking behaviour for mental disorders owing to perceived risk of social stigmatisation. Social support through family and friends, use of online resources and community healthcare services are preferred, rather than seeking help from mental health specialists.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Ferreira Júnior ◽  
E de Sousa Gomes ◽  
M Pereira Lima ◽  
L Maura Mascarini

Abstract Although it is recognized that mental disorders are more likely to occur in adulthood, especially in university period, and result in damage to health and incapacity for work, researches with university population are scarce in Brazil. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Minor Mental Disorders (MMD) among undergraduate students of a public university of São Paulo state, and investigate its association with social and economic conditions, sexuality and gender. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2018 with 376 undergraduate students who were halfway through the course. Data were collected from an anonymously and self-administered questionnaire, and MMD was evaluated from Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Associations were estimated through logistic regression, and odds ration calculated. We found prevalence of 53.9% of MMD among the students, and associated with gender (OR, 3.66; 95% CI, 2.37-5.67), being LGBT + (e.g Bisexuals OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.56-5.50), not receiving necessary family support (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 2.00 - 15.68), not being satisfied with the course (OR, 23.69 95% CI, 2.95 - 190,03) and not practicing physical activities regularly (OR, 2.05; 95% IC, 1.33 - 3.17). Minor mental disorders prevalence found was high, reaching more than 70% in some courses (e.g 77.8% among Biomedicine students), mainly associated with gender, sexual orientation and emotional support. Our study draws attention to the urgency of monitoring the mental health status of undergraduate students, and implementing mental health centers at universities, as well as facilitating access and improve existing centers. Key messages The high prevalence of minor mental disorders found among undergraduate students indicates the urgent need for interventions in this populations. Women and LGBT+ students are groups at higher risk for the development of minor mental disorders at university. Strategies must be created to reduce the higher prevalence in this populations.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1357633X1986890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Zhao ◽  
Kim E Innes ◽  
Sandipan Bhattacharjee ◽  
Nilanjana Dwibedi ◽  
Traci M LeMasters ◽  
...  

Introduction Telemental health (TMH) is a promising approach to increase access to mental healthcare. This study examined the TMH adoption rates and associations with facility- and state-level factors among US mental health (MH) facilities. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study used linked data for 2016 from the National Mental Health Services Survey ( N = 11,833), Area Health Resources File, and national reports for broadband access and telehealth policies. The associations of facility and state-level characteristics with TMH adoption were examined with multi-level logistic regressions. Results Overall, 25.9% had used TMH. Having veteran affiliation [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 18.53, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI): 10.66–32.21] and greater Information Technology (IT) capacity [AOR(95%CI): 2.89(2.10–3.98)] were the strongest correlates of TMH adoption. Other facility characteristics associated with higher likelihood of TMH adoption were: public ownership, high patient volumes, having comprehensive MH treatments or Quality Improvement practices, having private or non-Medicaid public payers, and treating elderly patients (AORs: 1.16–2.41). TMH adoption was less likely among facilities treating more African Americans or patients with substance abuse disorders. TMH adoption varied substantially across states, with adoption more likely in states issuing special telehealth licences and those with more rural counties. Discussion One in four MH facilities adopted TMH in 2016. TMH adoption varied by multiple facility- and state-level factors. Our findings suggest that: legal/regulatory burden and lower facility IT capacity may discourage TMH adoption; significant racial disparities exist in TMH adoption; and there is a need to increase TMH use for substance abuse disorders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Pui Pui Ng ◽  
Weng Yee Chin ◽  
Eric Yuk Fai Wan ◽  
Julie Chen ◽  
Chak Sing Lau

AbstractDepression amongst physicians can lead to poor individual and institutional outcomes. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with depression and suicidal ideation amongst doctors in Hong Kong. Doctors who graduated from medical school at the University of Hong Kong between 1995 and 2014 were invited to participate in a survey measuring depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm, lifestyle behaviours, career satisfaction and socio-demographic characteristics. Data collection occurred between January and April 2016. The prevalence of screened-positive depression was 16.0% and 15.3% of respondents reported having suicidal ideation. Amongst those with positive depression screening scores, less than half reported having a diagnosed mood disorder. Sleeping fewer hours was associated with higher depression scores (P < 0.001) and an increased odds of meeting the cut-off for depression (P < 0.001). Factors associated with suicidal ideation included being unmarried (P = 0.012) and sleeping fewer hours (P = 0.022). Hong Kong doctors appear to have high rates of undiagnosed depression, and high levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations. There is a need for greater awareness of the morbidity due to depression and to promote better mental health help-seeking among physicians. Barriers to mental health help-seeking need to be addressed and appropriate resources allocated to reduce suffering.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laleh Ghadirian ◽  
Azadeh Sayarifard

Abstract Background: The beliefs and attitudes of caregivers of working children about mental health issues and first aid, as well as their attitudes about the stigma of mental health problems can affect their motivation seek professional help for affected children. The aim of this study was to assess the mental health literacy of child labor caregivers about first aid for mental health and their attitudes about stigma of mental disorders.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the questionnaire was the Depression Health Literacy Questionnaire. All caregivers of working children covered by a NGO in the 17th district of Tehran who wanted to participate were included in the study. Results: Questionnaires of 129 caregivers were analyzed. Their mean age was 32.6 (±7) years. Of which 128 (99.2%) were women. Only 37 people (30.3%) were confident in their ability to help their children in case of depressive symptoms. The majority 109 (84.5%) of participants believed that asking a depressed child about suicidal ideation was harmful.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the literacy of child labor caregivers about mental health first aid is not enough and there is need to conduct interventions including providing the necessary trainings in this area.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederike Katharina Lemmel ◽  
Rebecca Jones ◽  
Sonia Johnson ◽  
Anita Jolly ◽  
Miriam Miller ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. Mental well-being is an essential concept in research and public health as it is recognised as an indicator of population mental health and quality of life. Previous studies have provided evidence that general self-efficacy is positively related to mental well-being. The aim of this study is to examine whether higher help-seeking self-efficacy and higher psychological well-being self-efficacy respectively, are associated with increased mental well-being.Methods. In this cross-sectional study 1795 adults from the general English population were recruited from a market research panel to fill out an online questionnaire between 24th September 2018 and 05th October 2018. Two simple linear regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between each of help-seeking self-efficacy and psychological well-being self- efficacy as exposure variables and mental well-being as the outcome. Multiple imputation by chained equations was used to handle missing data.Results. No evidence was found for an association between either help-seeking self-efficacy or psychological well-being self-efficacy and mental well-being.Conclusions. These findings do not provide evidence that improving help-seeking or psychological well-being self-efficacy could lead to improving well-being. Methodological limitations, such as unmeasured confounders might be responsible for the lack of evidence in this study. Having a mental health condition is a potential negative confounder that might not have been measured adequately.


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