scholarly journals Knowledge, stigma, and beliefs toward mental illnesses among schoolteachers in Damascus

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110157
Author(s):  
Youssef Latifeh ◽  
MHD Wael Jaredh ◽  
Lulia Nasri ◽  
Duaa Shriedy ◽  
Ayat Al-Mahdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychiatric Illnesses ◽  
Religious Thoughts

Background: Teachers have an important role in promoting the mental wellbeing of their students, hence their knowledge and attitudes toward mental health disorders should be assessed. A very few studies regarding this topic were conducted in Syria, but due to the recent events which have had occurred the country, it is essential to deal with students who suffer from mental illnesses professionally especially that such disorders may be stigmatized by the society. Aims: This paper aims to investigate knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward mental disorders in a sample of Syrian schoolteachers. Method: A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaire was conducted in Damascus and Refdimashq, involving 400 teachers from 16 schools. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of stigmatizing positions toward psychiatric illnesses was low among teachers. The contributors did not state a correlation between spiritual beliefs and psychological disorders. It was also found that teachers were neutral in their knowledge about mental illnesses and psychiatric treatment or interventions along with their mental health resources. However, 42.5% of the participants use the internet for such purposes. Conclusion: In general, teachers of Damascus and its Refdimashq had a reasonable degree of awareness about mental disorders and treatments. Furthermore, neither stigma nor the relation between religious thoughts and mental disorders had been ascertained.

scholarly journals Attitudes of medical students towards psychiatry and mental illnesses: a cross-sectional study from Pakistan

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S303-S304
Author(s):  
Syed Muhammad Jawad Zaidi ◽  
Muhammad Hamza ◽  
Raja Adnan Ahmed ◽  
Mishal Fatima ◽  
Hassan Nadeem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis

AimsThe increasing burden of mental disorders coupled with the social stigmatization in Pakistan is an immense barrier in combating the emerging mental health crisis. The low number of qualified psychiatrists and poor intake in post-graduate psychiatry training programs in the region further complicates the problem. Thus, our study aims to assess the attitudes of Pakistani medical students towards psychiatry. Furthermore, we also aim to evaluate how experience and different levels of exposure to psychiatry among students affect their attitudes towards psychiatry as a career choice.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey made on Google Forms. A total of 831 medical students studying across various private and public medical institutions of Pakistan responded to the survey. The questionnaire comprised of demographical details (gender, age, institution, and academic year) exposure to psychiatry, duration of psychiatry rotation, and personal experience with mental illness. The attitudes of medical students towards psychiatry were evaluated using the English version of the 30-item Attitudes Towards Psychiatry (ATP-30) scale. Chi-square test and multiple regression with backward method were used to analyze the data.ResultThe Cronbach's alpha value of the ATP-30 scale was 0.830. The participants in our study had a mean score of 107.6 ± 12 on ATP-30. Overall, most participants had a positive attitude towards psychiatry. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant model pertaining to predictors of attitude toward psychiatry (F (df) = 11.28 (830), P < 0.001). However, the predictors included in the model accounted for only 5.8% of the variation in ATP-30 scores. According to it, those students had a more positive attitude toward psychiatry who identified as female, older and having any sort of exposure toward psychiatric specialty, direct involvement in psychiatric patient care, and reporting personal experience of mental illnesses.ConclusionOur study showed that medical students had a positive attitude towards psychiatry but female medical students, students with previous exposure to psychiatry, and students with longer psychiatry rotations tend to view psychiatry more positively. The generally positive trend towards psychiatry in Pakistan indicates the need to sustain improvements through proactive measures. We recommend longer placements for medical students in mental health settings for at least 4 weeks or longer. Medical schools should also promote research, discussions, and seminars on different psychiatric illnesses in order to enhance awareness among the students.

Economics and Mental Health: an International Perspective

2011 ◽  
pp. 231-256
Author(s):  
Richard G. Frank
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Institutional Care ◽  
Health Spending ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Health Care Rationing

This article notes that problems of incomplete information are particularly salient in the context of mental health. It considers how different nations address economics and mental health in the formulation of mental health policy. It focuses on three key economic phenomena that are central to understanding the allocation of resources to the treatment of mental disorders. These are externalities, methods for efficient rationing of health resources, and incentives for allocating funds across different types of mental health services. This article provides some background on mental disorders and organization of mental health care in different OECD countries. It considers determination of mental health spending as part of health care rationing schemes in various nations. It discusses the role of government and how each country aligns its financing arrangements with stated policy goals of reducing reliance on institutional care for people with mental illnesses. Finally, it offers some concluding observations on mental health policy.

scholarly journals Diabetes and Hypertension among patients with psychiatric illnesses attending outpatient services in a tertiary mental health centre: A cross-sectional study from south India

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
Ramakrishnan Parvathy ◽  
◽  
Balasankaralingam Sugetha ◽  
Padmavati Ramachandran ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Psychiatric Illness ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychiatric Illnesses ◽  
Mental Health Centre ◽  
Patients With Diabetes

Background: High burden of comorbid physical non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is observed in patients with psychiatric illnesses. However, little attention is paid to physical illnesses of this patient population. This study evaluated the self-reported frequency of physical NCDs in patients with psychiatric illnesses, current involvement of psychiatrists in managing these NCDs and association of NCDs with socio-demographic and clinical factors. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in out-patient department of a tertiary mental health centre in southern India. Consecutive adult patients (N=450) fulfilling the study’s inclusion criteria were interviewed regarding comorbid physical NCDs including diabetes and hypertension, and aspects related to their diagnosis and treatment. Psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic treatment information was obtained from electronic patient records maintained at the centre. Results: Overall frequency of any physical NCD was 24.9%, with diabetes and hypertension reported by 15.8% and 8.7% of patients, respectively. Patients with diabetes or hypertension were more likely to be older, have a family history of diabetes/hypertension, or psychiatric illness for at least 5 years or longer. Less than 8% of patients with diabetes or hypertension were treated for their physical NCD by psychiatrists. Forty patients with elevated BP (≥140 and/or ≥90 mmHg) or at risk for hypertension were identified while conducting physical examination as part of the study. Conclusion: Diabetes and hypertension are common physical NCDs in patients with psychiatric illness. Therefore, it is important that psychiatrists be aware of and identify patients who are at risk for such NCDs.

scholarly journals The Effect of Dietary Patterns on Mental Distress in Males and Females: Results from a Large Cross-Sectional Study Among an International Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1202-1202
Author(s):  
Gia DeRose ◽  
Lina Begdache
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Males And Females

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess dietary factors that associate with mental health in males and females. Methods A validated Food-Mood (FMQ) survey was distributed anonymously using several social media platforms targeting adults ages 18 years and above. Data was partitioned based on gender. Classification of young versus mature adults was based on level of brain maturity as evidenced in the literature. A Pearson's correlation analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were performed on the categorized data using (SPSS) version 25.0. Results A total of 2637 individuals (1789 females and 848 males) completed the survey. Respondents were from North and Central Americas, Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. Correlational studies identified common and differential food groups that associate with mental distress in men and women. PCA results identified three different patterns for both males and females, which also confirmed common and differential dietary factors that associate with mental health. The first pattern suggests that mental distress in young males (18–29 years) associates with fast food and high glycemic index (HGI) food. For females, high consumption of dairy, fast food, and caffeine associates with mental distress. Both patterns reflect unbalanced diets. The second pattern suggests that absence of mental distress in mature males and females (30 years or older) associates with a spectrum of nutrient-dense food; however different factor loadings propose that food groups may have a different effect on mental distress among genders. The third pattern indicates that mental wellbeing among mature males and females with a moderately healthy diet associates with region of residency in both mature genders, and with higher education among mature females. These facts imply that environmental factors that may impact the brain counteract the flaws of the diet. Conclusions A nutrient dense diet may support a positive mood among males and females. However, customization of diet may optimize mood in both genders. Additionally, continent of residence may affect equally mental distress in males and females. However, mature females with a higher educational level may be able to counteract some of the dietary triggers of mental distress. Funding Sources The authors received no specific funding for this work.

scholarly journals Minor mental disorders among undergraduate students: Prevalence and associated factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Ferreira Júnior ◽  
E de Sousa Gomes ◽  
M Pereira Lima ◽  
L Maura Mascarini
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lgbt Students ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Mental Health Centers ◽  
And Gender

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.

Facility and state-level factors associated with telemental health (TMH) adoption among mental health facilities in the United States

2019 ◽  
pp. 1357633X1986890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Zhao ◽  
Kim E Innes ◽  
Sandipan Bhattacharjee ◽  
Nilanjana Dwibedi ◽  
Traci M LeMasters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
State Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Telemental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Substance Abuse Disorders

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.

The effect of changes to Australian Capital Territory mental health legislation on rates of emergency detention

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622199263
Author(s):  
Miriam Saffron ◽  
Deepa Singhal
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Australian Capital Territory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Australian Capital ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation

Objectives: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) changed from the Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Act 1994 (ACT) to the Mental Health Act 2015 (ACT) on 1 March 2016. The objective was to find the association between legislative changes and detention rates. Methods: A cross-sectional study of involuntary order rates in the period 3 years before the legislative change was undertaken. Chi-squared analysis was performed to compare proportions. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of Psychiatric Treatment Orders (PTOs) over the two periods, which could be impacted by the change from a period of detention for 7 days to a period of detention of 11 days in Period 2. On the other hand, the total number of Emergency Actions (EAs) increased in Period 2, where ambulance officers could detain patients. Conclusion: The change in mental health legislation in the ACT was associated with a change in detention rates, in particular a decrease in the proportion of PTOs and an increase in EAs. Further study needs to be undertaken, given changes to frontline supports since the study period ended.

scholarly journals Emotional distress in COVID-19 patients in Maldives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajib Kumar Dey ◽  
Shanooha Mansoor ◽  
Abdullah Isneen Hilmy ◽  
Sheena Moosa ◽  
Shiraany Abdul Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Isolation Facilities ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and objectives: Researchers are exploring the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, vaccination and the challenges faced by healthcare authorities. However less focus is being paid towards the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the patients. This study is a cross-sectional study, measuring the prevalence of emotional distress among patients with COVID-19 in the Maldivian population.Methods: This study was conducted in Maldivian nations above 18 of age with COVID-19 who were admitted in isolation facilities. Patients who were on treatment for any other chronic medical conditions, severe and critical COVID-19 disease were excluded. This study was conducted over a period of 2months by administering a local translated version of DASS21 questionnaire.Results: The total of 195 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 40 (CI at 95% 38 - 42) years. The respondents were 48.7% men and 51.3% women. Overall, 9% of patients with COVID-19 had depression while 23% of patients had anxiety and 12% of the patients had stress. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender and depression, anxiety and stress (p<0.01). Symptomatic cases had a significantly higher level of stress than asymptomatic patients (p<0.05), but no significant association was observed with symptomatic status and anxiety or depression.Interpretations & conclusion: The management of patients with COVID-19 should be multi-disciplinary with special focus on the mental wellbeing of our patients. We should aim to establish proper communication with the patients in order to identify emotional distress and provide appropriate mental health care.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Beliefs and Attitudes of Child Labor Caregivers About Mental Disorders First Aid and Stigma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laleh Ghadirian ◽  
Azadeh Sayarifard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Child Labor ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Working Children ◽  
Beliefs And Attitudes

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.

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