Use of mental-health services by Australian medical students: a cross-sectional survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Ryan ◽  
Ian Marley ◽  
Melanie Still ◽  
Zaza Lyons ◽  
Sean Hood
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Services Needs

Objective: Medical students have higher rates of mental illness compared to the general population. Little is known about services accessed by medical students for mental-health problems. This study aimed to assess the use of mental-health services by Australian medical students and to identify barriers that may prevent students from using mental-health services. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was designed and administered to medical students at the University of Western Australia. Questions focused on self-reported psychological well-being, use of mental-health services, the perceived usefulness of services and barriers to the use of services. Results: The response rate was 41% ( n=286). Sixty-two per cent self-reported experiencing mental-health problems, and of these, 75% had used at least one service. General practitioners and psychiatrists were rated as the most effective service type. The main barriers to seeking help were not enough time, affordability and concerns regarding stigma, including disclosure and peer judgement. Conclusion: A high proportion of students with self-reported mental-health problems had accessed services. However, barriers were also identified. Access to mental-health services needs to be improved, and strategies aimed at reducing stigma and raising awareness of mental-health issues should be encouraged by medical faculties.

scholarly journals Current Problems in the Mental Health Field

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 136
Author(s):  
Kilda Çela Gusha ◽  
Irena Shala ◽  
Remila Kalo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Infrastructure Health

Mental health problems are conditions that do not meet the criteria for disease but affect the normal quality and continuity of everyday life. They are the emotional and psychological difficulties of the individual, which occur as a result of circumstantial or persistent stresses or of a reflection of the emotions between the individual and the environment where he lives (WHO, 2005). Health is seen as "not just a lack of sickness or disability," but rather as "a complete physical, mental and social well-being." This definition significantly expands the concept of mental health, which should not be defined in a restrictive manner as the absence of mental disorders, but should be defined in a positive and comprehensive view (WHO, 1985). Ultimately, mental health is defined as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own potential, is able to cope with daily life concerns, is productive and fruitfully in his work, and is capable of delivering his contribution to the community where he lives (WHO, 2001). Mental health problems are usually associated with important concerns in social, professional, or other important activities. In many cases, there appears to be a continuity between mental health problems and mental disorders, making the diagnosis even more complex (CDC, 2011). Policies and Legislative Frameworks. Law on MS – 1996. Implementation of LLL remains low as a consequence of inadequate infrastructure (health, social and legal). There is no national or local body to monitor human or patient rights in the institutions of the MS.Policy on the Development of Mental Health Services in Albania - March 2003. Action Plan for the Development of Mental Health Services in Albania - May 2005. Mental and emotional problems are a concern for many elderly people. Depression often occurs as a result of the death of a spouse or close friends. Even this kind of loss and even more important and more common is the loss of respect of others. With retirement an individual does not feel more useful to his family, to society, and even more to himself.

scholarly journals Literasi Kesehatan Mental Orang Dewasa dan Penggunaan Pelayanan Kesehatan Mental

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Trisni Handayani ◽  
Dian Ayubi ◽  
Dien Anshari
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional

ABSTRAK Latar belakang. Prevalensi penduduk Indonesia yang menderita gangguan mental emosional mengalami peningkatan, dimana prevalensi sebesar 6% pada tahun 2013 meningkat menjadi 9,8% pada tahun 2018. Pelayanan kesehatan jiwa bagi setiap orang dengan masalah kejiwaan (ODMK) belum diwujudkan secara optimal di wilayah Kecamatan Bogor Timur. Masih sedikit ODMK yang memanfaatkan pelayanan kesehatan jiwaTujuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan literasi kesehatan mental dengan pemanfaatan pelayanan kesehatan jiwa.Metode. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross-sectional dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Responden adalah orang dengan masalah kejiwaan yang bertempat tinggal di Kecamatan Bogor Timur. Teknik multistage random sampling digunakan untuk memilih 139 responden. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara menggunakan kuesioner. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji regresi logistik ganda.Hasil. Nilai rerata literasi kesehatan mental sebesar 73,08 (skala 100). Sebanyak 56,1% ODMK telah memanfaatkan pelayanan kesehatan jiwa dan 57,6% responden berumur ≥30 tahun. Pada mereka yang mempunyai literasi kesehatan mental tinggi, sebanyak 64,9% telah memanfaatkan pelayanan kesehatan jiwa. Hasil analisis multivariat menunjukkan hubungan signifikan antara literasi kesehatan mental dengan perilaku pemanfaatan pelayanan kesehatan jiwa pada ODMK setelah variabel jenis kelamin dan ketersediaan pelayanan kesehatan jiwa dikendalikan.Kesimpulan. Orang dengan literasi kesehatan mental yang tinggi cenderung memanfaatkan pelayanan kesehatan jiwa dibanding dengan mereka dengan literasi rendah.  ABSTRACTBackground. In Indonesia, prevalence of emotional mental disorder has increased from 6% in 2013 to 9.8% in 2018. Mental health service has not optimally utilized by people with mental health problems in East Bogor sub-district. Objective. This study aimed to determine the relationship of mental health literacy with mental health service use. Method. This study used a cross sectional design with a quantitative approach. Respondents were people with mental health problems who lived in East Bogor Sub-District. A total of 139 respondents were selected using multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected by in-person interview using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using a multiple logistic regression test for multivariate model selection. Results. The results of this study showed that the mean score of mental health literacy was 73.08 (scale of 100). There were 56.1% respondents utilized mental health services. As many as 57.6% respondents aged ≥30 years. Among those who have high mental health literacy, 64.9% of them have utilized mental health services.  Results from multivariate analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between mental health literacy and the use of mental health service in people with mental health problems, after adjustment with gender and mental health service availability.Conclusion. People with high mental health literacy tended to use mental health services compared to those with low literacy.

scholarly journals Mental Strength and Challenges among Thai Medical Students in Their Clinical Years—Study Protocol

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 305
Author(s):  
Tanrin Hiranwong ◽  
Patipan Sitthiprawiat ◽  
Sirinut Siritikul ◽  
Jiraphat Jiwtrakul ◽  
Sirilux Klaychaiya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Mental Well Being

(1) Background: Mental well-being and mental health problems are both important, especially among medical students who will be future doctors. The proposed study aimed to explore both positive and negative mental health experiences, especially mistreatment, occurring among medical students in their clinical years. (2) Methods/design: The study will conduct a cross-sectional survey between January 2021 and December 2021, among medical students studying in their clinical years across 23 medical schools throughout Thailand. Measurements regarding character strengths related to medical professionalism as well as other positive mental health strengths and negative mental health problems, e.g., anxiety, depression and experience of mistreatment will be completed. Both medical students and faculty members will be invited to participate in the study. (3) Discussion: this survey will provide an overall picture of medical students’ mental well-being, positive and negative aspects of mental health and the magnitude of mistreatment and perspectives they experience. The limitations of the survey will be discussed.

scholarly journals Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services Among Syrian Refugees in Ankara

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cengiz Kilic ◽  
Edip Kaya ◽  
Ozge Karadag ◽  
Sarp Uner
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Need

Abstract Background: Syrian refugees are seriously traumatized by the conflict in their country. Consequently, mental health problems, particularly depression and PTSD, are prevalent among refugees. Despite this fact, they make little use of mental health services. Using a population sample of Syrian refugees living in Ankara, we assessed the perceived need for and contact with mental health services, as well as the barriers to access these services.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 420 Syrian refugees living in Ankara city center, using face to face interviews administered at the respondents’ home by trained, Arabic-speaking interviewers. The data were collected in October–November 2016 in two neighborhoods of Ankara, where most of Syrian refugees were concentrated. PTSD and depression were assessed using Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Both measures have been validated in Arabic.Results: Of all the refugees in our sample, 14.8% (N=62) stated that they felt the need for mental healthcare since arriving in Turkey. The actual number contacting any mental health service, however, was very low (N=6). Multivariate analyses revealed that traumatic stress scores predicted the perceived need for contacting services. Though women reported much higher need for contact with mental health services than men, there was no gender effect on actual contact. Speaking Turkish seemed to increase contact with services, which is in line with language being listed as the most important barrier to accessing care. Conclusions: Our results show that, although refugees with mental health problems are more likely to contact services than others, most of those who need mental health care go untreated, and there is a significant gender inequity in this regard. To address this treatment gap, and to provide adequate care for refugees with mental health problems, common barriers (language, stigma, and awareness) should be identified and dealt with.

scholarly journals Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services among Syrian Refugees in Ankara

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cengiz Kilic ◽  
Edip Kaya ◽  
Ozge Karadag ◽  
Sarp Uner
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Need

Abstract Background Syrian refugees are seriously traumatized by the conflict in their country. Consequently, mental health problems, particularly depression and PTSD, are prevalent among refugees. Despite this fact, they make little use of mental health services. Using a population sample of Syrian refugees living in Ankara, we assessed the perceived need for and contact with mental health services, as well as the barriers to access these services. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 420 Syrian refugees living in Ankara city center, using face to face interviews administered at the respondents’ home by trained, Arabic-speaking interviewers. The data were collected in October–November 2016 in two neighborhoods of Ankara, where most of Syrian refugees were concentrated. PTSD and depression were assessed using Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Both measures have been validated in Arabic. Results Of all the refugees in our sample, 14.8% (N = 62) stated that they felt the need for mental healthcare since arriving in Turkey. The actual number contacting any mental health service, however, was very low (N = 6). Multivariate analyses revealed that traumatic stress scores predicted the perceived need for contacting services. Though women reported much higher need for contact with mental health services than men, there was no gender effect on actual contact. Speaking Turkish seemed to increase contact with services, which is in line with language being listed as the most important barrier to accessing care. Conclusions Our results show that, although refugees with mental health problems are more likely to contact services than others, most of those who need mental health care go untreated, and there is a significant gender inequity in this regard. To address this treatment gap, and to provide adequate care for refugees with mental health problems, common barriers (language, stigma, and awareness) should be identified and dealt with.

“Walking wounded or wounded healer?” Does personal experience of mental health problems help or hinder mental health practice? A review of the literature

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Conchar ◽  
Julie Repper
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Wounded Healer ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – A systematic review of the literature on “wounded healers” was undertaken to identify, define and interpret the term and its application within the mental health environment. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Eight key medical/social sciences databases were interrogated. In total, 835 papers were identified in the systematic database search and abstracts were obtained for each to determine whether they met the inclusion criteria. In total, 237 sources were retrieved for critical reading, to assess relevance and value to the review, and 125 documents were subsequently included. Through thematic analysis a number of themes and sub themes were identified Findings – The archetypal image of the wounded healer originates in ancient mythology and crosses many cultures. There are many interpretations and applications of the belief that having healed their own wounds a person is in a better position to heal others, however, the evidence to support this is not so robust. Of more direct relevance to contemporary practice are reports of supporting staff with mental health problems to make a contribution to mental health services, most recently through the employment of peer support workers. Originality/value – As peer support workers are increasingly being employed in mental health services, it is helpful to consider the many existing staff who bring personal experience of mental health problems. This paper explores the evidence that their lived experience makes a difference to the way that they work and considers their employment support needs.

Autistic spectrum disorder without intellectual impairment in adult mental health services – fostering new perspectives and enhancing existing services

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
N. Crowley ◽  
H. O’Connell ◽  
M. Gervin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Autistic Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intellectual Impairment ◽  
Autistic Spectrum ◽  
Adult Mental Health

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disability with multi-systemic impacts. Individuals with ASD without intellectual impairment (DSM-V) or Aspergers (DSM-IV) are often particularly vulnerable to mental health problems such as anxiety disorders including social phobia and generalised anxiety disorder, depressive disorders and psychosis. Adults with ASD without intellectual impairment suffer higher rates of physical and psychiatric morbidity, display a poorer ability to engage with treatment and have a lower chance of recovery compared with the general population. It is widely acknowledged that adults with suspected ASD without intellectual impairment and co-morbid mental health problems are often not best supported through adult mental health services and often require more tailored supports. This review seeks to (a) increase awareness in the area of undiagnosed cases of ASD without intellectual impairment in adult mental health settings and (b) highlights the importance of identifying this population more efficiently by referring to best practice guidelines. The value of future research to examine the benefit of having a team of specialist staff within adult mental health teams who have received ASD training and who are supported to work with the ‘core difficulties’ of ASD is discussed and a model for the same is proposed. It is proposed that a specialist team could form a ‘hub’ for the development of expertise in ASD, which when adequately resourced and funded could reach across an entire region, offering consultancy and diagnostic assessments and interventions.

scholarly journals Digital cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia (CBTi) for adolescents with mental health problems. Results from a feasibility open trial. (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany Cliffe ◽  
Abigail Croker ◽  
Megan Denne ◽  
Jacqueline Smith ◽  
Paul Stallard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Severity Scale ◽  
Sleep Condition ◽  
Condition Indicator ◽  
Insomnia Severity

BACKGROUND Insomnia in adolescents is common, persistent, and associated with poor mental health including anxiety and depression. Insomnia in adolescents attending child mental health services is seldom directly treated and the effects of digital CBTi on the mental health of adolescents with significant mental health problems is unknown. OBJECTIVE This paper reports an open study assessing the feasibility of adding supported online CBT for insomnia to the usual care of young people aged 14-17 years attending specialist child and adolescent mental health services. METHODS Thirty-nine adolescents aged 14-17 attending specialist child and adolescent mental health services with insomnia were assessed and offered digital CBTi. The digital intervention was Sleepio, an evidence based, self-directed, fully automated CBTi that has proven effective in multiple randomized controlled trials with adults. Self-report assessments of sleep (Sleep Condition Indicator, Insomnia Severity Scale, online sleep diaries), anxiety (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale) and depression (Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) were completed at baseline and post-intervention. Post-use interviews assessed satisfaction with digital CBTi. RESULTS Average baseline sleep efficiency was very poor (52.9%) with participants spending an average of 9.6 hrs in bed but only 5.1 hrs asleep. All scored <17 on the Sleep Condition Indicator with 36/39 (92.3%) scoring ≥15 on the Insomnia Severity Scale, suggesting clinical insomnia. 36 (92.3%) scored ≥ 27 on the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for major depression and 20 (51.3%) had clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety. The majority (76%) were not having any treatment for their insomnia, with the remaining 24% receiving medication. Sleepio was acceptable with 77% (30/39) activating their account and 67% (21/30) completing the program. Statistically significant pre-post improvements were found in weekly diaries of sleep efficiency (p=.005) and sleep quality (p=.001) and on measures of sleep (SCI; p=.001: ISI; p=.001), low mood (MFQ; p=.024) and anxiety (RCADS; p=.015). Satisfaction was high; with 89% finding Sleepio helpful, 94% would recommend it to a friend with 39% expressing a definite preference for a digital intervention. CONCLUSIONS Our study has a number of methodological limitations, particularly the small sample size, absence of a comparison group and follow-up assessment. Nonetheless, our findings are encouraging and suggest that digital CBTi for young people with mental health problems might offer an acceptable and an effective way to improve both sleep and mental health. CLINICALTRIAL N/a

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document