Stakeholder's perceptions of help-seeking behaviour among people with mental health problems in Uganda

BackgroundMany people with mental health problems do not seek professional help but their use of other sources of help is unclear.AimsTo investigate patterns of lay and professional help-seeking in men and women aged 16–64 years in relation to severity of symptoms and sociodemographic variables.MethodPostal questionnaire survey, including the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–12), sent to a stratified random sample (n=15222) of the population of Somerset.ResultsThe response rate was 76%. Only 28% of people with extremely high GHQ–12 scores (⩾8) had sought help from their general practitioner but most (78%) had sought some form of help. Males, young people and people living in affluent areas were the least likely to seek help.ConclusionsHealth promotion interventions to encourage appropriate help-seeking behaviour in young people, particularly in men, may lead to improvements in the mental health of this group of the population.

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Predictors of help-seeking behaviour in people with mental health problems: a 3-year prospective community study

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03435-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Carolin M. Doll ◽

Chantal Michel ◽

Marlene Rosen ◽

Naweed Osman ◽

Benno G. Schimmelmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Community Study ◽

People With Mental Illness ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Anticipated Stigma

Abstract Background The majority of people with mental illness do not seek help at all or only with significant delay. To reduce help-seeking barriers for people with mental illness, it is therefore important to understand factors predicting help-seeking. Thus, we prospectively examined potential predictors of help-seeking behaviour among people with mental health problems (N = 307) over 3 years. Methods Of the participants of a 3-year follow-up of a larger community study (response rate: 66.4%), data of 307 (56.6%) persons with any mental health problems (age-at-baseline: 16–40 years) entered a structural equation model of the influence of help-seeking, stigma, help-seeking attitudes, functional impairments, age and sex at baseline on subsequent help-seeking for mental health problems. Results Functional impairment at baseline was the strongest predictor of follow-up help-seeking in the model. Help-seeking at baseline was the second-strongest predictor of subsequent help-seeking, which was less likely when help-seeking for mental health problems was assumed to be embarrassing. Personal and perceived stigma, and help-seeking intentions had no direct effect on help-seeking. Conclusions With only 22.5% of persons with mental health problems seeking any help for these, there was a clear treatment gap. Functional deficits were the strongest mediator of help-seeking, indicating that help is only sought when mental health problems have become more severe. Earlier help-seeking seemed to be mostly impeded by anticipated stigma towards help-seeking for mental health problems. Thus, factors or beliefs conveying such anticipated stigma should be studied longitudinally in more detail to be able to establish low-threshold services in future.

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Mental health problems of undocumented migrants (UMs) in the Netherlands: a qualitative exploration of help-seeking behaviour and experiences with primary care: Table 1

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005738 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (11) ◽

pp. e005738 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Erik Teunissen ◽

Jamilah Sherally ◽

Maria van den Muijsenbergh ◽

Chris Dowrick ◽

Evelyn van Weel-Baumgarten ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Undocumented Migrants ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Qualitative Exploration

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Help-Seeking Behaviour Regarding Mental Health Problems of Mediterranean Migrants in the Netherlands: Familiarity with Care, Consultation Attitude and Use of Services

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0020764005060853 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 51 (4) ◽

pp. 372-382 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Jeroen W. Knipscheer ◽

Rolf J. Kleber

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Use Of Services ◽

Care Consultation

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Examining mental health literacy, help seeking behaviours, and mental health outcomes in UK university students

The Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice ◽

10.1108/jmhtep-05-2016-0027 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 111-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Paul Gorczynski ◽

Wendy Sims-schouten ◽

Denise Hill ◽

Janet Clare Wilson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Literacy ◽

University Students ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Literacy ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Problems ◽

Content Type ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

Purpose Many university students in the UK experience mental health problems and little is known about their overall mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain levels of mental health literacy in UK university students and to examine whether mental health literacy is associated with better mental health outcomes and intentions to seek professional care. Design/methodology/approach A total of 380 university students at a university in the south of England completed online surveys measuring multiple dimensions of mental health literacy, help-seeking behaviour, distress, and well-being. Findings Mental health literacy in the students sampled was lower than seen in previous research. Women exhibited higher levels of mental health literacy than men and postgraduate students scored higher than undergraduate students. Participants with previous mental health problems had higher levels of mental health literacy than those with no history of mental health problems. Individuals were most likely to want to seek support from a partner or family member and most participants indicated they would be able to access mental health information online. Mental health literacy was significantly positively correlated with help-seeking behaviour, but not significantly correlated with distress or well-being. Practical implications Strategies, such as anonymous online resources, should be designed to help UK university students become more knowledgeable about mental health and comfortable with seeking appropriate support. Originality/value This study is the first to examine multiple dimensions of mental health literacy in UK university students and compare it to help-seeking behaviour, distress, and well-being.

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Help-seeking for mental health problems from the patient perspective – A qualitative study / Das Hilfe(auf)suchen bei psychischen Gesundheitsproblemen aus der Betroffenenperspektive – Eine qualitative Studie

International Journal of Health Professions ◽

10.1515/ijhp-2015-0012 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 107-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eva Tola ◽

Petra Metzenthin ◽

Claudia Mischke

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problem ◽

Health Problem ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Social Problems ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Health Issues ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Patients Experience

Abstract Background: Early specialised care is important for those with mental health problems to prevent e.g. chronic progression. Targeted professionally initiated intervention to stabilise mental health status is only possible if affected individuals actively seek support. The reasons for inadequate use of qualified services have not been sufficiently investigated from the perspectives of those affected. There is only limited insight into the help-seeking behaviour of those with mental health issues. Aim: This study sheds light on the ‘experience’ of help-seeking to time of first contact with a psychiatric institution. It specifically concentrates on the perspective of those affected and their subjective problems. Method: Using a qualitative-inductive design, patients at a crisis centre were retrospectively interviewed using a guideline-supported approach. Interview results were analysed using Saldaña (2013) opening coding (two circles). Results: The patients’ experience can be categorised as ‘real’ problems as the cause, exacerbated mental health problems and utilising mental health services. Help-seeking is determined by the need to manage causal, ‘real’ (everyday, social) problems. Many mental health problem have long not been recognised as such, and thus help-seeking is initially focussed on ‘real’ problems. At all levels of help-seeking, from recognition of a mental health Problem to overcoming barriers preventing use of specialised help, affected persons require the support of third parties. Conclusions: The results indicate the need for a patient-orientated transformation of mental health primary care to provide for more easily accessible services that take into account the everyday and social problems of those with related problems.

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A qualitative study exploring experiences of discrimination associated with mental-health problems in Ireland

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796012000017 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 271-279 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

R. Lakeman ◽

P. McGowan ◽

L. MacGabhann ◽

M. Parkinson ◽

M. Redmond ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Health Practitioners ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

The Republic ◽

The Impact

Aims.Stigma and discrimination related to mental-health problems impacts negatively on people's quality of life, help seeking behaviour and recovery trajectories. To date, the experience of discrimination by people with mental-health problems has not been systematically explored in the Republic of Ireland. This study aimed to explore the experience impact of discrimination as a consequence of being identified with a mental-health problem.Methods.Transcripts of semi-structured interviews with 30 people about their experience of discrimination were subject to thematic analysis and presented in summary form.Results.People volunteered accounts of discrimination which clustered around employment, personal relationships, business and finance, and health care. Common experiences included being discounted or discredited, being mocked or shunned and being inhibited or constrained by oneself and others.Conclusions.Qualitative research of this type may serve to illustrate the complexity of discrimination and the processes whereby stigma is internalised and may shape behaviour. Such an understanding may assist health practitioners reduce stigma, and identify and remediate the impact of discrimination.

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Prevalence of Mental Health Problems and Help-Seeking Behavior in a Hispanic-Serving Institution

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e594782013-001 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Hsiu-Lan Cheng ◽

Richard Martinez ◽

Jessica L. Jackson ◽

Casey N. Durham ◽

Jill K. Peters ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Help Seeking Behavior ◽

Hispanic Serving Institution ◽

Seeking Behavior ◽

Hispanic Serving

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Investigation of the “alternative” effects of an online support group for mental health problems among Japanese adults: A cross-sectional study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.21348 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Osamu Kobori ◽

Naoki Yoshinaga

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Support Groups ◽

Support Group ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Online Support ◽

Online Support Groups ◽

Online Support Group ◽

Usage Frequency

BACKGROUND Owing to the rapid development of social networking services, online support groups vary widely both in goal and structure. Several studies have shown the potential effectiveness of online support groups, such as reducing psychological distress (eg depression) among individuals with mental health problems. However, online support groups often do not aim at effectiveness regarding distress-relief-related outcomes. OBJECTIVE The U2plus.jp (hereinafter U2plus) is an online support group for individuals with depression; in it, people support each other in structured ways while engaging in simple cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises. This study aimed to examine if usage frequency of the U2plus functions are associated with decreased stigma and increased consumer. METHODS In total, 355 U2plus users took part in an online survey. They were asked what therapy they had ever received, how often they logged into it and used each of its functions, and completed the following questionnaires: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Perceived Devaluation Discrimination Scale, and the General Help Seeking Scale. RESULTS Regarding the therapy they received, 89.3% (n=308) had been on medication for mental health problems, and 67.5% (n=233) had received psychotherapy or mental health counselling. Regarding the usage frequency, approximately 20% of the participants signed in to U2plus and used its functions more than once a week. The usage frequency of U2plus functions was not associated with perceived stigma. However, usage frequency of some functions was correlated to help seeking intentions from formal sources (eg doctors and psychologists). Moreover, 90% of the participants had a history of medication for their mental health. Additionally, the more depressed participants were, the more frequently they used U2plus. CONCLUSIONS It was suggested that online support groups may serve as an alternative treatment option for those who are already undergoing pharmacological treatment and are willing to seek help from whatever source they deem helpful.

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