scholarly journals Young New Zealanders' Beliefs About Youth Suicide and How It Can Be Prevented

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikayla Holman ◽  
Matt Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Counselling Service ◽  
Youth Suicide ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
The University

Objective: New Zealand has the highest suicide rate amongst youth (ages 15-24) in the OECD. In this study, we aimed to conduct a conceptual replication of two previous studies (Heled & Read, 2005; Curtis, 2010), examining the views that youth in New Zealand hold about the causes of youth suicide, potential solutions, and help-seeking.Method: A detailed data collection and analysis plan was preregistered prior to data collection. One hundred university students aged 18 to 24 completed a mixed-methods online survey; 89% were female.Results: Just one of four hypotheses formulated based on the findings of Curtis (2010) was supported: Students who were personally aware of another student's suicidality were more willing to seek help for others from the university counselling service. Qualitative findings indicated that bullying and stigma were the most commonly perceived causes of youth suicide. Improvement of mental health services was the most frequently recommended solution for reducing the youth suicide rate.Conclusions: The views of youth should be included in the future development of mental health services and policies aimed at reducing suicide rates for this population.

Is Pacific language ability protective of prevalence of mental disorders among Pacific peoples in New Zealand?

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eirenei Taua'i ◽  
Rose Richards ◽  
Jesse Kokaua
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Pacific People ◽  
Language Promotion

Aims: To explore associations between experiences of mental illness, migration status and languages spoken among Pacific adults living in NZ. Methods: SURVEY FREQ and SURVEY LOGISTIC procedures in SAS were applied to data from Te Rau Hinengaro: The New Zealand (NZ) Mental Health Survey, a survey of 12,992 New Zealand adults aged 16 and over in 2003/2004. Pacific people were over sampled and this paper focuses on the 2374 Pacific participants but includes, for comparison, 8160 non-Maori-non-Pacific (NMNP) participants. Results: Pacific migrant respondents had the lowest prevalence of mental disorders compared to other Pacific peoples. However, Pacific immigrants were also less likely to use mental health services, suggesting an increased likelihood of experiencing barriers to available mental health care. Those who were born in NZ and who were proficient in a Pacific language had the lowest levels of common mental disorders, suggesting a protective effect for the NZ-born population. Additionally, access to mental health services was similar between NZ-born people who spoke a Pacific language and those who did not. Conclusions: We conclude that, given the association between Pacific language and reduced mental disorder, there may be a positive role for Pacific language promotion in efforts to reduce the prevalence of mental health disorder among Pacific communities in NZ.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Prosper peer-led peer support network: a participatory, coproduced evaluation

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Gillard ◽  
Rhiannon Foster ◽  
Kati Turner
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Social Movement ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
One To One

Purpose – A range of one-to-one, group and online approaches to peer support are increasingly complementing formal mental health service delivery. Evidence is emerging of the potential benefits and challenges of peer support for individuals, communities and organisations. There is more limited evidence describing peer-led peer support networks. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In an evaluation of Prosper, a peer-led, peer support network and social movement, members of the network played a participatory role in the design, conduct and interpretative work of the evaluation. An online survey, one-to-one interviews and group discussions were used. Findings – The evaluation describes an evolving network with planning and development meetings constituting core activity for many members alongside a monthly training programme supporting people to set up their own activities. There were strong shared values, and consensus that Prosper could strengthen social networks, improve individual well-being and impact on the way people used mental health services. Challenges were identified around feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability in relation to involvement in the network. Research limitations/implications – The participatory nature of the evaluation adds value to the learning offered. This was a descriptive evaluation; potential is indicated for the more formal modelling and testing of peer-led network and social movement initiatives. Practical implications – Clarity is needed on the relationship of the network to statutory mental health services – specifically around taking on a “service provider” role – and on the advantages and challenges of a “hybrid” organisational model that combines traditional, hierarchical and new distributed forms of leadership and structure. Social implications – Prosper demonstrated potential to create a sense of common culture based on sharing lived experience and mutual peer support, providing an alternative to the traditional culture of mental health services. Originality/value – This paper offers wider learning derived from evaluation of a highly original initiative in peer leadership, network structure and interface with statutory mental health services.

scholarly journals Why Do Approved Mental Health Professionals Think Detentions under the Mental Health Act Are Rising and What Do They Think Should Be Done about It?

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 616-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bonnet ◽  
Nicola Moran
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Social Risk Factors ◽  
Mental Health Act ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The number of people detained under the 1983 Mental Health Act has risen significantly in recent years and has recently been the subject of an independent review. Most existing research into the rise in detentions has tended to prioritise the perspectives of psychiatrists and failed to consider the views of Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs), usually social workers, who ultimately determine whether detention is appropriate. This mixed-methods study focused on AMHPs’ views on the reasons behind the rise in detentions and potential solutions. It included a national online survey of AMHPs (n = 160) and semi-structured interviews with six AMHPs within a Community Mental Health Team in England. AMHPs reported that demand for mental health services vastly exceeded supply and, due to inadequate resources, more people were being detained in hospital. AMHPs argued that greater investment in preventative mental health services and ‘low intensity’ support would help to mitigate the impact of social risk factors on mental health; and greater investment in crisis services, including non-medical alternatives to hospital, was required. Such investment at either end of the spectrum was expected to be more effective than changes to the law and lead to better outcomes for mental health service users.

Access to Secondary Mental Health Services in a Cohort of New Zealand Mothers

2016 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 964-971
Author(s):  
Sara K. Filoche ◽  
Bev Lawton ◽  
James Stanley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services

scholarly journals Let us unite against COVID-19 – a New Zealand perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Bandyopadhyay ◽  
A. Meltzer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Future Health ◽  
State Economy ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has shaken the existence of mankind worldwide, including that of New Zealand. In comparison to other countries, New Zealand has had a very low number of confirmed and probable cases as well as COVID-19-related deaths. New Zealand closed its borders and rapidly declared a stringent lockdown to eliminate COVID-19. The country’s ‘go hard, go early’ policy serves as an exemplar for the rest of the world to date. The mysterious nature of COVID-19 has caused tremendous stress and uncertainty leading to universal conflict between public health and state economy. Mental health services and non-government organisations have been proactive in the fight against COVID-19. Though there has been no significant rise in referrals to secondary mental health services to date (4 May 2020), a rapid surge in mental health presentations is widely anticipated. Telehealth may prove to be an efficient and cost-effective tool for the provision of future health services.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Pattern of Mental Illness among School Age Children Seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A Six Year Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
A. K. Nkporbu ◽  
B. A. Alex-Hart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
The University

Background: A sound mental health in school age children is critical for good academic achievements and a better transition from childhood to adulthood. The increasing prevalence of mental illness in school age children, especially the adolescents, is of great public health concern globally. Aim: The aim of this study therefore was to determine the prevalence and pattern of mental health disorders among school age children seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Methodology: Consent for the study was obtained from the research ethical committee of the hospital. Medical case notes of all patients aged 5 years to 18 years seen in the clinic by Consultant Child and adolescent Psychiatrists from 2015 to 2019 were retrieved and thoroughly reviewed. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20 statistical package and results presented using descriptive and analytical methods. Results: Out of 7,856 patients seen in the Neuropsychiatry Clinic within the period under review, 408 (5.2%) were children aged between 5 to 18 years. Male was higher with 232 (56.9%). The most prevalent mental illnesses were anxiety disorders, 58 (14.2%), depressive illnesses 46 (11.3%), schizophrenic illness 44 (10.8%), mental and behavioural abnormality secondary to substance abuse (MABD) 43 (10.5%), bipolar affective disorders 37 (9.1%), while conversion disorders was the least with 3 (0.7%). Conclusion: Mental disorders are common among school age children seen in UPTH and often impair the emotional wellbeing of this population. A detailed and well worked out plan of management is needed to provide optimal mental health services to children and adolescents. Well-coordinated mental health services should be inculcated into the School Health Programme in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Acceptance of the German e-mental health portal www.psychenet.de: an online survey

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Tlach ◽  
Juliane Thiel ◽  
Martin Härter ◽  
Sarah Liebherz ◽  
Jörg Dirmaier
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Perceived Trust

Background. Taking into account the high prevalence of mental disorders and the multiple barriers to the use of mental health services, new forms of fostering patient information, involvement, and self-management are needed to complement existing mental health services. The study aimed at investigating acceptance regarding design and content of the e-mental health portalwww.psychenet.de.Methods. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 2013 and May 2015 using a self-administered questionnaire including items on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude towards using, and perceived trust. Effects of different participants’ characteristics on the portals’ acceptance were analyzed.Results. The majority of theN= 252 respondents suffered from mental disorders (n= 139) or were relatives from persons with mental disorders (n= 65). The portal was assessed as “good” or “very good” by 71% of the respondents. High levels of agreement (89–96%) were shown for statements on the perceived ease of use, the behavioral intention to use the portal, and the trustworthiness of the portal. Lower levels of agreement were shown for some statements on the perceived usefulness of the portals’ content. There were no effects of different participants’ characteristics on the perceived ease of use, the perceived usefulness, the attitude towards using the website and the perceived trust.Discussion. This survey provides preliminary evidence that the e-mental health portalwww.psychenet.deappears to be a usable, useful and trustworthy information resource for a broad target group. The behavioral usefulness of the portals’ content might be improved by integrating more activating patient decision aids.

scholarly journals “Why have I not been told about this?”: a survey of experiences of and attitudes to advance decision-making amongst people with bipolar

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Hindley ◽  
Lucy A. Stephenson ◽  
Alex Ruck Keene ◽  
Larry Rifkin ◽  
Tania Gergel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Codes Of Practice ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Health Legislation ◽  
Health Laws

Background: The idea that people with severe mental illness should be able to plan in advance for periods of illness as a means of enhancing autonomy has been long debated and is increasingly being enshrined in codes of practice and mental health legislation. It has been argued that the ethical imperative for this is especially pronounced in bipolar (BP), a condition in which sufferers often experience episodic crises interspersed with periods of wellness. However, there is a paucity of published research investigating experiences of advance decision making (ADM) in people with BP or their attitudes towards it. Methods: An online survey of BPUK’s mailing list was conducted. 932 people with BP completed the survey (response rate 5.61%). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted to compare experience of with attitudes towards ADM and variables associated with interest in ADM. Results: A majority indicated a desire to plan care in advance of losing capacity (88%) but most had not done so (64%). High numbers of respondents expressed a wish to request as well as refuse treatment and most wanted to collaborate with psychiatrists, including on issues around self-binding. The most frequent motivation to utilise ADM was a desire to be more involved in mental health decisions. Interest in self-binding was associated with experience of compulsory treatment and trust in mental health services. Interest in refusals of all medication was associated with younger age and lack of trust in mental health services. Interest in ADM in general was associated with younger age but not educational level, ethnicity or gender. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an appetite for ADM amongst people with bipolar that is independent of educational status and ethnicity. As states reform their mental health laws, attention needs to be given to the distinctive attitudes toward ADM amongst people with bipolar.

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