Showing papers in "International Journal of Culture and Mental Health in 2016"
TL;DR: Youth in Liberia continue to endure the harsh social, economic and material conditions of everyday life in a protracted post-conflict state and have significant mental health needs.
Abstract: Between 1989 and 2004, Liberia experienced a devastating civil war that resulted in widespread trauma with almost no mental health infrastructure to help citizens cope. In 2009, the Liberian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare collaborated with researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital to conduct a rapid needs assessment survey in Liberia with local key informants (n = 171) to examine the impact of war and post-war events on emotional and behavioral problems of, functional limitations of, and appropriate treatment settings for Liberian youth aged 5-22. War exposure and post-conflict sexual violence, poverty, infectious disease and parental death negatively impacted youth mental health. Key informants perceived that youth displayed internalizing and externalizing symptoms and mental health-related functional impairment at home, school, work and in relationships. Medical clinics were identified as the most appropriate setting for mental health services. Youth in Liberia continue to endure the harsh social, economic and material conditions of everyday life in a protracted post-conflict state, and have significant mental health needs. Their observed functional impairment due to mental health issues further limited their access to protective factors such as education, employment and positive social relationships. Results from this study informed Liberia's first post-conflict mental health policy.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of 3 × 2 ANOVAs and MANOVAS were conducted to examine ethnic group differences in racial identity attitudes, perceived racial discrimination and mental health outcomes in 159 African American, Black Caribbean and Latino Caribbean college students in an urban college setting in the Northeast USA.
Abstract: The increasing presence of Black Caribbean and Latino Caribbean college students in higher education settings requires helping professionals to more clearly understand their unique racial identity developmental needs and experiences with discrimination in order to fortify their academic endeavors and contribute to their success. A series of 3 × 2 ANOVAs and MANOVAS were conducted to examine ethnic group differences in racial identity attitudes, perceived racial discrimination and mental health outcomes in 159 African American, Black Caribbean and Latino Caribbean college students in an urban college setting in the Northeast USA. Results indicated that dissonance and immersion racial identity status attitudes were significantly linked to perceived racial discrimination and depression for all participants. Findings also showed a main interaction effect between ethnicity and racial identity conformity attitudes and mental health outcomes with high conformity linked to increased perceived stress for Latino Ca...
33 citations
TL;DR: Training for lay health workers in Nigeria should include education on the known bio-psycho-social basis of mental disorders and the role of social inclusion in recovery, and stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about mental illness are common among the CHAs.
Abstract: Common mental disorders are prevalent in Nigeria. Due to stigma and a limited number of trained specialists, only 10% of adults with mental illness in Nigeria receive any care. The Healthy Beginning Initiative is a community-based maternal/child health program that includes screening for perinatal depression and was implemented by lay, volunteer, church-based health advisors (CHAs). The aim of the study was to assess the beliefs and attitudes about mental illness among the CHAs. The study used a cross-sectional survey of 57 CHAs, who completed a 43-item, self-administered questionnaire that assessed their beliefs and attitudes about mental illness. The response rate was 71%. Respondents were mostly female (79%), married (83%) and aged 40-49 years (M = 41.16 SD = 10.48). Most endorsed possession by evil spirits (84%), traumatic events (81%) and witchcraft (60%) as causes of mental illness. A majority (69%) believed that people with mental illness were a nuisance, and less than half (46%) believed that mental disorders were illnesses like any other illness. It is concluded that stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about mental illness are common among the CHAs. Training for lay health workers in Nigeria should include education on the known bio-psycho-social basis of mental disorders and the role of social inclusion in recovery.
24 citations
TL;DR: This background paper aims to better understand and classify the needs of migrant, refugee and asylum seeker patients worldwide, and provides background information on the subject.
Abstract: This background paper aims to better understand and classify the needs of migrant, refugee and asylum seeker patients worldwide, and provides background information on the subject.
22 citations
TL;DR: It is found that herbalists were the main healing order, and that the majority of the patients were women who presented mainly with problems identified as ‘supernatural', such as witchcraft or spiritual, which suggests that ATM may have a positive role to play in the treatment of mental disorders in Africa.
Abstract: African traditional medicine (ATM) is an important health delivery system throughout the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, yet very little research has been done on it, write on it. Research suggests that ATM can be complementary to biomedicine, particularly for mental health care. In this study, we aimed to explore ATM practices on patients with mental disorders. Using exploratory qualitative methods in a semi-urban community near Harare, we conducted 30 interviews with traditional healers from Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers’ Association. Data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes. We found that herbalists were the main healing order, and that the majority of the patients were women who presented mainly with problems identified as ‘supernatural', such as witchcraft or spiritual. The ATM involved mainly using spiritual power, talking and rituals that met patients’ cultural expectations. Our data suggest that ATM uses distinct treatments methods that meet cult...
22 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that although an overwhelming number of respondents believed that depression was a medical illness, 75% said that depression would not occur if ‘one was close to God’ and more than half blamed ‘black magic’ or the ‘evil eye’.
Abstract: Depression is la common illness, affecting about 10% of the population. Although it is a global condition, its awareness is limited in developing countries. This study examines the attitudes to depression in a sample of men and women in Saudi Arabia, a major country in the Middle East with a population of about 21 million. A random sample of subjects (n = 137; 80 male and 57 female) completed a questionnaire on mental health and depression. Questions explored the attitudes and beliefs of the respondents about the causes and treatment of depression. Responses were categorized into three groups: 'yes’, 'no’ and ‘do not know’. The results showed that although an overwhelming number of respondents (87%) believed that depression was a medical illness, 75% said that depression would not occur if ‘one was close to God’ and more than half (57.66%) blamed ‘black magic’ or the ‘evil eye’. While 83.94% believed that treatment could improve its symptoms, 45.98% thought that antidepressants caused addiction. T...
20 citations
TL;DR: The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in a sample of 100 persons being treated for a first episode of psychosis in Yogyakarta, Indonesia was measured to better understand the relationship between care seeking, use of alternative healers and DUP in Indonesia.
Abstract: Help seeking is predictor of prognosis in the first episode of psychotic disorders. Caregivers play a key role in deciding from whom to seek help. In Indonesia, caregivers often seek help from alternative healers first and health professionals later, which is believed to result in delayed psychiatric treatment and risk for poor prognosis. This study measured the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in a sample of 100 persons being treated for a first episode of psychosis in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. We attempted to measure and determine associations among caregivers' explanatory models, help seeking behaviors and DUP in this sample. The data were then statistically analyzed. The DUP for this population was very short. Most caregivers were parents or spouses (72 and 12%, respectively) and at the time of being interviewed described medical explanatory models for the psychotic symptoms (60%). A majority described having visited traditional/alternative healers prior to their visit to health professionals (67%). Despite this, the DUP was not significantly different for these two groups. Thus, first resort to traditional/alternative healers did not predict prolonged DUP. Further study with a larger sample is needed to better understand the relationship between care seeking, use of alternative healers and DUP in Indonesia.
17 citations
TL;DR: Using support groups for hotline workers during a crisis is a promising approach to promoting mental health, self-care and work performance, and the need to ensure psychosocial support is provided to the helpers as well as the victims of an international disaster is indicated.
Abstract: During the Ebola epidemic, Sierra Leoneans called an emergency hotline (the ‘117 Hotline') to report matters related to Ebola, such as suspected cases. Workers on the 117 Hotline were at high risk for experiencing stress, including secondary trauma, so a support group to provide psychosocial support was implemented by an international humanitarian organization for the workers. A qualitative evaluation was conducted in which 44 hotline workers were interviewed about working at 117 Hotline and their experiences in the support group. The respondents all reported that the support group was beneficial. They most valued being able to increase their knowledge to help the callers and having a safe, re-energizing space to meet. They elucidated how the group helped promote their capacity for self-care, by ‘building [them] emotionally' and giving them a new perspective on life. The respondents described how the support group helped them at work in handling abusive calls, managing stress and developing counse...
17 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a questionnaire survey targeting Tokyo metropolitan high school students (n = 15,191), and used path analysis to clarify the structure of the model wherein psychological distress leads to harmful consequences through Internet escapism and potential Internet addiction tendencies, each serve as intermediary factors mediating the effect of psychological distress on harmful consequences.
Abstract: A person’s use of Web services for escapist purposes is thought to split his or her world into online and real versions, which differ greatly, increasing potential addiction tendencies and eventually leading to harmful consequences for the individual in his or her daily life. In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey targeting Tokyo metropolitan high school students (n = 15,191), and used path analysis to clarify the structure of the model wherein psychological distress leads to harmful consequences through Internet escapism and potential Internet addiction tendencies, each serve as intermediary factors mediating the effect of psychological distress on harmful consequences. As a result, we derived the Psychological Distress-Escapism-Addiction-Harmful Consequences (Escapism-Addiction) model. Psychological distress influenced Internet escapism (0.42), Internet escapism influenced potential Internet addiction tendencies (0.61) and potential Internet addiction tendencies influenced harmful co...
15 citations
TL;DR: Ass associations between various types of mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviors among ethnically diverse clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) served by an urban community health clinic are described.
Abstract: The present study aimed to describe associations between various types of mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviors among ethnically diverse clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) served by an urban community health clinic. The present study draws qualitative data from a parent National Institute of Mental Health Study that aims to identify barriers and facilitators of implementing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. A total of 24 participants from the initial phase of the trial were included in the present study. Mental health stigma emerged as one notable barrier to seeking mental health treatment, as participants described how experiences of environment-level stigma, internalized (self-)stigma and perceived (felt) stigma from their family, friends and previous healthcare providers influenced their decisions to seek care. Despite these barriers to help seeking, many clients also reported that positive interactions with informal and formal support systems, and encouragement from study therapists, helped to combat mental health stigma and facilitate decisions to participate in an implementation trial for CPT. Findings suggest that providers in community health settings may need to attend directly to stigma at the initiation of mental health treatment.
14 citations
TL;DR: All psychiatric consultations carried out over one year at the Psychiatry Unit of the Emergency Department at the National University of Asunción’s Clinical Hospital, Paraguay were analysed with the aim of quantifying the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients presenting to facilities in order to learn the most common diagnosis, patient characteristics and treatment approaches.
Abstract: All psychiatric consultations carried out over one year at the Psychiatry Unit of the Emergency Department at the National University of Asuncion’s Clinical Hospital, Paraguay were analysed with the aim of quantifying the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients presenting to our facilities in order to learn the most common diagnosis, patient characteristics and treatment approaches. We recruited patients admitted to the emergency department between 1 May 2015 and 1 May 2016 for whom a psychiatric consultation was required. Only the first consultation of each patient was taken into consideration. Our study sample included 800 patients. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. For comparing the means, we used the Student's t-test or ANOVA, as appropriate. For analyzing the association between categorical variables, we performed Pearson’s chi-squared test. We considered test results with p < 0.05 as significant. Statistical analyses were performed using the Ep...
TL;DR: Associations between mothers’ and fathers’ parenting styles (authoritative, permissive, authoritarian, and neglectful) reported by offspring at age 18 and odds of offspring-reported drug use three years later are assessed and added to the literature on cross-cultural variability in parenting styles.
Abstract: Parenting style is a potent and malleable influence on emerging adult substance use. Most of the parenting-substance use literature has been conducted in Western populations and it is unknown whether findings are generalizable to other cultures and contexts. We extended the parenting-substance use literature to a cohort of emerging adults in the Philippines using the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. We assessed associations between mothers' and fathers' parenting styles (authoritative, permissive, authoritarian, and neglectful) reported by offspring at age 18 and odds of offspring-reported drug use three years later, adjusted for a range of offspring- and parent/household-level characteristics. Females were dropped from analyses due to low prevalence of drug users. We found that many emerging adults in Cebu reported having used drugs, particularly methamphetamine-a dangerous drug with high abuse potential. Authoritative (warm, firm) mothering was significantly associated with sons' reduced odds of drug use and neglectful fathering was related at a trend level with sons' increased odds of having tried drugs. Findings underscore the relation of parenting styles to emerging adults' drug use and add to the literature on cross-cultural variability in parenting styles.
TL;DR: Findings revealed that despite the drive to change the negative discourse on mental illness, government funded media in Ghana continue to use derogatory language to describe persons with mental illness.
Abstract: Though strides have been made to improve the conditions of individuals with serious mental illness, stigma continues to be a challenge. Since Erving Goffman’s landmark publication, Stigma, Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity in 1963, much has been done to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Efforts in the Western world include the de-institutionalization of mental health institutions and the creation of community-based case management support systems. Despite this progress, the story is different in the developing world. This study explores the depiction of mental illness through two main government print media in Ghana from 2003 to 2012. Emphasis was placed on observing the newspapers’ use of language to describe persons with mental illness. Information gathered was analyzed using content analysis. Findings revealed that despite the drive to change the negative discourse on mental illness, government funded media in Ghana continue to use derogatory language to describe this popu...
TL;DR: The study highlights the importance of addressing the cultural issues since different cultural meanings can sometimes cause more difficulties in understanding between health and social care professionals and Black and minority ethnic patients than does language.
Abstract: This paper aims to explore the role of the transcultural mental health worker as an alternative to the use of interpreters in an attempt to identify the communication barriers and improve the mental health care for Black and minority ethnic patients in the Sheffield area of the UK. A qualitative approach was conducted using a questionnaire, focus groups and semi-structured interviews, with 92 health and social care participants taking part. All participants apart from seven found working with transcultural mental health workers either more effective than or as effective as working with interpreters due to their holistic approach in understanding the various mental health aspects and cultural boundaries. The study highlights the importance of addressing the cultural issues since different cultural meanings can sometimes cause more difficulties in understanding between health and social care professionals and Black and minority ethnic patients than does language. It also highlights the complexities involved...
TL;DR: Assessment and management of intellectual disability need broad multi-factorial approach and rates of physical co-morbidity are very high and need careful evaluation.
Abstract: Characterised by impairment of global mental activities, intellectual disability as a term has replaced learning disability. Although in many countries terms such as mental handicap and mental retardation are still being used, the term intellectual disability is to be preferred. Intellectual disability has different significance across cultures and has three levels of severity: mild, moderate and severe. The causes of intellectual disability are divided into pre-natal, peri-natal and post-natal. Assessment and management of intellectual disability need broad multi-factorial approach. Rates of physical co-morbidity are very high and need careful evaluation.
TL;DR: Faith in God, optimism, exposure to adversity and ability to grow up prematurely were found to be linked with their increased resilience, which may have some universal implication in the human history of migration in general.
Abstract: Despite the prolonged and extreme environmental adversities and psychological trauma experienced by unaccompanied young refugees during their odyssey through the geographically and politically treacherous landscape, they have sometimes shown extraordinary psychological resilience, ability to function and recover from such ordeals. However, other than the anecdotal tales of their survival, there has not been much systematic scientific effort to explore this intriguing subject. In this paper, I endeavour to explore the links and underlying dynamics between resilience and migration. A total of 15 unaccompanied young persons and their carers were interviewed using a semi-structured schedule to elicit their perceptions and beliefs of the mental health care they received. The interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis to elicit several themes and sub-themes of findings, which were developed into possible theories to answer the research question. Some psychological traits and environment...
TL;DR: In this paper, a sample of adolescent girls from a low-income urban city in India were administered the CAGED for gender disadvantage, the K-10 for psychological distress and CD-RISC to assess resilience.
Abstract: Gender disadvantage is a known risk factor for common mental disorders, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Gender disadvantage and its associations with perceived psychological distress and resilience was examined in a sample of adolescent girls from a low-income urban city in India. A sample of 452 young women (M = 17.64; SD = 1.15) were administered the CAGED for gender disadvantage, the K-10 for psychological distress and CD-RISC to assess resilience. The three gender disadvantage items endorsed the most were: financial difficulties being a hindrance to opportunities (297/452; 65.7%); being criticized and ridiculed for gender-related issues (267/452; 59%); and emotional distress related to gender disadvantage (322/452; 71.3%). Of the sample, 66% (298/452) endorsed at least five gender disadvantage items. The least endorsed item in the checklist was an experience of sexual abuse 36 (7.9%). Findings from one-way ANOVA indicated higher scores on the CAGED domains and the total score w...
TL;DR: A 4-step systematic approach to scale development including local participation yielded an internally consistent scale that included culturally relevant behavior problems that had good internal consistency.
Abstract: Systematic processes are needed to develop valid measurement instruments for disruptive behavior disorders in cross-cultural settings. We employed a four-step process in Nepal to identify and select items for a culturally valid assessment instrument: (1) we extracted items from validated scales and local free-list interviews; (2) parents, teachers and peers (n = 30) rated the perceived relevance and importance of behavior problems; (3) highly rated items were piloted with children (n = 60) in Nepal; (4) we evaluated internal consistency of the final scale. We identified 49 symptoms from 11 scales, and 39 behavior problems from free-list interviews (n = 72). After dropping items for low ratings of relevance and severity and for poor item-test correlation, low frequency and/or poor acceptability in pilot testing, 16 items remained for the Disruptive Behavior International Scale – Nepali version (DBIS-N). The final scale had good internal consistency (α = 0.86). A 4-step systematic approach to scale ...
TL;DR: Higher education and lower income level were associated with higher intention to have contact with people with mental illness, and previous contacts were significant predictors of intention of future contacts.
Abstract: Mental health-related issues such as stress and depressive symptoms are common in the workplace and costly to both employees and employers. Stigma against mental illness limits one’s help-seeking attitudes and behavior, thereby leading to social isolation and deteriorating performance in the workplace. This study aimed at examining what aspects of knowledge, attitude and previous contacts with people with mental illness influence working adults’ intention to have future contact with people (e.g., to work with, to live nearby) with mental illness. A total of 1031 employees across eight industries were telephone-interviewed. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical logistic regression were performed. The patterns of knowledge, attitude and behaviors were similar across industries. Higher education and lower income level were associated with higher intention to have contact with people with mental illness. Previous contacts were significant predictors of intention of future contacts. The attitude that p...
TL;DR: This paper explored Turkish cultural understandings on suicide and help-seeking for suicide and found that suicide was perceived as an escape from failure and as a failure in itself; acculturation orientation; parenting style; and shame and stigma.
Abstract: Currently, little is known about the views that Turkish migrants hold towards suicide, which may differ from the narratives held by native inhabitants of their host countries. Central to improving the provision of mental health services, furthering our knowledge of these views is important. The aim of this research was to explore Turkish cultural understandings on suicide and help-seeking for suicide. A qualitative study included data from 6 focus groups and 7 individual interviews with 38 Turkish-speaking lay people and 4 key informants living in the Netherlands or the UK during the year 2014/2015. Through the analysis of participants’ stories and narratives, the following key themes emerged in relation to suicide: suicide as an escape from failure and as a failure in itself; acculturation orientation; parenting style; and shame and stigma. There were more similarities than differences between the themes among laypersons and key informants from two countries. Canina kiymak (crushing life energy) was a strong metaphor for personal distress. Suicide was perceived as a failing of responsibilities towards the family and community. Future research should aim to give voice to all ethnocultural groups to further the present understanding of suicide and help-seeking processes in these communities.
TL;DR: Coping responses of people living with schizophrenia (PLS) to stigma-related stressors in an urban metropolis in Western India are investigated, exploring unique social, economic and cultural elements that intersect with individuals’ societal relations in the post-illness phase and affect overall wellbeing.
Abstract: A person’s capacity to counteract mental illness stigma is significant in combating stigma. However, little is known about how people cope against mental illness stigma and factors that guide the same. In the present study, the author attempts to investigate coping responses of people living with schizophrenia (PLS) to stigma-related stressors in an urban metropolis in Western India. Employing qualitative methods, in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from 20 PLS, attending psychiatric clinics, peer support groups and mental health agencies across the city of Mumbai, India. Thematic analysis suggested five main domains of stigma-related stressors: (1) ‘illness’ labeling; (2) labeling, violence and abuse; (3) rejection; (4) job loss; and (5) anticipatory discrimination. Participants responded to stigma stressors by being either helpless or resistant, but there were complex, multi-level factors, such as gender, employment, familial roles and responsibilities, support system, living arra...
TL;DR: The purpose of this narrative review is to explore the relation between culture and associated factors in PND in Asian countries, where the sociocultural background is distinctly different from that of Asian countries.
Abstract: Postnatal depression (PND) is the most common psychiatric complication in women following childbirth. It affects 10–15% of women in the puerperium. Postnatal depression is of public health importance due to its effects on maternal morbidity and mortality and ramifications on the long-term wellbeing of the baby and therefore of the family. There is abundant literature on the etiological theories and management of PND from a biomedical perspective. However, culture has a determining role in the manifestation and management of depression following childbirth. Addressing the cultural and associated factors would aid in the recognition, care and prevention of depression in mothers. Most of the studies of PND are from the West, where the sociocultural background is distinctly different from that of Asian countries. Moreover, cultural customs in Asia itself are diverse. The purpose of this narrative review is to explore the relation between culture and associated factors in PND in Asian countries. An ele...
TL;DR: A policy analysis is conducted by reviewing shortcomings in the US response and the potential contributions of cultural psychiatrists in optimizing services to address the needs of children from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras unaccompanied by their parents are explored.
Abstract: Since 2014, children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras unaccompanied by their parents have fled in large numbers to the United States to escape violent crime and social disadvantage. Current mental health policies in the U.S. government's response can be improved based on guidelines from professional psychiatric and psychological organizations. These guidelines emphasize the importance of immigration and culture, raising questions into how the field of cultural psychiatry can offer conceptual frameworks and methods to research unaccompanied minor migration as a humanitarian problem. This paper conducts a policy analysis by reviewing shortcomings in the U.S. response and explores the potential contributions of cultural psychiatrists in optimizing services to address the needs of these children in the U.S. and their countries of origin.
TL;DR: Women who reported male gender preference were found to have both higher anxiety levels as well as higher stress scores compared to women who either reported preference for a female child or had no preference.
Abstract: In this cross-sectional assessment we examined the relationship of anxiety, stress and family violence with gender preference during pregnancy among women attending antenatal services in urban India. A total of 436 women in second trimester of pregnancy were interviewed using the Gender Preoccupation Questionnaire and psychosocial risk factors, namely perinatal anxiety, family violence and stress from daily hassles, were assessed; the relationship of these factors and other sociodemographic and obstetric factors with gender preference was examined. Of the sample, 209 women (47.9%) reported the presence of gender preference either in self or in a family member, of whom 120 (57.4%) preferred a male child. Gender preference was present more often among multipara women (111/220, 50.5%) than among primiparous women (98/216, 45.37%). Overall, women who reported male gender preference were found to have both higher anxiety levels (F = 6.28, p = 0.013) as well as higher stress scores (F = 14.91, p < 0.001...
TL;DR: Assessment of the reliability and various aspects of validity of a 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D 10) Scale among men and women of reproductive age in Kumasi, Ghana indicates this scale failed to fully capture depression as it is conceptualized in the study community.
Abstract: As the public health importance of depression grows in low-income countries, development of culturally relevant and valid measurement tools is increasingly necessary to inform effective interventions. This research was embedded within the Family Health and Wealth Study, an ongoing multi-country cohort study. We use mixed methods to assess the reliability and various aspects of validity, including cultural relevance, of a 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D 10) Scale among men and women of reproductive age in Kumasi, Ghana. The scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency reliability, and factor analysis supported a one-factor model for both men and women in the study setting. However, qualitative findings highlighted several additional relevant symptom groups in the study population that were not included in the scale: loss of concentration, loss of appetite, suicidal ideation and becoming quiet or withdrawn. Although quantitative analyses indicated that t...
TL;DR: Clinicians need to be aware of the role abuse may play and must be sensitive in exploring history of abuse as well as any ongoing difficulties and legal frameworks wherever available should be used to protect vulnerable individuals.
Abstract: It is well acknowledged and understood that children who have been sexually, physically or emotionally abused are likely to experience psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Persons with intellectual disability who have been through abuse face a more complex double or even triple jeopardy because of mental illness, intellectual disability and abuse. They are more likely to be vulnerable to further exploitation and manipulation. Prevalence of disability is linked with development of mental ill-health and distress compounded by experiences of sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Clinicians need to be aware of the role abuse may play and must be sensitive in exploring history of abuse as well as any ongoing difficulties. Legal frameworks wherever available should be used to protect vulnerable individuals. If such protection is not available it is imperative that clinicians and policymakers work together to set up these frameworks.
TL;DR: The results of a qualitative research study conducted among mental health professionals in Kathmandu, Nepal highlight the need for decreased social stigma and increased public awareness of mental health issues and treatment.
Abstract: The present study advances scholarship on mental health needs and resources in Nepal by presenting the results of a qualitative research study conducted among mental health professionals in Kathmandu, Nepal. Questions centered on professionals’ perceptions of Nepal’s main mental health care needs, the greatest challenges faced by respondents in their work and the resources they most desire to address national mental health needs. Findings highlight the need for decreased social stigma and increased public awareness of mental health issues and treatment. Professional challenges include social stigma, lack of societal awareness regarding mental health issues and treatment and lack of professional support, with improved professional training (including increased knowledge and resources related to mental health care) expressed as one of the main desired resources. The implications of these results are discussed, along with study limitations and suggestions for future research.
TL;DR: Relationship between intellectual disability and criminal behaviour deserves better understanding and research and clinicians must be sensitive to the role intellectual disability may play in contributing to mental ill-health and behavioural problems.
Abstract: Persons with intellectual disabilities are likely to be misdiagnosed and end up in prisons for petty offences. The rates of criminal behaviours will be influenced by social and cultural factors. What is seen as illegal behaviour in one society may not be so in another. Cultures also play a major and significant role in defining deviant behaviour and defining what is abnormal. Thus relationship between intellectual disability and criminal behaviour deserves better understanding and research. In hospital or care settings as well as in prisons, clinicians must be sensitive to the role intellectual disability may play in contributing to mental ill-health and behavioural problems. Clinicians must have the skills to identify intellectual disability and its consequences. Wherever possible, depending upon local needs, court diversion schemes and pathways be identified and developed through all agencies who may be involved in caring for persons with intellectual disability.
TL;DR: In this article, subjective psychological wellbeing was analyzed employing the questionnaire Version Adaptada del Metodo de Muestreo de Experiencia (Adapted Version of the Experience Sampling Method).
Abstract: Psychological wellbeing is associated with variables of living among all human beings and has important implications for college students. Their coping strategies will vary as will their responses, depending upon their self-esteem and self-efficacy, personality patterns, mental health, financial development and lifestyle. There is little research on subjective psychological wellbeing among college students. This study describes 560 self-report completed questionnaires from 10 medical students. Subjective psychological wellbeing was analyzed employing the questionnaire Version Adaptada del Metodo de Muestreo de Experiencia (Adapted Version of the Experience Sampling Method). The assessed conditions were ‘flow’ (perceived skills and challenges are higher and balanced), ‘boredom’ (perceived skills higher than challenges), ‘anxiety’ (perceived challenges higher than skills) and ‘apathy’ (perceived skills and challenges both lower and balanced). We found that the mean score of the perceived challenges ...
TL;DR: It is revealed that sociodemographic, familial, religious, social support, stigma and healthcare system-related factors play a major role in determining non-adherence.
Abstract: Non-adherence to medication or treatment is one of the greatest challenges in psychiatry, especially among persons with bipolar disorders. Non-adherence is multi-factorial. Studying sociocultural f...