Addressing sociopolitical determinants of mental health: an emerging challenge in Hong Kong

Abstract

Both the socioecological model and WHO suggest that adverse social and structural factors, including sociopolitical conflicts, human rights violations, and discrimination, substantially affect distribution of political power, resource allocation, and health status. 1 Richard L Gauvin L Raine K Ecological models revisited: their uses and evolution in health promotion over two decades. Ann Rev Public Health. 2011; 32: 307-326 Crossref PubMed Scopus (322) Google Scholar , 2 Yang X She R Lau MM et al. Anticipated socio-political developments and related personal responses as structural determinants of mental health problems: a population-based study. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2019; (published online Oct 14.)DOI:10.1177/0020764019879948 Crossref Scopus (9) Google Scholar , 3 Commission on Social Determinants of HealthWHOClosing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health (Commission on Social Determinants of Health final report). World Health Organization, Geneva2008 Google Scholar Recently, the movement against the extradition bill proposed in Hong Kong last year and the ongoing social unrest have revealed pressing human rights concerns and a desire for democracy that could affect all citizens emotionally, socially, and economically. Depression and post-traumatic stress during major social unrest in Hong Kong: a 10-year prospective cohort studyWe have identified a major mental health burden during the social unrest in Hong Kong, which will require substantial increases in service surge capacity. Health-care and social care professionals should be vigilant in recognising possible mental health sequelae. In a world of increasing unrest, our findings might have implications for service planning to better protect population mental health globally. Full-Text PDF