“I will pray about it”: Mental illness Stigma Management Strategies among Ghanaian Celebrities

Current literature on student mental health offers ample evidence of a worldwide increase in the prevalence of mental health issues among university students. However, there is limited literature from a social constructionist approach within Pakistan examining the student perception of mental illness, stigma, stigma management, and barriers to help-seeking. This study attempts to bridge the gap by conducting a descriptive qualitative study using the social constructionist framework to understand the perception of mental illness and its corresponding stigma in a fluid, non-canonical fashion. Semi-structured interviews with 11 university students reveal the personalized meanings given to the critical terms within the study. Intersectional dimensions of gender, class, and level of education are extensively explored, considering the student’s perceptions. The reflexive thematic analysis identifies perceived determinants of mental illnesses, the perceived relationship between mental illness and stigma, stigma management strategies employed by respondents, and perceived coping mechanisms. In Pakistan, where mental illness is not only prevalent but highly stigmatized, this research hopes to be a valuable addition to scholarly research on mental health and illness among young people in higher education institutes.

BackgroundKerala is a state in south India, appreciated for its education, better health indicators and quality of life. However, there is a proportionately high prevalence of mental health illnesses and suicides reported in the state. It is unclear if there is any disparity in the gender categories in this. With this systematic review, we aim to systematically study the gender disparity in the prevalence of mental health (MH) issues among adolescents, younger and older adults in Kerala.MethodsA search strategy was built and several databases like Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, and ProQuest were used alongside grey literature to identify relevant articles. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines following a prespecified protocol. After relevant data extraction, the estimates were pooled using random effects model due to the high heterogeneity assessed by tau-squared, Cochran Q, and prediction interval. Subgroup analyses, and meta-regression were used to reduce heterogeneity. We also identified the influence and heterogeneity contributed by individual studies using influence plots, Baujat plot, clustering, and performed several sensitivity analyses.ResultsTwenty articles were included in the review and meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio of mental health illnesses amongst females compared to males in Kerala was 1.31 (95% CI: 1.0 − 1.73) and falls within a prediction interval of 0.38 to 4.53. The individual studies showed high heterogeneity (I2 = 92%, p = p < 0.01) and hence, subgroup analysis was done for several prespecified subgroups based on etiology, geography, demography, study settings, and age groups. Heterogeneity was significantly reduced by subgrouping based on etiology, study setting and age (p, 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001). In etiologic subgrouping the highest pooled odds was in comorbidities associated MH issues (2.54) and least in non-specific (0.97). In age subgrouping, the highest pooled odds was in elderly (2.53) and least in adolescents (0.63). The odds was highest in health care facility (2.21) and least in educational institution (0.78) based studies. Meta-regression based on the size of the study failed to reduce heterogeneity.InterpretationsA gender disparity was evident in the prevalence of mental health issues, with a higher Odds in females especially among the elderly and adults. A Gender transformative approach in legislative, health systems and policy frameworks will be the answer to this.

IntroductionThe prevalence of mental health issues amongst domestic and foreign students in Slovakian medical schools and any differences between them is currently unknown.ObjectivesThe goals of this paper are to determine the prevalence and extent of mental health issues among medical students at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJŠ) in Kosice, Slovakia and to determine if there is a difference between domestic and foreign students’ mental health at UPJŠ.MethodsA combined questionnaire utilizing well-known sources was distributed to UPJŠ medical students to self-assess their levels of anxiety, depression and hedonic capacity (Zung, 1965; Zung, 1971; Snaith et al., 1995). Two-tailed T-tests and regression statistical analyses were applied to determine the significance of the data and any differences.Results27% (n=319) and 25% (n=300) responses were collected from domestic and foreign UPJŠ medical students, respectively. 57% of domestic and 74% of foreign students screened positive for either anxiety, depression, or a combination. The 17% increased rate of anxiety and/or depression amongst foreign students when compared to domestic students was statistically significant (P&lt;0.001). The differences between the two groups regarding hedonic tone were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe prevalence of mental health issues amongst domestic and foreign UPJŠ medical students is much higher than the worldwide average. The higher rate of anxiety and depression observed in foreign UPJŠ medical students when compared to domestic students may be due to a reduced social support system as well as studying in a foreign country. These data suggest special support may be necessary for medical students studying abroad.

Background: The long-term health effects of bushfires include the potential to trigger new and exacerbate existing mental health problems. Objective: This review aimed to determine the prevalence of long-term mental health issues in Australian populations exposed to bushfires. Method: A systematic search was conducted in five databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science) to identify studies focusing on Australian populations impacted by bushfires with the prevalence of mental health issues reported at 2+ years after bushfire. The Joanna Briggs Institute prevalence critical appraisal tool was utilised. We conducted meta-analyses to determine the prevalence of general psychological distress in the general population, and a narrative synthesis. Results: We included 21 articles based on 5 studies and conducted on 3 bushfire events. Meta-analyses showed a pooled prevalence of 14% (95% CI 12%-16%) for psychological distress in the general population at 2–4 years post bushfire. The overall prevalence of long-term psychological problems in firefighters at 2–7 years ranged from 28% to 47.6%. The prevalence of some psychological issues decreased with time and was directly proportional to the level of bushfire impact. Conclusions: As the magnitude of long-term bushfire-related mental health impacts in Australia is severe, it is important to monitor psychological problems and assist communities in future. Future research needs include: (a) more studies on the full range of long-term psychological impacts of bushfires, and (b) consensus on instruments and diagnostic criteria to define mental health issues. HIGHLIGHTS First systematic review of long-term bushfire mental health issues in Australia. Indicating substantial mental health problems among affected populations. Long-term issues were linked to bushfire impact and elevated among firefighters. Highlighting need for further rigorous research on long-term disaster sequalae.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused mental and psychological health problems worldwide. The current study assessed the prevalence of mental health issues among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mental Health Problem Scale (MHPQ) is a 35-item scale including five subscales—anxiety, depression, stress, OCD, and sleep disorders. In this study, the Kurdish version of the MHPQ was designed and developed to assess the mental health of Iraqi students. This version was established in a cross-sectional study at three public and private universities in Iraqi Kurdistan. A sample of 1504 university students was included who provided their responses via a Google Form questionnaire. The reliability of the scale was determined by measuring the Cronbach’s alpha and item–total correlations. The Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficients of mental health were calculated on a factor basis. The Cronbach’s alpha values were determined to be 0.735 for “anxiety”, 0.780 for “depression”, 0.731 for “stress”, 0.707 for “OCD” and 0.731 for “sleep disorder”. As a result, the psychometric results show that the Mental Health Scale can be used as a valid and reliable assessment tool. According to the findings of the study, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased mental health problems among people worldwide, particularly university students. This research was limited to select participants and universities of Sulaimani Governorate of Iraq; therefore, it is highly recommended that future studies include more students and universities from the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Finally, it is recommended that the Ministry of Higher Education and universities review the university programs and develop the quality of study to reduce mental health problems among university students. The findings of this research show that there were differences between the mental health of the study’s male and female participants. The analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between gender and OCD scores (p = 0.05).

A conceptual framework for the revision of the ICD‐10 classification of mental and behavioural disorders

HighlightsWhat are the main findings?Most common mental health conditions in youth with IBD and JIA are generalized anxiety and major depression disorders;12% of youth with IBD or JIA had more than one documented mental health diagnosis, and 14% take medication used to treat a mental health condition.What is the implication of the main finding?Given these prevalences only represent those that are documented in the chart, this is likely an underrepresentation of the true prevalence of mental health conditions;Mental health screening should be considered in pediatric GI and rheumatology clinics to more accurately assess the burden of mental health conditions in youth.Background/Objectives: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic autoimmune conditions that impact the physical and psychological well-being of pediatric patients. While previous studies have shown a high prevalence of mental health challenges among youth with chronic conditions, the prevalence of mental health issues in Canadian pediatric patients with JIA and IBD remains unclear. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of documented mental health disorders and related medication use of youth with JIA or IBD at a tertiary care centre. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of youths aged 12–17 diagnosed with JIA or IBD at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) to understand the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive–compulsive disorders (OCD), eating disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), adolescent adjustment disorder, suicide attempt/suicide ideation, self-harm behaviour, substance use disorder, and attention deficit disorders (ADD). Results: We reviewed 429 patient charts, including 303 patients with IBD and 126 with JIA. Our findings identified 90 IBD patients and 20 JIA patients who had one or more documented mental health conditions. Proportionately, there was a higher prevalence of mental health conditions among IBD patients (30%) compared to JIA patients (16%). The most frequently observed conditions in both IBD and JIA patients were GAD (63%, 50%), ADD (33%, 35%), and MDD (29%, 15%). Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical need for early mental health screening and integrated care approaches that address both medical and psychosocial needs in adolescents with chronic illnesses. Future research should incorporate prospective study designs, include diverse geographic and demographic populations, and explore targeted interventions to improve mental and physical health outcomes in this vulnerable group.

Despite the implementation of patient-centred care, mental health issues remain a significant risk factor and comorbidity for Tuberculosis (TB) disease. Mental health issues being co-morbidities to TB are likely to increase the disease burden of the affected population. This study therefore investigated the prevalence and impact of mental health issues in Tuberculosis (TB) patients. This cross-sectional study design used mixed methods in data collection. The study used structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. 127 TB patients were purposively selected from a group of patients who previously recovered successfully, with a history of relapse or are currently on TB treatment in high-volume facilities in Homa Bay, Busia and Kakamega Counties. 30 Key informant interviews were conducted with Healthcare workers. Quantitative data analysis was done using STATA version 14. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data using NVivo version 10. The findings showed that the most common mental health issues affecting TB patients were anxiety (66%) and depression (55%), which were commonly experienced during the presumptive stage of TB. Qualitative data revealed that stigma was the main barrier that hindered TB patients from accessing care. TB patients articulated the benefits of support structures ranging from positive encouragement, reminders on taking drugs, accompaniment to the clinic, and financial support in TB management. Furthermore, the study established that the majority of Health Care Workers (HCWs) were not prepared to handle TB patients' mental issues, a gap that is likely to impact the quality of care TB patients receive. The study established that mental health issues impact TB treatment outcomes. Healthcare systems should prioritize the integration of mental health care into TB programs to address the high prevalence of mental health issues among TB patients.

The prevalence of mental health problems and substance abuse in the migrant population is higher than the general population. To assess the prevalence and pattern of mental health issues and substance use in the migrant population and highlight the association with the reverse migration of migrant workers. The field staff visited the shelter homes for migrant population in four cities of Northern India (Chandigarh (UT), Bhatinda (Punjab), Panchkula (Haryana) and Jaipur (Rajasthan). After maintaining the social distance and wearing masks by the staff and migrants, written informed consent was taken for participation in the study. The socio-demographic details of reverse migrants were noted down and Hindi version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for mental health problems and screening tool for pattern of substance abuse was administered. Geographically matched undisplaced were also administered these tools. A total of 275 reverse migrants and 276 undisplaced were included in the study. The prevalence of ever use for all the substances among reverse migrants was 44.4% (122/275) and among undisplaced, it was 45.3%. The prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis was higher than the general population. The prevalence of at least one diagnosis on PHQ-9 is 13.45% (reverse migrants 19.3% and undisplaced 7.6) and the prevalence of other depressive disorder is significantly higher in reverse migrants (17.1%) than undisplaced (4.0%). The study concludes that prevalence of mental health issues and substance abuse in migrant population is significantly higher than the general population and the prevalence of at least one diagnosis and other depressive disorder is significantly higher in reverse migrants than undisplaced.

PurposeMental health issues were the fourth leading cause of disease burden in Australia in 2022. About 30% of Australia’s population are migrants, whose mental health is poorly understood. We aimed to report the prevalence and risk factors of common mental health issues among non-refugee migrants in Australia.MethodsWe reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024 on mental health issues amongst migrants in Australia following the Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.ResultsOut of 3122 titles retrieved on mental health issues among migrants in Australia, 30 papers were selected. Migrants from Greece reported the highest prevalence (43.1%) of anxiety disorders than Australian-born (15.8%). The highest prevalence of psychological distress and depression were found amongst migrants from Lebanon (33%) and China (19%), respectively. Migrants from North-Africa, the Middle East, Italy, Greece, and Europe experienced a higher prevalence of psychological distress (18.2–21.9%) than Australian-born (12.4%). Prevalence of depression was higher among migrants from non-English-speaking backgrounds (19.7% vs. 10%), Sub-Saharan Africa (18.8% vs. 9.3%), Italy (18% vs. 10%), Greece (17.1% vs. 4.1%), and China (10% vs. 3%), compared to Australian-born people, respectively. The way that risk factors were reported differed across studies. Anxiety disorders were associated with higher stress (p < 0.05), unemployment (OR 1.8, 95%CI:1.4–2.4), female gender (OR 2.13, 95%CI:1.64–2.76) unmarried status (p < 0.01) and poor physical health status (OR 7.35, 95%CI:3.86–14.01). Psychological distress was associated with being a single woman (OR 6.54, 95%CI:1.18–35.3), holding a temporary visa (p < 0.01), being economically inactive (p < 0.01) and having rare contact with friends (AOR 2.083, p < 0.001). Depression was associated with migrants who were never married (OR 4.11, 95%CI:1.59–10.65), younger or older (p < 0.001), female (OR 2.3, 95%CI:1.9–2.7), from non-English speaking countries (OR 2.41, 95%CI:1.14–5.10) and reported poor physical health (OR 3.55, 95%CI:1.60–7.88).ConclusionThe high prevalence of mental health issues among non-refugee migrants necessitates revisiting strategies to tailor interventions appropriate for their mental health needs.

A comprehensive examination of mental health issues among Bangladeshi college students is essential given the increasing rates of incidence. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the mental health concerns experienced by Bangladeshi public university students, identify the causes, and evaluate their support networks. To get insight from the students at five major public institutions in Bangladesh, the study used phenomenological research methods such semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). To guarantee gender, academic, and socioeconomic diversity, participants were purposively sampled and their size was 360. Thematic analysis identified mental health-related patterns and themes in the data. Academic pressure, financial restrictions, and family expectations were the main causes of anxiety, sadness, and stress in tertiary students. Furthermore, mental health stigma, ignorance, and poor university mental health services worsened these concerns. The survey also showed that most students used informal networks like friends and family for emotional support, highlighting a shortfall in mental health assistance. The research emphasises the importance of public universities implementing robust mental health policies and support services. Regular mental health screenings, counselling, and awareness programs can enhance student well-being. These findings shed light on the current state of student mental health in Bangladesh and offer valuable insights for policymakers, university leaders, and mental health experts to create tailored initiatives to address the mental health challenges faced by college students. By addressing these challenges, the project hopes to create a friendly and inclusive academic atmosphere that improves students' mental health and academic performance.

Meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals for mental health: why greater prioritization and adequately tracking progress are critical.

Pilots are a unique occupational group who perform a specialised job and face significant stressors. Pilot mental health has received increased attention since Germanwings Flight 9525; however, this research has largely focused on general anxiety, depression, and suicide and relied on a questionnaire-based methodology. This approach is likely to miss various mental health issues that may affect pilot wellbeing, leaving the prevalence of mental health issues in aviation unclear. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have a particular impact on the mental health and wellbeing of pilots, who experienced the devastating effect of COVID-19 on the industry. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of 73 commercial pilots during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the DIAMOND semi-structured diagnostic interview and explored possible associated vulnerability and protective factors, including life event stressors, personality, passion, lifestyle factors, and coping strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on aviation during the time of this study, affecting 95% of participants. The diagnostic results revealed over one third of pilots had symptoms of a diagnoseable mental health disorder. Anxiety disorders were the most commonly found disorders, followed by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Adjustment Disorder, and Depressive Disorders. Pilots' high life event scores placed them at an increased risk for the development of stress-related illness, though did not explain which pilots had mental health difficulties in this study. Regression analysis supported a diathesis-stress model for pilot mental health, with disagreeableness and obsessive passion contributing to pilots' development of mental health issues, and nutrition as the most important protective factor. This study, though limited to the COVID-19 pandemic, provides a valuable precedent for a more thorough assessment of pilot mental health, and contributes to the broader understanding of pilot mental health, including suggestions to target factors associated with the development of mental health issues.

To provide a contemporary global prevalence of mental health issues among the general population amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We searched electronic databases, preprint databases, grey literature, and unpublished studies from January 1, 2020, to June 16, 2020 (updated on July 11, 2020), with no language restrictions. Observational studies using validated measurement tools and reporting data on mental health issues among the general population were screened to identify all relevant studies. We have included information from 32 different countries and 398,771 participants. The pooled prevalence of mental health issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic varied widely across countries and regions and was higher than previous reports before the COVID-19 outbreak began. The global prevalence estimate was 28.0% for depression; 26.9% for anxiety; 24.1% for post-traumatic stress symptoms; 36.5% for stress; 50.0% for psychological distress; and 27.6% for sleep problems. Data are limited for other aspects of mental health issues. Our findings highlight the disparities between countries in terms of the poverty impacts of COVID-19, preparedness of countries to respond, and economic vulnerabilities that impact the prevalence of mental health problems. Research on the social and economic burden is needed to better manage mental health problems during and after epidemics or pandemics. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD 42020177120.

BackgroundExisting research indicated a high prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents. Gender and parenting styles are two factors that may influence adolescents’ mental health. Nonetheless, most published studies focused on either secondary school or university students. In contrast, there is a dearth of similar research involving pre-university students. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mental disorders among pre-university students and their association with parenting styles.MethodsA cross-sectional study via online questionnaire survey was conducted among students from a pre-university college on the East Coast of Malaysia. Convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: i) sociodemographic data, ii) the Parental Authority Questionnaire and Depression, and iii) the Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). An online invitation to answer the questionnaire was done via the Student Representative Council (SRC). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test.ResultsA total of 431 participants responded to the online survey. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 49.0% (n = 210), 68.0% (n = 293) and 37.6% (n = 162), respectively. In addition, father’s educational level (χ2 = 10.332, P = 0.001) and the authoritarian parenting style (χ2 = 10.099, P = 0.006) were significantly associated with mental health disorders among adolescents.ConclusionThe prevalence of mental disorders among pre-university students is relatively high. Pre-university admission mental health screening is vital for early detection and intervention of mental disorders among this vulnerable group. Further research is imperative to establish a comprehensive plan of action that targets parental involvement in managing adolescent mental health disorders.