Mental Health Awareness Campaigns Research Articles

Exploring South African Indian men’s understanding of depression

Background: Depression is reported as one of the most common mental disorders. Research on Indian men’s understandings of depression is limited.Aim: The authors aimed to explore South African Indian men’s understanding of depression in a community, and how this guides help-seeking behaviour.Setting: Community dwelling participants in Gauteng, South Africa.Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was employed and a purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Indian adult men and analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The findings of this study yielded a total of six themes. These included understanding of depression, depression is taboo, diverging gender role expectations and depression, help-seeking behaviour, barriers to help-seeking, and mental health community support.Conclusion: The findings suggest a lack of understanding and awareness of depression among participants and discussions around mental illness being regarded as taboo. Gender roles and societal expectations were considered as one of the contributors to depression onset. Coping and help-seeking behaviour included adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms with professional psychological help being least prioritised. Self-stigmatisation and fear of discrimination were highlighted as barriers to help-seeking behaviours.Contribution: This study contributed to the limited body of knowledge on understanding of depression among Indian men in South Africa and highlighted the importance of mental health awareness campaigns and professional help-seeking behaviour.

We Have Spent Time, Money, and Effort Making Self-Help Digital Mental Health Interventions: Is Anyone Going to Come to the Party?

Although efficacious psychotherapies exist, a limited number of mental health care providers and significant demand make their accessibility a fundamental problem. Clinical researchers, funders, and investors alike have converged on self-help digital mental health interventions (self-help DMHIs) as a low-cost, low-burden, and broadly scalable solution to the global mental health burden. Consequently, exorbitant financial and time-based resources have been invested in developing, testing, and disseminating these interventions. However, the public's assumed desirability for self-help DMHIs by experts has largely proceeded without question. This commentary critically evaluates whether self-help DMHIs can, and will, reach their purported potential as a solution to the public burden of mental illness, with an emphasis on evaluating their real-world desirability. Our review finds that self-help DMHIs are often perceived as less desirable and credible than in-person treatments, with lower usage rates and, perhaps accordingly, clinical trials testing self-help DMHIs suffering from widespread recruitment challenges. We highlight two fundamental challenges that may be interfering with the desirability of, and engagement in, self-help DMHIs: (1) difficulty competing with technology companies that have advantages in resources, marketing, and user experience design (but may not be delivering evidence-based interventions) and (2) difficulty retaining (vs initially attracting) users. We discuss a range of potential solutions, including highlighting self-help DMHIs in public mental health awareness campaigns; public education about evidence-based interventions that can guide consumers to appropriate self-help DMHI selection; increased financial and expert support to clinical researchers for marketing, design, and user experience in self-help DMHI development; increased involvement of stakeholders in the design of self-help DMHIs; and investing in more research on ways to improve retention (versus initial engagement). We suggest that, through these efforts, self-help DMHIs may fully realize their promise for reducing the global burden of mental illness.

Are younger people more accurate at identifying mental health disorders, recommending help appropriately, and do they show lower mental health stigma than older people?: Age differences in mental health disorder recognition

IntroductionMental health awareness initiatives and expansion in the concept breadth of mental health disorders have been suggested as potential contributors to the increased prevalence of mental disorders and help-seeking in younger people. Consistent with positive effects of mental health awareness campaigns, this study explored whether younger people show greater accuracy at recognising mental health disorders from written vignettes, lower mental health stigma and appropriate help-seeking recommendations. MethodParticipants (n = 134 participants <40 years and n = 105 participants ≥40 years of age) were randomised to see three vignettes (Schizophrenia, social anxiety and grief) depicting a ‘young’ character (in their 20 s) or an ‘older’ character (in their 50 s). After each vignette, they were asked whether the character had a mental health disorder, whether they should seek help and questions focused on mental health stigma. They were also asked questions about their own mental health. ResultsYounger participants were more likely to identify a mental health problem and recommend help-seeking for social anxiety and grief than older participants. There were no differences for Schizophrenia. Younger people showed greater stigma towards the vignettes depicting Schizophrenia and social anxiety and rated their own mental health significantly worse than older participants. ConclusionResults are consistent with better sensitivity, but lower specificity in the recognition of mental disorders in younger people. Perceptions of whether distressing experiences are considered a mental health disorder that requires professional help (but not the severity of the experiences themselves) may be different in younger compared to older age groups.

Scoping review of barriers to mental health service utilization among medical students and residents

Background: Undergraduate medical students and resident doctors face high rates of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Despite these issues, their mental health service utilization is very low; this can be attributed to various structural and attitudinal factors. The current research aims to highlight such barriers to accessing mental health care and bridge the existing research gap. Methods: A literature search on barriers to mental health treatment for medical students was conducted involving PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases, along with bibliographic search, from inception till 30th April 2023 to identify relevant English records with full-text available. Studies not involving medical students or not assessing treatment barriers, and non-original papers were excluded. Results: Our comprehensive literature search yielded 12 articles. We identified six key themes concerning barriers to accessing mental health services: stigmatization, attitudinal barriers, confidentiality concerns, time constraints, lack of knowledge, and access to services. Discussion: Stigmatization was found to be a prominent barrier, while attitudinal barriers included beliefs that mental health problems are a sign of weakness and should be managed independently. Medical students and residents also worried about breaches in confidentiality affecting their interpersonal relationships and career prospects. Time constraints due to demanding academic and clinical responsibilities also posed challenges in seeking mental health care. These critical barriers to mental health service utilization among medical students and residents can be addressed through mental health awareness campaigns in college campuses, universal mental health screening in medical schools, providing internet-based services and collaborative programs with local mental health professionals to widen the treatment options.

Crip Encounters in the Corporate Hashtag: Complicating #BellLetsTalk

This article investigages the annual #BellLetsTalk mental health awareness campaign through the lens of critical disability studies. Created by the telecommunications company Bell Canada, the campaign encourages social media users to share, promote, and like posts about Bell, mental health, and hyperindividualist narratives of overcoming disability and illness. However, delving deeper into the archive uncovers dissenting crip voices that resist Bell's hegemonic narrative of wellness and cure. Focalizing my analysis around a sample of 5000 tweets (including 2093 unique tweets) from the 2018 campaign, I identify distinct disabled networks emerging around the hashtag on Twitter/X: 1) feminine therapeutic networks, 2) masculine sick publics that retain an attachment to capitalism and nationalism, and 3) queer communities that keep company with ghosts. Furthermore, I identify users deliberately disidentifying with the network and occupying the role of the killjoy or "bad" avatar. This article articulates an ethical, hybrid qualitative and quantative method for working with data.

Prevalence of Depression Among Women Using Hormonal Contraceptives in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Depression is a global health concern with significant consequences, especially for women. Hormonal changes and gender disparities contribute to its prevalence. Hormonal contraceptives are widely used among women of reproductive age, but some users report mood-related side effects. This study aims to investigate the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and depression among women in Mogadishu, Somalia. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at two hospitals in Mogadishu, targeting married women aged 15-49 using hormonal contraceptives. A sample size of 227 participants was determined, and data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, including multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of depression among participants was 33.5%, with significant associations observed between depression and occupation, income level, type of hormonal contraceptive used, and duration of contraceptive use. Housewives, individuals with lower income, users of oral pills and implant methods, as well as those with shorter durations of contraceptive use, constituted the high-risk groups for depression. Depression poses a concern among women using hormonal contraceptives in Mogadishu, Somalia. Healthcare providers should educate women about potential side effects and consider individualized contraceptive recommendations. Mental health support initiatives and awareness campaigns should be introduced. Future research is recommended to further understand and address depression in this context.

Addressing Psychosocial Challenges through Action: A Fieldwork Experience in Community Medicine Department, Aligarh Muslim University

This research article explores the psychosocial challenges faced by patients in the community. The study draws on firsthand experiences as a social work intern in the Community Medicine department. It delves into the intricacies of psychosocial issues prevalent among community members, including substance abuse, family problems, depression, and financial instability. The article emphasises the importance of targeted interventions to address the multifaceted needs of individuals in the community. To tackle these psychosocial challenges, the research outlines community workshops, counselling services, mental health awareness campaigns, and support groups. The interventions aimed to empower individuals, foster resilience, and promote overall well-being within the community. After implementing these initiatives, the article analyses the observed changes in individuals, highlighting improvements in coping mechanisms, enhanced social support networks, and increased awareness of mental health issues. Moreover the study also provides insights into the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in community medicine.The study highlights the importance of holistic healthcare approaches that prioritize the psychosocial dimensions of well-being

Burden of undiagnosed depression among older adults in India: a population based study.

The study explored the levels and associated factors of undiagnosed depression among community-dwelling older Indian adults. It also identified the socio-demographic predictors of undiagnosed depression among the study population at national and state levels. The study employed data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India wave-I, 2017-18. Based on the data on depression from interviewee's self-reporting and measurement on Composite International Diagnostic Interview- Short Form (CIDI-SF) and Centre for Epidemiological Studies- Depression scale (CES-D) scales, we estimated undiagnosed depression among older adults (age 60+). We estimated multivariable binary logistic regressions to examine the socio-demographic and health-related predictors of undiagnosed depression among older adults. 8% (95% CI: 7.8-8.4) of the total older adults had undiagnosed depression on CIDI-SF scale and 5% (95% CI: 4.8-5.3) on the combined CIDI-SF and CES-D. Undiagnosed depression was higher among those who were widowed, worked in the past and currently not working, scheduled castes, higher educated and the richest. Lack of health insurance coverage, presence of any other physical or mental impairment, family history of Alzheimer's/Parkinson's disease/ psychotic disorder, lower self-rated health and poor life satisfaction were significant predictors of undiagnosed depression on both CIDI-SF and combined scales. To improve the health of older adults in India, targeted policy efforts integrating mental health screening, awareness campaigns and decentralization of mental healthcare to primary level is needed. Further research could explore the causal factors behind different levels of undiagnosed depression.

The mediating role of depression in the association between perceived financial wellbeing and somatization: a study in the context of Lebanon’s financial crisis

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to examine the association between financial wellbeing and somatization, in addition to the mediating effect of anxiety, depression and stress. To test such hypotheses, a cross-sectional study was carried out between September and October 2021; 403 participants (264 females; age = 32.76 ± 13.24 years) were recruited. Depression mediated the association between financial wellbeing and somatization. A worse financial wellbeing was significantly associated with more depression, which was associated with more somatization. Moreover, a worse financial wellbeing was significantly and directly associated with more somatization. Our study adds to the narrow body of research revolving around the relationship between financial wellbeing and somatization in Lebanese adults. Understanding that the effects of, depression are aggravated in a country such as Lebanon would help establish more preventative guidelines and mental health awareness campaigns. Identifying the correlates of somatization can also be translated into improved interventions.

Unravelling Causes and Mitigating Suicidal Tendencies in Male Educators in Zimbabwe's Rural Regions: A Comprehensive Analysis

This qualitative study aims to explore the underlying causes of suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions and identify the strengths of current interventions targeting this issue. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 15 knowledgeable participants who possessed relevant experiences and expertise. The study employed focus group discussions to generate data, which was subsequently analysed using content thematic analysis. The research questions addressed in this study were two-fold: (1) What are the underlying causes, including work-related, psychosocial, and personal factors, that contribute to the emergence of suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions? (2) What are the strengths of the current interventions targeting suicidal tendencies among male educators in these regions? The analysis of the data revealed two key findings. Firstly, the study identified multiple causal factors contributing to the emergence of suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions. These factors encompassed work-related challenges such as heavy workload, insufficient resources, and inadequate support systems. Additionally, psychosocial factors such as stigma, social isolation, and emotional distress were identified. Personal factors like financial difficulties and relationship problems were also found to contribute to suicidal tendencies. Secondly, the study identified several strengths within the current interventions targeting suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions. Notably, the provision of mental health support services, including counselling and awareness campaigns, was found to be a valuable aspect of the existing interventions. Moreover, the study highlighted the significance of community involvement and collaboration between educational institutions, healthcare providers, and relevant stakeholders in addressing this critical issue. Based on the findings, two key recommendations emerge. Firstly, it is crucial to enhance the existing support systems for male educators in rural regions, focusing on addressing work-related challenges and providing adequate resources and support. This may include workload management strategies, professional development opportunities, and the establishment of comprehensive mental health support networks. Secondly, there is a need for increased awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health issues among male educators. This involves implementing targeted awareness campaigns to promote mental well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, and encouraging open dialogue on mental health concerns.

A Systematic Review of the Impacts of Media Mental Health Awareness Campaigns on Young People.

Mental health issues are prevalent among young people. An estimated 10% of children and adolescents worldwide experience a mental disorder, yet most do not seek or receive care. Media mental health awareness campaigns, defined as marketing efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues through mass media, are an effort to address this concern. While previous research has evaluated the outcomes of specific media mental health awareness campaigns, there is limited data synthesizing their overall effects. This study addresses the knowledge gap by reviewing the existing literature on the impact of media mental health awareness campaigns on young people. A search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2004 and 2022 with results specific to people aged 10 to 24. Out of 20,902 total studies identified and screened, 18 studies were included in the review. The following data were extracted from each study: characteristics and descriptions of the campaign, evaluation design and sampling, and summary of impact. The review identified evaluations of 15 campaigns from eight different countries. Outcome evaluation methods commonly comprised of surveys and quantitative data. The campaigns were generally associated with positive changes in the attitudes, beliefs, and intentions of young people (e.g., reduced stigma) and positive changes in behaviors (e.g., increased help-seeking behaviors). The inclusion of few studies in the review indicates a need for ongoing evaluations of media mental health awareness campaigns for young people to inform good practices in their development and distribution.

“It’s a lot of things”: Zimbabwean university students’ perceptions on the causes of suicide ideation and suicidality among youths during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This research studies university undergraduate students’ perceptions of the causes of suicide and suicidality among the youths in Zimbabwe with reference to the case of Midlands State University. The research also examined the contribution of COVID-19 to suicide and suicidality and the role of the family and church in suicide and suicidality causation or prevention. A qualitative methodology was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and a focus group discussion using a sample of 31 participants. Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal theory of suicide is utilised and adapted to explain suicide ideation among Zimbabwean youths. Abusive, fractured family and romantic relationships, economic frustrations, stigmatisation, loneliness, drug abuse and the pressure to conform were some of the causes of suicide ideation. The research recommends increased regular mental health and suicide prevention awareness campaigns to inform the students on the available services. Supportive, stable and positive relationships and interactions within families and churches are necessary to build resilience against suicide ideation and suicidality.

THE ROLE OF HR IN PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

This review delves into the critical role that Human Resources (HR) plays in fostering mental health and well-being within healthcare settings. The healthcare industry, known for its demanding and high-stakes nature, places substantial strain on the mental health of its workforce. Recognizing the impact of mental well-being on both individual performance and patient outcomes, this comprehensive review explores the multifaceted responsibilities of HR in addressing mental health challenges. The paper examines HR strategies that aim to create a supportive and healthy work environment for healthcare professionals. These strategies include the implementation of employee assistance programs, stress management initiatives, and mental health awareness campaigns. The review highlights the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues within the healthcare workforce, emphasizing HR's role in fostering a culture that encourages open communication and seeks to remove barriers to seeking help. Additionally, the paper explores HR's involvement in talent acquisition and retention, recognizing the link between job satisfaction, mental well-being, and overall staff retention in healthcare settings. It discusses recruitment practices that prioritize the holistic well-being of employees and the role of HR in developing and implementing policies that promote work-life balance. Furthermore, the review explores the incorporation of mental health training and education into HR programs, ensuring that healthcare professionals possess the necessary tools to manage stress and navigate the challenges inherent in their roles. The review concludes by underlining the need for a collaborative approach between HR professionals, healthcare leadership, and employees to create a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health, ultimately benefiting both the well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care.&#x0D; Keywords: HR, Mental Health, Healthcare, Well-being, Review, Management.

The mental health state of extended programme students at a South African university

Due to the widespread occurrence of mental disorders among adolescents, there is globally a recognised need to assess the mental well-being of higher education students. Those in extended programmes, dealing with self-esteem and capability challenges intensified by peer and institutional attitudes, might face heightened susceptibility to mental health issues. Moreover, research suggests that the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic likely worsened students’ mental health difficulties. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health issues among students in a South African university’s extended curriculum programme in 2022 while exploring potential gender differences. Furthermore, by comparing these findings to a 2017 study, it sought to assess the COVID-19 pandemic’s potential impact on the mental health of extended programme students. Paper-based questionnaires evaluated depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among first-year extended programme students in 2017 (pre-COVID, n = 208) and in 2022 (within the pandemic, post-lockdown, n = 202). The results showed consistently high levels of mental health issues for both cohorts, with no statistically significant difference between the cohorts. However, female students in the 2022 cohort faced notably more mental health challenges than their male peers. Universities should enhance mental health education and awareness campaigns and explore new counselling methods to assist the growing number of students in need of support. Further research ought to investigate the factors behind the heightened mental health issues, especially among female students.

Developing a Theoretical Framework for Strategic Visual Content in Mental Health Campaigns

This conceptual paper explores the impact of strategic visual content in mental health awareness campaigns. Utilizing a theoretical framework based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), Visual Rhetoric Theory, and Visual Communication Theory, this study synthesizes existing literature to propose guidelines for effective visual content. The findings suggest that engaging visuals can enhance emotional involvement, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellness. Future research should empirically validate this framework to optimize visual communication in mental health advocacy.

Catering for Mental Health and Stress Coping Mechanisms amongst Eleven- To -Fourteen-Year-Old Learners in Privately Owned Schools of Imbizo District in Bulawayo

This paper sought to assess the extent to which privately owned schools offer stress coping mechanisms and mental health awareness to learners who are preteenagers. There is often a misconception that children do not experience stress, however, literature review revealed that children do in fact experience stress. Children’s stressors may be different from those of adults and children’s ways of experiencing and describing what is happening to them may also be different in comparison to adults. Mixed research methods were used in the study issuing questionnaires which had both open and closed ended questionnaires and conducting interviews. The close ended questions allowed for frequencies of responses to be calculated, thus this brought in a quantitative element of research. The interviews/interview guides provided a deeper understanding of how schools offer coping. An interpretive paradigm was used to explain how learners experience stress and what schools are doing to ensure that their learners mental health and stress levels are being catered for. The target population was learners who are pre-teenagers, learning in Imbizo District. The sample method employed was simple random sampling, which meant all schools and their learners within the Imbizo District, had an equal chance of being selected. Ethical considerations of confidentiality, informed consent and anonymity were paramount during this study. The findings of the study revealed that there is a need for stress coping mechanisms and raising mental health awareness amongst learners. Two schools however, have introduced clubs, thus offering learners a stress coping mechanism. The research study recommended that schools direct mental health awareness campaigns to parents and teachers. There is also the recommendation to staff develop teachers and administrators on skills of identifying and accommodating learners who are going through stress or have mental health issues so as to provide the learners with the needed assistance at an early stage.

Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and its relationship with coping strategies among flood victims: Evidence from Iran

IntroductionPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and highly debilitating mental disorder that often occurs following accidents and natural disasters. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of PTSD among flood victims in Lorestan, Iran and examine its relationship with coping strategies. MethodsThis descriptive-analytical study included 470 flood victims in Lorestan, Iran within the first year after the flood in 2019. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. The research utilized the PTSD checklist and coping strategies questionnaire as data collection instruments. Data analysis involved independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and the Pearson correlation coefficient, with a significance level of 0.05, using SPSS software version 22. ResultsThe prevalence of PTSD among flood victims in Lorestan, Iran was found to be 12.8 %. Women, individuals over 35 years old, those with an education level below high school, married individuals, and people with low income exhibited higher PTSD prevalence and average total coping strategies scores. Passive coping strategies (r = 0.267, p < 0.001), social coping strategies (r = 0.148, p = 0.004), and the overall coping score (r = 0.153, p = 0.003) demonstrated a direct and significant correlation with the average PTSD score. ConclusionThis study highlights the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among flood survivors, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and those with low socio-economic status. To enhance post-disaster adaptation, support organizations should implement various strategies including resilience-building, mental health awareness campaigns, and improved access to healthcare services. Effective screening and promoting positive coping strategies are crucial for supporting survivors' psychological well-being.

Impact of COVID-19 on mental health in the Middle East: A cross-sectional study

&lt;b&gt;Objective: &lt;/b&gt;This study aimed to shed the light on the relation between the COVID-19 outbreak and mental health, including depression and anxiety in the Middle East.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods: &lt;/b&gt;This is a survey-based study that was conducted online to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the Middle East countries. The survey was uploaded on Google Form platform and was distributed through Facebook and WhatsApp platform.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results: &lt;/b&gt;In this study, 1,281 respondents completed the online survey. Results showed higher percentages of anxiety were diagnosed post-pandemic (38.0%) compared to pre-pandemic (6.8%). Similarly, higher percentages of participants were diagnosed with depression post-pandemic (32.0%) compared with pre-pandemic (5.0%). Also, 43.4% of the participants showed that they always or most of the time felt ‘loss of desire or interest in things. Moreover, many participants (22.4%) always/most of the time felt cramps in their chest and heart as soon as they thought of the pandemic. Finally, logistic regression analysis emphasized that gender and age significantly affected the diagnosis of anxiety and depression following the pandemic (p≤0.005).&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/b&gt;This current study highlighted an increase in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression among Middle Eastern following the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings revealed the importance of utilizing health coping or resilience strategies, mental health awareness campaigns, and education programs by the policymakers and stakeholders.

Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Farming Communities: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study of Participant Use and Acceptability.

Farmers have higher rates of depression than nonfarmers and higher rates of suicide than the general population. Several barriers to help seeking have been identified in farmers, which may be overcome by offering web-based mental health support. Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) is an effective intervention used to prevent and treat mild to moderate depression but has not been evaluated in the farming community. This study explored the feasibility of delivering a cCBT course tailored to farmers using a mixed methods approach. Farmers (aged ≥18 years) with no, minimal, or moderately severe depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] score <20) were recruited using web-based and offline advertisements and given access to a cCBT course consisting of 5 core modules and automated and personalized email support. Depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7), and social functioning (Work and Social Adjustment Scale) were measured at baseline and the 8-week follow-up. Wilcoxon signed rank tests assessed changes in scores for all outcome measures over time. Telephone interviews focusing on participant use and satisfaction with the course were analyzed using thematic analysis. Overall, 56 participants were recruited; 27 (48%) through social media. Overall, 62% (35/56) of participants logged into the course. At baseline, almost half of the participants reported experiencing minimal depressive symptoms (25/56, 45%) and mild anxiety (25/56, 45%), and just over half (30/56, 54%) reported mild to moderate functional impairment. Posttreatment data were available for 27% (15/56) of participants (41/56, 73% attrition rate). On average, participants experienced fewer depressive symptoms (P=.38) and less functional impairment (P=.26) at the 8-week follow-up; these results were not statistically significant. Participants experienced significantly fewer symptoms of anxiety at the 8-week follow-up (P=.02). Most participants (13/14, 93%) found the course helpful and easy to access (10/13, 77%) and the email support helpful (12/14, 86%). Qualitative interviews identified heavy workloads and mental health stigma within the farming community as barriers to help seeking. Participants thought that web-based support would be helpful, being convenient and anonymous. There were concerns that older farmers and those with limited internet connections may have difficulty accessing the course. Improvements regarding the layout and content of the course were suggested. Dedicated support from someone with farming knowledge was recommended to improve retention. cCBT may be a convenient way of supporting mental health within farming communities. However, challenges in recruiting and retaining farmers may indicate that cCBT supported only by email may not be an acceptable mode of mental health care delivery for many; however, it was valued by respondents. Involving farming organizations in planning, recruitment, and support may address these issues. Mental health awareness campaigns targeting farming communities may also help reduce stigma and improve recruitment and retention.

The Impact of Covid-19 Towards Education Expenditure: Evidence from China

Purpose This paper aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the study and life of graduate students, understand the current practical problems faced by effective graduate students, and explore the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the life of graduate students in universities. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the graduate students of Guizhou University are targeted, and the specific impacts of COVID-19 on their personal safety, extra costs, self-control ability and employment are expounded. Findings The study founds that to support university graduate students during the prevention and control period, focus on establishing effective psychological support mechanisms and self-discipline development programs. Provide accessible counseling services and mental health awareness campaigns while enhancing resources to boost self-control and time management skills, especially for remote studying. Additionally, reinforce employment services with improved career guidance and job placement support, and address enrollment pressure through better communication and mentorship initiatives Research limitations/implications In this context, it is necessary to study the obstacles and problems brought by the COVID-19 epidemic to the study of graduate students in universities and try to resolve the adverse effects caused by the epidemic. Originality/value It points out various difficulties facing graduate students in universities under the background of epidemic prevention and control, and puts forward some appropriate suggestions based on the actual situation, so as to provide some insights for graduate students to understand how to deal with the negative effects of COVID-19