Perceptions Of Mental Health Services Research Articles

Attitude, Knowledge and Perception Among General Public About Tele-Manas Services in Delhi NCR

This study delves into the impact of the National Tele Mental Health Programme of India, known as Tele MANAS, on public access to and perceptions of mental health services in Delhi NCR. Despite India's rich history in mental health awareness, contemporary hurdles such as accessibility and stigma persist. Tele MANAS end eavours to tackle these challenges by offering integrated tele-mental health services across the nation. Through a cross-sectional study involving 207 participants, this research delves into public attitudes, knowledge and awareness regarding Tele MANAS. Findings reveal a notable demand for mental health services but a limited awareness of the program. Notably, social media and television emerged as primary channels for awareness dissemination. While attitudes toward Tele MANAS were generally positive, there remains a need for targeted outreach to engage neutral segments of the population. Analysis uncovered variations in demand, awareness, and perception, highlighting the necessity for tailored strategies. This research holds significant implications for improving Tele MANAS's efficacy and advancing mental health care in India. By understanding the current landscape and addressing gaps in awareness and access, Tele MANAS can better serve the populace, particularly in regions like Delhi NCR. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to destigmatize mental health issues and ensure equitable access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of background or demographics.

Unraveling Trust Issues Towards Mental Health Professionals Among Bedouin-Arab Minority in Israel.

Trust in mental health professionals and services profoundly impacts health outcomes. However, understanding trust in mental health professionals, especially in ethnic minority contexts, is lacking. To explore this within the Bedouin-Arab minority, a qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 Bedouins in southern Israel. Participants were primarily female (60%) married (60%), averaging 34.08 years old. Employing grounded theory, three themes emerged. Firstly, concerns about confidentiality were central, eroding trust due to societal repercussions. Secondly, factors influencing confidentiality concerns and distrust were tied to Bedouin-Arab social structures and cultural values rather than professional attributes. Lastly, the consequences of distrust included reduced help-seeking. This study enriches the understanding of trust in mental health professionals among non-Western ethnic minorities, highlighting how cultural factors shape perceptions of mental health services and distrust. Addressing confidentiality worries demands Bedouin mental health professionals to acknowledge hurdles, build community ties, and demonstrate expertise through personal connections and events.

Barriers, Facilitators, and Preferences for Mental Health Services Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Qualitative Study.

Although patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience high levels of depression and anxiety disorders, evidence concerning patient perceptions of facilitators and barriers to effective uptake of mental health services (eg, referral to therapists and psychiatrists, psychoeducational interventions, or support groups) is limited. We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 15 adults with SLE to explore patient experiences and perceptions of mental health services to identify facilitators and barriers to accessing mental health care among patients with SLE. Qualitative interviews were conducted via telephone and audio recorded for transcription and directed content analysis using NVivo software by two coders. The median age of the 15 participants was 48 years, 87% were female, 33% identified as Black or African American, and 33% identified as Hispanic or Latino. Qualitative themes were organized into three domains: barriers, facilitators, and preferences for mental health services. Barriers to the use of mental health services include mental health stigma, sociodemographic factors, lack of autonomy, and time commitment. Facilitators to the use of mental health services included strong relationships with their rheumatologists and mental health care clinician experience with patients with SLE. Preferences for mental health services included education-based formats, mental health providers who work with patients with SLE, peer group formats, demographically and disease-matched psychological resources, and an emphasis on non-disease-related activities. In the setting of persistent unmet psychosocial needs of patients living with SLE, data from this qualitative study will inform the development and refinement of mental health interventions that bolster psychological wellbeing in the SLE population.

Black Students’ Mental Help-Seeking Processes During College Matriculation

The present study examined how Black students’ pre-college beliefs and perceptions of mental health services influenced their help-seeking behaviors, both within and beyond college counseling services. Using semi-structured interview data and consensual qualitative research methods (CQR), we examined the experiences of 48 Black college women and men (ages 18–22) sampled from two universities. We identified the following four themes: (1) pre-college experiences shape mental health knowledge (MHK); (2) college adjustment challenges as a precursor to seeking treatment; (3) negative perceptions of college counseling services; and (4) campus community mental health support. Upon seeking counseling services, many students encountered a lack of diversity in counseling staff and cultural mistrust. Thus, they opted to seek mental health support in campus community spaces curated by Black student organizations and administrators. Overall, our findings suggest Black students engage in various alternative campus community spaces to support their mental health. We conclude by discussing the need for deliberate and specialized mental health support for Black students.

Public Relations Panacea for Mental Health-Care Delivery: Study of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos

This mixed-methods study investigates the role of public relations in enhancing mental healthcare delivery at Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos. The study examines a sample of 400 respondents through interviews, surveys, and document analysed to explore the implementation and impact of public relations initiatives. Document analysis examines the strategies and out-of-public relations campaigns at the hospital. Findings highlight the critical role of public relations in changing negative perceptions, promoting inclusivity, and fostering understanding. The study shows that public relations initiatives, and communication techniques, including media campaigns and community outreach programs, can foster a positive perception of mental healthcare, disseminate essential information, advocate for increased support, and bridge the gap of limited public awareness about mental health resources and services. The study's findings contribute to knowledge on the role of public relations in mental health and provide insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and public relations practitioners seeking to improve mental healthcare services. The research underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to address challenges in the mental health sector.This mixed-methods study investigated the role of public relations in improving mental health services at Yaba Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Lagos. Using interviews, surveys, and document analysis, the study investigated a sample of 400 respondents to explore the implementation and impact of public relations initiatives. In particular, document analysis examined the strategies and campaigns undertaken by the hospital. The findings underscore the critical role of public relations in reshaping negative perceptions, fostering inclusivity, and nurturing understanding. In addition, the study revealed that public relations initiatives, coupled with communication techniques such as media campaigns and community outreach programs, can foster positive perceptions of mental health services, facilitate the dissemination of important information, advocate for increased support, and bridge the gap between limited public awareness of mental health resources and services. This research offers insights for policy makers, health professionals, and public relations practitioners seeking to improve mental health services. In addition, this study emphasizes the need for continued efforts to address the challenges faced in the mental health sector, including a clearer delineation of research boundaries and a deeper exploration of the barriers faced in implementing public relations initiatives in hospital settings.

Perceptions of Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Student Community: Needs, Barriers, and Access

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic devasted health outcomes and economies globally. As a result, many suffered financial hardships, childcare challenges, and poor mental health due to the pandemic’s negative effects. Young people were particularly affected by the pandemic as it pertained to education, social isolation, and access to essential resources and services. Additionally, the U.S. experienced a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ proposals and laws were introduced or passed in various states across the country, particularly in the South. LGBTQ+ youth and young adults are more likely to experience and report poor mental health compared to their straight counterparts. As a result, my two research collaborators (Dr. Gayle Beck and Phillis Lewis) and I proposed to examine the perceptions of mental health services, access, and availability among the LGBTQ+ student community and LGBTQ+ identifying faculty and staff on the University of Memphis campus. As a result of the pending or enacted anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the effects of the pandemic, a needs assessment was conducted. Three methodological approaches were used to capture student, faculty, and staff insights; an online survey, focus groups, and interviews. The results of the needs assessment suggest that efforts could be used to improve access and reduce barriers for LGBTQ+ students on campus to improve overall mental health by facilitating the provision of counseling services, improving the campus atmosphere for students via training, and supporting LGBTQ mental health on campus.

“We’re not educated on that enough, and we really should be”: adolescents’ views of mental health service education

ABSTRACT Purpose Despite the susceptibility to the experience of mental distress during adolescence, this population often demonstrate poor help-seeking behaviours. Efforts have been made by schools to address adolescents’ knowledge around mental health; less focus has been given to addressing their knowledge of mental health services and avenues for help-seeking. This study aimed to explore adolescents’ views of mental health services education. Methods An interpretive descriptive design was adopted. Thirty adolescents from Ireland participated in individual interviews. Data were analysed using content analysis. Two themes were identified Recognizing Gaps in Knowledge about Mental Health Service Education, and Enhancing Mental Health Service Education for Young People. Participants reported gaps in their knowledge about mental health services and were uncertain how to access help. Current strategies (e.g., print media) were considered tokenistic and ineffective; instead, multimedia (film/TV) approaches were recommended. Results Two themes were identified: Recognizing Gaps in Knowledge about Mental HealthService Education, and Enhancing Mental Health Service Education for YoungPeople. Participants reported gaps in their knowledge about mental healthservices and were uncertain how to access help. Current strategies (e.g., print media) were considered tokenistic and ineffective; instead, multimedia (film/TV) approaches were recommended. Conclusions Current mental health education programmes need to expand their focus beyond social/emotional well-being, providing adolescents with the knowledge they need to access appropriate supports. Considering traditional print media was viewed as ineffective, while film/TV had an influence on perceptions of mental health services, a multimedia approach to education may be an effective way of engaging this population.

Perceptions of mental health services among the children who are in conflict with the law in Jammu and Kashmir.

Background: Due to the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, many teenagers are involved in disputes with the law. The conflict made generations suffer for decades. Such children made the mobs; being involved in life-threatening situations and the risk they confront develop psychiatric disorders. As a result of the various tense conditions when applied in multiple anti-social activities, aberrant children sent to correctional homes have to encounter numerous psychological disorders. Aim: The motive of the study is to explore the level of awareness, availability of services, stigma and obstacles to seeking assistance. Method: Due to the open-ended interview questions and a small sample size of 15 respondents, this study employed a qualitative methodology - a thematic analysis was done. Results: The findings revealed that, although the stigma is not publicly acknowledged, children who break the law and seek mental health services (MHS) are stigmatised. It was also shown that minor offenders fear that when they receive services provided by the staff of the observation home (OH), there will be a violation of their privacy and fear unforeseen repercussions. Conclusion: Collaborative action must proactively raise appropriate awareness to lessen the stigma linked with mental health problems, especially regarding MHS among these teenagers.

An Ethics Assessment Model for Teaching Global Health Program and Policy Implementation

This mixed-method study surveyed and interviewed 60 High Income Country (HIC) US citizens/immigrants and Low-to-Middle-Income-Country (LMIC) citizens of African heritage on their perceptions of mental health services in African communities for implementation and research planning. In this study, ethics was a core emergent theme for global health initiatives and challenges, including political will for ethical change, community gatekeepers, level of government involvement, community-wide participation, public-private sector collaboration, health literacy and education, transparency, continuous monitoring, and consequences for ethical infractions. Based on our findings, we propose an active teaching and learning methodology of problem-based (PBL) and team-based learning (TBL) with multi-level HIC-LMIC citizen engagement for ethics in global health program productivity and sustainability. The intended result is to produce ethically trained and equipped health professionals, enhanced HIC and LMIC capacity building, cultural humility, and decolonization of health programs and policies.

“I Personally Wouldn’t Know Where to Go”: Adolescents’ Perceptions of Mental Health Services

The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of mental health services from the perspectives of adolescents with no prior service experience. Thirty students in the Transition Year (fourth year) of secondary school participated in this study: 22 females and 8 males, aged 15 to 16. There was equal distribution across rural and urban settings. Participants had no prior experience of accessing mental health services. Data were collected in secondary school settings in the Republic of Ireland. An interpretive description approach guided this study. Data were collected through individual interviews. To complement interviews, participants drew images of mental health care environments and mental health staff members; drawings were not subjected to analysis. Data (participant interviews) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three themes were identified. Participants suggested that “mental health services” differed from “psychiatric services,” with the latter term perceived more negatively. Uncertainty about how to access these services was voiced. Considering the vulnerability of adolescents to the experience of mental distress, education around mental health services is warranted. It is expected that provision of education in this area would enhance service delivery, improve adolescents’ help-seeking behaviors for mental distress, and reduce stigma.

Review: Unaccompanied refugee minors' perception of mental health services and professionals: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

Unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) are a population at risk of mental health problems and a population with whom the therapeutic alliance can be difficult to set up. The therapeutic alliance's quality can impact the result and effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions. The aim of the present study was to gather URMs' points of view about mental health services and mental health professionals (MHP) in the host country. A summary of interviews conducted with URMs will allow a better understanding of their perception and expectations. Seven databases were searched with English and French keywords. In the end, nine studies were selected. The review of the interviews shows that URMs do not have a clear perception of MHP - it seems difficult for them to trust MHP, but also to understand the value of sharing past painful experiences to reduce current symptoms. They can have a negative perception of mental health and consider that this is not a priority. URMs prefer to focus on day-to-day problems, do activity-based interventions and do group sessions to value social interactions. Clinical and methodological implications are discussed. The development of an instrument to evaluate therapeutic care for URMs could be interesting for future research and for clinicians.

Barriers and Facilitators to Professional Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior: Perspective of Malaysian LGBT Individuals

Abstract This qualitative study explored the facilitators and barriers influencing professional mental health help-seeking among Malaysian LGBT young adults (n = 28). The main barriers identified were internal resistance, lack of resources and information about mental health, limited availability and accessibility to services, negative perception of mental health services, and stigma against LGBT communities. The facilitators were self-awareness, having resources and information, accessibility or availability of mental health services, and positive attitudes and beliefs about these services. Perspectives from our participants strongly highlight the requirement of culturally competent practices and LGBT-affirmative policies for better provision of mental health services among the LGBT communities.

Perception of service users and their caregivers on primary care-based mental health services: a qualitative study in Nepal

BackgroundIntegration of mental health services into primary health care systems has been advocated as a strategy to minimize the tremendous mental health treatment gap, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Barriers to integration of mental health into primary health care have been widely documented; however, very little is known about the perception of service users and their caregivers on primary care-based mental health services. This study assessed service users’ and caregivers’ perceptions of mental health services provided by trained primary health care workers in Nepal.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted among people with depression, psychosis, alcohol use disorder and epilepsy, and their caregivers in Chitwan, a district in southern Nepal. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 service users and 38 caregivers to assess their perceptions about the accessibility of the services, types of services they received, skills and competencies of health care providers, satisfaction and barriers to receiving services.ResultsOverall, both service users and caregivers were satisfied with the mental health services provided by primary health care providers. They also perceived health workers to be competent and skillful because the services they received were effective in reducing their mental health problems. Both psychological and pharmacological services were made available free of cost, however, they considered psychological services more effective than pharmacological treatment. Major challenges and difficulties accessing services were associated with frequent transfer of trained health workers, non-availability of the same health care provider at follow-ups, frequent stock-out of medicines or non-availability of required medicines, lack of a confidential space for consultation in health facilities, and stigmatizing and negative behavior of some health workers.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that both service users and caregivers perceived primary care-based mental health services to be accessible, acceptable and effective. The key recommendations emerging from this study for improving mental health services in primary care include the provision of a separate cadre of psychosocial workers to provide psychological interventions, developing quick and efficient mechanisms for the procurement and supply of psychotropic medicines, establishing a confidential place within health facilities for consultation, and further training of health workers to reduce stigma.

Migrants in Austria and their understanding of mental health issues

Abstract Psychosocial needs are common among migrants but their use of mental health services is not. Little is known about the understanding of mental health issues by migrants and their perception of mental health services. The study aims to provide a basis for further developments of the mental health system to contribute to health equity in the long term. Qualitative research: literature review, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. 54 migrants from Afghanistan, Somalia, arabic-speaking countries and Turkey and 16 experts were involved. Access was gained through cooperating with an institution offering various health services in different languages and well-known by migrant communities. Migrants from Turkey with long residence in Austria and linked to psychosocial services were chosen as reference group. There are many similarities among socio-economically disadvantaged people in terms of their understanding of mental health and their willingness to seek and accept support. However, differences can also be observed which are related to country of origin or gender, but also to acculturation status, current life situation or previous experiences within the home or the receiving country. The Turkish reference group shows, that mental health issues are given higher priority in the course of time. To quicken this process, targeted measures for the promotion of health literacy are decisive, but also integration possibilities and the social climate. With a wide range of access and psychosocial support options, attitudes like openness, impartiality and flexibility among health professionals, it is possible to reach migrants with psychosocial needs. A stronger exchange on how people with a migration background and psychosocial needs are perceived and reached is needed. But also activities to increase the diversity of support services and to carry information about mental health issues as well as the existing services into the migrant communities Key messages Specific activities can improve the knowledge about mental health issues within migrant communities. A wide range of access and psychosocial support services is needed to address the diversity.

Foster care alumni’s perception of mental health services while in foster care: a focus on the mental health provider and therapeutic process

ABSTRACT Studies have shown that children and youth in foster care have high rates of mental health service use. Few studies have examined the perceptions youth form when receiving these services. This is important as positive or negative perceptions in the utilization of mental health services have a significant impact in whether individuals continue or seek mental health services. To inform current mental health service use by foster care alumni, this qualitative study sought to examine the perceptions foster care alumni formed about the interpersonal aspects of the therapeutic relationship while receiving mental health services during their time in foster care.

General practitioners\u2019 experiences and perceptions of mild moderate depression management and factors influencing effective service delivery in rural Australian communities: a qualitative study

BackgroundRural communities in Australia face significant disadvantages relating to geographical isolation and limited access to mental health services. Documenting general practitioners’ (GP) experiences and perception of mental health services in rural Australia may be useful to gain insight into rural GP management of mild to moderate depression.AimsTo explore GPs’ experience and views on which factors influence access to mental health services for mild to moderate depression.MethodThis qualitative study was conducted in 2014 in the Northern Rivers, NSW, Australia. Data were obtained from semi-structured in-depth face-to-face interviews with ten GPs, and analyses were performed using a general inductive method of thematic analysis.ResultsMost GPs believed that the current services for managing mild-moderate depression were adequate, however they also identified the need for better access and more services that were free for patients. GPs had a positive perception of management of depression in a rural setting, identifying advantages including better doctor-patient relationships, continuity of care and the proximity of services. However, GPs also identified several barriers to access to mental health services in a rural setting, including long waiting-times, inadequate patient rapport with referred professionals, cost of treatment, transportation, geographical location, stigma, and lack of education about available mental health services. As a result, GPs frequently self-managed patients in addition to referring them to other community mental health service providers where possible.ConclusionOverall, GPs appeared relatively satisfied with the resources available in their communities but also identified numerous barriers to access and room for improvement. Rural GPs often self-managed patients in addition to referring patients to other mental health services providers. This should be taken into account when designing mental health policies, developing new services or re-designing current services in rural communities.

Utilization of professional mental health services according to recognition rate of mental health centers

BackgroundDespite the positive effect of community-based mental health centers, the utilization of professional mental health services appears to be low. Therefore, we analyzed the relationship between regional recognition of mental health centers and utilization of professional mental health services. MethodsWe used data from the Community Health Survey (2014) and e-provincial indicators. Only those living in Seoul, who responded that they were either feeling a lot of stress or depression, were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equations was performed to examine both individual- and regional-level variables associated with utilization of professional mental health services. ResultsAmong the 7338 participants who reported depression or stress, 646 (8.8%) had consulted a mental health professional for their symptoms. A higher recognition rate of mental health centers was associated with more utilization of professional mental health services (odds ratio [OR]=1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.03–1.07). ConclusionsAccessibility to professional mental health services could be improved depending on the general population's recognition and attitudes toward mental health centers. Therefore, health policy-makers need to plan appropriate strategies for changing the perception of mental health services and informing the public about both the benefits and functions of mental health centers.

Public health professionals' perceptions of mental health services in Equatorial Guinea, Central-West Africa.

IntroductionMental health disorders constitute 13% of global disease burden, the impacts of which are disproportionality felt in sub-Saharan Africa. Equatorial Guinea, located in Central-West Africa, has the highest per-capita investment in healthcare on the African continent, but only two studies have discussed mental health issues in the country and none of have examined the perspective of professionals working in the field. The purpose of this study was to gain a preliminary understanding of Equatoguinean health care professionals' perspectives on the mental health care system.MethodsNine adult participants (directors or program managers) were interviewed in July 2013 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from government agencies, aid organizations, hospitals, and pharmacies. Interviews were designed to collect broad information about the mental healthcare system in Equatorial Guinea including the professionals' perspectives and access to resources. This research was reviewed and approved by an ethical oversight committee.ResultsAll individuals interviewed indicated that the mental health system does not currently meet the needs of the community. Professionals cited infrastructural capacity, stigmatization, and a lack of other resources (training programs, knowledgeable staff, medications, data) as key factors that limit the effectiveness of mental healthcare.ConclusionThis study provides a preliminary understanding of the existing mental health care needs in the country, highlighting opportunities for enhanced healthcare services.

Rural Women Veterans' Use and Perception of Mental Health Services

While the total number of veterans in the U.S. is decreasing overall, the number of women veterans is significantly increasing. There are numerous barriers which keep women veterans from accessing mental health care. One barrier which can impact receiving care is living in a rural area. Veterans in rural areas have access to fewer mental health services than do urban residing veterans, and women veterans in general have less access to mental health care than do their male colleagues. Little is known about rural women veterans and their mental health service needs. Women, who have served in the military, have unique problems related to their service compared to their male colleagues including higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and military sexual trauma (MST). This qualitative study investigated use of and barriers to receiving mental health care for rural women veterans. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten women veterans who have reported experiencing problems with either MST, PTSD, or combat trauma. All ten women had utilized mental health services during active-duty military service, and post service, in Veterans Administration (VA) community based-outpatient clinics. Several recurring themes in the women's experience were identified. For all of the women interviewed, a sentinel precipitating event led to seeking mental health services. These precipitating events included episodes of chronic sexual harassment and ridicule, traumatic sexual assaults, and difficult combat experiences. Efforts to report mistreatment were unsuccessful or met with punishment. All the women interviewed reported that they would not have sought services without the help of a supportive peer who encouraged seeking care. Barriers to seeking care included feeling like they were not really a combat veteran (in spite of serving in a combat unit in Iraq); feeling stigmatized by providers and other military personnel, being treated as crazy; and a lack of interest from those providing care in hearing their stories. This study may generate positive social change by helping providers approach women veterans in a way that is sympathetic to their experiences.

Mental health stigmatisation in deployed UK Armed Forces: a principal components analysis

IntroductionUK military research suggests that there is a significant link between current psychological symptoms, mental health stigmatisation and perceived barriers to care (stigma/BTC). Few studies have explored the construct of...