Prevalence Of Mental Distress Research Articles

Occupational class, gender, mental distress and use of psychotherapy

Abstract Introduction Previous studies have shown the effects of occupational class and gender on mental distress and use of psychotherapy. However, less is known about the mental distress-based use of psychotherapy in different occupational classes. Objectives The aim of our study is to show how the prevalence of mental distress and the use of long-term psychotherapy correlates in different occupational classes by gender. Methods Data were drawn from the Rise of Mental Vulnerability Study (psychotherapy) and FinHealth 2017 Study (mental distress). Adjusting for age, we calculated GHQ caseness, psychotherapy use rate, and the ratio between GHQ caseness and psychotherapy use rate in three occupational classes (upper non-manual employees, lower non-manual employees, and manual workers) separately for men and women. Age-adjustment was performed through regression analysis by using model generated predicted values of GHQ caseness and psychotherapy use rate at the average sample age of 40. Results In the group of upper non-manual men there were 10 persons with severe mental distress for every single person having used psychotherapy. For lower non-manual men and manual male workers the numbers were 14 and 31, respectively. In the group of upper non-manual women there were six persons with severe mental distress for every person having used psychotherapy. For lower non-manual women and manual female workers these numbers were nine and 18, respectively. Conclusions We found differences in the mental distress-based use of state-subsidized long-term psychotherapy between occupational classes. For upper non-manual workers, the use of therapy best meets their mental distress. The opposite is true for manual workers. We also found differences between men and women, but these findings should be confirmed with larger datasets.

Mental distress and associated factors among college students in Kemisie district, Ethiopia

Mental health problems such as distress affect society in a non-differential fashion. In recent decades, mental distress is becoming a common health problem among students. In this regard, there is limited information about the problem available in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of mental distress among college students in Kemisie district, Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 students from February 11 to 14 2020. A stratified sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Self-reporting questionnaire (referred to as the SRQ-20) is a standardized questionnaire having 20-item questions and was used as a tool for mental distress. Appropriate descriptive statistics was done. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with mental distress. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance. A p value < 0.05 was used to declare the statistical significance of the variables. Prevalence of mental distress among students was 17.6% (95% CI 13.8–21.4%). Not having close friends (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI 1.61–8.14), attend religious programs (AOR = 0.23; 95% CI 0.14–0.53), conflict with friend (AOR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.44–6.33), not having pocket money (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.27–25.80), ever use of Chat (AOR = 5.06; 95% CI 2.12–11.80), current use of Chat (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI 1.04–9.82), decreased grade than anticipated (AOR = 3.20; 95% CI 1.436–7.16), and low and moderate social support (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI 1.41–7.92) and (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.08–5.68), respectively were statistically significantly associated factors of mental distress. The overall prevalence of mental distress among students in Kemisie district, Ethiopia was high. In Ethiopia, along with the current economic crisis and the absence of social support, the problem could be increased. Therefore, the mental health needs of the college students require attention with special emphasis on not having close friends, never attending religious programs, conflict with friends, absence of pocket money, students who use Khat, and those who have low social support.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS DUE TO ACADEMIC STRESS AMONG FIRST YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS OF GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL OF PATIALA

Objective: Numerous studies have shown that mental distress is a common problem among medical students. The impact of medical student psychological distress on academic performance has not been systematically examined. This study provided an opportunity to explore problems faced by struggling undergraduate 1st-year medical students and the influence of demographics and academic distress on these rates of distress.to assess the level of mental distress and associated factors among medical students. Methods: The study was conducted on medical students at Government Medical College and Hospital, Patiala. Data were collected from 154 consenting 1st-year medical students using a three-part structured, self-administered questionnaire (Part I: Background Data, Part II: The 20- item Self Reporting Questionnaire [SRQ-20] English version, and Part III: Academic Stress Score [ASS-40]). Results: Analysis shows that 35.06% of the sample is experiencing high levels of psychological distress. Results further suggests that psychological distress is related to perceived health and academic stress. There were no significant differences in gender and other demographic variables. Conclusions: The study shows that the prevalence of mental distress among medical students at medical college is higher than that reported by students of other streams. Continued supportive interventions for medical students and proper counseling and mentorship programs are highly recommended.

Mental distress among university students in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

IntroductionMental distress is a global health concern. Studies show that the prevalence of mental distress is higher in students’ population than in the general population. Therefore, there is need to understand the extent and factors associated with mental distress among students to help policymakers and practitioners in South Africa.Aim of the studyThe study was designed to investigate into the prevalence and factors associated with mental distress among students at universities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among students from four universities in the Eastern Cape Province. The data were collected from 844 students using an online self-reporting questionnaire-20 to assess mental distress of students. Multivariable logistic regression modelling determined the association between socio-demographic and psychosocial factors with students’ mental distress.FindingsThe prevalence of mental distress among students was 53.3% (95% CI 47.0%, 58.1%). Female students were more prone to mental distress than male students ([AOR]: 4.67; 95% CI 2.82, 7.72, P = 0.001). Field of study ([AOR]: 3.9; 95% CI 1.74, 5.50, P = 0.010), year of study ([AOR]: 4.29; 95% CI 0.86, 21.46, P = 0.002), academic workload ([AOR]: 4.66; 95% CI 2.81, 7.71, P = 0.003), poor sleep quality ([AOR]: 2.24; 95% CI 1.13, 3.67, P = 0.010) and using cannabis ([AOR]: 3.10; 95% CI 1.755, 5.51, P = 0.020) were other factors significantly correlated with students’ mental distress.Conclusions and recommendationsThe study found the level of mental distress to be higher among students than what is reported in most of the previous studies on the student population in South Africa. Being a female student, a user of cannabis, and field of study, academic workload and having poor sleep quality were predictors of mental distress. Findings point to the need to devise evidence-driven interventions and strategies to prevent and reduce the problem of mental distress among students.

Mental distress and associated factors among women who experienced gender based violence and attending court in South Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundGender-based violence is an act that has physical, psychological, and sexual consequences for women. It is a widespread issue, particularly in developing countries, and it causes women mental distress. Despite the fact that gender-based violence has a significant impact on mental distress, there have no study in Ethiopia. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of mental distress among mothers who had experienced gender-based violence and were in court.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 samples. The data was entered into Epi-data version 3.01 and analyzed with SPSS version 21. Binary logistic regression was used, and variables with p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant with regard to mental distress at the respective 95% CI.ResultThe prevalence of mental distress was found to be 59.6% in this study. Mental distress was associated with factors such as a lack of social support, a lack of formal education, a husband's substance use, rural residence, age greater than 33 years, and a low family income.ConclusionThe prevalence of mental distress is high when compared to the majority of previous findings from other countries. Screening and managing psychological distress in women with a history of violence is preferable, and integrating psychosocial care into court services is recommended.

Mental distress and food insecurity in pregnancy.

Food insecurity is a source of daily stress, especially in women. The aim was to investigate the association between mental distress and food insecurity in pregnant women. Cross-sectional study with pregnant women from the public health service, regardless risk stratification, or gestational trimester in Colombo-PR, Brazil. Poisson regression models were progressively adjusted for exposure variables. Results: Among the participating pregnant women (N=513) the prevalence of mental distress was 50.1%; associated with mild food insecurity (PR 1.34, 95%CI 1.12; 1.61) and moderate/severe food insecurity (PR 1.70, 95%CI 1.33; 2.19). The variable that most changed the association between the outcome and mild food insecurity was income (-4.48%) and, for moderate/severe food insecurity, education (-7.60%). For mild and moderate/severe food insecurity, the greatest reduction occurred with socioeconomic variables 4.5% (PR 1.27, 95%CI 1.05; 1.53) and 8.0% (PR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17; 1.93), respectively. The association between food insecurity and mental distress was consistent, and increased with the degree of food insecurity, with a greater reduction for socioeconomic variables.

Psychological Appraisal of Periodontal Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Introduction- The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak impacts the mental health of patients, health workers, and the public. The level of impact on the mental health of periodontal patients in treatment is unknown. AimThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the psychological stress of periodontal patients who were undergoing treatment during this COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Method- An online survey was conducted on a convenience sample of anonymous participants who were getting treatment done in various dental clinics. The questionnaire comprised of 4 sections. Sections 1-3 included demographic, perception of pandemic and periodontal status of the patients. Section 4 assessed mental health status of periodontal patient. Statistically analysis was done by using descriptive analysis. Result- Questionnaires were collected from 1042 patients (398 males, 644 females). The prevalence of mental distress was 95.48% (995/1042). Higher frequency distributions were associated with female participants. The major cause of anxiety was found to be associated with prolonged treatment duration. Conclusion- Almost all the periodontal patients experienced mental stress during the pandemic. Multiple factors affected the level of anxiety of periodontal patients, such as the delayed treatment, time since last dental visit, manner of communication with the periodontist, and stress of the pandemic progression.

Mental distress and demographic, behavioral, obstetric characteristics, and health condition in pregnant women

Introduction. Mental distress can have consequences for the health of women and children. Objective. To estimate the prevalence of mental distress and to identify its association with socioeconomic, demographic, health-related behaviors, obstetrics, and health status in pregnant women. Method. Cross-sectional study carried out with women undergoing prenatal care at the Unified Health System in Colombo-Paraná. The prevalence of mental distress was investigated using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Results. Among pregnant women (n = 605), the prevalence of mental distress was 47.9% (95% CI [44.0, 51.9]). After an adjusted analysis, the following was associated with the outcome: living without a partner (PR 1.27; 95% CI [1.06, 1.52]), having up to seven years of schooling (PR 1.30; 95% CI [1.04, 1.63]), performing moderate or intense physical activity (PR 1.47; 95% CI [1.02, 2.12]), consuming alcohol in the last 12 months (PR 1.29; 95% CI [1.08, 1.54]), being in the third pregnancy (PR 1.33; 95% CI [1.06, 1.67]), in the last trimester of pregnancy (PR 1.43; 95% CI [1.06, 1.94]), and the presence of a common pregnancy symptom (PR 1.56; 95% CI [1.15, 2.11]). Discussion and conclusion. Comprehensive mental health care during pregnancy is necessary especially for women in social vulnerability, at the end of pregnancy, and with worse health.

Occupational psychosocial stressors and mental distress among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACTObjective To analyze the factors associated with mental distress among health workers who cared for patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods A cross-sectional analytical study of national scope, carried out between in the second quarter of 2020. A total of 437 health professionals, who filled out an electronic form about sociodemographic data, occupational aspects, psychosocial characteristics of work and mental distress. Multiple logistic regression was performed to analyze the covariables associated with mental distress.Results There was a predominance of workers on the nursing team (65.0%), female (71.0%), from Southeastern region of the country (68.6%) and with no morbidities (36.2%). The prevalence of mental distress was 61.6%. Job strain was reported by 24% of participants, and the perception of low support from coworkers was described by 52.9%. The final multiple regression model showed that mental distress was associated with females (odds ratio - OR: 1.93; 95%CI: 1.22-3.07), age up to 40 years (OR: 1.64; 95%CI: 1.07-2.52), weekly working hours equal or over 60 hours (OR: 1.87; 95%CI: 1.15-3.11), job strain (OR: 2.45; 95%CI: 1.41-4.40) and low support from co-workers (OR: 3.47; 95%CI: 2.26-5.38).Conclusion Six out of ten participants presented mental distress, which was associated to both individual characteristics and factors related to the work carried out during the pandemic. There is an urgent need to map services that have such characteristics, to outline actions to promote mental health and prevent emotional distress at different levels of health care.

Effect of food insecurity on mental health of patients with tuberculosis in Southwest Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the effect of food insecurity on the mental health of patients with tuberculosis (TB) in Ethiopia.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingHealth centres and hospitals...

Mental Distress and Associated Factors Among Hospitalized Medical-Surgical Adult Inpatients in Public Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020: Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundMental distress is a mental or psychological syndrome which influences the health status, treatment effectiveness, and quality of care of a hospitalized medical-surgical inpatient. It is more common in a hospital setting than in a community setting. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of mental distress and associated factors among hospitalized medical-surgical adult inpatients in public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 408 study subjects from March 1 to 30, 2020. The study participants were recruited by systematic random sampling technique and data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis, and then binary and multiple logistic regressions were performed to check the association between dependent and independent variables.ResultsThe prevalence of mental distress among hospitalized medical-surgical adult inpatients in public hospitals was 53.1%. Variables of being married [AOR = 2.67; 95% CI (1.065, 6.683)], private employee [AOR = 2.21; 95% CI (1.001, 4.900)], daily laborer [AOR = 4.70; 95% CI (1.218, 18.215)], rural residence [AOR = 1.85; 95% CI (1.047, 3.264)], drinking alcohol [AOR = 1.68; 95% CI (1.025, 2.740)], previous psychiatric illness [AOR = 3.40; 95% CI (1.078, 10.737)] and comorbidity [AOR = 1.93; 95% CI (1.200, 3.094)] were found to be significantly associated with mental distress.ConclusionThe prevalence of mental distress was high and being married, a private employee, daily laborer, living in a rural area, previous history of psychiatric illness, alcohol use, and comorbidity were associated with mental distress among hospitalized adult inpatients. Therefore, healthcare providers should provide special consideration to those groups of patients admitted to the hospital.

Coping with post-hurricane mental distress: The role of neighborhood green space

BackgroundAlthough increases in the prevalence of mental distress have been reported after natural disasters, less is known about the role the environment may play in mitigating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in hurricane-impacted communities. AimThis study aims to investigate the extent to which concentration and perceived quality of neighborhood greenness are associated with lower levels of PTSD, along with potential mechanisms through which these effects occur. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of individuals (N=272) from 30 Houston neighborhoods that were affected during Hurricane Harvey. Perceived quality of neighborhood green space was measured using a scale adapted from the Neighborhood Open Space (NOS) scale, and concentration of greenness was measured objectively using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Probable PTSD was measured using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and hurricane-related distress using the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R). Generalized linear mixed models were used to fit individual models. Based on the results, structural equation models were employed to test direct and indirect pathways simultaneously. Models were adjusted for neighborhood- and individual-level confounders. ResultsGreater perceived quality of neighborhood green space was significantly associated with lower likelihoods of probable PTSD and hurricane-related distress. The effects of perceived green space quality on hurricane-related distress were mediated by higher levels of emotional resilience. Social cohesion, although significantly correlated with PTSD and distress, did not mediate the effect of perceived green space quality on either. Neighborhood NDVI was significantly associated with hurricane-related distress, but not with PTSD. ConclusionWe conclude that living in neighborhoods with greater perceived quality of green space was associated with lower levels of post-hurricane distress, with mediation especially through the emotional resilience pathway. These findings suggest that in disaster recovery policy frameworks, more attention should be paid to the benefits of high-quality neighborhood green infrastructure.

Neighborhood Environment, Internet Use and Mental Distress among Older Adults: The Case of Shanghai, China.

As the Internet evolves in urban communities, its consequences on mental distress have drawn significant research attention. We examine the relationships of mental distress with neighborhood environment and Internet use among older adults, using data from a representative sample of 2036 adults aged older than 60 years in Shanghai, China. We assess mental health with a 10-item scale from the Symptom Checklist 90 and Internet use with a 4-item scale and obtain information of neighborhood environment from an online map platform. Results from multilevel models show that both neighborhood environment and Internet use are significantly related to mental distress. Moreover, a worse neighborhood environment may strengthen the correlation between Internet use and mental distress, indicating the strong moderating role of the neighborhood environment. Thus, promoting Internet use among elderly people might result in a reduction in the prevalence of mental distress in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Suicidality among medical students

Medical training involves intense academic pressure and competition. Understandably, the prevalence of mental distress and suicidal behaviors is high among medical students. This article discusses the recognition and management of suicidal behavior at an individual as well as service/systems level. At the individual level, identification of common psychiatric symptoms, recognition of suicidal warning signs, adequate assessment, and appropriate referrals can prevent potential suicides. Various strategies have been successfully implemented at the population and high-risk group level. The introduction of technological methodologies may increase the reach of these preventive strategies. Student Wellness Centers can serve a significant role in preventing suicidal attempts and at-risk behaviors.

Mental distress among adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.

ABSTRACTRationaleData on the prevalence of mental distress among adult eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients are scarce. Also, a significant gap remains in the understanding of which determinants are related to significant psychological symptoms and whether distressed patients require and receive mental care.MethodsAdult EoE patients were invited to complete standardized measures on anxiety/depressive symptoms (HADS) and general psychopathology (SCL‐90‐R). All scores were compared to general population norms. Socio‐demographic and clinical factors were assessed.ResultsIn total, 147 adult EoE patients (61% males, age 43 (IQR 29–52) years were included (response rate 71%). No difference with general population values was found for total anxiety and depressive symptoms (7.8 ± 6.6 vs. 8.4 ± 6.3; p = 0.31). A total of 38/147(26%) patients reported high levels of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms (HADS‐A ≥ 8: 35/147(24%) and HADS‐D ≥ 8: 14/147(10%)), indicative of a possible psychiatric disorder. In a multivariate analysis, age between 18–35 years was independently associated with high levels of anxiety (HADS‐A ≥ 8) (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.3–6.9; p = 0.01). The SCL‐90‐R Global Severity Index (GSI) was significantly higher compared to the general population (p < 0.001). Significant signs of general mental distress (GSI ≥ 80th percentile) were observed in 51(36%) EoE patients, of which 29(57%) patients denied having any mental problems and only 8(16%) patients received mental care.ConclusionA considerable proportion of adult EoE patients suffers from mental distress, with a 3‐fold risk of significant anxiety in those patients younger than 35 years. Therefore, population‐based studies are required and a proactive approach in the screening for and treatment of these psychological symptoms in EoE practice seems essential.

Mental distress in orthodontic patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

IntroductionThe ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak impacts the mental health of patients, health workers, and the public. The level of impact on the mental health of orthodontic patients in treatment is unknown. The objective of the study was to evaluate the mental health of orthodontic patients in China during the early stage of the pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was conducted on a convenience sample of anonymous participants. The questionnaire, in Chinese (Mandarin), comprised 5 sections. Sections 1-3 included demographic, epidemical, and orthodontic status of the patients. Section 4 assessed mental health-related to orthodontics. Section 5 was the Kessler-10 Mental Distress Scale. A total of 48 orthodontists were invited to distribute the questionnaires to their patients. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, K-means cluster analysis, and bivariate logistics regression analysis were performed with significance set at P <0.05.ResultsQuestionnaires were collected from 558 patients (104 males, 354 females; mean age 24.78 ± 6.33 years). The prevalence of mental distress was 38% (174/458). Higher odds ratios were associated with female participants, missed appointments, and Hubei residence. The type of orthodontic appliance was associated with the anxiety of prolonged treatment duration. The manner of communication with patients regarding the postponement of appointments was associated with patients' concerns of prolonged treatment duration. The frequency of contact from dentists was associated with patients' independence.ConclusionsOver one-third of orthodontic patients experienced mental distress during the pandemic. Multiple factors affected the level of anxiety of orthodontic patients, such as the type of orthodontic appliance, time since last dental visit, manner of communication with the orthodontist, and the localities of the pandemic progression.

Mental Distress in Rural Areas of Indonesia

Background: There is a higher prevalence of mental distress in rural areas compared to urban areas in Indonesia. The rural areas of Indonesia have various socio-demographic and sophisticated cultural characteristics, but less exposed to foreign cultures. Thus, the study about the prevalence, associated factors, and predictors of mental distress in rural areas is necessary.Purpose: This study aimed to identify the population's status and related factors of mental distress in rural areas in Indonesia.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to achieve the aims of the study. An Indonesian version of the Self-Rated Questionnaire, consisting of 20 items, was used to measure mental distress status of population in rural areas in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A number of 872 records were included and analyzed using both univariate and bivariate analyses in this study.Results: The prevalence of mental distress in this population was 6%. The correlated factors of mental distress were age (χ2=6.93, p=0.01), gender (χ2=0.07, p=0.03), occupation (χ2=0.26, p=0.02), housing dimension (χ2=5.45, p=0.02), and illness status (χ2=0.01, p&lt;0.01).Conclusion: The prevalence of mental distress in rural areas of Indonesia is relatively lower than that of the national level. Future mental health programs may be focused on improving mental health on the elderly, male, vulnerable workers, overcrowded housing, and people who got a chronic illness.

The prevalence of mental distress and the association with education: a cross-sectional study of 18-49-year-old citizens of Yangon Region, Myanmar

BackgroundPoor mental health is an important contributor to the global burden of disease. Mental health problems are often neglected in communities, and are scarcely studied in developing countries, including Myanmar. This study estimates the prevalence of mental distress by socio-demographic and health related factors, and the association between education and mental distress. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first population-based study in Myanmar estimating the prevalence of mental distress.MethodsBetween October and November 2016, a cross sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage sampling design with face-to-face interviews using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-10) for mental distress (symptoms of depression and anxiety). The multivariable analysis strategy was based on Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs), to identify confounders, mediators and colliders. Pearson’s chi-square was used for testing differences between proportions and multiple linear regression analysis was applied to explore the association between education (years at school) and mental distress (HSCL score).ResultsA random sample of 2391 (99.6% response) men and women aged 18–49 years participated in the study. The prevalence of mental distress was 18.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14.7–21.9), being higher among women (21.2%; 95% (CI): 16.6–26.6) than men (14.9%; 95% (CI): 11.4–19.2). Older-age, being separated or divorced and having a higher number of children were associated with increased mental distress. In linear regression analyses, adjusted for confounders (age, marital status and income), there was a significant negative association between years at school and mental distress among women and older men (> 30 years), but not among the youngest men.ConclusionsThe prevalence of mental distress is high, and there is an association between HSCL-10 score and education. Due to the scarcity of mental health services in Myanmar, the findings indicate a need for a mental health policy to handle the burden of mental health problems in Yangon, a burden which is probably high within the country.

Validation of the Malay Mental Help Seeking Attitude Scale

There is a rise in the incidence and prevalence of mental distress among Malaysians. However, the rate of mental health service utilization is low. As mental help-seeking attitude is a strong predictor for seeking mental health treatment, it is important to validate a feasible and psychometrically sound instrument in the Malaysian context. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of a recently developed help-seeking attitude scale, the Mental Help Seeking Attitude Scale (MHSAS) among Malaysian youth. A total of 261 students from a secondary school (n=127) and a university (n=134) from the Klang Valley, Malaysia participated in this study. They were self-administered the 9-item Malay MHSAS along with the General Help-seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ) and Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH). Retest of the MHSAS was conducted with 47 students three months later. Factor analysis was employed to evaluate construct validity, while concurrent validity was determined through bivariate correlation with the SSOSH and GHSQ scales. Paired-samples t-test was conducted to evaluate test-retest reliability. The single dimensionality of the MHSAS’s original version was supported. Factor loadings ranged from .636 to .799, and inter-item correlation ranged from .547 to .726. Results revealed high internal consistency and test-retest reliability was confirmed. The scale also demonstrated acceptable concurrent validity when compared with the GHSQ and SSOSH. The Malay version of the MHSAS demonstrated good psychometric properties to measure help-seeking attitudes in the Malaysian youth population.

Food Insecurity and Mental Distress among Mothers in Rural Tigray and SNNP Regions, Ethiopia.

Access to safe and adequate food is a basic human right under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Globally, more than 870 million people consume less calories than they require, which can lead to disabling physical and mental health outcomes. This study was designed to investigate the association between household food insecurity and mental distress among mothers in the Tigray and SNNP regions of Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional survey was completed on a total of 2,992 households. A linear multiple regression model was used to study the association between food insecurity and mental distress. More than half of the study participants, 57.9%, were experiencing food insecurity. The prevalence of mental distress among the mothers was 39%. Food insecurity was significantly associated with mental distress after controlling for socioeconomic covariates. Integrating screening and management of mental distress would result in a better health status of the mothers and those under their care.