Perceptions of Mental Health and Help-seeking Behavior in an Urban Community in Vietnam: an Explorative Study

Overview

Journal Community Ment Health J

Specialty Health Services

Date 2011 Mar 17

PMID 21409418

Citations 27

Authors

Lia van der Ham

Pamela Wright

Thang Vo Van

Vuong D K Doan

Jacqueline E W Broerse

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This explorative study assesses perceptions of mental health and help-seeking behavior among adults in Vietnam. Methods included questionnaires (200) and focus group discussions (eight). Respondents were often unable to name specific mental illnesses. Frequently mentioned symptoms of mental illness were talking nonsense, talking/laughing alone and wandering. Pressure/stress and studying/thinking too much were often identified causes. Most respondents showed a preference for medical treatment options, often in combination with family care. The results show that perceptions of mental health and help-seeking behaviour are influenced by a lack of knowledge and a mix of traditional and modern views.

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