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Gunasekaran S, Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Subramaniam M. The perspectives of healthcare professionals in mental health settings on stigma and recovery - A qualitative inquiry. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:888. [PMID: 35804378 PMCID: PMC9270770 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health stigma is one of the most prominent barriers to recovery, and it is widely known that stigma may manifest differentially in different cultures. Healthcare professionals working closely with persons with mental illnesses (PMI) may provide important insights towards stigma that are otherwise unattainable from caregivers and consumers. However, there is a dearth of literature on healthcare professionals' perspectives on this topic. Thus, this study uses a multilevel approach to explore how stigma affects recovery from the perspectives of healthcare professionals that work closely with PMI in Singapore. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 17 healthcare professionals who were working in mental health settings in Singapore. Participants were recruited via direct email invitation or through snowball sampling. Data collected was analysed with the inductive thematic analysis method. All coding and inter-rater analyses were performed with NVivo. RESULTS The current study themes identified stigma-related factors that influence PMI's recovery from the perspectives of healthcare professionals working closely with PMI. These factors were organised into three overarching themes in a multilevel structure. The three themes were classified as Micro Factors (e.g., internalised stigma), Meso Factors (e.g., discrimination of people associated with the stigmatised group), and Macro Factors (e.g., structural stigma and stigma within healthcare settings). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study gave us a greater understanding of how stigma influences recovery in Singapore, which could be used to guide the development and implementation of future policies and strategies to promote recovery. Importantly, our results suggest that improving mental health literacy, addressing cultural misgivings towards mental illness, implementing recovery-oriented practices, and making insurance more accessible for PMI could mitigate the deleterious impact that stigma has on recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savita Gunasekaran
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chong Min Janrius Goh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
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Yuan Q, Zhang Y, Samari E, Jeyagurunathan A, Tan GTH, Devi F, Wang P, Magadi H, Goveas R, Ng LL, Subramaniam M. The impact of having foreign domestic workers on informal caregivers of persons with dementia - findings from a multi-method research in Singapore. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:305. [PMID: 35395748 PMCID: PMC8993210 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03002-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Informal caregivers of persons with dementia (PWDs) sometimes engage foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to support their caregiving journey. However, there has not been much research to establish if this is really beneficial. The current study aims to investigate whether engaging FDWs specifically for caregiving of PWDs truly moderates caregiver stress and to explore caregivers’ experiences of engaging FDWs. Methods A multi-method study design with a quantitative and qualitative sub-study was adopted. For the quantitative sub-study, 282 informal caregivers of PWDs were recruited. Propensity score matching analysis was used. For the qualitative sub-study, 15 informal caregivers with FDWs were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Results The quantitative sub-study confirmed that engaging FDWs did moderate the depressive symptoms of informal dementia caregivers (marginal effect = -3.35, p = 0.0497). However, such support did not affect their caregiving burden, self-efficacy, and perceived positive aspects of caregiving. The qualitative sub-study suggested that engaging FDWs is an ambivalent experience, which entails both support and challenges. Conclusions The current study confirmed previous research findings, that engaging FDWs moderated depressive symptoms among caregivers of PWDs, and it could be through their physical support such as in daily caregiving activities. Policy-makers may consider providing more subsidies to caregivers caring for PWDs with mobility issues to hire FDWs. They may also consider providing training to FDWs on dementia caregiving skills and improving the intake of such training as this might be helpful for both FDWs and caregivers during this journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yuan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Yunjue Zhang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Anitha Jeyagurunathan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Harish Magadi
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Goveas
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ling Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green, Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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Subramaniam M, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Tan GTH, Ong WJ, Chong SA. A Qualitative Exploration of the Views of Policymakers and Policy Advisors on the Impact of Mental Health Stigma on the Development and Implementation of Mental Health Policy in Singapore. Adm Policy Ment Health 2021; 49:404-414. [PMID: 34586525 PMCID: PMC9005417 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-021-01171-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the views of policy makers regarding the impact of mental health stigma on the development and implementation of mental health policies. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring policymakers’ and policy advisors’ perspectives regarding the impact of mental health stigma on the development and implementation of mental health programmes, strategies, and services in Singapore. In all 13 participants were recruited for the study comprising practicing policymakers, senior staff of organisations involved in implementing the various mental health programmes, and policy advisors. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Data analysis revealed three superordinate themes related to challenges experienced by the policymakers/advisors when dealing with mental health policy and implementation of programmes. These themes included stigma as a barrier to mental health treatment, community-level barriers to mental health recovery, and mental health being a neglected need. Policymakers/advisors demonstrated an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the barriers (consequent to stigma) to mental healthcare delivery and access. Policymakers/advisors were able to associate the themes related to the stigma towards mental illness with help-seeking barriers based on personal experiences, knowledge, and insight gained through the implementation of mental health programmes and initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore. .,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Chong Min Janrius Goh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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Tan GTH, Yuan Q, Devi F, Wang P, Ng LL, Goveas R, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Dementia knowledge and its demographic correlates amongst informal dementia caregivers in Singapore. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:864-872. [PMID: 32228179 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1740914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) is a validated assessment tool to measure dementia knowledge. However, the factor structure of the DKAS has yet to be validated in Singapore. This study aims to investigate the DKAS factor structure amongst a sample of informal dementia caregivers in Singapore, as well as their sociodemographic correlates.Methods: A total of 282 participants were evaluated on their knowledge of dementia by an interviewer administering the DKAS. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of factor models proposed by previous study yielded poor fit for our sample. Thus, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted. Multiple linear regression was then performed to examine the sociodemographic correlates of DKAS factors.Results: EFA revealed a 23-item 3-factor model - 'misconceptions about dementia' (MD), 'caregiving considerations towards dementia' (CD) and 'dementia symptoms' (DS). Being a male caregiver and having lower educational levels were associated with poorer scores on MD and CD.Conclusion: A 3-factor model of the DKAS was found to be more appropriate with the sample in this study. Findings from this study suggests the need for more dementia literacy intervention for caregivers of dementia patients in Singapore, especially for male caregivers and those of lower education levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qi Yuan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ling Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Goveas
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Yuan Q, Tan GTH, Wang P, Devi F, Goveas R, Magadi H, Ng LL, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Combining a variable-centered and a person-centered analytical approach to caregiving burden - a holistic approach. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:286. [PMID: 33931027 PMCID: PMC8086073 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Informal caregivers of persons with dementia often experience elevated levels of caregiving burden. However, existing studies tend to use a variable-centered approach to explore it. This study aims to understand the caregiving burden of informal caregivers of persons with dementia in Singapore through a combination of variable-centered and person-centered analytical approaches, and explore the correlates of identified factors and latent classes of caregiving burden. Methods Zarit Burden Interview was used to gauge the caregiving burden of 282 primary informal caregivers of persons with dementia recruited through convenience sampling in Singapore. Factor analysis and latent class analysis were conducted to identify the latent factors and the latent classes of Zarit Burden Interview, followed by multiple linear regression and multinomial logistic regression to explore their significant correlates. Results The analyses suggested a 17-item 3-factor structure for Zarit burden interview and three mutually exclusive caregiving burden classes. Regression analyses found that caregiving related variables especially care recipients’ memory and behaviour problems were correlated with both the factors and latent classes of caregiving burden. Conclusions The combination of these two approaches suggests that caregivers experiencing higher burden on one domain are likely to experience higher burden on the other two domains. This further supports the point that more attention should be given to caregivers who experience an overall high burden. Future research could explore the generalizability of our findings among caregivers elsewhere and explore the type of support needed by caregivers, especially those experiencing high burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yuan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Goveas
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Harish Magadi
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ling Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
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Ong WJ, Lau JH, Abdin E, Shahwan S, Goh JCM, Tan GTH, Samari E, Kwok KW, Subramaniam M, Chong SA. Preliminary development of a bystander intervention scale for depression and the examination of socio-demographic correlates amongst Singapore university students. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:67. [PMID: 33931117 PMCID: PMC8086116 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite peer involvement having a positive impact on help-seeking behavior, there is a lack of a scale quantifying the possibility of an individual intervening upon noticing peers who show signs of depression. The aims of this study were to (1) develop a bystander intervention scale for depression that assesses the likelihood of university students intervening when a peer shows signs of depression based on the theory of bystander intervention, (2) identify the underlying factors contributing to the behavior, and (3) explore the socio-demographic correlates of the scale. Methods The proposed scale, the Bystander Intervention Scale for Depression (BISD), is a 17-item self-reported questionnaire that was developed based on existing bystander intervention theory and inputs from mental health experts. Data was collected as part of a larger study to evaluate the effectiveness of an anti-stigma intervention amongst university students from a local university. A total of 392 participants were recruited. Exploratory factor analyses were performed to identify the underlying factor structure. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to explore the socio-demographic correlates of the scale. Result Four key factors were identified for the proposed scale: (1) Awareness of depression among peers; (2) Vigilance towards possible symptoms of depression; (3) Knowledge on how to intervene; (4) Acceptance of responsibility to intervene. Having experience in the mental health field was associated with all factors while having family members or friends with mental illness was associated with all factors except for knowledge on how to intervene. Students of older age were associated with higher vigilance towards possible symptoms of depression and knowledge on how to intervene. Those of non-Chinese ethnicity were associated with acceptance of responsibility to intervene. Conclusion This study provides a preliminary tool to assess bystander intervention in depression amongst university students. This study identifies sub-groups of the student population that require more education to intervene with depressed peers and also informs the development of future strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Janrius Chong Min Goh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- School of Social Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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Tan GTH, Yuan Q, Devi F, Wang P, Ng LL, Goveas R, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Factors associated with caregiving self-efficacy among primary informal caregivers of persons with dementia in Singapore. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:13. [PMID: 33407201 PMCID: PMC7789728 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01951-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Informal caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) are often associated with negative health outcomes. Self-efficacy in dementia caregiving has been reported to have protective effects on caregiver’s health. This study aims to examine the factors associated with the domains of caregiving self-efficacy among informal caregivers in Singapore, a country with a rapidly aging population and a 10% prevalence of dementia among older adults. Methods Two hundred eighty-two informal caregivers were recruited and data including participant’s caregiving self-efficacy, sociodemographic information, perceived social support, positive aspects of caregiving, knowledge of dementia, as well as behavioral and memory problems of care recipients were collected. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed for the 3-factor model of the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy (RSCSE), and multiple linear regressions were conducted using the RSCSE subscales as dependent variables. Results Our CFA found that the RSCSE 3-factor model proposed by the original scale developer was an acceptable fit among informal caregivers in Singapore. Having established that the 3-factor model of the RSCSE was compatible among our sample, a series of multiple regressions were conducted using each of the factors as a dependent variable. Regressions revealed several factors that were significantly associated with caregiving self-efficacy. Importantly, outlook on life was positively associated to all 3 domains of the RSCSE, while social support was positively associated with self-efficacy in obtaining respite and controlling upsetting thoughts. Conclusion The 3-factor model of the RSCSE was found to be an appropriate fit for our sample. Findings from this study elucidated important novel insights into the factors that influences caregiving self-efficacy amongst informal caregivers in Singapore. Crucially, caregivers’ outlook on life and social support should be improved in order to enhance their caregiving self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qi Yuan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ling Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Goveas
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Abdin E, Lau JH, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Samari E, Kwok KW, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Recognition of Depression and Help-Seeking Preference Among University Students in Singapore: An Evaluation of the Impact of Advancing Research to Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma an Education and Contact Intervention. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:582730. [PMID: 34054591 PMCID: PMC8149891 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.582730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The SMHS 2016 revealed that young adults in Singapore had the highest 12-month prevalence of mental disorders, with depression being the most prevalent condition. Additionally, the study found that those with higher education were less likely to seek treatment. The recognition of mental illness and knowledge of where to seek help has been found to influence one's ability to seek timely psychological help. This study thus aims to evaluate the effects of ARTEMIS, an education and contact intervention on university students' recognition of depression and help-seeking preference. Methods: A total of 390 university students were recruited over a period of 6-months (October 2018 to April 2019). Students had to attend a one-off intervention which comprised a lecture on depression and personal contact with a person with lived experience of mental illness. Recognition of depression and help-seeking preference were assessed using a vignette approach, at pre- and post-intervention as well as at 3-month follow-up. Results: The intervention was effective at improving student's recognition of depression and this effect was sustained at 3-months follow-up. The intervention was also effective in shifting student's help-seeking preference, although the effects were not sustained at 3-month follow-up. Having a close friend or family with mental illness was associated with better recognition, and being able to correctly recognize depression was linked to a preference to seek psychiatric over non-psychiatric help. Conclusion: This study elucidated the efficacy of a knowledge-contact-based intervention in improving university students' recognition of depression and help-seeking preference. However, while the benefits on recognition of depression is more enduring, it is more transient for help-seeking beliefs, and booster sessions may be needed to improve the long-term effectiveness of the intervention on help-seeking preference. Lastly, to investigate the generalizability of this study's findings, future studies could replicate the current one across other non-self-selected samples, such as by integrating the intervention as part of student's orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- President's Office, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Shahwan S, Lau JH, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Tan GTH, Kwok KW, Samari E, Lee YY, Teh WL, Seet V, Chang S, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. The potential impact of an anti-stigma intervention on mental health help-seeking attitudes among university students. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:562. [PMID: 33238951 PMCID: PMC7690018 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02960-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reluctance of young adults to seek mental health treatment has been attributed to poor mental health literacy, stigma, preference for self-reliance and concerns about confidentiality. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential impact of an anti-stigma intervention that includes education about depression, information about help-seeking as well as contact with a person with lived experience, on help seeking attitudes. METHODS A pre-post study design was employed. Changes in help-seeking attitudes were measured using the Inventory of Attitudes towards Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) immediately post-intervention and after 3 months. Sociodemographic data, information on past experiences in the mental health field and contact with people with mental illness were collated. Three hundred ninety university students enrolled in the study. Linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of the intervention. RESULTS Scores on all subscales of the IASMHS, Psychological Openness (PO), Help-seeking Propensity (HP) and Indifference to Stigma improved significantly post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up compared to pre-intervention, with HP demonstrating the highest effect size. However, a significant decline was observed on all three scales at 3-month follow-up compared to post-intervention. Gender, having friends/family with mental illness, and previous experience in the mental health field moderated the intervention effects for the PO and HP subscales. CONCLUSION The study showed that the brief anti-stigma intervention was associated with improvements in help-seeking attitudes among university students with differential effects among certain sub-groups. As the beneficial outcomes appeared to decrease over time, booster sessions or opportunities to participate in mental health-related activities post-intervention may be required to maintain the desired changes in help-seeking attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Chong Min Janrius Goh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Ying Ying Lee
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Wen Lin Teh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Vanessa Seet
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Sherilyn Chang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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Ong WJ, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Tan GTH, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Daily Encounters of Mental Illness Stigma and Individual Strategies to Reduce Stigma - Perspectives of People With Mental Illness. Front Psychol 2020; 11:590844. [PMID: 33192931 PMCID: PMC7661547 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.590844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A qualitative evaluation of mental illness stigma experienced by people with mental illness (PMI) is currently lacking in Singapore. This study aims to employ qualitative methods to identify the common encounters of mental illness stigma experienced by PMI in Singapore and uncover their individual strategies and efforts to reduce mental illness stigma. Methods This study is part of a larger research project that explores the concept of mental illness stigma among different stakeholders in Singapore. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 42 PMI to collect qualitative data on their experience with mental illness stigma, including encounters of stigma and individual strategies to reduce stigma. The inductive thematic analysis method was employed to analyze the data. Results The eight emergent themes associated with encountering stigma in PMI's everyday life were categorized into two over-arching themes, public stigma (i.e., negative beliefs and attitudes, subjected to contemptuous treatment, social exclusion, over-scrutinizing, and receiving excessive care and concern) and structural stigma (i.e., the requirement to declare psychiatric conditions during job interviews, excluded from consideration after the declaration, and requirement of medical endorsements for employment). Four themes regarding PMI's individual strategies to reduce stigma were also identified (i.e., non-disclosure of condition, standing up for themselves, individual efforts in raising awareness, improving themselves, and living life as per normal). Limitations Participants may be influenced by social desirability bias due to the presence of other participants in an FGD setting. Also, those who agreed to participate in the study may possess strong views or beliefs about mental illness stigma and may therefore be inherently different from those who refused to participate. Conclusion Our findings on instances of public and structural stigma encountered by PMI in Singapore can guide policymakers with the development of future policies and strategies to reduce mental illness stigma in the Singapore society. Furthermore, our study also identified individual strategies that PMI employed to reduce mental illness stigma. However, the effectiveness of these strategies was unclear and little is known of their effect on PMI themselves. Hence, there is a need for future studies to examine these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Wei KC, Verma SK, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Mental illness stigma's reasons and determinants (MISReaD) among Singapore's lay public - a qualitative inquiry. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:422. [PMID: 32847539 PMCID: PMC7448972 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02823-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental illnesses pose a significant burden worldwide. Furthermore, the treatment gap for mental disorders is large. A contributor to this treatment gap is the perceived stigma towards mental illness. Besides impeding one's help-seeking intentions, stigma also impairs persons with mental illness (PMI) in other aspects of their life. Studies have found that stigma may manifest differentially under different cultural contexts. Thus, this study seeks to elucidate the determinants of stigma towards PMI among lay public in Singapore using a qualitative approach. METHODS A total of 9 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with 63 participants consisting of lay public Singaporeans who were neither students or professionals in the mental health field, nor had they ever been diagnosed with a mental illness. Topics discussed during the FGD were related to the stigma of mental illness. Data collected were analyzed with inductive thematic analysis method. A codebook was derived through an iterative process, and data was coded by 4 different coders. Both coding and inter-rater analysis were performed with NVivo V.11. RESULTS In total, 11 themes for the determinants of stigma were identified and conceptualized into a socioecological model. The socioecological model comprised 4 levels of themes: 1) Individual level beliefs (fear towards PMI, perceiving PMI to be burdensome, dismissing mental illness as not a real condition), 2) Interpersonal influences (upbringing that instills stigma, intergroup bias, perceived inability to handle interactions with PMI), 3) Local cultural values (elitist mindset among Singaporeans, Chinese culture of "face", Islamic beliefs about spiritual possession and reaction towards PMI), and 4) Shared societal culture (negative portrayal by media, Asian values). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study improved our understanding of the various reasons why stigma exists in Singapore. The themes identified in this study concur with that of studies conducted overseas, as some determinants of stigma such as fear towards PMI are quite ubiquitous. Specifically, the themes elitist mindset among Singaporeans and perceived inability to handle interactions with PMI were unique to this study. It is highly recommended that future anti-stigma campaigns in Singapore should incorporate the findings of this study to ensure cultural misgivings and beliefs are addressed adequately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Chong Min Janrius Goh
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Ong
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Ker-Chiah Wei
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swapna Kamal Verma
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Department of Early Psychosis Intervention, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
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Devi F, Yuan Q, Wang P, Tan GTH, Roshan Goveas R, Ng LL, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Positive aspect of caregiving among primary informal dementia caregivers in Singapore. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237677. [PMID: 32817648 PMCID: PMC7440648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present study investigated the factor structure of positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) scale among primary informal caregivers providing care to persons with dementia (PWD) in Singapore. Methods 282 primary informal caregivers of PWD were recruited from the Institute of Mental Health, and Changi General Hospital and administered the 9-item PAC scale. A confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) was conducted to test the model fit of the 9-item PAC proposed by the scale developer and multiple linear regression was used to investigate the significant socio-demographic correlates. Results CFA showed that the 2-factor structure including ‘Self-Affirmation’ and ‘Outlook on Life’ had an acceptable model fit. After controlling for confounding variables, Malay caregivers were associated with higher scores on PAC and ‘Self-Affirmation’ compared to caregivers of other ethnicities. Caregivers with Secondary or below education level had higher PAC and ‘Outlook on Life’ scores. Caregivers who had received formal training scored higher in PAC, ‘Self-Affirmation’ and ‘Outlook on Life’. Discussion The present study confirmed that the 2-factor structure of the 9-item PAC was suitable for informal caregivers of PWD in Singapore. The findings have important implications for locally available interventions to enhance caregiver’s psychological well-being and reduce burden of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
| | - Qi Yuan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Richard Roshan Goveas
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ling Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Samari E, Abdin E, Kwok KW, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Causal beliefs of mental illness and its impact on help-seeking attitudes: a cross-sectional study among university students in Singapore. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035818. [PMID: 32723737 PMCID: PMC7389507 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A considerable proportion of those who suffer from mental illnesses in Singapore do not seek any form of professional help. The reluctance to seek professional help could be due to misconceptions about the causes of mental illnesses. Research has shown that help-seeking attitudes can predict actual service use. As young adults are most at risk of developing mental illnesses, this study aims to elucidate the impact of causal beliefs about mental illness on help-seeking attitudes among university students in Singapore. DESIGN Prior to attending an anti-stigma intervention, data on the Causal Beliefs about Mental Illness, Inventory of Attitudes towards Seeking Mental Health services and questions pertaining to sociodemographic background were collected from participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between causal beliefs and help-seeking, as well as their sociodemographic correlates. SETTINGS A university in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS 390 students who were studying in a University in Singapore. RESULTS Younger age was associated with higher scores on psychosocial attribution, while prior social contact with individuals with mental illness was significantly associated with lower scores on personality attribution. With regard to help-seeking attitudes; being a male and personality attribution were significantly associated with lower scores on 'Psychological Openness' and 'Indifference to Stigma', while psychosocial attribution was significantly associated with higher scores on 'Help-seeking Propensity'. Having prior social contact also predicted higher 'Psychological Openness', while being in Year 2 and 3 predicted lower scores on 'Indifference to Stigma'. CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggest that help-seeking attitudes might be influenced by causal beliefs, with personality attribution being the most impairing. Hence, to reduce the wide treatment gap in Singapore, anti-stigma interventions targeting young people could focus on addressing beliefs that attribute mental illness to the personality of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | | | | | - Kian Woon Kwok
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Division of Sociology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Subramaniam M, Shahwan S, Abdin E, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Tan GTH, Baig N, Samari E, Kwok KW, Chong SA. Advancing Research to Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma: The Design and Evaluation of a Single-Arm Intervention Among University Students in Singapore. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1151. [PMID: 32581957 PMCID: PMC7283943 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-stigma interventions for school and college students have been studied in several countries, but to the best of our knowledge, this has not been addressed in Singapore. The current study was designed to address this lacuna and aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an anti-stigma intervention focusing on depression among university students in Singapore. Methods A one-off intervention comprising education and personal contact with a person with lived experience of depression was carried out in nine consecutive sessions over 6 months (October 2018 to April 2019) among 390 university students. Knowledge of depression and extent of stigma toward mental illness were assessed pre- and post-intervention as well as at 3-month follow-up. Results The intervention was effective in improving depression knowledge (d = 1.09; p < 0.001), as well as reducing social distancing (d = 0.54; p < 0.001) and personal stigma (dangerous/undesirable: d = 0.60; p < 0.001 and weak not sick: d = 0.10; p < 0.033) pre- to post-intervention as well as pre- intervention to 3-month follow-up (p < 0.005). Limitations While 3-month follow-up data indicates favorable medium-term impact on knowledge and stigma; the study lacks long-term follow-up to examine the impact of anti-stigma interventions across time. The data were collected through self-report measures; however, social desirability bias is possible despite the assurances of confidentiality. Conclusion Given the impact of the intervention, there is a need to consider the feasibility, challenges, and enablers of implementation of such interventions into the curriculum of university students to ensure a broader and sustained outreach and stigma reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Nawira Baig
- Nursing Department, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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