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Community Mental Health Journal
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal 5/2011

Open Access 01-10-2011 | Original Paper

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

Authors: Lia van der Ham, Pamela Wright, Thang Vo Van, Vuong D. K. Doan, Jacqueline E. W. Broerse

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 5/2011

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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.
Footnotes
1
Since epilepsy is part of the national mental health plan in Vietnam it was included in the closed questions.
 
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Metadata
Title
Perceptions of Mental Health and Help-Seeking Behavior in an Urban Community in Vietnam: An Explorative Study
Authors
Lia van der Ham
Pamela Wright
Thang Vo Van
Vuong D. K. Doan
Jacqueline E. W. Broerse
Publication date
01-10-2011
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-011-9393-x

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