title: Perceptions of mental health and help-seeking behavior in an urban community in Vietnam: an explorative study.
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.
authors.affiliation: Athena Institute, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. lia.van.der.ham@falw.vu.nl
authors.forename: Lia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van der Ham
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Thang Vo
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Van
authors.forename: Vuong D K
authors.initials: VD
authors.lastname: Doan
authors.forename: Jacqueline E W
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Broerse
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008603:Mental Health / Q000208:ethnology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010465:Perception; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population