Daniel Kwasi Ahorsu1, Dalinda Isabel Sánchez Vidaña1, Donald Lipardo1,2, Parth Bharat Shah3, Pablo Cruz González1, Sachin Shende4, Shilpa Gurung5, Harun Venkatesan6, Anchalee Duongthipthewa7, Talha Qasim Ansari7, Veronika Schoeb8,9. 1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China. 2. College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. 3. School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China. 4. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China. 5. Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China. 6. Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China. 7. Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China. 8. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China. veronika.schoeb@hesav.ch. 9. School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland. veronika.schoeb@hesav.ch.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The psychological well-being of university students is an important factor in successfully coping with the demands of academic life. This study aimed to assess the impact of a peer-led intervention of mental health promotion combined with coping-strategy-based group workshops on mental health awareness and help-seeking behavior among university students in Hong Kong. METHOD: A mixed-method concurrent design was used for this study. Quantitative data, based on one-group pretest-posttest design, were collected using Mental Health Knowledge Schedule Questionnaire to assess mental health awareness, and Attitude Towards Seeking Professional Help Questionnaire-Short Form to examine help-seeking behavior of university students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Qualitative data were collected from written post-activity reflections and focus group discussions which were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 62 university students (mean age: 23.2 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study. Mental health awareness was significantly improved (p = 0.015, 95% Confidence Interval of - 2.670, - 0.297) after program implementation. Help-seeking behavior mean score increased from pretest to posttest, however, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.188, 95% CI = - 1.775, 0.355). Qualitative analysis revealed that the program helped participants learn about coping strategies to help themselves and others with mental health challenges. CONCLUSIONS: The peer-led intervention provided a positive impact through increased mental health awareness and knowledge of coping strategies on self-help and helping others among university students. Further study could focus on the impact of the program when applied regularly throughout the entire academic year.
BACKGROUND: The psychological well-being of university students is an important factor in successfully coping with the demands of academic life. This study aimed to assess the impact of a peer-led intervention of mental health promotion combined with coping-strategy-based group workshops on mental health awareness and help-seeking behavior among university students in Hong Kong. METHOD: A mixed-method concurrent design was used for this study. Quantitative data, based on one-group pretest-posttest design, were collected using Mental Health Knowledge Schedule Questionnaire to assess mental health awareness, and Attitude Towards Seeking Professional Help Questionnaire-Short Form to examine help-seeking behavior of university students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Qualitative data were collected from written post-activity reflections and focus group discussions which were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 62 university students (mean age: 23.2 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study. Mental health awareness was significantly improved (p = 0.015, 95% Confidence Interval of - 2.670, - 0.297) after program implementation. Help-seeking behavior mean score increased from pretest to posttest, however, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.188, 95% CI = - 1.775, 0.355). Qualitative analysis revealed that the program helped participants learn about coping strategies to help themselves and others with mental health challenges. CONCLUSIONS: The peer-led intervention provided a positive impact through increased mental health awareness and knowledge of coping strategies on self-help and helping others among university students. Further study could focus on the impact of the program when applied regularly throughout the entire academic year.
Entities:
Keywords:
Coping skills; Help‐seeking behavior; Mental health; Mental health promotion; University students
Authors: K Wc Lun; C K Chan; P Ky Ip; S Yk Ma; W W Tsai; C S Wong; C Ht Wong; T W Wong; D Yan Journal: Hong Kong Med J Date: 2018-10 Impact factor: 2.227
Authors: Sandra Hollinghurst; Fran E Carroll; Anna Abel; John Campbell; Anne Garland; Bill Jerrom; David Kessler; Willem Kuyken; Jill Morrison; Nicola Ridgway; Laura Thomas; Katrina Turner; Chris Williams; Tim J Peters; Glyn Lewis; Nicola Wiles Journal: Br J Psychiatry Date: 2013-11-21 Impact factor: 9.319