Mental Health Literacy of Chinese in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Australia, and of the Australian General Public

1. Mental Health Literacy of Chinese in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Australia, and of the Australian General Public Daniel Fu Keung Wong, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne

2. Underutilization of services by Chinese-speaking Australians Overseas studies have found that Asians, including Chinese, have a lower rate of utilization of mental health services (e.g. Lam & Kavangh, 1996, Ryder, Bean & Dion, 2000). They are less represented in inpatient and community services (Klimidis, Hsiao and Minas 2007), and have higher involuntary admissions than other population groups (Trauer, 1995).

3. Why warranting so much attention? Personal and familial sufferings. Untreated conditions require more resources and long-term intensive intervention (McGorry and Edwards 2002). Early detection and intervention can result in a substantial reduction in morbidity and in better quality of life for these people and their families (Black et al. 2001; Edwards and McGorry 2002).

4. Factors relating to underutilization among Chinese Knowledge of available mental health services Cultural conceptions of the causation of mental illness (Phillips et al., 2000, Wong, 2003) Stigma (Chou, 1998, Fung et al., 2007) The tendency to rely on informal networks for support (Wong, 2007) Practical difficulties in accessing services (e.g. language, distance, operation hours (Kung, 2004, Tang, 2006) Knowledge of mental illness (Jorm et al., 1997, 2006, mental; health literacy)

5. Concept of mental health literacy �Knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention� (Jorm et al., 1997) Underlying assumption: individuals who have a higher level of mental health literacy will be more willing to seek professional help for themselves or for people they know who may be suffering from a mental health problem

6. Objectives of the survey To explore and compare the levels and differences in mental health literacy of Chinese in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Australia, and of the Australian General Public To develop specific contents and strategies for mental health promotion programmes for Chinese

7. Methodology

8. Mental Health Literacy Scale � revised version (Wong, 2008) The original instrument contained 4 vignettes about mental health, only the early schizophrenia and acute depression vignettes were chosen After reading the vignette, the participants were asked a series of questions What problem does the person in the vignette have? Does he require help? How helpful, harmful or unsure is the following professional for the person in the vignette? (e.g. GP, Chinese medical doctor) How helpful, harmful or unsure is the following medication for the person in the vignette? (e.g. Anti-depressants, Chinese herbal medicines) How helpful, harmful or unsure is the following treatment for the person in the vignette? (e.g. Relaxation, Qiqong) 3. Cultural relevant choices were added to the three headings under: professionals, medications and treatments

9. Demographic Characteristics

10. Demographic Characteristics

11. Percentage of respondents giving labels to the depression vignette and seeing that the people needed help (by group)

12. Percentage of respondents giving labels to the schizophrenia vignette and seeing that the people needed help (by group)