The recent National Adolescent Mental Health Surveys (NAMHS) conducted by The University of Queensland have shed light on the prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents in Kenya, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The findings of the surveys have revealed stark differences in the rates of mental disorders among adolescents in these countries, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to mental health research and interventions.
In Kenya, the survey found that nearly 1 in 8 adolescents had a mental disorder in the 12 months prior to the study, while in Indonesia and Vietnam, the prevalence was lower, with 1 in 18 and 1 in 30 adolescents affected, respectively. These varying rates underscore the importance of understanding the unique cultural and societal factors that may contribute to mental health outcomes in different countries.
Dr. Holly Erskine, an Associate Professor at The University of Queensland, emphasized the need for further research to explore the underlying reasons for these disparities. Factors such as family and community cohesion, as well as parenting styles, may play a role in shaping adolescent mental health outcomes in these countries.
The survey results also revealed that adolescents with mental disorders were more likely to experience suicidal behaviors and self-harm compared to their peers without mental health issues. This highlights the urgency of targeted strategies to prevent suicide and self-harm among at-risk adolescents.
The innovative methods employed in the NAMHS study, which involved collaboration between teams from multiple countries and cultures, have paved the way for high-quality, nationally representative surveys in the field of adolescent mental health. These findings have significant implications for governments and health organizations in Africa and Southeast Asia, where populations are young and in need of effective mental health services and early intervention initiatives.
Overall, the NAMHS research funded by The University of Queensland in America (TUQIA) has provided valuable insights into adolescent mental health in these diverse regions, contributing to a deeper understanding of the prevalence and risk factors associated with mental disorders among young people.