https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7714-7455
Abstract
Background
Globally, 350 million people are suffering from depression. Many people suffering from depression use different sources of help for their problems. People with different mental health problems seek help from formal and/or informal sources. This gives crucial information on community beliefs and perception regarding their preference for help. This study helps to guide effective planning and provision of mental health services, and health policy of the country to explore the community’s preference to different sources of help.
Objective
The aim was to contrast patterns of formal and informal help-seeking preferences for depression among residents of Aykel town, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods
This cross-sectional population-based study included 832 participants. We used a major depressive disorder case vignette and general help-seeking questionnaire (GHSQ) to assess preference to seek help. Study participants were selected by multistage cluster sampling technique. An independent sample t-test and analysis of variance test (ANOVA) was performed.
Results
A total of 656 subjects (78.8%) showed high propensity to intimate partner, and 655 (78.7%) of the study subjects had high propensity to mental health professional. The mean score of the residents’ preference to seek help from informal sources was 3.41±0.60. The mean score of preference to seek help from formal sources was 3.18±0.75. A total of 276 (33.2%) subjects showed high propensity to both informal and formal sources of help. The results also showed there was a mean score difference in preference for informal help between subjects with strong social support and low and moderate social support (P<0.001).
Conclusion
The result suggests that the majority of the residents had a higher preference to seek help from informal sources than formal sources of care. Providing and strengthening both formal and informal sources of help in conjunction are crucial to get a more qualified and effective care for depressed patients.
Data Sharing Statement
All the data are included in the manuscript. The raw data generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request [email protected].
Ethical Consideration
Ethical approval and clearance were obtained from the joint ethical review committee of the University of Gondar and Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital Ethical Review Committee. A Formal letter of permission was also received from Aykel town administration. The aim of the study and the confidentiality issue was explained for the participants’. This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants. Personal identification was omitted to maintain confidentiality.
Acknowledgment
The authors acknowledge the University of Gondar and Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital for funding the study. We extend our gratitude to data collectors, supervisors and study participants for their time and effort.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the conception, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation. Furthermore, all authors took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the manuscript; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the manuscript has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the works.
Disclosure
The authors declare that they have no competing interests in this work.