Sanggar, Arunah A/P
(2018)
A qualitative study on elderly depression and their help seeking behaviour in Kelantan.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Despite a high prevalence of elderly depression in Malaysia, professional help seeking
is limited. This study aims to explore the expression of emotional distress among
elderly in Kelantan, their help seeking behaviour and their knowledge on the
availability of professional help. Qualitative interpretative phenomenological
approach with face to face interviews were conducted in 19 Malay elderly who have
been screened positive for depression. The emotional distress in the elderly emerged
as ‘Life is Miserable’, ‘Depression is a Sign of Weakness’ and ‘My Destiny is
Predetermined’. The emerging themes for help seeking behaviours are ‘Self Efficacy’,
‘Social Support Network’ and ‘Formal Non Mental Health Professionals’. All of the
participants had no knowledge on the availability of professionals mental health
services and claimed neither would they require these services despite being screened
positive for depression. Therefore there is a need to improve mental health literacy
among the elderly about depression and empower their social supports.
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