Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine (대한예방의학회)
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Multi-group Causal Model of Mental Health Literacy and Helping Behavior Toward People at Risk of Depression Among Thai and Vietnamese Health Science Students

  • Anchalee Jansem (Faculty of Humanities, Srinakharinwirot University) ;
  • Ungsinun Intarakamhang (Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University) ;
  • Charin Suwanwong (Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University) ;
  • Krittipat Chuenphitthayavut (Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University) ;
  • Sudarat Tuntivivat (Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University) ;
  • Khuong Le (Faculty of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) ;
  • Le Thi Mai Lien (Faculty of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) ;
  • Pitchada Prasittichok (Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University)
  • Received : 2024.08.15
  • Accepted : 2024.12.13
  • Published : 2025.05.31
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Abstract

Objectives: Depression affects 23.3% of Thai and 15.2% of Vietnamese health science students, rates that exceed the global average of 4.4%. This study compared the causal models of mental health literacy and helping behavior toward individuals at risk of depression between these 2 groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2023 to October 2023 and included 422 students from Thailand and Vietnam, who were studying medicine, nursing, psychology, and physical therapy. Stratified random sampling was used to select 211 students from each country. Data collection was performed using a Likert scale, which showed total-item correlations ranging from 0.24 to 0.83 and Cronbach's alpha values between 0.74 and 0.86. The data were analyzed using a structural equation model. Results: The causal models were consistent with the empirical data. The helping behavior of students toward peers at risk of depression was significantly influenced by their mental health literacy (effect size [ES], 0.91). This influence was also mediated indirectly by self-efficacy (ES, 0.18), positive attitudes (ES, 0.29), and social support (ES, 0.77). Collectively, these factors accounted for 83% of the variance in helping behavior. Social support had a more pronounced effect on mental health literacy among Vietnamese students than among their Thai counterparts (ES, 0.46 vs. 0.27, p<0.05). Conversely, positive attitudes had a stronger influence among Thai students than among Vietnamese students (ES, 0.17 vs. 0.01, p<0.05). Conclusions: The causal models of helping behavior among Thai and Vietnamese health science students exhibited no significant differences. However, improving mental health literacy is crucial, as it significantly impacts helping behavior.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We extend our sincere appreciation to all individuals who contributed to this research, as well as the Thai and Vietnamese students in health science for their participation in the study.

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