Awareness of Behavioural Intervention Strategies in Curbing Mental Health Issues among Youth in Malaysia

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 21;19(22):15376. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192215376.

Abstract

Mental health is a growing concern among people worldwide. Mental health issues are one of the main factors contributing to adolescent health-related burden. Malaysia, in particular, has seen an increase in the number of youths facing mental health issues. The government aims to take action by promoting mental health well-being as well as providing care and recovery to those who are affected. This study aimed to examine measures that could potentially improve and curb mental health issues among youth in Malaysia by adopting the use of behavioural intervention technologies. Three underlying models of intervention were studied, namely, the internet intervention model, Fogg behaviour model, and persuasive system design. A total of 103 respondents between the ages of 18 to 23 years participated in the research survey, and the results revealed that mood changes and thoughts, feelings, and actions were the intervention strategies that showed a positive significance in the improvement of mental health among youth in Malaysia. Social distractions, peer motivation, ease of access to help, and sense of belonging and mindfulness did not show a positive significance when it came to behavioural intervention technologies used to improve mental health.

Keywords: adolescence; early intervention; emerging adulthood; healthcare systems; innovative therapies; mental health; mental health services; prevention; public mental health; youth mental health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Malaysia
  • Mental Health
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Mindfulness*
  • Peer Group
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This research was funded by Multimedia University under the IRFund (Seeding), grant number MMUI/210100, and the APC was funded by Multimedia University under the IRFund (Seeding).