香港婦女生育與精神健康及求助歷程研究新聞發佈
Miscarriage is a reproductive health condition which induce psychological impacts toward women. In order to gain a better understanding about the role of mental health literacy and the help-seeking behaviour, we have launched an online study on Mental Health Literacy and Help-Seeking for Women with Reproductive Health Issues in Hong Kong from July to September 2023.
Data from 356 respondents, sampled through community network and social media platforms, were analyzed in this survey. About a quarter (26%) experienced miscarriage, while the other reproductive health conditions including infertility (64%), PCOS (39%) and uterine fibrosis (19%); 45% of them experienced two or more reproductive health issues (n = 162). The mean age of the participants was 32.6 (SD=7.15). Most respondents were married or cohabitated with their partner (n = 265, 74%) and obtained university education or above (n = 210, 59%). 88% of the respondent were employed (n=313), with 50% of them reported a monthly personal income more than HKD 40,000.
Emotional disturbances often follow reproductive health conditions, but over half of the affected individuals did not seek help. Experience of miscarriage and infertility induce more emotional distresses
- Nearly half (44%) (n = 155) of women with reproductive health conditions experienced emotional disturbances, about 36% suffered from two or more mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
- Over half (52%) (n = 80) didn't seek help for their emotional distress.
- History of miscarriage and influenced by fertility problem significantly predicted higher numbers of emotional disturbances one experienced.
- Among the respondents with a history of miscarriage, those who experienced recurrent miscarriage experienced more emotional disturbances than those who experienced one time of miscarriage.
Enhancing Mental Health Literacy facilitates help-seeking
- Respondents who had experience of miscarriage were more likely to seek help when facing emotional challenges, while no significant difference were found among respondents with fertility or reproductive health issues.
- Respondents who had more Knowledge of Mental Illness, higher Recognition of Need for Psychological Support, and more Knowledge of Community Resources, were more likely to seek help.
Most women seek help from friends, while the helping professional provides the most effective support:
- Among those who sought help from others. A substantial percentage turned to their friend (96%), followed by couple (89%), parents and helping professionals (83%).
- 87% of them would seek help from more than three different sources.
- The respondents found support from helping professional to be most effective (78%), followed by couple's support (70%) and friend's support (70%).
Promoting Empathetic and Caring Community for bereaved parents
"Parents Too - Pregnancy Loss Week" Awareness Campaign to be held in October
In order to promote an empathetic community for those experienced pregnancy loss, we have initiated a public campaign, name "Parents Too – Pregnancy Loss Week" Awareness Campaign. This campaign aims to promote an empathetic and passionate community by acknowledging the loss of their beloved child and recognize their identity as parents (refer to the Appendix II for details).
Messages to the public
- Reproductive health conditions induce emotional disturbance for women, for those experienced of miscarriage together with infertility condition suffered more emotional distresses.
- Mental health literacy predicts their help-seeking, for those who have better knowledge and recognition about the mental health condition, and good understanding of community resources, they are more likely to seek support.
