Using the SRQ-20 factor structure to examine changes in mental distress following typhoon exposure.

Empirical research is limited regarding postdisaster assessment of distress in developing nations. This study aimed to evaluate the factor structure of the 20-item Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) before and after an acute trauma, Typhoon Xangsane, in order to examine changes in mental health symptoms in an epidemiologic sample of Vietnamese adults. The study examined a model estimating individual item factor loadings, thresholds, and a latent change factor for the SRQ-20's single "general distress" common factor.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) in a sample of Vietnamese adults.

Purpose: There are significant gaps in the literature on the prevalence of mental health problems and associated needs in Vietnam. A thorough understanding of culture-specific expressions of psychiatric distress is vital for the identification of the mental health needs of a community, and more research on the development and evaluation of culturally-sensitive mental health assessments is warranted. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the World Health Organization 20-item Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) in an epidemiologic study of Vietnamese adults.

Estimating mental distress in Vietnam: the use of the SRQ-20.

Background: Community-based estimates of psychopathology prevalence in developing countries such as Vietnam, are needed to reduce presumed significant burden of poor mental health.

Aims: This study derived population-based prevalence estimates of mental distress, as measured by the SRQ-20, in a community sample of 4,981 adults living in Vietnam. This study also examined correlates of mental distress based on SRQ-20 caseness indications.

Current Directions in Videoconferencing Tele-Mental Health Research.

The provision of mental health services via videoconferencing tele-mental health has become an increasingly routine component of mental health service delivery throughout the world. Emphasizing the research literature since 2003, we examine: 1) the extent to which the field of tele-mental health has advanced the research agenda previously suggested; and 2) implications for tele-mental health care delivery for special clinical populations. Previous findings have demonstrated that tele-mental health services are satisfactory to patients, improve outcomes, and are probably cost effective.

Prevalence estimates of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder: critical review.

The aim of the present study was to provide a critical review of prevalence estimates of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military personnel and veterans, and of the relevant factors that may account for the variability of estimates within and across cohorts, including methodological and conceptual factors accounting for differences in prevalence rates across nations, conflicts/wars, and studies. MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were examined for literature on combat-related PTSD. The following terms were used independently and in combinations in this search: PTSD, combat, veterans, military, epidemiology, prevalence.

Posttyphoon prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder in a Vietnamese sample.

In 2006, typhoon Xangsane disrupted a multiagency health needs study of 4,982 individuals in Vietnam. Following this disaster, 798 of the original participants were reinterviewed to determine prevalence and risk factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder (PD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Posttyphoon prevalences were PTSD 2.

Rationale and design: telepsychology service delivery for depressed elderly veterans.

Background: Older adults who live in rural areas experience significant disparities in health status and access to mental health care. "Telepsychology," (also referred to as "telepsychiatry," or "telemental health") represents a potential strategy towards addressing this longstanding problem. Older adults may benefit from telepsychology due to its: (1) utility to address existing problematic access to care for rural residents; (2) capacity to reduce stigma associated with traditional mental health care; and (3) utility to overcome significant age-related problems in ambulation and transportation.

Longitudinal effects of depression on glycemic control in veterans with Type 2 diabetes.

Objectives: To examine the longitudinal effects of depression on glycemic control in veterans with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Data on 11,525 veterans with Type 2 diabetes were analyzed. A person-period dataset for each subject to cover 3-month intervals (36 time intervals) from April 1997 to March 2006 was created.

Effect of race/ethnicity and persistent recognition of depression on mortality in elderly men with type 2 diabetes and depression.

Objective: To determine whether mortality risk from depression among elderly men with type 2 diabetes differs by ethnicity and persistent recognition of depression.

Research Design And Methods: Data on a cohort of 14,500 male veterans with type 2 diabetes were analyzed. Diagnoses of depression and diabetes were based on ICD-9 codes.