Mental Health Problems and Needs among Transitional-Age Youth in Indonesia

• Main Authors: Fransiska Kaligis, Raden Irawati Ismail, Tjhin Wiguna, Sabarinah Prasetyo, Wresti Indriatmi, Hartono Gunardi, Veranita Pandia, Clarissa Cita Magdalena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: coping mechanisms; health service expectation; mental health needs; mental health problems; transitional-age youth; adolescence
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/8/4046
• ISSN: 1661-7827; 1660-4601

<b>“</b>Transitional-age youth” describes those whose ages range from 16–24 years old. In this phase, the youth face new challenges and new experiences which may increase the risk for having mental health problems, yet not very many seek help from mental health professionals. In Indonesia, no data are available about mental health problems and the needs of transitional-age youth. This study explores common mental health problems experienced during this stage and assesses how they cope with problems and their expectations from health services. This was a cross-sectional study involving 393 Indonesians aged 16–24 years in May 2020. More than 90% of students had financial and academic difficulties and felt lonely. The most prevalent mental health problem among students was anxiety (95.4%). Most of the students, ranging from 90% to 96.4%, had positive coping strategies. However, around 50% of respondents reported self-harming and having suicidal thoughts. The results of subcategories analysis between ages and faculties were similar. Their most important expectations from mental health services included confidentiality (99.2%) and being welcoming and friendly (99.2%). In conclusion, this study highlighted the most common problems transitional-age youth experience in Indonesia. While some of them already knew how to deal with their problems, not all the participants had good coping mechanisms. Their healthcare expectations were also explored, thereby providing a useful background to revise and amend the current conditions.