ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2010; 27(4):205-213

Original article

UDC: 613.8-057.875

Self-Assessment of the Serbian University Students' Need for Referral to Psychologist or Psychiatrist

 

Aleksandar Višnjić^1,2, Vladica Veličković¹, Slađana Jović¹, Nataša Milosavljević¹, Miodrag Stojanović^1,2, Miodrag Stanković<sup>3

1</sup>Faculty of Medicine Universtiy of Niš, Serbia

²Institute of Public Health Niš, Serbia

³Mental Health Clinic Niš, Serbia

SUMMARY

The World Health Organization specifies that young people should be healthier and more capable of performing their roles in society. The aim of the study was to determine the need of the Serbian university students for referral to psychologist or psychiatrist in accordance with their self-estimation, as well as the association of this need with particular characteristics of students. The cross-sectional study was carried out at the three state universities from January to June in the academic year 2008/2009, and included 2.285 students of both sexes. The students filled in a questionnaire consisting of 22 questions referring to demographic and socio-economic characteristics, lifestyle habits, attitudes, health assessment, as well as their mental health characteristics. Out of all students tested, 16,3% unequivocally reported the need for professional help. It was found that female students were more likely to seek psychologist/psychiatrist assistance (p<0.001). The need for a psychologist was the least among the Novi Sad University students and those from technical faculties (p< 0.01). Our country should develop specific action plans and comprehensive strategies for mental health promotion and prevention of mental disorders. These plans and strategies must be supported by the highest political organizations and authorities at every level.

Key words: need, students, self-assessment, psychologist, psychiatrist