Family-Based Mental Health Education for Older Adults in Ho Chi Minh City: A Situational Analysis

Abstract: Against the backdrop of Vietnam's rapidly aging population, this study investigates the role of informal, family-based mental health education for older adults in Ho Chi Minh City. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional survey with 255 participants in Districts 5 and 12, the research assessed the frequency and perceived effectiveness of specific mental health support activities provided by family members. The findings reveal that these activities occurred only "occasionally" and were considered "moderately" effective. A significant paradox emerged: the act of "listening and sharing," despite being highly frequent, was rated as the least effective, highlighting a considerable gap between supportive intentions and the actual capacity to help. Comparative analysis indicated that residential area, living arrangements, and gender were statistically significant factors in the provision of mental health education, whereas age and educational attainment were not. The study concludes that the family serves as a vital yet constrained channel for mental health education. Future interventions should therefore focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of family members—not just target the older adults directly—to empower them as more effective educators. Keywords: Mental health education, older adults, family support, urban Vietnam. Title: Family-Based Mental Health Education for Older Adults in Ho Chi Minh City: A Situational Analysis Author: Vu Thi Minh Phuong, Nguyễn Thanh Bình International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025 Page No: 514-521 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 30-July-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16601221 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/family-based-mental-health-education-for-older-adults-in-ho-chi-minh-city-a-situational-analysis