Depression
literacy refers to the ability to recognize depression and make
informed decisions about its treatment. To date, relatively little
research has been done to examine depression literacy in the Western
Pacific region. Given the pervasiveness of depression and the need to
enhance mental health care in this region, it is important to gain a
better understanding of depression literacy and health-seeking behaviors
in this part of the world.

This
mixed-methods study utilized a convergent parallel design to examine
depression literacy and the associated health-seeking attitudes among
urban adults from three countries—Cambodia, Philippines, and Fiji. A
total of 455 adults completed a quantitative survey on depression
knowledge, attitudes, and professional help seeking. Separately, 56
interviewees from 6 focus groups provided qualitative data on their
impression and knowledge of depression and mental illness within the
context of their local communities.

Overall,
results showed that depression knowledge was comparatively lower in
this region. Controlling for differences across countries, higher
knowledge was significantly associated with more positive attitudes
towards mental illness (B = − 0.28, p = 0.025) and professional help seeking (B = 0.20, p < 0.001). Financial stability, such as employment, was also a salient factor for help seeking.

This
study was the first to provide a baseline understanding on depression
literacy and highlights the need to increase public knowledge on
depression in the Western Pacific. Culturally congruent recommendations
on enhancing depression literacy in this region, such as anti-stigma
campaigns, use of financial incentives, and family-based approach in
health education, are discussed.