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Mental health in Hong Kong at its worst level in eight years, affected by ongoing social unrest: survey
- The average score for the 2019 mental health index is 46.41 – below the passing score of 52
- 41 per cent of respondents say their mental health negatively affected by social disputes
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Hongkongers’ mental health has deteriorated to its worst level in eight years, with ongoing anti-government protests adding to the stress experienced by residents, according to an annual survey released on Wednesday.
The study, organised by the Mental Health Month Organising Committee and conducted by Chinese University on commission, surveyed 1,009 residents aged 15 years old or above on how 10 indicators – which included work, study, family and social disputes – affected respondents’ mental health.
The study adopted the WHO (Five) Well-Being Index, with a range of between 0 and 100, and 52 as the passing score. An acceptable mental health level was between 52 and 68 while above 72 showed a good status.
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The average score this year was 46.41, the lowest since the annual survey on Hongkongers’ mental health was launched in 2012. The score was 50.20 last year.
“This year is unique, social disputes have had a significant impact,” Dr Ivan Mak Wing-chit, the research convenor, said at a press conference, referring to the anti-government protests sparked by a now-shelved extradition bill.
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