Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward depression among people living with depression in Vietnam: the cultural dynamics in the era of globalization

Background Despite the high burden of depression in Vietnam, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of Vietnamese people with depression in contemporary society. Methods This is a qualitative study with 40 adults, 18–64 years old, with symptoms of depression. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore knowledge (symptoms, causes, treatment), attitudes, and practices to seek support or care for depression. Results Knowledge about depression is good amongst the study participants. They could identify several symptoms of depression and are aware of stress and adverse events as causes of depression. However, biological factors as causes are infrequently mentioned. Most people with depression know about psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment. Stigma related to depression seems lesser compared to that in the past. People with depression receive support from family and friends. Despite high awareness about symptoms, causes, and treatment options, misconceptions remain, concealment of illness is common, as is the avoidance of seeking care. Access to care is hindered by cost barriers and a lack of information about reliable providers. Medicines are frequently discontinued due to side effects and insufficient consultation during examination. Praying and offering to altars as cultural practices to treat mental illness still exist. Based on analysis guided by the ‘glocalization theory’ we offer an explanatory account of the current state off knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward depression amongst people living with depression in Vietnam. This analysis recognizes the co-existence of global and local influences. People are creating and adapting their “glocal” views, attitudes, and norms around depression as well as mental illness. Conclusions Societal changes have influenced the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards depression in Vietnam in positive ways; however, historical, cultural challenges continue, while new challenges are emerging. Our findings point to the need for renewed, continued efforts to improve mental health related awareness, while simultaneously improving the availability, accessibility, and responsiveness of mental health services. These efforts should take into account both global and local influences on how people in Vietnam think and act regarding mental health issues. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06456775. Registered June 12, 2024 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06456775?cond=depression&intr=Tele-SSM&rank=1