Interest in Peer Support Among Singaporean Adults with Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Abstract

Background Access to formal mental healthcare is low in Asia. Peer-support can be a viable alternative, gateway, or complement to formal mental healthcare. The current study examined interest in various types of peer support, including individual vs. group and virtual vs. in-person, among Singaporean adults with symptoms of anxiety or depression and their preferences and perceptions surrounding peer support. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was administered to members of a web panel. Participants with symptoms of depression or anxiety based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 screener were surveyed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine factors associated with greater interest in peer support. Results 350 panel members met our inclusion criteria. 62% indicated interest in receiving peer support. The strongest preference was for one-on-one support delivered virtually. Younger age (OR = 1.05, p < .01), working in white-collar managerial as opposed to white-collar non-managerial positions (OR = 1.96, p < .05), utilizing formal healthcare in the last 3 months (OR = 2.45, p < .05), and previously providing peer support (OR = 7.33, p < .01) were associated with greater interest in receiving peer support. Most of those not interested in peer support cited concerns around confidentiality. Conclusions Despite low uptake of formal mental healthcare, the majority of adult Singaporeans surveyed with anxiety or depression symptoms indicated interest in receiving peer support. Greater efforts to promote peer support programs can be part of a comprehensive strategy to address rising rates of poor mental health in Singapore.