Mythily Subramaniam
Biographic Data
| ID | 142928 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Mythily Subramaniam |
| GIVEN NAMES | Mythily |
| FAMILY NAME | Subramaniam |
| SIGNATURE | SUBRAMANIAM M |
| AFFILIATIONS | Institute of Mental Health |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-4530-1096 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 98 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 10 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 98 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2005 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Implementing a school-based mental health literacy programme for adolescents: Barriers, facilitators and preliminary outcomes
A novel school-based mental health literacy (MHL) programme titled ‘Do You M.I.N.D.?’ was implemented in Singapore to improve knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking among secondary school students. The present study examined its implementation barriers, facilitators, and preliminary impact on students’ MHL. A mixed-methods design was used. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 22 key informants and six session ob…
Household chaos and externalizing behaviors in children and adolescents: A systematic review of parenting, emotion reactivity, and self-regulation mechanisms
Examining the Effects of Horticulture-Based Interventions on Students’ Well-Being: A Systematic Review
Student well-being, encompassing mental, social, cognitive, and behavioral domains, is increasingly compromised by academic stress, social isolation, and sedentary lifestyles. Horticulture-based interventions (HBIs), involving plant-based activities, have shown potential in promoting holistic health across populations. Nevertheless, no systematic review has synthesized global evidence for its effects on students. This systematic review aimed to e…
The differential use of healthcare and associated costs among older adults with common physical and comorbid mental health conditions - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Among older adults with common physical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, a rising number is also dealing with two prevalent mental health conditions: depression and anxiety. However, evidence on how having comorbid mental health conditions affects healthcare in this growing demographic remains unconsolidated. The aim of this study is to quantify service use and costs of the different health services among older adults with…
A nationwide study exploring the factors associated with psychological resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic in Singapore
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global adverse event that affected many individuals' well-being. Resilience is an essential component that allows one to cope during stressful events such as the pandemic. Not many studies have longitudinally explored changes in resilience across time during the pandemic in the Southeast Asia region. The current article investigates resilience and the sociodemographic and psychological factors associated wit…
Factor structure and predictors of causal beliefs about seven mental illnesses among the Singapore general population
Introduction: Knowledge about the causes of mental illness is a crucial component of mental health literacy. Poor understanding of the etiology of mental illness can lead to stigmatizing behaviors and hinder access to appropriate help. The current cross-sectional study examined the general population's causal beliefs about seven mental illnesses and explored the factor structure of the revised causal beliefs scale. Methods: Four thousand one hund…
Personal Well-Being Index (PWI) and its Association with Physical Health, Mental Health and Leisure Activities: Results from the Health and Lifestyle Survey
Gender-based analysis of body dissatisfaction among youths in Singapore: Findings from the National Youth Mental Health Study
These results emphasize the importance of creating specific public health programs that consider the different experiences and challenges related to body dissatisfaction based on gender. These programs could help promote body image positivity, increase self-compassion, and encourage critical engagement with social media content
The Associations Between Vaping, Cigarette Smoking and Hazardous Alcohol Use: Findings from a Nationwide Youth Mental Health Study in Singapore
Electronic cigarettes or vapes are increasing in popularity worldwide. While the association between cigarette smoking and hazardous alcohol use (HAU) is well established, less is known about the relationship between vaping and HAU. This study aims to identify the prevalence rates of and associations between vaping and HAU in Singapore. A total of 2600 youths aged 15 to 35 years were recruited as part of the National Youth Mental Health Study, a …
Does place matter? Investigating the association of neighbourhood and town features with psychological distress and well-being in a multi-ethnic urban Asian youth population
In Singapore, a city-state lauded for its urban liveability, high rates of youth psychological distress present a critical paradox. This study investigates this disconnect by examining the role of neighbourhood satisfaction in relation to two distinct mental health dimensions: psychological distress (anxiety, stress, depression) and positive well-being (resilience, life satisfaction). Drawing on data from a national survey of 2600 youths aged 15–…
Changes in body mass index and its association with socio-demographic characteristics between 2010 and 2016 in Singapore
Background: Epidemiological studies have observed an increase in the prevalence of obesity in both western and Asian countries. This study aims to compare the distribution of body mass index (BMI) in the general population of Singapore between 2010 and 2016, and to explore the socio-demographic risk factors associated with it. Methods: Data for this study were extracted from two national-wise studies in 2010 and 2016, two population-based, cross-…
Facilitators and barriers of help-seeking for persons with dementia in Asia—findings from a qualitative study of informal caregivers
Background and aim: The deterioration in cognition of persons with dementia (PWD) makes their caregivers key players in their help-seeking process. This study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers of help-seeking for persons with dementia in Asia from the perspective of their informal caregivers. Methods: A qualitative methodology was adopted in the current study. Twenty-nine informal caregivers of PWD in Singapore were interviewed betw…
The protective role of resilience and social support against burnout during the Covid-19 pandemic
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought on a range of stressors in homes and workplaces. With no sign of ending after one year, burnout was a concern. Resilience has been known to shield against the effects of stress. While often thought of as an individual trait, previous studies have shown social support to improve resilience. The study aimed to examine the extent of burnout in the Singapore population and whether social support and resilienc…
Exploring the Singapore general population’s trust in Covid-19 information from different sources and its association with perceived risk of infection during the pandemic
Background: The degree of public trust in the government's competence is crucial in preventing the spread of misinformation and reducing psychological distress during a pandemic. The study aimed to (i) explore the trust in COVID-19 information from different sources and trust in the ability of the World Health Organization (WHO), government departments and related institutions in handling the epidemic in Singapore and (ii) its association with pe…
A qualitative study exploring psychotherapy recipients’ perspectives on positive mental health
Traditionally, psychotherapy aims to address distressing emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in individuals, but it can also foster positive mental health (PMH) and earlier recovery by including salutogenic approaches in clinical practice. This study aimed to understand psychotherapy recipients’ perspectives on the meaning of PMH and how therapy could help them achieve it. A qualitative study was conducted among fifteen psychotherapy recipients se…
Health care utilization, productivity losses, and burden of adverse childhood experiences in Singapore: Findings from a national survey
The health and economic burden of ACEs is substantial in Singapore. Our results highlight the importance of investing in novel, population-based ACEs interventions, and the potential return on investment through preventive care and alleviation of the health care burden. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)
How do professionals and non-professionals respond to non-suicidal self-injury? Lived experiences of psychiatric outpatients in Singapore
Our findings provide a better understanding of responses to NSSI that are considered helpful and unhelpful, and can be used to improve existing guidelines on responding to NSSI
Examining bystander intervention for peer depression and sociodemographic correlates among university students in Singapore
The short-term results of the intervention appeared promising across all BISD factors; however, these results were not sustained after 3 months. Future research should include the impact of 'booster' interventions over time. Sociodemographic factors that were identified to be significant correlates should also be considered when planning for future interventions
A qualitative enquiry on the impact of mental illness stigma on caregiving role and experiences in Singapore
These findings can aid the formulation of interventions in informing CGs on what to expect on their caregiving journey and supporting them in dealing with issues relating to stigma and highlight the importance of anti-stigma efforts in organizational settings such as schools, corporations, and government agencies
Alcohol’s Harm to Others: Victim Data on Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Nationwide Population Survey
Alcohol’s harm to others (AHTO) is a growing concern globally. Yet research in Asia, especially among multi-ethnic populations, remains scarce. This cross-sectional study utilized national population data from the Health and Lifestyle Survey, and aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with AHTO in Singapore. Among 6465 respondents, findings revealed a lower prevalence of reported harm from others’ drinking (9.6%) compared to W…
Insomnia during the Covid-19 pandemic: Prevalence and correlates in a multi-ethnic population Singapore
Insomnia was prevalent and associated with higher level of psychological distress among Singapore residents. These findings can be utilised to design effective targeted interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy, therapist assisted relaxation and meditation programs to improve sleep and reduce psychological distress. Interventions like these can be delivered via smartphone applications enabling easy access, delivery, and utilization by the …
Adherence to Covid-19 measures and the associated factors: Evidence from a two-wave longitudinal study in Singapore
Soft interventions like nudges can be implemented at crowded places to remind the public of the ease of transmitting the virus to their loved ones. Increasing media presence of public health experts can be a viable alternative to improve adherence
Excess costs of depression among a population-based older adults with chronic diseases in Singapore
Depression was found to inflate the total healthcare expenditure among older adults with chronic disease by two-fold. This study provides evidence that there are significant incremental costs associated with depression among the older adults with chronic diseases, demonstrating a need for more resources to improve systematic and clinical care for depressed older adults with chronic diseases
Association between sleep quality and quality of life in Singapore
Exploring views and experiences of the general public’s adoption of digital technologies for healthy lifestyle in Singapore: A qualitative study
Objective: Little is known about the general adult population's adoption of digital technology to support healthy lifestyle, especially when they are expected to take greater personal responsibility for managing their health and well-being today. The current qualitative study intended to gain an in-depth understanding of determinants of digital technology adoption for healthy lifestyle among community-dwelling adults in Singapore. Design: A quali…
Resilience and stress in frontline social workers during the Covid‐19 pandemic in Singapore
As social work under normal circumstances is already a stress-laden helping profession, this study intended to examine the level of psychological distress among the frontline social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether resilience and organizational support played a part in mitigating their psychological distress. Frontline social workers from various social service sectors across Singapore were surveyed using two standardized measurem…
Analysis and Interpretation of Metaphors: Exploring Young Adults' Subjective Experiences With Depression
The aim of this study was to provide a cross-cultural exploration of how young adults with depression use metaphors to describe their illness experiences. Data were collected in semi-structured interviews, designed to capture rich and detailed descriptions of participants' firsthand narrative experiences of depression and how they make sense of depression. Thirty-three participant interview data were analyzed, using a combination of deductive and…
Understanding Emotion Regulation Strategies Among Youths: A Qualitative Study
The period of youth encompasses a myriad of experiences that often elicit a range of emotions from the individual. This study was conducted to understand emotion regulation (ER) among youths, specifically to identify strategies employed by youths to regulate emotions, and to understand the perceived importance and impact of ER. Qualitative data were collected through one-to-one semi-structured interviews ( n = 25) and focus group discussions ( n …
Aggression in Asian Patients with First-Episode Psychosis
Aims: The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence and severity of aggression in patients with first-episode psychosis and to identify the association between aggression and sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods: Consecutive patients with first-episode psychosis admitted to the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Singapore, were assessed for a history of aggressive acts. Diagnosis was confirmed using the Structured Clinical …
Lifetime and twelve-month prevalence of heavy-drinking in Singapore: Results from a representative cross-sectional study
Singapore has a relatively high prevalence of 12-month heavy drinking of 12.6%, and lifetime heavy drinking of 15.9%. Heavy drinking was positively associated with both physical and mental health conditions, and with declines in quality of life. Continued monitoring of heavy drinking behavior and sustained efforts to mitigate the risks associated with heavy drinking is needed
Measuring health-related quality of life among adults in Singapore: Population norms for the EQ-5D
Development, validity and reliability of the short multidimensional positive mental health instrument
Population norms for the EQ-5D index scores using Singapore preference weights
Does ethnicity have an impact on duration of untreated psychoses: A retrospective study in Singapore
BACKGROUND: Some studies have suggested ethnicity as being one of the causes leading to a longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in first episode psychosis. AIM: We sought to investigate this issue, in a large cohort of patients with a first episode of psychosis, in Singapore. METHOD: In this naturalistic retrospective study, 794 patients accepted into Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) services in Singapore were recruited. Diagn…
Perspectives on Smoking Initiation and Maintenance: A Qualitative Exploration among Singapore Youth
Studies among adolescents have shown that several important interpersonal, intrapersonal and environmental factors are associated with smoking behaviour. The current qualitative research project aimed to explore the determinants of smoking initiation and maintenance, from a youth perspective, among young people who smoked, living in a multi-ethnic Asian country. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with youths in Singapore in youth-frien…
Smoking and Socio-demographic correlates of BMI
The study identified certain subgroups and risk factors that are associated with obesity. There is a need for further research to explore and identify genetic, metabolic and ethnic differences that underlie the interaction between ethnicity and smoking status which affects BMI
Qualitative study of Singaporean youths’ perception of antismoking campaigns: What works and what does not
Participants expressed a preference towards antismoking messages that were less authoritative, and perceived a distinct lack of support for their intentions to quit smoking. There is room for incorporating suggestions by participants in future antismoking campaigns. Future research is needed to identify barriers to accessing available support
The importance of considering differential item functioning in investigating the impact of chronic conditions on health-related quality of life in a multi-ethnic Asian population
Pathways to care among psychiatric outpatients in a tertiary mental health institution in Singapore
BACKGROUND: Pathways to care studies in Singapore are of high interest given the cultural diversity and various sources of help available for those with mental illnesses, ranging from the more traditional to tertiary-level mental health care services. AIM: The current study aimed to explore the associations of patients' socio-demographic characteristics with pathways to first contact and duration of untreated mental illness. METHOD: A total of 40…
Correlates of Non-Medical Prescription Drug Misuse Among a Treatment-Seeking Population: A Comparison with Illicit Drug Users
Prescription drugs (PD) undoubtedly help people with various physical or psychiatric ailments. Nevertheless, they are often diverted and misused (use without prescription or for purposes/in ways not intended by the prescriber). This study compared the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of those who misused PDs, used illegal drugs and co-ingested both, to identify those who were at a high risk of misusing these drugs. Retrospective analysis …
Mapping the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores to EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D utility scores in patients with schizophrenia
The current study provides important evidence to clinicians and researchers on mapping algorithms for converting PANSS scores into utility scores that can be easily applicable for cost-utility analysis when EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D data are not available for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder in Singapore
A systematic examination of cognitive emotion regulation strategies, global emotion dysregulation, and cognitive insight in relation to posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among trauma exposed pati…
Our findings suggest that addressing emotion dysregulation and cognitive insight may improve intrusive symptoms, and this may prevent the development of full PTSD in patients with early nonaffective psychosis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
Evaluating Singapore’s CHAT Assessment Service by the World Mental Health Organisation (WHO) “Youth-Friendly” Health Services Framework
Young people experience high rates of mental health issues. However, many do not seek professional help. In order to encourage help-seeking behavior among young people, it is important to ensure that services are youth-friendly. This study aims to evaluate the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT)'s mental health assessment service model using the World Health Organization (WHO) youth-friendly health service framework of accessibility, acceptab…
Two-Year Clinical and Functional Outcomes of an Asian Cohort at Ultra-High Risk of Psychosis
Background: To determine the 2-year clinical and functional outcomes of an Asian cohort at ultra-high risk (UHR) of psychosis. Method: This was a longitudinal study with a follow-up period of 2 years on 255 help-seeking adolescents and young adults at UHR of psychosis managed by a multi-disciplinary mental health team in Singapore. Clients received case management, psychosocial, and pharmacological treatment as appropriate. Data comprising sympto…
Trends in Subjective Quality of Life Among Patients With First Episode Psychosis—A 1 Year Longitudinal Study
Quality of life (QoL) is often used as an outcome assessment in programs treating patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal trend of subjective QoL among patients with FEP and identify the potential influence of patients' social-demographic/lifestyle factors on the trend of QoL. Two hundred and eighty subjects participated in the study. Patient's demographics and subjective QoL were collect…
The Relative Associations of Body Image Dissatisfaction among Psychiatric Out-Patients in Singapore
Background : Adults with body image dissatisfaction (BID) are more likely to be depressed, anxious, and suicidal when compared to those without intense dissatisfaction over their appearance. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with BID among out-patients with mental illness in Singapore. Methods : Data was collected from 310 psychiatric out-patients using a self-administered questionnaire. Measurements used w…
Subjective Quality of Life and Its Associations among First Episode Psychosis Patients in Singapore
Background -Mental disorders have been found to affect quality of life (QOL) in patients. The current study aimed to determine QOL among first episode psychosis (FEP) patients and explore its associations with sociodemographic as well as clinical factors. Methods -Data for this study were collected as a part of an Early Psychosis Intervention Program (EPIP)-Smoking and Alcohol use survey. At baseline, 280 outpatients aged 15-40 years old diagnose…
Estimation of Prevalence of Osteoporosis Using Osta and Its Correlation with Sociodemographic Factors, Disability and Comorbidities
Osteoporosis is a growing concern for an aging society. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of older adults who were at risk of osteoporosis and explore factors associated with osteoporosis. The relationship between the risk of osteoporosis, chronic conditions and disability was also explored. We hypothesized that respondents with high risk index of osteoporosis would be associated with greater disability. Participants aged 60 years and ab…
Happiness and Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults: Investigating the Mediational Roles of Disability, Depression, Social Contact Frequency, and Loneliness
Background: Understanding the lower level of happiness among older adults with cognitive impairment has been a largely neglected issue. This study (1) reports on the level of happiness among older adults in Singapore and (2) examines the potential mediating roles of depression, disability, social contact frequency, and loneliness in the relationship between cognitive scores and happiness. Methods: Data for this study were extracted from the Well-…
Patterns of physical activity and health-related quality of life amongst patients with multimorbidity in a multi-ethnic Asian population
The low levels of physical activity among patients with multimorbidity, and its association with overweight status and poorer HRQoL emphasizes the importance of increasing physical activity in this population. Family physicians treating patients with chronic diseases need to continue encouraging and helping individuals to initiate and maintain appropriate physical activity levels
An exploratory study on the lived experiences of hoarding in Singapore
Research studies have revealed that people with hoarding typically collect and keep items due to their aesthetic appeal, utility and strong emotional attachment to the items resulting in clutter and limiting living spaces. This study aims to explore the experiences of individuals with hoarding disorder to understand and describe-the patterns and reasons for hoarding, experiences with decluttering and the impact of hoarding disorder on significant…
Beyond Recovery: Exploring Growth in the Aftermath of Psychosis
OPINION article Front. Psychiatry, 26 February 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00108
Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality and Physical Activity, but Not Sedentary Behaviour, Are Associated with Positive Mental Health in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation
Duration and quality of sleep and physical activity were directly associated with PMH in an urban Asian population. These findings support incorporating sleep and physical activity interventions to improve population mental health
Medicine (75 works) · Psychiatry (67 works) · Psychology (66 works) · Clinical Psychology (46 works) · Mental health (44 works) · Population (38 works) · Environmental health (37 works) · Clinical Psychology (36 works) · Mental Health Treatment and Access (25 works) · Public health (25 works)