Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar
Biographic Data
| ID | 288811 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar |
| GIVEN NAMES | Janhavi Ajit |
| FAMILY NAME | Vaingankar |
| SIGNATURE | VAINGANKAR J A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Institute of Mental Health |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-9486-1896 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 41 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 1 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 41 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2012 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
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-…
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…
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
Measuring social desirability bias in a multi-ethnic cohort sample: Its relationship with self-reported physical activity, dietary habits, and factor structure
The construct of social desirability bias was fundamentally different in a multicultural context than previously understood. Only a small proportion of variance of self-report lifestyle scores was explained by social desirability, thus providing support for data integrity
Food insufficiency, adverse childhood experiences and mental health: Results of the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of food insufficiency and its association with mental disorders and adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in Singapore. Design: This analysis utilised data from the Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS 2016). Setting: SMHS 2016 was a population-based, psychiatric epidemiological study conducted among Singapore residents. Participants: Interviews were conducted with 6126 respond…
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 …
Sources of information on diabetes and its demographic correlates: A nationwide survey among Singapore residents
Diabetes is a major public health concern in Singapore, and the Singapore Government declared a ‘War on Diabetes’, which included a nationwide public health campaign. It is important to identify what sources of diabetes information reach the general population, whether this differs by socio-demographic characteristics and if the sources of information influence knowledge of diabetes to aid the successful dissemination of health information. Two t…
Positive mental health in psychotherapy: A qualitative study from psychotherapists’ perspectives
PMH in psychotherapy is a multidimensional concept that means more than symptom management and distress reduction in clients. There is potential value for its application in psychotherapy practice, though some concerns need to be addressed before it can be well integrated
Differences in the Prevalence and Profile of DSM-IV and DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorders—Results from the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016
While using the DSM-5 criteria would result in a lower prevalence of AUD in Singapore, it remains a highly comorbid condition associated with a poor health-related quality of life that is largely untreated, which makes it a significant public health concern
The Relationship of Socioeconomic Status to Alcohol, Smoking, and Health: A Population-Level Study of the Multiethnic Population in Singapore
This study aimed to (a) describe the differences in the prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD), smoking, nicotine dependence (ND), and health conditions (physical and mental) across socioeconomic status (SES); (b) study the differences in alcohol-related characteristics (e.g., frequency, quantity); and (c) assess the association between SES with health behaviors (alcohol use, smoking) and health status. This cross-sectional study recruited part…
Gender Differences in Alcohol Use: A Nationwide Study in a Multiethnic Population
The increase in alcohol consumption, and the greater consequences of chronic alcohol use among females, as well as the convergence of the gender gap warrants investigation. This paper aims to uncover gender differences in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Singapore. The SMHS 2016 was a population-based, cross-sectional, epidemiological study. Recruitment spanned from August 2016 to March 2018, where 6126 respondents were recruited. S…
Acceptance of healthy lifestyle nudges in the general population of Singapore
Individuals prefer less intrusive approaches for promoting healthy lifestyle. Ethnicity and lifestyle behaviours are associated with acceptance of nudges and should be taken into consideration during the formulation and implementation of behaviourally informed health policies
A cross-sectional study on the perceived barriers to physical activity and their associations with domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Individuals can be motivated to overcome internal barriers (fatigue, lack of time, cost and age) through social support and emphasis on exercise benefits. External barriers (weather and lack of pavements or parks) can be reduced by raising awareness of existing infrastructure. Sedentary behaviour can be improved by implementing workplace measures, such as reducing the time spent sitting
Employer and Co-worker Perspectives on Hiring and Working with People with Mental Health Conditions
The purpose of this study was to understand perspectives towards hiring and working with people with mental health conditions (PMHC). Semi-structured interviews with 25 employers and 20 co-workers were carried out. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The barriers to hiring and working with PMHC identified through the interviews were concerns about safety, incompetence, PMHC not being able to get along with others, requiring more train…
Caregivers’ hopes, expectations and concerns surrounding the employment and future of young people with mental health conditions
OBJECTIVE: Informal caregivers are often placed in a better position to understand and advocate for the vocational needs of young persons with mental health conditions. However, their opinions are largely ignored in the planning of vocational outcomes. This qualitative study had two broad aims: to explore (1) the perceptions of caregivers of young adults with mental health conditions on issues of paid employment and (2) their views and expectatio…
Lifetime Prevalence and Correlates of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders in Singapore
Introduction: The current study aimed to establish the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, its sociodemographic correlates and association with physical disorders using data from the Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS 2016). Methods: A two-phase design comprising population-level screening of psychotic symptoms using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 psychosis s…
Health Literacy and Diabetes Knowledge: A Nationwide Survey in a Multi-Ethnic Population
Health literacy is a key determinant of the public health and health climate of the nation. This study examined the functional health literacy of the nation, factors associated with health literacy, and its relationship with diabetes recognition. This cross-sectional survey recruited participants (N = 2895) who were 18 years and above from a population registry through disproportionate stratified sampling. The Brief Health Literacy Screen and oth…
The Relationship between Suicidality and Socio-Demographic Variables, Physical Disorders, and Psychiatric Disorders: Results from the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016
Suicidality encompasses suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts. This paper aims to establish associations between suicidality and sociodemographic variables, physical disorders, and psychiatric disorders. The Singapore Mental Health Study 2016 was a population-level epidemiological survey, which determined the prevalence of physical disorders, psychiatric disorders, and suicidality. Questionnaires were used to determine socio-demographic informat…
The Prevalence and Correlates of Disability in Singapore: Results from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey
Although this prevalence is lower than other countries, it is a significant finding in terms of actual numbers and impact at both the individual and the societal levels. Our findings also highlight the need to strengthen health services and preventive interventions targeting older adults and those who are physically inactive to reduce the burden of disability in these groups
Religious Affiliation in Relation to Positive Mental Health and Mental Disorders in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population
Our results indicate that religious affiliation is significantly associated with higher PMH, but not with mental disorders in an Asian community setting. In addition, different religions showed unique patterns of association with PMH subcomponents
Development of the Chinese, Malay and Tamil translations of the Positive Mental Health Instrument: Cross-cultural adaptation, validity and internal consistency
This study describes the development and validation of Chinese, Malay and Tamil translations of the Positive Mental Health Instrument (PMHI) in a general population sample in Singapore. Translations were performed using two independent forward translations followed by expert panel discussions and tested for content, construct and language appropriateness using focus group discussions. The final translated tools were field-tested among 220 residen…
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 …
From well-being to positive mental health: Conceptualization and qualitative development of an instrument in Singapore
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
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…
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…
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
Development and validation of the Rapid Positive Mental Health Instrument (R-PMHI) for measuring mental health outcomes in the population
The unidimensional 6-item R-PMHI offers brevity over the original multidimensional measure while appropriately representing the positive mental health construct. Prospective studies are needed to assess its responsiveness and test-retest reliability
Caregivers’ hopes, expectations and concerns surrounding the employment and future of young people with mental health conditions
OBJECTIVE: Informal caregivers are often placed in a better position to understand and advocate for the vocational needs of young persons with mental health conditions. However, their opinions are largely ignored in the planning of vocational outcomes. This qualitative study had two broad aims: to explore (1) the perceptions of caregivers of young adults with mental health conditions on issues of paid employment and (2) their views and expectatio…
Lifetime Prevalence and Correlates of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders in Singapore
Introduction: The current study aimed to establish the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, its sociodemographic correlates and association with physical disorders using data from the Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS 2016). Methods: A two-phase design comprising population-level screening of psychotic symptoms using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 psychosis s…
Health Literacy and Diabetes Knowledge: A Nationwide Survey in a Multi-Ethnic Population
Health literacy is a key determinant of the public health and health climate of the nation. This study examined the functional health literacy of the nation, factors associated with health literacy, and its relationship with diabetes recognition. This cross-sectional survey recruited participants (N = 2895) who were 18 years and above from a population registry through disproportionate stratified sampling. The Brief Health Literacy Screen and oth…
The Relationship between Suicidality and Socio-Demographic Variables, Physical Disorders, and Psychiatric Disorders: Results from the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016
Suicidality encompasses suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts. This paper aims to establish associations between suicidality and sociodemographic variables, physical disorders, and psychiatric disorders. The Singapore Mental Health Study 2016 was a population-level epidemiological survey, which determined the prevalence of physical disorders, psychiatric disorders, and suicidality. Questionnaires were used to determine socio-demographic informat…
The Prevalence and Correlates of Disability in Singapore: Results from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey
Although this prevalence is lower than other countries, it is a significant finding in terms of actual numbers and impact at both the individual and the societal levels. Our findings also highlight the need to strengthen health services and preventive interventions targeting older adults and those who are physically inactive to reduce the burden of disability in these groups
Religious Affiliation in Relation to Positive Mental Health and Mental Disorders in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population
Our results indicate that religious affiliation is significantly associated with higher PMH, but not with mental disorders in an Asian community setting. In addition, different religions showed unique patterns of association with PMH subcomponents
Development of the Chinese, Malay and Tamil translations of the Positive Mental Health Instrument: Cross-cultural adaptation, validity and internal consistency
This study describes the development and validation of Chinese, Malay and Tamil translations of the Positive Mental Health Instrument (PMHI) in a general population sample in Singapore. Translations were performed using two independent forward translations followed by expert panel discussions and tested for content, construct and language appropriateness using focus group discussions. The final translated tools were field-tested among 220 residen…
Sources of information on diabetes and its demographic correlates: A nationwide survey among Singapore residents
Diabetes is a major public health concern in Singapore, and the Singapore Government declared a ‘War on Diabetes’, which included a nationwide public health campaign. It is important to identify what sources of diabetes information reach the general population, whether this differs by socio-demographic characteristics and if the sources of information influence knowledge of diabetes to aid the successful dissemination of health information. Two t…
Positive mental health in psychotherapy: A qualitative study from psychotherapists’ perspectives
PMH in psychotherapy is a multidimensional concept that means more than symptom management and distress reduction in clients. There is potential value for its application in psychotherapy practice, though some concerns need to be addressed before it can be well integrated
Medicine (30 works) · Psychology (24 works) · Population (23 works) · Psychiatry (23 works) · Environmental health (21 works) · Mental health (21 works) · Gerontology (17 works) · Clinical Psychology (16 works) · Public health (15 works) · Clinical Psychology (14 works)