Effects of Family Relationships in Vietnamese Culture on Mental Health Problems Among Adults During the Covid-19 Lockdown

Objective. Globally, previous research has shown the negative influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. In fact, Vietnamese culture emphasizes traditional values, and family relationships have an important influence on well-being. However, fewer studies have examined the correlation between family relationships and mental health problems in crises. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the correlation between family relationships and mental health problems among adults during the COVID-19 lockdown in Vietnam. Material and methods. A sample of 640 adults aged from 18 to 52 (71.9% female) completed an online survey on mental health from August to September 2021. The survey measured depression, anxiety, stress, family relationships, and socio-demographic and epidemiological factors. Multiple linear regressions were conducted. Results. Prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 31.4%, 43.4%, and 25.2%, respectively. Multiple linear regression indicates that 12% to 14% of the variations in common mental health problems can be explained by the family relationship. In particular, family conflicts were significantly related to higher depression, anxiety, and stress (Beta from 0.14 to 0.16, p<0.01); in contrast, an increase in family expressiveness was linked to a decrease in mental health problems (Beta from -0.27 to -0.20, p<0.01). Conclusions. The mental health of Vietnamese adults was affected due to family conflict and family expressiveness, particularly in crises. The current study provides evidence for the prevention strategy of adult mental health problems by reducing conflict and enhancing emotional expressiveness skills for family members, particularly in crisis situations. Keywords: family relationship, Vietnamese culture, mental health problem, and the COVID-19 lockdown

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Linguistics · Mental health · Psychiatry · Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 · Vietnamese · COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts · COVID-19 Prevention and Impact · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Medicine · Philosophy · Psychology · Internal Medicine · Virology