It also found that 12.3% of this group have mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
The study was conducted by the Institute for Health Behavioural Research and the health ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
The study, called “Contributing factors to psychological distress, coping strategies and help-seeking behaviour among adolescents living in the Klang Valley’s People’s Housing Projects”, was conducted at 37 PPRs.
It involved 1,578 children and teenagers, aged between 10 and 17.
Deputy health minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the factors that contributed to mental health problems among children and teenagers included economic pressure, cramped living conditions and peer pressure.
“The findings of such studies allow the health ministry and other agencies to work together to understand mental health problems among this group and identify strategic solutions to overcome the issues holistically.
“All parties must focus on mental health and play their respective roles in the mental well-being of the community.
“It’s everybody’s business,” he said after launching the Myhealthymind@PPR community programme and technical report of the study here today.
Lukanisman said the study’s findings also showed that most teenagers experiencing emotional problems deal with stress in unhealthy ways, with some resorting to smoking and consuming illegal substances.
He said the study would be presented at the Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council Meeting, to be chaired by health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, on March 22.
The study suggested measures that need to be implemented through collaboration with various ministries, agencies and NGOs.
Lukanisman further said the ministry, through the Psychosocial Support Helpline, set up during the Covid-19 pandemic, received 308,445 calls between March 25, 2020 and Dec 31, 2022.
Of that number, 228,480 calls (or 72.2%) were from those who needed emotional support and counselling due to chronic stress, depression and anxiety.
This helpline service has since been upgraded to the National Mental Health Crisis Line, or HEAL Line 15555, which operates daily, including public holidays, from 8am to midnight.
The helpline is manned by the health ministry’s psychology counselling officers.
The HEAL Line, operational since Oct 21, 2022, has received 8,904 calls. Figures show that 97 callers had suicidal behaviour or had attempted suicide. HEAL managed to save 51 cases of attempted suicide and referred these callers to hospitals, Lukanisman said.