Adult female callers' characteristics and mental health status：A retrospective study based on the psychological assistance hotline in Hangzhou

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This study aims to analyze the basic characteristics and mental health status of adult female callers to the psychological assistance helpline in Hangzhou City, in order to provide targeted services for effectively intervening in the psychological crises of this group. Methods: Data from adult female callers to the helpline in Hangzhou City from 2019 to 2022 were collected, including demographic information and the types of issues discussed during the calls. The data were grouped and compared based on different age groups, marital status, and call times. The mental health status of the adult female population was assessed by evaluating depressive mood and suicide risk. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing their mental health status. Results: A total of 15,580 adult female callers were included in the study. Among them, adults aged 30 and below accounted for 52.2%, unmarried callers accounted for 62.1%, and callers from other provinces accounted for 42.6%. The types of calls were concentrated in mental health issues (56.5%), romantic relationship issues (11%), and marriage/family issues (13%). Among callers aged 30 and below, the proportion of consultations romantic relationship (P＜0.001), work (P＜0.001), and study-related issues (P＜0.001) were significantly higher than callers aged over 30. Realatively, callers aged over 30 had a significantly higher proportion of consultations marriage/family (P＜0.001) and child education issues (P＜0.001) compared to those aged 30 and below. The callers aged 30 and below exhibited significantly higher levels of depression and suicide risk compared to callers aged over 30. Unmarried callers had a significantly higher proportion of moderate depression and suicide risk compared to married callers. Female callers with higher education levels were less likely to report suicidal ideation and had lower levels of depression (OR=0.631, P=0.013) and lower high-risk proportions (OR=0.263, P＜0.001). Callers contacting in the late evening had a higher high-risk proportion (OR =1.622, P=0.001). High-risk proportions were lower among employed individuals compared to unemployed callers (OR=0.707, P=0.037). Conclusion: The mental health status of female callers aged 30 and below, unemployed individuals, and those calling in the latter part of the night have relatively poorer mental health and are more likely to be at risk for suicide, which needs to be taken seriously, and more professional and targeted intervention services need to be enhanced in the hotline.