Psychological ill-health in Chinese communities in Hong Kong

Psychiatric symptoms are widely distributed in the general population while psychiatric impairment or psychological ill-health is prevalent in many communities, especially those with stressful environments. Data concerning Chinese communities are scanty. The present study employed the use of a General Health Questionnaire to screen the general population for psychological ill-health in Hong Kong and the results showed that between 18.3% and 26.3% of Chinese could be considered as probable or potential candidates for mental illness. The authors discuss the significance of these findings.