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Tufts University

Publication Date

Fall 12-5-2014

Program Name

Vietnam: Culture, Social Change, and Development

Abstract

Vietnam’s rapid development since 1986 has had both positive and negative impacts on Vietnam’s mental health services. A health system was put into place and is expanding to overcome many challenges. Conversely, development has also brought with it new amenities and technologies that, in some cases, are being abused – one such is example is video games. As Vietnam deals with disturbing violent video game related episodes, parents and community members are searching for answers. This study project focuses on understanding the mental health care system in Vietnam and its current growth and advances. Three weeks were spent in Hanoi, Vietnam working for a think-tank organization focused on mental health policy advocacy, research, and training. During my eighty hours spent at the Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD), I was tasked with creating a flyer on Internet Gaming Disorder to spread information on video game addiction to Vietnamese communities. While working on this project I participated in various office activities and through participant observation I was able to witness how RTCCD is working to implement change. Additionally I was able to interview three staff members at RTCCD gaining further understanding. RTCCD is generating progressive change to the way mental illness is being viewed and treated through training programs, community intervention, and most importantly policy advocacy. In the future RTCCD should continue its impressive work, aiming to expand services into more provinces while focusing on local tactics.

Disciplines

Asian Studies | Clinical and Medical Social Work | Health and Medical Administration | Mental and Social Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

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