Dr. Gigi Lam has published an article entitled "Post-COVID-19 mental health challenges in Hong Kong: a review of policy and practice trajectories" with the co-author, Dr. Eva Chung, in the international peer-reviewed journal, Journal of Public Mental Health (ESCI journal, Q2 journal, 5-year Impact Factor: 1.4). 

 

Abstract:                                                                                     

Purpose                                                                                       

This study aims to explore the efficacy of mental health policies implemented in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify strategic priorities for advancing policy and practice in the post-pandemic period.

 

Design/methodology/approach

Using a scoping review methodology, this study synthesises existing literature on mental health challenges experienced in Hong Kong during the pandemic. The analysis is structured around the health policy triangle framework, which examines policy content, context, actors and processes to evaluate current mental health strategies and guide future policy development.

 

Findings

The review identifies a broad spectrum of pandemic-related mental health risk factors, including the characteristics of the outbreak, enforcement of protective measures and social distancing, diminished social capital, restricted access to face-to-face healthcare, media-driven anxiety and fears of infection or transmission. While the government assumed a central role in implementing public health measures, public opinion largely attributed successful pandemic management to community-led initiatives. These findings emphasise the need for mental health policies that are inclusive, adaptive and grounded in community engagement, alongside practice trajectories that prioritise accessibility, responsiveness and integration of community-based approaches.

 

Originality/value

This study adopts a policy-focused lens by applying the health policy triangle framework to examine mental health governance in Hong Kong. It integrates empirical evidence from the pandemic with policy analysis, offering insights into policy directions and practice trajectories that can strengthen mental health systems in the post-COVID-19 context.                                                                           

 

Reference: Chung, E.Y.,& Lam, G. (2026). Post-COVID-19 mental health challenges in Hong Kong: a review of policy and practice trajectories. Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-09-2025-0143
 

If you are interested in reading the article, please visit the following link.