Changes in depression-related mental health literacy in young men from rural and urban South Australia

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 153-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerena A. Eckert ◽  
Stephanie M. Kutek ◽  
Kirsten I. Dunn ◽  
Tracy M. Air ◽  
Robert D. Goldney
2005 ◽  
Vol 183 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert D Goldney ◽  
Laura J Fisher ◽  
Eleonora Dal Grande ◽  
Anne W Taylor

2009 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 476-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert D. Goldney ◽  
Kirsten I. Dunn ◽  
Eleonora Dal Grande ◽  
Shona Crabb ◽  
Anne Taylor

Objective: The aim of the present study was to measure and compare levels of depression-related mental health literacy in South Australia across three points in time: 1998, 2004, and 2008. Method: Participants were those recruited for the 1998, 2004, and 2008 South Australian Health Omnibus Surveys. Comparisons were made across overall levels of depression-related mental health literacy as well as between responses to independent questionnaire items. Results: A significant improvement was found in the overall measure of depression-related mental health literacy between 1998 and 2004 and this was consolidated in 2008. Some discrete changes in literacy were found between 2004 and 2008, with improvements recorded across some demographic groups and in participants’ ability to accurately classify symptoms. Participants in 2008, however, were significantly less likely to endorse providers or treatments as ‘helpful’ than in 2004. Conclusions: Although knowledge and understanding of depression have improved significantly and stabilized since 1998, patient confidence in both mental health therapists and treatment options fell between 2004 and 2008, although it is still greater than in 1998.


2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 359-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Scott ◽  
Anna Chur-Hansen

Objective: This study sought to explore the mental health literacy of adolescents living in a rural area in Australia through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, with a view to identifying areas for further research and making recommendations for improved education programs around mental health. Method: Nine Year 10 students (two boys and seven girls) from a rural secondary school in South Australia read two vignettes, one portraying depression and the other schizophrenia. Semi-structured individual interviews that focussed on the vignettes were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed for thematic content. Results: The data yielded a number of main themes, many of which have been previously identified in the literature. Two new findings also emerged. These were the role of Emo subculture and dealing with distress, and the value of confiding in another person through short message service (SMS) texting. Conclusions: The impact of Emo subculture and SMS texting on mental health literacy requires further exploration. It is suggested that these two findings are not confined to rural youth, but may have national and international relevance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-83
Author(s):  
Caroline S. Clauss-Ehlers ◽  
Maria Guevara Carpio ◽  
Mark D. Weist

Background: Adolescence is defined by key transitional elements which are considered within a cross-cultural context. The importance of building mental health capacity for adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as well as high-income countries (HICs) is reviewed. Objectives: To review the developmental period of adolescence, global needs for mental health promotion, the needs of LMICs while emphasizing building adolescent mental health capacity, and the importance of efforts to promote mental health literacy. Methods: Mental health literacy (MHL) is presented as a strategy that can increase public awareness regarding mental health issues among adolescents. Increased awareness through an MHL framework is discussed as a way to build adolescent mental health capacity; with this work ideally occurring through global communities of practice (COP), dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support that aim to build innovation in systems of mental health promotion. Results: The authors review structural components in research, practice, and policy that seek to build global adolescent mental health capacity, nested within COPs involving HICs and LMICs working together to advance mental health promotion for children, adolescents, and young people. Conclusion: The article concludes with a discussion of how the three structural components (i.e., research, practice, and policy) can address gaps in the provision of global mental health services for adolescents to meet adolescent mental health needs in LMICs and HICs. A multi-sectoral approach emphasizing a global COP is presented as a way to scale up capacity and maximize outcomes.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document