Addressing Mental Health Literacy in a UK university campus population: Positive replication of a Canadian intervention

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 537-544
Author(s):  
Sarah Hunt ◽  
Yifeng Wei ◽  
Stan Kutcher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Mental health concerns on university campuses are increasing in the UK. Improving mental health literacy (MHL) for students may be a useful part of an integrated approach to effectively address these concerns. This study evaluated a previously demonstrated effective Canadian campus MHL resource in a UK student sample. Design: This cross-sectional study conducted on one UK campus reports on student’s opinions about the impact of the Transitions (2nd edition) resource as well as applying a standard measure of MHL. Methods: Online survey using a convenience sample of students during semester 1 conducted over a 1-week period at a large UK university. Results: Use of Transitions (2nd edition) improved student self-reported mental health knowledge, decreased stigma and increased help-seeking intent. Significant ( p < .05) improvement in a standard MHL assessment was also found. Conclusions: These results suggest that the Transitions resource may be a helpful intervention in addressing student mental health in a UK university campus setting.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of the EspaiJove.net Mental Health Literacy (EMHL) Test for Spanish Adolescents

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Pere Castellvi ◽  
Rocío Casañas ◽  
Victoria-Mailen Arfuch ◽  
Juan José Gil Moreno ◽  
María Torres Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Cronbach’S Alpha ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Cronbach's Alpha ◽  
Mental Health Knowledge ◽  
Different Levels

There is evidence of the effectiveness of implementing mental health literacy (MHL) programs. However, there are substantial limitations in the instruments available for measuring MHL. This study aimed to develop and validate the EspaiJove.net MHL test (EMHL) for Spanish adolescents by assessing its psychometric properties. The development of the EMHL test was conducted using item pool generation and a pilot study. A convenience sample of students aged 13–15 years (n = 355) participated in the validity study. Reliability was assessed for internal consistency and via test-retest. Convergent validity was evaluated by comparing the effect sizes among known groups with different levels of mental health knowledge, the correlation with mental health-related instruments, and the item discrimination index. A final version of a 35-item EMHL test was obtained with two parts: (i) a binary choice format (yes/no) for the identification of mental disorders; (ii) a multiple choice question with four possible answer options. Internal consistency was acceptable in the first part (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.744; Guttman’s lambda 2 = 0.773) and almost acceptable in the second part (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.615; Guttman’s lambda 2 = 0.643). The test-retest evaluation supported the stability of the test (first part, ICC = 0.578; second part, ICC = 0.422). No ceiling and floor effects were found. The EMHL test scores discriminated between known groups with different levels of mental health knowledge and it is associated with several-related constructs of MHL. Conclusions: The EMHL test is a relevant measure for assessing MHL in adolescents into Spanish context with acceptable validity and stability.

Australian paramedic students’ mental health literacy and attitudes towards mental health

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon C. King ◽  
Amanda L. Rebar ◽  
Paul Oliveri ◽  
Robert Stanton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Emergency Services

Purpose Australian paramedics regularly encounter patients experiencing mental illness. However, some paramedics hold negative attitudes towards the use of emergency services in providing care for these patients. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine the mental health literacy (MHL) of Australian paramedic students, and the training and experiential factors associated with MHL. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey was delivered to paramedic students across Australia. A total of 94 paramedic students completed the survey examining MHL, mental health first aid (MHFA) intentions, confidence in providing help, personal and perceived stigma and willingness to interact with a person experiencing mental illness. Findings Participants generally had poor MHFA intentions in spite of good recognition of mental health disorders and good knowledge about mental health. Participants also demonstrated low stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness; however, they expressed a lack of willingness to interact with a person experiencing mental illness. Originality/value Our findings propose a combination of work-based experience and specific MHFA training may be beneficial to paramedic students to improve care for patients experiencing mental illness.

scholarly journals Tailored Mental Health Literacy Training Improves Mental Health Knowledge and Confidence among Canadian Farmers

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3807
Author(s):  
Briana N. M. Hagen ◽  
Sherilee L. Harper ◽  
Terri L. O’Sullivan ◽  
Andria Jones-Bitton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Literacy Training ◽  
Mental Health Knowledge ◽  
The Impact

This study evaluated the impact of “In the Know” mental health literacy training for Canadian agriculture. We hypothesized that “In the Know” would significantly increase participants’ knowledge around mental health, confidence in recognizing mental health struggles, confidence in speaking about mental health with others, and confidence in helping someone who may be struggling with mental health. “In the Know” was a 4-h, in-person program delivered by a mental health professional who also had experience in agriculture. Six sessions were offered in Ontario, Canada in 2018. Participants were farmers and/or worked primarily with farmers. A pre-training paper questionnaire was administered, followed by a post-training questionnaire at the end of the session and 3 and 6 month post-training questionnaires via email. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed to compare participants’ self-reported knowledge and confidence across four timepoints. “In the Know” significantly improved participants’ self-reported mental health knowledge and confidence in recognizing mental health struggles, speaking to others, and helping others who are struggling immediately following training and often at 3 and 6 months post-training. This is the first study among farming populations to measure program impact with 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Given the reported associations between mental health literacy and increased help-seeking, disseminating “In the Know” more broadly across farming communities may help to increase mental health literacy and thus increase help-seeking among farmers.

Preparing for the Classroom: Mental Health Knowledge Improvement, Stigma Reduction and Enhanced Help-Seeking Efficacy in Canadian Preservice Teachers

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Carr ◽  
Yifeng Wei ◽  
Stan Kutcher ◽  
Amy Heffernan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Attitudes Toward Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Knowledge ◽  
The Impact

Mental health literacy is fundamental to improving knowledge about mental health, decreasing stigma, and, therefore, enhancing help-seeking behaviors. The purpose of this cohort study is to evaluate the impact of a mental health literacy program on preservice teachers’ knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking efficacy. Sixty preservice teachers in a Canadian university participated in a professional development day and completed a survey of their mental health knowledge, attitudes toward mental illness, and help-seeking efficacy. Compared with baseline data, results demonstrated significant and substantial improvements on all three outcomes immediately following the session and after 3 months. Provision of mental health literacy education among preservice teachers may be an effective approach to help them better address student mental health needs in their future teaching career.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and initial period of lockdown on the mental health and well-being of adults in the UK

BJPsych Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross G. White ◽  
Catharina Van Der Boor
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Summary The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being were assessed in a convenience sample of 600 UK adults, using a cross-sectional design. Recruited over 2 weeks during the initial phase of lockdown, participants completed an online survey that included COVID-19-related questions, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the World Health Organization (Five) Well-Being Index and the Oxford Capabilities Questionnaire for Mental Health. Self-isolating before lockdown, increased feelings of isolation since lockdown and having COVID-19-related livelihood concerns were associated with poorer mental health, well-being and quality of life. Perceiving increased kindness, community connectedness and being an essential worker were associated with better mental health and well-being outcomes.

scholarly journals Psikoedukasi “IKESMEN” Untuk Meningkatkan Literasi Kesehatan Mental Siswa pada Guru

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Runi Rulanggi ◽  
Thomas Dicky Hastjarjo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Mental Health Stigma ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This study was to determine the effects of “Ikesmen” (e-mental health)Psychoeducation program in improving mental health literacy in secondary school teachersin Yogyakarta. Thirty secondary school teachers in Yogyakarta participated in the study.Fifteen teachers in the experimental group received “Ikesmen” program and fifteen teachers inthe control group did not receive treatment. The untreated control group design with pretestand posttest samples were used. The validity of “Ikesmen” program was tested in accordanceto Rusell module development principles (V coefficient is 0.775-0.8461). LiteracyQuestionnaires, Mental Health Stigma Questionnaires, and Mental health Knowledge Testwere used to collect data. Mixed analysis of variance was conducted to analyse the data. Theresults showed that there were no differences in the scores of mental health literacy betweenthe experimental group and control group (F=0.188, p =0.01< 0.668). There was no significantimprovement in the experimental group treated with Ikesmen Psychoeducation in comparisonwith the control group (F=0.640, p= 0.01<0.431). Further research is required to obtaindescription on the impact of technology usage in improving mental health literacy.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID19 pandemic and initial period of lockdown on the mental health and wellbeing of UK adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross G. White ◽  
Carine Van der Boor
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Community Connectedness ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

SummaryMental health and wellbeing impacts of COVID19 were assessed in a convenience sample of 600 UK adults using a cross-sectional design. Recruited over a two-week period during the initial phase of the government lockdown, participants completed an online survey that included COVID19-related questions, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the WHO-5 and the OXCAP-MH. Self-isolating prior to lockdown, increased feelings of isolation since the lockdown, and having COVID19-related livelihood concerns, were associated with poorer mental health, wellbeing and quality of life. Perceiving increased kindness, community connectedness, and being an essential worker were associated with better mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

Mental health literacy of the Lebanese population (MHeLLP): a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rim Taleb ◽  
Nayla Kassab ◽  
Asmaa Kebbe ◽  
Nour Kreidieh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Lebanese Population

Purpose This study primarily aims to evaluate the mental health literacy (MHL) of the Lebanese adult population in an attempt to yield results that can help fill the gap in the literature and support the development of new strategies to counter mental health stigma. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was composed of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule and select questions from the Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill and MHL Scale. The surveys were collected from a representative population of sample size (n = 386) among the different governorates of Lebanon. The participants, aged 18–65 years and literate, were recruited between July 2018 and September 2018 from supermarkets widely distributed across the country. Findings The results showed that the Lebanese population possesses average knowledge and certain stigmatizing attitudes toward mental illnesses. Curricular education and awareness campaigns may help refine the image of mental illness among the population. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first in Lebanon to assess the MHL of its population as a whole. It gives insight into the common misconceptions about mental illness and patterns of the related stigma that are prevalent in the Lebanese society today.

Changes in rehabilitation actors’ mental health literacy and support to employers: An evaluation of the SEAM intervention

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Annika Lexén ◽  
Maria Emmelin ◽  
Lars Hansson ◽  
Bengt Svensson ◽  
Susann Porter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Rehabilitation Professionals ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: Lack of mental health literacy among rehabilitation professionals and employers in the return-to-work of persons with mental health problems resulted in the development of a three-day group training program, the Support to Employers from rehabilitation Actors about Mental health (SEAM) intervention. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of SEAM on rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge and beliefs, attitudes, and supporting behaviors towards people with mental health problems and employers as part of the return-to-work process. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 94 rehabilitation professionals were included. Data were collected prior to (T1), immediately after (T2) and 6 months after SEAM training (T3) using knowledge and attitude scales and a questionnaire on supporting behaviors. SEAM includes training in Mental Health First Aid, presentations and discussions on current research on work and mental health, and strategies and communication guidelines to use when meeting service users and employers as part of the return-to-work of persons with mental health problems. SEAM also includes a homepage with targeted employer information. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistics. RESULTS: SEAM significantly increased rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge of mental health (T1-T2: z = –2.037, p = 0.042; T2-T3: z = –5.093, p = 0.001), and improved their attitudes towards persons with mental health problems (T1-T2: z = 4.984, p = 0.001). Professionals (50–60%) also estimated that they had increased their use of supporting strategies towards service users and employers. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that SEAM can increase mental health literacy among rehabilitation professionals and lead to a greater focus on service users’ resources and work ability, as well as on employers’ support needs.

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

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