Abstract
Background
Training non-specialist workers in mental healthcare improves knowledge, attitude, skills, and confidence as well as clinical practice and skills. However, still little information is available on what type of mental health training is specifically associated with the improvement of such capacities. Japan reportedly has a poor quality of community mental health, and such information is crucial to improve the mental health service.
Methods
We studied web-based survey data of 495 public health workers in Japan to examine training types associated with knowledge/experience to support individuals with mental disorders. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between lack of knowledge/experience (outcome) and mental health training (exposure). We fitted three regression models. Model 1 evaluated unadjusted associations. Model 2 adjusted for age and sex. Model 3 adjusted for age, sex, years of experience, mental health full-time worker status, and community population.
Results
For all training types, the association between lack of knowledge/experience and mental health training attenuated as the model developed (i.e., Model 1 showed the smallest odds ratio). In Model 3, lack of knowledge/experience was significantly associated only with training about mental disorder and screening/assessment (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.33–0.90: and OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40–0.97, respectively).
Conclusions
We believe that the present study provides meaningful information that training about mental disorder and screening/assessment may lead to knowledge/experience of public health workers. Further studies should employ a longitudinal design with a larger sample.
Mental Health Training in Schools of Public Health: History, Current Status, and Future Opportunities
