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Coughlan EC, Heyland LK, Sheaves A, Parlee M, Wiley C, Page D, Hill TG. Characteristics of mental health literacy measurement in youth: a scoping review of school-based surveys. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 4:24. [PMID: 39023816 PMCID: PMC11258117 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-024-00079-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Mental health literacy (MHL) was introduced 25 years ago as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid in their recognition, management, or prevention. This scoping review mapped the peer-reviewed literature to assess characteristics of secondary school-based surveys in school-attending youth and explore components of school-based programs for fostering MHL in this population. The search was performed following the method for scoping reviews by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Searches were conducted in four scientific databases with no time limit, although all sources had to be written in English. Primary studies (N = 44) provided insight into MHL surveys and programs for school-attending youth across 6 continents. Studies reported that most youth experience moderate or low MHL prior to program participation. School-based MHL programs are relatively unified in their definition and measures of MHL, using closed-ended scales, vignettes, or a combination of the two to measure youth MHL. However, before developing additional interventions, steps should be taken to address areas of weakness in current programming, such as the lack of a standardized tool for assessing MHL levels. Future research could assess the feasibility of developing and implementing a standard measurement protocol, with educator perspectives on integrating MHL efforts into the classroom. Identifying the base levels of MHL amongst school-attending youth promotes the development of targeted programs and reviewing the alignment with program components would allow researchers to build on what works, alter what does not, and come away with new ways to approach these complex challenges, ultimately advancing knowledge of MHL and improving levels of MHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Coughlan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4J1, Canada
| | - Lindsay K Heyland
- Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Ashton Sheaves
- Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Madeline Parlee
- Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Cassidy Wiley
- Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Damian Page
- Department of School and Clinical Child Psychology, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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2
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Subasinghe A, Hart LM, Radeka A, Paxton SJ, Morgan A. Young people's help-giving actions towards a peer with a mental health problem: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Early Interv Psychiatry 2022; 17:337-353. [PMID: 36222277 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Young people often seek help from their peers for mental health problems. However, little is known about young people's experiences of helping a peer with a mental health problem. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on young people's help-giving actions, highlight any gaps in the research and examine the evidence for interventions designed to increase and improve help-giving. The secondary aim was to compare findings between help-giving in face-to-face and online settings. METHODS Embase, SCOPUS, PsycINFO and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched for English studies published from 2003 onwards. Studies focusing on the help-giving actions of young people (aged 12-25 years) towards a peer with a mental health problem were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal tools. Data were synthesized using thematic and narrative analysis. RESULTS Twenty-one studies (3440 participants) were included. The most frequently reported help-giving themes were encouraging professional and adult support and providing emotional support. Although limited studies reported on online help-giving, online settings allowed for immediate help to be provided despite time or location. Both positive and negative outcomes for helping were identified. Improvements in the quality of help-giving were found after training; however, help-giving for mental health crises was poor. CONCLUSIONS Further research regarding the young people's help-giving actions to peers online is required. Training programs need to consider how to further improve the quality of help-giving among young people and to increase the trainees' confidence in helping, particularly in a mental health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruni Subasinghe
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura M Hart
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angelika Radeka
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan J Paxton
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Morgan
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Walsh D, Foster J. Charting an Alternative Course for Mental Health-Related Anti-Stigma Social and Behaviour Change Programmes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10618. [PMID: 36078334 PMCID: PMC9518073 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mental health-related anti-stigma strategies are premised on the assumption that stigma is sustained by the public's deficiencies in abstract professional knowledge. In this paper, we critically assess this proposition and suggest new directions for research. Our analysis draws on three data sets: news reports (N = 529); focus groups (N = 20); interviews (N = 19). In each social context, we explored representations of mental health and illness in relation to students' shared living arrangements, a key group indicated for mental health-related anti-stigma efforts. We analysed the data using term-frequency inverse-document frequency (TF-IDF) models. Possible meanings indicated by TF-IDF modelling were interpreted using deep qualitative readings of verbatim quotations, as is standard in corpus-based research approaches to health and illness. These results evidence the flawed basis of dominant mental health-related anti-stigma campaigns. In contrast to deficiency models, we found that the public made sense of mental health and illness using dynamic and static epistemologies and often referenced professionalised understandings. Furthermore, rather than holding knowledge in the abstract, we also found public understanding to be functional to the social context. In addition, rather than being agnostic about mental health-related knowledge, we found public understandings are motivated by group-based identity-related concerns. We will argue that we need to develop alternative anti-stigma strategies rooted in the public's multiple contextualised sense-making strategies and highlight the potential of engaging with ecological approaches to stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Walsh
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
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Tuijnman A, Kleinjan M, Olthof M, Hoogendoorn E, Granic I, Engels RC. A Game-Based School Program for Mental Health Literacy and Stigma on Depression (Moving Stories): Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e26615. [PMID: 35976200 PMCID: PMC9434393 DOI: 10.2196/26615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent among adolescents in Western countries. However, although treatment for depressive symptoms is available, many adolescents do not seek help when they need it. Important barriers to help-seeking among adolescents include low mental health literacy and high stigma. Therefore, we have developed a game-based school program, Moving Stories, which combines mental health literacy training for depression with contact with someone with lived experience both in the digital and nondigital world. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to conduct a first test of the effectiveness of the newly developed game-based program, Moving Stories, using a cluster randomized controlled trial. METHODS A total of 185 adolescents participated, divided over 10 classes from 4 schools. Half of the classes were randomly selected to follow the Moving Stories program, whereas the other half were in the control group, where no intervention was provided. The adolescents filled out digital questionnaires at 4 time points, with questions on mental health literacy, stigma, depressive symptoms, and the program itself (before the program, after the program, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up). Using R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing), we ran linear mixed-effects models for all continuous outcome variables and generalized linear mixed-effects models for all binary outcome variables. RESULTS Compared with the control group, participants in the Moving Stories group improved after the program in personal stigma (b=-0.53, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.03; t179.16=-2.08; P=.04). Effects on personal stigma lasted over time (3-month follow-up: b=-0.57, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.03; t174.39=-2.07; P=.04). Most adolescents in the Moving Stories group participated in the introduction (97/99, 98%) and contact session (93/99, 94%), played the game for 4 or 5 days (83/99, 83%), and indicated that they would recommend the game to their peers (90/98, 92%). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show the potential of Moving Stories as a stigma reduction program. With changes in the program to improve its effects on mental health literacy, Moving Stories could be implemented in schools to improve help-seeking in adolescents and reduce the negative consequences and burden of depressive symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION Dutch Trial Register NTR7033; https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR7033. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/11255.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Tuijnman
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Trimbos-institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marloes Kleinjan
- Trimbos-institute, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Youth Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Merlijn Olthof
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Isabela Granic
- Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rutger Cme Engels
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Morgado TMM, Loureiro LMDJ, Rebelo Botelho MA. Acceptability and Feasibility of the ProLiSMental Psychoeducational Intervention to Promote Adolescents' Mental Health Literacy on Anxiety in a School Context. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:532-542. [PMID: 34913800 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2021.1999541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The ProLiSMental psychoeducational intervention intends to promote adolescents' mental health literacy on anxiety, facilitating their access, understanding, evaluation, and use of effective mental health information. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of that intervention in a school context and improve its content, structure, and procedure. A convenience sample of seventeen participants has been recruited: eleven students (mean age = 14.09 years, SD = 0,30) and six education and health professionals (mean age = 53.00 years, SD = 4,05). High levels of acceptability and feasibility of the ProLiSMental psychoeducational intervention were observed and important improvements were made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Manuel Moço Morgado
- Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Nursing, Health Sciences Research Unit, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Health Technology and Services Research, NursID: Innovation & Development in Nursing, Porto, Portugal
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Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Maryland Middle School Students. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 14:1024-1043. [PMID: 35669255 PMCID: PMC9145114 DOI: 10.1007/s12310-022-09521-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify independent risk and protective factors associated with self-reported suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among young adolescents by examining self-report data on mental health, substance abuse, violence involvement, social and economic challenges and supports, physical health and demographics in relation to STB. Data from nearly 27,000 students who completed the 2018-19 Maryland Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey/Youth Tobacco Survey (YRBS/YTS) were used to identify independent risk and protective factors associated with STB among middle school students (grades 6–8; ages 11-14). Twenty-three percent of students reported lifetime suicidal ideation and nine percent reported lifetime attempt(s). Independent risk factors associated with STB include depression, substance abuse or misuse, violence involvement, bullying victimization at school or electronically, sexual activity, and sleep deprivation. Protective factors include having an adult outside of school to confide in and feeling that teachers care and provide encouragement. Interactive effects by gender and/or race/ethnicity were observed for some factors in relation to STB. These results suggest that evidence-based programs and policies at the universal and selective/indicated levels in school settings are needed and should be introduced earlier on to address the widespread prevalence of STB in young adolescents. Program planners should take into consideration social, cultural and language needs when implementing and developing intervention strategies.
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Forthal S, Sadowska K, Pike KM, Balachander M, Jacobsson K, Hermosilla S. Mental Health First Aid: A Systematic Review of Trainee Behavior and Recipient Mental Health Outcomes. Psychiatr Serv 2022; 73:439-446. [PMID: 34346736 PMCID: PMC8814050 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a globally disseminated course that trains members of the public to recognize and respond to mental health issues in their communities. Although substantial evidence suggests that MHFA training is associated with positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intent, little is known about how MHFA trainee-delivered aid supports mental health needs. This systematic review sought to summarize the extant research evaluating MHFA trainees' helping behaviors and the impacts of these behaviors on people experiencing a mental health problem (i.e., recipients). METHODS Electronic databases were searched for MHFA evaluations published before or on March 9, 2021. Studies that evaluated at least one outcome related to trainee helping behavior or recipient mental health were included in the synthesis. Outcomes were organized into three categories: trainee use of MHFA skills, helpfulness of trainees' actions, and recipients' mental health. Only studies that compared pre- and posttraining outcomes, included a control group, and directly evaluated MHFA were used to assess its efficacy. RESULTS The search identified 31 studies, nine of which met criteria to assess MHFA efficacy. The findings of the nine studies indicated that MHFA had mixed effects on trainees using the skills taught in the course and no effects on the helpfulness of trainees' actions or on recipient mental health. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that there is insufficient current evidence that MHFA improves the helping behaviors of trainees or the mental health of those receiving helping behaviors. They highlight a crucial research gap that should be prioritized as MHFA continues to grow in popularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Forthal
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City (Forthal, Sadowska, Pike, Balachander, Jacobsson); Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Hermosilla)
| | - Karolina Sadowska
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City (Forthal, Sadowska, Pike, Balachander, Jacobsson); Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Hermosilla)
| | - Kathleen M Pike
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City (Forthal, Sadowska, Pike, Balachander, Jacobsson); Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Hermosilla)
| | - Manya Balachander
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City (Forthal, Sadowska, Pike, Balachander, Jacobsson); Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Hermosilla)
| | - Kristina Jacobsson
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City (Forthal, Sadowska, Pike, Balachander, Jacobsson); Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Hermosilla)
| | - Sabrina Hermosilla
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City (Forthal, Sadowska, Pike, Balachander, Jacobsson); Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Hermosilla)
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8
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Walsh D, Foster J. Where does research design fall short? Mental health related‐stigma as example. JOURNAL FOR THE THEORY OF SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jtsb.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Walsh
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience King's College London London UK
| | - Juliet Foster
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience King's College London London UK
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Banyard V, Mitchell KJ, Ybarra ML. Exposure to Self-Directed Violence: Understanding Intention to Help and Helping Behaviors among Adolescents and Emerging Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8606. [PMID: 34444354 PMCID: PMC8391527 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to self-directed violence (SDV) is a public health issue. Prevention trains third parties to identify SDV risk and provide help. However, we know little about the range of help provided to those who engage in SDV. The current study used a cross-sectional online survey of 1031 adolescents and emerging adults to learn about their SDV exposure, intent and attempts to help, and barriers to helping. Most participants reported SDV exposure, commonly by a peer, and provided help. Regression analyses showed that intent to help was predicted by social norms and having knowledge of resources, and such knowledge (but not social norms) was also related to actual helping behaviors. Qualitative analysis of short open-ended questions on the survey documented a range of barriers to helping. Findings support but also encourage revision of theoretical models of helping upon which prevention programs are based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Banyard
- Center on Violence against Women and Children, Rutgers School of Social Work, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, 123 Church Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Kimberly J. Mitchell
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA;
| | - Michele L. Ybarra
- Center for Innovative Public Health Research, 555 N. El Camino Real #A347, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA;
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Ng SH, Tan NJH, Luo Y, Goh WS, Ho R, Ho CSH. A Systematic Review of Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid: Improving Adolescent Mental Health. J Adolesc Health 2021; 69:199-210. [PMID: 33221189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescent mental illness often goes undetected. Youth and teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) are variations of adult MHFA that aims to help adults and adolescents recognize the signs and provide help where appropriate. We conducted a systematic review to summarize the current evidence for youth and teen MHFA, providing direction for future training and research. METHODS A systematic search was performed on September 12, 2020 on PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Cochrane using keywords related to teen or youth MHFA, adolescents, and mental health. A narrative synthesis was then carried out. RESULTS Of the 695 articles identified, 14 studies were included. All studies were from the U.S. and Australia. All studies demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge, recognition, stigmatizing attitudes, confidence, helping intentions, and helping behavior in both adult and youth participants. Improvement in knowledge and confidence was most reported, and improvement in helping behavior was the least reported. There is encouraging evidence of long-term benefits after the training. CONCLUSIONS More studies need to be conducted in non-Western countries, high-risk populations, and different professional settings. Future interventions could also consider different modes of learning, longer-term follow-up, and the measurement of outcomes that evaluate the quality of helping behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sok Hui Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Norman Jun Hao Tan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Luo
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Sheng Goh
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Cyrus Su Hui Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Birrell L, Furneaux-Bate A, Chapman C, Newton NC. A Mobile Peer Intervention for Preventing Mental Health and Substance Use Problems in Adolescents: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (The Mind Your Mate Study). JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e26796. [PMID: 34328426 PMCID: PMC8367112 DOI: 10.2196/26796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders have significant social and economic impacts, which are largely attributable to their early age of onset and chronic disabling course. Therefore, it is critical to intervene early to prevent chronic and debilitating trajectories. Objective This paper describes the study protocol of a CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials)-compliant randomized controlled trial for evaluating the effectiveness of the Mind your Mate program, a mobile health (mHealth) peer intervention that aims to prevent mental health (focusing on anxiety and depression) and substance use problems in adolescents. Methods Participants will consist of approximately 840 year 9 or year 10 students (60 students per grade per school) from 14 New South Wales high schools in Sydney, Australia. Schools will be recruited from a random selection of independent and public schools across the New South Wales Greater Sydney Area by using publicly available contact details. The intervention will consist of 1 introductory classroom lesson and a downloadable mobile app that will be available for use for 12 months. Schools will be randomly allocated to receive either the mHealth peer intervention or a waitlist control (health education as usual). All students will be given web-based self-assessments at baseline and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The primary outcomes of the trial will be the self-reported use of alcohol and drugs, anxiety and depression symptoms, knowledge about mental health and substance use, motives for not drinking, and willingness to seek help. Secondary outcomes will include positive well-being, the quality of life, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses will be conducted using mixed-effects linear regression analyses for normally distributed data and mixed-effects logistic regression analyses for categorical data. Results The Mind your Mate study was funded by an Australian Rotary Health Bruce Edwards Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from 2019 to 2022. Some of the development costs for the Mind your Mate intervention came from a seed funding grant from the Brain and Mind Centre of the University of Sydney. The enrollment of schools began in July 2020; 12 of 14 schools were enrolled at the time of submission. Baseline assessments are currently underway, and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2022. Conclusions The Mind your Mate study will generate vital new knowledge about the effectiveness of a peer support prevention strategy in real-world settings for the most common mental disorders in youth. If effective, this intervention will constitute a scalable, low-cost prevention strategy that has significant potential to reduce the impact of mental and substance use disorders. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000753954; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=379738&isReview=true International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/26796
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Birrell
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ainsley Furneaux-Bate
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cath Chapman
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola C Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Walsh DAB, Foster JLH. A Call to Action. A Critical Review of Mental Health Related Anti-stigma Campaigns. Front Public Health 2021; 8:569539. [PMID: 33490010 PMCID: PMC7820374 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.569539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a knowledge-attitudes-behavior practice (KABP) paradigm, professionals have focused on educating the public in biomedical explanations of mental illness. Especially in high-income countries, it is now common for education-based campaigns to also include some form of social contact and to be tailored to key groups. However, and despite over 20 years of high-profile national campaigns (e.g., Time to Change in England; Beyond Blue in Australia), examinations suggest that the public continue to Other those with experiences of mental ill-health. Furthermore, evaluations of anti-stigma programs are found to have weak- to no significant long-term effects, and serious concerns have been raised over their possible unintended consequences. Accordingly, this article critically re-engages with the literature. We evidence that there have been systematic issues in problem conceptualization. Namely, the KABP paradigm does not respond to the multiple forms of knowledge embodied in every life, often outside conscious awareness. Furthermore, we highlight how a singular focus on addressing the public's perceived deficits in professionalized forms of knowledge has sustained public practices which divide between "us" and "them." In addition, we show that practitioners have not fully appreciated the social processes which Other individuals with experiences of mental illness, nor how these processes motivate the public to maintain distance from those perceived to embody this devalued form of social identity. Lastly, we suggest methodological tools which would allow public health professionals to fully explore these identity-related social processes. Whilst some readers may be frustrated by the lack of clear solutions provided in this paper, given the serious unintended consequences of anti-stigma campaigns, we caution against making simplified statements on how to correct public health campaigns. Instead, this review should be seen as a call to action. We hope that by fully exploring these processes, we can develop new interventions rooted in the ways the public make sense of mental health and illness.
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13
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Rossetto A, Morgan AJ, Hart LM, Kelly CM, Jorm AF. Frequency and quality of first aid offered by older adolescents: a cluster randomised crossover trial of school-based first aid courses. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9782. [PMID: 32874786 PMCID: PMC7439956 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research indicates that school-based first aid programmes appear to improve students’ knowledge and skills. However, evidence for their effectiveness is limited by a lack of rigorously designed studies. This research used a cluster randomised crossover trial to assess the effects of two different types of first aid training on the frequency and appropriateness of older adolescents’ first aid behaviours towards their peers 12 months after training. Methods Schools eligible to participate were government funded and able to accommodate first aid training and survey time for two consecutive Year 10 student cohorts. Four Australian public schools were matched in two pairs and randomly assigned to receive either physical first aid (PFA) or teen mental health first aid (tMHFA) training for their Year 10 student cohort (mean age 16 years). In the second year, the new Year 10 cohort received the other intervention. Four cohorts were randomised to receive PFA and four were randomised to receive tMHFA. Online surveys were administered at baseline and 12 months after training, measuring whether students had encountered a peer needing PFA, whether they had provided PFA, what actions they performed and, if applicable, why they had been unable to help the person. Only research staff analysing the data could be blinded to measurement occasion, school identity and condition. Results Four cohorts received PFA and four received tMHFA. The results indicated that there were no differences between groups regarding the frequency of appropriate first aid actions performed 12 months after training. The most common types of PFA provided to a peer were sending for help and wound care. Students most commonly mentioned someone else attending to their peer or lacking skills or experience as reasons for not performing PFA actions. Conclusions More research that examines first aid behaviours using rigorous, longitudinal study designs is needed to establish the effectiveness of school-based first aid training for older adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssia Rossetto
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Mental Health First Aid Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy J Morgan
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura M Hart
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claire M Kelly
- Mental Health First Aid Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anthony F Jorm
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Mental Health First Aid Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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