Research

Mental health first aid training for the Chinese community in Melbourne, Australia: effects on knowledge about and attitudes toward people with mental illness

Angus YK Lam¹ , Anthony F Jorm² and Daniel FK Wong³

¹  The Centre for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Education and Training for Chinese People, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Science, The University of Hong Kong. Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR

²  Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia

³  Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR

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International Journal of Mental Health Systems 2010, 4:18doi:10.1186/1752-4458-4-18

Published:	24 June 2010

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate in members of the Chinese community in Melbourne the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on knowledge about mental disorders and on attitudes to people with mental illness. The hypotheses were that at the end of the training participants would have increased knowledge of mental disorders and related treatments, and decreased negative attitudes towards people with mental disorders.

Methods

Respondents were 108 participants of three MHFA training workshops for the Chinese community in Melbourne conducted by a qualified MHFA trainer. Participants completed the research questionnaire prior to the commencement of the training (pre-test) and at its completion (post-test). The questionnaires assessed participants' ability to recognize a mental disorder (depression and schizophrenia) described in the vignettes, knowledge about the professional help and treatment, and negative attitudes towards people with mental illness.

Results

Between pre- and post-test there was significant improvement in the recognition of mental disorders, beliefs about treatment became more concordant with health professionals, and negative attitudes reduced.

Conclusion

The MHFA training course for general members of the Chinese community in Melbourne produced significant positive change in the level of mental health literacy and reductions in stigmatizing attitudes. The evidence from this study, together with the accumulated evidence of the benefits of MHFA training in the general Australian community, suggests that this approach should be scaled up to a level where it can have an impact on the whole of the Chinese community in Australia.