Abstract summary 

Low levels of mental health literacy about depression in the community impact negatively on attitudes towards people with the disorder and their help-seeking.The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a problem-solving, Story-bridge mental health literacy programme, in improving community leaders' knowledge about helpful interventions for, and recognition of, depression.A cluster randomised controlled trial involving 140 assembly members, intervention ( = 70) and control ( = 70) groups. The intervention group received a three-hour mental health literacy programme. The control group received a plain language basic brochure about mental health issues. Data were collected at baseline and 12-week follow-up.The intervention group demonstrated greater improvement in knowledge about helpful interventions for, and recognition of, depression compared to the control group at follow-up; however, the differences in both measures were small and not statistically significant.The programme has the potential to improve participants' knowledge about helpful interventions for, and recognition of, depression. Positive outcomes have public mental health implications as they might enhance early help-seeking and contribute to better outcomes for individuals with mental health problems.ACTRN12617000033347. Date of registration - 9 January 2017.

Authors & Co-authors:  Arthur Yaw Amankwa YA Boardman Gayelene H GH Morgan Amy J AJ McCann Terence V TV

Study Outcome 

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