The effect of an in-service training programme on mental health literacy of family physicians

Abstract

Mental health literacy is defined as 'information that helps to recognise, manage or prevent mental disorders' and is of significant importance within health services. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of MHSSP (Mental Health Services Strengthening Program) training on mental health literacy in family physicians working in primary care. A total of 689 people participated in the study. Of these, 274 (39.85%) had received MHSSP training, while 415 (60.2%) had not received in-service mental health training. The Mental Health Literacy Scale and the Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire were administered online to all participants. Scores on the mental health knowledge questionnaire and mental health literacy scales were significantly higher for physicians with MHSSP training. The findings of this study support the notion that mental health literacy should be considered a significant concept in both society and among health professionals, with the potential for any activity aimed at enhancing mental health literacy having a favourable impact on health services.