Search

Background Training non-specialist workers in mental healthcare improves knowledge, attitude, confidence, and recognition of mental illnesses. However, still little information is available on which type of mental health training is important in the improvement of these capacities. Methods We studied web-based survey data of 495 public health workers to examine training types associated with knowledge and experience in supporting individuals with mental illness. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between a lack of knowledge and 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. Bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap confidence intervals (CIs) were used. Results For all training types, the association between a lack of knowledge and experience and mental health training attenuated as the model developed. In Model 3, a lack of knowledge and experience was significantly associated with training in specific illness (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32–0.93) and screening and assessment (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.39–0.99). Non-significant results were produced for training in counseling, psychosocial support, collaborative work, and law and regulation in Model 3. Conclusions We believe that the present study provides meaningful information that training in specific illness and screening and assessment may lead to knowledge and experience of public health workers. Further studies should employ a longitudinal design and validated measurements.

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.

Greater use of a norm-violating coping strategy relates to higher risk of negative social interactions and to higher distress. We examined the factors that are linked to the use of a norm-violating coping strategy and those that moderate the relationship between the coping strategy used and social interaction. Results of a cross-sectional survey for 74 Japanese undergraduate students and 68 Japanese workers indicated that, in a group with frequent contact, misconceptions about group norms concerning coping strategy relate to more negative social interactions. To draw causal inferences, a replication study with a large sample from heterogeneous cultural backgrounds is necessary.