Anthony F. Jorm|Betty A. Kitchener|Richard O’Kearney|Keith Dear
Mental health first aid training of the public in a rural area: a cluster randomized trial [ISRCTN53887541]
Australian National University|Australian National University|Australian National University|Australian National University
mental health first aid course developed trains members public give initial help mental health crisis situations support people developing mental health problems course previously evaluated randomized controlled trial workplace setting found produce number positive effects however efficacy trial relatively ideal conditions report results effectiveness trial course given typical conditions course taught members public large rural area australia staff area health service 16 local government areas made area grouped pairs matched size geography socioeconomic level one local government area pair randomised receive immediate training one served waitlist control 753 participants trial 416 8 trained areas 337 8 control areas outcomes measured course started 4 months ended knowledge mental disorders confidence providing help actual help provided social distance towards people mental disorders data analysed taking account clustered design using intentiontotreat approach training found produce significantly greater recognition disorders increased agreement health professionals interventions likely helpful decreased social distance increased confidence providing help others increase help actually provided change number people mental health problems trainees contact percentage advising someone seek professional help mental health first aid training produces positive changes knowledge attitudes behaviour course given members public instructors local health service