Utilizing Item-Analyses Method to Identify Opportunities for Improving Mental Health Literacy Training Programs
Abstract
Mental health literacy (MHL) refers to the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs that are linked to actions in recognizing, managing, and preventing mental health disorders. Acknowledging the importance of quantifying this information, the study aims to explore differences in mental health literacy among various groups. Understanding these disparities is crucial for designing targeted educational campaigns that address specific concerns within the training curriculum.
Participants (n = 170) enrolled in a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course completed a 15-item pre-survey measuring knowledge and attitudes about mental health. Demographic data was collected, and results were stratified by age, race, gender, and community belonging (university or community member). The anticipated results will be analyzed through item analysis, reporting overall scores and percentages of correct and incorrect answers for each question. Correlations tests will investigate the relationship between MHL scores and sociodemographic characteristics while independent samples t-tests will compare the mean scores difference in groups.
Preliminary results show that overall, participants lacked knowledge about psychotic disorders and panic attacks. It is hypothesized that younger-age participants, females, and university members will have higher scores than their community counterparts.
The study not only aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge about MHL but also highlights practical implications for future trainings. MHFA trainees and their instructors can benefit from insights into teaching curricula, focusing on specific challenges identified through the research. Ultimately, this research provides a foundation for targeted interventions, ensuring that mental health education effectively addresses the diverse needs of different demographic groups.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Christi M. Navarro
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
Utilizing Item-Analyses Method to Identify Opportunities for Improving Mental Health Literacy Training Programs
Alvin Sherman Library
Mental health literacy (MHL) refers to the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs that are linked to actions in recognizing, managing, and preventing mental health disorders. Acknowledging the importance of quantifying this information, the study aims to explore differences in mental health literacy among various groups. Understanding these disparities is crucial for designing targeted educational campaigns that address specific concerns within the training curriculum.
Participants (n = 170) enrolled in a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course completed a 15-item pre-survey measuring knowledge and attitudes about mental health. Demographic data was collected, and results were stratified by age, race, gender, and community belonging (university or community member). The anticipated results will be analyzed through item analysis, reporting overall scores and percentages of correct and incorrect answers for each question. Correlations tests will investigate the relationship between MHL scores and sociodemographic characteristics while independent samples t-tests will compare the mean scores difference in groups.
Preliminary results show that overall, participants lacked knowledge about psychotic disorders and panic attacks. It is hypothesized that younger-age participants, females, and university members will have higher scores than their community counterparts.
The study not only aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge about MHL but also highlights practical implications for future trainings. MHFA trainees and their instructors can benefit from insights into teaching curricula, focusing on specific challenges identified through the research. Ultimately, this research provides a foundation for targeted interventions, ensuring that mental health education effectively addresses the diverse needs of different demographic groups.
