Evaluation of a brief training on mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies: a pre- and post-assessment in Nepal

Mark J D Jordans, Nagendra P Luitel, Bhava Poudyal, Wietse A Tol, Ivan H Komproe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A principal strategy for the integration of mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings is the training of front-line workers in international consensus-based guidelines.

AIM: This paper presents a pilot study evaluating changes in knowledge and understanding as a result of a brief training course in Nepal.

METHOD: Evaluation questionnaires were distributed to participants in two-day courses (n = 109) before, directly after, and at two months following completion.

RESULTS: The course resulted in a post-training increase in correct answers of 21%, which further increased to 25% at two months.

CONCLUSION: A short training course based on widely endorsed guidelines to front-line staff can significantly increase mental health literacy for complex emergencies. While promising, the trend of knowledge gain is modest at most, and suggests a need for more intensive or more targeted training courses.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)235-8
Number of pages4
JournalPREHOSPITAL AND DISASTER MEDICINE
Volume27
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2012

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Disaster Planning
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services
  • Nepal
  • Pilot Projects
  • Program Evaluation
  • Regression Analysis
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

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