Investigating factors that impact on the uptake of Mental Health First Aid Australia’s Conversations About Gambling course: a qualitative study engaging stakeholder perspectives

Abstract

Objective Gambling is increasingly identified as a public health concern as it carries a risk of harm for the person who gambles, friends and family, and the broader community. Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA) Australia’s Conversations About Gambling course is an early intervention program that teaches members of the public how to support someone experiencing harm from their gambling. Although the course improves participants mental health literacy and reduces stigma, its uptake has wavered compared to other similar MHFA courses, prompting the present study to investigate enablers and barriers to its implementation.