Mental health science最新文献

{"title":"Measuring Disparities in the Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Mental Health in Primary Care Settings","authors":"Cecilia Rogers,&nbsp;Katherine Boguszewski,&nbsp;Angela Gummadi,&nbsp;Mark Conaway,&nbsp;Laura Shaffer,&nbsp;Irène Mathieu","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70015","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The purpose of this study is to examine disparities in mental health diagnoses, depression screening, and depressive symptoms in pediatric primary care settings before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to evaluate the use of electronic health records to study temporal trends in pediatric mental and behavioral health (MBH). This is an IRB-approved, retrospective study of pediatric patients (<i>n</i> = 11,001) who visited three primary care sites at an academic medical center before (2017–2019) and during (2020–2022) the COVID-19 pandemic. We used logistic regression to compare prevalence of diagnoses, depression screening, and depression symptom scores among demographic groups. This study demonstrates an increase in both PHQ-9A screening rates and average scores from 2017–2019 to 2020–2022. Despite an increase in overall PHQ-9A scores, prevalence of mental health diagnoses is lower in 2020–2022 compared to 2017–2019. There were significant disparities in common mental health diagnoses, including higher rates of psychological distress among lower income patients, both before and during the pandemic. In both cohorts, patients classified as African American, Asian, or Other racial groups had a lower prevalence of diagnoses compared to Caucasian patients. However, patients marked as having multiple racial groups had greater levels of diagnoses. There were also lower screening rates among Hispanic patients. Gender non-conforming patients had a significantly larger burden of psychological distress. This suggests a need for greater equity in routine MBH screening and additional research to better understand the underlying social determinants that may be driving the greater mental health burden for certain marginalized youth. This study also highlights the strengths and challenges of utilizing EHR data to characterize disparities in pediatric mental illness. Although the nature of care delivery in an academic medical center clinic and the limitations of the EHR for collecting relevant data present challenges to this measurement, the EHR is nevertheless a promising tool for measuring and tracking pediatric mental health disparities.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70015","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143749420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emotional Vulnerability in Adolescents (EVA) Study: Identifying Potential Biopsychosocial Markers for Adolescent Depressive Symptoms and Well-Being","authors":"Asnea Tariq,&nbsp;Elaine Gray,&nbsp;Alice M. Gregory,&nbsp;Stella W. Y. Chan","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70010","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 <p>Adolescent depression is a highly recurrent and disabling mental health condition affecting a significant proportion of adolescents. Conversely, adolescent well-being is a positive state of health and enhanced quality of life. Depression and well-being are critical metrics of life quality. However, little is known about the biopsychosocial markers that differentiate between these states. Stemming from our extensive longitudinal emotional vulnerability in adolescents ((EVA) research, this study identified potential vulnerability markers by examining associations between a range of biopsychosocial factors and depression and well-being in a relatively homogenous sample of adolescents at baseline. <i>N </i>= 425 adolescents (60.5% female and 34.4% male) between 12 and 18 years (M = 15.06, SD = 1.75) were recruited from 12 state and independent schools. A comprehensive battery of standardized measures was administered to assess various biopsychosocial factors, including background demographic and clinical characteristics, lifestyle factors, neural-cognitive mechanisms, psychological and social stress-related factors, coping style, and personality traits. Multiple Regression analyzes using the backward eliminations indicated that less physical activity, more social media usage, eating disorder risk, greater perceived stress, higher neuroticism, excessive rumination and negative self-reference bias accounted for 68% of depressive symptoms. Lower stress, less social media usage, and positive cognitive interpretation bias were sufficient to account for 51% of well-being scores. The present findings suggest key bio-psycho-social risk and resilience factors that may play a role in predicting adolescent depression and well-being. Upon further examination of our longitudinal follow-up studies, these results will directly contribute to developing preventative intervention strategies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70010","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143717397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brief Report: Exploring Perceived Stigma From Healthcare Professionals in an Adult Sample With Eating Disorders","authors":"Marta Marlais,&nbsp;Maria Livanou","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70013","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study aimed to develop and test a novel Perceived Stigma from Healthcare Professional's self-report questionnaire in a sample of female and male young adults with eating disorders (EDs). An online cross-sectional self-report study was conducted, recruiting a community and clinical sample of 18 to 35-year-olds diagnosed with or self-identifying with an ED (<i>N</i> = 140). The questionnaire utilised the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 to measure ED severity. Those who sought professional help for their ED proceeded to answer the novel Perceived Stigma from Healthcare Professionals questionnaire (<i>N</i> = 42). There was a large range of total perceived stigma scores but, volitional stigma and weight discrimination were the most frequently perceived stigmatising views. A Pearson's correlation illustrated that greater perceived stigma from healthcare professionals was moderately associated with greater ED severity, <i>r</i>(4) = 0.49. <i>p</i> = 0.001. The results indicate heterogeneity of experiences of stigma but, provide preliminary evidence that volitional stigma and weight discrimination may reflect common experiences. Greater stigma from healthcare professionals might be linked to worse outcomes for those with EDs. The findings underscore the importance of further exploration into perceived stigma from healthcare professionals and ED outcomes, using validated questionnaires and larger samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70013","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management of Postpartum Anxiety and Depression: A Narrative Review","authors":"See Jia Whei,&nbsp;Sheryl Deva,&nbsp;Vetrivel Vijayakumar,&nbsp;Shayaan Sarfaraz Khan,&nbsp;Sarah Ahmed Awad,&nbsp;Ummul Asfeen,&nbsp;Romil Hemal Maniar,&nbsp;Bibek Shrestha","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70012","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Postpartum anxiety and depression are two of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and emerge from being one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated mental health problems. Its prevalence has been reported to affect about 10%–20% of pregnant women. Due to such large-scale prevalence, the need for better diagnostic techniques and therapeutic management has been addressed in this review. Maternal health largely influences the health of the newborn, affecting not only the growth and development of the child but also the mother-child bond as mothers with postpartum depression reportedly have a lack of interest in their child. Understanding the pathophysiology of the disease including the hormonal factors, the neurotransmitter pathways that become skewed, genetic influences and psychosocial factors, are essential to develop treatment options. This review outlines all the different pathophysiology and theories so far researched in this field. Although significant strides have been made in developing diagnostic and therapeutic management, the need for further research and testing is emphasized. Unfortunately, research testing the safety of several antidepressant classes that can be used to treat postpartum anxiety, and depression cannot be undertaken due to the major ethical issues it raises in conducting such research in pregnant women. This review highlights the promising avenues of further research that have the potential to treat and prevent this debilitating disease. Using biomarkers for early detection, the field of pharmacogenomics which helps to tailor prescriptions for personalized treatment, and pharmacological treatments which include antidepressants like serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and various nonpharmacological measures including massages, psychotherapy, co-parenting, postnatal exercises, kangaroo care, and music remedies, have been discussed. Finally, the role of public education in highlighting the prevention of stigma surrounding postpartum anxiety and depression has been addressed.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70012","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interrupting the “Costs of Competence” Through Mindfulness Intervention for High Achieving Minoritized Students: A Protocol for the Project STRIVE Mechanistic Trial","authors":"Anna S. Lau,&nbsp;Joey J. Fung,&nbsp;Farzana T. Adjah,&nbsp;M. Alejandra Arce,&nbsp;Han Du,&nbsp;Stacey N. Doan","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70011","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In racially minoritized communities, students who overcome structural challenges to succeed academically are regarded as resilient. However, the same self-regulation skills that help minoritized youth excel despite chronic stress may also lead to physiological dysregulation that can contribute to health disparities. Structural racism and race-related stress may compel motivated youth to adopt a Striving Persistent Behavioral Style (SPBS), a high effort coping strategy that involves emotion suppression, experiential avoidance, and unmodulated perseverance. Mindfulness intervention has the potential to target these aspects of self-regulation while conserving achievement. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial in which 504 high-achieving students of color will be randomly assigned to either a mindfulness intervention or an attention control. Assessments will include self-report and behavioral measures of self-regulation, and self-report and biomarker measures of health outcomes at baseline, post-treatment, and 1-year follow-up. Project STRIVE (STudents RIsing aboVE) will address three aims: (1) Examine the impact of the STRIVE intervention on self-regulation processes associated with SPBS, (2) Assess the effects of the STRIVE intervention on the primary outcomes of allostatic load (a multisystem indicator of chronic physiological stress), health complaints, and internalizing mental health symptoms, and (3) Test the mechanistic pathways linking SPBS to health outcomes. Project STRIVE is a reverse translational study that uses a randomized trial design to provide a causal test of hypothesized mechanisms by which health disparities persist among upwardly mobile racially minoritized individuals. This trial is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol and Results Registration System (NCT05846282).</p><p><b>Trial Registration:</b> ClinicalTrials.gov under ID NCT05846282.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70011","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapy and Parental Acceptance for LGBTQ+ Latinx and Black Youth: A Moderated Mediation Analysis of Internalized Stigma, School Bullying, and Psychological Distress","authors":"Aldo M. Barrita,&nbsp;Joshua G. Parmenter,&nbsp;Roberto L. Abreu,&nbsp;Jules P. Sostre,&nbsp;Ryan J. Watson","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70009","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Research on bullying and LGBTQ+ Black and Latinx youth is limited, yet findings suggest experiencing bullying is associated with high levels of psychological distress, which can be internalized. Similarly, research on aspects such as parental acceptance and informed therapy suggest these can operate as protective factors when experiencing oppression. Yet, these relations are often tested individually. Thus, using an intersectional approach, we explore the cumulative effect of these variables using a sample of LGBTQ+ Black and Latinx youth to highlight specific mental health disparities among these groups. Using a national online cross-sectional survey with LGBTQ+ Black and Latinx youth (<i>N</i> = 2414), we assessed the relation between school bullying (predictor), internalized LGBTQ+ stigma (mediator), and psychological distress (outcome) and tested the influence of access to therapy (moderator 1) and parental acceptance (moderator 2) in a moderated mediation analysis. Additionally, a second moderated mediation analysis tested among participants who have access to therapy if LGBTQ+ informed therapy (moderator 1) and parental acceptance (moderator 2) influenced the relation between our main variables. Using a moderated mediation analysis PROCESS Model 11 for two models, results suggested in model 1 that internalized stigma mediated the relation between school bullying and psychological distress. Furthermore, both parental acceptance and access to therapy moderated the association between school bullying and internalized LGBTQ+ stigma. The second model found that for those with access to therapy, receiving LGBTQ+ -informed therapy and high parental acceptance disrupted the relationship between school bullying and internalized LGBTQ+ stigma. Our findings suggested that LGBTQ+ Black and Latinx youth receiving LGBTQ+ informed therapy reported less internalized LGBTQ+ stigma, particularly when parental acceptance is high. Implications and limitations are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70009","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143595101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strategies to Improve Engagement of Latino Adolescents in Mental Health Research","authors":"Allison McCord Stafford,&nbsp;Camila A. Pulgar,&nbsp;Tatiana Villarreal-Otálora","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70005","url":null,"abstract":"<p>While Latino adolescents of all genders in the US experience inequities in depressive symptoms, suicide attempts, and access to mental health services in comparison to non-Latino White peers, they are underrepresented in adolescent mental health research. Additionally, little has been written on how to best engage Latino adolescents in mental health research. Given that this population has unique developmental and cultural needs, our purpose is to outline strategies for increasing engagement of Latino teens in mental health-focused studies based on lessons learned from three investigators’ programs of research. This manuscript describes the research programs of three bilingual investigators who have dedicated their research careers to addressing mental health inequities of Latino adolescents. We synthesize lessons learned across all aspects of study design, focusing on recommendations to facilitate the engagement of Latino adolescents in mental health research. Based on the successes and challenges in our programs of research, we provide four key recommendations to increase engagement of Latino adolescents in mental health research: (1) Become knowledgeable about the values, culture, and language of the local Latino community; (2) Consider recruitment strategies that are inclusive of both clinical and community Latino teen samples; (3) Balance the autonomy of the Latino teen with family values throughout the research process; and (4) Offer flexible data collection options knowing that teens and parents may have various levels of comfort with sharing information about themselves and their mental health. Researchers can build upon the lessons from our combined almost 40 years of research experience with Latino adolescents, emerging adults, and parents. Through consideration of these recommendations, the recruitment of diverse groups of Latino teens into mental health research can be bolstered with the goal of generating translatable knowledge to help address mental health inequities faced by this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70005","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143595102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Suicide: The Experiences of Attempters in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana","authors":"Abigail Ansere Buertey","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70008","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Suicide is a major public health concern that has negatively impacted people worldwide socioeconomically, physically, and psychologically. Every instance is a heart-breaking loss that deeply impacts families, communities and nations, leaving lasting repercussions for those left behind. The aim of the study was to explore precipitating factors of people who experienced a suicide attempt. A qualitative descriptive exploratory design was used with the help of a semi-structured interview guide to collect data from thirteen (13) suicide attempters' with ages between 20 and 48 years. The data were transcribed verbatim after it had been audio recorded digitally. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis with MAXQDA 20. Information gathered yielded two major themes and six subthemes as the precipitating factors for suicide attempt. The two main themes were (1) Social/family issues, with its subthemes; mistrust, wasted resources and parental pressure (2) Psychological issues with the subthemes; Childhood experiences, emotional breakdown and difficult life pursuits. The study showed that suicide is a very complex problem in every society and there is general ignorance about the triggers, signs and appropriate help seeking strategies. It is therefore vital to create massive public awareness on suicide attempt triggers and symptoms through health education to help save lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70008","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143447065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Mental Health Services for Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review","authors":"Clement K. Komu,&nbsp;Michael Ngigi,&nbsp;Ambrose J. Melson","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70006","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), despite a high prevalence of mental health conditions, less than 10% of those living with mental illness access professional mental health services (MHS). This systematic review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesise studies conducted in SSA seeking to understand the barriers and facilitators to accessing MHS for adults in SSA. A systematic search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases was conducted using key terms (Barriers, Facilitators, Access, Mental Health Services, and Sub-Saharan Africa) with 16 studies meeting the eligibility criteria for inclusion. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools based on the articles’ study methodology. Data from the included studies were extracted using a standardised proforma and grouped into source details, methodology, participants’ characteristics and the main finding(s). A narrative synthesis was adopted to systematically summarise and evaluate included studies. Only nine of 46 Sub-Saharan African countries were represented in the included studies. Barriers included lack of or little knowledge of mental disorders and professional services; negative attitudes held towards mental health services; cultural and religious beliefs leading to over-reliance on traditional and spiritual interventions; and stigmatising beliefs that included self-stigmatisation, stigma and discrimination from family, the community, and healthcare providers. Facilitators to accessing mental health services were more limited and included awareness of mental disorders and the services offered; social support and acceptance by family members and the community; and the availability of community-based mental health services. This systematic review identified barriers such as limited knowledge, stigma, and reliance on traditional interventions inhibiting access to mental health services in Sub-Saharan Africa. The region's limited representation and scarcity of facilitators highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions to improve mental health accessibility.</p>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70006","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143424213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Culturally Adapting a Mental Health Literacy Intervention With Youth (Stakeholders) for Implementation in Malawi Universities","authors":"Joel Nyali,&nbsp;Gloria Chirwa,&nbsp;Beatrice Cynthia Chitalah,&nbsp;Sandra Jumbe","doi":"10.1002/mhs2.70007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 <p>In Malawi, it is difficult to promote positive mental health due to poverty, cultural beliefs, and stigma associated with mental illness. Mental health literacy (MHL) is not integrated into the education system despite evidence suggesting educational settings as ideal to deliver MHL programmes. Stakeholder input is crucial during development of interventions. This paper reports on our work with diverse stakeholders to culturally adapt a MHL course (MHLc) for implementation in Malawi universities. The MHLc structure and content development involved focus group discussions (FGDs) with 44 Malawian youth from universities and youth organisations, a national MHL survey and a systematic review exploring adolescent substance use in Africa. The MHLc was delivered to 35 first-year university students. Students’ MHL was assessed using two questionnaires before and 3 months after MHLc delivery during an evaluation session which also included FGDs with 20 participants to explore course satisfaction. MHL questionnaire responses were analysed using paired t-tests and FGD transcripts were thematically analysed. Overall student attendance rate during the MHLc delivery was 92%. However, only 57% attended the evaluation session. Students’ MHL increased after course completion (pre and post scores were 116.7 and 117.9 respectively) however this change was not significant. Student feedback about the MHLc was positive. They highlighted acquiring considerable mental health knowledge and skills that they would utilise in their lives daily. A key challenge raised was disruption of course delivery due to electricity outages. The MHLc content was acceptable among university students with high attendance rates and positive feedback regarding impact on participants’ mental health knowledge and attitudes. This paper highlights the value of stakeholders’ input when designing mental health interventions. In future, we need to mitigate disruption of the MHLc delivery and consider incentives to reduce participant dropout at follow up points.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":94140,"journal":{"name":"Mental health science","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mhs2.70007","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143389340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}