Evaluating a Mental Health Literacy Program for Refugee Teachers in Malaysia
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Assessing the Effectiveness of a Mental Health Literacy Programme for Refugee Teachers in Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Kok Wai Tay, Anna Wen Huey Ong, Kai Shuen Pheh, Sew Kim Low, Chee Seng Tan, Poi Kee Low
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Assessing the Effectiveness of a Mental Health Literacy Programme for Refugee Teachers in Malaysia
Year: 2019 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.6.12
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Children and young refugees often face significant mental health challenges due to traumatic experiences, compounded by the stressors their caregivers may also experience. In educational settings, teachers can play a critical role in providing support to these vulnerable groups. However, many teachers lack sufficient mental health literacy, which limits their ability to help refugee students effectively. To address this gap, a one-day mental health literacy program was introduced for 68 refugee teachers in Malaysia, aiming to equip them with the knowledge necessary to recognize and support mental health issues among their students.
Importance of Mental Health Literacy
The mental health literacy program focused on educating teachers about the symptoms of mental health issues in children and adolescents, particularly in the context of post-trauma. Participants learned about early intervention strategies, appropriate responses to mental health concerns, and how to connect students with professional support. Measurements of mental health literacy were administered before and after the program, revealing significant improvements in the teachers' willingness to engage with students facing mental health problems. Participants demonstrated a greater understanding of self-help strategies and a reduction in stereotypes associated with mental illness following the training.
Conclusion
The findings from the study indicate that the developed mental health literacy program is effective in enhancing teachers' understanding of mental health issues among refugee students in Malaysia. By fostering a supportive educational environment, teachers can help identify at-risk students and guide them toward appropriate resources. However, further research is necessary to refine the program, explore its long-term effects, and assess its applicability to other educational contexts and populations. The integration of trauma-informed mental health literacy can set the foundation for a more conducive learning environment for refugee children.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the mental health literacy program?
The program aims to educate refugee teachers about mental health issues, emphasizing symptoms, early intervention strategies, and how to connect individuals to professional support.
How did the program assess its impact on participants?
Participants completed various measures of mental health literacy before and after the program, allowing for the evaluation of changes in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding mental health.
What were the key findings of the study?
The program significantly improved participants' willingness to contact individuals with mental health problems, reduced mental illness stereotypes, and enhanced understanding of self-help strategies.
Why is the mental health literacy program necessary for teachers?
Teachers play a crucial role in identifying at-risk refugee students and supporting their mental health. This program equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to address these challenges effectively.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Evaluating a Mental Health Literacy Program for Refugee Teachers in Malaysia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Mental health:
Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how individuals think, feel, and act. It plays a crucial role in daily functioning and relationships. In the context of the text, it is significant as the educators aim to support refugee children's mental health, addressing pressing issues they face due to trauma and displacement.
2) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses understanding and awareness about mental health issues, critical for educators to effectively assist their students. A well-structured mental health literacy program increases teachers' knowledge about symptoms and intervention strategies, empowering them to identify and support at-risk students. This understanding is essential in promoting mental wellness in school environments.
3) Table:
In the context of academic research, tables summarize data clearly and concisely, aiding in the presentation of study results. The tables in the text likely include statistical findings regarding the effectiveness of mental health literacy among refugee teachers, providing a visual representation to facilitate comprehension of the data and its implications.
4) Post:
Post refers to the period after an intervention or event. In research, pre- and post-test measurements help evaluate the impact of educational programs, such as the mental health literacy program discussed. Analyzing these post-test results allows researchers to gauge changes in participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding mental health.
5) Study (Studying):
Study involves systematic investigation aimed at discovering, interpreting, or revising facts related to a particular topic, in this case, mental health literacy for teachers of refugee children. The study's findings contribute to understanding best practices for support and intervention in refugee education settings, highlighting the need for ongoing research in this area.
6) Learning:
Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through experience, study, or teaching. In the context of the text, learning occurs during the mental health literacy program, wherein participants engage in educational activities to enhance their ability to support students with mental health challenges, ultimately fostering better educational outcomes for vulnerable populations.
7) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the systematic process of quantifying characteristics or attributes, usually through tools such as surveys or tests. In the study, various measurements assess mental health literacy, knowledge, and attitudes among participants, providing data to evaluate the program's effectiveness, which is crucial for both improving practice and informing future interventions.
8) Education:
Education is a fundamental process through which knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes are imparted. The text underscores the importance of education in improving mental health awareness among teachers, enabling them to better support refugee children facing mental health issues, emphasizing that well-informed educators foster healthier learning environments for all students.
9) Language:
Language is a powerful tool for communication, influencing how thoughts and emotions are expressed. In the context of the text, language barriers can impede refugee children's access to mental health services. Educators proficient in both the local language and the refugees' mother tongues can bridge this gap, enhancing communication and support.
10) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a mental health condition marked by excessive worry or fear that can significantly impair daily functioning. In the context of refugees, who often experience trauma and instability, understanding anxiety symptoms through the literacy program allows teachers to identify affected students and provide necessary support, helping mitigate its negative impacts.
11) Reliability:
Reliability relates to the consistency of a measurement tool or test. In research, reliable tools yield stable and consistent results across different situations. Ensuring reliability is critical for the measurements used to assess mental health literacy among teachers, as it affects the validity of the study's findings and the conclusions drawn from them.
12) Depression:
Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. Refugee children often face increased depression risk due to trauma and instability; thus, literacy programs educating teachers about its signs enable timely support for vulnerable students.
13) Listening:
Listening is an essential communication skill involving actively paying attention to others. In the context of the mental health literacy program, teaching teachers to practice active listening enhances their ability to support students, allowing them to understand and address mental health concerns effectively. This skill fosters trust and rapport between teachers and students.
14) Teaching:
Teaching involves facilitating learning and skill development in others. In this context, training refugee teachers on mental health literacy equips them with the necessary tools to identify and support vulnerable students. Effective teaching methods enhance the program's outcome, resulting in improved mental health support in refugee education settings.
15) Channel:
Channel refers to a means of communication or access to information. In the context of the mental health literacy program, it represents the pathways through which teachers can effectively connect and support students facing mental health challenges, ultimately fostering a supportive network for at-risk populations within educational environments.
16) Rules:
Rules refer to established guidelines or principles that govern behavior or procedures within a specific context. In the setting of the study, understanding the rules governing mental health interventions can help educators implement effective strategies and navigate ethical considerations while addressing the mental health needs of refugee children.
17) Cina:
China is referenced in relation to the educational practices described in the text, particularly concerning the application of problem-based learning in medical education. Insights from educational methodologies in China could inform the development and implementation of mental health literacy programs in other contexts, including refugee education in Malaysia.
18) Sign:
Sign refers to physical indicators of mental health issues, such as behavioral changes or emotional distress. Recognizing signs during the literacy program enables teachers to identify students needing support for mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, facilitating intervention and access to appropriate resources for at-risk children.
19) Mental disorder:
Mental disorder encompasses a range of psychological conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Understanding different mental disorders is vital for educators, as those working with refugees must be equipped to recognize, address, and refer students exhibiting symptoms, promoting timely intervention and support for mental health challenges.
20) Discussion:
Discussion entails the exploration, interpretation, and analysis of findings from a study. The discussion section is crucial for contextualizing results, addressing limitations, and suggesting avenues for future research related to the mental health literacy program, providing a deeper understanding of its impact on teachers and refugee students.
21) Composite:
Composite refers to a combined measure derived from various individual assessments. In the context of this text, composite scores may provide a more comprehensive understanding of participants' attitudes and knowledge about mental health, allowing for nuanced insights into the effectiveness of the literacy program in enhancing educators’ competencies.
22) Training:
Training involves structured learning experiences designed to improve skills and knowledge. In the framework of the mental health literacy program, training equips refugee teachers with the ability to support students' mental health, fostering an environment where educators can recognize signs, reduce stigma, and implement appropriate interventions for at-risk students.
23) Buddhism (Buddhist tradition):
Buddhist references in the text may relate to cultural or religious considerations when discussing mental health and well-being. Understanding different cultural perspectives influences the effectiveness of mental health literacy programs in diverse contexts, including approaches for refugees who may have specific beliefs or practices influencing their views on mental health.
24) Writing:
Writing serves as a form of expression and communication, which can be therapeutic for individuals with mental health challenges. Incorporating writing into mental health literacy programs can empower both educators and students to articulate their feelings, contributing to emotional healing and offering a valuable self-help strategy for managing mental health.
25) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to systematic knowledge acquired through research and experimentation. In the context of mental health literacy, scientific research underpins evidence-based practices that inform teachers on effective methods to address mental health issues in their classrooms, promoting a scientifically grounded approach to mental health support for vulnerable populations.
26) Family:
Family refers to a fundamental social unit where individuals may seek support and understanding. Family dynamics can significantly influence mental health, particularly for refugee children. In mental health literacy programs, involving families in discussions about mental health can facilitate a more holistic approach, promoting well-being for both children and their families.
27) Medium:
Medium refers to the level of effect or intensity of an intervention or program, such as its impact on participants. The medium effect observed in this study suggests that the mental health literacy program effectively improved participants’ attitudes and knowledge regarding mental health issues, contributing to more receptive environments for addressing these challenges.
28) Pur:
Poor denotes a lack or deficiency in a particular area, such as insufficient mental health knowledge or support structures. In the context of the findings, identifying aspects that exhibited poor performance or internal consistency can drive improvement strategies in mental health literacy programs, ensuring educators are adequately prepared for supporting vulnerable refugee students.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Evaluating a Mental Health Literacy Program for Refugee Teachers in Malaysia’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Mental health, Medical education, Psychological effect, Conflict of interest, Empirical evidence, Health needs, Language barrier, Teacher training, Pre and post test design, Meta analysis, Early intervention, Institutional review board, Anxiety and depression, Psychometric properties, Mental illness, Somatic complaints, Standard deviation, Action plan, High risk group, Depressive disorder, Mental health issue, Mental health concern, Problem-based learning, Anxiety disorder, Internal Consistency, Mental health disorder, High prevalence rate, Qualitative study, Health literacy, Young adult, Access barriers, Pearson correlation coefficient, Help-Seeking Behaviour, Different populations, Nursing education, Mental health challenges, Evidence-based treatment, Neurobiological effects, Mental health literacy, Self-help strategies, Mental health condition, Typical symptoms, Child mental health, Effect Size, Emotional disorder, Evidence-based treatment approaches, Mental health problem, Protective factor, Healthcare service, Larger sample size, Asylum-seekers, Paired sample T-test, Service utilization, Mental Health Programme.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.