The Effectiveness of Online Mental Health First Aid Training in Community Rugby: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Suzanna Russell (), Vincent Kelly, Remco Polman and Matthew Warren-James
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Suzanna Russell: Sports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies (SPRINT) Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, QLD 4014, Australia
Vincent Kelly: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
Remco Polman: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Melbourne, VIC 3806, Australia
Matthew Warren-James: School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training exists to improve supportive behaviours towards peers, increase mental health literacy, and reduce stigma. Community sport clubs have potential to successfully deliver mental health programs. This study investigated the effectiveness of online MHFA training undertaken by members of the rugby community and evaluated the feasibility and usefulness of the online delivery mode and users’ engagement with it. A mixed-methods approach was used to provide depth of understanding through qualitative analysis, combined with quantitative outcomes. Online surveys examining participants’ knowledge and perceptions were administered pre- and post-MHFA training. Significant improvements ( p < 0.05) across all assessed domains were observed post- compared to pre-MHFA training. A large effect size was identified in relation to advice giving and sign and symptom identification. A moderate effect size pre- to post-improvement was identified for users’ perceptions of therapy’s effectiveness, the ability of people with severe mental health conditions to recover, and benefit of a healthcare professional. Participants endorsed the MHFA program to improve mental health literacy, advance non-technical skills, and improve confidence. MHFA training can increase the awareness and knowledge of mental health issues in key individuals in community sport clubs and enable them to aid people with mental health concerns. Online MHFA training is associated with improved mental health literacy and may be a suitable and economically sustainable model for community sport.

Keywords: mental health literacy; mental health training; mental health awareness; early identification; Mental Health First Aid; sport; rugby; community; stigma; symptoms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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