Assessing the Effectiveness of a Mental Health Literacy Programme for Refugee Teachers in Malaysia
10.21315/mjms2019.26.6.12
- Author:
Kok Wai Tay
1
;
Anna Wen Huey Ong
2
,
3
;
Kai Shuen Pheh
1
;
Sew KimChee Seng Tan Low
1
;
Chee Seng Tan
1
;
Poi Kee Low
4
Author Information
1. Department of Psychology and Counselling, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus), Malaysia
2. Center for American Education, INTI International University &
3. Colleges, Malaysia
4. PSYCHLIVING Associates, Singapore
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Keywords;
mental health literacy, refugee, trauma, Malaysia, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2019;26(6):120-126
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Children and young refugees often experience negative events that affect
their mental health. Their caregivers may also be in the same predicament, implying that the
teachers in schools are a potential source of help and support. However, most teachers have
little understanding of mental health and are, thus, clueless in helping their students. To address
this need, a newly developed one-day mental health literacy programme was conducted among
68 refugee teachers in Malaysia.
Methods: Participants learned the symptoms of mental health issues among children
and adolescents in the context of post-trauma, provision of early intervention, and channel for
professional supports. They also answered a packet of measurements of mental health literacy
before and after the programme.
Results: The paired sample t-test showed that participants reported higher willingness
to contact with people having mental health problems (t = 2.787, P = 0.008, Cohen’s d = 0.394),
less stereotypes toward mental illness (t = 4.603, P < 0.001, d = 0.651) and a better understanding
of self-help strategies (t = 2.16, P = .036, d = 0.322) than baseline.
Conclusion: The results of this study offered preliminary empirical evidence on the
effectiveness of the programme as a promising channel for alleviating mental health issues among
refugees.
- Full text:3.2019my0831.pdf
