A/Prof Nicola Reavley and colleagues awarded Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases NHMRC Research Grant.

In collaboration with researchers at the Shanghai Mental Health Centre, the University of Colombo and Mental Health First Aid International, researchers in the Population Mental Health Group have been awarded NHMRC funding to adapt and trial Mental Health First Aid for China and Sri Lanka.

Led by A/Prof Nicola Reavley, the overall aims of the research are to:

  1. Develop a culturally appropriate Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training program for China and Sri Lanka
  2. Trial the effectiveness of this training in improving participant MHFA knowledge and skills
  3. Develop suitable implementation models for sustainable MHFA training in China and Sri Lanka.

Mental Health First Aid has an established track record in high-income countries of improving knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to people with mental health problems. Moreover, its implementation model has led to rapid expansion and global sustainability. However, appropriateness of course content and implementation models in middle-income countries is unknown and is a barrier to the potential role of MHFA in reducing the burden of mental disorders.

This project provides a unique opportunity to develop and evaluate culturally-appropriate Mental Health First Aid training to improve population mental health in middle-income countries.