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Experiences of a Mental Health First Aid Training Program in Sweden: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

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Abstract

Restricted mental health literacy and stigma are barriers to treatment of mental disorders. A Mental Health First Aid training program was tested for implementation in Sweden among employees in the public sector. The aim of the present qualitative study was to explore participants’ experiences of the program in more depth, in conjunction with a randomized controlled study. Twenty four persons participated in a total of six focus groups 6–8 months after program participation. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The analysis resulted in five categories illustrating the participants’ experiences of the course: increased awareness, knowledge and understanding; influence on attitude and approach; tool box and confidence; feedback on content and layout; and tangible examples of applied knowledge. The most central finding is the fruitfulness of the program’s practical focus and use, the increased confidence and inclination to act following program participation, and the importance of experienced instructors.

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Correspondence to Sigrid Stjernswärd.

Appendix 1: Interview Guide, Inspired by Jorm et al. (2005)

Appendix 1: Interview Guide, Inspired by Jorm et al. (2005)

  1. 1.

    Demographic data (gender, education)

  2. 2.

    Have you experienced a post-course situation where someone seemed to have a mental health problem?

If not:

  1. 1.

    How confident would you feel if encountering such a situation? How would you handle it?

  2. 2.

    Was it as you expected it to be or were you surprised not to have encountered such a situation?

  3. 3.

    How well prepared would you feel in case you would meet a person with a mental health problem?

  4. 4.

    Has the course affected, and in that case how, how you feel and think of persons with mental health problems?

  5. 5.

    Would you like to add something about the course or its value for you?

For those with experience of meeting persons with mental health problems:

  1. 1.

    Can you tell us about the situation and the problems you think that person had?

  2. 2.

    Could you help him/her?

  3. 3.

    If not, why do you think you couldn’t help him/her?

  4. 4.

    Can you give us an example of what you did?

  5. 5.

    What effect do you think it had on that person?

  6. 6.

    Can you give us an example of how the relationship with or feelings towards that person changed?

  7. 7.

    Has the course affected how you feel and think of persons with mental health problems?

  8. 8.

    Would you like to add something about the course or its value for you?

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Svensson, B., Hansson, L. & Stjernswärd, S. Experiences of a Mental Health First Aid Training Program in Sweden: A Descriptive Qualitative Study. Community Ment Health J 51, 497–503 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-015-9840-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-015-9840-1

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