ABSTRACT
A literacia em saúde mental (LSM), entendida como as crenças e conhecimentos acerca dos problemas e perturbações mentais, implica o seu reconhecimento, gestão e prevenção. Constitui um conceito chave para as intervenções conducentes à promoção da saúde e prevenção das doenças mentais. O programa de Primeira Ajuda em Saúde Mental (PASM) é resultado do desenvolvimento e operacionalização do conceito de LSM e tem como objetivo capacitar as pessoas e as comunidades para prestarem ajuda e apoio a quem está a sofrer ou numa crise relacionada com a saúde mental. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do programa de PASM na LSM dos recém-licenciados em Enfermagem. Utilizou-se uma abordagem quantitativa, recorrendo a um estudo nível IV, pré-experimental, designado estudo de caso com pós-teste de grupo único. O programa teve a duração de dois dias (15 horas). A amostra do estudo é constituída por 16 recém-licenciados em Enfermagem, com uma média de idades de 21,86 anos e desvio padrão=0,54 anos. Como instrumento de avaliação da LSM foi utilizado o QuALiSMental. Em termos de resultados, observa-se, no final da intervenção, níveis elevados de LSM em todas as suas componentes, como acontece na generalidade dos estudos internacionais. Neste sentido, os resultados obtidos justificam a disseminação do programa no contexto da formação inicial em Enfermagem.
Subject(s)
Psychiatric Nursing , Mental Health , Disease Prevention , Information LiteracyABSTRACT
AIM: Mental health literacy about psychotic disorders, specifically schizophrenia, may assist in appropriate help seeking and early intervention, preventing the exacerbation of symptoms and improving health outcomes in the medium and long term. The aim of this study was to characterize the level of mental health literacy of Portuguese youth concerning schizophrenia. METHODS: A mental health literacy questionnaire was administered to a random sample of Portuguese youth aged 14-24 years. This questionnaire evaluated the following components: recognition of disorders, knowledge about professionals and treatments available, knowledge about the effectiveness of self-help strategies, knowledge and skills to support and provide first aid to others, and knowledge of how to prevent mental disorders. RESULTS: There were 4938 adolescents and young adults who participated in the study. Schizophrenia or psychosis was recognized by 42.17% and 22.21%, respectively. Most young people recognized the potential helpfulness of family doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health services. There was also widespread belief in the potential helpfulness of family and friends, and lifestyle changes. However, teachers were not generally seen as a source of help. Appropriate mental health first-aid strategies were commonly endorsed, but there was a reluctance to ask about suicidal feelings and many endorsed speaking to the person firmly. Lifestyle factors were also commonly believed to be preventative. CONCLUSIONS: Although many Portuguese youth have beliefs that may assist early intervention, there was a substantial minority who did not. Given the central role of teachers in the lives of young people, it is notable that they were not seen as a potential source of help. Mental health first-aid skills of young people also need improvement.
