A quasi-cluster randomized controlled trial of a classroom-based mental health literacy educational intervention to promote knowledge and help-seeking/helping behavior in adolescents

IntroductionSchool-based education is a potentially effective approach for improving mental health literacy (MHL) in adolescents. This study evaluated the effects of the “Short MHL Program (SMHLP)”, a brief (50 min), school teacher-led program, on MHL in adolescents in a quasi-cluster randomized controlled trial.MethodsA total of 975 high school first graders (age 15–16) in Japan were allocated to classes such that gender and academic achievement ratios were almost equivalent at the time of admission to the high school. They were assigned at the class level to the SMHLP (n = 364 from 10 classes) or a control group (n = 611 from 17 classes). The program consisted of a 50-minute session and was delivered by a school teacher. The students completed a self-report questionnaire at 3 time points: pre-, (immediately) post- and 2-month follow-up. Outcomes included “Knowledge about mental health/illnesses”, “Recognition of the necessity to seek help”, “Intention to seek help”, and “Intention of helping peers”. Mixed effects modeling was employed for analyses.ResultsScores of all outcomes were significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group post-intervention (p < .001). These improvements were maintained at 2-months follow-up for all outcomes (p < .001–.05). Questionnaire scores did not differ between groups at baseline.ConclusionsThe effect of the SMHLP was confirmed in grade 10 students. Brief, yet effective programs can be a viable option to promote understanding of mental health problems and have the potential to be incorporated into regular school curriculum. "     

心力衰竭患者血浆氨基末端脑钠肽前体的测定与护理干预

目的 了解心力衰竭(CHF)患者血浆N端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)的水平及探讨护理干预对慢性CHF患者的影响.方法 测定150例CHF患者和140例正常组血清NT-proBNP水平:将150例慢性CHF患者随机分成干预组和对照组,对照组给予住院期间常规药物治疗及护理,干预组在此基础上进行护理干预.采用明尼苏达生活质量量表(MHL评分)评价两组病人干预前后生活质量的改变.结果 CHF患者血中NT-proBNP水平明显高于对照组(P＜0.01),两组CHF患者在护理干预前生活质量无明显差异(P＞0.05),护理干预后两组患者生活质量有明显差异(P＜0.05).结论 血浆NT-proBNP水平对于早期判断心功能不全的程度有参考意义,实施护理干预可以提高CHF患者的生活质量.     

Genotype, phylogenetic analysis, and transmission pattern of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in families of asymptomatic HBsAg carriers

Occult hepatitis B is defined by the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the serum in absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Studies were conducted to screen for occult HBV infection among family members of HBV carriers, incidentally detected positive for HBV infection with a view to assess the pattern of virus transmission among them. Nested PCR assay, employing independent sets of primers to surface and core genes, was used for detection of HBV DNA in serum samples from 28 index cases with asymptomatic HBV infection, and in serum samples from 72 HBsAg negative/anti-HBc positive family members. HBV DNA was detected in 15 HBsAg negative family members of 10 HBsAg positive index patients and was studied in detail. Direct sequencing of S gene region of 25 isolates (10 index cases and 15 contacts) and phylogenetic analysis with data base sequences revealed that genotypes A, C, and D and subtype adw2, adr, and ayw3 were present among them. Evidence of transmission from outside family sources was found in addition to intrafamilial transmission among individuals with occult infection. Mutations in the major hydrophilic loop (MHL) of the S gene region were also detected, including the 'vaccine escape' mutation G145R in three cases. Although majority of the occult infection was associated with low viral load, 3/15 (20%) cases were with higher viral load and potential infectivity. These cases are especially notable in diagnostic, blood banking, and transplantation services.     

How well do older adults recognise mental illness? A literature review

Older adults tend to underutilise mental health services. Mental health literacy plays a critical role in identifying and overcoming barriers to accessing mental health care. The ability to recognise mental illness is an essential component of mental health literacy, with important implications to whether the person will seek professional help. We conducted a review of the literature on older adults’ abilities to recognise mental illness. Of the 421 papers that were retrieved in the comprehensive search in PubMed, 32 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of target population and methodology, yet findings show that older adults are less likely to correctly recognise mental disorders. Cueing older participants with mental labels improved their recognition abilities. Recognition was particularly poor among immigrant and ethnic/racial older adults, likely due to linguistic and cultural barriers. Our findings demonstrate that older adults show low levels of mental illness recognition and tend to view some illnesses as normal parts of aging. Findings emphasise the need for developing educational programs tailored by the specific phenomenology, conceptualisations and cultural meanings of mental illness among older adults, with attention to informal sources of information and social networks.