Impact of a Mental Health Curriculum for High School Students on Knowledge and Stigma

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study examines the effectiveness of a school based mental health literacy intervention for high school students, on improving mental health knowledge and reducing stigma. Twenty-four high schools in the regional area of Ottawa, Canada were randomly assigned to either the curriculum or control condition at a two to one ratio. The educational curriculum was integrated within grade 11 and 12 Provincial Healthy Living courses, delivered by teachers, and replaced existing educational content on mental health.

Detailed Description
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There is limited evidence and consensus on the effectiveness of school-based mental health educational programs, and no standardization for mental health education being taught in schools. This study examines the effectiveness of a school-based mental health literacy intervention for adolescents, on knowledge and stigma. A secondary objective was to determine the generalizability and applicability of an educational resource for mental health in high schools.

Official Title
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Youth Mental Health Awareness Study and Early Intervention Research Project

Conditions
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Mental Disorders, Education Curriculum, Comparative Effectiveness Research, Early Intervention, Adolescents

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Curriculum
* Behavioral: eLearning Follow-up


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Students enrolled in the Healthy Living course of participating Ottawa area community high schools. Exclusion Criteria: Students not enrolled in the Healthy Living course of participating Ottawa area community high schools. Students with an English reading and comprehension level lower than the sixth grade

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 14 Years
Maximum Age: 19 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Curriculum<br>The curriculum is a mental health literacy resource designed to inform high school curricula and contains six distinct modules: 1) stigma of mental illness; 2) understanding mental health and mental illness; 3) information on specific mental illnesses; 4) experiences of mental illness; 5) seeking help and finding support; and 6) the importance of positive mental health. A research assistant trained teachers on The Curriculum Guide content in a half-day session. Teachers implemented The Curriculum Guide, which requires approximately 6 hours of classroom time, during regular instruction of the Healthy Living course. | Behavioral: Curriculum<br>* A mental health educational resource delivered in the classroom by trained educators<br>* Other names: The Curriculum Guide;|
| Active Comparator: Curriculum +eLearning Follow-up<br>The curriculum is a mental health literacy resource designed to inform high school curricula and contains six distinct modules: 1) stigma of mental illness; 2) understanding mental health and mental illness; 3) information on specific mental illnesses; 4) experiences of mental illness; 5) seeking help and finding support; and 6) the importance of positive mental health. A research assistant trained teachers on The Curriculum Guide content in a half-day session. Teachers implemented The Curriculum Guide, which requires approximately 6 hours of classroom time, during regular instruction of the Healthy Living course. Students are asked to complete follow-up modules online. These modules are only accessible after completion of the Healthy Living course. | Behavioral: Curriculum<br>* A mental health educational resource delivered in the classroom by trained educators<br>* Other names: The Curriculum Guide;Behavioral: eLearning Follow-up<br>* An online mental health education module that students access individually<br>* Other names: online follow-up learning module;|
| No Intervention: Teaching As Usual (Control)<br>Schools randomized to this arm of the study received the unadulterated Healthy Living course, taught as usual. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self-Report Knowledge of Mental Illness Scale | 15 multiple choice questions about mental illness computed to provide a total score of mental health knowledge for each participant | Immediately following completed delivery of The Curriculum Guide | 
| Self-Report Attitudes Towards Mental Illness Scale | A Likert scale of 8 statements about characteristics of individuals with mental illness computed to provide a total score of positive attitudes towards mental illness for each participant | Immediately following completed delivery of The Curriculum Guide | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Stigma, Mental Health Literacy, Mental Health Knowledge