Effect of Training Intervention on Mental Health Literacy Among Religious Leaders in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, good mental health literacy (MHL), a multiple domain construct reflecting knowledge, perception and attitudes related to mental health, is associated with improved mental health seeking and help giving behaviours. Research has established that MHL is poor among religious leaders (RLs) who have been established to be the first point of call for mental health related needs in the society. Hence, this study assessed the effect of physical educational interventions on the domains of MHL among RLs in Ogun State, Nigeria. Quasi experimental research design was utilized for this study. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were selected through balloting. A sample of 85 religious leaders were purposively selected using predefined selection criteria. The interventions were implemented for six weeks. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data on MHL domains (knowledge, perception and attitude) were collected at baseline, immediate post-intervention and at 12th week follow-up. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 5% level of significance. At baseline, there was no significant difference in knowledge (EG=9.15±8.42, CG=13.42±10.43, p=0.100), perception (EG=27.29±9.12, CG=30.84±9.80, p=0.221) and attitude (EG=16.19±6.64, CG=18.09±10.46, p=0.42); At immediate post-intervention, EG scored significantly higher than CG in knowledge (EG=25.31±4.76, CG=13.93±10.90, p=0.00), perception (EG=38.29±5.48, CG=30.52±9.94, p=0.00), attitude (EG=26.25±10.06, CG=17.55±9.54, p=0.00). Similarly, at 12th week follow-up, EG scored significantly higher than CG for knowledge (EG=23.62±6.90, CG=10.52±9.60, p=0.00), perception (EG=37.68±6.66, CG=29.36±9.25, p=0.00), attitude (EG=23.62±6.90, CG=10.52±9.60, p=0.00). Physical intervention was effective in improving MHL. It was recommended among others that religious leaders should be included as stakeholders in mental health technical working groups across the different tiers of Nigeria health system where such applies.