Mental health first aid programme in Nepal
A Jha1, B A Kitchener, P K Pradhan
1Nepalese Doctors' Association (UK), Hertfordshire, UK. arunjha@hotmail.co.uk
Journal of Nepal Health Research Council
|January 3, 2013
Summary
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, originating in Australia, equips individuals to assist those with mental health issues. Adapted for Nepal, the program aims to increase awareness and reduce stigma.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health Training
- International Health
Background:
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognized training program.
- Originating in Australia, MHFA aims to improve mental health literacy and crisis intervention skills.
- By 2010, MHFA had expanded to 15 countries, including its introduction to Nepal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and adapt the Mental Health First Aid program for the Nepalese context.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MHFA training in Nepal.
- To increase mental health awareness and reduce stigmatizing attitudes in Nepal.
Main Methods:
- The MHFA program was launched in Kathmandu by SAF-Nepal in November 2010.
- Australian experts conducted a workshop for over 22 delegates from various mental health organizations.
- The MHFA Nepal course underwent adaptation to suit the local context, including the addition of specific conditions like hysteria and epilepsy.
Main Results:
- The MHFA program was successfully launched and adapted for Nepal.
- The adapted course includes culturally relevant mental health conditions.
- The program is expected to enhance mental health awareness and decrease stigma among participants.
Conclusions:
- The adaptation of Mental Health First Aid for Nepal is a significant step in improving mental health support.
- The program has the potential to reduce stigma and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health problems in Nepal.
- Further evaluation is needed to confirm the long-term impact of MHFA in the Nepalese population.
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