LINKS Training and Unit Support for Mental Health: a Group-randomized Effectiveness Trial.

Area of Science:

• Military mental health
• Intervention research
• Public health

Background:

• Military personnel face unique challenges impacting mental health.
• Improving mental health treatment seeking is crucial for military readiness.
• Existing interventions require evaluation for effectiveness and implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the LINKS curriculum on mental health knowledge and attitudes.
• To compare LINKS to an active control condition delivered by non-experts.
• To examine the impact of training module length (1-hour vs. 2-hour) on outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Eight Army platoons were randomized into four conditions: 1-h/2-h Active Control or 1-h/2-h LINKS.
• Surveys were administered at baseline, post-training, and 3-month follow-up.
• Eighty-four participants completed all study phases.

Main Results:

• Both 2-hour modules were more acceptable than 1-hour modules.
• LINKS conditions significantly increased mental health knowledge compared to Active Control at 3 months.
• The 2-hour LINKS module was associated with increased mental health treatment seeking.

Conclusions:

• The LINKS curriculum is an effective intervention for improving mental health treatment seeking in military personnel.
• Non-expert trainers can successfully deliver the LINKS intervention.
• A 2-hour module appears optimal for maximizing acceptability and effectiveness.