Protocol for a phase III wait-listed cluster randomised controlled trial of an intervention for mental well-being through enhancing mental health literacy and improving work friendliness in Hong Kong

Lawrence T Lam,Prudence Wong,Mary K Lam

doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3748-y

Lawrence T Lam, Prudence Wong + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3748-y

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Abstract

BackgroundMental health has long been recognised as a major global health issue. Some work-related characteristics have been identified to be associated with common mental health problems, and thus the workplace is an important venue for the prevention of mental health problems and promoting mental wellness. Burnout is one of the important aspects of workplace organisational stressors and, in recent years, the lack of mental health literacy has also been identified as a fundamental issue. Studies have demonstrated that an improvement in mental health literacy is an effective measure for enhancing mental well-being. It would be prudent to combine an organisation-directed component and the enhancement of mental health literacy in an intervention programme. This trial will examine the novel approach of an intervention aiming to provide an evidence-based prevention programme.MethodsThis study utilised a wait-listed cluster randomised control trial design. Using branch offices as the primary sampling units, employees from three large companies in different industries will be recruited. Upon enrolment and after the baseline assessment of the outcome measures, participants nested in the branch offices will be allocated to the intervention or wait-listed arms. The intervention programme comprises of two main elements: an organisation-directed component and individual-directed psychoeducation training. This intervention will be delivered by a senior social worker well-versed in workplace issues over a period of 3 months. The trial will determine whether an integrated workplace mental health literacy and well-being programme is effective in increasing the mental health literacy scores and reducing burnout and stress scores, as measured by standardised and validated scales.DiscussionIf the trial results are in line with the hypothesis that supports the efficacy of the intervention programme, this will provide an evidence-based approach for an effective workplace mental well-being intervention programme that could not only enhance the understanding of mental health issues, but also reduce work-related burnout and stress as well as increase workers’ quality of life.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12619000464167. Registered prospectively on 20 March 2019.

Highlights

Mental health has long been recognised as a major global health issue
Young people who had experienced moderate to severe levels of depression were more likely to have an inadequate level of mental health literacy (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.01–2.31) [15]. These results suggested that intervention programmes aiming to enhance the mental health literacy of individuals could have a positive effect on their actual mental health status, probably through an increased awareness of the problem, and strengthened attitudes towards seeking appropriate help
Primary objective The primary aim of the proposed study is to determine whether a workplace mental well-being intervention programme that responds to organisation and individual mental health needs, based on the dual approach of an organisation environment scan and evidence-based psychoeducation training in mental health literacy, would increase MHL

Summary

Introduction

Mental health has long been recognised as a major global health issue. Burnout is one of the important aspects of workplace organisational stressors and, in recent years, the lack of mental health literacy has been identified as a fundamental issue. It would be prudent to combine an organisation-directed component and the enhancement of mental health literacy in an intervention programme. This trial will examine the novel approach of an intervention aiming to provide an evidence-based prevention programme. Mental health has long been identified as a major global health issue. Mental and substance disorders are the leading cause of years lost due to disability (YLD), accounting for about 21.2% of the global burden of diseases [1]. The latest Mental Health Review Report revealed that, based on the international prevalence of mental disorders and extrapolation, there could be as many as 1.1–1.8 million individuals experiencing a mental disorder in the adult population [4]

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