Training for cultural mediators on mental health - a way to increase mental health literacy?

Abstract

Abstract Background Many refugees have poor mental health and limited health literacy, which can complicate establishment. In a Swedish EU project, cultural mediators who are working with newly arrived refugees in the community were trained to become study circle leaders in mental health. The aim of this study was to examine what the cultural mediators perceived that they learned through participation in the course. Methods Ten individual interviews were conducted with cultural mediators who participated in the course on mental health in the year 2020. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, before they were analysed through thematic analysis. Preliminary results Two themes - theoretical and practical knowledge - were found. Theoretical knowledge consisted of three subthemes: 1) In-depth knowledge and increased understanding of mental health, 2) New specific facts knowledge, and 3) How to obtain and assess health information. Practical knowledge consisted of two subthemes: 1) Increased knowledge of practical exercises and methods, and 2) How to assess participants' mood, respond and guide. Conclusions Participation in a six-days course on mental health could contribute to increased knowledge, reflection, practical skills and confidence regarding promotion of mental health of newly arrived refugees at group level, i.e. to increased mental health literacy for cultural mediators. Key messages Cultural mediators mental health literacy can be increased through training in mental health. Increased knowledge regarding mental health increase cultural mediators' confidence in working with mental health promotion.