Community Based Mental Health Literacy Research Study

Community: Chilliwack, B.C.

September 2008 – December 2008

Kirsten Hargreaves

Purpose

To establish a baseline of mental health literacy in Chilliwack, B.C.

What is Mental Health Literacy? “the knowledge, beliefs and abilities that enable the recognition, management or prevention of mental health problems”

(Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health) www.camimh.ca

Data Collection

Both qualitative and quantitative data was gathered

5 primary methods of data collection

1. Content analysis of local newspapers2. 200+ survey responses from school based, local buisiness owners, general public and professionals 3. Interviews with key stakeholders4. Focus groups with School District personnel5. Responses to four case vignettes each describing DSM symptomatology for four separate cases

Content analysis of local newspapers

Analysis of local newspapers over a three week period demonstrated an over abundance of articles on fishing and sports

Very little within the broad spectrum of mental health

Articles found demonstrated a high correlation between crime and mental illness

200+ Survey responses

Participants responded to 39 survey questions using a four point likert scale

(Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Agree, Strongly Agree)

Measured subjective attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about mental health, mental illness and available treatment options

Measured Professionals roles and experiences of stigma as linked to mental illness

Stakeholder Interviews1. School District #33 Educators2. RCMP and community policing staff3. Medical personnel including paramedics and

physicians4. Non profit and community resource personnel5. UFV students and staff6. Geriatric service providers7. Aboriginal organizations8. Recreation Staff9. Municipal Mayor and Council members10. General Public (Starbucks, Cottonwood Mall)

Focus Groups

100% of focus group participants identified someone in their lives they unknowingly used stigmatizing language towards (“crazy aunt”)

School personnel identified a need for increased education in the area of mental health literacy/mental health in general

General knowledge focused on psycho-pharmacological interventions rather than a biopsychosocial approach

Case Study 1 – Schizophrenia Sample Size 192 (Accuracy 36%)

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

Case Study 1

Case Study 2 – Depression Sample Size 201 (Accuracy 78%)

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90%

Case Study 2

Case Study 3 - AnxietySample Size 197 (Accuracy 53%)

Anxiety

Depres

sion

Abuse

Sexual

Abuse

Self E

steem

Drugs

Learn

ing D

isabili

tyADD

Biolo

gical

Fear

Overwhelm

ed

Post Part

um

Psych

ologica

l

Puberty

Social

Tired

Traum

a0%

10%

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30%

40%

50%

60%

Case Study 3

Case Study 4 – ADD/ADHDSample Size 185 (Accuracy 39%)

0%

5%

10%

15%

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25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Case 4

Case Study Results

Depression 78%Anxiety 53%

ADD/ADHD 39%Schizophrenia 36%

Research Team Observations

1. Responses from the general public demonstrated an over awareness of psycho-pharmacological interventions and a lack of understanding of biopsychosocial resources and the importance of social connections

2. The majority of participants relayed concern for the growing awareness of individuals with mental health challenges in Chilliwack

3. Successful survey locations included the Vedder Starbucks and the Cottonwood Mall food court

Observations4. Community responses included the following: “We don’t have those kinds of problems here” - School Professional SD#33

“Chilliwack has way less psychos than in other

communities” - Community Social Service Professional

Observations5. One Chilliwack business owner was strongly

opposed to this research study holding many beliefs regarding the existence of mental health challenges in Chilliwack including:

1. Government conspiracy theories2. Chemicals and preservatives in our food3. Media conspiracies4. Ill intentions of the Psychological

community

Outcomes The community of Chilliwack reported a high

level of interest in the origins of mental illness and desire to learn more

Research participants often inquired regarding the link between current social problems and individuals struggling with mental health challenges

(Example – Homeless individuals) A broad focus on social influences was

outside the scope of this research study

Conclusions The study was designed to be replicable in five years

(Baseline 2008) (Repeat Study 2013)

School Professionals identified a need for increased education in mental health literacy to be better educators

Additional research is needed to better understand public assumptions on genetic vulnerability, psychopharmacological interventions and psychosocial interventions as they relate to individuals with mental health challenges

In 2008, Chilliwack was/is a leader in this community development oriented research approach