Abrir espaço à saúde mental

: estudo piloto sobre conhecimentos, estigma e necessidades relativas a questões de saúde mental, junto de alunos do 9º ano de escolaridade

Abstract

In view of the increasing prevalence of mental disorders, especially in the Youngers, it is estimated that 1 in 5 teenagers will develop a mental disorder (WHO, 2001; Stuart, 2006; Noryhamptonshire County Council, 2007). For this reason and due to lack of adequate knowledge of mental health issues (Stuart, 2006), young people are considered the main target audience for actions to promote mental health, since they represent the next generation of professionals and care providers Thus, interventions, sustained by the concepts of mental health literacy and stigma have higher levels of efficacy Rickwood, Cavanagh, Curtis & Sakrouge, 2004; Fields & Straw, 2010); contributing to the maintenance of prosperity, social and economic stability of countries in the coming decades (WHO, 2010). This research is integrated into the project "Finding Space to Mental Health" and the general objective is the exploration of knowledge, stigma and needs demonstrated by adolescents attending the 9th grade. The method for collecting data in this work was done through a focus group, based in a previously constructed script and a socio-demographic data sheet filled in by 11 youngsters. The speeches were analyzed according to the principles of “Content Analysis” which led to the construction of a system of categories. The main outcomes measured, showed that these young people have a level of satisfactory mental health literacy, which seems to be reflected in the lower incidence of stigma in their speeches. Regarding the actions pro-mental health, participants show up interested in obtaining more knowledge on the topic and contribute suggestions for setting them.

Date of Award	31 Jan 2013
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Luísa Campos (Supervisor)