Mental Health First Aid training for China: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study involves a cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) of the effectiveness of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training for China.MethodA two-arm wait- list cRCT will be conducted in 6 settings: 2 health services, 2 workplaces and 2 community settings in Shanghai. We aim to include a total of 120 participants. The cluster level will be defined as the setting. Intervention settings will be paired according to type and one of each pair will be randomly allocated to the intervention (the MHFA Training for China) or the wait-list control group, with a 1:1 allocation.Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at baseline (T1) and 1 month (T2) and 7 months after completing the training (T3). Participants in the control group will be asked to complete questionnaires at corresponding times. The primary outcome will be intended support towards someone experiencing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Secondary outcome measures will include recognition of depression in a vignette; beliefs about the helpfulness of interventions; helping actions; confidence in providing mental health first aid; and stigmatising attitudes towards a person with a mental health problem.MethodA two-arm wait- list cRCT will be conducted in 6 settings: 2 health services, 2 workplaces and 2 community settings in Shanghai. We aim to include a total of 120 participants. The cluster level will be defined as the setting. Intervention settings will be paired according to type and one of each pair will be randomly allocated to the intervention (the MHFA Training for China) or the wait-list control group, with a 1:1 allocation.Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at baseline (T1) and 1 month (T2) and 7 months after completing the training (T3). Participants in the control group will be asked to complete questionnaires at corresponding times. The primary outcome will be intended support towards someone experiencing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Secondary outcome measures will include recognition of depression in a vignette; beliefs about the helpfulness of interventions; helping actions; confidence in providing mental health first aid; and stigmatising attitudes towards a person with a mental health problem.ResultsFindings will demonstrate whether the culturally adapted MHFA Training for China can enhance intended support, knowledge, attitudes and supportive actions towards someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.DiscussionFindings could provide evidence for disseminating MHFA Training for China more widely, potentially improving support for people experiencing mental health problems and benefiting their wellbeing.Trial registrationThe trial is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number' (ISRCTN) Registry. Date 18 February 2023, ISRCTN21096283.