Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-23-2015

Publication Title

Israel Journal of Health Policy Research

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan (CMHAP) 2013-2020 proposes the implementation of primary prevention strategies to reduce the mental health burden of disease. The extent to which Israeli academic programs and published research adhere to the principles spelled out by the CMHAP is unknown. Objective: To investigate the presence of mental health primary prevention themes in published research and academic programs in Israel. Methods: We searched for mental health primary prevention themes in: (1) three major journals of psychiatry and social sciences during the years 2001-2012; (2) university graduate programs in psychology, social work and medicine in leading universities for the academic year of 2011-2012; and (3) doctoral and master's theses approved in psychology and social work departments in five universities between the years 2007-2012. Results: Of the 934 articles published in the three journals, 7.2%, n=67, addressed primary prevention. Of the 899 courses in the 19 graduate programs 5.2%, n=47, elective courses addressed primary prevention. Of the 1960 approved doctoral and master's theses 6.2%, n=123, addressed primary prevention. Only 11 (4.7%) articles, 5 (0.6%) courses, and 5 (0.3%) doctoral and master's theses addressed primary prevention directly. Conclusions: The psychiatric reform currently implemented in Israel and WHO CMHAP call for novel policies and course of action in all levels of prevention, including primary prevention. Yet, the latter is rarely a component of mental health education and research activities. The baseline we drew could serve to evaluate future progress in the field.

Keywords

Israel, Mental health education, Mental health research, Primary prevention

Volume

4

Issue

1

DOI

10.1186/2045-4015-4-3

Comments

Archived as published. Open access article.

Included in

Social Work Commons

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