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
Recommended Citation
Nakash, Ora; Razon, Liat; and Levav, Itzhak, "Primary Mental Health Prevention Themes in Published Research and Academic Programs in Israel" (2015). School for Social Work: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/ssw_facpubs/50
Comments
Archived as published. Open access article.