Improving Knowledge and Attitudes towards Depression: a controlled trial among Chinese medical students

• Main Authors: Davenport Tracey A, Luscombe Georgina M, Glozier Nick, Rong Ye, Huang Yueqin, Hickie Ian B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-03-01
• Series: BMC Psychiatry
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/11/36
• ISSN: 1471-244X

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Establishing an evidence-based method of improving knowledge and attitudes concerning depression has been identified as a priority in Chinese medical education. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a self-directed learning strategy as a part of student-centred education improved knowledge of and attitudes towards depression among Chinese medical students.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A controlled trial in which 205 medical students were allocated to one of two groups: didactic teaching (DT) group or a combined didactic teaching and self-directed learning (DT/SDL) group. The DT/SDL group continued having a series of learning activities after both groups had a lecture on depression together. Student's knowledge and attitudes were assessed immediately after the activities, one month and six months later.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The intervention (DT/SDL) group showed substantially greater improvements in recognition of depression as a major health issue and identifying helpful treatments than the DT group. Only the DT/SDL group demonstrated any improvement in attitudes. This improvement was sustained over six months.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Self-directed learning is an effective education strategy in improving medical students' knowledge of and attitudes towards depression.</p>