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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research article

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

Authors: Ye Rong, Nick Glozier, Georgina M Luscombe, Tracey A Davenport, Yueqin Huang, Ian B Hickie

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

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.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusions

Self-directed learning is an effective education strategy in improving medical students' knowledge of and attitudes towards depression.
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Metadata
Title
Improving Knowledge and Attitudes towards Depression: a controlled trial among Chinese medical students
Authors
Ye Rong
Nick Glozier
Georgina M Luscombe
Tracey A Davenport
Yueqin Huang
Ian B Hickie
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-11-36

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