Promoting Mental Health Support for Adolescents and Future Health Educators Through Nursing‐Led Intervention: A University‐School‐Community Collaboration Model in Spain

Abstract

Objective: This study describes a nurse-led intervention aimed at improving mental health literacy (MHL), reducing stigma, andencouraging help-seeking behaviour.Design: A quasi-experimental design involved 578 responses ranging in age from 13 to 52 years (M = 20.28, SD = 6.29), includingsecondary school pupils, nursing undergraduates, and trainee secondary school teachers.Measurements: Pre- and post-intervention assessments examined a wide range of health indicators. These included six scalesassessing mental health knowledge (MHLI), mental health support intentions (MHSSA), body dissatisfaction (EBIC), eatingdisorder risk (SCOFF), problematic pornography use (PPCS-6), and health-protective sexual communication (HPSC). Theintervention focused on reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking behaviour, and developing practical skills to support peersfacing mental health challenges.Results: Post-intervention results indicated significant improvements in MHL, attitudes, and behavioural intentions across allgroups. Adolescents initially exhibited lower baseline scores than university participants. However, both groups demonstratedsubstantial gains. The most pronounced improvements were observed among women, individuals with prior experience of mentalhealth issues, and university students.Conclusion: This study underscores the vital role of nurses as facilitators in school-based mental health promotion and in theinterdisciplinary education of future health professionals. The nurse-led mental health education into secondary and highereducation curricula foster population-wide mental well-being.