Cultural adaptation of the mental health first aid guidelines for depression in Brazil: a Delphi expert consensus study

Abstract

Background Depression is a significant contributor to disability in Brazil, with most Brazilians affected by depression receiving no treatment. As the community, including family and friends, plays a crucial role in providing support for someone with depression, it is important that evidence-based resources are available to support people who wish to help. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the English-language mental health first aid guidelines for assisting a person with depression for the Brazilian culture. Methods A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted, with two expert panels; health professionals (n = 29) and people with lived experience of depression (n = 28). One hundred and seventy-four statements from the English-language guidelines were translated into Brazilian Portuguese and administered as a survey. Participants were asked to rate statements based on how appropriate those statements were for the Brazilian culture and to suggest new statements if appropriate. Results Data were collected over two survey rounds. Consensus was achieved on 143 statements. A total of 133 statements were adopted from the English-language guidelines, whereas 10 new endorsed statements were generated from suggestions of the two expert panels. Conclusions There were similarities between the English-language and Brazilian guidelines, mainly related to family involvement and the value of empathy. More research on dissemination and incorporation of the guidelines into the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course for Brazil is required.

Development of mental health first aid guidelines for psychosis for Brazil: A Delphi expert consensus study

“…Statements rated as “Essential” or “Important” by less than 70% of participants from either panel were immediately excluded from the final guidelines. The cut-off values were based on the English-language redeveloped mental health first aid for psychosis Delphi study [ 20 ] as well as the culturally adapted mental health first aid guidelines for depression [ 21 ] and problem drinking [ 22 ] in Brazil.…”