Basic Observation and Interview Skills Training for Mental Cadres in Screening Mental Health in Sedayu District

Abstract

Access to mental health services is still limited, especially in areas such as Sedayu District. With a dense population, there is a lack of mental health services. This basic observation and interview skills training aimed to enhance the competencies of community mental health cadres in the early detection of mental health problems in Sedayu District, Special Region of Yogyakarta. This community service program was implemented using a participatory approach that included coordination with local partners, focus group discussions, delivery of training materials, interactive discussions, observation and interview simulations, and emergency referral exercises. The evaluation employed a pre-post test design to assess changes in cadres’ attitudes toward people with mental disorders (PWMD). The results indicated an increase in positive attitude scores among cadres after the training, although the improvement did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that practice-based training has the potential to strengthen the readiness of community mental health cadres; however, sustained mentoring and follow-up activities are necessary to optimize its impact. Overall, this training is expected to contribute to the strengthening of community-based mental health services and to support the mental health referral system in Sedayu District