Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2025 Nov 13. doi: 10.1007/s00127-025-03017-9. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Improving population mental health will require greater investment in prevention, yet the level of community support for such efforts is unclear. This study aimed to examine the Australian public’s attitudes about the prevention of mental health problems (e.g. depression and anxiety conditions).
METHODS: A probability-based panel provider recruited 6,142 Australians aged 16-75 + to complete an online survey. Survey items were developed to assess attitudes about prevention of physical and mental health problems, and support for government action on prevention of mental health problems. Data were weighted to be representative of the Australian adult population.
RESULTS: 80.9% of respondents rated mental health as a top Australian government priority to prevent health problems. 14.6% of respondents thought that mental health problems were not preventable, 24.3% were not sure, and 61% agreed they were preventable, with younger adults being more positive. 79.5% of respondents agreed that the Australian government should play a role in preventing mental health problems in the population and 64.7% thought mental health funding should be spent equally on prevention and treatment. The most important age groups to focus on were adolescence and young adulthood and the most important areas were healthy housing, mental health promotion in schools, and reducing socioeconomic inequality.
CONCLUSION: There was strong support for prevention of mental health problems as a government priority to improve the health of Australians. Findings can inform where prevention literacy efforts should focus and where government investment in prevention should be targeted to align with community expectations.
PMID:41233649 | DOI:10.1007/s00127-025-03017-9
