Mental health Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Conditions
Interventions
The MASS study utilises a bottom-up qualitative approach, engaging key stakeholders and integrating discourse analytic principles to enhance the local training capacity of SOGIESC-affirming mental hea
Sponsors
University of Malaya
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. LGBT+ Clients of Mental Health Services (RO1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2) 1.1. Self-identify as LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or other queer identities of gender and sexuality). 1.2. Aged 18 years and above. 1.3. Willing to participate voluntarily and provide informed consent. 1.4. Ideally, comfortable communicating in Malaysian local language(s) (for RO1.3 only). 2. LGBT-Affirmative Mental Health Practitioners (MHP) (RO1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2) 2.1. Licensed or registered MHP (e.g., clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, social worker, or therapist). 2.2. Self-identify or demonstrate commitment to LGBT-affirmative practice. 2.3. Currently practising in a professional mental health capacity. 2.4. Willing to participate voluntarily and provide informed consent. 2.5. Ideally, comfortable communicating in Malaysian local language(s) (for RO1.3 only). 2.6. Ideally, residing in rural/underrepresented/diverse geographical areas (for RO1.2 only). 3. LGBT+ Persons in General (RO1.2) 3.1. Self-identify as LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or other queer identities of gender and sexuality). 3.2. Aged 18 and above. 3.3. Ideally, residing in rural/underrepresented/diverse geographical areas. 3.4. Willing to participate voluntarily and provide informed consent. 4. NGO Members/Representatives (RO1.2) 4.1. Currently or previously affiliated with an NGO or body related to mental health, LGBT+ rights, or community support (e.g., SEED, Malaysia Board of Counsellors). 4.2. Have experience working in or advocating for LGBT+ issues, mental health, or both. 4.3. Willing to participate voluntarily and provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. LGBT+ Clients of Mental Health Services – Exclusion Criteria 1.1. Under 18 years old. 1.2. Unable to provide informed consent (e.g., due to severe cognitive impairment). 1.3. Engaged in ongoing crisis situations that may interfere with participation (e.g., currently experiencing acute distress or hospitalization). 2. LGBT-Affirmative Mental Health Practitioners (MHPs) – Exclusion Criteria 2.1. Not licensed or registered as a mental health professional. 2.2. Do not practice or endorse LGBT-affirmative approaches. 2.3. Have had complaints or disciplinary actions related to unethical or harmful practices toward LGBT+ clients. 2.4. Unable to provide informed consent. 3. LGBT+ Persons in General – Exclusion Criteria 3.1. Under 18 years old. 3.2. Do not self-identify as LGBT+. 3.3. Unable to provide informed consent. 4. NGO or Professional Body Members/Representatives – Exclusion Criteria 4.1. Not affiliated with any relevant NGO or professional body (current or past). 4.2. No experience in LGBT+ or mental health-related advocacy or services. 4.3. Unable to provide informed consent.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Due to the nature of this study, we do not have a 'primary outcome' in the sense of an interventional study. However, this study aims to enhance capacity in SOGIESC affirming mental health professionals in Malaysia. Primary Outcome Measures (Project-Level): 1. Increased communicative awareness, knowledge, and skills of best practices among MHPs: 1.1. Data collected: Self-reported confidence and knowledge; peer evaluations; observed communication practices 1.2. Method: Post-training survey (qualitative + quantitative); peer evaluation forms; conversation analysis (CA) of peer-evaluated sessions 1.3. Timepoint: Immediately post-training and within 3 months of practice implementation 1.4. Target: =80% of trained MHPs report improved understanding and confidence; =80% observed to implement at least one interactional practice or principle taught 2. Increased awareness and engagement with enhanced training resources: 2.1. Data collected: Number of downloads, views, and engagement metrics (clicks, shares, comments) 2.2. Method: Web analytics; social media insights; platform metrics 2.3. Timepoint: Continuous monitoring post-launch, with reporting at 3, 6 and 12 months 2.4. Target: Sustained or increasing engagement with training resources across dissemination platforms | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Due to the nature of this study, we do not have a 'secondary outcome' in the sense of an interventional study. However, in the long run, the enhanced capacity may contribute to improved mental health outcomes for SOGIESC minorities, and our advocacy efforts could contribute towards policy changes and advance human rights efforts in our local context. Secondary Outcome Measures (Project-Level): 1. Improved client service experience in settings with trained MHPs: 1.1. Data collected: Client satisfaction scores; qualitative reports of therapeutic experiences 1.2. Method: Client feedback surveys (anonymous), follow-up interviews, and service experience logs during peer supervision 1.3. Timepoint: Pre-training and then during peer supervision, which is post-training 1.4. Target: Increased satisfaction; decreased reports of negative experiences related to gender/sexuality 2. Adoption of training resources by training providers, professional bodies, and local advocacy groups: 2.1. Data collected: Download/view metrics; endorsements or usage by relevant institutions 2.2. Method: Web analytics; documented statements of adoption; citations or mentions in training syllabi or advocacy toolkits 2.3. Timepoint: Monitored quarterly over 12 months post-resource release 2.4. Target: Evidence of institutional uptake or integration into training/advocacy 3. Policy discussions and alliance-building among stakeholders: 3.1. Data collected: Number of formal policy discussions; mentions or use of alliance blueprint 3.2. Method: Meeting minutes; reports from stakeholders; policy briefs 3.3. Timepoint: Throughout the project lifecycle and final count at Month 12 3.4. Target: At least two formal discussions with professional bodies; blueprint referenced or adapted by stakeholders Anticipated Long-Term Outcomes (Beyond Project Duration): These are not measured within the scope of this project but are projected impacts based on successful implementation and stakeholder uptake: 4. Increased t | — |
Countries
Malaysia
Contacts
Public ContactSharifah Ayeshah Syed Mohd Noori
Outcome results
None listed