PloS one
Mental health literacy training interventions for future health professionals: An evidence and gap mapping scoping review
By ElKhalil R, Alrabee N, Gaydhanker AP and 10 others.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examined the global landscape of mental health literacy (MHL) education for health professions students, focusing on publication trends, intervention designs, pedagogical approaches, MHL domains addressed, evaluation methods, and contextual influences.
Methods
Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, an Evidence and Gap Mapping (EGM) scoping review was conducted to identify and visually synthesize MHL education interventions. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost (including CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ERIC), and APA PsycArticles (February 1997-May 2025). The included studies involved pre-licensure health professions students and implemented structured educational interventions explicitly targeting MHL domains. The data were extracted using a standardized framework and analyzed through descriptive synthesis and visual mapping to identify research clusters and gaps. PROSPERO registration: CRD420251050891.