Introduction: The social and economic burden associated with mental disorders is immense. More than ever, it is essential to invest in prevention and promotion strategies. Epidemiological data underline the importance of transforming mental health systems, fostering the development of self-management and coping skills in individuals and building resilient communities. In response, a team decided to act on the social determinants of health, in developing health promotion strategies based on egalitarian and inclusive social structures.
Objectives: This presentation aims at describing an innovative health promotion strategy implemented and led by occupational therapists in Quebec, and the results of a populational impact study. This strategy promotes dialog and co-learning on mental health, and the experience of non-judgmental, reciprocal, and egalitarian social relationships.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study with repeated measures was conducted with 434 participants, as well as a qualitative study with 14 participants. A linear mixed model and a qualitative interpretive descriptive design were used to analyze the data.
Results: The study found considerable time effects on wellbeing, anxiety, resilience, self-management, self-esteem/self-efficacy, optimism/control over the future and disclosure/help seeking behaviors. Qualitative data support quantitative findings by illustrating changes in attitudes behaviors and perceptions of self or others.
Conclusion: Thanks to their ability to work across sectors and to develop collaborative action plans with diverse interested parties, occupational therapists can promote inclusive and safe social structures where egalitarian power dynamics are experienced. Occupational therapists can therefore contribute in developing new strategies and innovative practices in health promotion and prevention.