Impact of the WHO's QualityRights Training on Promoting Knowledge of Human Rights for People with Mental Disorders among Brazilian Healthcare Professionals

Background: Studies conducted worldwide have employed QualityRights training modules, which have shown promising results in improving the understanding of the human rights of people with mental disorders. This study aims to investigate the impact of QualityRights core training on promoting healthcare professionals' knowledge of the human rights of individuals with mental disorders and to assess whether the training can reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders among these professionals. Methods: A quasiexperimental study was conducted with 26 healthcare professionals from the Family Health Strategy in Brazil, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and community health workers. The participants completed questionnaires before and after the training to assess changes in their knowledge and attitudes via a Likert scale. The results were statistically analyzed via paired t tests and multiple linear regression with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: Statistically significant reductions were observed in five items of the QualityRights scale (Pre 2.92 × Post 1.71, p=0.006; Pre 3.21 × Post 2.49, p=0.042; Pre 3.07 × Post 2.28, p=0.016; Pre 2.93 × Post 2.21, p=0.026; Pre 3.50 × Post 2.64, p=0.028). The overall scale score decreased from 27.3 to 21.3 (p=0.022). A longer duration of training (more years of education) was correlated with a greater reduction in the scale score (p=0.015). Conclusions: WHO QualityRights training had a positive effect on the knowledge and practices of Brazilian healthcare professionals, successfully improving their understanding of human rights in mental health and reducing stigma. Further research, including long-term follow-up, is necessary to ensure sustained improvements and expand training to different healthcare contexts.