Title: Multicultural Information Online (MIDonline): Effects of an online multilingual depression intervention resource on mental health knowledge and stigma
Litza Kiropoulos 1, 2 , Kathleen Griffiths 3 , Grant Blashki 2
1 Monash University, 2 The University of Melbourne, 3 The Australian National University
Background: Little is known about the efficacy of internet based information interventions in increasing knowledge about depression and reducing depression stigma in people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Objectives: The current presentation will discuss the effects of an internet-based multilingual depression specific information resource on knowledge and attitudes in mid to older aged Greek-born and Italian-born immigrants. It will also discuss the mental health professionals and carers sections of the MIDonline resource (www.MIDonline.com.au).
Methods: A sample of 202 Greek- and Italian-born immigrants aged 48-88 years were randomly allocated to a depression information intervention or a depression interview control group. Level of depression, depression literacy and personal and perceived stigma were assessed at pre-, post- and at 1-week follow-up.
Results: Relative to the control group, viewing the depression website significantly increased knowledge of depression and reduced personal stigma in participants but not perceived stigma.
Conclusions: Depression website interventions can be effective in increasing depression knowledge and decreasing stigma in non-English speaking populations. Future work should also evaluate mental health professionals and carers section of the website.

Acknowledgements: The current study was funded by a beyondblue: the national
depression initiative major research grant.