Stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among men, remains a significant barrier to men engaging with support services for their mental health. Despite increasing evidence of interventions targeting different aspects of stigma reduction, there is a notable gap in the literature concerning male-specific mental health stigma reduction interventions and on the underlying behavior change techniques (BCTs) used to reduce stigma. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the evidence relating to the impact of mental health stigma reduction interventions among men and to explore the underlying BCTs associated with each intervention. The review was restricted to empirical research reporting on interventions targeting mental health stigma in male-dominated populations. The quality appraisal was conducted using the Mixed Methods Analysis Tool and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Fourteen articles reporting on 11 interventions were included for review, while 20 outcome measures were used. Perceived public stigma attracted the largest number of interventions with a lesser focus on self or personal stigma. Nineteen BCTs were identified across the interventions with information about health consequences and self-monitoring of behavior being the most common followed by credible source, social contact, and behavior practice/rehearsal. This is discussed in relation to the wider literature. The methodological issues highlighted in the articles limit the conclusions and recommendations that can be drawn from the review. Recommendations for further research include standardizing the scales used in stigma measurement, in-depth reporting of intervention descriptions, and greater use of theory to guide intervention development.

Suicide is a leading cause of death among construction workers, particularly younger and lower-skilled employees. Barriers such as stigma, low mental health literacy, and traditional masculine norms hinder help-seeking in this male-dominated sector. Few mental health interventions are tailored to this context. This study developed a co-designed, theory-informed training to improve mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and increase help-seeking among construction workers in Ireland. Using the Medical Research Council’s framework, the training was developed with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Behavior Change Techniques, and extensive stakeholder co-design. Two systematic reviews, a broad literature review, and focus groups with industry managers informed the content and structure. The training will be pilot-tested using validated measures: the Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS), the Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS), and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ), the results of which will be the subject of a separate study. CAIRDE is a promising, evidence-based training that addresses key mental health barriers in Irish construction. Embedding the TPB within a co-design methodology has resulted in the development of a training program that is underpinned by theoretical fidelity and cultural relevance and provides a framework for other male-dominated industries to draw upon. Future work should address remaining challenges related to stigma and help-seeking, and explore broader implementation through integration into mandatory safety training.

Introduction: Suicide among male construction workers is reported to be disproportionally high compared with the working age population, with younger construction workers being at particular risk. However, there is limited understanding of the prevalence and associated factors for suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt among this occupational group globally or among apprentices pursuing this career. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of male Irish construction-related apprentices in Ireland (n = 651). We investigated the prevalence of suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempts and sociodemographic, occupational and mental health factors associated with these three outcomes. A logistic regression with backward selection of variables was used to explore factors related to suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt. Results: The prevalence rate for suicidal ideation was 40.5%, 13.3% for non-suicidal self-injury and 9.3% for suicide attempt. Analysis of suicidal ideation showed previous mental health difficulties, levels of depression and low self-esteem remained significant. Analysis of non-suicidal self-injury showed living in rented accommodation, financial worries, previous mental health difficulties, levels of anxiety and depression remained significant factors in the final model. Analysis of suicide attempts showed living in rented accommodation, financial worries, previous mental health difficulties, levels of depression and low self-esteem remained significant. Conclusion: Suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt are significant issues for apprentices working in the construction industry. Findings highlight a need for support at an earlier stage in their journey. They also highlight the need for the early detection and treatment of generalised anxiety disorder, low self-esteem and depression in order to intervene in, and potentially prevent, suicidality among construction workers.

Farming families are central to the agricultural industry in Ireland. The poor mental health of farmers is well documented. However, the mental health of farm family members remains overlooked. This study aims to understand the mental health literacy and help-seeking of farm family members and how mental health literacy and help-seeking are associated with demographics. A cross-sectional study examined 447 farming family members’ mental health literacy and help-seeking using the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Short Form (ATSPPH-SF), Mental Help-Seeking Intention Scale (MHSIS), and the Multicomponent Mental Health Literacy Measure (MMHL). Participants reported an average ATSPPH-SF score of 20.4 ± 5.8. The average MHSIS score was 4.8 ± 1.6, and the average MMHL score was 19.4 ± 4.5. Farm family members’ mental health literacy and help-seeking attitudes and intentions were positively associated. Those who worked on the farm regularly, men, and those who were less educated had significantly lower literacy and help-seeking. The mental health literacy and help-seeking attitudes and intentions of farm family members were marginally higher than those of Irish farmers and other populations. Interventions targeting the enhancement of family members’ mental health literacy and help-seeking could support improved mental health literacy and help-seeking amongst farmers and farm family members.