Table 1 Baseline characteristics for each group given at the individual and cluster levels.

Local Government Area characteristics at baseline

Number

8

8

Population size:

1.0

   <5,000

3

3

   5,000–9,999

2

1

   10,000–19,999

1

2

   20,000–29,999

1

0

   30,000–39,999

1

2

Number of participants in each area (smallest to largest)

9,17,18,29,30,48,100,165

8,9,12,16,28,50,53,161

Individual participant characteristics at baseline

Number

416

337

Mean age (years)

47.14

47.97

0.42

Number (%) men

79 (19.0)

57 (16.9)

0.40

Number (%) with university degree

85 (20.6)

81 (24.1)

0.36

Number (%) aboriginal

11 (2.6)

10 (3.0)

0.40

Number (%) non-English speaking background

5 (1.2)

7 (2.1)

0.12

Reason for doing course:

0.011

   Relating to workplace/voluntary work

180 (43.3)

188 (55.8)

   Relating to family/close friends

56 (13.5)

29 (8.6)

   Relating to own mental health status

20 (4.8)

10 (3.0)

   Duty as a citizen

49 (11.8)

44 (13.1)

   Just interested

111 (26.7)

66 (19.6)