Mental health knowledge among rural school students

Abstract

Background: Mental health is an integral and essential component of health. Asian culture shares multiple false beliefs that mental illness occurs as a result of loss of semen or vaginal secretion, less sexual desire, excessive masturbation, God's punishment, possession of spirits, etc., People in rural area think that mental illnesses are untreatable. Less knowledge about mental illness is associated with more social discrimination, less choice for friendship, considering mentally ill persons as dangerous, and unable to maintain regular job. Aims: The present study aimed to explore the knowledge about mental health and related problems among the rural school students of class 9th to 12th standard. Methodology: A total of 3478 students of 9th–12th class from a rural school participated in the study. The mental health knowledge of the students was assessed using the Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of different variables were used for analysis. Results: Most of the students have knowledge about the components of health and mental health, age of occurrence of mental disorders, and when psychological services should be sought. Students lack knowledge about causes, prevention, and treatment related to mental disorders. Few students have knowledge about “mental health promotion days.” Conclusion: This study provides an empirical assessment of students' knowledge about mental health and illness. There is a need of education programs to improve the knowledge and attitude of students toward mental illnesses.

Keywords

• knowledge
• mental health
• school students