Awareness of Mental Health, Attitudes about Mental Illness, and Utilization Barriers of Mental Health Services by Adults in Najran Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Lack of awareness and negative perceptions regarding mental well-being and mental diseases among high-risk population prevents them from seeking help. Purpose: The aim of the current study is to assess awareness of mental health, attitudes towards mental illness, and utilization barriers of mental health services among adults in Najran region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: To meet the study's objectives, a crosssectional design was employed, utilizing a convenience sample of 400 participants. The research involved a validated survey tool that featured structured questions covering demographic information, the Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire (MHKQ), the Community Attitudes Toward Mental Illness Inventory (CAMI), which includes 40 Likertscale items, and the Barriers to Mental Health Services Questionnaire. Results: The results of the current study revealed that most of the participants had unsatisfactory knowledge: 245 (61.3%). A significant majority showed negative attitudes toward mental illness: 290 (72.5%). The main barriers to accessing mental health services were; stigma: 135 participants (33.7%), unwanted intervention concerns: 82 (20.5%), financial problems: 78 (19.5%), access difficulties: 45 (11.3%), and confidentiality concerns: 60 participants (15%). Furthermore, a significant positive connection existed between knowledge scores - 1 - Awareness of Mental Health and positive attitudes (r=0.598, p= 0.0001). Conclusion: The current study shed light on the concerning lack of knowledge and the prevalent negative attitudes among the studied sample. The main barriers to accessing mental health services were stigma, unwanted intervention concerns, and financial issues. Implications for Nursing: The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these issues, such as organizing workshops and seminars to educate the public about mental health, as well as about mental illness, and promote positive mental health practices. Keywords: Awareness of mental health, Attitudes regarding mental illness, Utilization barriers of mental health services, Najran region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.