Effect of an Educational Program on Improving the Extent of Mental Health literacy about Depression, Suicide and Internet Addiction among Colleges Students at Assiut University

Abstract

Background: A high degree of mental health literacy, which involves sufficient knowledge and supportive attitudes toward psychological illnesses in school-aged children, will increase the likelihood of early detection and effective intervention in these conditions, as well as a better outcome of illnesses. The aim: Measure levels of literacy about depression, suicide and internet addiction among university students, Assess both positive and negative outcomes of awareness educational program for university students. Research Design: This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental research design. Subjects: the study comprised of 100 student , 50 student from the faculty of science and 50 student from the faculty of commerce who accept to participate in the study and give an informed oral and written consent. The studied sample consisted of 64 Males and 36 Females from the two faculties. During 3 month period from 1st November 2020 to 30th January 2021. Tools: students were assessed through Depression Literacy Questionnaire (D-Lit), Literacy of suicide scale (LOSS) and Internet Addiction Literacy Scale (IALS) in addition to Socio Economic assessment scale. Results: The highest percentage of subjects were males, resided in urban areas, first academic year, with middle socio economic state, and there was highly statistical significant difference of the level of mental health literacy about depression, suicide and internet addiction after application of the educational program for the students from the theoretical and clinical faculty Conclusion and Recommendation: There is widespread misunderstanding of the nature of depression, suicide and internet addiction and its causes, risk factors and attitudes towards treatment are negative. The need for psycho-educational programs is necessary which include awareness of mental health and illnesses, particularly depression and the risk of suicide associated with depression, internet addiction, and the development of positive attitudes toward mental illnesses for the benefit of the community.