IJCM_423A: Mental Health Literacy for Depression and Schizophrenia among Undergraduate students

Abstract

Background: Mental Health Literacy (MHL) arose as a facet of Health Literacy after it was understood that the concept of health went beyond the physiological or the physical aspect. Despite improvements in various health indicators in the last couple of decades, India still significantly contributes to the global burden of disease and mental illnesses. Objective This study aimed to examine the level of Mental Health Literacy in terms of diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and help-seeking behavior for Depression and Schizophrenia among Indian Undergraduate students and to compare the levels of Mental Health Literacy among males and females Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional design with snowball sampling across various educational institutions the participants 324 in number were undergraduate students aged between 18 and 23. All consenting participants were recruited for the study and Google forms consisting of case vignettes and questions that followed them were distributed using snowball sampling. Results Participants were able to diagnose depression but were poor at diagnosing Schizophrenia. Psychological therapy was rated as the most effective treatment for depression and psychological and drug therapy were rated as the most effective treatments for Schizophrenia. Higher prognosis ratings were given to Depression as compared to Schizophrenia. Females were more optimistic about the prognosis of both disorders as compared to males. Conclusion: Overall, participants demonstrated better Mental Health Literacy for depression as compared to schizophrenia, possibly due to the availability of internet resources.