Perceived awareness about mental illness among journalism students and medical students

Abstract

Aim: The study was planned to assess the perceived level of awareness about mental illness among the Journalism students and the Medical students. Materials and methods: A total of 210 students were surveyed, 70 in each group to know their perception of awareness about mental illness. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding contact with psychiatrist during their lifetime for self, family and friends, about exposure to psychiatry/psychology as one of the subjects during their course. They were also asked about the perceived cause of mental illness and source of information regarding mental illness from a list of choices. Results: Only 9 out of 210 respondents stated that they have a family history of mental illness, however, almost 31 respondents stated that they have come in contact with a psychiatrist in their lifetime with regard to consultation for self, family or friend. Among the JPG students, 59.5% felt that the portrayal in the movies was in negative light. Regarding the portrayal of mental illness in media, majority of journalism students believed that it was portrayed positively (JUG-97.2% and JPG-81.1%). In contrast, only 62.5% of the medical students believed that mental illness is portrayed positively in media.