Mental Health Knowledge Schedule Research Articles

Stigma on Mental Illness among Nurses

A lack of knowledge about mental illness contributes to the pervasive stigma and discrimination that affects the quality of life. This study aims to determine the nurses' knowledge of mental illness and the existence of professional stigma in a teaching hospital in Selangor. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional design, with nurses selected using simple random sampling (n = 178) and utilizing the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-27) and the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) (α = 0.76 & 0.62). Nurses’ knowledge is high (M=44.57±4.61) and that professional stigma exists. Additionally, significant association between knowledge and stigma among nurses was found (p<0.05).

How gender and low mental health literacy are related to unmet need for mental healthcare: a cross-sectional population-based study in Sweden

BackgroundMen are more likely to have unmet need for mental healthcare than women. However, an under-investigated aspect of the gender difference is the role of mental health literacy. This study investigated how combinations of gender and mental health literacy were related to two indicators of unmet need: not perceiving a need for mental healthcare despite poor mental health, and refraining from seeking mental healthcare.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire sent to a general population sample, aged 16–84 years, in Stockholm County, Sweden, in 2019. Of the 1863 respondents (38%), 1563 were included (≥18 years). The sample was stratified into four groups, men and women with low or high mental health literacy, using the third quartile of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule. The likelihood of not perceiving a need for mental healthcare and refraining from seeking mental healthcare, at any time in life, were investigated by calculating odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsMen with low mental health literacy were most likely to not perceive a need for mental healthcare, also when adjusting for age, education, and poor mental health (OR 5.3, 95% CI 3.6–7.7), and to refrain from seeking mental healthcare, also when adjusting for age and education (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7–6.4), followed by men with high mental health literacy (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5–2.4, and OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2) and women with low mental health literacy (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9, and OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.9). Women with high mental health literacy were least likely (reference group).ConclusionThe results show differences in the likelihood of unmet need for mental healthcare based on combinations of gender and mental health literacy level, with men having low mental health literacy being most at risk, and women with high mental health literacy being least at risk. This challenges generalisations of a gender difference in unmet need by showing heterogeneity among men and women based on mental health literacy. Men with low mental health literacy may be particularly in need of targeted interventions to reduce potential individual and societal consequences of their unmet need.

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Mental Health Conditions among Pharmacy Interns of Specialized Hospital

The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions of Pharmacy Interns in Specialized Hospital, and the role of demographic characteristics needs to be considered when investigating stigma and its relationship to mental health knowledge. Finally, align and formulate programs for Pharmacy Internship in Specialized Hospital to strengthen the positive attitudes and mitigate the negative attitudes toward mental health further.
 The Mental Illness: Clinician's Attitudes Scale (Medical Student Version MICA-2) and the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) were completed by 25 Pharmacy Interns of Specialized Hospitals. Descriptive statistics were done to describe differences in demographic characteristics. Parametric Test Pearson R was used to assess the relationship between the knowledge and attitudes of Pharmacy Interns. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was the test used to compare the variations in total scores between MICA and MAKS based on various demographic factors. This study revealed that pharmacy interns of specialized hospitals have a generally positive attitude and are knowledgeable about mental health conditions. In this study, having more mental health knowledge correlates with a less stigmatizing attitude.
 There was a significant difference in the attitude of Pharmacy Interns when grouped according to their educational attainment. As a recommendation, evaluation after the Pharmacy Internship through MICA and MAKS can be done. Also, Specialized Hospitals should consider implementing intervention programs to advance mental health knowledge and positive attitudes among Pharmacy Interns.

Self-diagnose is associated with knowledge and attitude towards mental illness of university students in Indonesia

BackgroundMental illness is still stigmatized and poorly understood in Indonesian society, but university students could be a key target for promoting positive attitudes and increasing awareness. This study aims to explore the knowledge and attitudes of university students in Indonesia toward mental illness and to identify associated factors, emphasizing self-diagnosis.MethodAn analytical cross-sectional study on university students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, was conducted from September to November 2022. Participants completed an online questionnaire about their sociodemographic data, mental health knowledge (utilized Mental Health Knowledge Schedule questionnaire), and attitudes toward mental illness (utilized Community Attitude to Mental Illness Inventory questionnaire). Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze collected data.ResultsA total of 402 university students were included in the study. Results demonstrated that half of the students had good mental illness knowledge (50.7%), and slightly more than half had favorable attitudes (53.0%). Self-diagnosis was significantly associated with poorer knowledge and negative attitudes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19 to 4.50 and AOR: 2.12, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.99; P < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, students who had never studied psychology or psychiatry and had a family mental illness history were at higher risk (P < 0.05) for poor knowledge of mental illness (AOR: 2.24, 95% CI 1.18 to 4.25 and AOR: 1.82, 95% CI 1.00 to 3.30, respectively). Interestingly, students with lower monthly family incomes had more positive attitudes (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.86; P < 0.05). A very weak negative correlation (ρ = − 0.173; P < 0.001) between mental illness knowledge and attitudes was observed.ConclusionPromoting awareness and knowledge about mental health, as well as preventing self-diagnosis, is crucial in addressing the lack of knowledge and negative attitudes toward mental illness among university students in Indonesia, which is expected to play a role in the wider community ultimately.

Knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviour for mental illness in a Christian community.

Christian beliefs have a role in conceptualising mental illness, which determines help-seeking behaviour and treatment choices. The topic of mental illness is controversial in many Christian circles and is often avoided because of the beliefs and teachings stemming from the Christian faith. Inadequate and inaccurate knowledge about mental illness and its causes negatively impacts the attitudes towards mental illness, the mentally ill, and ultimately help-seeking behaviour. This study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviour for mental illness in a Christian community. A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted, comprising 300 congregants from a Pentecostal Christian charismatic church - Assemblies of God in KwaZulu-Natal. A socio-demographic tool was used to capture the relevant social, demographic, and religious information. Existing self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information in four areas: Mental Health Knowledge Schedule, the Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale, Community Attitudes Towards Mentally Ill scale and the Dimensions of Religiosity Scale to determine the degree of religiosity. The population studied demonstrates high levels of mental health knowledge and a tolerant attitude towards persons who have mental illness. There is a high preference for professional treatment. The high knowledge in this Christian community is associated with a reduction in stigma and a positive attitude towards mental illness. If mental health awareness is encouraged, it helps to encourage positive help-seeking practices tolerance, and treatment outcomes. This study highlights levels of knowledge and its influence on help-seeking practices and stigma in a Christian community.

Arabic validation of the "Mental Health Knowledge Schedule" and the "Reported and Intended Behavior Scale".

Mental illness affects one in eight people in the world according to the WHO. It is a leading cause of morbidity and a major public health problem. Stigma harms the quality of life of people with mental illness. This study aimed at validating the Arabic version of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS) in a sample of Tunisian students and determining socio-demographic and clinical factors correlated with stigma. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,501 Tunisian students who filled in the MAKS, the RIBS, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The validation of the questionnaires in Arabic was carried out using the validity criteria: face and content validity, reliability, and construct validity. Next, the associations between stigma and sample characteristics have been studied using multivariate linear regression. Face and content validity of the measures MAKS and RIBS were satisfactory, with adequate internal consistency. There were significant positive correlations between the items and scales, and test-retest reliability was excellent. The internal validity showed that the items were well-aligned with the intended factors, and the external validity revealed a significant positive relationship between the MAKS and RIBS. Besides, gender, the field of study, psychiatric history, and contact with someone with a mental illness were all contributing factors to mental illness stigma. Additionally, men performed better than women in terms of behavior toward people with mental illness, while women had a greater level of knowledge about mental health. The Arabic versions of the MAKS and RIBS have appropriate psychometric properties, making them effective tools for evaluating mental illness stigma. With multiple factors contributing to this issue, these instruments can help focus anti-stigma efforts and promote a more inclusive society.

Physiotherapy students’ knowledge and attitudes about their role in mental health

Background: As the prevalence of mental health disorders (MHD) increases, physiotherapy students will be increasingly exposed to patients with MHD in their undergraduate studies. International research has shown that students who have mental health included in their curriculum have more knowledge and positive attitudes towards patients with MHD. In South Africa, little is known about physiotherapy students’ attitudes towards and knowledge of mental health.Objectives: To establish the knowledge of and attitudes towards the role of physiotherapy in determining the mental health attitudes.Method: In our cross-sectional, descriptive study, third- and fourth-year physiotherapy students at the University of the Witwatersrand were purposefully sampled. Online questionnaires, based on the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and Mental Illness Clinicians’ Attitudes (MICA) scales were completed.Results: Thirty-four students participated in our study. Overall, all students indicated a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards mental health with mean MAKS score: 26.94 (standard deviation [s.d.]: 3.57) and MICA-4 score: 39.12 (s.d.: 16.12). Fourth-year students had more knowledge and a better attitude towards mental health when compared to the third-year students.Conclusion: Third- and fourth-year University of the Witwatersrand physiotherapy students have moderate knowledge and a positive attitude towards the role of physiotherapy in mental health.Clinical implications: The inclusion of mental health in the physiotherapy curriculum may improve students’ knowledge and attitudes towards mental health and prepare them for managing these complex patients in the future.

Awareness and Practices of a Rural Community Regarding Mental Health Problems.

Mental health is defined as "a state of well-being in which the person realizes his or her own skills, can deal with the normal stresses of life, can work effectively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community." Although mental health is essential to human survival, it is often given less attention than physical health in many parts of the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rural community's awareness regarding mental health issues and the factors that contribute to them. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the rural community; 350 study subjects were selected from the village of Devarayasamudra by using convenient sampling, 350 households were selected, and household-level interviews were done using the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule questionnaire. Participants aged more than 18 were included in the study, and locked households, even after two visits, were excluded from the study. The median aggregate knowledge score was 31 (SD = 7.1), with the minimum and maximum values being 11 and 44 out of 45 knowledge items, respectively. The total knowledge score found that 178 (50.8%) respondents had insufficient mental health knowledge based on the percentage of the study population with a cut-off score below and above the median score. A multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that participants who were illiterate had 1.76 (1.15-2.26) times the chances of having insufficient knowledge compared to professionals, and this remained true even after adjusting for other variables as well. The present study concluded that more than 50% (50.8%) of the participants hadinadequate awareness of mental health and mental illness. This highlights the need to spread awareness about mental health education among the general community.

Community knowledge and attitudes toward recovering citizenship and mental illness: a telephone survey approach

PurposeThis study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward recovering citizenship (RC)/5 Rs and mental illness of people aged ≥18 years in Hong Kong using a telephone survey approach.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire comprised the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), Short Form-Community Attitudes Toward Mental Illness (SF-CAMI) and questions on attitudes toward RC/5 Rs, was administered on the phone.FindingsA total of 1,009 respondents completed the telephone survey. A high mean score of MAKS (4.37 ± 1.08) was found with 68%–94% answering the knowledge items correctly. The mean score of SF-CAMI was 46.50 ± 8.74 with the most positive attitude toward fear and exclusion. Approximately half had heard about a similar concept of RC and 79%–94.3% agreed with people in recovery to possess the 5 Rs. Those with greater knowledge or more positive toward mental illness, or knowing someone in recovery were more supportive toward 5 Rs. Those aged 18–44 years, attained a post-secondary education, were employed, and received a monthly income of US$3,861–6,434 were significantly more positive toward 5 Rs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study assessing the views of RC of people in the community. The sample had a good knowledge of mental illness but recognition of recovery from mental illness and a sympathetic view toward people in recovery can be further improved. Besides promotion programs, dissemination of the concept of RC and having people in recovery take up valued roles in the community could potentially facilitate the acceptance of social inclusion and acceptance in the community.

Pilot study of a manualised mental health awareness and stigma reduction intervention for Black faith communities in the UK: ON TRAC project

BackgroundBuilding partnerships between mental health services and Black faith communities to co-produce culturally tailored interventions is an essential step towards improving access to services and reducing stigma among the Black population. Given that Black faith organisations are considered a primary source of emotional and psychological support they are well positioned as ‘gatekeepers’ for services, to overcome barriers to engagement and build trusting relationships with the Black community. The aim of this paper is to pilot a manualised mental health awareness and stigma reduction intervention for Black faith communities in the UK, and to make an initial assessment of feasibility, acceptability and outcomes.MethodsThis study employed a mixed methods pre–post-design, based upon the Medical Research Council Framework (MRC) for complex interventions, and the Implementation Science Research Development.ResultsThe qualitative assessments indicate that the intervention was found overall to be acceptable and feasible to the Black faith community population. This pilot study did not find statistically significant changes for the Mental Health Knowledge schedule (MAKS), Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS), intended help-seeking or willingness to disclose (Attitudes to Mental Illness Survey) measures. However, the direction of all the non-significant changes in these measures suggests positive changes in mental health knowledge, a reduction in participants’ desire for social distance, and greater willingness to disclose personal experiences of mental health problems. A statistically significant improvement in the Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness (CAMI) scale results indicated a lower level of stigmatising attitudes towards people with lived experience of mental health conditions (PWLE), and an increase in tolerance and support towards PWLE after the intervention. Significant improvement in the willingness to disclose measure suggests increased preparedness to seek help amongst participants, a lesser desire for social distance, and greater willingness to engage with PWLE after the intervention. Three key themes, including 9 subthemes were identified from the qualitative data analysis: (i) initial implementation and intention to adopt; (ii) perceived suitability and usefulness of intervention to address cultural issues relating to mental health in the Black community; and (iii) strengthening the capacity of faith leaders.ConclusionsThis ON TRAC pilot study shows that the intervention was feasible and acceptable, and that it has promising positive impacts and next requires larger scale evaluation. These results demonstrate that the intervention was a culturally acceptable way to potentially increase mental health awareness and reduce stigma in Black faith communities.Trial registrationISRCTN12253092.

Podcasts, Mental Health, and Stigma: Exploring Motivations, Behaviors, and Attitudes Among Listeners

ABSTRACT Podcasts are increasingly utilized in mental health contexts, such as communicating advice around improving wellbeing, guided meditations, psychoeducation, and translating research findings. This study aimed to explore demographics, motivations, behaviors, and attitudes of podcast listeners regarding podcasts dealing with content and themes related to mental health. Adult Australian podcast listeners (N = 629) completed a cross-sectional online survey including the Acquisition Questionnaire (AQ-9), the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and the Internalised Stigma of Mental Illness scale (ISMI-9). Approximately one third had listened to a mental health-themed podcast in the last 12 months. Logistic regression models showed people who listened to a mental health-themed podcast held fewer stigmatizing attitudes toward people experiencing mental health issues on the AQ-9 (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.9–1.0, p < .001), and had higher levels of mental health knowledge on the MAKS (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2, p < .01). However, there was no significant relationship with internalized stigma on the ISMI-9 (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.9–2.3, p = .2). Future research is needed to determine if such podcasts indeed impact listeners’ attitudes and behaviors, and, if they do, how podcasts can be used for effective communication around mental health content.

Study On Mental Health Literacy Among Ayurveda Undergraduate Students In Nepal

Background: Mental health literacy is knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention. Mental health is an integral part of health of an individual. For an individual to be called healthy he should be physically as well as mentally healthy. In Ayurveda, the mental health has been emphasized and its significance has been addressed very clearly. &#x0D; Aim and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to access the knowledge regarding mental health in Ayurveda under-graduate students in Nepal. &#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional observational questionnaire on ‘Mental health knowledge Schedule’ (MAKS) was distributed to 200 Ayurveda undergraduate students. Convenient method of sampling was used for the study. &#x0D; Results and Conclusion: The study revealed that the Ayurveda students in Nepal have high mental health literacy with mean score 76.32, whereas while comparing between the group, the AHA (Ayurveda Health Assistant), First and Second professional students have medium mental health literacy with mean score 74.22, 74.67 and 74.41 respectively and the third professional and intern have high mental health literacy with mean score 79.59 and 81.29 respectively. The intern have highest mental health literacy, which indicate that the knowledge regarding mental health increased with the increase in their educational level.&#x0D; The study can prove as a helpful tool in future works and further assessment about knowledge, skill, attitude and behavior towards mental health. &#x0D;

Mental Health Literacy and Stigma in a Municipality in the North of Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Portugal has Europe's second-highest prevalence of psychiatric illnesses, and this is the reason why mental health literacy (MHL) and stigma should be addressed. This study aimed to investigate the mental health literacy and stigma levels among different groups of people from Póvoa de Varzim, a municipality in the north of Portugal. Students, retired people, and professionals (education, social, and healthcare fields) were recruited using a convenience sample from June to November 2022. Participants' MHL levels were evaluated using the Mental Health Promoting Knowledge Scale (MHPK), Mental Health Literacy Measure (MHLM) and Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS). Stigma levels were evaluated using Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness (CAMI) and the Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS). A total of 928 questionnaires were filed. The respondents included 65.70% of women, a mean age of 43.63 (±26.71) years and 9.87 (±4.39) years of school education. MHL increased with age, education level and was higher in women (p < 0.001). A higher level of MHL was seen in health professionals (p < 0.001). Findings revealed that older people stigmatized people with mental illness more (p < 0.001), and the female gender stigmatize less (p < 0.001). In addition, results showed that stigma decreased with higher mental health literacy (r between 0.11 and 0.38; p < 0.001). To conclude, specific campaigns that promote mental health literacy should be tailored to specific profiles within this population to address those that have more stigma.

Predictors of Mental Health Literacy among Parents, Guardians, and Teachers of Adolescents in West Malaysia.

Parents, guardians, and teachers are the informal sources of mental health support that adolescents rely on. Nevertheless, limited mental health knowledge limits their ability and confidence in providing appropriate assistance. This study aims to (1) evaluate the relationship between the roles of parents/guardians and teachers and their responses to discover the common misconceptions on mental health among those providing informal support to adolescents and (2) determine which demographic factors would act as the strongest predictor influencing their mental health literacy (MHL) status. The cross-sectional study recruited 867 parents, guardians, and teachers of adolescents from 24 government secondary schools' parent-teacher associations via multistage stratified random sampling. Parents, guardians, and teachers' MHL were evaluated using the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule-Malay Version (MAKS-M). The collected data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-squared test to investigate the association between the respondents' roles and responses. Multiple Regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of MHL. The score of MAKS-M for the current study sample is 73.03% (M = 43.82, SD = 4.07). Most respondents responded incorrectly on Items 1 (employment), 6 (help-seeking), 8 (stress), and 12 (grief). Teachers provided more favorable responses on several items than parents and guardians. Finally, younger age, higher income, knowing someone with mental disorders, and having experience of attending formal training on mental health first aid were the significant predictors of MHL. MHL interventions in Malaysia should cater to older adults of lower socioeconomic status and lesser experience in mental health, specifically highlighting the stigmas on mental health help-seeking behaviors, treatment, and employment concerns, plus the recognition of various mental health diagnoses.

Can a negative religious causal attribution of mental illness affect the phenomenon of public stigma?

ABSTRACT This study assessed, through an exploratory approach, how religion-based negative causal attributions of mental illness may be associated to stigmatising attitudes and behaviours that contribute to public stigma in an Italian convenience sample. All participants (N = 311; average age = 33 years, 38.6% male) completed a set of three questionnaires: Religious Beliefs and Mental Illness Stigma Scale, the Attribution Questionnaire 27 and the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule. The study found support for two specific models. The Responsibility model involved four key predictors: participant age, the influence of religious beliefs in everyday choices, religious beliefs about the connection between morality/sin and mental illness and having participated in seminars about mental illness stigma. The Dangerousness model involved three exogenous variables: participating in mental illness stigma seminars, religious beliefs about morality/sin and mental illness, and participant age. This study allows the identification of variables that seem to activate or attenuate the models of “Personal Responsibility” and “Dangerousness”.

The Malay Literacy of Suicide Scale: A Rasch Model Validation and Its Correlation with Mental Health Literacy among Malaysian Parents, Caregivers and Teachers.

The 27-item Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS) is a test designed to measure the respondent’s suicide knowledge. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Malay-translated version of the LOSS (M-LOSS) and its association to sociodemographic factors and mental health literacy. The 27-item LOSS was forward–backward translated into Malay, and the content and face validities were assessed. The version was distributed to 750 respondents across West Malaysia. Rasch model analysis was then conducted to assess the scale’s psychometric properties. The validated M-LOSS and the Malay version of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS-M) were then distributed to 867 respondents to evaluate their level of suicide literacy, mental health literacy, and their correlation. Upon Rasch analysis, 26 items were retained. The scale was found to be unidimensional, with generally satisfying separation and reliability indexes. Sex, socio-economic status, and experience in mental health were found to significantly impact the mean score for mental health literacy. This study also found a significant mean difference for suicide literacy across school types. Furthermore, while this study observed a weak but significant negative correlation between age and suicide literacy, no correlation was found between mental health and suicide literacy.

Effect of a contact-based education intervention on reducing stigma among community health and care staff in Beijing, China: Pilot randomized controlled study.

The aim was to assess the feasibility of an intervention to reduce stigma among primary care and community healthcare staff in Beijing, China through a contact-based education intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to: (i) "education only" group, a lecture-based education; or (ii) "education and contact" group, lectures plus contact with people with lived experience of mental illness. Each participant completed an assessment of mental health stigma related: knowledge (mental health knowledge schedule, MAKS); attitudes (mental illness: clinicians' attitudes scale, MICA-4); and behavior (reported and intended behavior scale, RIBS) before and after the intervention, with follow up at 1 month and 3 months after the intervention. A total of 121 healthcare staff were recruited. Both "education only" group and "education and contact" group showed improved knowledge after the intervention, MAKS scores increased by 1.77±3.15 VS 2.46±2.49 (both p<0.001), respectively. There was no between-group difference in MAKS score. The "education and contact" group showed a significantly greater improvement for MICA and RIBS score than the "education only" group: the MICA score decreased by 4.43±9.42 VS 8.41±7.48 (p=0.027), and the RIBS score increased by 2.28±3.89 VS 4.57±3.53 (p=0.003), in the "education only" and the "education and contact" groups respectively, but the between group differences disappeared at 1 month and 3 months follow-up points. The positive effects on stigma levels (knowledge, attitudes and behaviours) in both groups were sustained at 3 months. The intervention to reduce stigma among the primary and community healthcare staff through a contact-based education intervention was feasible in Beijing.

A Single-Day Training for Managers Reduces Cognitive Stigma Regarding Mental Health Problems: A Randomized Trial.

Background: Mental illnesses have received increasing attention in the work context in recent years, yet they are still often accompanied by stigma. One starting point for stigma reduction is interventions in the workplace. The present study evaluated a one-day workshop for managers in a large company. Method: Enrolled managers (n = 70) were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the waiting control group. The training included a theoretical section on mental and stress-related diseases as well as the interplay between work and health, group work on personal stress experience, theoretical input on dealing with mentally ill employees, and a group discussion on this topic along with case studies. Both groups completed the following questionnaires at baseline and three months after training: Effort–Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire, Mental Health Knowledge Schedule, Social Distance Scale, and the Irritation Scale. Results: Compared to the waiting group, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (U = 417.00, p = 0.040) and an increase in the Irritation Scale (U = 371.50 p = 0.011). All other scales remained unchanged. Conclusion: The content and duration of the training were adequate to reduce cognitive stigma towards mental illness. However, the present approach was not sufficient for an improvement in the subjective stress level of the participating managers.

Knowledge of mental health and its correlation with attitudes and behaviors towards people with mental illness in the South West Region of Cameroon

Background: Mental illnesses are one of the health challenges that impose a heavy health burden on patients, families, and society at large due to a general disdain and lack of care in comparison to other illnesses. Objective: This study examined the general public’s knowledge and its relationship to attitudes and behaviors toward mental illnesses in Cameroon’s South West Region. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 400 respondents out of 1500 participants who were recruited via an online survey. The Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), Community Attitudes Toward Mental Illness (CAMI), and Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS) were used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward mental illness, respectively. Sociodemographic information was also gathered. The cutoff points for low, medium and high scores were set at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles of the MAKS, CAMI, and RIBS scores, respectively. Results: The survey was completed by 400 people out of the 1500 consenting participants recruited for the study. Approximately 72 percent of study participants had a high score for public stigma toward people with mental illness. In terms of knowledge, 32.1 percent had little knowledge of mental health, while 62.3 percent reported favorable attitudes toward people with mental illnesses. Tertiary education (β = 0.018, p 0.05), having a close relative/friend with mental illness (β = 0.029, p 0.05), and current or past history of mental illness (β = 0.079, p 0.05) all had a positive impact on knowledge of mental health after multivariate adjustments. Higher MAKS scores (β = 0.142, p 0.001), living in an urban area (β = 0.372, p 0.001), tertiary level of education (β = 0.812, p 0.001), having a close relative/friend with mental illness (β = 0.376, p 0.001), and having a current or past history of mental illness (β = 1.032, p 0.001) were associated with a lower likelihood of stigmatization against people with mental illness (higher CAMI scores). Higher MAKS scores (β = 2.120, p 0.001), higher CAMI scores (β = 1.043, p 0.001), having a close relative/friend with mental illness (β = 0.610, p 0.001), and having a current or past history of mental illness (β = 2.381, p 0.001) all had a significant impact on the positive behavior (higher RIBS scores) towards people with mental illness. Living in a rural area (β = -0.514, p 0.001) and being a non-healthcare worker (β = -0.245, p 0.05) were both associated with lower mental health knowledge. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that people who live in rural areas, non-healthcare workers, and people with a low level of education have poor knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward people with mental illness. To improve mental health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward the mentally ill, these groups should be prioritized in health promotion interventions. Keywords: Serum lycopene, Lung cancer, Mortality risk, Cohort study

Mental Health Knowledge, Anticipated Discrimination and Social Functioning Among Women Living with Psychosocial Disability in Rural Kenya

Levels of mental health awareness in rural Kenya remain very low with higher levels of stigma and discrimination towards people with psychosocial disabilities, especially for women. This study aimed to describe the levels and correlates of mental health knowledge, discrimination and social functioning among rural women with psychosocial disabilities in Kenya. We randomly recruited 25 women living with psychosocial disabilities in a rural county. Mental health knowledge was measured by Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), anticipated discrimination was measured by Questionnaire on Anticipated Discrimination while social functioning was measured using the Social Functioning questionnaire. The mean age of study participants was 36.6 ± 3.0 and the mean score of MAKS was 21.9 ± 30. The most endorsed item was referring a friend with mental illness to a professional to seek help. The prevalence of low social functioning was 64%. In terms of identification of mental illness, majority (88%) identified depression as a mental illness. Higher mental health knowledge was associated with a higher level of education (p = 0.012), being self-employed as opposed to unemployed (p = 0.018) and earning monthly income (p = 0.023). The most frequent reason for anticipated discrimination was friends and neighbors knowing about their mental health problems (24.0%). Anticipated discrimination was associated with participants who had ever been treated for a mental health problem (p = 0.05). Poor social functioning was significantly correlated with the number of years lived with disability (p < 0.001). Poor mental health awareness and discrimination against people with psychosocial disabilities limit their functioning, health-seeking and recovery in Kenya. There is need for prioritization of mental health services and increased mental health awareness to improve health-seeking behavior, social participation and recovery for persons with psychosocial disabilities.