scholarly journals Cross-sectional survey of mental health literacy among undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e028913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Oyine Aluh ◽  
Matthew Jegbefume Okonta ◽  
Valentine Uche Odili
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Southeastern Nigeria ◽  
The University

ObjectiveThis study sought to assess knowledge of schizophrenia and help-seeking behaviour among undergraduate students of a Nigerian university. Sociodemographic predictors of correct recognition were also explored.DesignThe study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey.SettingThe study was carried out at the University of Nigeria, a pioneer university located in Southeastern Nigeria.ParticipantsUndergraduate students of the University of Nigeria.MethodsAll consenting male and female students of three purposively selected faculties were recruited for the study. Self-administered vignette-based questionnaires were distributed to students of the selected faculties between September and November 2018. Data were analysed using the IBM Statistical Product and Services Solution for Windows V.21.0.ResultsOut of the 400 questionnaires that were distributed, 389 were completed and returned (97.3% response rate). Respondents were mainly female (64.9%, n=252) and were between the ages of 18 and 24 years (75.8%, n=294). One in eight respondents (12.1%, n=47) correctly identified and labelled the schizophrenia vignette. Hallucination was the most identified symptom of distress for schizophrenia (47.9%, n=186). The most common alternative label for schizophrenia was ‘mental illness’ (24.7%, n=96). Schizophrenia was also mislabelled as depression (11.6%, n=45). More than a 10th of the respondents used stigmatising labels such as ‘crazy’ and ‘mad’ (11.1%, n=43). Psychiatrists were the most recommended source of help for the vignette character (36.3%, n=141). There was a strong association between the faculty of study and the ability to correctly identify and label the schizophrenia vignette (χ2=44.557, p<0.001).ConclusionMental health literacy among students of the University of Nigeria was poor. Research on culturally sensitive interventions to improve mental health literacy should be embarked on.

Mental health literacy in korean older adults: A cross-sectional survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 523-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. S. Kim ◽  
H. Y. Lee ◽  
M. H. Lee ◽  
T. Simms ◽  
B. H. Park
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Psychometric of Iranian version of Mental Health Literacy Scale(MHLS)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahboobeh Nejatian ◽  
Hadi Tehrani ◽  
Hanieh Momenian ◽  
Alireza Jafari
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Iranian Version ◽  
Risk Rate ◽  
Item Knowledge

Abstract Background: The risk rate for the incidence of any mental disorder is 50%, and the prevalence of mental disorders is increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric of the Iranian Version of Mental Health Literacy Scale(MHLS).Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a multi-stage sampling method with the participation of 1363 individuals in the general population. The formal, content and construct validity were used for validation of MHLS. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used for the reliability of MHLS. Confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) was performed using AMOS software Version 24.Results: After performing the CFA, the final version of the MHLS included a total of 29 items, which consisted knowledge of where to seek information (4 item), Ability to recognize disorders (8 item), knowledge of self-treatment (2 item), knowledge of risk factors and causes (2 item), Attitudes that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behavior (10 item), and knowledge of professional help available (3 item). In the CFA test, the six items were deleted.Conclusion: Due to the lack of appropriate tools for measuring health literacy in the Iranian population, the 29-item MHLS with six subscales is a valid and reliable tool for measuring mental health literacy in the population.

scholarly journals Digital mental health literacy -program for the first-year medical students’ wellbeing: a one group quasi-experimental study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjo Kurki ◽  
Gilbert Sonja ◽  
Mishina Kaisa ◽  
Lempinen Lotta ◽  
Luntamo Terhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
First Year ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The University

Abstract Background Medical students are prone to mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and their psychological burden is mainly related to their highly demanding studies. Interventions are needed to improve medical students’ mental health literacy (MHL) and wellbeing. This study assessed the digital Transitions, a MHL program for medical students that covered blended life skills and mindfulness activities. Methodology This was a one group, quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study. The study population was 374 first-year students who started attending the medical faculty at the University of Turku, Finland, in 2018-2019. Transitions was provided as an elective course and 220 students chose to attend and 182 agreed to participate in our research. Transitions included two 60-minute lectures, four weeks apart, with online self-learning material in between. The content focused on life and academic skills, stress management, positive mental health, mental health problems and disorders. It included mindfulness audiotapes. Mental health knowledge, stigma and help-seeking questionnaires were used to measure MHL. The Perceived Stress Scale and General Health Questionnaire measured the students’ stress and health, respectively. A single group design, with repeated measurements of analysis of variance, was used to analyze the differences in the mean outcome scores for the 158 students who completed all three stages: the pre-test (before the first lecture), the post-test (after the second lecture) and the two-month follow-up evaluation. Results The students’ mean scores for mental health knowledge improved (-1.6, 95% Cl -1.9 to -1.3, P<.001) and their emotional symptoms were alleviated immediately after the program (0.5, 95% Cl 0.0 to 1.1, P=.040). The changes were maintained at the two-month follow up (-1.7, 95% Cl -2.0 to -1.4, P<.001 and 1.0, 95% Cl 0.2 to 1.8, P=.019, respectively). The students’ stress levels reduced (P=.022) and their attitudes towards help-seeking improved after the program (P<.001), but these changes were not maintained at the two-month follow up. The stigma of mental illness did not change during the study (P=.13). Conclusions The digital Transitions program was easily integrated into the university curriculum and it improved the students’ mental health literacy and wellbeing. The program may respond to the increasing global need for universal digital services, especially during the lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trial registration The trial was registered at the ISRCTN registry (26 May 2021), registration number 10.1186/ISRCTN10565335).

scholarly journals Stigma versus Mental Health Literacy

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 59-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Ibrahim Khalil
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Evil Spirit ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public

Background: A sound mental health is the key component of health and the absence of mental health could create a great deal of burden to the functioning of a nation. As well the attitudes of the public towards mental health issues are important factors in fighting the stigma with mental disorders Aim: To investigate the Saudi people level of mental health literacy and attitudes regarding mental disorders and those affected people. Participants and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was used and a convenient sample of 255 subjects from general Saudi population attending to general public collections area, such as, shopping malls, universities, and restaurants in Jeddah city. The tool consisted of sociodemographic data sheet and self-administered checklist developed by Kumar et al., 2012 for assessing the attitude and awareness level of public towards mental disorders. Results: A total of 255 people were interviewed. Most of the respondents 66.3% were females and the majority of the studied population have little awareness and had negative attitude toward the nature of mental illness as well 72.2% indicted that Evil Spirit causing mental illness. Negative attitude responses were ranging from 47 -57% regarding stigmatization, after effect and treatment. Conclusion and recommendations: the findings concluded that there was a decreased level of mental health literacy among studied population as well as negative attitudes and stigmatization of mental illness. Therefore, more work needs to be done to educate the public about the psychobiological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders and the value of effective treatments.

scholarly journals Mental health literacy among undergraduate students of a Saudi tertiary institution: a cross-sectional study

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed S. Mahfouz ◽  
Abdulwahab Aqeeli ◽  
Anwar M. Makeen ◽  
Ramzi M. Hakami ◽  
Hatim H. Najmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

The issue of mental health literacy has been widely studied in developed countries, with few studies conducted in Arab countries. In this study we aimed to investigate mental health literacy and attitudes towards psychiatric patients among students of Jazan University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students using a validated Arabic-version questionnaire. A total of 557 students were recruited from different Jazan university colleges. The majority of students (90.3%) have intermediate mental health literacy. Regarding the etiology of mental illness, students agreed that genetic inheritance (45.8%), poor quality of life (65%) and social relationship weakness (73.1%) are the main causes of mental illness. The majority thought that mentally ill people are not capable of true friendships (52.5%) and that anyone can suffer from a mental illness (49.4%). Students' attitudes towards psychiatric patients were mixed, with 68.7% reporting that they could maintain a friendship with a mentally ill person and that people with mental illness should have the same rights as anyone else (82.5%). Mental health literacy among university students was intermediate. There is an urgent need for health educational programs to change the attitudes of students regarding this important health issue.

scholarly journals A modified version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) in Iranian people

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahboobeh Nejatian ◽  
Hadi Tehrani ◽  
Vahideh Momenian ◽  
Alireza Jafari
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Cronbach’S Alpha ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cronbach's Alpha ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

Abstract Background: The risk rate for the lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder is 50%, and the prevalence of mental disorders is increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) in Iranian people.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a multi-stage sampling method with the participation of 1273 people in the general population. After searching and reviewing various sources, the research team decided to use the questionnaire of MHLS with 35 items and 6 attributes that measured and developed by O'Connor et al. The face, content, and construct validity (Confirmatory factor analysis) were used for validation of MHLS. McDonald’s omega coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient were used to calculate the reliability of MHLS. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed using AMOS software Version 24.Results: In the CFA test, the six items were deleted and the final modified version of the MHLS included a total of 29 items with six attributes consisted of (a) knowledge of where to seek information (4 items), (b) ability to recognize disorders (8 items), (c) knowledge of self-treatment (2 items), (d) knowledge of risk factors and causes (2 items), (e) attitudes that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behavior (10 items), and (f) knowledge of professional help available (3 items). Based on the results of reliability, McDonald’s omega and Cronbach's alpha for all attributes of MHLS were 0.797 and 0.789 respectively.Conclusion: Due to the lack of appropriate instruments for measuring mental health literacy in the Iranian population, the modified version of MHLS with 29 items and 6 attributes is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring mental health literacy in the public population.

Mental health literacy among Arab university students in Israel: A qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110361
Author(s):  
Anwar Khatib ◽  
Fareeda Abo-Rass
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Arab Population ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Arab Students

Background: There has been a noticeable increase in the number of studies concerned with mental health literacy (MHL), specifically among students. Still, very few studies have examined MHL among students of non-Western minority groups. Aims: This study examined MHL among Arab students in Israel based on Jorm’s conceptual framework. Methods: Twenty-eight Arab students in Israel took part in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Most were single and Muslim, in their second year of studies, and most reported low socioeconomic status. The data were analyzed thematically, guided by the Jorm’s six MHL dimensions. Results: Different levels of literacy were found in the various MHL dimensions. The participants identified severe mental disorders more easily than mood disorders; reported a variety of possible causes of mental disorders; were well aware of available professional help (apart for rehabilitative services); identified significant barriers to mental health help seeking, as Arabs; and reported the internet as a major source of information about mental health problems and their treatment Conclusions: The participants’ MHL appeared to be associated with their unique sociocultural characteristics. This study stresses the need to raise MHL among Arab students in Israel, and in particular to promote positive attitudes to seeking professional help. It also highlights the need to develop culturally adapted mental health interventions for the Arab population in Israel.

scholarly journals Mental Health Literacy of University Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
Rachella Ryandra Fitri
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
State University ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Positive Attitudes

The purpose of this study is to observe: (1) Gender difference in mental health literacy of Yogyakarta State University students and (2) Differences in mental health literacy of Yogyakarta State University students based on vignette character’s gender. The type of this study was factorial survey. In this study, respondents were presented with short descriptions called vignette that were constructed and contained elements that had been manipulated by the researcher to control certain variables, namely gender and mental disorders that the characters had. Then, subjects were asked to answer closed questions (Mental Health Literacy Test) based on the vignettes. The subjects in this study were 377 undergraduate students from Yogyakarta State University. The sampling techniques used in this study were cluster random sampling and incidental sampling. Chi-Square was performed to analyze the data. The results of this study indicated that: (1) There were gender differences in mental health literacy aspect positive attitudes toward professional help where more male respondents did not recommend seeking professional help for depression (2) There were differences in mental health literacy aspects knowledge about the causes of mental disorders and positive attitudes towards professional help based on gender vignette characters for depression.

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