An exploration of perspective of knowledge, attitude and help seeking behaviour in pregnant women and their families towards psychiatric ailments in a primary health care setting in South India - A cross sectional study.

Mental illness, often linked to ignorance and superstitions, significantly impacts women's mental health, particularly during pregnancy-marked by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Prenatal mental health screening face challenges like stigma and lack of standardized protocols, while family support is essential reducing stress and enhancing well-being. To assess knowledge, attitude and help seeking behaviors towards mental ailments among pregnant women and their families visiting primary health centers (PHCs). A cross-sectional study conducted at a PHC during antenatal checkup days over 1 month recruiting pregnant women and their family members aged ≥18 years. A total of 230 participants were recruited. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and validated scales: Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness (CAMI-12 item) and Mental Help Seeking Attitudes Scale (MHSAS). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression were used. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Most participants lacked awareness of mental illness during pregnancy and childbirth. Higher education levels among participants correlated with better mental health knowledge. Participants with greater knowledge and positive attitudes demonstrated increased help-seeking behaviors. Positive correlations were observed between mental health knowledge, favorable attitudes, and help-seeking behaviors. Poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude toward mental illness impact help seeking behaviour, among pregnant women and their families, compromising maternal and child health. Intervention to enhance knowledge, and promoting perinatal mental health services are essential to address these gaps.