Mental Health Literacy Amongst College Students : A Community Based Study

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Background: High level of mental health literacy which includes adequate knowledge and positive attitudes in medical, psychology and sociology students towards psychiatric illnesses would make early recognition of and appropriate intervention in these disorders more likely.Our aim was to assess knowledge and attitude of college students of three faculties-medical, psychology and sociology towards the mentally ill and socio-demographic correlates.Methodology: A survey method was employed in Medical and Arts Colleges.One medical college and 5 arts colleges were surveyed regarding students' attitude towards psychiatric illness using National Health Service (NHS) survey questionnaire.Total 1231 completed responses were analyzed.Statistical analysis methods used were Chi square test, Student's t test and One-way ANOVA.Results: There was association between present and past contact with someone with mental health problem and future willingness to have relationship with the same.Conclusions: Areas of deficits in attitude in students can be targeted for further educational interventions and training so that positive attitudes can be inculcated in future health professionals which will ultimately benefit our society.