Assessment of knowledge & attitude about the mental health literacy among the adolescents in urban area of Belagavi

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents (15-24) constitutes 17.9% of population which is about 1.2 billion. This is the leading age group where mental health problems are initiated. Even after applying the earlier strategies to improve mental health, the results have not shown any difference in more than sixty years low socio-economic developed countries, therefore now it is necessary to take a new approach. Objectives: To determine the Knowledge, Attitude and practice related to mental illness among the different courses of Pre-University Adolescents. Materials & Methodology: Cross sectional study was carried out by selecting three PU colleges randomly. 16-18 years of age group students were selected for the study. Information regarding the attitude, statements defining the personal state of mind, knowledge regarding MHL and practice towards it were collected through questionnaire. Results: Arts students, 17 years of age group, females and participants residing in the joint family had shown the above average knowledge. Conclusion: Type of family and age group significantly affects the practice of participant. Father’s literacy, number of close friends and physical fights significantly effects on attitude, statement and practice.  It concludes that, friends & physical activity have an impact on attitude and also the type of family shows maximum knowledge level.