A Study to Explore the Knowledge and Attitude towards Mental Disorders Among Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Mental health is an integral and essential component of overall health. It includes subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence intergenerational dependence, and self-actualization of one’s intellectual and emotional potential. Understanding mental health and mental functioning is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the development of mental and behavioral disorders. According to the WHO, half of all mental health issues begin by the age of 14, but most cases go unrecognized and untreated. Unlike physical conditions, mental health problems are less visible. Teenagers often lack awareness about the types of mental disorders, and as a result, misconceptions, stigma, and discrimination persist. Promoting mental health awareness is essential so that affected children and adults do not have to suffer alone.
Aims: To assess the knowledge and attitude towards mental disorders among adolescents in selected schools of Sandur Taluk, Ballari district, Karnataka.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive design was adopted to assess the knowledge and attitude towards mental disorders among adolescents in selected schools of sandur taluk, Karnataka. A sample of 200 adolescents was identified using convenient sampling technique. A KAMHS questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and attitude towards mental disorders. Collected data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Assessment of level of knowledge and attitude towards mental disorders among adolescents in selected schools of sandur Taluk, Ballari district Karnataka. Knowledge of adolescence regarding mental disorders reveals that highest 58.00 % of subjects have inadequate knowledge, 41.50 % of moderate knowledge and only 0.50 % have adequate knowledge. With regards to attitude towards mental disorders among adolescence reveals that 31.00 % of subjects have a poor attitude towards mental disorders, 68.00 % have satisfactory attitude and only 1% have good attitude towards mental disorders. The overall findings reveals that there is no association between knowledge score with socio demographic variables for age, religion, gender, class standard and the monthly income, marital status, student admission quota and residence have no statistical competition and one cell in 2 × 2 matrix has constant. And also, there is a no association between attitude score with social demographic variables. And finally, there is no association between knowledge and attitude towards mental disorders with social demographic variables hence the research hypothesis was accepted.
Conclusion: Study finding as suggested that adolescents are having inadequate knowledge regarding mental disorders and the study also reveals that adolescents are poor attitude towards mental disorders. This leads to late identification of Signs and symptoms of mental disorders and prevents early interventions and primary prevention therefore there is a need to improve the knowledge of adolescents through proper psycho-education.