Lay Summary

1. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of the general public toward mental health, specifically regarding mental health institutions, professionals, and Persons with mental illness due to a variety of factors such as cultural beliefs, media presentations etc. 2. The main findings of the study suggest the presence of negative attitude, poor knowledge and stigma towards Persons suffering from mental health problems and the treatments they were subjected to. There was a shift in participants perceptions of viewing mental illness and those affected by it. 3. The concept of mental health and general attitude of the community towards Persons suffering from mental health problems, mental health institutions and mental health professionals remain vague, discriminating and suppressed in stigma.

Background

The aim of the pilot study was to increase the public literacy and remove the stigma related to mental health, mental institutes and persons with mental illness with the help of a walking tour in NIMHANS. The study also concentrated on clearing the doubts and queries of the people about mental health; eradicate the myths and misconceptions associated with mental health and educate and make people more aware and informed about mental health and the issues associated with it.

Methods

The sample comprised of 40 adult respondents having no professional or educational background of mental health. Participants were required to fill up a semi-structured interview schedule of initial opinion before the walk on a Likert scale consisting of 10 questions. They were briefed about the history of how NIMHANS was started, and were taken around the wards and various departments like the Yoga centre, Electro-convulsive therapy and so on. The data collected was collected in a feedback form and it was evaluated to find out if the walking tour changed the attitudes and perceptions of the respondents towards mental health. The feedback form was a closed ended semi structured interview schedule with 5 questions. Statistical analysis was conducted with respect to the objectives of the tour and descriptive statistics were calculated with respect to the initial perception of public towards public toward mental health issues

Results

1. Statistical analysis reveals that the tour proved to bring about a positive impact towards the perception of mental health. 2. A need to conduct more such tour in mental institutions was stressed 3. Presence of negative attitude and stigma towards Persons suffering from mental health problems and the treatments they were subjected to. 4. Presence of poor knowledge with respect to mental illness and hospitals 5. Fear, myths and misconceptions regarding certain treatments such as ECT.

Conclusion

Initial evaluation from the study suggests that stigma exists even in the contemporary times and partnering as well as collaboration with the various key stakeholders of the community can be an effective first step in enhancing the mental health literacy among public. Empowering the public with adequate knowledge can bring about a positive change in attitude towards Persons affected with mental health problems who are not only battling their symptoms, but also have to face discrimination by the community. The current study can be up scaled to educate the public about various aspects of mental health and referral for treatment lowering the stigma.