A study to assess the knowledge and attitude towards mental illness among adults at selected urban community Udaipur, Rajasthan

As a worldwide phenomenon, no one is immune-mental illnesses affect people of all ages, cultures, educational and income levels. The studies conducted in developing countries have revealed that during their life time; more than 25% of individuals develop one or more mental or behavioral disorders. According to WHO report-about 450 million people were estimated to be suffering from neuropsychiatry conditions.

There have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the causes and treatment of mental illness most of these treatments can be provided effectively by a general or community health worker by having good knowledge and favorable attitude towards mental illness.

A descriptive study was conducted to assess the knowledge and Attitude towards mental illness among an adult at selected urban community, Udaipur district, Rajasthan. Convenient or Purposive Sampling technique was used to collect data among 40 adults between 18–40 years of age. The data were collected using self administered structured knowledge and attitude questionnaire tools comprising of: demographic Performa, knowledge assessment questionnaire and five point attitude scale. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The study findings shows that majority of an adult had good knowledge (47.5%), excellent knowledge (42.5%), and no one had poor knowledge regarding mental illness.

92.5% of adults had favorable attitude towards mental illness. The study revealed a positives correlation between knowledge and attitude scores. No association was found between adults knowledge and selected demographic variables.

The study suggests that nurses can play a vital role in educating the peoples in relation to mental health and mental illness and its prevention.