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Knowledge and Attitude of Rural People Regarding Mental Illnesses Residing in Selected Areas of Loni Village, Maharashtra
Abstract
Introduction: Mental illness has been the problem of mankind since time immemorial. The general public`s attitude towards mental illness is negative, stigmatized and fearful. The knowledge of normal and abnormal mental health makes a significant difference in general public`s caring attitude towards the one with mental illness. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the knowledge and (ii) to assess the attitude of rural people regarding mental illness residing in Loni. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey approach with descriptive study design was adopted. By using random sampling (Lottery) method, four areas of Loni village were chosen for recruitment of participants. Sample size for the said study was 60. From each of the four selected areas, 15 participants were recruited by adopting systematic random sampling method. Data were collected by interviewing participants with the help of structured knowledge questionnaires and Beliefs towards Mental Illness scale. Results: The findings of the study revealed that 70% and 25% of the participants have good and average knowledge, respectively, regarding mental illnesses. 55% participants demonstrated positive attitude and 45% participants hold negative attitude towards mental illnesses. Conclusion: Rural people have higher knowledge regarding mental illnesses. Almost an equal number of participants have positive and negative attitudes towards mental illnesses. Anti-stigma campaigns may bring out favourable changes in attitude of people towards mental illnesses.
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