Our Profile

Login / New User

Harsukh Educational Charitable Society International Journal of Community Health and Medical Research

Volume 2 Issue 3 July-September 2016

Original Articles

Myths & Misconceptions of Mental Illness and Health Seeking Behaviour of Adults
Sukhwinder Kaur, Kanika Thapar, Prabhjot Saini, Harjot Kaur , Jasbir Kaur

Background: Mental illness is associated with myths & misconceptions which lead to the formation of wide spread negative attitude towards mentally ill among public. It further initiates stigma and discrimination and prevents them from seeking appropriate health behaviour. Therefore this tudy was conducted with an objective to assess myths and misconceptions of mental illness and health seeking behavior among adults.Methods: A Descriptive study was undertaken on 100 healthy adults residing in selected area of Ludhiana city selected by Convenience sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to assess myths & misconceptions of mental illness and health seeking behaviour towards mental illness. Data was collected by self report method. Results: 100% subjects carried some or the other myths and misconceptions regarding mental illness where 16% subjects had high level of myths and misconceptions. Majority of the adults believed that psychiatric problems are increased in people who have lot of tensions and who are sad and unhappy most of the time. Regarding, health-seeking behaviour of people, it was revealed that 39% of people said that they would prefer going to a psychiatrist and 28% would prefer to get patient admitted in mental hospital. Conclusion: Most of people carried lot of myths & misconceptions regarding mental illness, therefore awareness camps need to be organized for public to impart adequate knowledge regarding mental illness. Key words: Adults , Health Seeking Behaviour, Myths & Misconceptions

 
Html View | Download PDF | Current Issue