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Assessing mental health literacy in Pakistani youth using case-vignettes

Assessing mental health literacy in Pakistani youth using case-vignettes This study aims to assess mental health literacy (MHL) in the general population using six case vignettes related to depression, mania, psychosis, conversion disorder (CD), obsessive compulsion disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Design/methodology/approachEach vignette had nine items related to MHL. The sample comprised 4,590 young adults conveniently selected from twin cities in Pakistan. Participants’ responses were converted into percentages and percentiles to find MHL levels.FindingsThe men had moderate MHL in depression and inadequate MHL in the remaining five illnesses. The women had adequate MHL in depression and moderate MHL in mania, psychosis, OCD and PTSD while inadequate in CD. Comparing item-wise understanding, the participants had an adequate understanding of identifying the illness, who could suffer and whether the illness was treatable. However, they struggled with naming the illness, knowing about it and how to treat and identify the person who can treat it.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are helpful for mental health professionals, policymakers and individuals who identify the target areas for engagement and improving MHL in the general population.Originality/valueThis study provides data about MHL related to six mental illnesses, unlike previous studies focusing on a few illnesses. This study recommends awareness sessions, community workshops and engaging social and electronic media for improving MHL and seeking help from relevant health professionals for mental illnesses instead of spiritual healers and witchcraft. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Mental Health Review Journal Emerald Publishing

Assessing mental health literacy in Pakistani youth using case-vignettes

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References (37)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
1361-9322
eISSN
1361-9322
DOI
10.1108/mhrj-05-2022-0028
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

This study aims to assess mental health literacy (MHL) in the general population using six case vignettes related to depression, mania, psychosis, conversion disorder (CD), obsessive compulsion disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Design/methodology/approachEach vignette had nine items related to MHL. The sample comprised 4,590 young adults conveniently selected from twin cities in Pakistan. Participants’ responses were converted into percentages and percentiles to find MHL levels.FindingsThe men had moderate MHL in depression and inadequate MHL in the remaining five illnesses. The women had adequate MHL in depression and moderate MHL in mania, psychosis, OCD and PTSD while inadequate in CD. Comparing item-wise understanding, the participants had an adequate understanding of identifying the illness, who could suffer and whether the illness was treatable. However, they struggled with naming the illness, knowing about it and how to treat and identify the person who can treat it.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are helpful for mental health professionals, policymakers and individuals who identify the target areas for engagement and improving MHL in the general population.Originality/valueThis study provides data about MHL related to six mental illnesses, unlike previous studies focusing on a few illnesses. This study recommends awareness sessions, community workshops and engaging social and electronic media for improving MHL and seeking help from relevant health professionals for mental illnesses instead of spiritual healers and witchcraft.

Journal

Mental Health Review Journal – Emerald Publishing

Published: Feb 2, 2023

Keywords: Mental illness; Mental disorders; Mental health literacy; Vignettes

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