Mental Health Literacy and Attitudes Towards Mental Health Problems Among College Students in Nepal
Author Information
Author(s): Poudel Dev Bandhu, Sharif Loujain Saud, Acharya Samjhana, Mahsoon Alaa, Sharif Khalid, Wright Rebecca
Primary Institution: Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, G.P. Koirala Memorial Community College, Kathmandu, Nepal
Hypothesis
This study examines the relationship between mental health literacy (MHL) and attitudes towards mental health problems (ATMHP) among college students in Nepal.
Conclusion
The study found no relationship between mental health literacy and attitudes towards mental health problems, suggesting that simply increasing knowledge may not improve attitudes.
Supporting Evidence
- No significant relationship was found between MHL and ATMHP (r = −0.01, p = 0.92).
- Females had greater awareness of stereotypes (p = 0.025, g = 0.24).
- Hotel management students showed better self-help strategies (p = 0.036, d = 0.46).
- Public college students scored higher in self-help strategies than government and private college students (p = 0.036, d = −0.32).
- Non-employed students outperformed employed ones in self-help strategies (p = 0.002, g = −0.46).
Takeaway
The study looked at how much college students in Nepal know about mental health and how they feel about mental health issues. It found that knowing more doesn't always mean they have better attitudes.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 385 college students using opportunity sampling and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may lead to bias in responses regarding mental health literacy and attitudes.
Limitations
The study's focus on urban college students limits its applicability to other demographics, and the reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 18 to 24, with 61.3% female and 38.2% male, primarily Brahmin/Kshetri ethnicity, and 89.4% identified as Hindu.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.92
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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