Stigma of mental health and attitude towards psychological help-seeking behaviour among students of a health science institute in Karnataka: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Mental health illnesses are a leading cause of concern among young adults. Many individuals with mental disorders do not get the necessary treatment, resulting in a treatment gap that is wider compared to any other health sector. The objective of the study was to assess the attitude toward seeking professional psychological help and stigma of mental illness among the students of a health science institute in Karnataka, to assess the association between the stigma and attitudes toward seeking psychological help with select socio demographic variables and the correlation between attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help and stigma of mental illness.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 215 dental students of a in Karnataka. The study tool consisted of questionnaires consisting of socio-demographic profile and two sets of validated scales which are Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale and Perceived Devaluation Discrimination Scale.

Results: The study included a total of 215 participants of which, 167 (77.7%) were females. The study showed males were more open towards seeking professional psychological help than females. Individuals with history of present/past illness were more open towards seeking professional psychological help. Pearson correlation test done to study the correlation between ATSPPHS and PDDS showed a negative correlation.

Conclusions: Psychological help seeking attitude needs to be improved among the students. Behaviour change communication strategies are essential to reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses. Educational institutes need to incorporate mental health awareness and stigma reduction program in their curriculum.