Knowledge and Attitude towards Mental Illness among Adolescents in Selected Schools Tumakuru

Abstract

Adolescents are at risk of developing mental illness due to rapid changes physical and mental development. They need appropriate guidance and support in building sound physical and mental health. Hence the investigator felt that, there is need to assess Knowledge and attitude towards mental illness among adolescents with view to develop information booklet on Prevention of mental illness. Settings and Design: A descriptive survey design was adopted for the present study. The study was conducted at selected schools, Tumkur. Materials and Methods: Nonprobability convenient sampling technique was used. Hundred adolescents were recruited for study. Structured knowledge questionnaire and Rating scale were used to assess knowledge and attitude respectively. Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed using Statistical package for the social Sciences software package (Version 23). Results: The study findings had shown that adolescents group had poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude towards mental illness and its prevention. Conclusion: The study concludes that adolescents had suboptimal level of knowledge and there is need for mass education for prevention of mental illness.