Knowledge Assessment of Engineering College Students of Vellore City, India Regarding Mental Illness

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, mental disorders are increasing making a huge impact on health, social, human rights, and the economy where no countries are an exception. Evidence has shown that lack of information leads to poor knowledge even affecting attitudes toward persons with mental illness and stigmatization which affects persons suffering from mental illness, making them less likely to seek help from relevant mental health professionals However, there is scanty evidence on knowledge of college students in Vellore, India. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of engineering college students regarding mental illness.

Methods: It was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate engineering students. Total enumeration sampling techniques were applied to collect information from 1140 students. Self-administered Knowledge questionnaire was used to gather information. All those information was entered in Epi-Data and analyzed in SPSS version 16. Results were described by calculating the mean, standard deviation, and percentage. Further Bivariate analysis was done using t-test, f-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlations test as per the nature of variables.

Results: More than half (52%) of students had inadequate knowledge regarding mental illness. Branch of study, parent occupation, and education, biology as a study background in higher secondary were found to be detrimental to the knowledge of the mental illness.

Conclusions: Poor knowledge of mental illness was found to be prevalent in Vellore among engineering college students. It is recommended to plan courses related to mental health for non-medical college students and provide awareness programs.