Study On Mental Health Literacy Among Ayurveda Undergraduate Students In Nepal

Abstract

Background: Mental health literacy is knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention. Mental health is an integral part of health of an individual. For an individual to be called healthy he should be physically as well as mentally healthy. In Ayurveda, the mental health has been emphasized and its significance has been addressed very clearly. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to access the knowledge regarding mental health in Ayurveda under-graduate students in Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional observational questionnaire on ‘Mental health knowledge Schedule’ (MAKS) was distributed to 200 Ayurveda undergraduate students. Convenient method of sampling was used for the study. Results and Conclusion: The study revealed that the Ayurveda students in Nepal have high mental health literacy with mean score 76.32, whereas while comparing between the group, the AHA (Ayurveda Health Assistant), First and Second professional students have medium mental health literacy with mean score 74.22, 74.67 and 74.41 respectively and the third professional and intern have high mental health literacy with mean score 79.59 and 81.29 respectively. The intern have highest mental health literacy, which indicate that the knowledge regarding mental health increased with the increase in their educational level. The study can prove as a helpful tool in future works and further assessment about knowledge, skill, attitude and behavior towards mental health.