Community Beliefs and Misconceptions Regarding Mental Illness: A Rural–Urban Comparison
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53926/YNJR/0014Keywords:
Myths and misconceptions, Stigma, Rural–urban differences, Mental health awareness factors, Rural–urban comparisonAbstract
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: In rural communities, mental illness is often associated with supernatural causes or moral weakness, leading individuals to seek help from faith healers rather than health professionals [18]. In urban settings, although people may recognize mental illness as a medical condition, fear of discrimination and social judgment continues to hinder timely help-seeking [19]. For nurses and other healthcare professionals, understanding prevailing community beliefs is essential. Identifying specific myths and misconceptions can help in designing targeted educational materials that are culturally appropriate and context-specific.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess and compare the knowledge regarding myths and misconceptions about mental illness among adults in selected rural and urban communities.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Study was conducted in selected rural and urban communities of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The population included adults aged 18 years and above residing in selected rural and urban areas. A total of 60 participants were selected, 30 each from rural and 30 from urban communities. Stratified random sampling was adapted to select the samples. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the demographic characteristic of participants. Fisher’s Exact Test and odds ratios (OR) were used to compare the frequency of myth-related beliefs about mental illness between rural and urban respondents.
RESULTS: Rural adults were more than five times more likely to support the idea that mental disease results from personal weakness (OR = 5.09), even though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.080). Adults living in rural areas were more likely to think that mental health issues are uncommon or not significant (OR = 7.25). “People with mental illness are violent and dangerous” was more likely to be endorsed by urban adults (OR = 0.33; p = 0.095).Rural respondents were more likely to support the idea that mental illness is a curse brought on by transgressions from a previous life (OR = 3.06). Respondents from rural areas were more likely to concur that discussing mental health issues brings shame or misfortune (OR = 3.00). The statement “Medication is the only treatment for mental illness” was somewhat more common among respondents from rural areas (OR = 1.40), but the difference was not statistically significant. The only statement that showed a statistically significant rural-urban difference was “Children and adolescents do not experience mental illness” (p = 0.013; OR = 4.69).
CONCLUSION: Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for targeted mental health awareness programs, especially in rural communities, focusing on correcting myths, reducing stigma, and promoting a bio psychosocial understanding of mental illness. Community-based education, school mental health programs, and culturally sensitive awareness campaigns can play a key role in improving knowledge and attitudes. Addressing these misconceptions is essential for encouraging early help-seeking, improving treatment acceptance, and ultimately strengthening mental health outcomes across both rural and urban populations.
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