An Evaluation of Mental Health Knowledge and Stigma in Medical College Students in Rural Western Maharashtra

Abstract Background: As per the World Health Organization, stigma is a major barrier to get professional psychological help. Various studies have pointed to the need for shifting focus to enhance the knowledge of doctors and medical students in whom mental health issues are very common and can eventually lead to unfavorable outcomes for the students as well as the whole society. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on MBBS UG students from a private medical college was conducted. Three scales, Mental Health Knowledge (MAK) Schedule, Stigma Scale of Seeking Help (SSOSH) Scale, and Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH), were used. Results: Total 515 responses were received, out of which 47% were male and 53% were female. Overall, on the SSRPH and SSOSH Scale, the mean score was 6.02 and 29.67, whereas standard deviation (SD) 2.75 and 2.69 respectively, which showed that stigma was moderate among students. The MAK Scale showed that students have a high level of knowledge, with a mean score of 44.31 and SD 8.49. Furthermore, there is a negative correlation between MAK and SSRPH and SSOSH, as suggested by Pearson’s coefficient −0.25 and −0.41, respectively. Conclusion: The students showed moderate degrees of stigma, and they displayed a high level of knowledge in regard to mental health. The results likewise found that there is a negative correlation between the stigma and the degree of knowledge in regard to mental health. It shows up from this that raising information about mental health could possibly reduce stigma and encourage students in medical colleges to look for therapy when they need it.