Assessment of knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate medical students toward individuals afflicted with mental disorders: A cross-sectional study in a medical college in Vadodara, Gujarat

ABSTRACT Background: Mental disorders account for approximately 14% of the global disease burden, as per the World Health Organization estimations. International research has highlighted the pervasive stigmatization and discrimination encountered by individuals with mental disorders, often emanating from medical students and healthcare practitioners. Aim: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitudes among undergraduate medical students concerning mental disorders. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at PIMSR, Vadodara, involving the participation of approximately 212 students who provided valid informed consent. Demographic data were collected through a Google Questionnaire, while the assessment of knowledge and attitudes was carried out using the Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire (MHKQ) and the Community Attitude towards Mental Illness (CAMI) scale, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing SPSS software. Results: Our findings revealed that 15% of participants exhibited a higher level of knowledge regarding mental disorders, while 21.2% displayed a greater degree of public stigma. Notably, individuals with enhanced knowledge demonstrated more favorable attitudes and reduced stigmatization, as indicated by a significant correlation between MHKQ scores and CAMI subscales. Furthermore, participants with a prior history of mental illness exhibited more positive attitudes, as evidenced by elevated scores in benevolence (t = 2.731, P < 0.05) and Community Mental Health Ideology ( t = 2.624, P < 0.05). In addition, those with relatives affected by mental disorders possessed superior knowledge ( t = 2.39, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study underscores the imperative to recognize the importance of altering attitudes and perceptions as a means to promote parity for individuals grappling with psychiatric conditions. The cultivation of improved knowledge and heightened awareness concerning mental disorders among healthcare professionals is pivotal in shaping a more favorable and empathetic attitude.