Assessment of community needs and perception on mental health in rural Nepal

Objective:Mental health disorders are a major global burden, with countries like Nepal experiencing highprevalence and significant treatment gaps. Community perceptions play a critical role in shapinghealth-seeking behaviour, yet research in rural Nepal remains limited. This study exploresknowledge, perceived causes, care options, and help-seeking related to mental illness and suicidein a rural village in Dang District, which has had no access to regular formal mental health careservices. It is part of a needs assessment conducted by Health Foundation Nepal (HFN) to informplanning of community mental health interventions in the region.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in Saudiyar, Dang. Using purposive andconvenience sampling, 119 participants from 11 community groups were surveyed with asemi-structured Nepali-language questionnaire. Topics included mental health knowledge,perceptions, risk factors, suicide exposure, and care preferences. Available case analysis wasused for handling missing data. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS to summarisefindings.Results:A total of 95.8% of participants had heard of mental illness, with radio as the main source. Stressand worry (57.1%), alcoholism (53.8%), and depression (28.6%) were identified as key issues.Low self-esteem, poverty, and family problems were perceived as major risk factors for mentalillness and suicide. While 38.2% had known someone who died by suicide, only 4.5% reportedhaving a mental illness, and 10.2% reported a family member affected.Doctors (75.7%) andmedication (88.8%) were seen as helpful treatments, alongside yoga (78.2%) and bhajan(59.7%). Nearly all participants (99.2%) supported establishing community-based mental healthservicesConclusion: This study highlights key mental health concerns in Saudiyar, Dang—particularlystress, alcohol use, and depression—with poverty, family conflict, and low self-esteem seen asmajor contributing factors. While biomedical treatment is widely valued, many participants alsofind religious and spiritual practises helpful.