KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS AT SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN MOGADISHU, SOMALIA

Abstract

Background: Mental health issues are becoming more of a public health concern. It’s one of the top ten causes of disability worldwide, accounting for roughly a third of all disabilities, and is widely acknowledged as a significant contributor (14%) to the global burden of disease. Mental illness has always been a significant problem, and it is becoming increasingly so in today's fast-paced world. Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and dementia are all major contributors.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess KAP regarding mental health disorders among social work students at selected universities in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was used to measure knowledge, attitude and practices of 278 social work students at selected universities using non-probability sampling through a 35-item self-administered questionnaire was conducted January 2022 to April 2022 with a predesigned, pretested schedule. Data was entered and analysed using Statistical Package for social Science (SPSS).

Results: Of the 278 respondents, 76.9% respondents were within the ages of 18-25 years. In terms of academic level, 217 students (78.1%) were enrolled in an undergraduate program. Majority of the respondents 81.3% had heard of mental illness, with 50.7% having heard about mental illness from hospitals. Only 32.3% of those with mental illness in their families concealed it. Only 20.5% avoided people with mental illness. 62.9% are unwilling to marry someone who has mental problems. Majority of the respondents 52.5% could not feel comfortable being seen in public with someone with mental illness. Only 13.3% said they could employ people with mental illness. 

Conclusion and recommendations: The study concludes that most of respondents had aware of mental illness and hospitals were the main why they are aware. The study also revealed that stress and depression was the main cause of mental illness. Schizophrenia was identified as the most common type of mental illness in this study. One of the major challenges faced by people with mental illness is stigma and discrimination. The study recommends that this issue be addressed through education in order to increase awareness and positive attitudes and practices of people toward mental illness.