University students' awareness and perceptions of mental illness

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the level of awareness and perceptions of university students regarding mental illness. The objectives were to examine students' awareness regarding the manifestations of mental illness, to identify students' awareness of the nature and causes of mental illness, to explore students' awareness about management of mentally ill persons, and to explore students' views regarding the impact that a mental illness can have on a person's life. This study was conducted using a quantitative, non-experimental research design. A self administered questionnaire was distributed among 100 students who were chosen using non-probability sampling. The response rate was that of 90%. The results, which were analysed manually, showed that overall the participants had an acceptable level of awareness of mental health and mental illness. Furthermore, the students who filled in the given questionnaires had positive perceptions of mentally ill people. However, some misconceptions still exist among some of the students. This study's results indicate the need for mental health education to be developed further. However, the results of this small scale study cannot be generalised, hence the need for further research.