Cross-sectional survey of mental health literacy among undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study sought to assess knowledge of schizophrenia and help-seeking behaviour among undergraduate students of a Nigerian university. Sociodemographic predictors of correct recognition were also explored.DesignThe study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey.SettingThe study was carried out at the University of Nigeria, a pioneer university located in Southeastern Nigeria.ParticipantsUndergraduate students of the University of Nigeria.MethodsAll consenting male and female students of three purposively selected faculties were recruited for the study. Self-administered vignette-based questionnaires were distributed to students of the selected faculties between September and November 2018. Data were analysed using the IBM Statistical Product and Services Solution for Windows V.21.0.ResultsOut of the 400 questionnaires that were distributed, 389 were completed and returned (97.3% response rate). Respondents were mainly female (64.9%, n=252) and were between the ages of 18 and 24 years (75.8%, n=294). One in eight respondents (12.1%, n=47) correctly identified and labelled the schizophrenia vignette. Hallucination was the most identified symptom of distress for schizophrenia (47.9%, n=186). The most common alternative label for schizophrenia was ‘mental illness’ (24.7%, n=96). Schizophrenia was also mislabelled as depression (11.6%, n=45). More than a 10th of the respondents used stigmatising labels such as ‘crazy’ and ‘mad’ (11.1%, n=43). Psychiatrists were the most recommended source of help for the vignette character (36.3%, n=141). There was a strong association between the faculty of study and the ability to correctly identify and label the schizophrenia vignette (χ2=44.557, p<0.001).ConclusionMental health literacy among students of the University of Nigeria was poor. Research on culturally sensitive interventions to improve mental health literacy should be embarked on.

Assessing social support impact on depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate students in Shaanxi province during the COVID-19 pandemic of China

“…21.46±1.68 years, 35.4% of them males and 64.6% of them females. In this study there were more female than male respondents; this corresponds with findings from a similar study carried out among university students in Nigeria [26]. From the response questionnaire frequency of this research found the response rates vary by gender, with women being more likely to respond than men [26].…”

Impact of the COVID-19 national lockdown on pharmacy students’ productivity and their coping strategies in a developing country: An online survey in Nigerian universities

“…This is consistent with the age category of undergraduate students in Nigerian institutions, which could be attributed to the six-three-three-four educational model. Under this system, undergraduate students in Nigeria will be at least 16 before they get into their first academic year at university (Aluh, Okonta, & Odili, 2019). Kalu, 2020).…”

Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy, Misoprostol Knowledge and Use of Medication Abortion in Lagos State, Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study

“…Few studies have considered specific domains of health literacy. One study found low levels of mental health literacy among young people in a university (Aluh et al 2019), and another low levels of health literacy concerning cancer (Adedimeji et al 2017). Neither study linked these health literacy levels to health behaviors.…”

“…One study found low levels of mental health literacy among young people in a university (Aluh et al. 2019 ), and another low levels of health literacy concerning cancer (Adedimeji et al. 2017 ).…”