Mental Health: Adolescents, Their Knowledge and Attitude

Abstract

Background : The aims of this current study were to prepare and validate a Bengali questionnaire to assess knowledge and attitude of adolescents about the various mental health issues related to them, and to conduct a pilot study with this questionnaire.Method : It was a cross sectional study conducted on adolescent school girls (N=l07, 12 to 18years age) from rural background of West Bengal. A 13 item Bengali questionnaire was constructed, validated and administered on the subjects. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (16th version).Results: Most of the items had good test re-test reliability. Mean age of the population was 13.09 years. Three knowledge based questions had more correct responses (50.5%, 52.3%, 50.5%) and one had 72% incorrect responses. Majority of the subjects recognised problem behaviours, expressed an helping attitude, tended to seek help from parents, and thought sharing worries with others and spending time with friends could make them happy.Conclusions : This questionnaire appears reliable to assess knowledge and attitude of adolescent girls. There is need to inform adolescents about various mental health issues. Attitude to help and a sense of cohesion was conspicuous in this population. A larger and more inclusive study needed to generalize the findings.