Myths, beliefs and perceptions about mental disorders and health-seeking behavior in Delhi, India

Abstract

Objectives:To assess the myths, beliefs and perceptions about mental disorders and health-seeking behavior in general population and medical professionals of India.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 436 subjects (360 subjects from urban and rural communities of Delhi and 76 medical professionals working in different organizations in Delhi). A pre-tested questionnaire consisting items on perceptions, myths, and beliefs about causes, treatment, and health-seeking behavior for mental disorders was used. The collected data were statistically analyzed using computer software package Epi-info. Appropriate tests of significance were applied to detect any significant association.Results:The mental disorders were thought to be because of loss of semen or vaginal secretion (33.9% rural, 8.6% urban, 1.3% professionals), less sexual desire (23.7% rural, 18% urban), excessive masturbation (15.3% rural, 9.8% urban), God's punishment for their past sins (39.6% rural, 20.7% urban, 5.2% professionals), and polluted air (51.5% rural, 11.5% urban, 5.2% professionals). More people (37.7%) living in joint families than in nuclear families (26.5%) believed that sadness and unhappiness cause mental disorders. 34.8% of the rural subjects and 18% of the urban subjects believed that children do not get mental disorders, which means they have conception of adult-oriented mental disorders. 40.2% in rural areas, 33.3% in urban areas, and 7.9% professionals believed that mental illnesses are untreatable. Many believed that psychiatrists are eccentric (46.1% rural, 8.4% urban, 7.9% professionals), tend to know nothing, and do nothing (21.5% rural, 13.7% urban, 3.9% professionals), while 74.4% of rural subjects, 37.1% of urban subjects, and 17.6% professionals did not know that psychiatry is a branch of medicine. More people in rural areas than in urban area thought that keeping fasting or a faith healer can cure them from mental illnesses, whereas 11.8% of medical professionals believed the same. Most of the people reported that they liked to go to someone close who could listen to their problems, when they were sad and anxious. Only 15.6% of urban and 34.4% of the rural population reported that they would like to go to a psychiatrist when they or their family members are suffering from mental illness.Conclusion:It can be concluded from this study that the myths and misconceptions are significantly more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas and among medical professionals, and the people need to be communicated to change their behavior and develop a positive attitude toward mental disorders so that health-seeking behavior can improve.

Level of paranormal beliefs and its relationship with explanatory models, treatment adherence and satisfaction

“…This is consistent with other reports, that supernatural belief is associated with unfavorable compliance 26,32 . Those who subscribe to a supernatural cause of mental illness, their decision to continue medication may be influenced by belief, they may have a negative attitude toward medication, and more likely to go with the idea that magicoreligious rituals are helpful 2,3 . Since medical treatment is based on the medical model of illness, which may not go with a patient's model of illness the patient may be less adherent to medication.…”

“…In India, it is common in general population and patients with mental illness; and related to evil spirits, witchcraft, astrological influences, bad deeds of previous birth and punishment for a sin 1,2 . Few attempts have been made to explore the paranormal belief in India.…”

Schizophrenia Literacy Amongst Nursing Students And Nursing Staff: An Exploratory Study

“…Clearly not useful medications like analgesics and antibiotics were also considered useful by significant proportion of respondents. In a study, only 15.6% of urban and 34.4% of the rural population reported that they would like to go to a psychiatrist when they or their family members are suffering from mental illness [34]. In a study, the professionals gave much high ratings than the public to the helpfulness of antidepressants for depression, and of antipsychotics and admission to a psychiatric ward for schizophrenia.…”

Ethical Issues Relating to Faith Healing Practices in South Asia: A Medical Perspective

“…Individuals from both rural and urban residence seek services of faith healers [3]. Utilization of such practices seems to be more common in the lower socio-economic strata, or where access to other forms of treatment is difficult [7,8]. Faith healing practices may be resorted to by those expecting a miracle cure for conditions like cancers, where effective treatment might not be available through the regular treatment modalities [9].…”