Prevalence of probable mental illness among college students in a select university in Bangalore rural district

Rashmi M R; Shwetha B M; Twinkle Agrawal; Farah Naaz Fathima; Murtaza N Ghiya; Binston Thomas

Article Details

Prevalence of probable mental illness among college students in a select university in Bangalore rural district

Authors:

Rashmi M R | Shwetha B M | Twinkle Agrawal | Farah Naaz Fathima | Murtaza N Ghiya | Binston Thomas

Publisher:

Eldaghayes Publisher, Tripoli, Libya

Main Topics:

Mental Illness | College Students | Screening | Risk Factors | Suicidal Thought

Journal:

International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health Vol.3 Issue 2, pp.229-229

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

11/2013

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001521046

pISSN:

2320-4664

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Background: Mental health is an important aspect in defining the health status of a person. Mental health of young adults plays an important role in shaping ones life, social relationships, career and ultimately a countrys economy.
 Aims & Objective: (1) To assess the prevalence of probable mental illness among college students in a select university in Bangalore rural district; (2) To find the risk factors associated with probable mental illness.
 
 Material and Methods: This study was a cross sectional study undertaken at a private university (having colleges dealing with various academic streams under it) in Bangalore rural district. 404 students under the university were taken for the study considering the sample size required was 300. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used to screen each participant for mental illness. Data was analyzed using measures of central tendency, frequencies & Chi square test.
 
 Results: A total of 404 students participated in the study. Males were 265 (65.6%) and females were 139 (34.4%). The mean age of the participants was 20.37 years with SD 1.7 years. Age of the participants ranged between 18- 26 years. A total of 152 (38%) participants were screened positive for mental illness. Probable mental illness was significantly higher among: (a) females; (b) those who reported abuse by parents; (c) those who reported gender bias at home; (d) whose parents were separated/ divorced/ one parent had died; (e) those who were day scholars. Whereas no significant association was found between probable mental illness and (a) age; (b) academic streams; (c) parental marital disharmony; (d) absence of siblings; (e) father being alcoholic. About 50 (12%) participants reported to have had definite suicidal thoughts.
 
 Conclusion: The prevalence of probable mental illness is 38% in this study which is high. We recommend screening programmes for mental illness among college students which can go long way in preventing severe forms of mental illness and dire consequences like suicide among young adults.

Article Details

Prevalence of probable mental illness among college students in a select university in Bangalore rural district

Authors: Rashmi M R | Shwetha B M | Twinkle Agrawal | Farah Naaz Fathima | Murtaza N Ghiya | Binston Thomas

Publisher: Eldaghayes Publisher, Tripoli, Libya

Main Topics: Mental Illness | College Students | Screening | Risk Factors | Suicidal Thought

Journal: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health Vol.3 Issue 2, pp.229-229

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 11/2013

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001521046

pISSN: 2320-4664

Mental Illness

College Students

Screening

Risk Factors

Suicidal Thought

Issues

Authors:

Rashmi M R | Shwetha B M | Twinkle Agrawal | Farah Naaz Fathima | Murtaza N Ghiya | Binston Thomas

Publisher:

Eldaghayes Publisher, Tripoli, Libya

Main Topics:

Mental Illness | College Students | Screening | Risk Factors | Suicidal Thought

Journal:

International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health Vol.3 Issue 2, pp.229-229

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

11/2013

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001521046

pISSN:

2320-4664