Sociodemographic profile and mental health orientation of self-help group members in rural Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Perception of the people about mental illness will have a substantial impact on the treatment outcome and quality of life of people affected since it greatly influences the identification, help-seeking behavior, and stigma attached to it. To realize the goal of community-based mental health care, community needs to be educated on mental health issues. Aims: The aim of the study is to ascertain the sociodemographic profile of the members enrolled in self-help group (SHG) and their orientation toward mental illness (OMI). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed to assess the orientation of SHG members toward mental illness using OMI scale. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for the analysis of the data. Results: Overall, participants obtained score of 212.50 which was above than the cutoff score, indicating unfavorable orientation to mental illness. Conclusion: Assessing and orienting the members of SHGs on mental health issues will aid in addressing the need to include an economic empowerment and social inclusion component while scaling up of mental health services in low- A nd middle-income countries. Further intervention model that is acceptable to the local community needs to be developed, and the efficacy of such intervention programs needs to be tested scientifically.