Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Shingairai Feresu

Abstract

Misconceptions that negatively influence attitudes and beliefs about mental illness are still prevalent in Zambia. Researchers have reported that young adults are the most impacted population for mental disorders in Zambia. Researchers have also highlighted mental health literacy (MHL) as a useful strategy for influencing positive attitudes and beliefs about mental disorders. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between levels of MHL and attitudes and beliefs about mental illness and health-seeking behaviors of Zambian young adults aged 18 to 24. The study used the health belief theoretical model. A MHL questionnaire was used to collect primary data on a sample size of 474 drawn from higher secondary and tertiary schools. Binary logistic regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and understand the relationship between levels of MHL and socio-demographics (age, gender, location and education), family history, knowledge about mental illness (depression, stress, marijuana overuse, and alcohol abuse), and attitudes and beliefs about mental illness. The findings revealed a relationship between levels of MHL and family history, knowledge about mental illness, attitudes about mental illness, and beliefs about mental illness. There was no association between levels of MHL and health-seeking behaviors. Young adults in Mongu rural reported higher levels of MHL than those in Lusaka urban. MHL intervention can influence positive social change by changing attitudes and beliefs about mental illness and ultimately reducing mental disorders among rural and urban Zambian young adults.

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