A Survey on Mental Health Knowledge Among Young People in Ghana

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Abstract Objective Mental health problems have been identified among young people. A few number of young people however, receive treatment at mental health centres. The study therefore investigated mental health knowledge in young people. Researchers checked the understanding of a variety of mental health conditions. Mental health knowledge on depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive problem, schizophrenia and bipolar were assessed. Methods Participants were 150 students whose ages ranged from 12 to 19 years old (mean age = 15 years). The participants comprised 52 (34.7%) males and 98 (65.3%) females. Participants were given questionnaires comprising mental health conditions. They were to indicate their understanding of the mental condition presented, using response options of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Results The findings of the study indicated that students have inadequate knowledge about mental health problems. Only 25% of the students understood common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress disorders. Less than 10% of the students understood severe mental health conditions including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The findings imply that mental health information should be provided to young people in Ghana. This would help young people to talk to parents and teachers about their mental health symptoms in order for them to receive professional interventions at the mental health centres.

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