Elias Teages Adgoy
Cross-sectional study on community knowledge and perception on mental illness among residents of sub-zoba serejaka (Embaderho and Geshinashim villages), Eritrea
University of Asmara
introductionmental illness one increasing noncommunicable diseases globallythe epidemicity mental illness mainly related different structural intermediary determinants health inequitiesdespite rising mental illnesses knowledge perception regarding mental illnesses known among different communities eritrea methodsa community based crosssectional study among 141 selected households subzoba serejaka embaderho geshinashim villages conducted december 11 16 2017results total n141 study participants 120 851 femalesmean age participants 4136 years sd1432majority 858 farmers tigrigna ethnic group 993 orthodox 936 religionseventy three 518 study participants junior high school education level house wives 553the study participants either agreed strongly agreed causes mental illness include substance misuse 709 head injury 834 stress 83 whereas 709 noted curable equal number argued agree disagree sure mental illness caused communicable noncommunicable diseasesthey disagreed strongly disagreed mental illness punishment god 645 caused evil sprites 497 equal number noted either genetically inherited not851 agreed mental illness curable disease 688 found decide best preferable site treatment modern medical approachthe study results showed association sex monthly income preference modern medical approach statistically significant association found preference modern medical approach age pvalue 0032 literacy pvalue 0000 discussion conclusionmajority study participants community study area found good knowledge perception causes cure preference treatment approach mental illnesspoor perception observed among old aged less educated individualseven though 851 study participants noted curable 688 preferred use modern medical approachtherefore study results recommend intensified health promotion activity create awareness clear understanding mental illness caused evil spirits punishment god bewitched make understand preferred treatment approach modern medical approachthis might implemented utilizing community health workers area shortage mental health care staff