Effect of an Educational Program on Improving the Extent of Mental Health literacy about Depression, Suicide and Internet Addiction among Colleges Students at Assiut University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer of Psychiatric- Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Minia University

2 Lecturer of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University

Abstract

Background: A high degree of mental health literacy, which involves sufficient knowledge and
supportive attitudes toward psychological illnesses in school-aged children, will increase the
likelihood of early detection and effective intervention in these conditions, as well as a better
outcome of illnesses. The aim: Measure levels of literacy about depression, suicide and internet
addiction among university students, Assess both positive and negative outcomes of awareness
educational program for university students. Research Design: This study was conducted using a
quasi-experimental research design. Subjects: the study comprised of 100 student , 50 student from
the faculty of science and 50 student from the faculty of commerce who accept to participate in the
study and give an informed oral and written consent. The studied sample consisted of 64 Males and
36 Females from the two faculties. During 3 month period from 1st November 2020 to 30th January
2021. Tools: students were assessed through Depression Literacy Questionnaire (D-Lit), Literacy of
suicide scale (LOSS) and Internet Addiction Literacy Scale (IALS) in addition to Socio Economic
assessment scale. Results: The highest percentage of subjects were males, resided in urban areas,
first academic year, with middle socio economic state, and there was highly statistical significant
difference of the level of mental health literacy about depression, suicide and internet addiction after
application of the educational program for the students from the theoretical and clinical faculty
Conclusion and Recommendation: There is widespread misunderstanding of the nature of
depression, suicide and internet addiction and its causes, risk factors and attitudes towards treatment
are negative. The need for psycho-educational programs is necessary which include awareness of
mental health and illnesses, particularly depression and the risk of suicide associated with
depression, internet addiction, and the development of positive attitudes toward mental illnesses for
the benefit of the community.

Keywords