IMPACT OF AWARENESS PROGRAM ON KNOWLEDGE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS REGARDING MENTAL DISORDERS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN

Author Name: 1. Padeep Kumar Sharma 2. Dr. Abdul Latif

Volume/Issue: 03/06

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://www.doi-ds.org/doilink/12.2022-86665672/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Research Scholar Nursing J.J.T.U. Rajasthan India.
2. Principal KGN College of Nursing Sikar PhD Nursing, India

ABSTRACT

Mental disorders in children have been increasing worldwide and constitute a public health concern. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of primary school teachers about mental disorders in school children and evaluate the impact of an awareness program on their knowledge. A total of 200 teachers from 4 private primary schools in Jaipur City participated in this awareness program in the period between August and September 2021. The knowledge of the teachers about mental illness in school children was assessed by the investigators using interview questionnaire. The assessment included knowledge of teachers about 4 aspects; causes and risk factors of mental illness, types, manifestations, and treatment. After the program, all teachers were assessed again over their knowledge about the 4 aspects using the same questionnaire and the scoring system was similar to that of the baseline assessment. Results: The age of the participating teachers ranged between 25 and 59 (36.4±9.9) years, and 39% of them were males and 61% were females. Of the 200 teachers who were interviewed at schools, 99 (49.5%) were found to have good knowledge about mental disorders in school children. After the awareness program, the rates of optimal knowledge about causes, types, manifestations and treatment possibilities for mental illness among school children improved significantly from 15.5%, 62.5%, 62.5% and 21% to a high of 50%, 90%, 76% and 42% respectively (p< 0.001) The awareness program had a positive impact on improving the knowledge of primary school teachers regarding mental disorders in school children. Further studies should focus on possible roles for primary school teachers in screening for mental illnesses.

Key words: Knowledge Mental illnesses School children