Awareness and Knowledge on Antipsychotics and Mental Illness among the Public in West – Bank.

摘要

Use of antipsychotic drugs and attitude to mentally be affected by their knowledge and beliefs about psychotropic drugs, the underlying cause (s) of mental disorders, and mental health. To evaluate the extent at which knowledge, beliefs and socioeconomic factors affect people attitudes towards mental illness in West Bank. Between March and December, 2015 we conducted a survey about the extent at which knowledge, beliefs and socioeconomic factors affect people attitudes towards mental illness in West Bank (n = 462) using a face-to-face questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 5 parts: socio-demographic information, health self- evaluation, causes of mental illness, the preferred way for help- seeking in case of mental health problems and peoples` attitudes toward antipsychotic drugs and mental illness. There was an overall positive attitude to mental illness; mean response ± (SD), 3.48 (0.33). Females had more positive attitude toward antipsychotics compared to males, t-test (-3.382; p = 0.001). Religion made no difference on total degree at α ≤ 0.05, average response ± SD = 3.48 ± 0.34 and 3.45 ± 0.29 for Muslims and Christians. One-way th st ANOVA test results showed significant difference due to age at the 4 Dimension, F= 6.158; p=0.000. For profession, difference at 1 Dimension, F= 2.282 at p=0.064 and the4th Dimension; F=5.683; p=0.000. Residence place made a different in 1st and 4th Dimensions; F= 3.504 at P=0.031, and F=4.157; p=0.016, respectively. People with intermediate to high income showed positive attitude in 2nd, rd th 3 , and 4 dimensions comparing to low income people; F=6.502; p=0.000, F=5.090; p=0.002, and F=8.268; p= 0.000, respectively. People in general in West Bank have positive attitude to mental illness. Better awareness and understanding is still needed in villages to change the way they deal with mentally ill people.