Mental Health Awareness and Stigma in Rural vs. Urban Communities

Abstract

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore mental health awareness and stigma in rural vs. urban communities. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to mental health awareness and stigma in rural vs. urban communities. Preliminary empirical review found significant differences in mental health perceptions and access to care between these areas. In rural communities, stigma was deeply ingrained, leading to reluctance in seeking help, exacerbated by limited access to services. Urban residents, while having better access to mental health resources and higher awareness, faced different stressors such as social isolation and pollution, contributing to high rates of mental health disorders. The study recommended tailored interventions, such as telehealth for rural areas and addressing environmental factors in urban settings, to effectively combat stigma and improve mental health outcomes. that Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Cognitive Theory, Labeling Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour may be used to anchor future studies on mental health awareness and stigma in rural vs. urban communities. The study highlighted the need to refine theoretical models to account for geographical and cultural variables. It emphasized the importance of tailoring mental health interventions to the unique challenges of rural and urban settings, suggesting practical solutions like telehealth and community-based support groups. Policymakers were urged to prioritize funding and public education campaigns to reduce stigma and improve service accessibility. The study recommended integrating these findings into existing theoretical frameworks and called for future longitudinal and comparative research to further explore the relationship between community type and mental health stigma.