Knowledge and Social Distance Towards Mental Disorders in an Inner-City Population: Case of University Students in Cameroon

Mental disorders are widely recognized as a major contributor to the global burden of disease worldwide. They often constitute a double jeopardy for those affected because of stigmatization by members of the community. The purpose of this study is to explore knowledge and social distance of mental disorders among students from Cameroonian universities who reside in urban areas, as mental health among university students represents an important and growing public health concern for which epidemiological data are needed. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2014 to march 2015 among 680 students from six universities. A self-administered questionnaire exploring knowledge and social distance within students was formulated. Questions were based on basic demographic information, opinions about stigmas, myths and knowledge of mental health. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to investigate the relationship between the participant’s field of study, their beliefs and perceptions about mental disorders and the participants’ length of stay in urban settings. Of 680 students surveyed, 453 have already heard about mental diseases and 227 know someone who has suffered or who is suffering from mental illness. Among them, 53.2% are attending social/human sciences studies whereas 26.9 and 19.9% are attending, respectively life sciences and applied sciences studies. Most of the respondents (71.0%) have been living in urban areas for at least five years. Recognition of common mental disorders in the studied population is poor (42.6%) and 39.5% believe that mental illness can be treated. Though respondents are university students, knowledge of mental illnesses is poor and their negative perceptions and attitudes towards individual with mental disorders suggest opportunities to address mental health issues (increase mental health literacy) in this important group of populations. Keys words: Mental diseases, knowledge, social distance, university students, urban settings,