Author(s):
Rintumol P R, Hardeep Kaur, Amanpreet Kaur
Email(s):
softy.sr.chaturvedi@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2454-2652.2026.00016 
Address:
Rintumol P R1*, Hardeep Kaur2, Amanpreet Kaur3
1PhD Nursing Scholar, Department of Mental Health Nursing, UCON, BFUHS, Punjab, India.
2Principal, Department of Community Health Nursing, UCON, BFUHS, Punjab, India.
3Principal, Department of Mental Health Nursing, Khalsa College of Nursing, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 14,
Issue - 2,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background: Mental illness represents a wide spectrum of psychological and emotional disturbances that significantly affect daily functioning, interpersonal communication, and overall quality of life. The World Health Organization defines psychiatric disability as a condition in which mental disorders substantially impair essential life activities such as learning, communication, and social interaction. Despite advances in treatment, stigma and negative perceptions persist, often resulting in discrimination, social exclusion, and reluctance to seek help. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding mental illness among community members in selected areas of Batala, Punjab. Material and Methods: This study used a quantitative research approach with a survey research design. 100 community people were selected by using a Convenient sampling technique within the selected areas of Batala. Data were collected using the socio-demographic Performa and self-structured questionnaire. Results: Among the 100-community people ,53% of individuals had inadequate knowledge followed by 40% who had average knowledge and only 7% had adequate knowledge regarding mental illness. Association between the level of knowledge regarding mental illness among community people with their selected demographic variables showed that there is no significant association found between the demographic variables and the level of knowledge except with Age. Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that the majority ie. 53% of the community people have inadequate knowledge regarding mental illness. Hence there is a need to boost the knowledge of community people by organizing community awareness campaigns so that stigma related to mental illness can be reduced. The study concludes that the level of knowledge regarding mental illness among community members remains inadequate. Limited understanding may delay treatment-seeking, perpetuate stigma, and hinder recovery among affected individuals. Strengthening public education on mental health issues is therefore essential. Health professionals and community leaders should collaborate to develop culturally relevant awareness campaigns and educational programs that emphasize the causes, symptoms, prevention, and management of mental illness. Such initiatives can enhance community participation, improve attitudes toward mental health, and contribute to the early identification and management of mental health problems. Promoting mental health literacy at the community level is vital to achieving inclusivity, compassion, and improved quality of life for all individuals.
Cite this article:
Rintumol P R, Hardeep Kaur, Amanpreet Kaur. Knowledge regarding Mental Illness among Community people in selected areas of Batala, Punjab. International Journal of Advances in Nursing Management.2026;14(2):74-0. doi: 10.52711/2454-2652.2026.00016
Cite(Electronic):
Rintumol P R, Hardeep Kaur, Amanpreet Kaur. Knowledge regarding Mental Illness among Community people in selected areas of Batala, Punjab. International Journal of Advances in Nursing Management.2026;14(2):74-0. doi: 10.52711/2454-2652.2026.00016 Available on: https://ijanm.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-14-2-2
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