[An explanatory model of behavior toward mental illness].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a theoretical model designed to explain behaviors toward mental illness, considering some variables related to the construct.


METHODS
A survey was conducted in 1996 on mental disorder beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. The sample population was stratified by socioeconomic status, age, and gender. Study subjects were 800 individuals from Mexico City's general population. A data collection instrument was constructed and validated, consisting of 120 Likert-type items with five options each. Data were coded and analyzed with the software package SPSS. Internal consistency of the scales was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and construct validity with factorial analysis. Student's t test and ANOVA were used to compare the groups in the different strata.


RESULTS
The model allowed to confirm the predictive capacity of the causal chain connecting beliefs, attitudes, and intentions; nevertheless, other study variables did not contribute to explain it, and behavior was scarcely influenced by intentions, depending mainly on experimented necessity.


CONCLUSIONS
Study findings constitute a basis to understand the attitudes of shame and fear usually related to mental illnesses, to plan efficient actions aimed at modifying them, and to design programs to promote mental health. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.
García-Sílberman
Sarah
S
Centro de Información en Salud Mental y Adicciones, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México-Xochimilco No. 101, Colonia San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370 México, D.F., México. silberg@imp.edu.mx
D000328:Adult; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012752:Shame; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population