Evaluation of an anti-stigma campaign related to common mental disorders in rural India: a mixed methods approach.
BACKGROUND
Stigma related to mental health is a major barrier to help-seeking resulting in a large treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This study assessed changes in knowledge, attitude and behaviour, and stigma related to help-seeking among participants exposed to an anti-stigma campaign.


METHODS
The campaign, using multi-media interventions, was part of the SMART Mental Health Project, conducted for 3 months, across 42 villages in rural Andhra Pradesh, in South India. Mixed-methods evaluation was conducted in two villages using a pre-post design.


RESULTS
A total of 1576 and 2100 participants were interviewed, at pre- and post-intervention phases of the campaign. Knowledge was not increased. Attitudes and behaviours improved significantly (p < 0.01). Stigma related to help-seeking reduced significantly (p < 0.05). Social contact and drama were the most beneficial interventions identified during qualitative interviews.


CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that the campaign was beneficial and led to improvement of attitude and behaviours related to mental health and reduction in stigma related to help-seeking. Social contact was the most effective intervention. The study had implications for future research in LMIC.
Research & Development, George Institute for Global Health,New Delhi,India.
P K
PK
Maulik
Research & Development, George Institute for Global Health,New Delhi,India.
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S
Devarapalli
Research & Development, George Institute for Global Health,New Delhi,India.
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S
Kallakuri
Research & Development, George Institute for Global Health,New Delhi,India.
A
A
Tewari
Research & Development, George Institute for Global Health,New Delhi,India.
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S
Chilappagari
Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College,London,UK.
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M
Koschorke
Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College,London,UK.
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G
Thornicroft
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012424:Rural Population; D057545:Social Stigma; D055815:Young Adult
Common mental disorders; India; community-based; low- and middle-income countries; mental health awareness; stigma.