Socio-Religious Influences on Mental Health Associated Myths and Misconceptions among Rural People

Social and religious background of people influences the myths and misconceptions associated with mental health. The present study examines the beliefs about the causes and treatment of mental illnesses among different caste and religious groups in rural areas of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The sample consisted of 140 women from 3 main religious groups, i.e. Hindus (Caste groups: Bunts, Gowdas, Brahmins, Gowda Saraswat Brahmins and Schedule Tribes), Muslims and Christians. Based on education levels of participants two following categories were formed. Participants with the qualification of Pre-University and above were considered as the highly educated group and participants with the qualification of 10th standard or below were considered as the low educated group. A structured questionnaire used to measure the myths and misconceptions among participants. Brahmins and Christians had reported fewer myths and misconceptions compared to Scheduled Tribes (ST), Gowdas, Muslims, Bunts and Gowda Saraswat Brahmins (GSB). Educated participants of all sections of society had fewer myths and misconceptions compared to less educated participants. This study recommends creating awareness on mental health among marginalized, vulnerable and less educated populations.