A LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ON TANJUNG RAMBUTAN TOWN RESIDENT REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

Through analysis of 122,328 calls received between January 1st and June 18th, 2021, an overwhelming 89.4% of these calls, or 199,806 calls, sought assistance for mental health issues, necessitating urgent counselling and emotional support.The primary aim of this study is to investigate and evaluate the level of knowledge concerning mental health among the residents of Tanjung Rambutan. A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive research approach using correlation design wad conducted through the MHKQ and PDD questionnaires among Tanjung Rambutan town residents. Amidst the study execution from March 29th, 2023, to July 7th, 2023, the self-administered questionnaire was distributed via Google form link and hard copy, and 269 respondents responded. Descriptive and inferential analyses were employed. A total of 269 respondent’s participants in this study, of whom 63.2% were male and 36.8% were female. 45.7% of respondents were in the range 36-45 years old. And 63.2% were Malay and Muslim. The majority were private employee, and most of the respondents have an academic background with a degree. Based on the study’s findings, 91.8% of respondents had a high knowledge level, while 8.2% had a low knowledge level. This study also revealed that 63.2% of respondent have negative perceptions of mental health, while 36.2% have positive perceptions. The Spearman Correlation found that the correlation coefficient, r (267) = -0.373, p<0.05 indicated a significant negative correlation between knowledge and perceptions on mental health, and the null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, this current study indicates that enhancing the community’s understanding of mental health has potential to positively influence societal perceptions of mental illness.