Relationship between knowledge and stigma in mental health among emerging adult students in night schools

Abstract

Abstract The study’s objective was to quantify the relationship between mental health knowledge and mental health stigma and discrimination among Colombian emerging adults. A cross-sectional study was designed with adult school students attending evening classes. The variables of interest were quantified using the Universal Mental Health Literacy Scale Adapted for Adults. This instrument comprises three subscales: mental health knowledge, knowledge of mental disorders, and mental health stigma. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. 361 students aged 18 to 29 years (M = 19.30, SD = 2.24) participated; 50.42% were women. 49.86% presented limited knowledge about mental health; 19.67% presented limited knowledge about mental disorders; and 61.50% presented high mental health stigma. Limited knowledge about mental health (adjusted OR = 1.58, 95%CI 1.02–2.44) was significantly associated with high mental health stigma; however, limited knowledge about mental disorders (adjusted OR = 1.66, 95%CI 0.94–2.92) was not associated with mental health stigma. In conclusion, limited knowledge about mental health is related to mental health stigma, and limited knowledge about mental disorders is not associated with mental health stigma. It is essential to identify other factors linked to mental health stigma among emerging Colombian adults.