Mental Health Literacy among Chinese Rural Residents

Abstract A survey was carried among 412 participants to examine mental health literacy in rural China. Two vignettes depicting schizophrenia and depression were presented, and participants were asked to reflect on their recognition and the beliefs about the causes, consequences, and the treatments of the conditions described. Results show that the recognition rates for schizophrenia and depression were 76.9% and 67.7%, respectively. Participants believed work stress, life stress, and encountered frustration were the most important reasons for mental illnesses. Participants believed that mental illnesses could cause many severe consequences to patients, such as emotional pain, bringing pain to the family, deterioration of interpersonal relationships, and destroying the individual's life. The participants were more likely to recommend nonmedical treatment for the patients in the two vignettes. Participants having a higher educational level were more likely to be aware of the consequences of the mental illnesses, and they also had a more positive attitude toward seeking professional help.