Perception of students and public towards mental illness / Hawa Samsudin

Mental illness people are among the vulnerable population that must be treated equally in a society. The main objective of this study was to assess the public and students' perceptions toward mental illness people. A survey based questionnaire method was used. A total of 400 respondents that consist of 200 for each public and students were randomly selected in completing the questionnaires, with response rate of 91 % and 82%, respectively. In general, according to overall study results, there were significant differences in perception between those groups due to selected demographical data as such age, race, gender and educational level hence may affect level of knowledge and attitudes that may influence by exposure and experiences associated with mental illness people. The positive attitudes and well-acquired knowledge influenced better perceptions toward mental illness, hence creating an understanding and concerned society.