A Pre-Experimental Study To Assess Effectiveness Of Information Booklet Regarding Warning Signs Of Mental Illness Among Adults In Selected Area Of Pune City

Abstract

Introduction: Mental illness remains a significant public health concern globally, often going undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness about its early warning signs. In India, particularly in urban settings like Pune, stigma and limited mental health literacy contribute to delayed recognition and treatment. Aim of the study: To assess the effectiveness of an information booklet in enhancing knowledge among adults about the warning signs of mental illness. Methodology: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post- test research design was used. The study was conducted among 60 adults residing in a selected area of Pune city, chosen using purposive sampling. A structured knowledge questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention. The information booklet, developed and validated by experts, contained detailed content about the warning signs of mental illness. Results: The findings revealed a significant improvement in the knowledge scores of adults after the administration of the information booklet. The mean post-test knowledge score (22.45 ± 2.35) was significantly higher than the mean pre-test score (14.12 ± 3.21), with a t-value of 15.67 (p < 0.05). This indicates that the information booklet was effective in enhancing the awareness of mental illness warning signs. A significant association was found between post-test knowledge scores and certain demographic variables such as educational status and occupation. Conclusion: The study concluded that the information booklet is an effective tool to improve the knowledge of adults regarding the early warning signs of mental illness. Increased awareness can promote early identification, reduce stigma, and facilitate timely intervention.