A Comparative Study Of Knowledge, Attitude And Behavior Towards Mental Illness Between Consultants And Resident Doctors Of Various Medical Specialities In A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Aim of the study-To compare the knowledge, attitude and behavior towards mental illness between consultants and residents of different medical specialities. The study also compares the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of various medical specialities towards mental illness.

Material and method: This was a comparative cross sectional study which was conducted on post graduate resident doctors and consultants of various medical faculties of Medical College, Baroda. Each participant was given MAKS (Mental Health Knowledge Schedule), MICA (Mental Illness Clinician’s Attitude Scale) and RIBS (Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale) along with the socio demographic data sheet for age, sex, medical speciality, years of experience to be filled in their respective departments and two reminders were given for filling the data sheets at an interval of two days each. Those who did not return the data sheets after two reminders were considered dropouts.

Results: - The study enrolled 200 participants out of which 147 were resident doctors and 53 were consultants. The mean score for MAKS, MICA-4 and RIBS for consultants was 23 +/-2, 48 +/-6 and 14 +/-2 respectively. The mean score for MAKS, MICA-4 and RIBS for residents was 24 +/-3, 45+/-10 and 15 +/-4 respectively. Consultant doctors had a more negative attitude towards mental illness than the resident doctors. Department of medicine, Anesthesiology and OBG had more knowledge while department of Pulmonary medicine had least knowledge about mental illness.

Conclusion: From this study we can conclude that contrary to the common belief, the more senior doctors (consultants) have a more negative attitude towards mental illness than the resident doctors. This demonstrates the need for more mental health awareness program directed towards doctors.

Abbreviations – OBG: Obstetrics and Gynecology.