Effectiveness of knowledge sources in acquiring mental health knowledge among adults in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Mental health knowledge plays a crucial role in individuals' decision-making processes regarding their mental health. Therefore, it is important that the sources of this knowledge function effectively to ensure that this resource is readily available.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of mental health knowledge sources, particularly those used by adults in two selected cities in Tanzania. Specifically, the study seeks to identify the sources from which adults acquire mental health knowledge and examine the effectiveness of these sources.

Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data, while descriptive statistics were applied to the quantitative data using IBM SPSS version 25.

Results: Adults acquire mental health knowledge from various sources, with radio and informal sources such as family, friends, and relatives being the most commonly used. The findings further indicate that although radio is the most frequently used source, it is ineffective in providing mental health knowledge because it does not consistently deliver the information in appropriate quantities or regularly.

Conclusion: Relying on informal and largely ineffective sources, such as friends and family, presents a challenge. Formal knowledge sources are essential to enhance the delivery of accurate and relevant mental health information.