Depression literacy of undergraduates in a non-western developing context: the case of Sri Lanka Psychiatry

Abstract

Background: Research examining the depression literacy of undergraduates in non-western developing countries is limited. This study explores this among undergraduates in Sri Lanka. Methods: A total of 4671 undergraduates responded to a survey presenting a vignette of a depressed undergraduate. They were asked to identify the problem, describe their intended help-seeking actions if affected by it and rate the helpfulness of a range of help-providers and interventions for dealing with it. Mental health experts also rated these options, providing a benchmark for assessing the undergraduates' responses. Results: Only 17.4 % of undergraduates recognised depression, but this was significantly lowe..