Exploring the determinants of workplace mental health in a medical institution in central India: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mental health at the workplace (WMH) is an important indicator for the optimum functioning of a medical institute. To establish an effective WMH, it is essential to understand the level of awareness, perceptions, and felt needs of students and staff of a medical institute regarding mental health services within the campus. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in an institution of national importance in Central India using a semistructured questionnaire based on Kobo Toolbox. Felt need for periodic mental health screening within the institutional campus (FN-S) and felt need of having a separate cell for mental healthcare of students and employees (FN-C) were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 526 out of 2190 eligible students and staff completed the survey (response rate 24.1%). About half of the participants were not aware, of whom to contact on campus in case of mental health concerns (MHCs), more than three-fourths were not aware of the rights for seeking treatment, and three-fourths thought that getting diagnosed with an MHC would negatively impact their academic course or work. There was a high felt need for mental health screening services (91.1%), and almost two-thirds felt the need for a separate mental health cell. The FN-S was higher among those from rural areas, those not using social media, those without a preexisting MHC, and those without FN-C. FN-C was higher in those not using social media, those having sleep disturbances, those with unawareness of the rights of a mentally ill person, those without any MHC, and those not having FN-S. Conclusion: Active efforts are needed to roll out a mental health screening policy and separate mental health cells within the medical institute. Future research should focus on a qualitative inquiry into the details of the above findings.