Economic Factors Affecting on Education Level and Mental Health among Higher Secondary School Students in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

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This study has been undertaken in partial fulfillment of requirement for the degree of Master of Economics Education in Tribhuwan University. Objectives of the study were to findoutEconomic factors affecting on education level and mental health among higher secondary school students in Kathmandu so as to bring out good level of awareness and positive attitude towards education and mentally ill people.This quantitative and qualitative study included 180 respondents taken from Angles Heart Higher Secondary SchoolManamaiju, Kathmandu and PasanglhamuCollege, Samakhusi, Kathmandu. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was followed. For this study, structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Out of 180 respondents, highest economic factors that affecting on education and mental health were family income is 10,000-20,000 which is 48.3 percentage, in cost of treatment of mental illness psychosis is highest cost which is 38.88 percentage, economic problem take place 16.3 percentage from total numbers of causes of mental illness followed by loss of job which is 11.1 percentage.The findings showed that Majority of the respondents were from science faculty, unmarried, Hindu and Business of Parent’s Occupation. Majority of the respondents had heard about mental illness (93.9%). The misuse of drug was ranked first among all the causes of mental illness where as the cause for mental illness was only 7.2 percent and 3.3 percent by evil spirit and god’s punishment respectively. Majority of the respondents preferred Hospital for the treatment for mental illness (54%) followed by Yoga and meditation Centre (25%).Majority of the respondents i.e. 58.3 percent knew about mental illness through Media (Electronic and Print media) followed by seeing mentally ill people (29.4%). Majority of the respondents had seen someone with mental illness (82.1%) among which 15.3 percent were within the family. The most common type of mental illness seen by the respondent was depression (40.5%). Majority of the respondents had heard about depression (90.5%) and schizophrenia (72.4%).In future studies, it may be beneficial to use qualitative methods to determine the basis for positive views as well as determine whether other variables, such as contact with peers who have benefited from mental health services, are influencing positive perceptions of those with mental health problems.