Table 3 Participants response in mental health literacy assessment questionnaire

1. Emotional breakdown is a sign of personal weakness. *

19 (8.2)

94 (40.3)

31 (13.3)

70 (30)

19 (8.2)

2. I am comfortable to provide initial support to a friend who show early signs of mental distress.

84 (36.1)

132 (56.7)

11 (4.7)

5 (2.1)

1 (0.4)

3. Regular exercise has a positive impact on mental well-being.

57 (24.5)

135 (57.9)

28 (12)

10 (4.3)

3 (1.3)

4. A person with depression often experiences low mood.

51 (21.9)

140 (60.1)

23 (9.9)

12 (5.2)

7 (3)

5. In the event that a friend of mine experiences mental distress, I can help him/her find professional help.

96 (41.2)

123 (5.8)

8 (3.4)

5 (2.1)

1 (0.4)

6. People’s behavior can be influenced by their mental health condition.

52 (22.3)

111 (47.6)

9 (3.9)

32 (13.7)

29 (12.4)

7. Getting enough quality sleep is beneficial for mental well-being.

79 (33.9)

120 (51.5)

16 (6.9)

16 (6.9)

2 (0.9)

8. If I experience mental distress, I am able to consult with a mental health expert (psychologist or psychiatrist) for their professional help.

85 (36.5)

131 (56.2)

10 (4.3)

7 (3)

0 (0)

9. Mental disorders mostly affect the people who belong to families experiencing economic crisis.*

76 (32.6)

93 (39.9)

22 (9.4)

31 (13.3)

11 (4.7)

10. People with mental disorders often hallucinate (see or hear things which are not there in reality).

46 (19.7)

103 (44.2)

16 (6.9)

54(23.2)

14(6)

11. Early detection of mental disorder increases the chances of effective treatment.

97 (41.6)

120 (51.5)

15 (5.4)

1(0.4)

0 (0)

12. Mental problems do not affect children, teenagers, or young adults. *

15 (6.4)

28 (12.0)

20 (8.6)

100(42.9)

70(30)

13. People experiencing depression often lose interest in things that they previously found enjoyable.

43 (18.5)

124 (53.2)

28 (12)

26(11.2)

12(5.2)

14. Spending time with close friends and family affects mental health.

71 (30.5)

148 (63.5)

7 (3)

6(2.5)

1(0.4)

15. Mental illness is a lifelong condition with no chance of improvement. *

10 (4.3)

17 (7.3)

14 (6)

110(47.2)

82(35.2)

16. Talking openly about mental disorders can increase a person’s risk of developing them.*

14 (6)

38 (16.3)

26 (11.2)

101(43.3)

54(23.2)

17. Anxiety is simply a form of stress and just getting some relaxation (being relaxed) can help overcome it.*

12 (5.2)

38 (16.3)

17 (7.3)

111(47.6)

55(23.6)

18. Having conversations about suicide could lead to an increased risk of developing suicidal thoughts. *

23 (9.9)

82 (35.2)

29 (12.4)

69 (29.6)

30 (12.9)

19. Talking to a therapist is a sign of being unable to handle the mental health problem or that their condition has worsened. *

18 (7.7)

66 (28.3)

31 (13.3)

81 (34.8)

37 (15.9)

20. Isolating yourself from others at times when you are sad/depressed is a healthy way of dealing with mental problems.*

12 (5.2)

23 (9.9)

17 (7.3)

119 (51.1)

62(26.6)