Evaluation of Beliefs and Attitudes of Child Labor Caregivers About Mental Disorders First Aid and Stigma

Abstract

Background: The beliefs and attitudes of caregivers of working children about mental health issues and first aid, as well as their attitudes about the stigma of mental health problems can affect their motivation seek professional help for affected children. The aim of this study was to assess the mental health literacy of child labor caregivers about first aid for mental health and their attitudes about stigma of mental disorders.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the questionnaire was the Depression Health Literacy Questionnaire. All caregivers of working children covered by a NGO in the 17th district of Tehran who wanted to participate were included in the study. Results: Questionnaires of 129 caregivers were analyzed. Their mean age was 32.6 (±7) years. Of which 128 (99.2%) were women. Only 37 people (30.3%) were confident in their ability to help their children in case of depressive symptoms. The majority 109 (84.5%) of participants believed that asking a depressed child about suicidal ideation was harmful.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the literacy of child labor caregivers about mental health first aid is not enough and there is need to conduct interventions including providing the necessary trainings in this area.