Abstract

VAZQUEZ-ALCARAZ, Juan José et al. Social perception about mental health in Paraguay. Mem. Inst. Investig. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2024, vol.22, n.1, e22122410.  Epub Dec 30, 2024. ISSN 1812-9528.  https://doi.org/10.18004/mem.iics/1812-9528/2024.e22122410.

Mental health is essential for a fulfilling life and is influenced by social perceptions. This research aimed to identify these perceptions in Paraguay in 2023. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted, involving 524 participants who answered a 26-question survey designed by the research team, digitized in a Google form, and disseminated on social media. Results show an average age of 37 years, 77.7% were women, 83.2% from the Central Department and Capital, and 64.7% had university education. The most frequent perceptions were: 66.2% consider visiting a psychiatrist or psychologist a taboo topic; 44.1% believe that people with mental health problems cannot tolerate stress; 41.6% think these problems result from personality or character weakness; 28.1% associate them with violence and unpredictability; 23.3% believe that practicing yoga or exercising can replace psychological therapy. Additionally, a statistically significant association was found between education level and beliefs such as ¨people with mental health do not suffer losses¨ (p = .01), ¨will never be affected¨ (p = .01), ¨cannot be helped¨ (p = .02), and that ¨mental health problems are caused by brain weakness¨ (p = .03), the latter also associated with origin (p = .003). In conclusion, social perceptions of mental health include taboos around psychological and psychiatric consultation, as well as misconceptions that require attention.

Keywords : social perception; mental health; Paraguay.

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