// THESIS GUIDANCE PORTAL · Health

Mental Health Stigma Among Nepali Youth

Level: Bachelor, MasterDifficulty: Intermediate

1. Introduction & Problem Statement

Overview: Mixed-methods study on attitudes toward seeking psychological help among college students.

Background Context (Nepal): Mental health disorders among youth in Nepal are underreported due to deep-seated cultural stigma and lack of institutional counseling services in higher secondary and university campuses.

2. Research Objectives

›Measure prevalence of mental health distress (depression/anxiety) using standardized WHO SRQ-20 / PHQ-9 scales among college students
›Evaluate level of public and self-stigma surrounding mental health help-seeking behavior using ATSPPH-SF scale
›Identify gender and cultural differences in attitudes toward professional psychological counseling
›Assess availability and perceived effectiveness of campus counselor services in TU/KU colleges
›Propose university-level mental health stigma reduction and peer-counseling framework

3. Proposed Methodology

Mixed-methods convergent parallel design surveying 250 undergraduate students across Kathmandu and Pokhara campuses
Quantitative administration of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help scale
Multiple linear regression analysis in SPSS evaluating stigma predictors
Qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs) with 16 students exploring cultural taboos and family secrecy
Ethical approval obtaining informed consent and providing helpline referral contacts

$ Worked Example / Sample Scenario

Sample Scenario: Surveying 250 college students in Kathmandu reveals that while 34% screen positive for moderate depressive symptoms on PHQ-9, 68% report high self-stigma scores and fear family disapproval if they visit a psychologist.

4. Thesis Chapter-by-Chapter Outline

Chapter 1: IntroductionTU/KU standard

Background, problem statement, research questions, objectives, scope, limitations, and significance of the study

Chapter 2: Literature ReviewTU/KU standard

Theoretical framework, conceptual models, previous empirical studies in Nepal and developing nations, social stigma theory, health belief model, and youth mental health literature in South Asia, and gap analysis

Chapter 3: Research MethodologyTU/KU standard

Research design, population/sampling framework, data collection instruments, analytical tools, and ethical considerations

Chapter 4: Data Analysis & ResultsTU/KU standard

Empirical findings, statistical testing, model estimations, PHQ-9 score distributions, regression tables on help-seeking intent, and thematic FGD trees, and detailed discussion

Chapter 5: Conclusion & RecommendationsTU/KU standard

Summary of key findings, theoretical contributions, policy recommendations, and future research directions

5. Recommended Tools & Technologies

To implement the practical, technical, or analytical portions of this thesis topic, the following software tools, libraries, or APIs are recommended:

SPSSMS ExcelNVivoGoogle Forms

6. Core References & Academic Sources

[1]Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) — National Mental Health Survey Nepal
[2]WHO Country Office for Nepal — Mental Health Action Plan & Suicide Prevention Reports
[3]Asian Journal of Psychiatry / NepJOL — Mental health studies among Nepali youth

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What standardized tool measures depression in student surveys?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a globally validated 9-item tool widely used and translated into Nepali.

Q: How do you maintain ethics when asking about mental health?

You must secure written informed consent, ensure 100% anonymity, avoid triggering questions, and provide free toll-free mental health helpline numbers (e.g. 1166) on the survey form.

Q: What is the ATSPPH-SF scale?

The Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (Short Form) measures individual willingness to consult mental health professionals.

Q: Where can I get NHRC research ethics guidelines?

The Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) publishes Ethical Guidelines for Health Research in Nepal on their website.