Perception of mental health of the inhabitants of the municipality of Sahagun, Cordoba, Colombia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-2255

Keywords:

Perception, mental health, welfare, personal problems, susceptibility, severity, barriers

Abstract

Introduction: The perception of mental health is a complex process that includes the subjective interpretation of people's emotional and psychological health and in which cognitive, emotional, and social factors intervene. Methodology: the general objective was to analyze the perception of mental health. mental health of the inhabitants of the municipality of Sahagún, Córdoba, Colombia.  A qualitative study was designed and implemented, in which 20 open semi-structured interviews were carried out. The selection of participants was carried out considering membership criteria. Results: The results of the women revealed the following emerging categories: well-being, personal and emotional problems and mental illness; In the case of men, the emerging categories were well-being and mental health difficulties; not many differences were found according to age, given that the three age groups associate mental health with mental health difficulties and well-being. Discussion: Perceptions about mental health are related to susceptibility to illness, severity of illness, barriers to accessing mental health services, and perceived benefits. Conclusion: This study adds value to the field of mental health by offering an understanding of the perceptions and needs of the population.

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Author Biographies

Erika Patricia Ruiz Gonzalez, Pontifical Bolivarian University

Psychologist graduated from the Pontificia Bolivariana University, Master in Psychodiagnosis and Psychological Evaluation from the University of Buenos Aires - Argentina. Research professor, classified as a junior researcher before the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Colombia.

Julian David Velez Carvajal , Pontifical Bolivarian University

Graduate in Ethno-education and Community Development, Master in Educational Communication and Doctor in Educational Sciences, with a specialisation in Communication and Culture from the Technological University of Pereira. At present, he is a research professor attached to the Faculty of Social Communication - Journalism at the Pontifical Bolivarian University of Monteria. He is classified as an associate researcher with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Colombia.

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Published

2025-07-17

How to Cite

Ruiz Gonzalez, E. P., & Velez Carvajal , J. D. (2025). Perception of mental health of the inhabitants of the municipality of Sahagun, Cordoba, Colombia. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-2255

Issue

Vol. 10 (2025)

Section

Innovation through Psychosociology

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Copyright (c) 2025 Erika Patricia Ruiz Gonzalez, Julian David Velez Carvajal

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