This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and willingness to interact with mentally ill people among in school adolescents. Participants of the study comprised of 359 adolescents who were in secondary and preparatory schools in the four Wollega zonal towns in the year 2019. From each four Wollega zonal towns, two schools (one secondary and one preparatory) were randomly selected; hence, 4 secondary and 4 preparatory schools were included in the study. The survey consisting of three measures constructed to assess adolescents’ knowledge, attitude, and willingness to interact with mentally ill people were adapted and used. Descriptive statistics, mainly frequency and percentage were used in the analysis. The result revealed in school adolescents’ knowledge of mental illness is inconsistent. They were informed well about the inappropriate treatment and representation of people with mental illnesses. However, their knowledge is poor in other areas. Attitudes expressed toward mentally ill people among these adolescents were also mixed; some of the adolescents expressed accepting, respectful, and sympathetic views toward people with mental illness. Still large proportions of the adolescents were fearful of approaching and being a friend of mentally ill person. Social distance results revealed positive attitude by majority of the respondents and less accepting views by a few of them. It is therefore recommended that the four Wollega Zonal town health offices need to educate adolescents regarding specific disorders and about acceptance of individuals with mental illness.

Keywords: Knowledge about mental illness, Attitude towards mentally ill people, Willingness to interact with a person with a mental illness, In school Adolescents