scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions about Mental Illness in Ekom Iman Community in Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jombo, Henry Effiong ◽  
Alphonsus Udo Idung ◽  
Victory Edet Iyanam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
The South ◽  
Causal Belief ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Stigmatizing Attitudes

Knowledge and beliefs a community holds about mental illness, has remarkable impact on help seeking path to care and stigmatizing attitudes expressed towards the mentally ill. Aims: This study examines causal attributions, the perceptions and attitudes towards mental illness and the help seeking behaviour of a community in the south-south region of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is cross sectional descriptive study which was conducted among residents of Ekom Iman community in Akwa Ibom State in the South-South region of Nigeria between March, 2019 and July, 2019. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Causal belief, attitude toward mental illness and help seeking behaviour were assessed using a structured questionnaire.  Results: A total of 130 respondents participated in the study. The average age of respondents was 31.62±8.2 years, consisting of 64.4% males and 35.6% females. Majority, 74.6% had secondary education. Poor knowledge of mental illness and stigmatizing attitudes are common. Most of the respondents prefer to keep a high social distance from the mentally ill and are unwilling to maintain close social contacts with them expressed as refusal to share a room (74.7%), marry (92.5%), keeping friendship with them (66.4%). Many believe psychoactive substance abuse (86.2%), brain illnesses/trauma (55.4%) and supernatural factors (72.6%) are etiologic to mental illness. Most respondents considered faith healers (64.3%) and orthodox medical professionals (30.8%) as first choices of treatment and the options best able to treat them. Conclusion: Causal beliefs of mental illness affects help seeking behavior. Poor knowledge and exposure to mental illness was common. Attitudes towards mental illness were generally negative and stigmatizing. Multidisciplinary community interventions are required to ensure high social acceptance and preference for orthodox professional treatment of mental illness.

scholarly journals Health Professionals’ Stigma towards the Psychiatric Ill in Nigeria

1970 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chukwuemeka Michael Ubaka ◽  
Chioma Mirrian Chikezie ◽  
Kosisochi Chinwendu Amorha ◽  
Chinwe Victoria Ukwe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Stigmatizing Attitudes ◽  
Comparative Survey

BACKGROUND: Stigma affects the quality of life of the mentallyill, and health professionals are considered to be involved in possessing negative attitudes towards them. We evaluated the  prevalence of stigmatization among different health professionals in Nigerian hospitals.METHODS: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional and comparative survey assessing attitudinal views of health professionals (doctors, pharmacists, and nurses) regarding mental illness in two hospitals in Eastern Nigeria. The survey utilized the 40-item Community Attitude to Mental Illness, CAMI-2 questionnaire. The prevalence and the factors that contribute to negative attitudes among this cohort were assessed. Statistical analysis using T-tests, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation were conducted.RESULTS: Attitudes to all the four constructs of the CAMI-2 werenon-stigmatizing. Stigmatizing attitudes were significantly higheramong pharmacists, doctors and then nurses (p<0.006). Health professionals who did not have contact with the mentally ill (p<0.0001), who were males (p=0.008) and had lower years of working experience (p=0.031) expressed significantly higher stigmatizing attitudes towards the mentally ill.Conclusions: Nigerian health professionals were largely non-stigmatizingtowards the mentally ill. However, being a pharmacist, of male gender, and working in a non-psychiatric hospital were associated with stigmatizing attitudes when they exist.KEYWORDS: Mental illness; Stigma; Health Professionals;Survey

scholarly journals Individuals with Mental Illness and Stigma Reduction: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Group of College Students

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Aflakseir ◽  
Muhammad Rasooli Esini ◽  
Muhammad Goodarzi ◽  
Javad Molazadeh
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stigma Reduction ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Stigmatizing Attitudes

Objective: Stigma has a significant impact on the life of individuals with mental illness. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of contact with the mentally ill with stigmatizing attitudes in a group of college students. Method: A total of 287 college students participated in this study. The participants were recruited from Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences using convenience sampling and completed the research measures including the Level of Familiarity (LOF) and the Attribution questionnaires (AQ). The data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: The descriptive findings of this study showed that the participants’ highest score on stigmatizing attitudes was related to pity and the least score was related to anger towards people with mental illness. Furthermore, the regression analysis results indicated that personal contact, family contact, and work contact with individuals with mental illness significantly predicted stigma reduction, while other types of contacts with the mentally ill, such as friend contact, social contact, and media contact, did not significantly predict stigma reduction. Conclusion: This study highlighted the significant role of having contact with the mentally ill in reducing stigmatizing attitudes towards them.

Socio Demographic and Clinical Profile of Indoor Female Patients of RINPAS

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Rajni Suri ◽  
Anshu Suri ◽  
Neelam Kumari ◽  
Amool R. Singh ◽  
Manisha Kiran
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional

The role of women is very crucial in our society. She cares for her parents, partner, children and other relatives. She performs all types of duties in family and also in the society without any expectations. Because of playing many roles, women often face many challenges in their life including both physical and mental. Mental health problems affect women and men equally, but some problems are more common among women including both physical and mental health problems. Aim of the study - The present study is aimed to describe and compare the clinical and socio-demographic correlates of female mentally ill patients. Methods and Materials: The study includes 180 female mentally ill patients based on cross sectional design and the sample for the study was drawn purposively. A semi structured socio-demographic data sheet was prepared to collect relevant information as per the need of the study. Result: The present study reveals that the socio-demographic factors contribute a vital role in mental illness. Findings also showed that majority of patients had mental problems in the age range of 20-30 have high rate. Illiterate and primary level of education and daily wage working women as well as low and middle socio-economic status women are more prone to have mental illness. Other factors like marital status, type of family and religion etc also important factors for mental illness. Keywords: Socio demographic profile, female, psychiatric patient

scholarly journals Stigmatising attitudes towards the mentally ill: A survey in a Nigerian university teaching hospital

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Ignatius Ukpong ◽  
Festus Abasiubong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Educational Programme ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Nigerian University

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The burden of mental illness is particularly severe for people living in low-income countries. Negative attitudes towards the mentally ill, stigma experiences and discrimination constitute part of this disease burden.</p><p><strong>Objective.</strong> The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge of possible causes of mental illness and attitudes towards the mentally ill in a Nigerian university teaching hospital population.</p><p><strong>Method.</strong> A cross-sectional descriptive study of a convenience sample of 208 participants from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria, using the Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill (CAMI) scale. Information was also obtained on beliefs about possible causes of mental illness. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results.</strong> The respondents held strongly negative views about the mentally ill, mostly being authoritarian and restrictive in their attitudes and placing emphasis on custodial care. Even though the respondents appeared to be knowledgeable about the possible role of psychosocial and genetic factors in the causation of mental illness, 52.0% of them believed that witches could be responsible, 44.2% thought mental illness could be due to possession by demons, and close to one-third (30%) felt that it could be a consequence of divine punishment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions.</strong> Stigma and discrimination against the mentally ill are widespread even in a population that is expected to be enlightened. The widespread belief in supernatural causation is likely to add to the difficulties of designing an effective anti-stigma psycho-educational programme. There is a need in Nigeria to develop strategies to change stigma attached to mental illness at both institutional and community levels.</p>

scholarly journals EFFECT OF EDUCATION ON STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION TOWARDS MENTAL ILLNESS: A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF COVARIANCE

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-337
Author(s):  
Mariana Tumin ◽  
Md Mizanur Rahman ◽  
Zulkifli Jantan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Stigma And Discrimination ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Related Stigma

People with mental illness often encounter stigma and discrimination. Mental illness-related stigma and discrimination represent the enormous obstacles that stand in the way of delivering mental health care. Little is known about stigma and discrimination toward mental illness in rural Sarawak. Thus, this study aimed to identify the stigma and discrimination towards mental illness among Sarawak’s rural community and the factors affecting them. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 840 respondent adults aged 21 and above. A validated Community Attitude towards Mental Illness (CAMI) and Discrimination towards Mental Illness questionnaire was used for data collection. A Two-way Multiple Analysis of Covariance (Two-way MANCOVA) test was carried out to determine how much gender and education level influence stigma and discrimination towards mentally ill patients. Analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference of standardised stigma and discrimination scores with education level (p<.001), but not with gender (p>.05). Age had a positive linear effect on both stigma and discrimination, whereas experience with mentally ill patients negatively affected both stigma and discrimination. Individuals with a lower level of education, older in age, and lesser experience in dealing with the mentally ill would have a higher level of stigma and discrimination towards mental illness. Thus, targeted and practical strategies need to be organised and implemented to combat mental illness-related stigma and discrimination.

scholarly journals Help Seeking Behaviour of Chinese Living in Belfast, Northern Ireland

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Y.-W. Yeung
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Psychological Problem ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Covering Letter ◽  
Language Difficulty ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Chinese And English

Aims:British Chinese have a low uptake of mental health servcies. Poor symptom recognition, language difficulty and mental illness stigma are the key barriers to accessing services. This study aims to explore their help seeking behaviours when they experience mental illness.Methods:About 96% of Chinese in Northern Ireland worked in catering business. Questionnaires (both in Chinese and English) were sent to ninety-one addresses occupied by catering businesses in Belfast. A bilingual covering letter was enclosed to encourage recipients to ask their families and friends to return the questionnaires.Results:Twenty-four questionnaires were returned. 66.6% reported that they visited their GP within the year prior to the study. Only one person visited the GP becasue of a mental / psychological problem. All others visited their GP for their physical illness. Racism (58.3%), physical ill health (50%) and lack of social support (41.7%) were the key stressors. 21% would visit their GP if they had a mental health problem and 45.8% would contact the GP if someone they knew became mentally unwell. Poor recognition of mental illness (41.7%) and mental illness stigma (25%) were the reasons for not seeking medical advice.Conclusion:Findings revealed that the Chinese do seek help from their GP. However, little evidence suggests that the community will approach their GP when they or someone they know actually become mentally unwell. Further investigation is needed to explore diifferent ways to provide information about mental illness symptoms and mental health services for the community.

A Study of Patient's Perspective of Schizophrenia Using Emic Perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s249-s249
Author(s):  
D. Sanyal ◽  
D. Das
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Faith Healer ◽  
Mental Health Specialist ◽  
Health Specialist ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Emic Perspective

IntroductionKnowledge about how patients perceive mental illness and how it possibly influences help seeking behaviour is important in development of proper plan for mental health reform.ObjectiveThis study planned to study disease related perception, first help seeking behaviour and stigma among schizophrenia patients admitted at a hospital.Aims(1) To know about patient's view regarding the problems; (2) attempt to predict help seeking behaviour.MethodsFifty-one patients suffering from schizophrenia according to DSM-5 and fit to be interviewed were assessed using EMIC (Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue) to get emic (insider or person's own cultural) perspective of disease related perception, help seeking behaviour and stigma.ResultsTerms used to describe their illness included “depression” (21.6%), “mental” (17.6%) “matha kharap” (9.8%). Most common perceived cause was stress (25.5%) and sorcery (23.5). Mental health specialist was visited by 27.5% Faith healer consultation was high (29.4%). Stigma score was higher with marriage related issues and social isolation. Using exhaustive CHAID analysis, it was found that patients with negative themes as disease name like “matha kharap” (loosely meaning crazy) are more likely to visit faith healers, while patients naming the condition with some medical related term like depression were more likely to visit mental health specialist.ConclusionClearly perception of patients regarding mental illness and its causation varies greatly from the way psychiatrists’ viewpoint and this perception is likely to influence help seeking behaviour. Understanding these issues is likely to enable better patient awareness and proper formulation of plans to address mental health issues.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Parental Support, Beliefs about Mental Illness, and Mental Help-Seeking among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaa Mahsoon ◽  
Loujain Sharif ◽  
Maram Banakhar ◽  
Nofaa Alasmee ◽  
Esraa Almowallad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Parental Support ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Beliefs About Mental Illness

Mental illness is not uncommon among young adults, but negative attitudes towards mental disorders and lack of parental support might be associated with hesitancy in seeking professional help. This study aimed to examine the relationships of parental support, beliefs about mental illness, and mental help-seeking among young adults in Saudi Arabia. This quantitative cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 236 young adults (ages 18–25) with the majority of the total (86.4%) being female. Data were collected via three self-administered questionnaires: The Perceived Parental Support Scale, Beliefs toward Mental Illness scale, and Mental Help Seeking Attitude Scale. Results indicated that the participants had a moderately negative attitude toward mental illness, a moderately positive attitude toward parental support, and a highly positive attitude toward mental help-seeking. No significant relationships were found among the study variables. The study highlights that despite young adults’ positive attitude toward mental help-seeking and parental support, they have negative views toward people with mental illnesses. Educational programs in schools and media are needed to improve attitudes and enhance readiness to interact with people with mental illness.

scholarly journals Perception of Stigma among Caregivers of Mentally Ill People

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-189
Author(s):  
Srijana Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
College Teaching ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Voluntary Organizations ◽  
Negative Experience ◽  
Purposive Sampling ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
People With Mental Illness

The lives of people with mental illness are altered by the symptoms of the illness, attitudes of people that view symptoms as threatening and uncomfortable, which foster stigma and discrimination within social circles. The catch of the study was to assess the stigmatizing beliefs among Caregivers of persons with mental illness. A descriptive and exploratory study was conducted with purposive sampling technique among 50 caregivers with interview method of mental illness patient with purposive sampling technique at Nepal Medical College teaching Hospital, Jorpati, Kathmandu, Nepal in Oct 2017- Nov 2017. The study revealed that the most of caregivers (62%) feel burdened financially, and about 64% think that people with mental illness are dangerous. Most of the caregivers (70%) think that the mentally ill people are violent. More than half (54%) of the caregivers think voluntary organizations are not doing adequate work in the field of mental health and 72%feel health organizations are giving less priority to mental illness as compared to other disorder. Most of the caregivers (66%) think that their occupational life has been interfered by the family member’s illness, and 56% don’t think that there are adequate law or rules regarding mental illness. In conclusion, care givers experience stigma such as concealment, negative experience, emotional stigma as well as work related stigma which affects the health and recovery of mentally ill persons. Compliance to medicine was poor and relapse rate was high which also have impact on the life of caregiver.

scholarly journals Attitudes toward mentally ill patients: a comparison between Romanian and International Medical Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-406
Author(s):  
Codruta Alina Popescu ◽  
Anca Dana Buzoianu ◽  
Soimita Mihaela Suciu ◽  
Sebastian Mihai Armean
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Distance ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Future Health ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Stigmatizing Attitudes

Background. Stigmatizing attitudes to mental illness, and especially schizophrenia, are not limited to the general population but are also common among health professionals. Health professionals are in a position to model health related attitudes both in the general public and patients. Medical students are an interesting group to focus upon, since they are future health professionals and correcting stigmatizing attitudes is still possible during their educational curriculum.Methods. This study investigated the attitude toward mental illness in medical students at the Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy. We surveyed first year students, since they have not yet received specific classes or internships in psychiatry; 322 students from the Romanian and English sections participated, representing a response rate of 94.7%. The questionnaire consisted of the Romanian and English versions of Link's Social Distance Scale towards people with mental illness scale.Results. Overall, medical students had a relatively negative attitude towards people with mental illness, with moderate social distance and stereotypical attitudes. The level of personal contact with people with mental illness was correlated with positive attitudes. International students had scored lower then Romanian students on social distance toward mentally ill patients.Conclusions. Medical education can play an important role in the attitudes of students toward mental illness. Medical students have stigmatizing attitudes about mentally ill patients. Personal contact with people suffering from mental illness might contribute to a positive attitude from the medical students toward mentally ill patients.

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