Perception and beliefs about mental illness among adults in Karfi village, northern Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundThis study was designed to examine the knowledge, attitude and beliefs about causes, manifestations and treatment of mental illness among adults in a rural community in northern Nigeria.MethodsA cross sectional study design was used. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 250 adults residing in Karfi village, northern Nigeria.ResultsThe most common symptoms proffered by respondents as manifestations of mental illness included aggression/destructiveness (22.0%), loquaciousness (21.2%), eccentric behavior (16.1%) and wandering (13.3%). Drug misuse including alcohol, cannabis, and other street drugs was identified in 34.3% of the responses as a major cause of mental illness, followed by divine wrath/ God's will (19%), and magic/spirit possession (18.0%). About 46% of respondents preferred orthodox medical care for the mentally sick while 34% were more inclined to spiritual healing. Almost half of the respondents harbored negative feelings towards the mentally ill. Literate respondents were seven times more likely to exhibit positive feelings towards the mentally ill as compared to non-literate subjects (OR = 7.6, 95% confidence interval = 3.8–15.1).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the need for community educational programs in Nigeria aimed at demystifying mental illness. A better understanding of mental disorders among the public would allay fear and mistrust about mentally ill persons in the community as well as lessen stigmatization towards such persons.

Mental health, poverty and development

“…Lack of knowledge about mental illness, its causes, symptoms and recovery-oriented treatment options results in common but erroneous beliefs that it is caused by individuals themselves or by supernatural forces, possession by evil spirits or punishment by God (Lauber and Rossler, 2007, alKrenawi, 1999, Alem, 2000, Kabir et al, 2004, Adebowale, 1999, Burnard et al, 2006, van de Put, 2002, Qureshi et al, 1998. In many instances these negative feelings result in violence.…”

The attitudes of clergy in Benin City, Nigeria towards persons with mental illness

“…6,7 Over half of lay persons surveyed in Nigeria believe that supernatural or spiritual factors cause mental illness. [9][10][11] It is unsurprising therefore that in some reports lay persons believe care could best be obtained from nonmedical sources such as the clergy or traditional healers. 3,12 Although attempts to seek help from the clergy may be beneficial, it could actually result in a delay accessing specialised care, consequently worsening treatment outcomes.…”

Short-term diagnostic stability among re-admitted psychiatric in-patients in Eldoret, Kenya

“…This is surprising given evidence suggesting that even in the general population in low-income countries substance use is often assumed to be a major cause of mental illness. 29 Many patients initially diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders were later found to have substance-related disorders, supporting the conclusion that over-diagnosis of psychotic disorders is common. Despite the low numbers of patients diagnosed with substance-related disorders, it may be necessary to encourage a higher degree of vigilance in order to correctly diagnose and manage substance-related disorders in this population.…”