Relationship Between Socio-demographic Variables and Social Distance Towards the Mentally Ill

Abstract

This prospective study was designed to identify if there is any relationship between socio-demographic variables and social distance towards the mentally ill. It was carried out at the Madonna University Teaching Hospital over a 10 month period. Two hundred and sixty nine consenting subjects were enlisted in the study. However, only 254 completed it. The 254 subjects comprise 87 males (34.3%) and 167 females (65.7%). The minimum MBSDS score of 7 and the maximum of 35 were recorded in the study. It was established that there is significant association between literacy and MBSDS score. Literate subjects showed lesser MBSDS score compared to illiterate ones. Younger patients (less than 45yrs old) showed higher MBSDS scores on the average compared with older patients. The cause, management and eventual outcome of a patient's mental illness are greatly hampered by social stigma. Sustained public education and sustained advocacy against stigma towards the mentally ill cannot be overemphasized.