Background of the Study
Community-based mental health programs are a key component of modern mental health care systems, offering services that are accessible, cost-effective, and tailored to the needs of local populations (World Health Organization, 2023). These programs focus on providing mental health services at the community level, utilizing local resources, and involving community members in the planning and implementation of interventions. The goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, increase access to care, and promote better mental health outcomes (Ugochukwu & Uzochukwu, 2024).
In Nigeria, mental health services are often concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural populations underserved (Olafimihan et al., 2023). The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Imo State, is one of the institutions making efforts to address this gap by implementing community-based mental health programs. These initiatives aim to provide mental health care within local communities, integrating mental health awareness, counseling, and treatment services into primary healthcare systems. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of these programs, there is limited research assessing their effectiveness in the Nigerian context. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based mental health programs at FMC Owerri in improving mental health outcomes and access to care in the community.
Statement of the Problem
Mental health conditions in Nigeria are often neglected, and many individuals suffering from mental illnesses do not receive the care they need due to barriers such as stigma, lack of mental health professionals, and poor infrastructure (Oladeji et al., 2023). Community-based programs offer an opportunity to address these challenges by integrating mental health services into existing community structures. However, the effectiveness of such programs in improving mental health outcomes and access to services in Nigeria remains underexplored. This study seeks to appraise the impact of the community-based mental health programs implemented at FMC Owerri, Imo State, and assess their contributions to improving the mental well-being of local populations.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on evaluating the community-based mental health programs at FMC Owerri, specifically assessing their effectiveness in terms of mental health outcomes and accessibility. It does not include other mental health programs in Imo State or Nigeria. Limitations include the possibility of response bias from participants and the cross-sectional design, which limits the ability to establish long-term causal effects.
Definitions of Terms
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