FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STIGMATIZATION OF MENTALLY CHALLENGED INDIVIDUALS AMONG RESIDENTS IN EKPOMA ESAN WEST LGA EDO STATE
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BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Mental health and behavioural disorders constitute about 12% of the global burden of diseases (World Health Organization (WHO), 2001) and over 450 million people suffer from mental and behavioural disorders worldwide (Gureje, 2005; WHO, 2001). About 2%–3% of the Nigerian population suffer severe mental illness that is commonly stigmatized (Omigbodun, 2001).
Stigma associated with mental illness cuts across all social classes. The result is social annihilation that con- stricts the lives of those with mental disorders, preventing them from fully re-engaging and participating in the social activities of their groups and communities (Arboleda- Florez, 2003).
The WHO has defined stigma as a mark of shame, dis- grace or disapproval that results in an individual being shunned or rejected by others (Levin, 2001; WHO, 2001).
Globally, stigmatization is a significant obstacle to effec- tive medical care for the mentally ill and may occur at the level of the individual, through interpersonal interactions, as well as at the level of social structures by virtue of unfair policies, practices and laws (Stuart, 2008). In Nigeria, stigmatization of mental illness is a common problem and occurs in all geo-political zones of the country (Awaritefe & Ebie, 1975). Hospital-based care for the mentally ill consti- tutes a meager portion of the overall comprehensive health care for the patient. A lot of the rehabilitation is done at the community level (Omigbodun, 2001; WHO, 2001). This is why it is imperative to properly enlighten members of the community about the need to adopt a favourable attitude towards the mentally ill, as treatment will be profoundly.
more successful when the mentally ill has the support of his or her employer, family members, friends and the community.
Negative views about mental illness are widespread (Berzins, Petch, & Atkinson, 2003; Stuart & Arboleda- Florez, 2001; Weiner, Perry, & Magnusson, 1988; World Psychiatry Association, 2006). The patients are often labelled ‘crazy’ and their illness is seen as their own fault. As a result, some are often too embarrassed to tell their family members and friends about their health condition because of the negative reactions that might ensue (Josin, Korten, & Jacomb, 1999; Levin, 2001). Most of those affected fail to seek medical care because of stigmatization (Levin, 2001; Shibre, Negash, & Kullgren, 2001) and this has led to social isolation of individuals (Gureje, Odejide, & Acha, 1995). Parents often have difficulty admitting that their children need psychiatric help and so miss opportunities for treatment (Binitie, 1970). The result is that some of these children end up underachieving, on the streets or in the criminal justice system, imposing yet another burden on society.
Several factors have been associated with the increased risk of stigmatization of mental illness. This tends to vary from one society to another depending on their sociocul- tural norms and perception about mental illness (Ayonrinde, Gureje, & Lawal, 2004; Gaebel & Baumann, 2003; Gureje & Alem, 2000).
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Many people with serious mental illness are challenged doubly. On one hand, they struggle with the symptoms and disabilities that result from the disease. On the other, they are challenged by the stereotypes and prejudice that result from misconceptions about mental illness (Fabrega 2007). As a result of both, people with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life: good jobs, safe housing, satisfactory health care, and affiliation with a diverse group of people. Although research has gone far to understand the impact of the disease, it has only recently begun to explain stigma in mental illness. Much work yet needs to be done to fully understand the breadth and scope of prejudice against people with mental illness. Fortunately, social psychologists and sociologists have been studying phenomena related to stigma in other minority groups for several decades (Fabrega 2007).
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main aim of this study is to examine the factors responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA Edo State. Specifically, other objectives of this study are:
- To determine whether religion is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
- To find out whether fear is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
- To determine whether poverty and illiteracy is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
- To determine whether stereotype is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
- To find out the causes of mental illness among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following research questions will be answered in this study:
- Is religion responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals?
- Is fear responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals?
- Is poverty and illiteracy responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals?
- Is stereotype responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals?
- What are the causes of mental illness among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will be greatly beneficial to the society as the findings of this study will reveal the different factors that cause the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals. This study will also reveal the causes of mental illness hence serving as pilot study that can be used to sensitize the public about the effects of stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals and why stigmatization should be eradicated.
Finally, this study will serve as a pilot study for further research and future reference.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study is focused on the factors responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA Edo State. Specifically, this study is focused on determining whether religion is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, finding out whether fear is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, determining whether poverty and illiteracy is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, determining whether stereotype is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals and finding out the causes of mental illness among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State.
Selected residents of Ekpoma Esan West LGA in Edo State will be the respondents for the survey of this study.
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study is limited to on the factors responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA Edo State. Specifically, this study is limited to determining whether religion is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, finding out whether fear is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, determining whether poverty and illiteracy is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, determining whether stereotype is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals and finding out the causes of mental illness among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State.
This study is delimited to Ekpoma Esan West LGA in Edo State.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Stigmatization: The action of describing or regarding someone or something as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.
Mental disability: A condition that limits a person's intellectual capacity, resulting directly or indirectly from injury to the brain or from abnormal neurological development.
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