Factors Responsible For The Stigmatization Of Mentally Challenged Individuals Among Residents In Ekpoma Esan West LGA Edo State

Project and Seminar Material for Sociology

Factors Responsible For The Stigmatization Of Mentally Challenged Individuals Among Residents In Ekpoma Esan West LGA Edo State

Abstract

This study was carried out on the factors responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals among residents in Ekpoma Esan West Lga Edo State. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprise of residents of Ekpoma Esan West Lga Edo State. In determining the sample size, the researcher purposefully selected 113 respondents and 85 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables, and mean scores. The result of the findings reveals that religion, fear, stereotype, poverty and illiteracy are all responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals. The study also revealed that the causes of mental illness among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State comprises of spiritual inclination and sabotage, punishment for sin, use of drugs, brain disease, psychological and emotional trauma. Therefore, it is recommended that good educational programmes that will enlighten the community about the causes, mode of transmission and treatment options available to the mentally ill will greatly minimize stigmatization.. To mention but a few.

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 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).

1.2 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).

1.3 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:

  1. To determine whether religion is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
  2. To find out whether fear is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
  3. To determine whether poverty and illiteracy is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
  4. To determine whether stereotype is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
  5. To find out the causes of mental illness among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

  1. Is religion responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals?
  2. Is fear responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals?
  3. Is poverty and illiteracy responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals?
  4. Is stereotype responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals?
  5. What are the causes of mental illness among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State?

1.5 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.

1.6 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.

1.7 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.

1.8 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.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.0 Introduction

This chapter summarizes the findings on the factors responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals among residents in Ekpoma Esan West Lga Edo State. The chapter consists of summaries, conclusions, and recommendations.

5.1 Summary

In this study, our focus was on the factors responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals among residents in Ekpoma Esan West Lga Edo State.The study is was specifically carried out to determine whether religion is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, find out whether fear is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, determine whether poverty and illiteracy is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, determine whether stereotype is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals, and find out the causes of mental illness among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State.

The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 85 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent were residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State.

5.2 Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, the researcher concluded that;

  1. Religion is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
  2. Fear is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
  3. Poverty and illiteracy is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
  4. Stereotype is responsible for the stigmatization of mentally challenged individuals.
  5. The causes of mental illness among residents in Ekpoma Esan West LGA of Edo State comprises of spiritual inclination and sabotage, punishment for sin, use of drugs, brain disease, psychological and emotional trauma.

5.3 Recommendation

With respect to the findings and the aim of this study, the researchers therefore recommend that;

  1. Provision of advocacy and other groups to target stigma in a deliberate attempt to assist in improving people with severe mental illness. For example, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a grass root group of family members and people with severe mental illness; it has made combating stigma a top priority for its 172,000 members. They launched the “Campaign to End Discrimination” in 1995 as a concerted effort to diminish stigma. The National Mental Health Association, a mental health advocacy group, has been educating the public about mental illness for more than 90 years. There is also The National Stigma Clearinghouse, who aggressively responds to negative images of mental illness, and also communicates with media about the positive aspects of mental illness.
  2. Psychiatric hospitals across the country should employ consumer advocates whose job will require vigilance to misrepresentations of mental health issues.
  3. Private citizens should be encouraged to show concern about stigma and assist in any way possible to combat the trend. Example, Rotary International inaugurate “Erase the Stigma” a campaign to educate American business leaders about the truth and misconceptions of severe mental illness.
  4. Good educational programmes that will enlighten the community about the causes, mode of transmission and treatment options available to the mentally ill will greatly minimize stigmatization.

Get Complete Project Material

5,000 5000

The Complete Material Will Be Sent to You in Just 2 Steps

Quick & Simple…

Step One Purchase

Make Payment (Through Transfer) of ₦5,000 to the Account Below

Access Bank PlcAcc No: 0811003731
Samphina Academy
Current Account

Or CLICK HERE To Pay With Debit Card

FOR STUDENTS OUTSIDE NIGERIA
CLICK HERE To Pay With Card ($15)
FOR GHANA STUDENTS (GHS 100)
Ghana MTN MoMoMTN MoMo
0553978005
Douglas Osabutey

Step Two Purchase

Send the Following Details on WhatsApp ( 07062590260 ) After Payment

  1. Payment Details
  2. TOPIC: Factors Responsible For The Stigmatization Of Mentally Challenged Individuals Among Residents In Ekpoma Esan West LGA Edo State

The Complete Material Will Be Sent To You On WhatsApp After Receiving Your Details
T & C Apply

  Contact Our Help Desk

Students Review

List of Related Works

Click on Any Topic to Preview the Content
samphina.academy

Samphina Academy

Samphina Academy is an Online Educational Resource Center that is aimed at providing students with quality information and materials to aid them in succeeding in their academic pursuit.