DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN SOUTHWESTERN, NIGERIA: FACTS, FALLACIES AND WAY FORWARD

T.I. Olawande¹*, L.T. Fasasi², E.O. Amoo³, M.P. Ajayi⁴, C.O. Adetunde⁵ and O.V. Olowolafe⁶

¹Dr.  Covenant University, NIGERIA, tomike.olawande@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
²Dr. University of Ibadan, NIGERIA lukfas@yahoo.co.uk
³Dr. Covenant University, NIGERIA, emmanuel.amoo@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
⁴Dr. Covenant University, NIGERIA, mofoluwake.ajayi@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
⁵Dr. Covenant University, NIGERIA, christiana.adetunde@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
⁶Mrs. Covenant University, NIGERIA, oluwakemi.olowolafe@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
*Corresponding Author

Abstract

Mental health is an important determinant of the emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of people. Mental health conditions contribute a substantial proportion of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in developing countries. Mental illness present lots of challenges especially in developing nations, Nigeria inclusive. There are various cultural factors that influence discrimination of people living with mental illness. This study therefore explored discrimination of people living with mental illness in Nigeria with the view of examining the facts, fallacies and way forward. Labelling theory provided the theoretical framework. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were triangulated. The data was based on cross-sectional survey of communities and four neuropsychiatric hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria. Through proportionate sample size distribution to the LGAs, Nine hundred and sixty seven (967) adults aged 18 and above were randomly selected. Five In-depth Interviews were conducted among caregivers of people living with mental illness (PLWMI) (those who are receiving treatment and those who have recovered) and nineteen Key Informant Interviews were conducted among orthodox practitioners (psychiatrists and social workers) and traditional healers that reside in the study area. The study revealed that females were 54.2% while males were 45.8%. Gender significantly influenced discrimination against People Living with mental illness. There is high level of discrimination against women than men in terms of perceived causes, labeling of mental illness and choice of treatment mental illness. The study concluded that government should prioritize the management of people living with mental illness. The study recommended that discrimination of People Living with Mental Illness (PLWMI) be discontinued through enlightenment, government actions and advocacy.

Keywords: Discrimination, Mental health, Mental illness, Nigeria