M Kabir|Zubairu Iliyasu|IS Abubakar|Muktar H. Aliyu
Perception and beliefs about mental illness among adults in Karfi village, northern Nigeria
Bayero University Kano|Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital|Bayero University Kano|Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital|Bayero University Kano|Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital|Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital|Bayero University Kano
background study designed examine knowledge attitude beliefs causes manifestations treatment mental illness among adults rural community northern nigeria methods cross sectional study design used pretested semistructured questionnaire administered 250 adults residing karfi village northern nigeria results common symptoms proffered respondents manifestations mental illness included aggressiondestructiveness 220 loquaciousness 212 eccentric behavior 161 wandering 133 drug misuse including alcohol cannabis street drugs identified 343 responses major cause mental illness followed divine wrath gods 19 magicspirit possession 180 46 respondents preferred orthodox medical care mentally sick 34 inclined spiritual healing almost half respondents harbored negative feelings towards mentally ill literate respondents seven times likely exhibit positive feelings towards mentally ill compared nonliterate subjects 76 95 confidence interval 38151 conclusions study demonstrates need community educational programs nigeria aimed demystifying mental illness better understanding mental disorders among public would allay fear mistrust mentally ill persons community well lessen stigmatization towards persons