Stigmatization of Mental Illness Among Nigerian Schoolchildren

Pablo Ronzoni, Nisha Dogra, Olayinka Omigbodun, Tolulope Bella and Olayinka Atitola
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Pablo Ronzoni: Academic Clinical Fellow (CT2) in Psychiatry, Academic Department of Psychiatry, University of Leicester, UK, pdr17@le.ac.uk
Nisha Dogra: Greenwood Institute of Child Health, University of Leicester, UK
Olayinka Omigbodun: College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Tolulope Bella: University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Olayinka Atitola: University College Hospital, Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2010, vol. 56, issue 5, 507-514

Abstract: Background: Despite the fact that about 10% of children experience mental health problems, they tend to hold negative views about mental illness. The objective of this study was to investigate the views of Nigerian schoolchildren towards individuals with mental illness or mental health problems. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. Junior and senior secondary schoolchildren from rural and urban southwest Nigeria were asked: ‘What sorts of words or phrases might you use to describe someone who experiences mental health problems?’ The responses were tabulated, grouped and interpreted by qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Of 164 students, 132 (80.5%) responded to the question. Six major themes emerged from the answers. The most popular descriptions were ‘derogatory terms’ (33%). This was followed by ‘abnormal appearance and behaviour’ (29.6%); ‘don’t know’ answers (13.6%); ‘physical illness and disability’ (13.6%); ‘negative emotional states’ (6.8%); and ‘language and communication difficulties’ (3.4%). Conclusion: The results suggest that, similar to findings elsewhere, stigmatization of mental illness is highly prevalent among Nigerian children. This may be underpinned by lack of knowledge regarding mental health problems and/or fuelled by the media. Educational interventions and encouraging contact with mentally ill persons could play a role in reducing stigma among schoolchildren.

Keywords: Nigerian schoolchildren; stigma; views towards mental illness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:56:y:2010:i:5:p:507-514

DOI: 10.1177/0020764009341230

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