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Stigmatization of Mental Illness Among Nigerian Schoolchildren

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Pablo Ronzoni & Nisha Dogra & Olayinka Omigbodun & Tolulope Bella & Olayinka Atitola, 2010. "Stigmatization of Mental Illness Among Nigerian Schoolchildren," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 56(5), pages 507-514, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:56:y:2010:i:5:p:507-514
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764009341230
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chan, Jenny Y.N. & Mak, Winnie W.S. & Law, Lawrence S.C., 2009. "Combining education and video-based contact to reduce stigma of mental illness: "The Same or Not the Same" anti-stigma program for secondary schools in Hong Kong," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(8), pages 1521-1526, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Olayinka Atilola & Funmilayo Olayiwola, 2012. "The Nigerian home video boom: Should Nigerian psychiatrists be worried? Lessons from content review and views of community dwellers," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(5), pages 470-476, September.
    2. Sanja Totic & Dragan Stojiljković & Zorana Pavlovic & Nenad Zaric & Boris Zarkovic & Ljubica Malic & Marina Mihaljevic & Miroslava Jašović-Gašić & Nadja P. Marić, 2012. "Stigmatization of ‘psychiatric label’ by medical and non-medical students," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(5), pages 455-462, September.

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