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Changing attitude to mental illness among community mental health volunteers in south-western Nigeria

Author

Listed:
  • O Abayomi
  • AO Adelufosi
  • A Olajide

Abstract

Background: Community-based mental health services may be impaired by stigmatization and social distance towards persons with mental illness. Little is known about the impact of education on the attitude of volunteers for mental health programmes. This study aimed to examine the effect of an educational programme on the attitude of community volunteers towards mental illness. Methods: Thirty-one volunteers for a community mental health programme completed the Familiarity with Mental Illness Questionnaire and a modified version of the Bogardus Social Distance Scale (Bogardus, 1925) before and after an educational programme. Results: At the end of the educational session, perceived dangerousness was significantly reduced and attitude (social distance) towards persons with mental illness showed significant improvement. Conclusion: Attitudes of community volunteers towards persons with mental illness improve with educational programmes. This may lead to improved treatment and care of individuals who are mentally ill.

Suggested Citation

  • O Abayomi & AO Adelufosi & A Olajide, 2013. "Changing attitude to mental illness among community mental health volunteers in south-western Nigeria," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 59(6), pages 609-612, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:59:y:2013:i:6:p:609-612
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764012448781
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. L. Vijayakumar & M. Suresh Kumar, 2008. "Trained Volunteer-Delivered Mental Health Support To Those Bereaved By Asian Tsunami — An Evaluation," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 54(4), pages 293-302, July.
    2. Christoph Lauber & Carlos Nordt & Luis Falcato & Wulf Rössler, 2002. "Determinants of Attitude to Volunteering in Psychiatry: Results of a Public Opinion Survey in Switzerland," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 48(3), pages 209-219, September.
    3. Gert Scheerder & Chantal Van Audenhove & Ella Arensman & Barbara Bernik & Giancarlo Giupponi & Anne-Claire Horel & Margaret Maxwell & Merike Sisask & Andras Szekely & Airi Värnik & Ulrich Hegerl, 2011. "Community and Health Professionals’ Attitude Toward Depression: a Pilot Study in Nine Eaad Countries," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 57(4), pages 387-401, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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