Awareness of mental illness and it’s predictors among residents of urban communities in a north-western state of Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Nigeria is a multi-ethnic country with a rich mix of cultures, traditions, customs, and beliefs. These divergent cultural backgrounds significantly influence public awareness of mental health issues.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the level of awareness of mental illness and its predictors among adults in north-western Nigeria.

Method: A cross-sectional study design was adopted to interview 407 respondents recruited using multistage sampling technique. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire. These were organized and analysed using SPSS version 20, and the results were summarized using frequency distribution tables, percentages. The regression analysis coefficient was used to predict the level of awareness of mental illness based on socio-demographic variables.

Results: The majority of respondents (47.3%) had a high level of awareness of mental illness in the community. When comparing the calculated slope to a slope of zero, the B coefficient for age, gender, religion, and ethnicity has a p-value of 0.0001, indicating that there is a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: Age, gender, religion, and level of education were identified as significant predictors of mental illness awareness in the study. Efforts to improve community education and mental health literacy can improve mental health, attitudes toward mental illness, and reduce stigma.