Comparison of Marital and Parenthood Profile of Severe Mentally and Non- Mentally ill Nigerian Women: Needs, Problems and Associated Factors.

Abstract

Background: Marriage and parenthood are generic needs or aspirations, but for patients with severe mental illness the risks of failure and dysfunct ion are reportedly higher. Local studies are needed to substantiate or rebuff this assertion. Knowing differences in marriage and parenthood profile between mentally ill and the nonmentally ill in terms of prevalence, needs, problems, and associated factors can assist effective psychosocial rehabilitation and preventive care.

Aim and Objectives: To find out whether and how severe mental illness affects marriage and parenthood in our setting.

Methods : Adescriptive comparative cross-sectional study involving 100 women with severe mental disorders and 200 women without mental disorders. These women were compared using a semi-structured questionnaire which included questions on sociod emo graphic, maritaland parenthood characteristics.

Results: A comparison of the two groups of women reveals that: The severely mentally ill women were significantly less likely to be married (67% vs 89%, P < 0.001); more likely to be childless (22% vs 8%, P = 0.002) and unemployed (10% vs 2.5%, P = 0.029) despite having relatively good education (93% vs 85.5%, P =0.063). They were also significantly more likely to perceive their extended family relationships as unsatisfactory (17% vs 8.5%, P = 0.046) with poor or irregular contacts with them (45% vs 30.5%, P = 0.046).

Conclusion: Women with severe mental illness in our setting have special needs and problems related to get t ing married, marital relationships, parenthood and family interactions. Psychiatrists and family physicians need to be sensitive to these factors while assessing , managing and rehabilitating these patients in our setting.

Key Words: Maritaland Parenthood Profiles, Severely Mentally Ill, Women, Nigeria.