A Facility-based Assessment of Internalized Stigma among Patients with Severe Mental Illnesses in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria | Chapter 05 | Emerging Research in Medical Sciences Vol. 3
Introduction:
Public stigmatization of mental illnesses might lead to the internalization of
the stigma by persons with mental illness (PWMIs) which might also lead to
erosion of self-esteem and negative consequences on treatment outcome. This
study assessed the prevalence of internalized stigma and analyzed its
socio-demographic and clinical predictors among PWMIs in a sub-Saharan African
mental health facility.
Methods: Patients with
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression (n = 370) were randomly
interviewed at the out-patient department of the Federal Neuropsychiatric
Hospital, Maiduguri. They completed the sociodemographic and clinical
proformata, Oslo social support scale, and an adapted version of the
internalized stigma of mental illness scale (ISMI).
Results: A total of 83 subjects
(22.5%) met the study's criterion score for high internalized stigma. The
independent predictors of high internalized stigma were; poor social support
(Odds ratio, OR = 4.501, 95% CI = 2.423 - 8.363, p ≤ 0.001), supernatural
aetiological beliefs (OR = 3.916, 95% CI = 2.322 - 6.606, p ≤ 0.001), seeking
for unorthodox treatment (OR = 3.637, 95% CI = 2.073 - 6.308, p ≤ 0.001), full
insight (OR = 3.595, 95% CI = 2.141 - 6.036, p ≤ 0.001), and presence of extra
pyramidal side effects (OR = 12.201, 95% CI = 6.827 - 21.805, p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion: Extra pyramidal side
effects, poor social support and misconceptions about the aetiology of mental
illnesses were the strongest predictors of internalized stigma among the
subjects. The use of second generation antipsychotic medications, the
engagement of members of the patients' social support base and the
incorporation of psycho-educational programmes to dispel 'myths' about the
aetiology of mental illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa are hereby recommended.
Author(s) Details
Dr. Abdu W. Ibrahim [MBBS,
MHPM, MSc (Pharm), FWACP (Psych)]
Department of Mental Health,
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
Dr. Yerima M. Mukhtar
[MBBS, FWACP (Psych)]
Department of Mental Health,
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
Dr. Pindar K. Sadique
[MBBS, FWACP (Psych)]
Department of Mental Health,
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
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