Title : Perceptions, attitudes and cultural understandings of mental health in Nigeria: A scoping review of published literature
Abstract:
Mental disorders are a public health challenge with a lack of understanding, great institutional neglect and widespread stigma in Nigeria. There is also a dearth of secondary review studies exploring knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards persons with mental health disorders in Nigeria. This scoping review aimed to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of Nigerians towards mental health issues. Sixty-four articles were identified as meeting the eligibility criteria. The most common determinants of mental health disorders as perceived by Nigerians were supernatural causes such as possession of evil spirits, sorcery, witchcraft, and divine punishment. In addition, a significant number of articles attributed the cause to drug or alcohol misuse. Social distancing and avoidance were expressed in all papers that looked at attitudes towards people with mental disorders. The research showed that Nigerians held supernatural beliefs as the cause of mental disorders and religion is a significant cultural aspect for Nigerians. Therefore, collaboration with religious and traditional institutions could help improve knowledge and awareness. Further qualitative studies are needed to explore the experiences of Nigerians particularly, in the northern regions of the country.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The audience will be able to learn about other contexts, and cultures concerning mental health and drug misuse and possibly apply this to their context or background.
- This will help mental health professionals be less focused on medical treatment methods but focus on a holistic method recognizing other factors such as culture, background, religion etc., especially among ethnic minority groups.
- This research recognizes the need for collaboration with religious and/or traditional institutions or in some specific cases individuals who an individual holds in high regard that can help provide holistic support.
- The study will help reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders across Africa and recommend alternative strategies for mental health professionals by recognizing the individuals’ backgrounds, cultures, religions etc.
- A significant coping method among Nigerians was ‘spirituality’ along with daily contact with family members. Therefore mental health professionals should identify significant coping aspects of their patients and incorporate them into their care plans.
