FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH COMMON MENTAL DISORDERS AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN SUMAILA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE

M M Haddad,U I Muhammad,U Yunusa,A I Ojukwu,B Y Mansur,U B Bilkisu,H H Murtala,B L Umar

doi:10.33003/fjs-2020-0402-204

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with common mental disorders among women of reproductive age in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano state. Cross-sectional descriptive design was used. A total of 163 women were recruited for the study using multi-stage sampling technique. A close-ended structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were organized and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and results were presented using frequency distribution and percentages, and mean±standard deviation. Chi-square analysis was used to test for association between factors associated with and development of common mental disorders at 5% level of significant within 95% confidence interval. Findings from the study revealed that 28.4% of the respondents had Common Mental Disorders, awareness of the respondents were low as most of them believed that demonic possession (73.5%) and witchcraft (58.6%) were the causes of mental illness. Significant association was found between factors associated with common mental disorders and age at first marriage (χ2=3.395, p=0.048) and low social integration (χ2=5.414, p=0.020), of the women. The study concluded that common mental disorders in rural communities are mostly related to age at first marriage It is recommended that mental health personnel should conduct advocacy to traditional and religious leaders, also the male parents in rural areas on the influence of early marriage on mental disorders and clear their misconceptions on its causes, for early prevention and improved mental health seeking behaviour.

Highlights

Mental disorders are among the most important public health issues as it contributes to 14% of the global burden of disease (Abraham et al, 2018)
The attention given to mental health issues in Nigeria is so minimal, results in empirically poor the level of awareness among public and give more rooms for the misconceptions of mental health issues to continue to flourish in 21st century (Suleiman, 2016)
People living in rural communities have acute shortage of mental health professionals and limited access to mental health care services, women living in rural areas with low education levels are less likely to seek care for mental illnesses due to the relatively low levels of awareness about mental disorders compared to women living in urban areas (Ajay, 2012; Parreira et al, 2017)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Mental disorders are among the most important public health issues as it contributes to 14% of the global burden of disease (Abraham et al, 2018). In Nigeria, an estimated 20%-30% of our population are believed to suffer from mental disorders and more than half of this percentage is reported to be women (Onyemelukwe, 2016). The risks of Common mental disorders are significant and may contribute to self-neglect and higher rates of physical illness, as well as suicidal tendencies (Husain et al, 2016). Disorders, factors associated with common mental disorders and awareness of common mental disorders among women of reproductive age in Sumaila Local Government Area, Kano State. The study sort to identify the incidence of common mental disorders, factors associated with common mental disorders and awareness of common mental disorders among women of reproductive age in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State. An informed consent from the respondents was obtained and confidentiality was assured

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RESULTS

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION