Assessing Stigma Toward Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders in Liberia: A Population Representative Study

Dossen, S. Benedict, Mulbah, J. Mike, Hargreaves, April, Kumar, Samhita, Mothersill, David, Loughnane, Gerard M., Byrd, Eve, Nyakoon, Angie Tarr, Quoi, Joseph S. and Ebuenyi, Ikenna D. (2024) Assessing Stigma Toward Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders in Liberia: A Population Representative Study. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 111 (3 Supp). pp. 93-104. ISSN 1476-1645

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Abstract

Mental health stigma remains a major global problem associated with low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and poor health-seeking behavior in individuals. However, limited published evidence details these challenges in Liberia. Knowledge of public perceptions toward mental illness and key trends in the associations between knowledge of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders (MNSs) and stigma is crucial to designing evidence-based mental health policies and supporting service delivery. This population-representative survey explored and quantified stigma related to MNSs in four health regions in Liberia, using a multistage stratified random sampling of 1,148 residents. Four internationally validated scales were used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and substance use disorder including the 1) Mental Health Attribution Questionnaire; 2) Five Question Stigma Indicator Questionnaire to assess Community Stigma; 3) Reported Intended Behavioral Scale; and 4) Personal Acceptance Level of Conditions. Data from interviews with 1,140 participants (96% response rate) were analyzed using central tendencies, hypothesis testing with simple logistic regression, and bivariate analysis for association between dependent and independent variables. Low mental health knowledge was found to be a strong predictor of discriminatory behaviors and stigma. Results revealed that exposure to movies or television significantly predicted increased discriminatory tendencies and that a lesser degree of acceptance was shown toward substance use disorder than any of the other conditions. These findings underscore the need for increased awareness and education about mental health to eliminate stigma and promote better care and inclusion for people living with MNSs.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > Discrimination R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry > Neurology. Diseases of the Nervous System.
Divisions:	School of Business > Staff Research and Publications
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	04 Oct 2024 13:30
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2024 13:30
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/7084

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