Mental Health Awareness and Stigma in Benue State, Nigeria: The Role of Cultural Perceptions

Abstract Background: In many poor and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, mental health is still a very neglected area of public health. Significant obstacles to knowledge and treatment in Benue State are stigma and strongly entrenched cultural beliefs. This research investigated the degree of mental health awareness among locals and examined how cultural ideas contributed to the stigma related to mental disorders. Methods: Thirty-three adults picked using a multi-stage sampling approach throughout urban and rural locations in Benue State were surveyed using a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were gathered using a verified, organized questionnaire and examined using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) as well as inferential techniques (Chi-square). Results: The study indicated that inhabitants had a low general degree of knowledge about mental health (cluster mean = 2.02). A great majority of participants barely looked for related information and were not conversant with mental health ideas. Moreover, cultural attitudes were discovered to significantly add to stigma (cluster mean = 2.88), with views often tying mental disease to spiritual sources. Cultural beliefs clearly add to stigma, as proven by the Chi-square test (X^2=76.35,p=.000). Conclusion: The study finds that stigma in Benue State is greatly driven by poor mental health awareness and strong cultural beliefs. To raise awareness, refute damaging cultural narratives, and lower the stigma around mental disease, culturally sensitive public health initiatives and educational efforts are much needed right now.