Social factors contributing to the occurrence of mental illness among the youth in Mityana General Hospital, Mityana district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/yy9b2869Keywords:
Mental illness, Mityana General Hospital, Psychology, Genetics, Chronic physical illness, Social factorsAbstract
Background:
Mental health is recognized as a serious public health problem. Empirical evidence suggests that a substantial proportion of all lifetime cases of mental disorders begin to occur early in life. These age groups constitute an estimated 80% of the Ugandan population. This study aimed to determine the social factors contributing to the occurrence of mental illnesses among the youth attending Mityana General Hospital in Mityana District.
Methodology:
The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design with a quantitative approach for data collection. Forty (40) patients were sampled conveniently during data collection with questionnaires. Data was analyzed quantitatively using Microsoft excel that helped to generate figures and tables.
Results:
Overall, the majority of respondents (23) 57.5% were female, while (17) 42.5% were male. 65% were single, (9) 22.5% were married, (4)10% were divorced, and (1)2.5% were widowed. In addition, (23) 57.5% had reached secondary, followed by primary (8) 20%, then tertiary (7) 17.5%, and lastly (2) 5% had not attended any school. Social factors, which included poverty (24) 60%, social stigma (27) 67.5%, and poor parenting style (22) 55%. Further, culture, as manifested by most of the respondents, 65% was strongly associated with the occurrence and development of mental illness.
Conclusion:
Social stigma, culture, poor parenting style, stress, racial discrimination, early motherhood marriage, sexual violence, and major losses were the main causes of mental illness among the youth.
Recommendation:
There should be a comprehensive review of mental health, an increase in the budget on mental health; reduce the paucity of mental health care providers, and a referral system that includes traditional and spiritual healers for early identification.
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