The Socio-Economic Effects and Coping Mechanisms of Perceived Stigma among Persons with Mental Illness: The Case of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Psychiatric Outpatient Center

Abstract

Mental illness stigma refers to the adverse attitudes, beliefs, and prejudices prevalent in society regarding mental health issues. This study focuses on perceived stigma, a type of mental health-related stigma that stems from societal beliefs and manifests as the fear of discrimination or prejudice. In Ethiopia, where mental health-related studies are still in their infancy, the specific effects of perceived stigma against individuals with mental health disorders have received limited attention. Therefore, this study explored the socio-economic effects and coping mechanisms of perceived stigma among individuals with mental illness, involving 22 informants at Hawassa University's comprehensive specialized hospital psychiatric outpatient center. Using a qualitative methodology, Data were collected via in depth interview, key informant interview, and FGD with individuals experiencing mental illness, their close relatives, counselor and psychiatrists. The researcher analyzed the collected data using thematic analysis method. The study results reveal that perceived stigma adversely influences the socioeconomic conditions of individuals with mental illness, affecting their social interactions, education, marital prospects, personal conduct, medical treatment, work motivation, income, and job security. Coping mechanisms, such as substance use, denial, and social withdrawal, often hinder the treatment process and overall well-being. The study recommends enhancing community awareness, promoting anti-discriminatory practices, improving accessibility and quality of mental health services, establishing workplace and school-based support initiatives, and encouraging academic research to evaluate existing interventions