Level of Perceived Stigma Among Caregivers of Persons with Severe Mental Illness in Jimma City, Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study

摘要

Background: Stigma associated with mental illness is a psychosocial consequence that causes indescribable suffering for the victim. Therefore this study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with level of perceived stigma among caregivers of persons with severe mental illness in Jimma city, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a face-to-face interview from September 20 to October 20/2012 G.C. Family interview schedule was used to assess perceived stigma. A total of 289 participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software. Results: The most frequently endorsed item was having felt grief or depression because of having a mentally ill family member or relative (96.5%). The mean stigma score was 17.86.9 and the majority of the respondents (54.7%) had a high stigma score. Caregivers/Family members who were spouse to the patient (AOR=4.25, 95%CI: 1.12-16.13) and longer duration of illness (AOR=3.60, 95%CI: 1.42- 9.44) were associated with higher stigma. But a person with mental illness who had verbal/physical violent behavior towards caregivers/family members and other people at the time of the illness (AOR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.17-0.70) and among those family members who attributed the cause of mental illness as the loss of properties and unsuccessful life (AOR=0.27, 95%CI: 0.08-0.89) at p=0.032. Were associated with low stigma respectively. Conclusions: Perceived stigma was found to be a common problem among caregivers of persons with severe mental illness. Becoming spouse of the person, duration of illness, patient with violent behavior and, those caregivers who attributed the cause of mental illness as the loss of properties and unsuccessful life were significantly associated with perceived stigma.