Vol. 14(4), pp. 231- -241 August, 2026. 

ISSN: 2360-7858

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijalis2026540

 

Full Length Research

 

Abstract

Mental illnesses are clinically significant disturbances that affect how individuals think, feel, and behave, often interfering with personal, social, educational or occupational functioning. It is a broad range of mental health conditions characterized by significant disturbances in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, mood, or behavior which cause distress and impair daily functioning. As a result of these, mental illnesses are often accompanied by widespread of discrimination and stigmatization. However, it is believed with health institutions and government interventions, this negative narrative may be corrected. Thus, this study was undertaken to assess the level of stigmatization faced by people living with mental illness in some mental health centres, Ogun State. Methodology: This study was conducted at Community Psychiatric Centres at Ilaro, Ota, Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta. The population of the study was 1173 mentally-ill patients. Instruments of data collection a structured, adapted questionnaire and International Stigma of Mental Illness Scale. Primary data were utilized. The study sample size was 313 which was determined through Cochran’s formula. Female constituted majority 186(54.9%) of the respondents, while males represented 127(40.6%). Stratified random sampling and convenient sampling technique were utilized in selecting participants for the study. Three hundred and eighteen copies of questionnaire were distributed, and all were returned, making 100% return rate, but 5 were found unsuitable for use. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Service Solution (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequency count, mean, standard deviations, and percentages was utilized for demographic data, while the hypotheses were analysed using inferential statistics such as Chi-Square. Statistical significance was considered at P-value ≤ 0.05 Results:The result revealed that majority of the respondents (78.9%) had high knowledge on mental illness. Internalized (self-stigma) as 93.6% of the respondents have experienced high level of stigmatization. Hypotheses suggested there was significant association between gender and the level of stigmatization experienced by patients with mental illness. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was high level of stigmatization faced by people living with mental illness attending the four Community Mental Health Centres in Ogun State, Nigeria. It was recommended among others that government should launch targeted campaign to educate the public about mental health conditions. Mental health institutions should collaborate with media outlets to promote accurate and positive presentations of mental health issues to reduce negative stereotypes and misconceptions, provide safe spaces for individuals with mental health conditions and fostering community acceptance.

 

Keywords: Mental-illness, stigmatization, patients, health centres, healthcare professionals.

 

	Cite This Article As: Omirin, TC., Sunday Mauton, Amosu E.U., Ayilegbe, BK, Onofa, LE., Olajide, AO., Abayomi. ES., Omokanye, SA., Adetunji Ademuyiwa, A., Karunwi, AAA. (2026). Assessment of the Impact of Stigmatization on People Living With Mental Illness at Community Psychiatric Centres, Ogun State, Nigeria. Inter. J. Acad. Lib. Info. Sci. 14(4): 231-241