Exploration of the lived experience of young adults diagnosed with a mental illness and being treated at a Nigerian psychiatric hospital, regarding their mental health problems

Nwedu, AB

Abstract

Background: Globally mental illness is recognised as a public health issue with over 450 million people affected. Of that number 21% are young adults, with the majority living in low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. In western society the service user movement has been active in developing policies and guidelines governing mental health care delivery, recognising the centrality of a person’s expertise in his/her own life trajectory. However, little research has been carried out into young adults’ lived experiences of their mental illness and wellbeing in Africa, and no such studies have been carried out in Nigeria.

Aim: This study aimed to explore Nigerian young adults’ lived experience of their mental health problems and to ascertain how this affects their mental wellbeing.

Design: A phenomenological approach was used for this study. A convenient purposive sample of 16 young adults with a diagnosed mental illness was selected from a Nigerian neuropsychiatric hospital. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and thematic analysis was undertaken.

Findings: Five major themes emerged from this study. These include: being mentally ill; violence and vulnerability; hopelessness; fear of the unknown; and spirituality, religion and faith.

Conclusion: The young adults emphasised that treating them in their own homes, having knowledge of their problems, being loved and accepted by the society, and being supported in returning to their careers would enhance their mental wellbeing and prevent subsequent crisis. Spirituality and religious faith provided hope and emotional support, and this needs to be incorporated into everyday practice if their mental health needs are to be holistically addressed. Future research needs to identify the willingness of health professionals and religious leaders to work together for the wellbeing of young adults with mental illness.

Citation

Nwedu, A. (in press). Exploration of the lived experience of young adults diagnosed with a mental illness and being treated at a Nigerian psychiatric hospital, regarding their mental health problems. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Acceptance Date: Nov 7, 2019
• Deposit Date: Dec 18, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 18, 2019
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2019