The prevalence of self stigma among patients attending the outpatient clinics at Mathari Hospital

Abstract

Background: Some studies have been done on self stigma among outpatients suffering from mental illnesses in the developed countries, but not in Kenya, Aim: To establish the prevalence of self-stigma among patients attending the outpatient clinics at Mathari Hospital Study design: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study done among outpatients attending their clinics in Mathari Hospital, Nairobi. A sample of 149 outpatients was recruited and interviewed using a questionnaire that had a socio-demographic data and a Stigma Scale. Sample size: A sample of 149 outpatients was recruited and interviewed using a questionnaire that had a socio-dernographic data and a Stigma Scale. Data analysis and presentation: The data obtained was edited before being analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences version 13. Cross tabulation and Chi-square tests were done in the analysis. The data is presented using pie charts, graphs and tables and this is useful in summarizing the raw data. Measures: Demographic profile and experiences of stigma Operational Terms: Positive attitudes, discrimination, disclosure, and Self stigma Results: One hundred and forty nine outpatients were recruited for this study. Majority participants were between 18 and 30 years; (45%) were below 30 years, (28.9%) were between 31-40 years. Sixteen patients (10.7%) were between 41-50 years and (7.4%) were in the 51-60-age bracket. The remainder (8.1%) was 60 years. Of these figures (65%) were male and (34%) were female outpatients and 61% were Protestants, 37.6% Catholics and 1.3% Muslims. (87.2%) did not see any positive aspects in their condition as mental patients, (12.8%) saw positive aspects. (50.3%) did not want to disclose their condition while (49.7%) had no problem with disclosure. (76.5%) did not experience discrimination while (23.5%) experienced discrimination. On Stigma (2.7%) strongly disagreed, (34.9%) disagreed, (49.0%) neither agreed nor disagreed and (13.4%) agreed. Socio-demographic factors such as sex, age, level of education, employment status, income and living arrangement were correlated with positive aspects, disclosure and discrimination and there was no significant statistical difference. Conclusion From the findings of this study it is evident that some outpatients suffering from mental illnesses do experience self-stigma. This has not affected their help seeking behaviours because they are still able to attend the outpatient clinics as scheduled.