Perception of mental Illness, social support and mental health service seeking behavior among patients in Butabika Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Few studies examined mental health perception and social support, in relation to mental health service seeking behavior in Uganda. This study aimed at examining the association between perception of mental illness, and social support, and mental health seeking behavior among people with mental illness. Method: 298 participants drawn from patients, mental health professionals and caregivers completed questionnaires assessing perception of mental illness, social support and mental health seeking behavior. Results: significant positive associations were obtained between the perception of mental illness and mental health seeking behavior; social support and mental heal seeking behavior; and for the combined influence of perception of mental illness and social support on mental health seeking behavior. Conclusion/recommendation: there is need to increase the perception of mental illness and social support among the population in Uganda so as to improve mental health seeking behavior among mentally ill persons for better management of their conditions.