CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 Background of the Study
Mental health is an integral and indispensable facet of overall well-being, and it can be defined in various ways. This definition often hinges on the extent to which basic health needs are met, encompassing essentials like food, shelter, protection, social support, and freedom from various stressors and exploitation (Bhugra et al., 2018).
One definition perceives health as the absence of disease, while another interprets it as the state in which the organism can fully perform its functions. Yet, there's also the notion of health as a state of equilibrium within oneself and with the physical and social environment. The choice among these definitions depends on the extent to which fundamental health needs are fulfilled. These needs encompass not only physical necessities but also psychological and social elements.
However, in recent years, the prominence of mental health concerns has surged within the global healthcare landscape. These concerns defy geographical boundaries, impacting individuals across diverse demographics, including age, gender, and socio-economic status. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded a clarion call regarding the escalating gravity of mental health issues on a global scale. This upsurge is attributed primarily to demographic shifts, resulting in a 13% rise in mental health conditions and substance use disorders over the past decade (up to 2017). Shockingly, mental health conditions now account for 1 in 5 years lived with disability. Furthermore, approximately 20% of the world's children and adolescents grapple with mental health conditions, with suicide ranking as the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
Turning our focus to Nigeria, the burden of mental health disorders is particularly weighty. An estimated 25-30% of Nigerians suffer from some form of mental illness, yet access to professional assistance remains limited, with less than 10% of this population receiving adequate care. The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) has conveyed that over 60 million Nigerians are contending with mental health challenges (Premiumtimes, 2023). Unfortunately, mental health receives a mere fraction, approximately three percent, of the government's health budget, according to the World Health Organization (Ajumobi, 2020; Mbamalu, 2021).
Mental illness, like many diseases, exhibits a broad spectrum of severity. Individuals affected may not necessarily appear unwell, particularly if their condition is mild. In contrast, some individuals may manifest overt symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or withdrawal. This heterogeneity extends to the multitude of mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, each of which uniquely influences a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (National Institutes of Health (US) and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study, 2007).
These conditions, whether mild or severe, profoundly affect various facets of life, including academic or occupational performance, relationships with family and friends, and participation in the community. Individuals suffering from mental health conditions not only experience profound personal suffering but also bear a significant societal burden. Stigmatization and discrimination against those with mental health issues are still pervasive, often discouraging individuals from seeking timely help and support. Without appropriate care and intervention, these conditions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individuals themselves but also their families and communities. Notably, two of the most prevalent mental health conditions, depression and anxiety, exert a staggering economic toll of US$ 1 trillion annually on the global economy (National Institutes of Health (US) and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study, 2007).
Mental health problems are highly widespread globally, leading to significant distress, reduced quality of life, higher mortality rates, and substantial economic and societal burdens. Therefore, they must no longer be overlooked. Hence, this study assumes pivotal significance. Its core purpose is to illuminate the strategies employed in caring for individuals grappling with mental health issues at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Worldwide, the majority of individuals requiring mental health care do not have access to top-notch mental health services. The current gap in mental health treatment is primarily due to factors such as stigma, shortages of qualified personnel, fragmented service delivery systems, and insufficient research capacity for implementing policy changes.
In light of these multifarious issues, it is imperative to investigate and propose strategies that can comprehensively address the critical gap in mental health care accessibility and quality not only on a global scale but also within the specific context of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to investigate effective strategies for caring for individuals with mental health issues within the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study include:
1 To assess the current status of mental health care services at UUTH.
2 To investigate strategies for improving mental health care within the institution.
3 To evaluate the potential impact of these strategies on the well-being of individuals with mental health issues.
1.5 Research Questions
To guide this study, the following research questions are posed:
1 What is the current state of mental health care services at UUTH?
2 What strategies have been implemented to enhance mental health care within UUTH?
3 What is the potential impact of these strategies on the well-being of individuals with mental health issues?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
H0: The strategies for caring for people with mental health issues in UUTH has no significant impact on their well-being.
Ha: The strategies for caring for people with mental health issues in UUTH has a significant impact on their well-being.
1.7 Justification of the Study
This study contributes to the field of mental health research by investigating and proposing strategies for improving mental health care within a specific institutional context, UUTH. Researchers in the field of mental health can benefit from the insights and recommendations generated in this study, which can inform future research endeavors and policy development.
This study can provide evidence-based recommendations that inform government decisions regarding mental health care funding, infrastructure development, and policy formulation. By addressing the mental health care gap within UUTH, the government can take concrete steps toward improving mental health services at a national level.
The field of mental health care is continuously evolving, and this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a case study of strategies for caring for individuals with mental health issues within a specific healthcare institution. It adds to the collective understanding of effective approaches to addressing the mental health care crisis.
1.8 Scope of the Study
This study will focus on mental health care strategies within the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). The study will be conducted within the context of UUTH and will not extend to the broader mental health care system in Nigeria. The research will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather data and draw conclusions.
