Gender Perspectives in Mental Healthcare and Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

OLAWANDE, Tomike Ibironke, JEGEDE, Ayodele Samuel, Fasasi, Lukman T. and ADEBAYO, Mercy Ebunoluwa

Abstract:

Mental health is an important determinant of the emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of people. Mental health conditions contribute a substantial proportion of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in developing countries, including Nigeria. Gender is a structural determinant of mental healthcare. The female gender experiences various forms of mental illness. The change in the demography of People Living with Mental Illness (PLWMI) affects the achievement of health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Little attention has been given to the changing demographic structures of People Living with Mental Illness in the provision of mental healthcare facilities. This study therefore examined Gender perspectives in mental healthcare, and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. The research design was a cross-sectional survey of communities and four neuropsychiatric hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were triangulated. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ogun state. Nine hundred and sixty seven (967) adults aged 18 and above were randomly selected. Five In-depth Interviews were conducted among caregivers of PLWMI (those who are receiving treatment and those who have recovered) and nineteen Key Informant Interviews were conducted among orthodox practitioners (psychiatrists and social workers) and traditional healers that reside in the study area. Respondents’ mean age was 22.2 years. Females were 54.2% while males were 45.8%. The study revealed that there were significant differences in the perceptions of causes and choice of treatment options which influenced the utilization of mental health care facilities, and thus affecting the achievement of the target of SDGs on health for all by 2030. This study recommended the need for gender consideration in the distribution of mental healthcare facilities for full realization of the target of SDGs on health, including mental healthcare.