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AWARENESS, PERCEPTION AND PERCEIVED FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF DUTSE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Mental health is an important component of overall health since it contributes to living a happy and full life. In recent years, there has been a lack of awareness of the issues involved with mental illness. The study is aimed at identifying the awareness level on the factors associated with mental illness among secondary school students. A descriptive study design was employed, and a standardized instrument based on DSMIV was used, and a total of 175 formed the sample size. The demographic
characteristics of this study showed that most respondents were between the age range of 16 to 19 year 108 (61.8%), males 116 (66%), and single 175 (100%). Also, Findings revealed that majority of the respondents are Moslems (100%) in SS2 (45.7%). The result of this study noted that, the respondents’ level of awareness towards mental illness is highly positive (84%) and sources of information Include family members and friends 45(25.8%), television programme 65(37.1%) including internet 30 (17.1%). Further findings reveal that the level of perception of students towards mental illness is positive (58, 66.5%), while perceived causes of mental illnesses among secondary students include demonic and witchcraft attacks (12%), heavy use of alcohol and drugs (25.9%), serious injury to the brain (12.6%), and childbirth (9.1%). It is concluded that the awareness level is good, and perception towards mental illness was positive. Therefore, it is recommended that sensitization programs on the factors associated with mental illness be conducted, and more hospital centers should be established to enhance the treatment modalities for mentally ill individuals.

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