Caregivers’ Knowledge of Etiology of Mental Illness in a Tertiary Health Institution in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Erroneous beliefs about causation and lack of adequate knowledge have been found to sustain deep seated negative attitudes about mental illness. Conversely, better knowledge results in improved attitudes towards people with mental illness and a belief that mental illnesses are treatable can encourage early treatment seeking and promote better outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of the etiology of mental illness among the caregivers and to determine their knowledge onthe treatment possibilities.