The Community Perception About Mentally Ill Patients In Ishaka –Bushenyi Municipality

ABSTRACT

The study objective was to establish / find out the community perception on mental ill

patients in Ishaka Town. The study area was Ishaka Town Council which is found in

Bushenyi District Western Uganda. Data was collected by Cross- sectional method where

by the questionnaires were availed to the respondents to fill. The participants were residents

of Ishaka Town Council, with different marital status, religion, level of education but all were

residents of Ishaka Town Council. 100 respondents were chosen from all residents visited.

The sample size will be calculated by the use of M. fishers formula where the sample size

was already calculated basing on the study population as indicated on the table which

already exist.

The data was analyzed and presented in form of tables, Bar Graphs and Pie charts. The

data will be analyzed by use of scientific calculator.

Majority of respondents more than 70 percent have knowledge on what is mental illness the

cause of mental illness and its complications as a result of drug abuse diseases like

cerebral malaria and peer influence among others. Because they said that in current life the

situations and conditions have made people especially youths to be exposed to mental

illness.

They mention some of the predisposing risk factors to mental illness as; Poor living

standards, Poverty no money, Lack of employment, Lack of regular medical check ups, No

health education on drug abuse. Government should encourage health education on causes

and prevention and control mental health and its complications during gatherings and

assembles through health workers and community leaders. People should be medically

checked regularly in mental clinics.

People should use recommended drugs. People should be treated of other conditions like cerebral malaria etc. Eradicate poverty by the government o create jobs for youth.