HEALTH EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT: A PANACEA FOR STIGMATIZATION OF THE MENTALLY CHALLENGED IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

Abstract

            This study explores health education and social support as panacea for mental health de-stigmatization among young adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 300 randomly selected adolescents using structured questionnaires. The Mental Health Inventory (MHI) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were employed to measure mental health status and perceived social support, respectively. The result revealed that demographic variables have joint influence on mental health de-stigmatization among young adults [F (5,594) = 7.758, p<.05]. Gender (β = -.11, t= -2.83; p<.05) and religion (β = -.18, t= -3.50; p<.05) had significant independent influence on mental health de-stigmatization among young adults. The results showed that Social support (β = .34; t = 5.59; P < .05) significantly, independently influence mental health de-stigmatization among young adults. The results also showed that Health education (β = .42; t = 6.94; P < .05) significantly, independently influence mental health de-stigmatization among young adults. Social support and health education significantly jointly predicted mental health de-stigmatization [F (199) = 36.92; p <.05] among young adults in Ibadan North Local Government Area. Recommendations include the implementation of peer support programs, family counseling services, and socio-economic interventions to alleviate financial burdens on families. These strategies are essential for fostering environments conducive to positive mental health among adolescents in Nigerian universities. Further research is suggested to explore longitudinal impacts and the effectiveness of targeted interventions in diverse settings.

Keywords: Health Education, Social Support. Mental Health De-Stigmatization, Young Adults