A Study on the Risk Factors Associated With Mental Illness in TA Symon- Neno, Malawi

Foster Manyalo, Dr Marirajan Thirupapthi

Abstract- Objective- The main objective of the research study was to identify and analyze the risk factors contributing to the prevalence of mental illness in Traditional authority (TA) Symon, Neno district, Malawi. Method- The study used a quantitative descriptive survey to analyze risk factors contributing to prevalence of mental illness in Traditional authority Symon. The population of study was people living with mental illness. The research adopted probability sampling methods, using systematic and random sampling techniques. The sample size of 90 people was screened for the risk factors out of 222 total population. Results- Majority of participants were people in the age ranges of 18 to 24 years which registered 25 (27.8%) and age range of 25 to 34 also registered 25 (27.8%), respectively. Females registered to have a high number (n=58, 64.4%) of mental illness in comparison to males (n=32, 35.6%), 69 people (77.9%) denied history of abusing substances, 48 people (53.33%) had no formal employment, 51 people (56.7%) reported history of severe medical illness, 62 people (68.9%) had a positive history of close relatives with mental illness and 9 people (10%) had difficulties in accessing the nearest health facility. The study showed that the majority of the participants lived with depression at 36.6% (n=33) which was followed by psychosis at 20% (n=18). Lastly, findings revealed that there was a significant association (p<0.05) between gender, marital status, employment status and prevalence of mental illness in the TA Symon. Conclusion- This study identified and analyzed common risk factors which contribute to prevalence of mental disorders in traditional authority Symon-Neno, Malawi. This gives room for Multi-faceted approaches for example comprehensive assessments, socioeconomic considerations, program evaluation, trauma informed care, cross cultural studies, policy development and integration into general health care, and awareness promotions.