Psychiatry Journal
Volume 2020 (2020), Article ID 7369542, 9 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7369542

Research Article

Internalized Stigma and Associated Factors among Patients with Major Depressive Disorder at the Outpatient Department of Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study

Yadeta Alemayehu,¹ Demeke Demilew,² Getachew Asfaw,³ Henock Asfaw,⁴ Nigus Alemnew,⁵ and Agitu Tadesse³

¹Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
²Department of Psychiatry at University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
³Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
⁴Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
⁵Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

Correspondence should be addressed to Yadeta Alemayehu; yadoalex45@gmail.com

Received 19 February 2020; Accepted 3 July 2020; Published 17 August 2020

Academic Editor: Andrzej Pilc

Copyright © 2020 Yadeta Alemayehu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Background. Internalized stigma has been found to be widespread among patients with major depressive disorder. When internalized stigma exists in patients with depression at a high level, it worsens the treatment outcome and quality of life. So the aim of the study is to assess the magnitude of internalized stigma and associated factors among outpatients with major depressive disorder at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods and Materials. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 respondents from May 6 to June 13, 2019. Internalized stigma was assessed by using the internalized stigma of mental illness scale. Data was entered to Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic analysis was done, and values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant with 95% CI. Results. The prevalence of high internalized stigma among patients with major depressive disorder was 33.5% (95% CI: 29.2, 38.3). Being single (, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.95), having an illness greater than or equal to 2 years of duration (, 95% CI: 1.66, 6.19), history of suicidal attempt (, 95% CI: 1.35, 3.99), nonadherence to treatment (, 95% CI: 1.62, 5.29), poor social support (, 95% CI: 2.09, 10.64), and poor quality of life (, 95% CI: 1.82, 5.49) were significantly associated with high internalized stigma at value < 0.05. Conclusion. The magnitude of internalized stigma was high among patients with major depressive disorder. Reduction of internalized stigma through antistigma campaigns and supports given to patients at the earliest possible time is important to improve treatment outcome and quality of life and minimize suicidal behavior in patients with major depressive disorder.

1. Introduction

Stigma is “a mark of shame, disgrace or disapproval which results in an individual being rejected, discriminated against, and excluded from participating in a number of different areas of society” [1]. Stigma comprises problems of knowledge, attitude, and behavior. Stigma can also be categorized as public stigma (or social stigma) and personal experiences of stigma, which is measured in those patients with mental illness, including perceived, experienced, and internalized stigma [2–4].

Internalized stigma which is also termed self-stigma refers to the process by which individuals with mental illness apply negative stereotypes to themselves, expect to be rejected by others, and feel alienated from society [5, 6]. Internalized stigma usually occurs through three steps; first, a person with an undesired condition is aware of public stigma about their condition, then agree that these negative public stereotypes are true about the group, and subsequently, the person concurs that these stereotypes apply to him/herself. Internalized stigma can also exist without actual stigma from the public, which is more hidden and inside, so it seems to be the worst form of stigma against people with mental illness and can directly affect the patients’ overall well-being [7].

Internalized stigma has been found to be widespread among patients with major depressive disorder. Accordingly, it is important that patients with depression are treated adequately. However, stigma appears to be a major roadblock in seeking treatment and continuing the treatment in the long run [8].

Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression according to the WHO report in 2017 [9]. Depression is the third leading contributor to the worldwide burden of diseases and predicted to become the second leading cause of the global disease burden by the year 2030 [10]. In Ethiopia, depression contributes to about 6.5% of the total burden of diseases [11].

When internalized stigma exists in patients with depression at a high level, it worsens: dysphoria, decline in self-esteem and quality of life (QoL), social avoidance or other forms of potentially maladaptive behavior, greater depression severity, delayed treatment response, nonadherence to treatment, and suicide [12, 13].

Internalized stigma is manifested by harm, decreased self-esteem, and increased depression. Patients feel shame and embarrassment about having a mental illness. These feelings limit social interactions and impair occupational functioning. When a patient labels himself/herself as a person in need of treatment, this may lead to further reduction of self-esteem, which constitutes the internalized stigma of seeking help. Thus, self-stigmatizing behavior is related more directly to experiencing mental illness and the other linked to seeking treatment [14].

Internalized stigma and discrimination is universally experienced by people with different mental disorders, and it remained a global public health concern over the years in both developing and developed countries even though reduction of stigma and discrimination has been taken as one of the core strategies of mental health global action programme (MH GAP) [15, 16].

Most studies done in western and Asian countries show that a high magnitude of internalized stigma among patients with depressive disorder ranges from 21.7 to 51.4% [17–23]. Accordingly, a study done in 13 European countries assessed the levels of internalized stigma among patients with mood disorders and they found that moderate to high levels of internalized stigma is present in 21.7% of individuals [4]. Studies done in Singapore shows that high levels of self-stigma in up to 51.4% of patients with depression [22].

Even though there are multifaceted impacts resulting from internalized stigma on patient, family, caregiver, and community worsening the treatment outcome and quality of life of patients with major depressive disorder, less concern is given to it. So this study was aimed at assessing the magnitude of internalized stigma and associated factors among patients with major depressive disorder.

2. Methods and Materials

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 6 to June 13, 2019, at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital (AMSH). AMSH is the oldest and largest specialized mental health hospital in Ethiopia, located in the capital city, Addis Ababa. It provides care for patients coming from the entire nation of the country. The sample size was calculated by using a single population proportion formula and found to be 423. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select representative samples of patients with major depressive disorder based on DSM criteria, and those who had at least one follow-up visit at the outpatient department of Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital were involved. Patients with major depressive disorder whose and on follow-up visit at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital during data collection period were included, and those who were unable to communicate were not included.

Data was collected by a face-to-face interview, correspondingly with reviewing the patient chart. Sociodemographic variables were collected by using a semistructured questionnaire.

The internalized stigma of mental illness (ISMI) scale was used for the assessment of internalized stigma. The ISMI scale is a widely used instrument consisting of 29 items, which have been grouped into five domains, subscales namely alienation, stereotype endorsement, social withdrawal, perceived discrimination, and stigma resistance. Except for stigma resistance domain, a higher score of the remaining four subscales indicates higher internalized stigma. The fifth subscale (stigma-resistance subscale) is conceptually different from the other parts of the scale and has lower internal consistency. So the 24-item 4-point Likert scale ISMI was used in the current study since it was validated and used in different studies in Ethiopia [24]. Each ISMI item contains a declarative statement about a potential stigma issue and participants respond to each statement by indicating their level of agreement: 1 = strongly disagree; 2 = disagree; 3 = agree; 4 = strongly agree [25]. In the current study, the internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) of overall ISMI is 0.92. For domains, the internal consistency for alienation domain is 0.84, the stereotype endorsement domain is 0.81, the discrimination experience domain is 0.90, and the social withdrawal domain is 0.77. Finally, a mean score of 1.00-2.50 was taken as the absence of high internalized stigma and a score of 2.51-4.00 was taken as the presence of high internalized stigma [25].

Medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale. It has 10 “yes” or “no” questions. The patients are required to answer “no” for questions from 1 up to 6 and 9 up to 10, and “yes” for question 7 and 8 to become fully adherent. The total score of 6 or more indicates adherence and less than 6 indicates nonadherence [26].

Social support was measured by the Oslo social support scale which has a score ranging from 3 to 14 that will be interpreted as [3–8] is poor social support [9–11], is moderate social support, and [12–14] is strong social support [27].

The severity of depression was assessed by using an improved clinical global impression scale which has an objective CGI question that was filled by observing clinician and subjective CGI questions that were answered by participants. The question for both has seven responses which include normal, not at all ill, borderline mentally ill, mildly ill, moderately ill, markedly ill, severely ill, and among the most extremely ill patients which were recategorized as mild, moderate, and severe [28].

Quality of life was assessed using the EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index. It is prepared by the WHO and validated in patients with depressive disorder. It has eight questions that were answered by participants, and it was taken as poor quality of life if the average score level is <24 and good quality of life if the average score is ≥24 [29].

Suicidal attempt was asked whether the participant had felt so desperate that they had attempted suicide [30]. Duration of illness was categorized as if the duration of major depressive disorder was greater than or equal to 2 years, it was taken as chronic, and if less than 2 years, it was not chronic [31]. Income was categorized using the World Bank poverty line cut point for developing countries, and those who have an average monthly income of less than 1627 ETB (1.9$/day) taking ETB were taken as low income [32].

All questionnaires were translated into Amharic (local language) and back-translated into English to check its consistency. The questionnaires were pretested. Data collectors were trained on the questionnaires, and data was collected by psychiatric nurses. Data collectors were supervised daily, and the filled questionnaires were checked daily by the supervisor and principal investigator. Data was entered, cleaned, and stored by using EPI info version 3.5.1 and then exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Frequency and percentage were used to describe the data. Crude and adjusted OR was analyzed using logistic regression, the level of significance of association was determined at value < 0.05, and the strength of the association was presented by adjusted odds ratio with 95% C.I.

2.1. Ethical Consideration

Ethical clearance was obtained from the joint ethical review committee of the University of Gondar and Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. A formal letter of permission was obtained from Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. The data collectors were clearly explained the aims of the study for study participants. The right was given to the study participants to refuse or discontinue participation at any time they want, and the chance to ask anything about the study was given. Data was collected after obtaining written consent from participants. Confidentiality was assured throughout the study period.

3. Results

A total of 415 study participants participated, giving a response rate of 98.1%.

3.1. Sociodemographic Characteristics of Respondents

The mean age of the respondents was 36 (±10.11 SD). Among participants, 220 (53%) were females and 187 (45.1%) were married (Table 1).

Table 1: Sociodemographic characteristics of respondents with major depressive disorder visiting adult outpatient department at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019 ().

Variable
Frequency ()
Percent (%)

Sex

    Male
195
47

    Female
220
53

Age

    18-24
56
13.5

    25-34
130
31.3

    35-44
121
29.2

    ≥45
108
26

Religion

    Orthodox
227
54.7

    Muslim
107
25.8

    Protestant
81
19.5

Marital status

    Married
187
45.1

    Single
136
32.8

    Divorced/widowed
92
22.2

Occupation

    Employed
115
27.7

    Merchant
78
18.8

    Farming
57
13.7

    Jobless
112
27

    Others
53
12.8

Education status

    No formal education
70
16.9

    Elementary
111
26.7

    High school
111
26.7

    College and above
123
29.6

Residency

    Urban
314
75.7

    Rural
101
24.3

Average monthly income

    <1627 ETB (<57$)
278
67

    ≥1627 ETB (≥57$)
137
33

Others: students, housewives, and daily laborers.

3.2. Clinical and Psychosocial Factors of the Respondents

The majority of respondents 292 (70.4%) had a duration of illness greater than or equal to 2 years. More than one-third of respondents 150 (36.1) have a history of admission for the illness, and 143 (34.5%) respondents have a lifetime history of suicidal attempt. About one-fourth of respondents 108 (26%) were nonadherent to their treatment. Most of the respondents had moderate social support 180 (43.4%), and almost half of the respondents 206 (49.6%) had poor quality of life (Table 2).

Table 2: Description of clinical and psychosocial factors of the respondents with major depressive disorder visiting adult outpatient department at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019 ().

Variables
Frequency
Percent (%)

Duration of illness

    <2 years
123
29.6

    ≥2 years
292
70.4

History of admission

    Yes
150
36.1

    No
265
63.9

Comorbid physical illness

    Yes
105
25.3

    No
310
74.7

Lifetime suicidal attempt

    Yes
143
34.5

    No
272
65.5

Adherence to treatment

    Nonadherent
108
26

    Adherent
307
74

Subjective severity of depression

    Mild
119
28.7

    Moderate
246
59.3

    Severe
50
12

Objective severity of depression

    Mild
146
35.2

    Moderate
229
55.2

    Severe
40
9.6

Social support

    Poor
166
40

    Moderate
180
43.4

    Strong
69
16.6

Quality of life

    Poor
206
49.6

    Good
209
50.4

3.3. Magnitude of Internalized Stigma

About 139 (33.5%) of respondents had high internalized stigma with (95% CI: 29.2, 38.3) having a raw and tabulated mean score of SD and SD, respectively (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Magnitude of high internalized stigma among patients with major depressive disorder visiting adult outpatient department at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019 ().

In domains, 156 (37.6%), 128 (30.8%), 152 (36.6%), and 146 (35.2%) respondents had a high internalized stigma score in alienation domain, stereotype endorsement domain, discrimination experience domain, and social withdrawal domain, respectively (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Magnitude of high internalized stigma with respect to domains among patients with major depressive disorder visiting adult outpatient department at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019 ().

3.4. Factors Associated with High Internalized Stigma

In bivariable binary logistic regression variables, being female, single, widowed/divorced, jobless, lower income, duration of illness greater than or equal to 2 years, presence of comorbid physical illness, history of suicidal attempt, nonadherence to treatment, subjective severity of illness, objective severity of illness, poor social support, and poor quality of life were variables found to have a value less than 0.2. These variables fulfilled minimum requirements for further multivariable binary logistic regression.

In multivariable binary logistic regression variables, being single, duration of illness greater than or equal to 2 years, history of suicidal attempt, nonadherence to treatment, poor social support, and poor quality of life were variables found to be a statistically significant association with high internalized stigma at a value less than 0.05.

The odds of having high internalized stigma among respondents who were single were 2.54 times as compared to those who were married (, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.95).

The odds of having high internalized stigma among respondents who have a duration of illness greater than or equal to 2 years were 3.21 times higher as compared to those with a duration of illness less than 2 years (, 95% CI: 1.66, 6.19).

In this study, the odds of having high internalized stigma among respondents who have a lifetime history of suicidal attempt were 2.33 times higher than those without a history of suicidal ideation (, 95% CI: 1.35, 3.99).

The odds of having high internalized stigma among respondents who are not adherent to treatment were 2.93 times higher than those who are adherent to their treatment (, 95% CI: 1.62, 5.29).

The odds of having high internalized stigma among respondents who have poor social support were 4.72 times higher as compared to those who have strong social support (, 95% CI: 2.09, 10.64).

The odds of having high internalized stigma among respondents who have a poor quality of life were 3.16 times higher as compared to those who have a good quality of life (, 95% CI: 1.82, 5.49) (Table 3).

Table 3: Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showing an association between high internalized stigma and associated factors among patients with major depressive disorder visiting adult outpatient department at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019 ().

Explanatory variables
High internalized stigma
COR (95% CI)
AOR (95% CI)
value

Yes
No

Sex

    Female
91
129
2.16 (1.42, 3.29)
1.70 (0.96, 3.01)

    Male
48
147
1
1

Marital status

    Married
40
147
1
1

    Single
61
75
2.99 (1.84, 4.86)
2.54 (1.30, 4.95)
0.006

    Divorced/widowed
38
54
2.59 (1.50, 4.45)
1.57 (0.79, 3.10)

Occupational status

    Employed
35
80
1
1

    Merchant
24
54
1.016 (0.54, 1.89)
1.07 (0.47, 2.45)

    Farmer
14
43
0.74 (0.36, 1.53)
1.08 (0.42, 2.80)

    Jobless
53
59
2.05 (1.19, 3.54)
1.11 (0.47, 2.59)

    Others
13
40
0.743 (0.35, 1.56)
0.70 (0.25, 1.98)

Income

    <1627 ETB (<57$)
108
170
2.17 (1.36, 3.47)
1.06 (0.51, 2.20)

    ≥1627 ETB (≥57$)
31
106
1
1

Duration of illness

    <2 years
21
102
1
1

    ≥2 years
118
174
3.29 (1.95, 5.57)
3.21 (1.66, 6.19)
0.001

Comorbid physical illness

    Yes
43
62
1.55 (1.01, 2.42)
1.18 (0.65, 2.14)

    No
96
214
1
1

Suicidal attempt

    Yes
73
70
3.26 (2.12, 5)
2.33 (1.35, 3.99)
0.002

    No
66
206
1
1

Adherence to treatment

    Nonadherent
65
43
4.76 (2.98, 7.58)
2.93 (1.62, 5.29)
<0.001

    Adherent
74
233
1
1

Objective severity

    Mild
40
106
1
1

    Moderate
78
151
1.37 (0.86, 2.16)
1.20 (0.68, 2.14)

    Severe
21
19
2.93 (1.42, 6.01)
2.54 (0.95, 6.77)

Social support

    Poor
91
75
5.23 (2.66, 10.28)
4.72 (2.09, 10.64)
<0.001

    Moderate
35
145
1.04 (0.51, 2.11)
1.00 (0.43, 2.36)

    Strong
13
56
1
1

Quality of life

    Poor
96
110
3.37 (2.19, 5.19)
3.16 (1.82, 5.49)
<0.001

    Good
43
166
1
1

Others: students, housewives, and daily laborers; ; ; Hosmer and Lemeshow .

4. Discussion

The current study showed that the magnitude of high internalized stigma was 33.5% with 95% CI: 29.2, 38.3. The magnitude of this study was in line with the finding of different studies in India 34.1% [33] and USA 36.1% [34].

The magnitude was lower than studies done in India 41.1% [17] and Singapore 51.4% [22]. The possible reason for this discrepancy might be the difference in sample size and duration of treatment included; there are about 107 participants in the study in India [17] and 74 participants in the study in Singapore [22]. In the study done in Singapore, the data was collected from patients who have been on treatment for more than 1 year only so that the duration of being on illness might have an impact of increasing the magnitude of internalized stigma [22]. The difference in sociodemographic setting might be another reason for this variation.

However, the finding of the current study was higher than studies done in Nigeria 25.3% [35], Taiwan 25% [21], Israel 20% [23], and 13 European countries 21.7% [19]. The reason for the discrepancy might be due to differences in sample size, study design, data collection method, and tools. In the study done in Nigeria, the sample size () [35] is different from the current study (). The study done in Taiwan used a self-stigma assessment tool which has only eight items, unlike ISMI which has twenty-four items. The other reason might be the study setting which is a general hospital in the study done in Taiwan [21]. The studies done in Israel was among old ages only [23]; since different study shows young age was among the factors associated with internalized stigma [17, 23], this might decrease the result. In addition, the mean age of participants in the current study is lower than most of the studies, indicating young age might influence the high magnitude of internalized stigma even though not significantly associated with the current study. In the study done in 13 European countries, mail survey and telephone interview were used [19], unlike the current study which is a face-to-face interview. The sociodemographic characteristics like income status and cultural difference might be another reason for the variation.

In this study, those who are single were 2.54 times more likely to have a high internalized stigma as compared to those who were married. This is supported by the study conducted in the USA [36]. The possible reason might be the sociocultural influence that separates them once their behavior was changed. The other reason might be those who are not married lack support which might be evidenced by poor social support which is significantly associated with the current study.

Having chronic major depressive disorder of ≥2-year duration was 3.21 times more likely to have a high internalized stigma than those who have less than 2 years of duration of illness. This is supported by different studies conducted in India [17] and Poland [20]. The possible reason for this association might be long-lasting poor social and occupational functioning resulting from the illness. Longer duration of illness might be associated with less controllability of depression weakening the hope for recovery from the illness and increasing idealization of the stigma [33].

Those who have a lifetime history of suicidal attempt were 2.33 times more likely to have high internalized stigma than those who do not have a suicidal attempt. This is supported by the study done in the Czech Republic [12]. The possible reason for the association might be unacceptability of suicidal attempt by sociocultural and religious ideologies. The other possible reason might be a higher presence of suicidal attempt among females than males [37] and a higher presence of internalized stigma among females than males [22]. Internalized stigma in these patients may also reversely increase the risk of suicidal attempt [13].

Those who were not adherent to their medication was 2.93 times more likely to have a high internalized stigma than those who were adherent to their treatment. This is supported by studies in the Czech Republic [27] and the UK [38]. The possible reason for the association might be those who were nonadherent to the treatment have poor controllability and recovery from the illness worsening their level of internalized stigma. The other possible reason might be the stigma that reversely decreases their follow-up visit limiting their relationship with others resulting in repetitive quitting of seeking the treatment.

Respondents having poor social support were 4.72 times more likely to have a high internalized stigma when compared with those who have strong social support. This association is supported by studies done in Nigeria [35], Singapore [22], Czech Republic [27], and the UK [38]. The possible reason for the association might be the introverting or internalizing of the social environment in which they might perceive the lack of a person who supports and helps them as isolation and stereotype due to their illness or against their illness. The other possible reason could also be explained by the fact that good social support increases an individual’s sense of belongingness and integration into a group; it conversely decreases the feelings of alienation, discrimination, and social withdrawal which are critical parameters of internalized stigma.

Those with a poor quality of life were 3.16 times more likely to have a high internalized stigma than those who have a good quality of life. This finding is consistent with studies in Singapore [22], Czech Republic [39], and the UK [38]. The possible reason for this might be those with poor QoL tends to have poor socioeconomic life of weak social cohesion that might decrease an individual’s sense of belongingness and integration into a group, resulting in an increment in the feelings of alienation, discrimination, and social withdrawal which are critical parameters of internalized stigma. The other possible reason for the association might be the internalized stigma that reversely separates them from the society and weakens the socioeconomic life of patients resulting in a poor quality of life.

The limitation of this study is that it cannot show a temporal causal relationship between internalized stigma and significant associated factors since a cross-sectional study design was utilized in this study.

5. Conclusion

The current study shows the magnitude of internalized stigma was high among patients with major depressive disorder. Those who have a high level of internalized stigma were shown significant association with poor social support, long duration of the illness, poor quality of life, nonadherence to treatment, history of suicidal attempt, and being single. Reduction of internalized stigma through antistigma campaigns and supports given to patients at the earliest possible time is important to improve treatment outcome and quality of life and minimize suicidal behavior in patients with major depressive disorder.

Abbreviations

AMSH: | Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital
AOR: | Adjusted odds ratio
CGI: | Clinical global impression scale
CI: | Confidence interval
COR: | Crude odds ratio
ETB: | Ethiopian birr
EUROHIS QOL: | European Health Interview Survey Quality of Life
IQR: | Interquartile range
ISMI: | Internalized stigma of mental illness
MARS: | Medication adherence rating scale
MSc: | Masters of science
OPD: | Outpatient department
OR: | Odds ratio
OSS: | Oslo social support scale
QoL: | Quality of life
SD: | Standard deviation
SPSS: | Statistical Package Software for Social Sciences
UK: | United Kingdom
USA: | United States of America
WHO: | World Health Organization.

Data Availability

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Ethical Approval

Ethical clearance was obtained from the joint ethical review committee of the University of Gondar and Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. The data collectors clearly explained the aims of the study for study participants. The right was given to the study participants to refuse or discontinue participation at any time they want, and the chance to ask anything about the study was given. Data was collected after obtaining written consent from participants. Confidentiality was assured throughout the study period.

Consent

Written consent was obtained from participants.

Disclosure

Since this study was done for educational purposes, the funder has no role in the publication and use of this study.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ Contributions

YA participated in the development of the proposal, collection of data, analysis, interpretation, writing of the manuscript, and supervision of the group. DD participated in the development of the proposal, analysis, writing of the manuscript, and supervision of the data collection process. GA participated in the development of the proposal, analysis, interpretation of the manuscript, and supervision of the data collection process. HA participated in the development of the proposal, data collection process, analysis, and reviewing of the manuscript. NA participated in the development of the proposal, analysis, and reviewing and writing of the manuscript. AT also participated in the development of the proposal, analysis, and reviewing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Acknowledgments

I would like to give my deepest thankfulness to the participants and staffs of Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital for their cooperation and support through the data collection process. The study was done for graduation in the MSc degree of integrated clinical and community mental health, and the total cost for the study was covered by the University of Gondar.

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