- Author(s): Sumaina Yesufu and Nwankwo, Chidimma V.
- Volume 11, No 2, 2023
The study examined the socio-cultural factors as determinants influencing youth mental health outcomes in Benin on account of high cost of modern medical practice and non-availability of complete cure from psychiatric hospitals in the community. The study adopted descriptive research design. The study’s population comprised of residents of Benin from ages 18 and above. Benin city and the youth were targeted because the rate of youth in Benin who were involved in substance use/abuse were on alarming rate which resulted into several psychological conditions. The sample size is 400 participants. The simple random sample technique was used to select the participants. The data obtained was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), descriptive statistics like percentages and frequency while Chi-square was used for research questions. The result revealed that close to half of the respondents (46.5%) believed that negative perception about mental illness affect the mental outcome. The result also indicates that larger percentage (38.8%) believed that social stigma is associated with mental illness and that health seeking behaviour was through herbal remedies.The result indicate that substantial percentage provided accommodation services for mentally ill patients which invariably help their mental health outcome. Monetary assistance from their family members also improve their mental health outcome. The study concludes that a comprehensive understanding of the state of youth mental health outcome is required. The study documents the stressors which underscore the complex interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors that impact mental health outcomes among youth in Benin.