Choices of Treatment for the Mentally Ill in Nigeria: Nollywood Narratives and Reality

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing treatment decisions for mental health issues in Nigeria, particularly focusing on traditional approaches. It examines two prominent schools of thought, often depicted in Nollywood films like "Village Destroyer" (2016). The first emphasizes the role of family and community in choosing treatment, often prioritizing traditional healers and herbal remedies based on the perceived cause of the illness. The second believes that appeasement rituals to deities are essential for complete healing. The research aims to determine the current beliefs of urban and rural Nigerians regarding these treatment choices. It explores how perceptions of the causes of mental illness influence treatment selection and whether communities still rely on appeasement rituals. The study employs content analysis and mixed methods, including random interviews and stratified sampling, with data collected from villages in the Sapele and Ethiope West local government areas of Delta State. Verbal informed consent for participation for the study was obtained as written consent was denied by participants