Caregivers’ Knowledge, Attitude and Help Seeking Behavior Towards Mental Illness, At St. Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2026-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Caregivers play a vital role in the care and recovery of individuals with mental illness, making their knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviors important factors influencing treatment outcomes. This study explored caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviors toward mental illness using a qualitative descriptive design. Participants were purposively selected based on caregiving experience and willingness to participate in Amharic-language interviews. A total of thirteen caregivers of patients admitted to St. Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital participated in the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-step approach with the support of Open Code version 4.03. Three themes emerged from the analysis: caregivers’ conceptualization of mental illness, caregivers’ perceptions of people with mental illness and their future prospects, and caregivers’ help-seeking experiences and treatment decision-making. Across these themes, nine subthemes were identified. Findings indicated that caregivers generally demonstrated an understanding of mental illness and its perceived causes; however, gaps were evident in recognizing less visible symptoms, identifying specific diagnoses, and understanding medication side effects. Regarding attitude towards MI, the finding indicates promising positive attitude towards possibility of recovery and capability of PWMI. Whereas negative attitude is seen about their perception towards People with Mental illness, perceiving Mental illness as illegitimate illness and detectability of mental illness through physical attribute Help-seeking experiences were initially shaped by traditional and faith-based practices, while subsequent experiences with modern mental health services contributed to a growing preference for biomedical treatment pathways.The study concludes that, despite a general understanding of mental illness, important knowledge gaps and stigmatizing beliefs remain among present among caregiver’s participant. As a recommendation, the findings highlight the need for caregiver-focused psychoeducation, community mental health awareness initiatives, and collaboration with religious leaders to promote early recognition of mental illness and timely access to appropriate mental health care.
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Caregivers’ Knowledge, Attitude