AN EVALUATION OF INADEQUACIES IN MENTAL HEALTH CENTRES IN ANAMBRA STATE: THE CASE OF NEGLIGENCE OF DEPRESSION AS A MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE NEED FOR A DEPRESSION TREATMENT CENTRE IN AWKA.

Abstract:
This study aims to assess the inadequacies in mental health centers in Anambra State, Nigeria, with a particular focus on the negligence of depression as a mental illness and the urgent need for a specialized depression treatment center in Awka. Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder associated with significant social, economic, and personal burdens. However, despite its high prevalence, depression often remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in many regions, including Anambra State.

This research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The quantitative component will involve surveying mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and patients to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to depression diagnosis and treatment. The qualitative component will include in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including mental health professionals, policymakers, and community members, to explore the perceived barriers, challenges, and existing gaps in mental health services.

The findings of this study will shed light on the inadequate recognition and management of depression in Anambra State's mental health centers. It will identify the prevailing gaps in depression diagnosis, treatment, and support services, with a specific focus on the case of Awka. Furthermore, the study will emphasize the urgent need for a dedicated depression treatment center in Awka to address the unmet mental health needs of the population.

The results will provide evidence-based recommendations for improving mental health services in Anambra State, emphasizing the importance of awareness campaigns, education and training programs for healthcare professionals, and the establishment of a specialized depression treatment center. The proposed depression treatment center would offer comprehensive and multidisciplinary care, including diagnostic assessments, evidence-based treatments, counseling services, and community support programs.

Ultimately, this research aims to raise awareness about the inadequacies in mental health centers regarding the recognition and treatment of depression in Anambra State. By highlighting the need for a depression treatment center in Awka, this study seeks to contribute to the improvement of mental health services and the overall well-being of individuals affected by depression in the region.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page                                                                                  i

Declaration                                                                                ii

Approval Page                                                                           iii

Dedication                                                                                  iv

Abstract                                                                                     vi

Table of Contents                                                                      vii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1    Introduction                                                 1

1.2  Background of the study       3

1.3    Statement of the General Problem                                  4

1.4    Objective of the study                                                       5

1.5    Significance of the study                                                  5

1.6    Statement of hypothesis                                                   6

1.7    Scope of the study                                                             6

1.8    Limitation of the study                                                     7

1.9    Definition of terms                                                            7

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0    Introduction                                                                      9

2.1    Review of related literature                                             9

2.2    Theoretical framework

2.3    Summary of review                                                           33

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1    Introduction                                                                      35

3.2    Research design                                                                35

3.3    Area of study                                                                    35

3.4    Population of the study                                                    36

3.5    Sample size                                                                       36

3.6    Instrument for data collection                                          36

3.7    Reliability of the instrument                                            37

3.8    Validity of the Instrument                                               38

3.9    Method of data Collection                                                 38

3.10  Method of Data Analysis                                                  39

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1    Introduction                                                                      41

4.2    Characteristics of the respondents                                   41

4.3    Presentation of Data Analysis                                         43

4.4    Discussion of Findings                                                     48

4.5    Summary of findings                                                        49

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1    Summary                                                                          51

5.2    Conclusion                                                                        52

5.3    Recommendation                                                              53

Biography                                                                         54

Appendix                                                                           56