Perceived stigma, common mental disorders and associated factors among primary caregivers of adult patients with mental illness attending at public hospitals, Harari regional state, Eastern Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background Giving care to someone who is experiencing mental distress is a difficult and challenging task that could be detrimental to the caregiver's overall quality of life. Numerous studies show that caregivers frequently experience mental distress and feel stigmatized. However, there is limited study done on this topic in our country. Objective To determine the magnitude and associated factors of perceived stigma and common mental disorder among primary caregivers of adults with mental illness in public hospitals at Harari regional state, Eastern Ethiopia, 2022. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted. A total of 419 participants were recruited by a systematic random sampling technique. The data was collected by using a face-to-face interview and by reviewing patients' charts. Perceived stigma and common mental disorder were assessed by Family Interview Schedule and Self-Reporting Questionnaire, respectively. Epi-data version 4.6.2 was used to enter data, and SPSS version 20 was used to analyze. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed. P -values 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result The magnitude of perceived stigma and common mental disorder were 42.5% (95% CI, 37.7–47.3) and 39.4% (95% CI, 34.8–44.0) respectively. Age of caregiver between 26 and 33 AOR = 3.13, 95% CI: (1.71–8.93), no formal education AOR = 3.85, 95% CI: (1.81–8.15), illness duration ≥7 years AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: (1.04–3.57), family history of mental illness AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: (1.09–3.39) and poor social support AOR = 4.87, 95% CI: (3.74–12.71) were significantly associated with perceived stigma. Being female AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: (1.31–3.34), having no formal education AOR = 4.04, 95% CI: (2.15–10.01), having a family history of mental illness AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: (1.29–4.00), having comorbid other illness AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: (1.15–3.94), and having poor social support AOR = 4.58, 95% CI: (2.53–8.28) were significantly associated with common mental disorder. Conclusion The magnitude of perceived stigma and common mental disorder was high among primary caregivers of patients with mental illness compared with other studies. Age of caregiver between 26 and 33, no formal education, duration of illness ≥7 years, family history of mental illness and poor social support were associated with perceived stigma and being female, no formal education, family history of mental illness, comorbid other illness and poor social support were associated with common mental disorder.