This study investigates the influence of sociocultural factors on mental health rehabilitation outcomes in Ibadan, Nigeria, focusing on the roles of negative cultural beliefs, family support, and social stigma. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 41 medical professionals including doctors, nurses, psychologists, medical social workers, and occupational therapists at the State Hospital, Adeoyo. Regression analyses were employed to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that negative sociocultural beliefs, such as supernatural attributions of mental illness, did not significantly predict rehabilitation outcomes (R² = .040, p = .192). Conversely, family support showed a statistically significant positive influence on recovery outcomes (R² = .080, p = .045), highlighting the critical role of familial involvement in mental health recovery. Social stigma, though prevalent, was not found to significantly predict delayed or discontinued rehabilitation participation (R² = .032, p = .287). These results suggest that while traditional beliefs and stigma remain part of the sociocultural landscape, they may be moderated by factors such as education, exposure to modern care, and institutional support. The study recommends incorporating family-based interventions into mental health rehabilitation programs and calls for further research into additional mediating variables. A culturally grounded, family-centred approach is essential for improving rehabilitation outcomes in Nigeria.
Ejekaru et al. (Thu,) studied this question.