Stigmatisation and Help-Seeking Behaviour of Patients with Substance Use Disorder in a Selected Hospital in Lagos State

Abstract

The present study explored the experiences of stigmatisation of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and how the experiences deter help-seeking behaviour. A total of 186 SUD outpatients of a tertiary health Institution in Lagos were selected using a convenience sampling technique. The data for the study were collected using the Helping and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ) and the Perception of Stigmatisation by Others for Seeking Help (POSH). Participants' responses were analysed using independent t-tests and multiple regression. Results of the study showed that a significant negative relationship exists between the perception of public stigma of people with substance use disorder and help- seeking behavior. However, there were no statistically significant differences between males and females in help-seeking behaviour regarding perception of public stigma. The results also indicate that patients who are significantly high on perception of stigmatisation are less likely to present themselves for professional help, but more likely to seek help with family and friends.