Assessment of Risk Factors and Consequences of Mental Health Problems Among Mental Health Patients Admitted in Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction Mental health problem is a syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning. Objective To assess the risk factors and consequence of mental health problems among patients admitted in Felege Hiwot Referal Hospital in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Methodology: Phenomenological research design was used to conduct this study. Using available sampling, a total of 10 participants were involved. Interview was used as a means of collecting the data. The data was analyzed by thematic and narration techniques of analysis. Result Early life experience, social crises, economic problem, biological causes like brain damage and injury, heredity, drug use, and traditional believes such as sin, curse, witchcraft, evil spirit, herbal medicine are found to be the risk factors. Low self esteem, loneliness, hopelessness, economic problem, suicidal attempt, unable to detect the need of the patients, history taking challenge, low level of patience, low drug adherence, and counter transference are found to be the consequence of mental health problem. Conclusion People with mental health problem in the long run are highly prone to suicidal attempt and commitment as a result mental health problem. Recommendations: Concerned government bodies/Health Bureau/and the people shall work on the problems proactively and minimize the consequences through intensive follow up of people with mental health problems.