The influence of poverty and eductation in the choice of treatment places for the mentally ill in Nigeria through the lense of nollywood: momments of madness as paradym

This paper investigates the factors influencing the decisions of patient relatives in Nigeria when choosing treatment facilities for individuals with mental illness. In Africa, perceptions of the causes of diseases, including mental illness, are often attributed to supernatural forces, impacting treatment choices. While hospitals, alternative medical practitioners, and religious houses serve as treatment centers, alternative and religious options often see higher patronage. This study, using the Nollywood film "Moment of Madness" (2017) as a case study, explores the reasons behind these choices. The research highlights the roles of poverty and education in these decisions. The findings indicate that while education level does not significantly influence the choice of treatment facility, poverty and religious beliefs do play a substantial role. The paper concludes by recommending that the Nigerian government improve living standards, increase the availability of mental health facilities and psychiatrists, and subsidize mental health treatment to encourage greater use of orthodox treatment centers.