The magnitude of common mental illness and associated factors among adult holy water users in Amhara regional state Orthodox Tewahido churches, Ethiopia, 2021

Abstract

Background Because they are prevalent, persistent, and have substantial negative effects on physical health, psychological well-being, and economic implications, common mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and somatic complaints are major public health problems. Patients with mental illness are devoted to religious therapy including holy water as a coping mechanism for their illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate the magnitude and associated factors of common mental illness among adult holy water users. Methods Facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Amhara regional state orthodox Tewahido churches. A simple random sampling techinque was used to select participants. Data were collected by using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for mental illnesses symptoms and a structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Variables with a p-value of 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Result Three hundred eighty-two participants were involved in the study. The magnitude of Common mental illnesses among holy water users was 58.9%. Unemployed, using more than one substance, having Poor and moderate social support, current daily alcohol drinker and past history of mental illness were significantly associated with common mental illness. Conclusion The magnitude of common mental illness among adult holy water users was high. Giving special attention to decreasing unemployment, establishing social support services, and decreasing substance utilization are the keys to preventing common mental illnesses.

Understanding mental health stigma and discrimination in Ethiopia: A qualitative study

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Suicidal behavior and associated factors among holy water users at Northwest, Ethiopia, 2023: an institution based cross-sectional study

“…The Andassa Saint George Monastery is an Orthodox Church established in 1640 and found in the Amhara region of northwestern Ethiopia, 20 km from Bahir Dar. Approximately 20,280 people per year come to the monastery from different places to use holy water for different physical and mental illnesses as well as for religious purposes ( 38 ).…”