INTERNALIZED STIGMA AND STIGMATIZING CULTURAL BELIEFS ON PARENTING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG FEMALE PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA: A COMPARISON OF FEMALE PARENT VERSUS NON PARENT

Purpose: Differences in cultural values, norms and conceptualization of mental illness may influence stigma differently across the globe. Both public self have widely been researched globally however, little is known about specific experiences that females, particular mothers, with schizophrenia encounter as parents Nigeria. The study aims to explore compare internalized among female non-parents. secondary aim if any association exist between beliefs on parenting patients schizophrenia.
 Methodology: 142 attending GOPD clinic at FNPH Maiduguri recruited through convenience sampling completed study. They a socio-demographic questionnaire modified version Internalized Mental Illness Scale (ISMI). Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). were compared chi-square categorical variables student t- test continuous variables. P-value set 0.05. 
 Findings: A total 65 (75.6%) 32 (57.1%) non had high stigma. Female statically significant higher level alienation subscale well score. Myths misconceptions rampant.
 Conclusion: Self more prevalent schizophrenia, practices playing an important role influencing illness. Further research impact factors culture interventions should be explored reduce