Social Work and Mental Health Service Gaps in Rural Ekiti State, South West Nigeria

Mental health services in rural Nigeria are severely under-resourced, resulting in widespread unmet need among populations with mental health conditions who lack access to professional care. This study examines mental health service gaps in rural Ekiti State and the current and potential role of social workers in bridging these gaps, focusing on communities in Ikole and Oye local government areas. A descriptive survey design is adopted, with data gathered from 90 community members, caregivers of persons with mental health conditions, and social workers through structured questionnaires. Frequencies and percentages are employed in data analysis. The study finds that the majority of individuals with mental health conditions in the study communities rely on traditional healers and religious care, primarily due to the absence of formal mental health services. Social workers, where present, perform referral and awareness functions but lack training in clinical social work and psychiatric first aid. Community stigma towards mental illness is identified as a significant barrier to service utilisation and social inclusion for affected individuals. Recommendations include integrating mental health components into social work training, deploying community mental health social workers alongside primary health workers, and conducting systematic anti-stigma campaigns in rural communities. Keywords: mental health, social work, rural communities, Ekiti State, stigma