Background. This study tried to reflect evidences regarding internalized stigma and assessed risk factors of internalized stigma.\nObjective. It aims to assess the magnitude, domains, and covariates of internalized stigma among patients with mental illness in\nsouthern Ethiopia. Methods.The study was carried out by using a cross-sectional study design at Dilla University Referral Hospital\n(DURH). A total of 317 patients with mental illness were involved. Internalized stigma was measured using Internalized Stigma of\nMental Illness (ISMI) scale. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were done.\nResult.The prevalence of internalized stigma was 32.1% among people livingwith mental illness in DillaUniversity ReferralHospital.\nBeing female, medication nonadherence, and lack of family supportwere factors independently associatedwith internalized stigma.\nConclusion. The results of this study found an intermediate prevalence of internalized stigma among people living with mental\nillness in Dilla University Referral Hospital (DURH). It revealed how much antistigma campaigns are so much important to tackle\ninternalized stigma among people living withmental illness. Incorporating counseling and structured therapy played an important\nrole in maximizing their quality of life.
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