Social Participation of Individuals with Bipolar Mood Disorder: a quantitative study

Abstract

Background Bipolar Mood Disorder significantly impacts individuals' social participation, a key component of mental well-being and quality of life. In Bangladesh, where research on this topic is limited, understanding the challenges faced by individuals with BMD is crucial for developing effective interventions. Stigma, discrimination, and a lack of social support often exacerbate the difficulties experienced by individuals with BMD, limiting their ability to engage in daily activities and achieve societal inclusion. Aim: To identify the level of experiences, challenges, and level of restriction on social participation among individuals with bipolar mood disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 102 individuals diagnosed with BMD, recruited from the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital and Rabia Noor Mental Health Day Care Center. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and the Participation Scale. Sociodemographic characteristics and levels of participation restriction were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS software. Results The findings revealed that young adults aged 18–28 years constituted 69.6% of the participants, with males representing 70% of the sample. Employment and economic constraints were significant concerns, as only 35.3% felt they had equal job opportunities as their peers. Severe to extreme restrictions in social participation were reported by 54.9% of respondents, with lower education levels and prolonged illness duration being major contributing factors. Stigma and discrimination further exacerbated these challenges, negatively affecting confidence, mobility, and social inclusion. However, nearly half of the participants expressed comfort in meeting new people, indicating potential for resilience and improvement through targeted interventions. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical barriers to social participation faced by individuals with BMD in Bangladesh, emphasizing the urgent need for culturally tailored interventions to address stigma and promote social inclusion. Peer-led support groups and community-based programs emerged as promising strategies to enhance quality of life and reduce participation restrictions. Further longitudinal and qualitative research is recommended to better understand the long-term impacts of these challenges and refine intervention approaches.