AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF CULTURE-BOUND SYNDROMES WITH FOCUS ON KORO AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTH

Abstract

Mental health experience and expression are deeply shaped by cultural context. This study explores awareness and knowledge of cultural concepts of distress, specifically, the Koro syndrome, among Nigerian youth, and explores how beliefs influence help seeking preferences. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 136 participaktrs aged 16-35 years, using a structured questionnaire assessing awareness, knowledge, beliefs, and help-seeking intentions. Results showed that only 27.9% had hearc of culture-bound syndromes and 33.8% were aware of Koro; overall knowledge was low (M = 1.32 out of 6). Educational attainment was the only demographic predictor of knowledge. Awareness of broader cultural concepts of distress correlated positively with knowledge of Koro. Crucially, participants who viewed Koro as a spiritual in origin were significantly less likely to prefer professional care. These findings indicate limited understanding of Koro among youth, highlighting the need for culturally grounded mental health education to reduce misinformation, prevent harmful social reactions, and promote appropriate help-seeking.