Mental health literacy: knowledge and beliefs about mental illness amongst indigenous African residents of Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Free State
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Date
2022
Authors
Matsoele, Nonhlanhla Faith-Crescentia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
For many years mental illness has been on the rise globally, internationally and locally. This could be attributed to a lack of mental health literacy, which contributes significantly to the disease burden and leads to healthcare delays, poor adherence to treatment and patient 'dropout' from healthcare services. This is true for many indigenous African societies who conceptualise mental illness based on their explanatory models of illness rather than according to western psychiatric nosology. While research seeks to explore and improve mental health literacy among the population, such studies remain limited in Africa. Therefore, this research study aimed to investigate mental health literacy among the indigenous African residents of Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.
This study explored conceptions about three mental disorders, namely, depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol use disorder, as well as beliefs about their treatment. A quantitative design using a survey method was utilised, and a sample was drawn from two towns in Dihlabeng Local Municipality (Bethlehem and Fouriesburg). 240 indigenous Africans were recruited by the use of a randomised public recruitment strategy using a sample size calculator and they completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, Version 28.0.
In consolidating the findings of this study, the results revealed several explanatory models, which included western and traditional explanations. Most participants did not use scientifically approved terms to conceptualise mental disorders but phrases relative to their respective contexts. The bulk of the participants conceptualised disorders as psychological. The results also showed the orderly manner in which the community's conceptualisation of mental illness was categorised in terms of psychological, social, medical, traditional and religious concepts. The traditional conceptualisation provided an exciting finding for schizophrenia.
In addition, perceptions of mental illness were significantly related to participants' treatment beliefs. In terms of treatment, more participants were inclined to seek professional help and have someone who would listen to/talk to/support them. Interestingly, participants who expressed belief in seeking professional help for mental illness also reported professional-oriented (medical, social and psychological) causes of mental illness. In contrast, those who expressed beliefs in traditional forms of treatment for schizophrenia reported on traditional causes of mental illness.
Lastly, the study also revealed a positive relationship between etiological and treatment beliefs for mental disorders among the participants, indicating a positive relationship between what participants believe to be the causes of mental illness. Their belief influences their preference of how best to treat mental illness. The outcomes of this study signify the importance of mental health literacy campaigns, a collaboration between traditional and medical practitioners, and increasing mental health services in communities. Further explorations of mental health literacy, specifically from an African indigenous perspective, are recommended for future research.
Description
Dissertation (M.Soc.Sc.(Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2022
Keywords
African worldview, mental health literacy, alcohol use disorder, depression, schizophrenia