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Beliefs and Community Responses to Mental Illness in Ghana: The Experiences of Family Carers

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  • Neil Quinn

    (Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow, Jordanhill Campus, Sir Henry Wood Building, 76 Southbrae Drive, Glasgow G13 1PP, Scotland; neil.quinn@strath.ac.uk)

Abstract

Background: There is often a lack of agreement on how to understand mental illness in low-income countries and support those experiencing it. This article explores the debate on beliefs and the implications for how society responds. Material: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 80 family carers across four sites in Ghana to explore the themes of beliefs, attitudes, carer burden and support. Discussion and conclusions: There appears to be greater reliance on culturally specific explanations of mental illness in rural areas, combined with more acceptance and support, particularly in one rural area with strong traditional belief systems. This suggests the need to develop integrated mental health services, which reflect these differing beliefs.

Suggested Citation

  • Neil Quinn, 2007. "Beliefs and Community Responses to Mental Illness in Ghana: The Experiences of Family Carers," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 53(2), pages 175-188, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:53:y:2007:i:2:p:175-188
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764006074527
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Franklin, Robert R. & Sarr, Doudou & Gueye, Momar & Sylla, Omar & Collignon, René, 1996. "Cultural response to mental illness in Senegal: Reflections through patient companions--Part I. Methods and descriptive data," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 42(3), pages 325-338, February.
    2. Franklin, Robert R. & Sarr, Doudou & Gueye, Momar & Sylla, Omar & Collignon, René & Mock, Nancy, 1996. "Cultural response to mental illness in Senegal: Reflections through patient companions--Part II. Statistical correlates," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 42(3), pages 339-352, February.
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