Scholarly works in Psychiatry

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.ui.edu.ng/handle/123456789/536

Browse

Author: search.filters.author.Kola, L.Subject: search.filters.subject.Mental health care

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A survey of traditional and faith healers providing mental health care in three sub-Saharan African countries
    (Springer Science + Business Media, 2019) Esan, O.B.; Appiah-Poku, J.; Othieno, C.; Kola, L.; Harris, B.; Nortje, G.; Makanjuola, V.; Oladeji, B.; Price, L.; Seedat, S.; Gureje, O.
    Background: Traditional and faith healers constitute an important group of complementary and alternative mental health service providers (CAPs) in sub-Sahara Africa. Governments in the region commonly express a desire to integrate them into the public health system. The aim of the study was to describe the profile, practices and distribution of traditional and faith healers in three sub-Saharan African countries in great need for major improvements in their mental health systems namely Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria. Materials and methods: A mapping exercise of CAPs who provide mental health care was conducted in selected catchment areas in the three countries through a combination of desk review of existing registers, engagement activities with community leaders and a snowballing technique. Information was collected on the type of practice, the methods of diagnosis and the forms of treatment using a specially designed proforma. Results: We identified 205 CAPs in Ghana, 406 in Kenya and 82 in Nigeria. Most (> 70%) of the CAPs treat both physical and mental illnesses. CAPs receive training through long years of apprenticeship. They use a combination of herbs, various forms of divination and rituals in the treatment of mental disorders. The use of physical restraints by CAPs to manage patients was relatively uncommon in Kenya (4%) compared to Nigeria (63.4%) and Ghana (21%). CAPs often have between 2- to 10-fold capacity for patient admission compared to conventional mental health facilities. The profile of CAPs in Kenya stands out from those of Ghana and Nigeria in many respects. Conclusion: CAPs are an important group of providers of mental health care in sub-Saharan Africa, but attempts to integrate them into the public health system must address the common use of harmful treatment practices.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Mental health care in Anglophone West Africa
    (American Psychiatric Association Publishing, 2014) Esan, O.B.; Abdumalik, J.O.; Eaton, J.; Kola, L.; Fadahunsi, W.; Gureje, O.
    This column describes the current state of resources and practice in mental health care in the Anglophone countries of West Africa: the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia. Information was systematically gathered from the five countries by using a standard framework for country situation analysis. Mental health services, which are in various stages of development, are characterized by inadequate human resources and long policy neglect. Despite the low numbers of specialists, the region has made important contributions to community service development and global mental health research. Challenges include man power development, policy and legislation updates, and increased attention to policy and budget. Although mental health service is still grossly inadequate in the con text of human and material constraints, there are slowly evolving signs of positive modernization and service development.