Child and adolescent mental health in Africa: A qualitative analysis of the perspectives of emerging mental health clinicians and researchers using an online platform.

Journal: Journal of child and adolescent mental health

Volume: 31

Issue: 2

Year of Publication: 2020

Affiliated Institutions:  Adolescent Health Research Unit, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town , South Africa ; Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa. Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape , Bellville , South Africa. See Me , Nairobi , Kenya. Occupational Therapy Department, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa. Centre for Autism Research in Africa, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town , South Africa. Speech-Language Therapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa. Psychiatry Department, University of Monastir , Monastir , Tunisia. Ministry of General Education, Directorate of Early Childhood Education , Lusaka , Zambia. Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia. College of Health Science, Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda. Psychiatry Department, University Hospital of Monastir , Monastir , Tunisia. Division of Developmental Paediatrics, University of Cape Town , South Africa ; Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Psychiatry Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital , Monastir , Tunisia. Psychology Department, Rhodes University , Grahamstown , South Africa. College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University , Bahir Dar , Ethiopia. Department of Psychiatry, Mulago National Referral Hospital , Kampala , Uganda.

Abstract summary 

Using a social ecological framework, this study aimed to establish emerging mental health clinicians and researchers' perspectives about child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) in Africa. Perspectives of 17 participants from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia, whose professional backgrounds ranged from psychiatry to speech-language therapy, were collected at an African CAMH conference. Data were gathered using open-ended questions, using an online survey. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis. An adapted social ecological framework highlighted: An increased need for commitment from governments to improve CAMH in Africa; and addressing mental health stigma and discrimination through community awareness. The need for specialised CAMH facilities were identified, particularly in the public health sector. The need for multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary partnerships for advocacy, service delivery, and continuity of care were also identified. Participants emphasised the importance of CAMH awareness, and the role of governments in recognising CAMH needs and using policies to improve CAMH in Africa. Participants were hopeful about the transformation of CAMH on the continent. The participants prioritised government- and community-level awareness to increase the resources and support offered by CAMH services in Africa.

Authors & Co-authors:  Davids Adams Tucker Wambua Fewster Schlebusch Karrim Attia Nyoni Bayouh Kuteesa Brahim Hoogenhout Moussa Kahloul Jearey-Graham Gobie Nalugya

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  16
Identifiers
Doi : 10.2989/17280583.2019.1659145
SSN : 1728-0591
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Uganda
Publication Country
South Africa