Family Neglect and Perspectives on Patients Living with Mental Health Disorders on the Street.

Journal: Community mental health journal

Volume: 59

Issue: 7

Year of Publication: 2023

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana. University of Ghana Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana. Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital, Sunyani, Ghana. Ghana National Service Scheme, Accra, Ghana. Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana. jyendork@ug.edu.gh.

Abstract summary 

In Ghana, some persons living with mental illness end up on the street. Whereas most instances have resulted from family neglect, the paucity of effective social services to cater for neglected persons with mental health disorder persons is disturbing. The present study explored family caregivers' perspectives on reasons why families neglect persons living with mental illness to be homeless and their suggestions on how families and society could prevent such occurrences. Using a qualitative approach, individual interviews were conducted with twenty family caregivers of persons living with a mental health disorder. Results revealed multifactorial causation to family neglect and provide directions for future research. Findings highlight the need for mental health rehabilitation programmes to consider family caregivers' perspectives on the causes of neglect and ways to improve mental health rehabilitation, which must be factored into policies for effectiveness. Suggestions on family and society's role to prevent such occurrences are discussed.

Authors & Co-authors:  Bonsu Akosua Serwaah AS Anim-Boamah Kwame K Newton Cardinal C Antwi Osei Assibey OA Yendork Joana Salifu JS

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Acierno, R., Hernandez, M. A., Amstadter, A. B., Resnick, H. S., Steve, K., Muzzy, W., & Kilpatrick, D. G. (2010). Prevalence and correlates of emotional, physical, sexual, and financial abuse and potential neglect in the United States: The national elder mistreatment study. American Journal Of Public Health, 100(2), 292–297.
Authors :  5
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1007/s10597-023-01123-z
SSN : 1573-2789
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Family neglect;Homeless with mental illness;Mental health disorders;Social Services
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Country of Study
Ghana
Publication Country
United States