Muslim Traditional Healers in Accra, Ghana: Beliefs About and Treatment of Mental Disorders.

Journal: Journal of religion and health

Volume: 58

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2020

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, nd Floor RW Wilcocks Building, Stellenbosch, South Africa. lily.kpobi@gmail.com. Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, nd Floor RW Wilcocks Building, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

Traditional and faith healing is a common practice in many low- and middle-income countries due to resource limitations and belief systems, particularly for disorders such as mental disorders. We report on the beliefs about mental illness from the perspective of one category of alternative healers in Ghana-the Muslim faith healers. We also report on their methods of diagnoses and treatment for mental disorders. Results show that the healers' beliefs about mental illness revolved around the notion of Jinn as causing most mental illness. Emerging themes are discussed with reference to their potential implications for patients' care and health-seeking behaviour.

Authors & Co-authors:  Kpobi Lily N A LNA Swartz Leslie L

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Br J Med Psychol. 1999 Dec;72 ( Pt 4):505-24
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1007/s10943-018-0668-1
SSN : 1573-6571
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Faith Healing
Other Terms
Faith healing;Ghana;Islam;Jinn;Mental disorders
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Ghana
Publication Country
United States