Knowledge and practice of help-seeking for treatment of mental disorders in Pemba Island, Zanzibar.

Journal: Tropical doctor

Volume: 36

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2006

Affiliated Institutions:  WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK. ilyasmirza@blueyonder.co.uk

Abstract summary 

The objective of this study was to describe how people explain mental disorders and its treatment in Pemba Island, Zanzibar. Eight hundred and twenty-one participants (users, carers, health professionals, traditional healers, community members and leaders) were interviewed as part of a cross-sectional survey. Most people viewed mental disorder as arising within their internal or supernatural world. Although they thought that they could be helped both by primary health care and alternative healing, the majority described going to the traditional healers when things went wrong. This provides evidence that there is considerable reliance on traditional care for the treatment of mental disorders. It is therefore important for the health services to be in dialogue with the traditional healers.

Authors & Co-authors:  Mirza Ilyas I Okitapoy Michel On'okoko MO Jenkins Rachel R

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : 
SSN : 0049-4755
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Cross-Sectional Studies
Other Terms
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Tanzania
Publication Country
England