Mental Health Service Users and Their Caregivers Perspectives on Personal Recovery from Severe Mental Health Conditions in Cape Town, South Africa: A Qualitative Study.

Journal: Journal of psychosocial rehabilitation and mental health

Volume: 11

Issue: 2

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Sawkins Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa. Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA Australia.

Abstract summary 

Severe mental health conditions (SMHCs) significantly contribute to the global disease burden. In low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa, the long-term impact of SMHCs on individuals and their families is serious. However, mental health services focus on clinical recovery, with little attention given to the personal recovery needs of mental health service users (MHSUs) and their caregivers. The CHIME framework outlines five domains characterising personal recovery: connectedness, hope and optimism about the future, identity, meaning in life, and empowerment. This qualitative, descriptive study sought insights from male MHSUs and their caregivers on their perspectives of personal recovery from SMHCs. Four male MHSUs and three of their caregivers were purposively selected from Cape Flats communities in the Western Cape. Data were collected using visual participatory methods, including photovoice, life graphs, community maps, and photo-elicitation interviews with MHSUs. In addition, semi-structured interviews were held with caregivers. Data were thematically analysed, and two main themes emerged: Finding meaningful participation and affirming agency. These themes describe how diverse contextual, socioeconomic, political, demographic, cultural, and spiritual factors help and hinder personal recovery. MHSUs and their caregivers sought support from mental health non-profit organisations (MH-NPOs) because of stigmatising attitudes from their communities. MH-NPOs provided MHSUs with long-term relational support and opportunities to build their capacities which helped them access living, learning, working and socialising opportunities. Understanding the diverse needs of MHSUs and including MH-NPOs in scaling up community-based mental health services in LMICs will enable more accessible services that support personal recovery.

Authors & Co-authors:  Gamieldien Fadia F Galvaan Roshan R Myers Bronwyn B Sorsdahl Katherine K

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Adriansen HK. Timeline interviews: A tool for conducting life history research. Qualitative Studies. 2012;3(1):40–55. doi: 10.7146/qs.v3i1.6272.
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1007/s40737-023-00341-8
SSN : 2198-9834
Study Population
Male
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Caregivers;Low-and-middle-income countries;Mental health service users;Recovery;Severe mental health conditions
Study Design
Descriptive Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
India