Pathways to care for psychosis in rural Uganda: Mixed-methods study of individuals with psychosis, family members, and local leaders.

Journal: Global mental health (Cambridge, England)

Volume: 11

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. Empower Through Health, Iganga, Uganda. School of Public Health Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda. College of Arts and Sciences Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. Williams College, Williamsburg, MA, USA. The College of the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. Cavendish University, Kampala, Uganda. College of Letters and Science University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Department of Psychiatry Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.

Abstract summary 

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate burden of mental illness, with limited access to biomedical care. This study examined pathways to care for psychosis in rural Uganda, exploring factors influencing treatment choices.We conducted a mixed-methods study in Buyende District, Uganda, involving 67 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions (data collection continued until thematic saturation was reached) with individuals with psychotic disorders, family members, and local leaders. Structured questionnaires were administered to 41 individuals with psychotic disorders.Three main themes emerged: (1) Positive attitudes towards biomedical providers, (2) Barriers to accessing biomedical care (3) Perceived etiologies of mental illness that influenced care-seeking behaviors. While 81% of participants eventually accessed biomedical care, the median time to first biomedical contact was 52 days, compared to 7 days for any care modality.Despite a preference for biomedical care, structural barriers and diverse illness perceptions led many to seek pluralistic care pathways. Enhancing access to biomedical services and integrating traditional and faith healers could improve mental health outcomes in rural Uganda.

Authors & Co-authors:  Lee Yang Jae YJ Nakaziba Kayera Sumaya KS Waimon Sophie S Agwang Grace G Menon Kailash K Samuel Sam S Dyas Aaron Damon AD Nkolo Travor T Ingabire Haba H Wykoff Jason J Hobbs Olivia O Kazungu Rauben R Basiimwa Job J Rosenheck Robert R Ashaba Scholastic S Tsai Alexander C AC

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Abbo C (2011) Profiles and outcome of traditional healing practices for severe mental illnesses in two districts of eastern Uganda. Global Health Action 4(1), 7117. 10.3402/gha.v4i0.7117.
Authors :  16
Identifiers
Doi : e130
SSN : 2054-4251
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Pathways to care;Uganda;care-seeking behaviors;global mental health;psychosis;religious leaders;traditional healers
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Uganda
Publication Country
England