Socio-economic factors associated with mental health disorders in Fort Portal, western Uganda
South African Journal of Psychiatry
Field | Value | |
Title | Socio-economic factors associated with mental health disorders in Fort Portal, western Uganda | |
Creator | Hawkins, Charlotte Bwanika, John M. Ibanda, Martin | |
Description | Background: Mental health disorders, which are interlinked with social issues such as poverty and stigma, present a significant burden in Uganda.Aim: This article explores perceptions about and experiences of mental health disorders in western Uganda, particularly as they pertain to the socio-economic context.Setting: The research was conducted in the mental health unit at the Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole District, Uganda.Method: This article is based on qualitative anthropological research conducted from January to March 2017, including 49 semi-structured interviews about ideas and determinants of mental health, with health workers, former mental health service users, their relatives and influential community members.Results: Many interviewees felt that mental health disorders are an increasing problem in their community. Economic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment and financial stress, are seen as both a cause and a consequence of mental illness. Mental health challenges can be exacerbated by shortages in mental healthcare, which are shown to be complexly interrelated with stigma.Conclusion: This article provides an insight into mental health experiences in Fort Portal based on the perspectives of various interviewees. Further funding and research are recommended to inform contextually appropriate services. | |
Publisher | AOSIS | |
Date | 2020-07-07 | |
Identifier | 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v26i0.1391 | |
Source | South African Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 26 (2020); 8 pages 2078-6786 1608-9685 | |
Language | eng | |
Relation |
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https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1391/1693
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https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1391/1694
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