Level of community mental health literacy in sub-Saharan Africa: Current studies are limited in
number, scope, spread, and cognizance of cultural nuances
Engelsk titel: Level of community mental health literacy in sub-Saharan Africa: Current studies are limited in
number, scope, spread, and cognizance of cultural nuances
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Författare:
Atilola, Olayinka
Email: draromedics@yahoo.com
Språk: Eng
Antal referenser: 60
Dokumenttyp:
Översikt
UI-nummer: 15023300
Sammanfattning
Background: The combination of high prevalence of mental disorders and the scarcity of resources to
care for them in sub-Saharan Africa underscores the need for good mental health literacy as a
potential mental health resource. Aim: To conduct a systematic review of the findings of studies that
have examined aspects of mental health literacy among community dwellers in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods: A search was conducted using local and international indexes like MEDLINE, EMBASE and
PsychInfo. Results: Only 19 studies from eight different countries met inclusion criteria. Key aspects
of the functional mental health literacy that has been examined include recognition of mental
disorders, knowledge about causation, and treatment preferences. The modes of seeking mental
health information are yet to be examined. Some studies utilized a methodology that allowed for
respondents to use local labels to describe their understanding of various mental disorders.
Otherwise, respondents were largely unable to label orthodox psychiatry syndromes correctly.
Supernatural and ultra-human views were rampant, and alternative mental health services were
mostly preferred. Quantitative modes of assessment were the most common, and authors -
especially those that adopted this mode of assessment - did not take full cognizance of socio-cultural
underpinnings of the concept of mental health literacy in their conclusion and recommendations.
Conclusion: There is need for more studies to adopt more comprehensive approaches to the
assessment of mental health literacy. The outcomes of such studies will provide the right context for
making profound statements on the level of knowledge and skills for mental health promotion in
sub-Saharan Africa.