scholarly journals Exploring the role of Islam in perceptions of mental illness in a sample of Muslim psychiatrists based in Johannesburg

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Bulbulia ◽  
S Laher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
South African ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Indigenous Theory ◽  
Islamic Values

<div class="column"><p><span><strong>Background</strong>. </span><span>Western definitions of, and approaches to, mental illness have been critiqued for their lack of incorporation of cultural and spiritual elements.</span></p><p><span><br /> </span><strong>Objective. </strong><span>To explore perceptions of mental illness, particularly in terms of the role of Islam in the understanding of mental illness among South African Muslim psychiatrists practising in Johannesburg. </span></p><p><span><strong>Methods</strong>. </span><span>Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 7 Muslim psychiatrists in the Johannesburg area. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data.<br /> </span></p><p><strong>Results. </strong><span>Psychiatrists subscribe to a more biomedical model of illness. The findings of this study also suggest that psychiatrists attempt to remain objective and to refrain from imposing their religious and cultural beliefs on their patients. However, their conceptualisation of mental illness is influenced by their religion and culture. Furthermore, all participating psychiatrists indicated that they always draw on Islamic values when treating their patients. Issues of cultural competence were also highlighted. Psychiatrists indicated that they were open to collaboration with traditional healers and psychologists but that this was quite challenging. </span></p><p><span><strong>Conclusion</strong>. </span><span>The necessity for formal bodies to develop routes for collaboration between healthcare professionals and traditional healers was brought to the fore. So, too, was the need to incorporate indigenous theory and knowledge into mainstream definitions and approaches to mental illness. </span></p></div>

scholarly journals Psychological ailments and their treatment protocols: a case study of Swati traditional healers in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 884-895
Author(s):  
Anastasia Ngobe ◽  
Sebua Semenya ◽  
Tholene Sodi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
South African ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Integrated Treatment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Mpumalanga Province

Background: Evidence suggests that South African traditional healers (THs) treat various mental complaints. However, there is little literature on Swati THs’ accounts on this subject. The current study therefore, sought to address this gap. Methods: Data was gathered using qualitative research methods, namely semi-structured interviews with 10 purposely sampled Swati THs practicing in the Kanyamazane peri-urban township (Mpumalanga Province, South Africa). Data was thematically analysed. Results: Results showed that THs treat seven psychological aliments, viz. adjustment disorders, depression, mental illness due to ancestral calling, mental illness due to bewitchment, mental illness due to breaking of taboos, psychotic disturbance and substance induced mental illness. Generally, an integrated treatment protocol was utilised by THs to treat and manage these disorders. Most of these procedures are acceptable from either folkloric or scientific viewpoint, and have demonstrat- ed certain level of efficacy in treating mental illness. Conclusion: Taken together, the evidence presented indicates that Swati THs use different traditional methods to manage various mental complaints. In doing so, they carry a large share of the community caseload for mental health, whilst admit- ting patients in their homes for extended periods of time, and also referring some (patients) for additional care within the Western health sector. Keywords: Mental illness; Mpumalanga; Swati; traditional healers; treatment methods; psychological ailments.

scholarly journals The treatment of mental illness in faith-based and traditional healing centres in Ghana: perspectives of service users and healers

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica E. Lambert ◽  
Fred Nantogmah ◽  
Adam Yahaya Dokurugu ◽  
Hanan Alhassan ◽  
Sandow Stanislaus Azuure ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Traditional Healing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
People With Mental Illness

Abstract Background The maltreatment of people with mental illness in Ghana's traditional and faith-based healing centres, including shackling, flogging, and forced fasting, has been documented by numerous sources. Such treatment is potentially traumatising and may exacerbate mental health problems. Despite widespread use, few studies have focused on experiences and characteristics of people who seek traditional healing for mental illness or healers' perspectives treatment of these conditions. Method Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 82 individuals who were treated in healing centres and 40 traditional healers; all took part in semi-structured interviews. Those treated were asked about experiences in centres and assessed for prior trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress, and functional impairment. Healers were asked about beliefs and practices related to the treatment of mental illness. Results Individuals treated in centres and healers generally believed that mental illness has a spiritual cause. Approximately 30.5% of those treated in centres were exposed to maltreatment; despite this, half would return. Individuals with a history of trauma were more likely to report maltreatment in the centre and had higher symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Most participants had impaired functioning. Healers who used practices like shackling believed they were necessary. Most healers were willing to collaborate with the official health structure. Conclusion Results provide insight into the treatment of mental illness by traditional healers in Ghana and the need for trauma-informed mental health services. Findings also highlight the importance of considering cultural beliefs when attempting to implement mental health interventions in the region.

scholarly journals Safety Performance in Acute Medical Care: A Qualitative, Explorative Study on the Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1543
Author(s):  
Lina Heier ◽  
Donia Riouchi ◽  
Judith Hammerschmidt ◽  
Nikoloz Gambashidze ◽  
Andreas Kocks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Improve Patient Safety ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Performance Skills ◽  
Work Environment Factors ◽  
Improve Patient

Healthcare professionals need specific safety performance skills in order to maintain and improve patient safety. The purpose of this study is to get a deeper understanding of healthcare professionals’ perspective in acute care on the topic of safety performance. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach. Healthcare professionals working in nursing were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Using content analyzing, categories were identified which present aspects of safety performance; subcategories were developed deductively. A total of 23 healthcare professionals were interviewed, of which 15 were registered nurses, five were nursing students and three were pedagogical personnel. Nine (39.1%) were <30 years old, 17 (73.9%) were female, and 9 (39.1%) had a leadership function. Results highlight the importance of safety performance as a construct of occupational health rather than of patient safety, and the role of the organization, as well as the self-responsibility of healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals should be more conscious of their role, have a deeper understanding of the interaction of individual, team, patient, organization and work environment factors.

scholarly journals Heard, known and safe in general practice? An interview study with patients with severe and persistent mental illness

BJGP Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. BJGPO.2021.0201
Author(s):  
Nancy Jennifer Sturman ◽  
Ryan Williams ◽  
Marianne Wyder ◽  
Johanna Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Persistent Mental Illness ◽  
Community Mental Health Clinics

BackgroundAlthough GPs provide care to many patients with severe and persistent mental illness, the role and skillset of the GP in this space are contested. Patients are less satisfied with GP care of mental health than physical health issues.AimTo explore patient expectations and experiences of GP roles in their mental health, and identify opportunities for improving mental health care in general practice.Design & settingPatient participants were recruited from community mental health clinics in Brisbane, Australia.MethodIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of patients. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed professionally. The authors conducted an inductive thematic analysis, attending to participant vulnerability and reflexivity.Results16 interviews were conducted by one author (RW), average duration 29 minutes. Three overarching themes were identified: being heard; being known; and being safe. Participants greatly valued ‘good GPs’ who were able to detect early signs of relapse, and with whom they came to feel heard, known and safe over time. Experiences of perfunctory, hurried care and avoidance of mental health issues were also reported. Many participants were uncertain whether GP training in mental health was sufficient to keep them safe. Patients may suspect negative attitudes to mental illness in GPs who actively engage predominantly with their physical health.ConclusionSome GPs play central roles in patients’ mental healthcare. Barriers for others need further exploration, and may include time, confidence and/or expertise. Findings challenge GPs to engage more actively and effectively with these patients in theirgeneral practice consultations.

scholarly journals Exploring the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavioural Responses of Healthcare Students towards Mental Illnesses—A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor Riffel ◽  
Shu-Ping Chen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Behavioural Responses

Background: The stigma of mental illness causes delays in seeking help, and often compromises victims’ therapeutic relationships with healthcare providers. The knowledge, attitudes, and behavioural responses of future healthcare professionals toward individuals with mental illnesses are explored here to suggest steps that will reduce mental illness stigma in healthcare providers. Methods: A generic qualitative approach—Qualitative Description—was used. Eighteen students from nine healthcare programs at a Canadian University participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Participants answered questions regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and behavioural responses towards individuals with mental illnesses. Thematic content analysis guided the data analysis. Results: Four main themes were constructed from the data: positive and negative general perceptions toward mental illness; contact experiences with mental illnesses; mental illness in a healthcare setting; and learning about mental illness in healthcare academia. Conclusions: Students showed well-rounded mental health knowledge and mostly positive behaviours toward individuals with mental illnesses. However, some students hold stigmatizing attitudes and do not feel prepared through their academic experiences to work with individuals with mental illnesses. Mental health education can reduce the stigma toward mental illness and improve the care delivered by healthcare professionals.

Psychiatrists' accounts of clinical significance in depression

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-111
Author(s):  
Dariusz Galasiński
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnosis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Discursive Space ◽  
Significant Depression ◽  
Clinically Significant

Psychiatrists' accounts of clinical significance in depression Clinical significance is a crucial element in the diagnosis of mental illness, yet, it is practically untheorised and significantly under-researched. This article takes up the question of how the criterion of clinical significance is translated into psychiatric practice. More particularly, it examines how psychiatrists account for the threshold between health and depression. The paper is anchored in the constructionist view of discourse underpinned by the assumptions of critically oriented discourse analysis. It is based upon a convenience sample of 39 semi-structured interviews with specialist-psychiatrists in south-western Poland. There is no discursive space for clinical significance in psychiatrists' accounts. There is no boundary, no decision to be taken as to whether the symptoms are clinically significant. Depression, invariably constructed in terms of diagnostic criteria, is always represented as fully developed, appearing out of thin air, with no period of falling ill. The article raises the issue of the validity and usefulness of psychiatric diagnosis.

scholarly journals Hayata ve Vücut Dokunulmazlığına Karşı İşlenen Suçlarda Kadın Suçluluğu ve Dindarlık İlişkisi / Female Criminality and Religiosity in the Homicide and Assault Crimes

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 781
Author(s):  
Fatma Kenevir
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Statistical Method ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Third Place ◽  
Female Prisoners ◽  
The Third ◽  
Female Criminality ◽  
Neutralization Techniques

<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p>       This study consists of the results of the research conducted with convicted female prisoners who committed crimes against the immunity and body immunity in Ankara (Sincan), İzmir (Şakran) and İstanbul (Bakırköy) women's closed prisons. The scope of the research includes women convicted of crimes against life and body immunity, who are more religious than prisoners convicted of theft, drugs etc. In this respect, the factors that lead to the criminality of women, who were convicted of murder or attempt murder, convicted of wounding offenses and who defined themselves as religious, are determined. Another aim is to demonstrate the crime and victim relationship, how convicts explain criminal actions to themselves and their surroundings and how they justify themselves. Questionnaires and semi-structured interview techniques were used as a method. In this direction, the findings obtained from the results of the questionnaire conducted with 151 women convicts were evaluated by descriptive statistical method and the results of semi-structured interviews with 8 women were included in the results. These types of explanations, included in neutralization techniques, are: commitment to values, the role of the victim, and rejection of responsibility. In the first place, the victim sees the situation as a matter of honor and explains the guilt involved with their beliefs / beliefs. Secondly, the violence (domestic problems) that is experienced is said to be the result, as in the opposite party deserves it. In the third place, the victim rejects the responsibility, indicating that the mental illness or depression is the result of suicide.</p><p><strong>Öz</strong></p><p>     Bu çalışma, Ankara (Sincan), İzmir (Şakran) ve İstanbul (Bakırköy) kadın kapalı ceza infaz kurumlarında bulunan hayata ve vücut dokunulmazlığına karşı suç işlemiş hükümlü kadın mahkûmlarla yapılan araştırma sonuçlarından oluşmaktadır. Araştırmanın kapsamı ise, hırsızlık, uyuşturucu vs. gibi suç türlerinden hüküm giymiş mahkûmlara kıyasla dindarlığı daha yüksek olan, hayata ve vücut dokunulmazlığına karşı suçlardan hüküm giymiş kadın mahkûmlarla sınırlandırılmıştır. Bu doğrultuda, adam öldürme veya adam öldürmeye teşebbüs, yaralama suçlarından hüküm giymiş olup, kendilerini dindar olarak tanımlayan kadınların, suça yönelmesindeki etken faktörler ele alınmış olup; kadın mahkûmlarda suç ve mağdur ilişkisi, suç eylemini kendisine ve çevresine açıklayıp, gerekçelendirme biçimlerinin ortaya çıkarılması amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem olarak anket ve yarı yapılandırılmış mülakat teknikleri beraber kullanılmıştır. Bu doğrultuda 151 kadın mahkûma uygulanan anket sonuçlarından elde edilen bulgular, tanımlayıcı istatistiksel metot ile değerlendirilmiş, ayrıca 8 kadınla yapılan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme sonuçlarına yer verilmiştir. Bulguların değerlendirilmesi sonucunda, hayata ve vücut dokunulmazlığına karşı suç işlemiş kadın mahkûmların karıştıkları suçu dindarlıkları içinde genellikle üç şekilde açıkladığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Nötrleştirme teknikleri içinde yer alan bu açıklama tipleri, değerlere bağlılık, mağdurun rolü ve sorumluluğu reddetme şeklindedir. Birincisinde, durumu namus meselesi olarak görme ve sahip olduğu değerlerle/inançla karıştıkları suçu açıklama söz konusudur. İkincisinde, maruz kalınan şiddet (aile içi sorunlar) sonucu, karşı tarafın bunu hak etmesi olarak açıklanmaktadır. Üçüncüsü ise, akli hastalık ya da bunalım sonucu bu suça karıştığını belirterek, sorumluluğu reddetme şeklindedir.</p>

scholarly journals Questionnaire on Mothers’ Cultural Beliefs About Weaning: Development and Psychometric Evaluation

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-67
Author(s):  
Zahra Jannat-Alipoor ◽  
Nasrin Navabi ◽  
Abbas Ebadi ◽  
Fatemeh Ghaffari
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Item Pool ◽  
False Beliefs ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cronbach’S Alpha ◽  
Cronbach's Alpha

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the role of cultural beliefs on weaning. Therefore, the obtained results can be used for health policymakers who design strategies to prevent physical and mental damage to mothers and their children. The main objective of this study was to design a questionnaire probing the role of cultural beliefs on weaning. Materials and Methods: The sequential combination exploratory mixed methods design was used to develop the questionnaire format in two sections. The qualitative section was designed to probe the role of cultural beliefs on weaning, which included a literature and related tools review and fieldwork (semi-structured interviews with mothers). Twenty-two studies were examined in the literature review and 14 mothers were selected and interviewed by a purposive sampling technique. The interviews continued up to data saturation as well. In addition, data analyses for both steps were conducted using conventional and textual content analyses. The quantitative section was a methodology study that was accomplished in two parts. Questionnaire items were formed using the data and item pool obtained from the first part. Finally, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were checked using face, content, and construct validity, followed by probing reliability using Cronbach’s alpha reliability in the second part. Results: Qualitative data analysis results were organized according to the foundational issues regarding the need for weaning, attitude toward weaning, awareness about weaning, society’s culture, health literacy, self-action, others’ experiences, professional help, family members’ support, and the outcomes. The item pool was formed using literature reviews and interviews. A 49-item questionnaire was developed after the completion of the psychometric process. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Index of Sampling Adequacy and Bartlett’s test of sphericity showed good results in this regard. Five components from the exploratory content analysis encompassing contexts, solutions, searching for help, maternal outcomes, and child-related outcomes demonstrated a 62.112% variance. Further, the Cronbach’s alpha was 0.88 and the interclass correlation coefficient was 0.89 based on responses to the items over two administrations of the questionnaire (P < 0.001). Thus, these results showed a high level of tool stability. Conclusions: For this study, a questionnaire was developed for understanding the role of cultural beliefs on weaning. It can be used for educational, research, and treatment purposes as a tool with appropriate validity and reliability, as well as short, easy, and grammatically simple items. Eventually, the questionnaire is useful for examining mothers’ false beliefs about weaning and their educational needs since false beliefs could cause destructive and health-threatening behaviors.

scholarly journals Western and traditional medicine: Cultural beliefs and practices of South African Muslims with regard to Down Syndrome

2006 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasneem Dangor ◽  
Eleanor Ross
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
South African ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Muslim Community ◽  
The South ◽  
Beliefs And Practices

The aim of the study was to investigate the beliefs and practices of caregivers and traditional healers within the South African Muslim community regarding Down syndrome. An exploratory-descriptive research design was utilized which incorporated individual interviews with 10 caregivers of persons with Down syndrome as well as 10 traditional healers from the South African Muslim community. Common beliefs emanating from both groups relating to the cause of Down syndrome included the notion that this condition was genetic in origin and that such children were perceived to be gifts from God. Others attributed Down syndrome to a punishment from God or the result of curses from people. Treatment included the use of inscriptions from the Quraan, water that had been prayed over and herbal medicines. Some caregivers seemed reluctant to approach western health care professionals due to negative past experiences. The main reasons for consulting traditional healers were cultural beliefs and pressure from family members, their holistic approach and the personal nature of their interventions. Collaboration between allopathic medicine and traditional healing was advocated by almost all of the traditional healers. These findings underline the need for culturally sensitive rehabilitation practices in speech-language pathology and audiology; and collaboration between western health care practitioners and traditional healers.

The role of moral explanations and structural inequalities in experiences of mental illness stigma in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil

2021 ◽  
pp. 136346152110550
Author(s):  
Patrícia Neves Guimarães ◽  
Duncan Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Psychosocial Treatment ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Structured Interviews

The process of stigmatization within different cultural contexts has long been viewed as essential in understanding the course and outcomes of mental illness. However, little research has examined which cultural constructs and categories are used to explain mental illness, and how they contribute to the way people with mental illness experience stigma and social exclusion, as well as how these beliefs affect healthcare practices. This study examines meanings ascribed to mental illness and experiences of stigma among four groups in urban settings of Minas Gerais, Brazil: persons with mental illness; their families; members of the lay public; and health professionals working at an alternative community-based psychosocial treatment service or a local university hospital. Qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and participant observation, were conducted with a purposive sample of 72 participants. Data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings suggest that stigma and discrimination are intrinsically rooted in a systemic process of social exclusion generated by meanings ascribed to mental illness and the structural vulnerabilities of the mental healthcare system. The findings further suggest that structural inequality is a powerful factor behind lay concepts of mental illness and that this is particularly harmful because it reinforces personal blame attributions instead of addressing the hidden structural forces that contribute to mental illness. The study highlights the subtle interrelations between cultural beliefs and structural vulnerabilities that should be addressed in mental health policy in order to diminish the effects of stigma on people with mental illnesses.

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