HOUSEHOLD AND COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS ON THE INTEGRATION OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE TEMA METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

Background: Household and Community Care has increasingly been recognized by the Ghana Health Service and the mental health sector as a means of promoting mental health in Ghana. However, household and community attitudes and perceptions towards mental illness and mental health affect the effectiveness of community-based care. 

Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess household and community perceptions on the integration of persons with mental illness in the Tema Metropolis. Data collection: Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, data was collected from thirty-eight (which comprised 10 IDIs and 4FGD of 7 participants each) consented participants whose family members or relatives had visited the psychiatric unit of Tema polyclinic and also from community members living with persons with mental conditions.  Data analysis: Data collected was coded and themes generated. The succinct themes that was relevant to answering the research question was analyzed. Based on the data gathered after the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions four themes were generated. These themes comprised: description of mental health, individual perception on mental health, community/household perception of health, mental health integration and coping strategies.

Results: The connotation of mental health is diverse and fraught with stigmatization because of cultural and societal belief about the disease. The condition is also perceived to be spiritual and lifestyle related. The relationship individuals have with mentally ill patients is one of fear. Due misconception about mental illness, persons with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define quality life, which include affiliation with friends and community members. Generally, mental illness evokes a sense of shame from friends and families of those affected, such as; they are entirely not accepted as part of the community.

Conclusion: The results indicate a mixed reaction of attitude towards mental illness among participant. Though there is knowledge on mental illness, people always have drawbacks to integrating or mingling with persons with mental illness into society. Notwithstanding, some are also willing to accept them into society