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INTRODUCTION

In Burkina Faso, there is a lack of studies on perceptions of existing mental healthcare systems. This limits understanding patients’ treatment pathways and barriers to care utilization. As in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, this lack of information contributes to the difficulty of health systems to adapt the available care to patients’ realities and needs.

PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

In this study, participant observations were made in different care settings in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. Seven focus groups and 25 individual interviews were conducted to question knowledge, perception, and use of existing services. Different actors were interviewed: patients, caregivers, family members and key informants. The data were subjected to a descriptive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three systems of care were identified: 1) psychiatric care was associated with a diagnostic function and the management of serious pathologies, or ones triggered by “natural” causes, 2) traditional care was seen as having a healing function for “supernatural” pathologies, but was associated with a risk of fraud, and 3) informal care provided by the family was identified as the mainstay of the therapeutic pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that through the diversity of resources consulted, the family members represent the main provider of care. Also, financial constraints constitute the main obstacle to seeking care. These findings lead us to make recommendations regarding the development of public policies at the national level as well as regarding the organization of health services in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso.