Mboweni Eseldah Nkhensani, Mphasha Mabitsela Hezekiel, Skaal Linda
Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Mankweng 0727, South Africa.
Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Limpopo, Mankweng 0727, South Africa.
Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Dec 29;12(1):85. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12010085.
The global rise in mental health disorders has significant social, economic, and physical impacts. Despite advancements in support, cultural beliefs attributing mental illnesses to spiritual causes persist, fostering discrimination and stigmatization. The study aims to explore the understanding and perceptions of mental health in Matsafeni Village, acknowledging the complexity of mental health issues. A qualitative method and a descriptive exploratory design were employed, enabling the researcher to describe, examine, and explore the knowledge and perceptions regarding mental health. Data collection was conducted through unstructured, open-ended interviews, with 15 participants selected through convenience sampling. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Measures of rigor were ensured through credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability. Participants demonstrated knowledge of mental health disorders, recognizing disruptions in thought patterns and diverse symptoms. They highlighted key signs and behaviors, emphasizing the need for spotting indicators such as untidiness. Perceptions of the causes of mental illness varied, including witchcraft and genetics. Participants unanimously advocated for seeking help from traditional healers, medical facilities, and therapies. Community members shared their views of mental health, covering their understanding, recognition of signs, personal interactions, and observations of behaviors in individuals with mental health conditions. Reported symptoms align with existing research, emphasizing the complexity of managing safety concerns in severe mental illnesses. The study highlights the need for community education to reduce stigma, considering cultural factors in mental health perceptions. Recommendations include early interventions, enhanced mental health services, and collaboration between western and traditional approaches for a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to mental health.
全球心理健康障碍的增加产生了重大的社会、经济和身体影响。尽管在支持方面取得了进展，但将精神疾病归因于精神原因的文化观念仍然存在，助长了歧视和污名化。该研究旨在探讨马萨费尼村对心理健康的理解和认知，认识到心理健康问题的复杂性。采用了定性方法和描述性探索性设计，使研究人员能够描述、审视和探索有关心理健康的知识和认知。通过非结构化的开放式访谈收集数据，通过便利抽样选择了15名参与者。通过主题分析对数据进行了分析。通过可信度、可转移性、可证实性和可靠性确保了严谨性。参与者表现出对心理健康障碍的了解，认识到思维模式的紊乱和各种症状。他们强调了关键迹象和行为，强调需要发现诸如不整洁等指标。对精神疾病原因的认知各不相同，包括巫术和遗传因素。参与者一致主张向传统治疗师、医疗机构和疗法寻求帮助。社区成员分享了他们对心理健康的看法，涵盖了他们的理解、对症状的认识、个人互动以及对有心理健康问题的个人行为的观察。报告的症状与现有研究一致，强调了在严重精神疾病中管理安全问题的复杂性。该研究强调需要开展社区教育以减少污名化，在心理健康认知中考虑文化因素。建议包括早期干预、加强心理健康服务，以及西方和传统方法之间的合作，以采取全面且具有文化敏感性的心理健康方法。
