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Pathways to care among patients with mental illness at two psychiatric facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa

Bibliographic Data

ID19271729
AuthorsMichael Galvin (0000-0003-2123-5020, Department of Psychiatry, corresponding author), William Byansi (0000-0003-2880-9357, Boston College), Lesley Chiwaye (0009-0006-0715-4960, University of the Witwatersrand), Zoleka Luvuno (0009-0008-6522-6971, University of the Witwatersrand), Aneesa Moolla (0000-0002-1233-680X, University of the Witwatersrand)
Year2023
Volume69
Issue8
Pages2059-2067
Publication date2023-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Social Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-7640 • E-ISSN: 1741-2854
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00207640231188037
PMID37477344
OpenAlexW4384924793
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited42

BACKGROUND: A patient's pathway to care is often characterized by a sequence of actions taken to remedy ill-health. Research exploring the help-seeking behavior of individuals with mental health problems in sub-Saharan Africa is relatively limited. This study assessed the perceptions and experiences of mental illness and treatment among patients with mental illness at two psychiatric facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS: 309 interviewer administered surveys were conducted between January and July 2022. We used a logistic regression model to examine factors associated with receiving treatment for mental illnesses from traditional healers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants during the same period. Interviews were transcribed and translated into English. Data were managed using NVivo 11 software and thematically analyzed. FINDINGS: Results showed that 144 (47%) patients sought mental health care from traditional healers. Higher anxiety symptoms, number of people in the household, believing that traditional medicine can cure mental illnesses, and township living were associated with seeking mental healthcare from traditional healers. Qualitative analysis indicated that participants often believed that mental illness was due to bewitchment and consulted with multiple traditional healers, thus spending large amounts of money for treatment and ultimately delaying access to biomedical care. CONCLUSION: Collaborative approaches between traditional healers and biomedical professionals show promise in terms of allowing for improved identification and treatment of individuals with mental disorders

Anxiety · Family medicine · Interview · Mental health · Mental health care · Mental illness · Psychiatric medication · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Family Caregiving in Mental Illness · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Schizophrenia research and treatment

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Unique citing works2
Citations per year2
Citation span2026 - 2026 (1)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 2
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