An exploratory study of the mental health and emotional challenges of women inside Ghanaian witches’ camps

Bibliographic Data

ID21622693
AuthorsYakubu H Yakubu (0000-0001-5025-6299, Auckland University of Technology, corresponding author), Richard J Siegert (0000-0002-3074-0929, Auckland University of Technology), Christian U Krägeloh (0000-0002-7298-0736, Auckland University of Technology), Lydia Aziato (0000-0002-7813-5525, University of Health and Allied Sciences), Eleanor Holroyd (0000-0002-2993-8823, Auckland University of Technology)
Year2024
Publication date2024-07-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCurrent Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1046-1310 • E-ISSN: 1936-4733
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s12144-024-06328-3
OpenAlexW4400927348
LanguageEN
References cited29

For years, older women accused of witchcraft have been persecuted and forced into sanctuaries known as witch camps. This highlights a lack of public policies and social support for older women facing disabilities, aging, and dementia. Labelling them as witches and isolating them from their families and familiar surroundings profoundly impacts their emotional well-being. However, little is known about the mental health of older women in witch camps in northern Ghana. This study interviewed 15 women from the Gambaga witches camp, identifying five main themes and 21 related sub-themes: ‘Physical and Mental Health Issues,’ ‘Psychological Impacts of Displacement and Trauma,’ ‘Social Isolation and Emotional Distress,’ ‘Living Conditions,’ and ‘Community Support and Strategies for Improving Well-being.’ The sub-themes included ‘Physical problems (chronic body pain) impacting upon general health and well-being’, ‘Anxiety and nervousness’, ‘Sleep and restlessness- “can’t sit still”, ‘Suicidal thoughts and anger’, ‘Forgetfulness’, ‘Concentration and confusion’, ‘Loneliness, sadness from family disconnection’ and ‘stigma – self and others’, ‘Loss of respect and dignity (‘Dariza’)’, ‘Frailty and loss of independence’, ‘Feelings of helplessness, unhappiness, and despair’, ‘Lack of family support and dignity’, ‘Lack of basic needs, and inadequate social facilities’. Findings revealed the negative effects of cultural beliefs and discrimination on the mental health of these women. Addressing public stigma and challenging these beliefs can improve healthcare and outcomes, allowing older women to stay connected with their families, reduce depression, and lead meaningful lives

Anger · Anxiety · Dignity · Feeling · Loneliness · Mental health · Psychiatry · Sadness · Social isolation · Social support · Spouse · Clinical Psychology · Health disparities and outcomes · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology · Social Psychology

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