Development and Implementation of Mental Healthcare Plans in Three Districts in Ghana
A Mixed-Method Process Evaluation Using Theory of Change
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8908428 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kenneth Ayuurebobi Ae-Ngibise (0000-0001-5638-4814, University of Ghana, corresponding author), Lionel Sakyi (0000-0002-9997-2787, Ghana Wildlife Society), Lyla Adwan-Kamara (0009-0005-6508-0616, Ghana Wildlife Society), T D Cooper (WWF-UK), Benedict Weobong (0000-0001-8338-1408, University of Ghana), Crick Lund (0000-0002-5159-8220, University of Cape Town) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 61 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 509-522 |
| Publication date | 2024-09-27 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Community Mental Health Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0010-3853 • E-ISSN: 1573-2789 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10597-024-01357-5 |
| PMID | 39331258 |
| OpenAlex | W4402926645 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 31 |
In Ghana, a severe mental healthcare gap of 95-98% exists due to limited services. Ghana Somubi Dwumadie set out to address this by developing district mental healthcare plans (DMHPs) in three demonstration districts. Following the Programme for Improving Mental Healthcare model, district mental health operations teams were formed and used Theory of Change (ToC) to develop DMHPs. Key elements included training non-specialist health workers and enrolling individuals in relevant healthcare programmes. Evaluation methods included routine data, health facility surveys, and qualitative analysis within the ToC framework. Results showed improved integration of mental health services, enhanced case management through training, and increased service utilisation, shown through 691 service user enrollments. However, there was limited commitment of new resources and no significant improvement in primary care workers' capacity to detect priority mental health conditions. The study concludes that DMHPs, implemented with an integrated approach, can improve mental health service utilisation, contingent on committed leadership, resource availability, and stakeholder engagement
Environmental health · Health psychology · Mental health · Process (computing · Psychiatry · Public health · Applied Psychology · Computer Science · Health Policy Implementation Science · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Nursing · Primary Care and Health Outcomes · Psychology
Prime
Theory of Change
Using theory of change to design and evaluate public health interventions
Achieving Integration in Mixed Methods Designs—Principles and Practices
Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health research
The Lancet Commission on global mental health and sustainable development
Process evaluation of complex interventions
Mental health and disability research priorities and capacity needs in Ghana
A nationwide evaluation study of the quality of care and respect of human rights in mental health facilities in Ghana
Strengthening mental health system governance in six low- and middle-income countries in Africa and South Asia
Designing interventions to ameliorate mental health conditions in resource-constrained contexts
Reducing mental illness stigma in healthcare settings
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |