Original Research
Pathways to mental health care in KwaZulu - Natal
Curationis | Vol 27, No 3 | a1001 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v27i3.1001
| © 2004 L.P. Mkize, L.R. Uys
| This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 28 September 2004 | Published: 28 September 2004
Submitted: 28 September 2004 | Published: 28 September 2004
About the author(s)
L.P. Mkize, School of Nursing, University of Natal, South AfricaL.R. Uys, School of Nursing, University of Natal, South Africa
Full Text:
PDF (389KB)Abstract
The understanding of popular beliefs about mental health care and the pathways clients take prior to admission to a mental health institution is vital in planning to reduce delays in seeking treatment. The objectives of this exploratory survey were to determine pathways of care the clients with mental illness take, which ultimately lead to the mental health institution, the effects of socio-cultural and economic factor on the pathways to mental health care and the satisfaction with different service providers consulted. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that African clients interpret mental illness as bewitchment. Delays in seeking appropriate mental health care are experienced because traditional and faith healers are the first port of call. The short pathways are used when the first signs of psychotic features are severe, including like aggressive or violent behaviour. Financial constraints seem to be the problem for most of the clients in accessing mental health care. Furthermore, defaulting treatment was also observed due to the fact that mental illnesses are stigmatised in African communities.
Keywords
No related keywords in the metadata.
Metrics
Total abstract views: 4302Total article views: 3127
Crossref Citations
1. Help-seeking journey to accessing audiology services in a peri-urban community in South Africa
Thobekile K. Mtimkulu, Katijah Khoza-Shangase
South African Journal of Communication Disorders vol: 71 issue: 1 year: 2024
doi: 10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1002