Mental illness - stigma and discrimination in Zambia
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
; 13(3): 192-203, 2010.
Artigo
em Inglês
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1257852
Biblioteca responsável:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
Objective:
The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the presence; causes and means of addressing individual and systemic stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness in Zambia. This is to facilitate the development of tailor-made antistigma initiatives that are culturally sensitive for Zambia and other low-income African countries. This is the first in-depth study on mental illness stigma in Zambia.Method:
Fifty semi-structured interviews and 6 focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders drawn from 3 districts in Zambia (Lusaka; Kabwe and Sinazongwe). Transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.Results:
Mental illness stigma and discrimination is pervasive across Zambian society; prevailing within the general community; amongst family members; amid general and mental health care providers; and at the level of government. Such stigma appears to be fuelled by misunderstandings of mental illness aetiology; fears of contagion and the perceived dangerousness of people with mental illness; and associations between HIV/AIDS and mental illness. Strategies suggested for reducing stigma and discrimination in Zambia included education campaigns; the transformation of mental health policy and legislation and expanding the social and economic opportunities of the mentally ill.Conclusion:
In Zambia; as in many other lowincome African countries; very little attention is devoted to addressing the negative beliefs and behaviours surrounding mental illness; despite the devastating costs that ensue. The results from this study underscore the need for greater commitment from governments and policy-makers in African countries to start prioritizing mental illness stigma as a major public health and development issue
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
AIM (África)
Assunto principal:
Preconceito
/
Estereotipagem
/
Zâmbia
/
Estigma Social
/
Transtornos Mentais
Tipo de estudo:
Estudo diagnóstico
/
Estudo prognóstico
/
Pesquisa qualitativa
País/Região como assunto:
África
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
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