Management of perceived mental health problems by spiritual healers : a Nigerian study
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
;
11(2): 113-118, 2008. tab
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1257828
ABSTRACT
Objective:
Anecdotal reports and research findings have suggested that religious healers are widely consulted by many Nigerians in time of mental health crisis. The study aimed at examining the knowledge; attitude and practice of mental health care among a syncretic Church's healers; and their readiness to cooperate with Psychiatrists.Method:
A modified; pilot-tested; self-completed questionnaire was used to obtain information from consenting spiritual healers who satisfy the inclusion criteria. Focus group discussions (FGDs); Participatory Observation (PO) and Key Informant Interviews (KII) were used to corroborate or refute the findings.Results:
The respondents' knowledge of mental disorders was limited to psychotic disorders; their explanatory model was similar to beliefs of the populace. In practice; they combined some modern medical approach; some native methodology and some eclectic religious practices such as prophecy; trance and dream. Only 6of them ever referred their clients to medical practitioners.Conclusion:
Religious healers still constitute an important route to access mental health care providers to some Nigerians
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Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
/
Mental Health
/
Spiritual Therapies
/
Mental Healing
/
Nigeria
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
Year:
2008
Type:
Article
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