From mental health policy development in Ghana to implementation: what are the barriers?
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
;
13(3): 184-191, 2010.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1257851
ABSTRACT
Objective:
This paper identifies the key barriers to mental health policy implementation in Ghana and suggests ways of overcoming them.Method:
The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitatively; the WHO Mental Health Policy and Plan Checklist and the WHO Mental Health Legislation Checklist were employed to analyse the content of mental health policy; plans and legislation in Ghana. Qualitative data was gathered using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders in mental health at the macro; meso and micro levels. These were used to identify barriers to the implementation of mental health policy; and steps to overcoming these.Results:
Barriers to mental health policy implementation identified by participants include low priority and lack of political commitment to mental health; limited human and financial resources; lack of intersectoral collaboration and consultation; inadequate policy dissemination; and an absence of research-based evidence to inform mental health policy. Suggested steps to overcoming the barriers include revision of mental health policy and legislation; training and capacity development and wider consultation.Conclusion:
These results call for well-articulated plans to address the barriers to the implementation of mental health policy in Ghana to reduce the burden associated with mental disorders
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Mental Health
/
Ghana
/
Health Plan Implementation
/
Health Policy
/
Legislation as Topic
Type of study:
Qualitative research
/
Systematic review of observational studies
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
Year:
2010
Type:
Article
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