ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The maltreatment of people with mental illness in Ghana's traditional and faith-based healing centres, including shackling, flogging, and forced fasting, has been documented by numerous sources. Such treatment is potentially traumatising and may exacerbate mental health problems. Despite widespread use, few studies have focused on experiences and characteristics of people who seek traditional healing for mental illness or healers' perspectives treatment of these conditions. METHOD: Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 82 individuals who were treated in healing centres and 40 traditional healers; all took part in semi-structured interviews. Those treated were asked about experiences in centres and assessed for prior trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress, and functional impairment. Healers were asked about beliefs and practices related to the treatment of mental illness. RESULTS: Individuals treated in centres and healers generally believed that mental illness has a spiritual cause. Approximately 30.5% of those treated in centres were exposed to maltreatment; despite this, half would return. Individuals with a history of trauma were more likely to report maltreatment in the centre and had higher symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Most participants had impaired functioning. Healers who used practices like shackling believed they were necessary. Most healers were willing to collaborate with the official health structure. CONCLUSION: Results provide insight into the treatment of mental illness by traditional healers in Ghana and the need for trauma-informed mental health services. Findings also highlight the importance of considering cultural beliefs when attempting to implement mental health interventions in the region.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of pacifier use among Saudi children and analyze the effects of maternal education and dental visits on the age of pacifier withdrawal. METHODS: The dental histories of mothers of 300 children with age group of 2-7 years were obtained along with their educational level, frequency of dental checkups, and age of pacifier withdrawal. Data were analyzed using the cross-tabulation and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Forty percent (n = 133) of the children used pacifier. There was an effect of maternal education on the age of pacifier withdrawal: higher the maternal education, younger the age of pacifier withdrawal. The frequency of dental visits influenced the relationship between maternal education and age of pacifier withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS: Unhealthy oral habits such as prolonged pacifier use can be reduced with regular dental checkups and higher levels of mother education. Hence, we recommend that children should start dental visits at an early age and maintain visits at regular intervals.
