A situation analysis of mental health services and legislation in Ghana: challenges for transformation
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
; 13(2): 99-108, 2010. ilus
Article
in En
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1257843
Responsible library:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
Objective:
To conduct a situation analysis of the status of mental health care in Ghana and to propose options for scaling up the provision of mental health care.Method:
A survey of the existing mental health system in Ghana was conducted using the WHO Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems. Documentary analysis was undertaken of mental health legislation; utilizing the WHO Legislation checklists. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with a broad range of mental health stakeholders (n=122) at the national; regional and district levels.Results:
There are shortfalls in the provision of mental health care including insufficient numbers of mental health professionals; aging infrastructure; widespread stigma; inadequate funding and an inequitable geographical distribution of services.Conclusion:
Community-based services need to be delivered in the primary care setting to provide accessible and humane mental health care. There is an urgent need for legislation reform; to improve mental health care delivery and protect human rights
Full text:
1
Database:
AIM
Main subject:
Mental Health
/
Ghana
/
Mental Health Services
Type of study:
Qualitative_research
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
Year:
2010
Document type:
Article