Knowledge and Perceptions of Mental Disorders among Adualts in Zuarungu and Sumbrungu Communities, in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Mental illness has been a burden to many nations including Ghana, and has contributed greatly to disability worldwide. Many factors determine mental illness in people and it is important to know the knowledge and perception people hold about mental illness. This is because, knowledge of mental illness may lead to better outcomes for those with mental disorders, either by facilitating early help-seeking or by helping other people to identify early signs of mental disorders and seek help. It will also inform their perceptions about mental illness which will lead to positive attitudes towards the mentally ill. This study was exploratory and qualitative using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Forty-one (41) adults participated. Six focus groups were carried out, with the aid an interview guide, three in each community. Two of the groups were men only, two were women only and two were mixture of men and women. Collected data was transcribed, developed in to themes and analysed. The findings of this study revealed that community members have some level of knowledge of mental illness. Four meaningful illness causal belief dimensions have been identified as: life style factors, Supernatural factors, biological (genetic) factors, and psychological trauma. Majority of the respondents hold negative beliefs about mental illness and thus behave negatively towards the mentally ill. This study brought together diverse research relevant to the topic and recommended education as a strategy to modify existing misconceptions about mental disorders. This research may also serve as a source of evaluation for further research into mental disorders.