Caregivers of Mentally Ill Patients: A Crosssectional Need-Based Assessment of Social Workers in Post-conflict Somalia
Date
2019-06-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Practice Social Work in Action
Abstract
This study seeks to investigate the needs of family caregivers of people living
with Mental illness in Somalia. Using an exploratory research design
technique, a qualitative approach was employed for a one-on-one interview
module to collect data from a total of 51 respondents identified as family
caregivers of mentally ill persons undergoing rehabilitation in five (5) selected
mental health facilities sampled for the study. In analyzing and interpreting
qualitative data, a thematic content analysis was done which revealed that, in
addition to medical care, family caregivers need not only social support in a
form of affection to assist them in their various engagements, but also,
adequate relaxation and leisure to regain lost energies and save them from
stress and its harmful ramifications on their health. They also need decent
accommodation to maintain their mentally ill relatives. The results further
revealed that, caregivers needed financial support as well as emotional
support from friends and society in order to psyche them up for their task. To
understand the needs of patients’ treatment history and condition, caregivers
need information. It is, therefore of necessity to social workers and other
stakeholders that the needs of caregivers are adequately and
sufficiently addressed.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
caregivers, mentally ill patients, needs-based assessment, social workers, post-conflict Somalia
Citation
Vincent Ekow Arkorful, Adam A. Mohamed, Osman Jama, Sarah Pokuaah, Ibrahim Basiru, Anastasia Hammond, Eric Kwadwo Agyei & Amadu Latif (2019): Caregivers of Mentally Ill Patients: A Cross-sectional Need-Based Assessment of Social Workers in Post-conflict Somalia, Practice, DOI: 10.1080/09503153.2019.1620200