Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Utilization of Mental Health Services in the Ashiaman Municipality of Ghana.

Abstract

Background Mental Health, mostly overlooked as a non-communicable disease, is becoming an issue of national concern. Though the Mental Health Act 846 of 2012 was passed into law in 2012, mental health services seem to be virtually invisible in many communities. Persons with mental health disorders are mostly stigmatized and discriminated, suffering low quality of life in their diverse communities. This study sought to identify the factors influencing mental health utilization at the community level and to recommend solutions to improve both the service and its availability. Objectives The main objective of this study was to explore the socio-economic factors influencing the utilization of mental health services in the Ashaiman Municipality. The study also sought to ascertain whether mental health services were available within the community and whether the residents were privy to these services and the various socio-economic factors that influenced and affected mental health service utilisation. Method This study was an exploratory qualitative research involving face to face in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. Purposive sampling method was used to select 24 participants consisting of 7 health providers, 11 community members and 6 caregivers to participate the study. An interview guide was developed and used to collect data and participants were assigned codes and pseudonyms. Transcribed interviews were transported to NVIVO software version 11 for analysis. Thematic content analysis was applied in the data analysis involving inductive and deductive coding. Participants were assured of privacy and confidentiality. Results The study revealed that various mental health services including counselling and public talks on mental health exist in the Ashaiman community. Factors like belief systems, economic status, and nearness of mental health facilities were found to influence mental health utilisation whiles less drugs and staff, and absence of facilities to admit patients and other challenges at the mental health facilities affected mental health service utilisation. Conclusion It was concluded in the study that, financial constraint is a major factor across board. This is evident in the inability of caregivers and members of the community to fully utilize the available mental health services. There also is not adequate information on mental health services to community members in health facilities. Recommendations Ghana Health Service (GHS) should educate and create awareness on mental health at the community level, making provisions for admission of mental patients. Also, the government should enhance human and capital resources to support mental health services and lastly, future studies should focus on the practices of traditional and religious healers and the potential for collaboration.