Exploring the barriers to mental health service utilization in the Bolgatanga Municipality: the perspectives of family caregivers, service providers, and mental health administrators
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Date
2024
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Health Services Research
Abstract
Background Mental health service utilization remains a challenge in developing countries, with numerous barriers
affecting access to care. Albeit data suggest poor utilization of mental health services in the Bolgatanga Municipality
in Ghana, no studies have explored the barriers to the utilization of mental health services. Therefore, this study
explored the perspectives of family caregivers, service providers, and mental health service administrators on the
barriers to mental health service utilization in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana.
Methods A qualitative descriptive design was employed for the study. Nineteen participants were purposively
sampled from two hospitals including fifteen family caregivers, two service providers, and two mental health
administrators. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide.
Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using NVivo 12 pro software.
Results Five main themes emerged including individual-level barriers, interpersonal barriers, community-level
barriers, organizational-level barriers, and policy-level barriers. At the individual level, lack of insight, poor treatment
compliance, and financial challenges were prominent barriers. Interpersonal barriers included family pressure
influenced by cultural and spiritual beliefs. At the community level, stigma and mental health illiteracy were identified
as significant barriers. At the organizational level, barriers encompassed inadequate staffing, limited space, and staff
attitudes. Policy-level barriers included the neglect of mental health in policies and the non-inclusion of mental health
services in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Conclusion This study highlights the complexity of barriers to mental health service utilization and underscores
the need for a comprehensive approach to address them. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers,
policymakers, communities, and families are essential to mitigate these barriers. It is imperative to consider these
barriers when developing strategies to improve the utilization of mental health services in Ghana.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Mental health service utilization, Family caregivers, Financial challenges, Service providers