Socio-Cultural Beliefs and Their Influence on Mental Health Service Utilization in Ghana
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Mental health service utilization in Ghana remains significantly influenced by entrenched socio-cultural beliefs and traditional explanatory models. This study investigated how local perceptions of mental illness shape treatment preferences, stigma, and resistance to biomedical care in five districts of the Western Region. Using a mixed-methods design, quantitative surveys (N=150) revealed that over 77% of respondents believed mental illness is caused by spiritual or supernatural forces, with 67% preferring traditional or religious interventions over formal psychiatric care. Stigma was widespread, with 59% associating mental illness with family shame and 58% admitting they would feel embarrassed to seek help at a mental health facility. Qualitative interviews with 20 key informants reinforced these findings, highlighting deep-rooted beliefs in witchcraft, curses, and spiritual affliction as causes of mental illness. Respondents also expressed limited trust in hospitals and emphasized the social consequences of disclosure. The study concludes that mental health interventions must integrate cultural understandings and partner with traditional healing systems to overcome resistance, reduce stigma, and promote effective service uptake. Policy strategies should prioritize culturally grounded education, stigma reduction, and coordinated collaboration with non-biomedical practitioners.
Keywords: Mental health utilization, Ghana, Cultural beliefs, Traditional healing, Stigma, Help-seeking behavior
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