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Perceived barriers on utilization of mental health services among adults in Dodoma Municipality – Tanzania

Tumbwene Elieza Mwansisya (College of Health Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania and Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Peoples Republic of China.)
Anne H. Outwater (Department of Community Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
Zhening Liu (Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Peoples Republic of China)

Journal of Public Mental Health

ISSN: 1746-5729

Article publication date: 15 June 2015

290

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine perceived barriers to utilization of mental health services among adults in Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania. To improve the use of mental health services, identifying related perceived barriers is a key step.

Design/methodology/approach

A concurrent mixed method model was used. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews (n=152) using a structured survey questionnaire. In addition in-depth interviews were conducted (n=10). The quantitative data were analyzed by using Epi info version 2002. Content analysis was used for analyzing qualitative data.

Findings

The majority of respondents opted to use modern mental health facilities for mental illness treatment. They also used spiritual healing and other forms traditional methods including herbal medicines. The most frequently identified causes of mental illness were: drug abuse, being cursed and witchcraft, demons or evil spirit possession. The reported significant perceived barriers were stigma, economic, lack of transport, witchcraft, lack of awareness of mental health services, unemployment, and negative believes about professional cure.

Originality/value

The option for mental health service utilization is influenced by the existing barriers on community and clients’ perception. There is a need for mental health professionals and policy makers to integrate mental health into primary care. Mutual sharing of knowledge between mental health professionals and tradition healers is warranted. Further research on the attitudes toward mental health professional services and on effectiveness of traditional healers’ services is indicated.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The study was funded by Tanzania – Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to Tumbwene E. Mwansisya (first author). The authors declare that have no conflicts of interest with funding sponsor in the whole study process from design to submission.

Citation

Mwansisya, T.E., Outwater, A.H. and Liu, Z. (2015), "Perceived barriers on utilization of mental health services among adults in Dodoma Municipality – Tanzania", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 79-93. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-09-2012-0008

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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