mental illness in south africa. “community attitudes towards and knowledge of mental illness in...
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MENTAL ILLNESS IN SOUTH AFRICA
“Community Attitudes Towards andKnowledge of Mental Illness in
S.A.”Soc Psychiatry Epidemiol (2003) 38:715-719
According to this study, “5% of the total population show definite psychiatric syndromes and roughly 20% show evidence of psychiatric distress.”
However, the following was evidenced in the research of this study that, “stigma and misinformation regarding mental illness exist, influencing preferred treatment modality and help-seeking behavior. More work needs to be done to educate the public about the psychobiological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders and about the value of effective treatment.”
THREE MAIN ISSUES
• AIDS
• CRIME
• TRADITIONAL TRIBAL RITUALS
AIDShttp://www.pgaf.org/pressreleases/
south_africa_stats.html
RESULTS OF AIDS
• Thousands of homeless orphans.
• Older children become ringleaders for younger children and involve them in illegal behavior like prostitution.
• Builds on more hatred between blacks and whites and used as a tool for revenge.
• Mental issues relating to AIDS victims and related family members.
“Using Psychosocial Interventions in a S.A. Township.”
• Mental health practice June 2005 vol 9 no.9.
• The primary aim of the project was to improve access to metal health services for residents of the township.
• 45% of SA still in poverty.• Life expectancy, due to aids and
tuberculosis in 2000 was 47.8 years.• Therefore, social problems are critical.
Study continued
This specific study was conducted in a township called KwaZakhele (near Port Elizabeth). They have 400,000 residents and most do not have running water or sanitation – they live in basic shack dwellings.
PRIMARY GOAL: TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS OF THE TOWNSHIPS.
Study Continued
• Mainly nurses were trained on psychosocial interventions for mental health in the UK. It was culturally adapted for SA.
• They increased trainees knowledge about mental health and enhanced the ability to communicate with mental ill people.
• The clinics in SA were not well resourced, far distances for patients to have to travel, long queues to wait in and limited treatments.
• This resulted in a failed system as patients and were classified as defaulted.• The plan of a defaulter tracing system was implemented. This presented
problems due to tracking homes that were either not numbered or too long of no’s, i.e. 66,548.
• Through persistence and community help, 74% of the people were found and returned to the clinic within the first three days.
CRIME
• 1000 crimes reported – 430 arrests are made. 77 – convicted of which 8 got 2 or more years imprisonment. (http://www.rescuewithoughtborders.org/id29.html)
• http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/pubs/public_info/c/86878/1
South African Crime Stats
RESULTS OF HIGH CRIME
• In 2000, 62 policeman died…this compared with 2 in NY which was due to a car accident. Police deaths in 2001-2002 were 45 policeman.
• Many professional and educated people, i.e. Doctors have left the country. This has resulted in systems and institutions suffering and failing, i.e. hospitals.
• FEAR IS DETRIMENTAL TO A HEALTHY MENATL STATE OF BEING!
TRADITIONAL HEALINGS
SA ETHICAL CODES