Mental illness--stigma and discrimination in Zambia.

Augustus Kapungwe · Sara Cooper · Jason Mwanza · Lonia Mwape · Alice Sikwese · Ritsuko Kakuma +2 more

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Mental Health Treatment and Access Historical Psychiatry and Medical Practices Psychology and Mental Health

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the presence, causes and means of addressing individual and systemic stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness in Zambia. This is to facilitate the development of tailor-made antistigma initiatives that are culturally sensitive for Zambia and other low-income African countries. This is the first in-depth study on mental illness stigma in Zambia. METHOD: Fifty semi-structured interviews and 6 focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders drawn from 3 districts in Zambia (Lusaka, Kabwe and Sinazongwe). Transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Mental illness stigma and discrimination is pervasive across Zambian society, prevailing within the general community, amongst family members, amid general and mental health care providers, and at the level of government. Such stigma appears to be fuelled by misunderstandings of mental illness aetiology; fears of contagion and the perceived dangerousness of people with mental illness; and associations between HIV/AIDS and mental illness. Strategies suggested for reducing stigma and discrimination in Zambia included education campaigns, the transformation of mental health policy and legislation and expanding the social and economic opportunities of the mentally ill. CONCLUSION: In Zambia, as in many other low-income African countries, very little attention is devoted to addressing the negative beliefs and behaviours surrounding mental illness, despite the devastating costs that ensue. The results from this study underscore the need for greater commitment from governments and policy-makers in African countries to start prioritizing mental illness stigma as a major public health and development issue.

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References

1998Basics of qualitative research : techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory 1994Handbook of Qualitative Research 1989Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research 1995Qualitative Research: Introducing focus groups 1967Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo 1987How to use qualitative methods in evaluation 1967Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo.1988An attributional analysis of reactions to stigmas.

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2011Attitudes of primary health care providers towards people with mental illness: evidence from two districts in Zambia 2019Awareness challenges of mental health disorder and dementia facing stigmatisation and discrimination: a systematic literature review from Sub-Sahara Africa 2019Acceptability of Persuasive Prompts to Induce Behavioral Change in People Suffering from Depression

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