Perceived barriers to mental health services utilization among adults in Dodoma municipality

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The high prevalence of psychiatric disorders locally indicates an enormous need for mental health services. This study determined the barriers to mental health service utilization among the adult population in Dodoma, Tanzania.

METHODOLOGY The concurrent mixed method model (quantitative and qualitative methods)was used that required participant to respond to perceived causes of mental illness, decision making for treatment option, and perceived barriers. In the quantitative part the study (n=152) was analyzed by using EPI- Info 2002 statistical software package. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were applied to determine the significant associations between selected risk factors and mental health service utilization. In the qualitative part the in-depth interviews (n = 10) were carried out as determined by saturation principle. Content analysis was used. Both the latent and manifest content of analyses are reported.

RESULTS The majority of respondents (93.4%; n=142) opted for attendance at modem care/mental health facility. This was followed by the spiritual healing (62.9%; n=95), (42.4%; n=64) traditional healers and herbal medicines (30.3%; n=46). Drug abuse was identified as a major cause of mental illness (91.95 %; n=138) , followed by effect of curse or God's will (75.17; n=I13), witch craft (65.77 %; n = 99) demons or evil spirit possession (63.76%; n=96) and Marriage conflict (48.68%; n = 74). The most prevalent barriers were the monetary, long distance, stigma, lack of transport, unawareness pertaining to where to get mental health services, discrimination and poor services.

CONCLUSION The way one perceives mental illness has an influence in decision making regarding using mental health services. There is need for policy makers to integrate mental health into primary care. There should be mutual sharing of knowledge between mental health professional and tradition healers.