Pathways to Care for Psychosis in Rural Uganda
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Yang Jae, Nakaziba Kayera Sumaya, Waimon Sophie, Agwang Grace, Menon Kailash, Samuel Sam, Dyas Aaron Damon, Nkolo Travor, Ingabire Haba, Wykoff Jason, Hobbs Olivia, Kazungu Rauben, Basiimwa Job, Rosenheck Robert, Ashaba Scholastic, Tsai Alexander C.
Primary Institution: Yale University
Hypothesis
What factors influence treatment choices for psychosis in rural Uganda?
Conclusion
Despite a preference for biomedical care, structural barriers and diverse illness perceptions led many to seek pluralistic care pathways.
Supporting Evidence
- 81% of participants accessed biomedical care.
- The median time to first biomedical contact was 52 days.
- Participants reported barriers such as cost and distance to care.
Takeaway
People in rural Uganda want to see doctors for mental health issues, but many can't get there because it's too far or too expensive, so they often go to traditional healers instead.
Methodology
Mixed-methods study involving 67 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions with individuals with psychotic disorders, family members, and local leaders, along with structured questionnaires administered to 41 individuals.
Potential Biases
Potential social desirability bias due to the researchers' affiliation with a local NGO providing mental healthcare.
Limitations
The study's focus on a specific rural district may limit generalizability, and social desirability bias may have influenced participants' responses.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"female":73,"male":27},"age":{"mean":39.8,"median":38},"marital_status":{"married_or_cohabiting":51,"separated":12,"single":29,"widowed":7},"occupation":{"peasant_farmer":61,"teacher":10,"unemployed":24},"education":{"incomplete_primary":34,"complete_primary":12,"vocational_training":5,"no_education":17}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website