Effects of superstitions surrounding mental health disorders on help-seeking behavior among the youth of Kamwokya Parish II

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of superstitions surrounding mental health disorders on help-seeking behaviors among youth in Kamwokya Parish II, Kampala, Uganda. The research aimed to explore prevalent superstitions, analyze their influence on choices for professional mental health services, and identify the roles of traditional and spiritual healers. Employing a qualitative research approach with a descriptive phenomenology design, the study utilized in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant guides. A total of 15 participants were involved: 10 youths (aged 18-30) who had personal or close observational experience with mental health disorders, and 5 key informants including mental health professionals, parents/caregivers, local leaders, and spiritual/traditional healers. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select participants, ensuring relevance to the study objectives and facilitating access to hard-to-reach populations. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that youth in Kamwokya Parish II predominantly attribute mental health disorders to supernatural causes such as witchcraft, ancestral punishment, and curses, leading to significant mistrust in biomedical treatments and a deep fear of social stigma. This resulted in considerable hesitation and delays in seeking professional mental health services, with a strong preference for culturally congruent traditional and spiritual healing modalities. Traditional healers and spiritual leaders played a pivotal role, offering accessible and affordable interventions like rituals, sacrifices, prayers, and exorcism, which were perceived as more aligned with the spiritual etiology of mental illness. Based on these findings, it's recommended that culturally sensitive community education campaigns be implemented to demystify mental illness, foster collaboration between formal healthcare providers and traditional/spiritual leaders to create referral pathways, and enhance the accessibility and affordability of youth-friendly mental health services. The conclusion emphasizes the profound impact of superstitions on help-seeking behaviors and the need for nuanced, integrated approaches to improve mental health outcomes among the youth in this community.