@article{ref1,
title="Perceptions of mental disorders and help-seeking behaviour for mental health care within the Maasai Community of Northern Tanzania: an exploratory qualitative study",
journal="East African health research journal, The",
year="2018",
author="Daniel, Monica and Njau, Bernard and Mtuya, Chauka and Okelo, Elialilia and Mushi, Declare",
volume="2",
number="2",
pages="103-111",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are rapidly becoming more prevalent worldwide and are estimated to contribute up to 15% of the global burden of disease by 2020. In Africa, the help-seeking behaviour for mental health care is complex and is hindered by misconceptions and negative attitudes towards mental disorders. This study aimed to explore perceptions of mental disorders and help-seeking behaviour for mental health care within the Maasai community in northern Tanzania. <br><br>METHODS: This qualitative study enrolled a purposive sample of 41 participants from a Maasai community in Arusha Region, northern Tanzania. Participants included modern health-care providers, religious leaders, traditional practitioners, local government leaders, local Maasai leaders, and workers from nongovernmental organisations dealing with mental health. Local interviewers used interview guides to conduct in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in the local language, Kiswahili. The interviews were completed between April and May 2013. We used content analysis to analyse the qualitative data. <br><br>RESULTS: Study participants attributed mental disorders to supernatural causes, such as curses, witchcraft, demons, and God's will. A few participants also mentioned biological causes and risk behaviours, including perinatal insults, head injuries, and drug abuse. Furthermore, we found that the Maasai community seeks mental health care in a sequential and simultaneous manner from 3 sectors, namely, professional health-care providers, traditional healers, and religious leaders. Traditional healers and religious leaders were preferred over professional health-care providers for the treatment of mental disorders. <br><br>CONCLUSION: The Maasai have pluralistic help-seeking behaviour for mental health disorders. Integrating traditional healers in the modern health-care system may be beneficial to addressing mental health issues in this setting.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2520-5277",
doi="10.24248/EAHRJ-D-18-00004",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.24248/EAHRJ-D-18-00004"
}