Social support for the mentally challenged patients in the psychiatric hospitals of Ghana

Abstract

Mental health remains largely ignored in many developing countries, including Ghana. Mental illness could be treated effectively through medication and psychotherapy. The study explored the availability of social support for the mentally challenged patients at the three psychiatric hospitals using both quantitative and qualitative methods in Ghana. Four hundred and nine in-patients (409) whose conditions had improved (lucid interval) participated in the survey. Twenty-three outpatients, 10 caregivers and 10 facility personnel were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. The results show that some of the patients received emotional, instrumental and informational support. Patients with less than 6 months' stay were more likely to receive support from the family and significant others than patients with more than 4 years stay at the hospital. Female patients were more likely to receive positive support whiles male patients were likely to receive negative support from parents and significant others. Inadequate funding of the psychiatric hospitals in the country had affected procurement of drugs and basic equipment for care. Lack of security to protect both patients and staff at the ward is a challenge. Public education by GHS/MOH of benevolent organisations in sustaining the provision of supports such as food, money and interaction with the mentally challenged is crucial. Ministry of Finance should release funding for the hospitals in order to pay debtors as well as get medications and necessary logistics for care. Ghana Health Service/MOH should recommend to Ghana Police Service for security to protect both patients and the staff at the psychiatric hospitals. District Assembly Common Fund s 2 percent to disables could also target mentally challenge at the psychiatric hospitals in Ghana.