Family caregivers’ perceptions on mental illness and mental health care utilisation at the Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

Family caregivers’ perceptions on mental illness play an important role in the recovery process of relatives with mental illness. The study examined how family caregivers’ perceptions on mental illness influenced their decisions and treatment-seeking behaviours towards the utilisation of mental health care (MHC) at the Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital in the Central Region of Ghana. Using the social construction theory and the health care utilisation model, the study explored the family caregivers’ perceptions on the causes and treatment of mental illness; their experiences with their relatives’ condition; and how those perceptions influenced the utilisation of MHC for their mentally ill relatives. Guided by the exploratory design, the study purposively selected and interviewed 14 family caregivers who had their mentally ill relatives at the facility. Family caregivers largely attributed mental illness to supernatural factors such as witchcraft and evil spirits. As a result of their relatives’ condition, family caregivers were often stigmatized and socially excluded. Although they believed the condition could be treated through spiritual consultations and healings, family caregivers utilised a combination of treatment options (herbal/traditional and orthodox treatment options) to seek wellness for their mentally ill relatives. The study recommended that the management of Ankaful Psychiatric Hospitals should form in-group support services to educate family caregivers on the possible causes and the treatment process of mental illness, and also to serve as a platform for them to share their experiences.