MENTAL ILLNESS IN SOUTH AFRICA

“Community Attitudes Towards andKnowledge of Mental Illness in

S.A.”Soc Psychiatry Epidemiol (2003) 38:715-719

According to this study, “5% of the total population show definite psychiatric syndromes and roughly 20% show evidence of psychiatric distress.”

However, the following was evidenced in the research of this study that, “stigma and misinformation regarding mental illness exist, influencing preferred treatment modality and help-seeking behavior. More work needs to be done to educate the public about the psychobiological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders and about the value of effective treatment.”

THREE MAIN ISSUES

• AIDS

• CRIME

• TRADITIONAL TRIBAL RITUALS

AIDShttp://www.pgaf.org/pressreleases/

south_africa_stats.html

RESULTS OF AIDS

• Thousands of homeless orphans.

• Older children become ringleaders for younger children and involve them in illegal behavior like prostitution.

• Builds on more hatred between blacks and whites and used as a tool for revenge.

• Mental issues relating to AIDS victims and related family members.

“Using Psychosocial Interventions in a S.A. Township.”

• Mental health practice June 2005 vol 9 no.9.

• The primary aim of the project was to improve access to metal health services for residents of the township.

• 45% of SA still in poverty.• Life expectancy, due to aids and

tuberculosis in 2000 was 47.8 years.• Therefore, social problems are critical.

Study continued

This specific study was conducted in a township called KwaZakhele (near Port Elizabeth). They have 400,000 residents and most do not have running water or sanitation – they live in basic shack dwellings.

PRIMARY GOAL: TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS OF THE TOWNSHIPS.

Study Continued

• Mainly nurses were trained on psychosocial interventions for mental health in the UK. It was culturally adapted for SA.

• They increased trainees knowledge about mental health and enhanced the ability to communicate with mental ill people.

• The clinics in SA were not well resourced, far distances for patients to have to travel, long queues to wait in and limited treatments.

• This resulted in a failed system as patients and were classified as defaulted.• The plan of a defaulter tracing system was implemented. This presented

problems due to tracking homes that were either not numbered or too long of no’s, i.e. 66,548.

• Through persistence and community help, 74% of the people were found and returned to the clinic within the first three days.

CRIME

• 1000 crimes reported – 430 arrests are made. 77 – convicted of which 8 got 2 or more years imprisonment. (http://www.rescuewithoughtborders.org/id29.html)

• http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/pubs/public_info/c/86878/1

South African Crime Stats

RESULTS OF HIGH CRIME

• In 2000, 62 policeman died…this compared with 2 in NY which was due to a car accident. Police deaths in 2001-2002 were 45 policeman.

• Many professional and educated people, i.e. Doctors have left the country. This has resulted in systems and institutions suffering and failing, i.e. hospitals.

• FEAR IS DETRIMENTAL TO A HEALTHY MENATL STATE OF BEING!

TRADITIONAL HEALINGS

SA ETHICAL CODES